I am reminded of the end of Terminator 2 and the demise of the amorphous antagonist. As he dies in a vat of molten metal he takes as many violent shapes as he is able in vain hopes of survival. But alas...
15
I just love the March 26, 2018, The New Yorker. There stands Trump, naked as the day he was born, pointing a short finger to a reporter in the audience. Or is it Hillary or Sarah Huckabee? Or is it all three, blended into one? Is it what our country is becoming? I love it, but it is the most ugly cover the New Yorker ever came up with.
9
Are you a fan of Sherlock Holmes, Mr. Blow?
If so, you may remember "The Adventure of the Empty House." The bad guy is, of course, Colonel Sebastian Moran. Right hand man to the nefarious Dr. Moriarty.
No one so villainous that he's not got a few virtues. A few little virtues toddling around in that darkened psyche. This is certainly true. . . . .
. . .of Colonel Moran. Who, while serving in India, "crawled down a drain after a WOUNDED, MAN-EATING TIGER." Now that took some nerve. Better him than me!
Is the President that "wounded, man-eating tiger"? Snarling down there in a dark, ready to lash out at all and sundry. Dangerous. Very dangerous.
Hunted as he is--not by Colonel Sebastian Moran. Some thin-lipped villain with a mustache. No. What dogs the President right now is. . . .
. . .the world. Mr. Mueller. Adversaries in Congress--not as many, of course, as I could wish. Citizens throughout the United States--not ALL but MANY--reaching a boiling point of incredulous anger.
And foreign countries. Our allies--angry, baffled, bewildered. Our adversaries--somewhat cautiously congratulating themselves on the nitwit in the White House. And. . . . .and. . . . .
And so, Mr. Blow. What'll he do? What CAN he do? Should we be scared? Should we be VERY scared. I would characterize myself right now as. . . . .
. . .uneasy.
Very uneasy.
Thanks for your column. Good as always.
18
Most politicians are known to be corrupt to a certain extent but this 45th president trump is totally corrupt to his core..
His personal life is a sham, divorced his first wife cheating with the second and same with the second and with the third wife when having a baby started multiple escapades.
But that is not the thing, is about hush mover and threats of life for silence.
Now he is getting rid of his cabinets filling the positions with crazy warmongers.
John Bolton was known to be A WAR hog but trump brought him in by getting rid of general McMaster, who dared to contradict trump.
Then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who justifiabley called trump a moron.
Walls are closing in wth Bobby Muller`s investigation and trump`s desperation shows .
14
Donald Trump could do himself ( and the rest of the world) a big favor by simply throwing in the towel and walking away. He could make a big speech about how he is underappreciated by the American people, and prevented by his political foes and the "enemies of the people," from doing what is best for the nation, and walk off into the sunset. He can return to a life of comfort in the aerie of Trump Tower, and visit every weekend as the "Mayor of Mar a Lago."
NO ONE would hold it against him, and he would take with him the esteem of a grateful nation.
30
i believe this is exactly what he will do..... as soon as he can convince the only person that is important that he is unfit for the job? himself.
14
I think we should create and add a fourth front here, and that is about gun safety in the US. You may notice that I do not use the words gun control, and I hope others will take up this change in verbiage. It is so much more indicative of what we are trying to do, and hopefully less threatening to some people.
Be that as it may, the Dems need to focus on creating one-issue voters around gun safety. This will surely bring young voters to the ballot box, and as the high school children who undergo lock-down exercises a a routine part of life, reach voting age, they will demand from their representatives a promise that the children younger than they are, middle school and elementary school, don't have to go through the same terrifying situations.
These same situations and their preparations have surely made an impact that may be hard to measure on the youngest members of our society, and yet we are simply assuming that this is the new normal.
There is nothing normal about this. Are our representatives so beholden to the NRA that they cannot even ban assault weapons? They were banned before and the mass shooting were way down.
When Rick Santorum tells these young survivors that they should stay in the line of fire and do CPR on classmates with totally shredded bodies which will never recover, we now understand how how utterly depraved the GOP has become in its protection of the NRA.
29
I suggest that NYT Readers pick up and read "The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump", by Dr.Bandy Lee and 26 other eminent psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. The book is the outcome of a conference held at Yale U School of Medicine this past fall.
The mental unfitness of Trump to exercise the powers of the Presidency puts our very democracy at hazard, and, as his behavior becomes less and less rational, and more and more uncontrolled, we will become a clear and present danger, not only to ourselves,but to the rest of the world.
17
If the Democrats take the House in November (please god), all bets are off for Trump. Immediately there will be legitimate hearings (not Nunes-type hearings) — nationally televised — that will reveal the extent and depth of Trump’s depravity. Impeachment proceedings may well commence, but unfortunately, if the Senate stays under Republican control, Trump will not be impeached. At least some of the intended checks and balances will be restored.
Make America Trump-less Again.
27
To be a bit pedantic, the House impeaches, the Senate votes on whether to convict or not. We've had two impeachments, but both presidents (Andrew Johnson and Clinton) were let off the hook. If it does come to impeachment, and I look forward to it, hopefully there will be a different result.
8
I guess I really don't care about the admonition against psychoanalyzing another person. For me, the bottom line is that this guy isn't normal. Regardless of the number of wars he is engaged in, they are all of his own making. Committing adultery is a choice. Arbitrary tariffs are another. Consistently lying to the nation, to allies, to his family and everyone else is another. One is not born with racial animus. It is chosen. The list of chosen beliefs and actions could go forever.
Fortunately, he will not. His time in the dock is coming. To believe otherwise is to believe the man is infallible. As near as I can tell, only one person believes that. Him.
And that isn't normal.
31
"Never pick a fight with a porn star."
Perhaps you should have advised Michael Cohen of this before Stormy filed suit against him today?
Wise words, Mr. Blow. As always. Thank you.
20
Sweet Jesus. The warrior spirit of the Maryland National Guard combined with the strategic genius of General Bone Spurs. Overlay this war the need to have a foreign distraction from whatever Mueller comes up with. Can we not just wrap up the last two wars before we start another?
4
I've lived with HIV dementia for over 30 years. I know I'm more competent than Mr. Trump, despite my mentation and memory issues. This is not to say I am worthy of holding the office of the Presidency or a job for that matter.
16
Yes! This is exactly what I have commented on the article about Trump pushing hard on Russia. That was, and everything else he does these days, is going to remain more about defending himself against the Robert Mueller investigation ( reassure the GOP that he is tough on Putin, indicate that he is not somehow compromised by Putin ) than about Russia or anything else. The country is in trouble!
7
The Trump mantra 'Make America Great Again' is clearly code for repression and racism. With his incompetent cabinet, a fossilized congress, and democrats in disarray, what will it take to stop this train wreck of a president before 2020?
12
I don't think the Democrats are in disarray at all. What percentage of the marchers on Saturday do you think are going to vote GOP in November?
16
About 10 Big Macs at one sitting.
4
Brilliant--and terrifying--op-ed.
5
The danger of a cornered animal, right?
12
There's hope America. The Swamp Creatures are going to be thrown off Capital Hill by a bunch of angry teenagers. These young kids have more brains, heart, and courage than our elected officials. Good can rise from anything. This time it's the youth vote gearing up to throw the bums out. Go Kids!!! Bring decency back.
We Shall Rise.
25
Watch that bias about reading being better than listening. Not always true. My daughter has learning disabilities that make it very hard for her to read, but she can repeat darn close to verbatim, and with understanding and insight, conversations from months, even years, ago.
10
What does a president do when he is slipping in the ratings? He starts a war, any kind of war. Remember after 9/11, the slogan was that BushII needed to remain president so he could take care of the people who attacked us.
Donald Trump, not having the mind or even inclination to govern knowledgeably, is doing what he knows best, creating diversions, including potential wars on every front he can.
Daily, it becomes ever more imperative that we elect Democrats who can impeach him and convict him.
18
"Man at War" Donald Trump was sent to the NY Military Academy, at the age of 13. Thus, he must have developed his war-like character!
Also, the very name, Trump, itself, suggests to me, the idea of domination.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do we really need leaders, like Trump, that must trump others, constantly?
Do we need a Trump monarchy, where might makes right, all the time?
If the answer is NO, then perhaps we need to constantly reject the Donald, until he runs out of excuses and tricks and sound bits... If not now, when?
10
"Donald Trump: Man At War...." but also 62,000 fellow Americans who willingly threw their lot in with a trashy, despicable low-life; all for wont of turning back the hands of time:
A time of false purity; a time of false goodness. A time where *good Christians* could throw said Christianity on-the-ground with their picnic blankets & baskets and watch the Sunday Lynchings after church; where strong men beat their wives into submission- then handed them money for the week's grocery shopping; where women knew their places [and it wasn't being President- except the P.T.A.].
This- is the war, I am most concerned about. That there were so many willing to sign up for Generalissimo Trump's army, scares the you-know-what out of me.
18
What are we to make of the latest balloon floated by Trump's apologists, especially Hugh Hewitt?....That Trump would welcome impeachment as he would never be convicted by the Senate but he would be the star of the impeachment trial. Oh, the ratings that would generate!
7
Once the Democrats in Congress subpoena the criminals tax returns and reveal to the world that he owes Russian oligarchs millions even the spineless Republicans will have to impeach.
2
We are living in dangerous times with a dangerous man in charge. Mueller can't move fast enough for me. And the Republicans are not moving at all. And the Democrats are twiddling their thumbs.
Are only hope are the women: Stormy, Summer, and the Playboy Bunny. And the many other women who have been violated by Donald Trump.
13
Trump is EXACTLY the sort of person no one should be able to sell a gun to.
15
Yes - but exactly the sort that would want one.
4
Trump has made one serious miscalculation. That is that he believes his methods will work on a national level even when he attacks what are well funded opposition organizations. His whole scam was all about legally bullying people who did not have the resources to fight back. He won only because he had size and wealth, not because the law was on his side. People gave up, because to do otherwise would be to risk millions of dollars in legal fees. His opposition is now very well funded and in it for the long haul.
He probably didn't think people would be so motivated to become active in opposition of him either. I suspect he believes everyone is a TV brainwash victim like his base, and therefore he is likely dumbfounded by the fact that people are more strongly opposed to him and the GOP than ever before.
He really doesn't think this stuff through. He thought he could continue the same bullying tactics, but I think just recently he has begun, only begun, to understand how much bigger a game he is now playing and against far more resolute and determined opposition. Shoot, he isn't even big money in these new legal travails. He is outmatched and will begin to squirm. Expect severe actions in an attempt to deflect, but it will only do damage, not stop the opposition. Unfortunately, he is both too stupid to realize this and too cruel to care about the suffering he will cause. And so are the GOP and their supporters.
14
It seems to me trump and the GOP rely on the ambivalence of the masses just hoping if they have full stomachs they won't care when the bus rolls over them.
5
It shocks me that you describe Donald as a "Man at War". As far as I know, the Donald is a man who has always been afraid of wars, especially when it comes to his physical participation in then. I guess that, although he wrangled his way out of the war in Vietnam because of his dangerous "bone spur", he's fine with sending others to war now that he'll be many miles away from the fighting. What a courageous leader we have!
He reminds me of a character we used to sing about more than fifty years ago; "Donald, Donald pudding and pie; kissed the girls and made them cry. When the boys came out to play, Donald,Donald ran away." If only the boys and girls in the Congress would have the courage to chase him away.
9
So logic would dictate that this is a multi-teared war that he cannot possibly win yet he seems float above it all, dismissing it causally as fake news and relying on Fox to set things right in his myopic little world. Is it just my imagination or has the Democratic party become the political equivalent of the invisible man?I feel like if it were not for the NYT and the Washington Post (and the late night talk shows) he would be getting away with all with little fanfare.
8
Every time a progressive zealot mentions he international situation, the Trump voter remembers how the international areana is Trump's best feature.
We had a wanna-be international icon for our leader for eight years, and all he did was surrender to Putin and fund Iran's Hezbollah and their nuke program.He told Muslim haters that they were right to despise and attack America during his apology tours.
Trump is so much an improvement that the wise progressive propagandist would do better sticking to the loose women stories - and hope no one brings up Bill Clinton's violence against powerless women.
1
I don't see one true statement in that entire post.
31
Ignorance is bliss.
20
He's purging the generals. He's replacing them with handpicked toadies. He's got the power to start a war whenever.
Congress is AWOL.
11
reply to: Candlewick: Typo: "That there were '62,000,000' ..."
1
The BEST Cadet. With Big, Beautiful Bone Spurs. The BEST Spurs.
19
Small reminder: Trump has never been a businessman. He put his name on Trump Tower, a building built with his father's political and banking connections, co-signature on the loans, and just incidentally the name "Trump" rendered credible in real estate by his father's long hard-working career.
Without his father to run things he committed the Plaza Hotel purchase and the Atlantic City Fiasco, two frantic fandangoes of money-throwing, boastfulness and waste. They left Trump penniless, his investors and suppliers billions in the whole, and a string of companies bankrupt.
Trump survived personal bankruptcy so far through the kindness of strangers and has not yet declared the forgiveness of personal debts as income, as required by law. When he finally comes up against a reckoning for his income taxes over the past twenty years, he will owe billions in past taxes and interest on this so far undeclared windfall income.
He had a highly paid career as a television performer, playing the role of himself, a loud, brash, suited pseud. There is nothing to suggest that he ever lived within his income during that period.
He has a similar career as a public entertainer. Investors pay to usehis name on buildings to impress the gullible. Here Trump is still not a businessman. He is the product being sold.
He has made desultory kiddie-lemonade-stand attempts at business. Trump Vodka, Trump Chinese Neckties. Trump Mexican Suits.
Yeah, right. Fake businessman.
28
If Trump is a businessman, with six bankruptcies, he's certainly a bad businessman.
If you have a cancellation of debt income because your debt is canceled, forgiven, or discharged for less than the amount you must pay, the amount of the canceled debt is taxable and you must report the canceled debt on your tax return for the year the cancellation occurs.
There are exclusions and I believe Trump's various declarations of Chapter 11 would qualify as exclusions (unlike Chapter 7). But I'm not an expert.
3
Is this a mutual admiration society which cannot tolerate other points of view?
I suspect the the Founding Fathers are turning in their graves as certain portions of the electorate have stopped reading widely, have decided that only they know what is right for the country, and that a legitimately elected President and his choices represent us for four years.
3
I watched at young age, a cousin killed in Vietnam be lowered into a grave. Can we never, ever presume Cadet Bone Spurs knows anything about war? And by the way, fighting off VD and Mueller are not the equivalent.
16
When did Bill Clinton serve?
Clinton had a Rhodes Scholarship; very few would have given that up to go and die in a war of choice (Vietnam). My cousin served there with the Marines; not one of his four sons are in the military. When we moved from wars to defend against real attacks to perceived threats of possible attacks, we moved away from the draft. The draft was necessary for WWII, possibly for Korea; it is not necessary now. The military is smaller, very high tech, and no longer depends on large numbers to serve as cannon fodder.
4
And that is relevant exactly how? I could point out that W. didn't serve a day, either .... does that clarify things?
Another example of the "what about" argument, a diversionary tactic that adds nothing to the discussion.
3
I agree with this statement 100%. If Donald Trump keeps provoking foreign countries both verbally and online, he will put this country in even more danger than he already has. It is only a matter of time before we start losing trade partners, such as China. We may also lose other partners, such as the UK, because I can't imagine how utterly embarrassing it is to say that you are a friend and ally of Donald Trump.
6
Yes, we need to get rid of Trump, Pence, and all their rabid, racist, narcissistic and incompetent hangers on. But then we need to reform our electoral system.
Bring back paper ballots, strengthen our system against hacking and fraud.
Hold social media purveyors accountable for allowing foreign interests to use their products against us.
Reform the nomination systems of both parties, since both their processes failed spectacularly in 2016 -- one succumbed to chaos and produced the incompetent we're stuck with, while the other allowed party elites to force the nomination of a very competent but tarnished candidate disliked by many of her own party's voters.
And finally, reform or abolish the Electoral College, since the Founders' stated intent in creating it was to prevent a demagogue from rising to power, and given the chance it clearly failed to do so. Had we simply gone with the principle of "one person, one vote" we would not be in this mess.
We can kick Trump out, but unless we reform the system that put him in, we will soon end up with another one like him -- and possibly one even more dangerous.
19
You really have no clue how the Electoral College would be reformed. Apparently you haven’t heard of the Constitution.
1
I most certainly have heard of the Constitution, thank you. And yes, reforming the Electoral College in this extremely divided climate would be very, very difficult. But if we don't do something, we will be stuck, again and again, with Presidents that the majority of the country's citizens did not vote for. So what is the alternative?
4
Instincts are mentioned several times in this article in a disparaging way. Real instinctual behavior has been refined over a period of millions of years and generally serves one very well. Trumps life is impulse driven by he knows not what but generally seems to be traceable to his almost complete lack of self awareness. His is truly a life not worth living.
8
Nothing more dangerous than a bully in panic mode.
20
Trump’s biggest war of all is with the American people.
They stand in the way of him making the most of what he sees as the biggest business opportunity of a lifetime.
There is far too much corruption in our government with Trump, Ryan, McConnell and the rest who are working against the country.
They don’t respect the American people, and as long as they are able to get away with it, they won’t stop.
We need to send a message that corruption will not be tolerated anymore, before it’s too late.
13
As my German would say: "Kleiner Mann, Ganz Gross" -- A little man who thinks he's big (or has hit the big time).
8
Anyone who doubts the integrity of our electronic voting machines simply has to Google "2004 election [man-in-the-middle]". The activity to steal the presidential election from John Kerry is well documented as well as the murder to cover it up.
6
I have been concerned lately since the appointment of John Bolton - what if Iran or North Korea decides they want to do a pre-emptive strike on us? This nutjob president is putting us on the brink and we'll have no warning to defend against it. Sadly, our Republican-lead Congress sits by and does nothing.
Additionally, it has always been Trump's plan and purpose to help Russia disrupt the western alliance countries, so we shouldn't be surprised at anything he does. He does have a plan and it is chaos.
6
Government by pinball. What could go wrong ? TILT!!!
7
...and yet it is all so easy to avoid. All Trump has to do is resign in exchange for complete immunity and it is all over. Dump trump Now
8
Same Congress that could not get it together to require that DJT share his tax returns.
13
There are reports that North Korea's Kim is visiting Beijing. China could do the world a huge favor and make sure Kim never leaves.
4
Yes, he is a cornered animal, I agree, and that makes him more dangerous as in getting a John Bolton on board in case he wants to use his bigger nuclear button as the ultimate distraction and the resulting global annihilation or loss of hundreds of millions of lives due to his action are not worries that keep him up at night. It will all happen to others and not himself.
I also agree he is a 'man at war' as he views everyone who does not worship at the altar of Trump 24/7 as an arch enemy. Anyone so filled with hate for others as Trump is, is always at war. Like Putin and the rest of the world's dictators he wants his political enemies, current and past, put into political prison, just because they are not pro-Trump, and just because they exist.
His best dodge so far has been avoiding accountability. Hundreds of Trump lawsuits are proof of this as those suing to get back their monies have lawsuits languishing in court while their financial resources decline. He is an intellectual midget but found one working strategy that he has clung to his entire adult life. Any judgements made against him just means he uses other people's money to do so, or takes out even bigger loans he will probably default on.
10
I find it truly remarkable that I hear no mention of the Electoral College in this fiasco we call Tump. G.W. Bush was handed the Presidency, is spit of Al Gore receiving the majority of votes. That forced the decision onto the Supreme Court.
This time, America accepted the decision, of a "little known" group of humans, who enter a room "somewhere" and decide the fate of nearly 400,000,000 Americans, not much unlike the Hooded Judges of Midevil Venice.
The Queen of Great Britain accepts the results of the Majority in numerous referendum votes, but in America, we throw it into the hands of people who have special interests and are subject to the same corruption as Politicians.
Mrs. Clinton received 30,000,000 votes more than Trump, yet we are now facing WWIII because of the Hooded Fiends of the Electoral College. Mr. Blow has every right to be at war with Trump.
When will the 30 million people who voted for Hillary over and above those who voted for Trump, think about Marching TO Washington to demand the removal from the Oval Office of the Criminal Usurper? When will they demand that only the Popular Vote be accepted? Only the popular vote is accepted in all other American Elections. There should never be an exception to that.
7
I take your point, but you lose the credibility argument when you make fundamental errors. Proof reading is really necessary. It was THREE million (3,000,000) votes, not THIRTY million (30,000,000).
5
Uh, that is not what happened and every President has been elected by the SAME ELECTORAL COLLEGE.
The constant criticism of the president from many quarters may cause him to start a war, with possibly millions of lives at stake. He is unstable and prone to rash decisions. Are there enough military thinkers in the administration who will be able to stop him, who will step forward and tell Mr. Trump that a certain course of action would be immoral and dangerous? If not, America might end with a bang, not a whimper.
3
Thanks for voicing the fears anyone who has been paying attention has got to have but may not want to voice.
DJT knows at some level that he is in way over his head, knows that he is indebted to Putin and Russia, in ways we will likely find out and knows that his sexual accusers are telling the truth. He has to realize that his lies are wearing thin and he can't find a decent lawyer to defend him.
Whoever else Stormy Davis is, she is no fool and she is in the fight of her life here. Mueller and his team is serious and they will or have already uncovered the deep truth. Except for the people who have drunk the cool aid he has been passing out, the world is sick of this man.
DJT, when not is denial and spaced out, has to have moments of shear terror. What he does with that is feeling is what terrifies me.
8
There are many sharp and worthy comments here in regard to Mustache Man Bolton and SuperComb Trump, but many people who are most upset about what is happening are actually paying to make things worse. How? Through your cable subscription when Fox Noise is included.
If you want to fight for truth and justice against the Republican apparatus, cancel your subscription to Fox. If you can't get the channels you want from your cable/satellite service without Fox, then cancel the whole thing, at least for a month if not permanently. Can you live without 200 channels for 30 days to save your nation? Try it.
To have an active, successful democracy, everyone must do her part, no matter how small.
This is not censorship, by the way. Just as you have the right to decide what books or magazines you will pay for and read, you have the same right in regard to news sources. If Fox Noise wants to propagandize the nation into disaster or disastrous war, let those who want to pound the drums of war pay for it themselves. Don't be part of it.
7
Charles, you forgot to mention that you have been at war against Trump since early 2016.
9
He even proudly announced the fact to us that he was going off to it before he did. Maybe to try and impress the girls.
2
And this is relevant to what?
If you've been following his columns, you'd remember he said just after the election that he'd be at war with Trump . Do you feel this is a good thing or a bad thing? To me, it's nothing but good.
9
Not be at war with Trump is absolutely un-American.
Trump is not America and he does not represent what America is all about.
9
Trump is reaching the lowest elements of his being. In the past he could bully and lie to get what he wanted and there was almost no way to challenge him. The industry that discovered his lack of character is the banking complex in the U.S. He had to resort to the criminal oligarchs in Russia to get what he needed— money. He cannot lie or bully his way out of this if he doesn’t live up to his promises.
But the most powerful forces he will encounter is the American people and the free press because he can’t control either one. He will get his due hopefully sooner rather than later. VOTE!
20
Thank you, Charles. You speak the truth with volume.
19
Imagine if all the essays written by all the authors here that repetitively vilify Trump to no good purpose, preaching to the Trump Deranged Choir, were instead on a wide variety of useful topics.
3
CK writes, "Imagine if all the essays written by all the authors here that repetitively vilify Trump to no good purpose..."
And there you have it. Trump's base will defend him because he's being attacked! Of course, they feel that they are being attacked. What they do not question is the specifics of the attack. Notice that CK had absolutely nothing to say about that. If he/she did, it would likely be on the level of Trump...that the attackers are, at a minimum, mean...if not altogether evil. And that would be it. They don't defend specifics because they can't.
Defend Trump's antics against the press, against Bob Mueller, against trade and for starting a war with Iran, N. Korea and anybody else Trump decides isn't being nice to him. If you can't, then do us all a favor and go sit in a corner. #TimeOut
9
I can think of nothing more useful and beneficial to our country and the world at large than helping to send to jail this illiterate, ignorant, sexually perverted, pathologically lying, financial criminal. Feel free to visit him.
10
Thus the empire ends -with a bang not a whimper. Students on the march, Mueller
on the march, stocks marching down , and sex maniac president marches us all to oblivion. Whoops , forgot endless Middle East wars.
Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Yes , simplify, simplify ,simplify as Thoreau noted .
9
Donald Trump is a sad and pathetic man. He is president, and he doesn't want to be. In his previous life as a loud-mouthed real estate tycoon, he largely manipulated the media and was able to use the power of his purse and a battery of ultra-obnoxious attorneys to bully his opponents. He was largely able to avoid scrutiny.
Now, however, he is in a bubble and under a daily microscope. He is effectively being bullied by a porn star, his lawyers are deserting the SS Trump, which they clearly believe is sinking, and it is apparent to anyone who is awake and capable of thought that Robert Mueller already has enough to sink Trump and perhaps a number of family members as well.
Trump's idea of war is to call people names on Twitter and to hold rallies in parts of the country where people are still in love with him. It won't be enough. He will go down, and with any luck he'll take the entire Republican Party with him.
24
Trump's father was the real estate tycoon who left a real estate fortune to this dolt. He squandered that inheritance, and was saved by loans from Russian oligarchs: approx. 250M in loans which will be on those hidden tax returns as loan deposits. The real estate is held in a Trust, so he will always have the Tower. He failed at military school and was dismissed; he failed at Wharton, and ended up with a degree purchased by his father with huge donations. He is a failed President with a terrible Cabinet of unqualified plutocrats. We have a terrible Administration supported by a corrupt Congress. This is not sustainable, and will change. The young people now speaking out and marching are no different than the young people who marched in the '60's; they will prevail, because their cause is just, as was the cause for civil rights, voting rights, and an end to the unjust war in Vietnam. (There is no movement to take away all guns; the movement is to restrict the sale of military style combat weapons with large magazines; in other words, weapons of mass destruction.) As Churchill once said: "Americans will do the right thing, once they have tried everything else."
2
We all know that it took no effort for Mr. Blow to write a column criticizing Trump.
Mr. Blow is a very predictable opinion writer who is always troubled and enraged by the thoughts and actions of Trump and the white Americans who voted for him.
It would be refreshing to read a column written by Mr. Blow that discussed something (anything) good about Trump or his supporters. That would be a truly memorable and important column.
Come on Mr. Blow take a baby step towards your opponents. Maybe they would then take a baby step towards you.
4
Alberto....perhaps you could personally shed some light on the good of Trump and Trump supporters.
Help us understand how wonderful they are, please.
30
Alberto - A baby step towards whom, exactly? The people who laughed when he mocked a disabled reporter? Who booed a gay Iraq war veteran? Who shouted "Lugenpresse" at reporters just trying to do their jobs? Who cheered at the prospect of people without health insurance dying? Who mock and disdain the survivors of school shootings? Who shrug their shoulders when an upstanding member of their community, a business owner and job creator, gets deported for a 30-year-old crime? Who want to be friendly with Russia but vilify our own intelligence community and FBI? Who marched through the streets of Charlottesville with tiki torches shouting "Blood and Soil" and "Jews will not replace us"? Who espouse family values but give a "mulligan" to a man who has cheated on all three of his wives with apparently many women, including a porn star and a Playboy bunny? I could go on and on...
And quite honestly, I'm not sure I want those people taking a baby step anywhere near me.
8
Please read my comment carefully.
I never said that Trump and his followers were wonderful. You are exaggerating my comment so that you can score a point for your “side”.
Forget about Trump for a moment. He is impossible to defend in a brief comment.
I read Mr. Blow’s column fairly often and I think that he is a zealot who believes that that Trump supporters are 100% wrong on every issue 100% of the time.
I happen to think that Mr. Blow is incapable of admitting that any of his political beliefs could possibly be wrong. I therefore urge him to find something good in a Trump supporter’s views and write about it.
It would be refreshing.
3
The ascendancy of the porn star.
The descent of the man who occupies and disgraces the Presidency.
Probably neither has a heart of gold but one is honest about who she is while the other just fakes it.
24
Trump is a fake businessman and fake president. He will sacrifice or destroy this nation and probably his own family for the sake of his own ego and brand. Trump Country will be the first to feel the burn
18
Hell hath no fury like a malignant narcissist. Donald Trump is in rage mode now, and Charles Blow's concerns are spot on. We should all be worried.
Trump is frantic as things close in on him, and he is becoming more unhinged and meaner by the day. Yet, Republican members of Congress continue to take an impotent position on standing up to Trump, especially with regards to protecting the Mueller investigation. Gutless, gutless, gutless. (I'm looking at you Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. I'm looking at you Lyndsay Graham, Jeff Flake, Bob Corker, Susan Collins, Ben Sass, and John McCain.)
16
No sane person could ever conclude Trump's actions are sane. He is doubling down, tripling down and quadrupling down like a gambler hoping he/she will eventually recoup his/her losses.
Trump has picked what he called 'the best brains', either fired them or seen them resign, then replaced them with the 'worst brains' exhibiting a history of bad decisions: John Bolton, a unique combination of Dr. Strangelove and the archetypal 'Ugly American', is a warmonger's warmonger, determined to implement the criminal manifesto of the Project for the New American Century whose PNAC fellow Reuel Marc Gerecht stated: “We have no choice but to re-instill in our foes and friends the fear that attaches to any great power.... Only a war against Saddam Hussein will decisively restore the awe that protects American interests abroad and citizens at home".
People complain about the failure of 'good Germans' to stop Hitler in his tracks. Well, let's see if 'good Americans' can prevent a massacre easily as foreseeable as the one plotted by Hitler.
26
Turning both the house and the senate democrat will be the only way to block this vile, little, crazy man. It should be the goal of every patriotic American.
23
All of this has nothing to do with what is best for the country.
All of the attention of the country is going to attempt to stroke the ego of narcissistic fool.
7
“Those he commands move only in command,
Nothing in love: now does he feel his title
Hang loose about him, like a giant's robe
Upon a dwarfish thief.”
Macbeth, V, ii
17
Look - Lackadaisica ! Our coiffed rapscallion 'thinks' he is wearing clothes.
HIS REALITY presidency is SIMPLY selling, selling, selling. Now he's programming Channel DJT - the life-long-defenders-of-our-things network.
Mr Blow and all stalwarts of OUR free press reposition the magnifying glass.
We see the atomic ants .. and their hill .. and that's how we know - Not Good.
6
THANKS KELLYANNE
T. S. Eliot’s Hollow Man + Chauncey Gardiner + Indulged Brat become Schoolyard Bully + Bimbo Narcissist + Trophy Stealing Braggart + Reality TV Buffoon = President Cartoon.
Now, what will the history books say about you?
6
Trump is clearly the village idiot in the foreign policy triumvirate that includes Bolton and Pompeo. He is also the president and the dominant personality, as superior to those men in those regards as they are to him in terms of intellect and governing experience. Fireworks are inevitable. Hopefully those fireworks will be limited to the physical constraints of the White House.
6
Starting a war to distract from his corruption, just like "House of Cards" -- right down to the star who's a sexual predator in real life. Leave it to Trump, that his playbook is a TV show.
9
Maybe 45 is indeed a Nietzschean ubermensch: He has gobs of will-to-power; he lets very little stand in his way; he listens only to himself; he is unembarrassable; he disdains all his critics and lambastes them verbally and on Twitter; he believes that he always wins and never loses; he is psychologically undaunted and undiminished by failure, in fact, he blames it on his many inferiors; he makes and lives by his own rules. Pride hath no further lebensraum, eh?
Yes, by George, he fits the bill. Ecce homo.
4
Another Liberal Press story about how our duly elected President is the most horrible human being ever to walk the face of the earth.
Yawn .....
Is there anything going on anywhere on the planet that might be more newsworthy than episode 7,418 of “Why Liberals Hate Trump” ?
Maybe the Times could cover how corporations are destroying the middle class - wait - I forgot - the Times is one of those corporations, firing employees and cutting wages and benefits to increase profits.
Never mind.
2
Using labels to discount over 60% of the population isn't smart. Trump does not represent the majority in this country. Most of us are outraged.
6
Well written Mr. Blow. Thank you.
8
Both Stalin and Hitler had people of greater intellect and ruthlessness around them as does Trump. That’s what allowed them to “succeed” (if that’s what you want to call it). Plus Trump has a soft Legislative Branch. I would worry more about who manipulates him.
4
Somebody hide the doomsday clock
5
Correction: "...That you try [not I try] ..."
So are you, Charles, so are you a "man at war." We are all at war these days.
Peace in our time is no longer. Where are the leaders and pundits who can help restore it? Not at NYT.
1
It's been a tough week for POTUS, all those departures, those nasty folks in China and that interview... whew. Maybe the Easter Bunny can bring some musical pleasure into Trump's holiday as he jaunts off to Mar-a-Largo, an appropriate song for the holiday festivities: Billie Holiday's rendition of Stormy Weather.
9
Sorry, don't include me in the blame for this rigged election, for 60 million people who voted for a birther thug to be the leader. I don't know why people think this nut is calculating anything beyond saving his own behind.
8
This forum appears to be group therapy for Trump Haters.
4
Do not forget, he is a vile vindictive man. People are making him mad big time, so he's gonna show us and do a lot of stupid mean things to get back at us.
7
Remember that time a porn star was interviewed on 60 minutes about her affair with President Obama? Yeah, me neither. Or what about the time the Playboy model spoke about how Obama told her she reminded him of his daughter before they had sex? I'm having a hard time recalling that, as well. Oh, what about the time Obama and his closest associates conspired with Russia to undermine the cornerstone of our democracy by delegitimizing our electoral process? I can't seem to find a link to that story anywhere. Must have been scrubbed by the "Deep State." What about those times Obama's third wife was repeatedly humiliated on a world stage? And what were the names of Obama's previous two wives? Their names escape me. Back in the day, when they discovered organized crime figures were using Obama's sham real estate empire as a conduit for money laundering, I think the media totally ignored the story. Unless...of course...silly me. I'm getting so forgetful in my old age.
16
For me, the only question that matters is will the President nuke N. Korea to stay in power. I fully believe he will because he is a caged animal and that alone makes the animal do anything for survival.
5
Well, why not? Bush (with Rumsfeld and Cheney’s help) started a couple of wars to distract from a miserable Presidency.
4
John Bolton is the Wag the Dog tail for the most perilous distraction about to be unleashed on this world
These thugs and traitors must be stopped NOW
4
As bad as Trump and his people think other countries are, there is still the chance that they are smart enough to see how stupid he actually is....and
just ignore him. Our own army surely sees that and won't blindly obey orders to start bombing anyone just because Trump wants to.
3
"This is the big leagues and this little man is feeling the stress and strain of it."
Perfectly stated in a nutcase...er...nutshell, Mr. Blow!
5
Trump channels the mediocrity, stupidity and cowardice of the American people. Never has a populace been so perfectly represented by an "elected" official.
8
According to the socialistic democrats we should have been blown off of the world map as soon as this president took office. They were wrong and are wrong. The vile lies continue from them and the media as they cannot get over their loss of the 2016 election from their alcoholic candidate, Hillary Clinton who is not only mentally sick but physically sick.
1
Your closing sentence sums it up. The draft dodger/stolen valor/unprotected sex with a porn star half-a-man will use the oldest trick in the political book as his political star burns out - kill some other country's noncombatants. He'll fire Mueller citing national security concerns.
3
Consider Trump's behavior in the light of yesterday's article about Lyndon Johnson continuing the Vietnam War in part because he didn't want to be seen as "losing" a nation to Communism. During negotiations with the Hanoi government, he "continued the bombing and indeed increased it below the 19th Parallel and in Laos. In the 10 months from March 1 to Dec. 31, 1968, the Pentagon dropped a greater tonnage of bombs on Indochina than had been expended in the three years prior. This expanded bombing...was 'obediently carried out' by men from Secretary of Defense Clark Clifford 'on down to flight crews, who believed it served no national purpose whatever.'"
How many human beings had to die, how many obediently slaughtered others, in order to prop up the ego of that arrogant politician? And how many will die, how many will kill, in order to protect that ignorant, unfit blowhard in the White House today?
7
The tone of anti Trump language in the New York Times in both its journalism and comments is quite astonishingly vituperative. It can only be driven by a faintly pathological desire to destabilise the Presidency, Talk about ad hominen, no personal insult is too harsh. This article might have been titled 'Journalist at War'. Could it be that this 'perilous moment' has been engineered by the endless assault on Trump's persona - that aspect of someone's character that is presented to or perceived by others. 'The world is closing in on Trump and he is in an existential fight for his own survival.' Yes and you Mr Blow, into the valley of death type assault is leading the charge, thereby bringing about the very instability in your country you lament.,'He has an inflated view of his own skills, talents and expertise' judging by this over bearing article this is also patently true of Mr Blow. By example, the following haut en bas comment demonstrates the key blindness of the soi disant educated journalist. 'He prefers casual conversation to literary examination'opting to listen rather than to read, which is both a sign of...an astounding arrogance about one’s information absorption.' Indeed it is this very information absorption of Mr Blow that hinders him into a tunnel vision, it is education that hides bounds Mr Blow into casually referring to people as 'idiots' well, you have to be really well read and 'educated' to call people an 'idiot'.
2
The NYT publishes a range of opinions. Fox News also puts out sound bites of opinions. Brietbart publishes opinions. The National Review publishes opinions as does the WSJ. Opinions are just that: opinions. Opinions are not necessarily factual and could be based on emotions. And they are allowed because the First Amendment specifies Freedom of Religion, Speech, and the Press. Thankfully, we can express ourselves as you have done, as Mr. Blow has done, and as I have done. Just think if we couldn’t do that.
2
Honestly, this Trump Presidency might go down as the best comedy show EVER!.
The Donald may finally get his Emmy.
The clownishness of his every move; the cartoon characters that he keeps hiring, then firing; porn stars; playboy bunnies; Donald Jr; The Kushners; Big Buttons; Good Nazis; The Mooch.
Larry David himself could not get all of this into one season - it as if George and Kramer have fused into one being and taken over 1600 Pennsy Ave.
Yuugely Hilarious!
5
There is only one sane way to analyze the North Korea problem, & that is in terms of "imminent threat." Pompeo warned in January that NK was within “a handful of months” of being able to nuke the US. Given the gaps in intel, given the ready availability of the necessary technology and materiel, we must assume NK has the capacity to nuke our cities right now.
From this it follows that immediate voluntary denuking by Kim or, if he refuses, forced denuking by pre-emptive strike, are our only options.
1
Marian writes, "Pompeo warned in January that NK was within “a handful of months” of being able to nuke the US. Given the gaps in intel, given the ready availability of the necessary technology and materiel, we must assume NK has the capacity to nuke our cities right now. "
And Iraq had WMD's so the war was justified. Whoops. Trump didn't buy that...but only because it didn't help him. If buying equal nonsense now about N. Korea benefits Trump...off we go to world war 3.
3
We've elected a President who sleeps around with Porn Stars and Playboy Bunnies. A man who brags about lying to heads of states. A man creates caricatures of foreign leaders (rocket man) and refers to his AG as Mr. Magoo. We now have Mr. Bolton, a war mongering neocon who will increase the prospect of war with Iran and North Korea. I hope those morally superior "never Hillary" voters learned their lesson.
13
The Hillary Clinton who voted for the Iraq War, or as she likes to parse it, "voted to give the president the authority to go to war." Had too many other things going to read the whole report that had been written on the subject. Never got to the part questioning the presence of WMD.
3
I hope those Hillary dupes learned their lesson. It took a candidate as corrupt and unethical as Hillary, a candidate as inept as Hillary, to give us a Trump.
3
The Hillary Clinton who cackled one of the most undiplomatic statements in the annals of the State Department when she went to Libya. "We came, we saw, He died." If Trump had ever studied Latin it would be something he might say except that the only thing he can remember about any of his education is dodging STDs.
1
DJT will do nothing to save this country, including saving innocent lives, if it is not in his best interest!
But Congress can.
The GOP controlled Congress can impose its collective will and constrain this administration to the point where the threat of conflict is reduced or even eliminated if it takes a proactive role as a check/ balance against the executive branch.
More than anyone else, the blood from any conflict will rest squarely on the hands of mitch mcconnell and paul ryan and GOP leadership if any conflicts take place.
The entire DJT term has resulted in one manufactured crisis after another and all preventable if there was equal influence from leaders in the house and senate.
DJT is incompetent but everyone knew that even before he came down the escalator at trump tower after announcing his candidacy.
The question is, what do political leaders within the GOP do to keep DJT from breaking more than just their party.
14
This is the end, literally and maybe existentially result of the American cult of the personality. There is a pervasive disregard for the value of culture, history and learning. Sickening consumption and John Wayne movies have created a society of dumb oportunistic ignoramus that see a potential cut in "public life" while those (few) that really know something keep private into their own ivory tower business.
Sad! .... and maybe fatal.
11
When the going gets tough... the Tweeting Trump goes golfing. To the tune of almost 2 million in tax payer dollars for every trip to Con-A-Largo, his refuge from reality.
17
You are making a very complicated situation overly simplified. Presidents and their advisors don't make war. Congress does. The constant trumpbeats are distracting from the core issue. The men and women in the House and Senate are abrogating their duties on a much more massive scale then the Executives. The only reason a porn star matters is because the Congress is less willing to serve the truth than she is. Where are the real conservative Republicans when you need them to stand up against the absurd deficit and the hardliners who are redefining foreign policies overnight? I know sex sells, but please, give it a rest. Write about how the men and women on the Hill do not hear the call that the American people are sending to them, on both sides of the aisle: stand up and do the right thing for the country, even if it costs you your political career to do it. Then someday you won't be ashamed when your child asks,"What did you do in the Trump administration, daddy?" or "Mommy did you vote for that budget bill?"
8
All we can do is, come November, kick out one of the legs of the pedestal Trump sits atop. We must win back the House and it must be done by getting the vote out in record numbers. Then will come the Senate in 2020 and we accomplish the same feat. This is how we'll end this travesty.
10
If a dangerous ignoramus can be President, then anyone can perform surgery, fly a plane, program a computer, repair a car, teach calculus.
No? You'd prefer people with qualifications, training, experience to fix your car, remove your cancer, fly you to New Orleans, teach your children?
Vote.
13
Trump is suffering from the early stages of senile dementia. He may imagine himself as the great military leader but without the country behind him, his adventures in war will be a complete disaster, worse than Iran, worse than Vietnam.
14
Iraq. We haven't gone to war with Iran yet. But is seems to be coming.
1
Not by "ourselves," Mr. Hass, but by the Dread Tyrant Trump.
1
Crooked lying Trump is an expert not only as a liar and exaggerator but in distracting us from his iniquities and sheer incompetence. He is the same coward escaping the military draft...and now acting as a warmonger (in addition to his habitual whoremongering) when diplomacy is what is needed. Trump is really the 'bull in a china shop', intent in destroying even the appearance of civility, and trampling the usual decency and respect ascribed to the presidency. As long as the republicans in congress remain AWOL, cashing their unearned salary, no justice can be expected. And any foreign war Trump and Bolton start will be a reflection of an institutionalized violence at home. How in the world did "we" elect this reckless monster? Blaming only the anti-democratic Electoral College is not fair; our ignorance and complacency was the glare Trump needed to exercise his demagoguery...and assault the White House.
6
Traitor Trump is a national security threat. He will start a war sooner or later, but not for cause. He will start one as this article suggests, to empower himself. War-Time Trump will use such a moment to further undermine our democracy. He jokes about being president for life, but I don't think it's a joke at all. He literally wants to be the US version of Putin -president for life and richest man in the kleptocracy. He needs to be stopped before it's too late.
10
Arrogance Ignorance = Incompetence
Grifter Huckster = Fraudster
Let's hope this is the beginning of the end for 45, not the end of the beginning...
8
".....opting to listen rather than to read"
You know what is particularly frightening about that? The man is a terrible listener. He interrupts. He has the attention of a fly.
Which means about 1/10 of what is being said is being absorbed.
10
The term 'cornered rat' comes to mind...
7
Trump didn’t think he’d be elected, if anything, he expected to lose and make a television show about the campaign. If he expected or even considered he’d win, his cabinet and advisors would have been ready to go. He has always been a loudmouth without a clue, but enormous ego, a man enabled by everyone, all his life. He actually is probably the ultimate politician/faux dictator.
7
The Bard nailed it:
Be it thy course to busy giddy minds
With foreign quarrels; that action, hence borne out,
May waste the memory of the former days.
Henry IV, Part 2, Act 4, Scene 3
NOT my president
5
The shameless and cowardly Republican congress has totally abdicated any loyalty to the U.S. constitution, to their constituents, and to America as a country. MY own PA senator Pat Toomey is a prime example of cowardice and betrayal of American values, giving preference to Wall Street and the corporate chieftains. Our only presumed hope is voting in the upcoming elections, 2018, 2020. Should that not work, as the young students said over the weekend: "Welcome to the revolution." I'm in!
5
Let's face it, the little pretender in the white house is being threatened and he is out of control. Rather than "fix" himself, with his petulant outbursts, he is going after government, country, and world. Pity such a petty man. Remember folks, you voted for him. Maybe Stormy can bring him down. Ha, brought down by a woman. This is too good. Then there is Pastor Pence.
5
You are right, Mr Blow. As the pressure on Traitor Trump increases, the more his tortured ego retreats into fantasy. We've seen this before. External conflict is the tyrants cover story for internal failure. In the end, the self-destructive would be dictator tries to take everybody else down with him. What may save us is the shortness of time. Traitor Trump crossed Putin this week by allowing the expulsion of Russian diplomats from the US. Putin knows more of the details of Trump's treason than Mueller will every find out. Wouldn't it be something if Putin was to release his evidence? Traitor Trump goes down over night and we can start cleaning up the mess.
3
Hey, take it easy on the poor guy. Taking over a country is difficult and he's doing his best to accomplish that. But it's much harder when you're a miserable excuse for a human being. But it still can be done, so give him time. His next step, now that he has his war mongering cabinet in place, is to involve either Iran or North Korea or both in some kind of military action so he can use that as an excuse to put the country under martial law (for our own safety you know). Then he can go about the more orderly process of putting the Justice dept, the FBI, the Judiciary and the armed forces all under his control.
Stay tuned. And don't say you were'nt warned.
5
Given Trump's propensity to watch Fox News and then to mimic it with action, the solution is simple. Bill Gates, Warren Buffet--are you listening? BUY Fox. Keep the characters on it, pay them more to start to move towards the center, and by the time they are left of center, at least the damage this idiot is causing will subside.
4
During the Obama years he only wrote about racism is America; now he only writes about Trump.
2
Trump's erratic behavior and gross insecurity is anticipated by his extreme narcissism. This instability in constant search of recognition makes him very dangerous.
Trump has no morals, or scruples. He is a known racist, sexual predator and is ignorant of what the words "democracy" or "Constitution"means. You don't need a college degree to understand that Trump is nothing but an uneducated Reality TV comic who is an insult to our entire nation. You don't need to be an "elitist" to realize that Trump lies with every breath he takes and is disgracing the American people before the world. However,
Trump is unfortunately but a hideous symbol of our broken political system. It is not by chance that the incompetent Trump is surrounded by a Republican Congress that also has no morals or scruples. They are in fact the reason he is now in office. These Republicans who obstructed, even in violation of the Constitution, every move Obama tried to make, have played the race card, gerrymandered, suppressed voters and displayed traitorous indifference to the role of the Russians in Trump's stolen victory. Trump's is the face of the Republican Party He is their poster boy. Only massive voter rejection of Republican abuse of power on behalf of their corporate owners can save our democracy and our nation. It is crunch time. now or never!
6
Trump's decompensation will mount as the Mueller probe gets closer to Trump and his inner circle. God help us all if this narcissistic man starts a war as a diversion from the legal jeopardy he's in. Please America, vote in 2018 and let the world know you will not stand for this incompetent tyrant's nonsense anymore!
3
We have a mentally unstable, war mongering, tasteless, vulgar wanna-be dictator for life at the helm of the still mightiest government of the planet - one has is utterly stupid to boot -, only because the overwhelming majority of our oh-so-pious right, aka white "family values" Evangelicals, wanted to turn the SCOTUS of the 21rst century into the mirror image of the Spanish Inquisition of the 15th.
5
Fraud is in Trumps DNA. He is fraud being exposed by his own devices. The man has no moral compass. Total disaster is coming. He's unraveling. Put the brakes on this mans destructive age a in November. The Republican Party is complicit in his actions. This November vote democratic. The Republican Party should pay the price for electing this hateful disaster.
4
War, east, west or both is my greatest fear - would we have re-elected George Bush without the Irak war? I doubt it, take it from there with Bolton riding shotgun.
Stormy Daniels goes on TV to relate her experience with Trump, next morning Trump expels 60 Russian "diplomats". Coincidence?
5
Trump is at war: war against Mueller, war against China, & maybe war against Iran & North Korea. Anything to distract from his bad behavior & poor performance.
2
Electoral College, Citizens United, new swamp of billionaires plundering Federal Agencies for contracts and elimantating policies, Cambridge Analytical, Russia, his genetic mirrors who sold what a great father he is and is so misunderstood, and Fox News are responsible for manipulating the public. At present the silence of the Republicans are responsible for keeping Donald J Trump, who possesses all the vices and evil as Dr. Faustus, Dorion Grey and Methusaleh, in the Oval Office and Commander in Chief.
8
We all know the problem and have been expecting a complete unwinding since election day 2016. It is like watching a slow motion train wreck. I was horrified after the election, only wishing that something would change our fate. A very smart student asked me, if the electoral college is designed to prevent an unfit president like Trump, will it? I had to tell her that since the electors were appointed by the states, they would not reverse the bad result obtained in this election. Then, the GOP talking heads assured us that the adults in the room would guard us against Trump's unbridled actions. Though, now the adults are largely gone and only sycophants remain, (excluding Mattis), we can no longer assume that Trump will be contained by anything short of a Democratic victory in 2018. We have to hold our breath till then and hope that no war is initiated. If it threatens to occur, we must go out in the streets in very large numbers to protest loudly and demand an end to this presidency. Mueller is gathering the evidence to lead to Trump's impeachment. Is there ANY doubt that he has obstructed justice, lied, laundered money, conspired with Russians and possibly others, misused the office of the presidency for personal benefit and behaved in a despicable fashion?
10
America, reason and information always seem to get short-shrift in Trump's pugilistic stance and combative predisposition toward anyone with whom he disagrees. Armchair psychologists might aptly view him as a man with a serious anger management problem.
He is, indeed, a man at war. The battles he fights, however, are not driven by a relentless and selfless focus on what is best for America, but by a sustained, self-centered, and ego-driven obsession with whatever caters to his personal biases and whims at any given moment. He gives the impression that he disagrees because he likes to be disagreeable, regardless of the consequences to others.
In Trump's never-ceasing battle between unstable emotion and considered judgment, emotion always wins because Trump has no apparent interest in taking the time or making the effort to inform himself. It is too much trouble and too much work for him, and disturbs his sense of self, not to mention self-importance. That he veers relentlessly from unbridled to uninformed impulse only exacerbates the problem.
That so much of Trump's energy is devoted to confrontation and matters other than thoughtful governing is turning America into a fifty state battlefield. That the battles he fights are motivated by selfishness rather than selflessness is problematic enough. That he doesn't seem to care only makes it worse.
Charles, excellent column. Trump is a shallow man who thinks only of his own needs and desires. He has proven this over and over again in words and actions. Add to this the fact that he is a predatory sociopath who has no feelings for others only a need for his personal gratification and you have a volcano ready to explode.
He will do himself in with his hubris and need to always be the one in control. With the Mueller investigation he has more then met his match. Legal logic and evidence that the investigation has uncovered will overwhelm Trump's grandiosity and hyperbole. He should resign or he will go down in public shame - the thing he fears the most.
2
Bingo! you've nailed him to a tee! I've read panic in the man for the past month and I fear the consequences to our people and the world. He knows he's in a corner and can only escape by desperation. Lord help mankind.
6
Dream on Charles. If Democrats overcome historically unprecedented levels of gerrymandering to win the House, the last thing they will do is move to impeach Trump, regardless of what Mueller comes up with or how many women sue the Molester in Chief. Impeachment would be a futile gesture because the Senate would never convict him, and Democrats know it would re-energize Trump's supporters for 2020 and make it that much more likely that Republicans would retake the House. At best he will be rendered a lame duck, and if that doesn't happen we can always watch him lurch from one self-imposed disaster to the next.
1
Did these new tariffs placed on all American's eat up all of those so call tax benefits thus placing middle america back in the hole?
The reactionary behavior by the Man at War or is he the Man of War by making drastic decisions well documented effecting all of us with little if any research or planning on the what the end result will place on society.
1
Remember the days when a president would loyally and competently run the country mostly in the background so we could just live our lives in peace? Sigh.
2
I am increasingly of the opinion that Trump has no intention of starting a foreign war. He does not know how to do it, and he is a coward at heart. But he knows how to sabre rattle, and rattle everyone else. Another thing, is that men who become presidents also become obsessed with their legacy. Trump, no matter what it will be, I do not think wants to be responsible for the deaths of American soldiers, or the results of an attack on American soil. And he knows if he starts anything, that is the price that will be paid. Its too far out of his comfort zone to act on. He is finding that he does better when he is creating chaos and confusion, but nothing else. I hope I am right.
1
I'm not a psychologist . . . but when has that stopped me? I think "existential" is exactly right. There are the surface battles in real time with which Trump needs to do combat, but beneath that surface lies buried the false construct of his life: the pathologies that have led him to believe the fabrications he has perpetrated for decades. It's not just that if you repeat the lie frequently enough the listener will believe you, it's that you begin to believe it, too. The movie becomes reality. Whereas he didn't need to confront or address that reality when it was just him in his golden tower surrounded by hand-picked associates doing business in his chaotic, incoherent way, now he's being called to account, in spite of the protection of Fox News and an enabling Congress peopled with slavering sycophants who for some reason fear him and are willing to sacrifice what's left of their integrity to achieve their agenda. The inside construct is collapsing in concert with his self-created facade, and as so many have pointed out, as the walls close in the lashing out, the snarling, irrational, mad-dog behavior will only escalate.
1
Charles Blow accurately outlines the multiple dangers America faces under this most dangerous fool of a President. But as we approach the hour of maximum danger we need to prioritize the most dangerous scenario.
As Mueller closes in on the President Iran is the most likely flashpoint to exploit in order to divert attention. The JCPOA, the Iran nuclear agreement, will fall apart with no positive action by the President. And another national leader, Prime Minister Netanyahu, is also in need of a diversion. It is not a stretch to imagine an Israeli strike on Iran with U.S. support as a way to bolster both embattled leaders. And such a strike is more likely to be supported by Congress and less opposed by the Pentagon.
1
I used to imagine Trump starting a war because we would have a hard time getting rid of a President in the middle of a war. Now it looks like that might actually happen. It's hard for me to imagine how anyone could accept
the certain death of so many people as an acceptable price for an idea,
but history is overflowing with examples of that very fact.
Fourth on the list: Trump is at war with the planet. Everything he's said, decision he's made, every ghoulish person he's picked to run a cabinet or an agency has had one goal in mind--to undo all that protects us and our surroundings, to lie to all Americans, to soak up the fossil fuel dollars while doing so.
1
Congress did not approve Bolton to be the US representative at the UN. He is known to be abusive and combative, who 'kisses up and kicks down'. The danger is that unlike the totally in experienced Trump, he is a clever politician, who will be Trump's alter-ego, along with Pompeo, easily convincing him to continue to alienate our allies, and support military engagements against NK and Iran.
Both have Trump's ear and are the most dangerous duo in the White House.
"This is the big leagues and this little man is feeling the stress and strain of it."
The best description I am yet to read about The Little Man, Trump!
Perfect and telling.
A Little Man in the White House.
A Little Man in Kremlin.
A Little Man in Saudi (he is a novice and an unknown; I am talking about the little prince who visited the White House Little Man last week).
When we have so many Little Men running the world, the world is in grave danger indeed. Little Men do not belong to the big leagues of governing and therefore they resort to their childish instincts of tantrum, name calling and the urge of waging wars all for nothing but to deal with their insecurities.
1
Fox needs to run the movie The Day After every day for the next month
Trump needs to see a movie showing the consequences of his decisions since he doesn’t read or listen to experts
1
Maybe the concept of electing someone from a TV reality show is still sound, we just have the wrong man. Perhaps Hulk Hogan or Gary Busey might be the right person for the job. Let's not give up on the concept due to a small hiccup.
1
There is only one constituency that can save us from the cornered, wounded animal: those Ten Commandments people. When enough of them prayerfully consider the character and behavior of the man sitting on the throne of our democracy and realize that any conservative political agenda they might have that he serves is not worth forfeiting the soul and moral strength of America, then and only then will the threats he poses be rendered harmless. Will they?
In our foolishness, we decided the vote of a U.S. citizen has less value than the vote of some college named "Electoral."
Only a few other great countries like Burundi,Trinidad,Madagascar etc. use our method of voting.
Other countries got rid of our outdated system, which includes gerrymandering, for a clean method of choosing leaders.
This "new" method is called Direct Elections.
If we had dropped the electoral College, we could have avoided professors Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo and adjunct prof. John Bolton.
We would also be studying safer "courses" now with Direct Elections.
1
Once more, I think Charles Blow is spot on in his assessment of Donald Trump's position right now, a man cornered and realizing that his weaponization of the legal system ala Roy Cohn, which worked for him so well in the private sector, does not provide the same protection in the public one.
Talk about karma. He is a client who doesn't listen to his attorneys' advice, a wild card in a deposition - check out youtube for some of his performances and one sees a man really vulnerable once he is face to face with an opposing attorney under questioning, a man who likes the world to "come to him" and then he reacts to it. Life in the Trump Bubble.
1
"My sentiments exactly". I don't know which of us has been reading the other's mind. Probably neither because this is the only logical conclusion one can make. Will this appeasement congress finally stand up? Doubtful?
Being on the verge of “war” on three fronts is not a problem for Trump because he is a promoter rather than a businessman or president. He is at war with his administration, with women, with half of Americans on many issues, and with the legitimate media in large part be at the top of the news cycle all of the time, which matters deeply to him. In his past life he constantly picked fights he could win as the easiest way to gain notoriety. He must believe he is capable of winning all of his current fights believing his opponents are helpless and his supporters are fools and he is the smartest man in the room. So far we have all dodged disaster but one of these wars is bound to blow up in all our faces.
It seems clear that Trump needs a war. This is the only thing that will bring all of America behind him in hopes of increasing his popularity. Bolton is the best choice to back him up and get some kind of conflict going soon.
the times and the washpost have taken it to trump from the beginning, in the face of withering assaults, and built the ground of fact and values the resistance stands on. they are the true heroes.
1
Unlimited money, complacency, political corruption, and a failing education system are what have lead us to this moment. WE are as responsible as the deplorables, the Russians, and the Mercers/Kochs. If we all turn out to vote, from now on, we can save our country. If we don't ALL turn out to vote, we will be lost.
1
Mr Blow has a narrow view of history. He only can see Trump. Maybe remember when the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter That began a war that almost tore our nation apart and killed 620,000 soldiers. How about the moment of the attack on Pearl Harbor. That led to over 407,000 U.S Military deaths and millions more across the globe. How about the Cuban missile crisis? That was pretty scary. How about 1983 when the Russian early warning system alarm went off indicating we had launched a nuclear missile attack headed for Russia? If it wasn't for Stanislav Petrov, a Russian officer who decided the warning was wrong, we would all be ashes and nuclear shadows on the ground. Yes Kim Jung-um is scary, But Trump is going to meet with him. Yes Russia is scary. They have 6,000 nuclear tipped missile with our address on them. But Trump is trying to break down barriers. Trade wars are risky but just today,Premier Li Keqiang said "China and the United States should maintain negotiations and he reiterated pledges to ease access for American businesses." And some would say listening to someone offers more than just reading a transcript of what they say. As far as all the salacious stories about Trump goes, his life wasn't a hidden secrete. He isn't the Pope sneaking out the back door of a bordello. Whether we like him or not, he is our president and we better hope he is successful. If we can't do that, therapy and meditation might help.
3
Charles,
Thank you once again.
And in NY although Trump conquered the real estate world note he did terribly in the ballot box. The closer Trump is observed the worse he looks
Our future as a nation is up to the women and children in steerage because the crew sailing our ship of state cannot see the bow, let alone the horizon and if things don't change in November most of our citizenry won't even have a lifeboat.
Mr Trump is the figurehead of this sinking ship which unless we change course will collide with reality and take us all down.
He will think nothing of plunging the country into chaos, and possibly war, to steer the conversation away from the many scandals and failings that plague him. Such a little man indeed.
1
Mr Blow has a narrow view of history. He only can see Trump. Maybe remember when the first shot was fired at Fort Sumter That began a war that almost tore our nation apart and killed 620,000 soldiers. How about the moment of the attack on Pearl Harbor. That led to over 407,000 U.S Military deaths and millions more across the globe. How about the Cuban missile crisis? That was pretty scary. How about 1983 when the Russian early warning system alarm went off indicating we had launched a nuclear missile attack headed for Russia? If it wasn't for Stanislav Petrov, a Russian officer who decided the warning was wrong, we would all be ashes and nuclear shadows on the ground. Yes Kim Jung-um is scary, But Trump is going to meet with him. Yes Russia is scary. They have 6,000 nuclear tipped missile with our address on them. But Trump is trying to break down barriers. Trade wars are risky but just today, "- Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday China and the United States should maintain negotiations and he reiterated pledges to ease access for American businesses." And some would say listening to someone offers more than just reading a transcript of what they say. As far as all the salacious stories about Trump goes, his life wasn't a hidden secrete. He isn't the Pope sneaking out the back door of a bordello. Whether we like him or not, he is our president and we better hope he is successful. If we can't do that, therapy and meditation might help.
1
How many American lives will be at risk as this (pick your adjective) man is allowed continued power to speak and act for us all? HE is a danger to our safety, our democracy, and is certainly no guardian of our morality or decency. Somehow we need to put the fire under our Congressional leaders to stop him He is loading up the positions of power that decide the direction of our nation with only people who agree with and profess loyalty to him. If you don't think we are shifting from a democracy to an autocracy, or perhaps even a dictatorship, think again. WE ARE IN CRISIS, and a new crisis is created almost daily with the chaos, secrecy, dirty money, admiration for despots, lack of diplomacy....have to stop, I will run out of characters.
Demonstrate, heckle your elected representatives to represent instead of giving fealty to this abysmal administration, and above all VOTE. The kids who marched and spoke (nationally and internationally) for their lives this past weekend WILL make a difference. We should too...we need to fight for our country, and it won't take guns to protect it. Raise your voice.
It's now more apparent Donald J. Trump could pose the gravest threat to constitutional order and to civil society. Even in his 2nd year he acts on impulse, lies without blinking, and politicizes intelligence. Has taunted political opponents and roused crowds to anger. We know what this is.
It's believed he's quietly using regulatory authority in dangerous measures.
His level of knowledge is routinely filtered thru opinions/disinformation. Expelling staff, the white house is brazenly contemptuous at this point, while engaging only to provoke.
This is a familiar tactic of Trump's; when under attack, throw out one or more distraction or smoke bombs. The terrifying thing is that as the attacks on him get bigger and closer, he needs to up the ante and create larger and larger dangers, even creating the real threat of a war that would include nuclear arms! This snake needs to be cut off at the head before he spreads any more poisonous venom! America's lives and livelihoods are at stake! That is not hyperbole.
1
How could this happen? How could we not see this coming? - These are the questions the good German people asked as they pulled themselves out of the rubble of World War II. For some the War didn’t end till the Berlin Wall came tumbling down 40 years later.
Walter Cronkite said that the Germans future was lost when they had their freedom of speech was taken from them. Trump is slowly nibbling away (like his authoritarian buddy, “the moth” Putin) at America’s liberties with his actions and attempts at delegitimizing the free press and the courts.
Soon it could be too late for America as well. The Republican Congress is doing nothing to stop this impending tragedy. Hopefully, the Mueller investigation doesn’t end with hundreds of mushroom clouds rising up from what’s left of our planet earth.
1
I was only 9 when building underground bomb shelters, supposedly designed to withstand a nuclear attack, were being built across the country. I found it hard to believe that anyone in their right mind would push the "button", an act which would assure mutual destruction for the aggressor and the intended target. Concerned with the palpable fear, I asked my dad if he thought it could really happen some day. He paused and opined that it could, "when some mad man gets backed into a corner". Need I say more?
181
Your father was a savant.
Donald Trump never learns from experience to be a more compassionate, imaginative, and thoughtful man. Obviously.
But he has learned that he’s always basically safe. He won’t have to go to any wet paddy war in Vietnam. He won’t wind up in jail. Lawyers will silence all the people he cheats. He can go bankrupt again and again ... and again.
Now his presidency is bankrupt. This inconvenience must feel vaguely familiar. But that’s not so bad. If the House tips to Democrats, if he gets impeached, if he is maligned in news reports and history books, if many little tiny distant people die in Korea or Iran or California, he can still probably get loans from Deutsch Bank by trading on his celebrity.
That’s worth a lot.
And he’ll always have Mar-a-Lago.
2
"And he’ll always have Mar-a-Lago."
You sure? Does anyone really know the debt-to-equity ratio on any of Trump's properties? What happens if the Russian oligarchs all call in their notes at the same time? What happens if a sitting president declares Chapter 11?
I don't have the answers but the questions themselves no longer seem preposterous.
1
All Charles Blow has been doing lately is preaching to the choir. Isn't obvious by now that the NY Times OP Ed section is positively salivating for Trump to go to war with Iran and/or North Korea? Just think of those gigantic headlines and the circulation will soar through the roof.
Charles Blow is the one who is sounding more and more like a cartoon villain as he desperately searches for fresh epithets to hurl against Donald Trump. It's almost like watching Wilye E Coyote construct another trap for the the Road Runner only to watch it crash around him. The Road Runner escapes. Beep, beep!!
Curses!! Foiled again.
4
Given Trump's waistline and smarts, it's difficult to think of a cartoon character less like him than the Road Runner. I'd say Foghorn Leghorn, but ol' Foggy was lovable.
True, only Mueller knows what Mueller knows, but trump knows what trump knows and that my friend is why he is acting so insane.
PROSECUTE RUSSIAGATE!
2
Trump would rather blow up the world that admit he was wrong.
6
If he talks like a child, if he acts like a child, then he is a child....an overgrown one.
3
".... This is the most perilous moment in modern American history — and it has been largely brought about by ourselves, not by events.”
Indeed. This is the most perilous moment to the world in decades. We even prepare for possible natural disasters. Can you remove a man who apparently brings turmoil and discord, and possible nuclear hell, with him?
2
Charles, you failed to mention the war that must be going on with Melania. Did you notice that she did not return with him to Washington Sunday?
100% with you once again, Mr. Blow. Trump and Trumpism are the biggest threats to our country right now, and our International enemies can just sit there laughing as the Trumpsters trash the country from the inside. I wish I did not have to say that I am embarrassed to be an American today. Maybe tomorrow things might be different. Call It The Audacity Of Hope....
1
Sunday nights used to be for gathering the family around the TV and enjoying either some good entertainment, or watching 60 minutes and getting insights into themes important to us all.
Now prime time Sunday viewing entails either sending the kids out of the room (and not being able to explain why), or if they are a bit older, frantically rehearsing how I explain what a porn star is and what the President of the United States was doing with (or to) her.
I suppose I could always turn off the TV and read the Bible...but with my luck I would probably turn to the 10 Commandments and have read and explain to the kids the one about "Thou shalt not commit adultery".
But then I would have to start talking about the President again. You just can't win I guess.
How our country has been debased by this person and his evangelical enablers!
1
Trump is the essence of Republicanism. Immoral, Narcissistic, Dishonest, Paranoid, Racist, etc. Is this the America we want to live in ? A place were Freedom and Liberty is symbolized by the right to purchase an Assault Weapon. The Children have spoken. Enough is Enough.
5
Amen.
America -is- a war state. Trump is simply America's Putin: designed to enrich the military-industrial-Congressional complex that Eisenhower warned America about in 1961. Only mild mannered liberal clowns think this is something "new" and "dangerous." Amerika is the most dangerous militarized "state" in the world; with NDAA 2012 articles 1021 and 1022 in the wings to lock people like me up, without right to trial "for duration of hostilities."
Survivors write history they say...trump is surrounded by a bunch of old white dudes and some young ones who are not that smart. Good luck with that trump.
Two images come to mind: 1) A mother bear and her cubs; and 2) a cornered rat. Your choice.
1
This president of ours is carefully positioning all the pieces for the start of WWIII. Except this time we’re the “bad guys”. This man is going to start a war that at best will kill hundreds of thousands at worst resulting in the elimination of civilization. All in the name of protecting whatever passes for his personal reputation in that malignantly narcissistic mind of his. He is as dangerous as it gets.
5
Trump has entered into our lives in so many ways simply because he is shameless. Because of that he has brought shame to our country and our people. Note to self: Get rid of my two "friends" who, like Trump, are shameless. I have tolerated their behavior for years, but no more
1
Well done, Charles. It is true, Trump behaves as a stupid and pathological narcissist would, who is in over his head in the real world, and heavily armed with the powers of his office of the Presidency, and ultimately nuclear weapons. We are facing a dénouement with the dimensions of Greek tragedy described by Herodotus, with the cycle of hubris-koros-até—overweening pride, born of success, which leads one to overstep naturally ordained boundaries; the revenge of the gods, moving to enforce those boundaries; leading to destruction of the violator. And we need to ask, at what cost to the rest of us?
2
Trump is not going to war because he had sex with a blonde. Apparently, every President of the USA but Obama has some blonde somewhere he slept with.
Trump is going to war because more than one military contractor is depositing money in a Swiss Bank account.
He now owes them. Same reason "W" went to war.
Money. Don't get confused here. Republicans respond to money.
Dems too. Not much difference honestly.
2
A spoiled, belligerent toddler throwing the blocks about in his nursery. The close of this cannot come soon enough.
Trump is circling the wagons, the gold-plated wagons. Trump has the best wagons. They will protect him, until they don't. Trump has surrounded himself with a bunch of self-serving leeches like himself. But as we all know, Trump is his own worse enemy. In the end, Trump will be hung upon his own petard. Couldn't happen to a more deserving despot.
DD
Manhattan
Isn't the house the 'long shot', what with all the gerrymandered districts?
I, for one, am quite happy to see america burn. The pathetic adherence to the united failed states shows just how lacking in creativity is the modern liberal mind; it is fitting only to be a slave to these subhuman trump supporters, which is precisely what is going to happen.
#calexit - because the divided house did not stand.
Amazing....That this Beautiful Country actually Elected a diagnosable
Sociopathic Personality Disorder As "President", who is presently
spreading his full abundance of pathological Symptoms and Enjoying, as
one of those symptoms the 24/7 occupation of our Land's Center of
Attention. Another Symptom is his propensity for openly engaged Free-
Float of Lies. He is Bordered....N, E, S, and W....by Himself. Trumpism
Means, "You Never have to say you're Sorry". In our Country, his
Presence has, apparently redefined Normalcy and Truth. "President" Trump
doesn't care enough to Know...or know enough to Care. He maintains
Control of our Government while We, the People are Bereft Of Leadership.
1
Increasingly, I see a fraternity of draft-dodging gun-totin’ lightweights, racist and insecure about their masculinity. This fraternity, if given their heads, would lead us, in no time at all, into imbecilic nuclear confrontations with Iran and North Korea. Of course, they hate all things Obama. Members include W., Cheney (who demonstrated his firearms marksmanship by shooting a fellow hunter in the face), Wayne LaPierre, Newt Gingrich, John Bolton, and, of course, their leader, Cadet Bonespur, who, unfortunately, infests the Oval Office. Impeachment cannot come too soon.
12
Sure, Trump is dangerous. What about Trump's base? What have they "learned"? Something...anything? The same thing that Trump believes, it's all a witch hunt. Regardless of what mess Trump gets us in...the base is "all in". Twitter wars, trade wars, military wars. The base feels they are also fighting for their lives...and there are a lot more of them.
Bottom line...even if we manage to depose Trump, the base will still be there supporting republicans who are as bad, if not worse than Trump!!! Therefore, everyone needs to remember we are in a political war for the heart of America. VOTE OUT ALL REPUBLICANS!!!
13
Trump is, to the dismay of friends and foes alike, almost a textbook bully. His behavior is fairly predictable on that basis. His position will grow more belligerent as it is threatened, and he will increasingly seek out weaker and weaker targets for his aggression. In the face of actual strength, though, he will crumble. At the heart of every bully there is a coward. Ironically, getting spanked by Stormy Daniels wielding a magazine may be the exact configuration of intelligence and the media that brings him to his knees.
6
Trump sent missiles into Syria for nothing but to satisfy his ego that he could play with dangerous toys. He will send Americans and countless foreigners to their deaths to satisfy his ego and vengeful attitude. This man-child must be stopped. I hope that one too many Big Macs will do it.
3
Things are looking up Charles! Do you think that the 25 percent of Obama voters who then voted for Trump will finally come around? It is those racist Trump voters that I most hope can be turned as well as all the horrible women that supported Trump because their husbands told them to!
2
My feeling after watching Trump for the past two years is that on the spectrum between animal and human, Trump leans more to the animal side. (But, Maybe this short changes animals). What I mean is that he doesn't ponder his actions late at night, he doesn't feel guilt or remorse, like an animal he just acts out of self interest, self survival. He is less empathetic, less compassionate, more bottom line -- kill his prey, eat his food, enjoy the spoils. Fly to Mar-a-Lago. In this way he has become predictable; one just needs to get in to his habitat, walk around, see through his animal eyes. Mueller, Daniels, Comey, HRC -- the Constitution -- these are rivals in the veld, to be conquered by any means necessary. His motto: Just Win, Just Conquer. In this sense, Trump is ALWAYS at war, never relaxed, always "high energy", as he states. To let his guard down, to relax in imagination and empathy, to water his human side could open him up to defeat, so he constantly feeds the animal -- with lawyers, with tweets he growls and slobbers. Never poetry, never soaring hope, rarely do we see in Trump the ingredients that make us evolved humans.
1
All this highlights how utterly impotent and corrupt the Congress has become. Instead of exercising their constitutional check on a very dangerous "president" they instead enable and cheer him on in exultation of their absolute power do do whatever damage they want to the American People. The Republican-majority Congress has become a body of traitors to the Constitution. Even more deplorable is that their "base" is also cheering on their traitorous actions. Ironically, it is their "base" that will be harmed the most by their ignorant and mis-guided actions.
2
Why is Trump bringing on John Bolton?
He needs a hot war, now more than ever.
Blow's column speaks truth, but it's still just the beginning I fear.
2
A wild animal or an insane person is MOST dangerous when cornered.
Just saying.
1
Let the stress keep building. Maybe......
Vote for a circus and you get a clown but it is no laughing matter. This corrupt, mendacious and ego driven maniac has graduated beyond the role of tabloid buffoon. He is like a cornered animal , desperate to escape the inevitable unmasking of his crimes. He will invoke war just to save his own neck.This man has a proven history of destroying businesses and peoples personal lives without a second thought.
If we cannot vote out his enablers in the GOP we are truly doomed politically and perhaps our very lives or those of loved ones lost in a conflagration are at stake.
1
Trump will start a war to raise his ratings. Despicable and predictable.
1
Trump is a very greedy capitalist. He is motivated by greed; as so many in America and the world are. This is our deepest shame.
Greed creates this land of billionaires and poverty, and the voters that have no clue what to do. Why? Because they're led by their own greed and desire.
Play the lottery or go to the casino if you're small-time, but if you're big-time then get lawyers and lobbyists, write the rules to increase your wealth and be happy. America is certainly more into avarice than being a so-called 'Christian nation'. And, Republicans lead the way into the maelstrom.
Conservative, right-wing, Republican, evangelical, Russian, billionaire, treasonous election-winners lead. Lead US to cut taxes on the richest Americans. Their number one accomplishment: making the rich ever more rich. This is the wreck of America.
Trump. What we deserve for our lazy, apathetic, bad citizen ways. Trump. Republicans' heroic demon-child.
Charles, you are on the money BUT all of us like minded people are reading and watching the possibility of WWIII formulating by a madman in the WH.
Only the Congress or Mueller can start the ball rolling.
Frustrating...
1
Oh, no he won't? Even he isn't that perverted? If his numbers drop into the low 30's, given who's now around him, better hope you have no draft age children...he'll neither hesitate nor give a second thought.
Trump's erratic behavior and gross insecurity is anticipated by his extreme narcissism. This instability in constant search of recognition makes him very dangerous.
Trump has no morals, or scruples. He is a known racist, sexual predator and is ignorant of what the words "democracy" or "Constitution"means. You don't need a college degree to understand that Trump is nothing but an uneducated Reality TV comic who is an insult to our entire nation. You don't need to be an "elitist" to realize that Trump lies with every breath he takes and is disgracing the American people before the world. However,
Trump is unfortunately but a hideous symbol of our broken political system. It is not by chance that the incompetent Trump is surrounded by a Republican Congress that also has no morals or scruples. They are in fact the reason he is now in office. These Republicans who obstructed, even in violation of the Constitution, every move Obama tried to make, have played the race card, gerrymandered, suppressed voters and displayed traitorous indifference to the role of the Russians in Trump's stolen victory. Trump's is the face of the Republican Party He is their poster boy. Only massive voter rejection of Republican abuse of power on behalf of their corporate owners can save our democracy and our nation. It is crunch time. now or never!
2
So many opportunities to show at least some character. So many. And what does this little boy-man do? He taunts, ridicules, threatens, postures, demeans and misbehaves instead. A little, spoiled brat who throws his tantrums. If he was ever going to show any semblance of common decency and integrity it would have already happened. At this point things can only get more ugly than they already are. We know he is a liar, a braggard, and a coward. Utlimately he will not be able to brag or lie his way out of the mess he has made. Mr. Mueller, we are dying with anticipation for some truly adult supervision here. When, oh when, are you arriving with your indictments?
A wise person I know once said things get dangerous when people with a lot of power come to believe they're oppressed and powerless.
That's what is happening here. Thanks for pointing it out so clearly, Mr. Blow.
The game plan is obvious;As Mueller's rope tightens,Trump's focus turns to distracting from what really matters to him, exposure of financial malfeasance in his business dealings.The solution; start a war.
The only solution is to bring him down FAST. And also take out all those who have aided and abetted him. Traitors, every one of them.
He’s turning into a cornered animal, snarling and biting as he feels more and more trapped. If our entire country were not in such great danger, I would enjoy watching him flail and lash out. A man at war, indeed.
Mr. Blow, as usual, is absolutely correct. Trump is wagging three dogs at once.
I agree w/ all you say: He's a cornered animal & they're vicious.
The danger is extreme.
To be shown to be a fraud, liar, crook, and failure on a world stage is the exponentially-worst-nightmare a Narcissist could ever imagine. Trump will do anything to deny the reality of that experience. Rash action is ballast: see, I signed it. See, I fired him. See, I get to press the button. I must be in charge. Trump: the great and powerful.
Though Trumps' level of self delusion has so far proved epic-- while the rest of the country saw only a deepening quagmire, his lawyers' assurances of 'everything being over in November' actually worked on him!!-- the red carpets and and sycophants won't be enough when indictments come.
What a nightmare! As an America living abroad, I'm tired of apologizing for that apology of a POTUS.
What does a con-man fear most? Exposure.
In normal life, what do you do confronted on the street by a man like Trump?
a) You smile, shake his hand, tell him you’re really busy and walk on
b) You cross the street before he even gets close
c) You pretend to listen then punch him in the mouth
C at this point, unfortunately, appears to be the only viable, honorable option.
1
Mr. Blow, as erudite as your expositions may be, in resolution, your message is only reaching the choir stalls. Nothing will persuade the supporters of this abominable sideshow huckster that they have made a mistake. If anything, his antics have reinforced their commitment. Like the citizens of Russia who have willingly excused every offense of their intimidating strong man -- either out of fear or complicity -- enough Americans see the president as a winner to keep him in power and celebrate his reckless pomposity. So, pray for the best, but prepare for the worst.
1
I would also contend that DT is at war with himself. Those ugly, pesky lil demons are just about to take over, and he has no way--or even pretends to want to have a way--ouy of his misery. That's the true inner chaos: when you've become so comfortable with the turmoil coursing through you brain that I try makes reality do terribly unreal.
The most important thing to Trump is sleeping with beautiful women. And now he can't even do that. Can you imagine what must be going on with Trump and Melania behind closed doors? Absolutely nothing. She'll probably go back to N.Y. for the remainder of his presidency.
Trump is definitely acting like cat on a hot tin roof. The man came into office a sham, a fraud and a huckster, with a resume of questionable business practices and personal shameful behavior to match. The fact that he won still causes sleepless night for me at times. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost. Which of course makes me think Lincoln was right: You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. Trump's behavior proves we can hold these truths to be self evident...
Blow, the Hammer, strikes again! Great analysis and intelligent description of a cornered rat.
He will not go quietly into the night. Grab a life jacket.
War is Peace
Ignorance is Strength
Freedom is Slavery
Make America Gasp Again
Thanks, Electoral College
Mr. Blow’s assessment of the President’s psyche is no different than that of any satiant American. What the columnist fails to recognize is that he himself has been a man at war since November 8 2016. Virulent ranting is not journalism. On the contrary, Mr. Blow’s incessant tantrums against the President don’t seem to be having any effect and their repetitive nature has ceased to engage readers. Maybe it is time to try something else?
If he wasn't in so far over his head, if he wasn't disgustingly embarrassingly incompetent, one could feel sorry for him. The only problem is, that he will ruin us all. Has ruined us, perhaps.
One must remember that at the root of Trump is this basic fact: he is a Thug. A Mobster. His so-called "Empire" was built on dirty, mostly international at this point, Mob money. He is no genius, he is The Launderer, the storefront and repository of megmoney from shady, illegal dealings around the world.
1
just a little typo: this is NOT the most perilous moment "in modern American history", but for the whole world.
The trouble with this analysis is that two of the themes, Iran and North Korea, and trade with China and others, were key platforms of Trump's campaign and repeated ad nauseum in every speech and every stop. While his inauguration speech didn't mention North Korea Iran or China by name, trade fairness and a completely new international approach were very prominent themes. So strange as this may seem, Trump appears to be doing what he repeatedly said he would do.
The polite fiction that trade with China on its current terms is mutually beneficial had to abandoned. It would be a lot less trouble to continue to pretend that China is evolving into a global partner for the benefit of mankind, but every sign points to increasing bellicosity. It could be argued that we wouldn't be threatened by North Korean nuclear missiles if the crisis didn't serve Chinese geopolitical designs. On current form, China's rapid growth encourages ever more designs to undermine the international system and oppose us. Trump is not well suited to dealing with subtleties, but the status quo is no longer subtly worrisome either.
Charles I don't think that you give trump enough credit. His constant chaos is a well rehearsed ruse of his, a deflection from what goes on behind the curtain and he is exceptionally good at it. Where I see the pitfall for Donald here is that unlike his reality television show he cannot control the script or all of the actor/players. There appears to be far more players in DC that would like to bring him down than to give him "star adoration" and never ending loyalty. His star is fading like the former star of a once popular TV show that can't find work. Muller is going to fire a big torpedo and Donald wont be able to dodge it.
1
I believe the real danger with Trump is that as his dreary tenure in office drags on (remains to be seen, but we could have another three years of this) and people begin to get a little bored with his antics and turn away, the lack of attention will drive him to recapture the spotlight in dangerous ways. Safe to say that attention, negative or positive, is an addiction with him as we have seen. He has never been without it. Adding the brinksmanship of a John Bolton to the mix only adds fuel to the fire. Congress appears to have given up on Trump having gotten what they wanted in the form of tax legislation. The approach to North Korea appears to be a set-up for failure with some sort of military option in the future. Where does this end? Impeachment and conviction? Not assured even with a flip in the House. Indictment? Again not likely at this point, and an indictment and subsequent trial with its legal maneuvering could go on for years. A military showdown with the President over refusing to obey an illegal or unethical order? Possible, but the tradition is to salute and carry on, letting the politicians sort it out later. And the nuclear chain of command is very different from the conventional side with Congress having no say in a snap decision to use nuclear weapons in a rapidly escalating military confrontation. 25th Amendment? Again not likely because it requires key government figures to have a spine, and it appears that spines are at a premium right now. Not good.
4
If you examine Trump's personality closely you will notice that it resembles that of a 2 year old. Although he is living in an adult world, his personality and needs have solidified at an infantile level. If you have ever raised children you will recognize this phase--Freud referred to "his majesty the baby". Maturity is, to some extent, and adaptation but Trump has never overcome the behaviors and constraints of his early childhood. That this infant is given to temper tantrums greatly shapes his behavior; his privileged access to nuclear weapons, which he does not comprehend, portends dire consequences.
5
On 60 Minutes, Stormy Daniels said, "Trump knows I'm telling the truth."
When Robert Mueller interviews the President, Mueller will know whether Trump is telling the truth. Trump will be trying to save his skin; his reputation for adultery, cheating, and lying are well known to us all.
The fact that the special counsel probe has continued for so long suggests that on all fronts--personal, political, and international-- and already has secured several indictments and cooperating witnesses, suggests that Mueller hopes to discover what role Russia played during the 2016 election, but also to preserve the U.S. rule of law and disclose rampant financial corruption at the highest levels of government.
Based on the speakers at the March for our Lives, Trump might have trouble getting Congress to declare, or D.O.D. to muster volunteers to fight a war against Iran or North Korea. How many young student victims of assault weapons attacks themselves will sign up to kill their counterparts--including children and families--in Iran or North Korea?
9
Many years ago, a college professor of mine told the class that the American presidency has an unequal and bloated amount of power compared to the Legislative and judicial branches. He warned that someday, the wrong person would be voted into office and exploit the excess of power in the presidency.
In Donald Trump, this prediction has come true. If somehow we survive until he can be voted out, what do we do next? Electing the next president, democrat or republican, we have all witnessed the abuse of presidential power and there are no safeguards to prevent the next, probably smarter president from also abusing that excess of power.
18
As always,Mr.Blow continues to speak truth to power. Germain to the discussion is how an individual like "The Donald" was able to become leader of the free world.Perhaps we need to reassess the rational for the "electoral college.
21
If you think he's bad now wait until you see a brilliant flash just prior to being burned alive or (better yet) instantly reduced to ash and molecules. Giving this man the atomic bomb codes is akin to joyously following Jim Jones to Guiana.
23
Not sure about Mr. Blow's claims. For all his warts and impulsive tweets, Pres Trump is the first President in a long while to call spade a spade on the foreign front. This is not a set-up to war at all. On the contrary, giving renegades equality with legitimate state actors has made war more likely. As a small example, Iran has called the US bluff by its proxy wars and ballistic missile development, using the hundreds of millions delivered by the 2015 Iran deal. NKorea has tested advanced nuclear weapons despite Clinton-Rice diplomacy. Hamas feels the power to place 100,000 civilians to rush the border this coming Friday because the EU and the UN have disregarded Hamas's confiscation of most delivered goods for the purchase of guns and drugs.
I am also worried about the continued [adolescent?] hounding of a duly elected President in the effort to impede him.
3
Ballistic missile development is not nuclear development. You would prefer war with Iran rather than a successful treaty? Trump doesn't have an answer on Korea or the mid-east. Traitor Trump is putting this country in harms way to save his own skin, not to do anybody favors. He flouts the rule of law and our democratic norms and indulges in self dealing. His campaign and his administration have been hounded by scandal and collusion with a hostile foreign power. To borrow a phrase from the Bush years, anyone who supports this monster is aiding the enemy.
1
"Duly elected"? Have you not been following the Cambridge Analytica story. Puts a big question mark over that.
1
We impede HIM?????????? Isn't he doing that very well on his own??????? If you are satisfied with this juvenile deliquent be my guest. lets speak again when this country goes down the drain with all the clueless deplorables that voted for him.
1
Your piece is right on Charles. No question as a nation we scraped the bottom of the moral and ethical barrel to come up with Trump as our president. His hot temper, inept cabinet, and his completely irrational thinking (if you can call what he does as thinking) will continue to move America backward. Our only short term fix for mitigating the harm he is doing are the November elections. Clearly, the Republican led congress has no spine and cower when in Trumps shadow.
17
A cornered animal is at his most dangerous and will lash out in any way with anything at anyone regardless of the consequences. Trump isn't just in a battle for his life, so are the restof us, the 65% who understand Trump will happily destroy our Democracy, and all our peculiarly American and 231 year old version of it just for his self-aggrandizement, but will go much further to save himself.
Trump and trumpism, and the forces that led to it are the most serious existential threat to our nation and Constitution since the Great Treason of the secession to protect America's original and worst sin, slavery.
16
No, Donald Trump is not a man at war.
Donnie is a three year old spoiled little rich kid, who likes throwing Temper Tantrums to get attention.
7
“This is the big leagues and this little man is feeling the stress and strain of it.”
Ex-act-ly.
10
It is hard to imagine what might stop this wounded animal from doing anything worse. But then one remembers that the special prosecutors office staff took home all their files after the Saturday night massacre. That the military refused to implement Trump’s first ban of transgenders in the military. That a Democratic House of Representatives with the subpoena power would wield tremendous power. That Trump, who used to revere generals, is now burning through them to the point where one wonders if any are left who would work for him. That no respectable attorney will represent him. That while Stormy Daniels didn’t bring him down, she left him looking pathetic. That his wife probably has had enough and is wondering how to extricate herself without losing the pot of gold she has been hoping for. I don’t believe Republicans will ever impeach Trump or that Democrats will ever obtain enough of representation in Congress to do it either. I even think Trump will order attacks on Iran and North Korea. And I think he will fire Mueller or direct the DOJ to throw his report in the trash. Even so, I cannot picture the entire government, the FBI, the CIA and the military, let alone all the other people on whom Trump depends to implement his insanity, carrying out his orders indefinitely. I don’t know how or when he will be refused. But even as Trump goes farther out of control, he seems to more and more isolated. It seems like at some point critical federal agencies might just say “no.”
7
Aggree with all but “brought on ourselves” as Trump was selected not elected..
10
Yes, and that is why he wants war
1
No one cares about the affairs and Mueller will not be able to pin specific collusion charges and so far the crazy-man act had brought talks with Nth Korea closer.
As disgusting a man as Trump is there’s nothing that comes close to threatening his Presidency despite Mr Blows rant.
2
Mark Mark, there is plenty of evidence demonstrating a conspiracy with Russia and the case for obstruction is very strong. Meanwhile, strong majorities of Democrats, Republicans and Independents want to see Mueller complete his investigation unimpeded as a poll just released by Monmouth today indicates.
The Cornered-Rat syndrome. Amend that: The Cornered Rabid Rat Syndrome. I've been dreading that ever since it was elected. It's going to go down fighting and if possible, and likely will, take the country and perchance the world down with it.
10
I am no fan of Trump's silliness, but Blow & most here confuse performance with appearance & substance vs style. HRS
1
Charles, I'm a white male but that doesn't automatically make me Pro-Trump and pro-guns. Yes, 99.9% of Trumps supporters are white and many are male but it's a little insulting to imply that also means that all white men admire Trump - I saw Trump for what he was from the get go, a racists, misogynist, demagogue and narcissist with the attention span of a gnat; I never voted for him and never will. Fortunately, there are many many many more like me. November is getting closer every day.
14
This is what decline looks like. The foolish Roman Emperor Julian lost a huge army, and his life, in Asia. They never recovered. If we attack Iran, neither will we.
12
Sad but true. Many will die because of Trump's lies and insecurities
3
Corndogs are usually served on skewers. Seems about right.
7
Richard Haass called it correctly, you're right, Charles. But it will get worse quickly. The Mueller investigation is about to get derailed: 45 will fire Sessions, replace him with Nunes (imagine THAT), and the subpoena-approvals and funding for the investigative staff will disappear. He doesn't have to fire Mueller, he'll just strangle him.
He's appointed a lunatic as NSA: get ready for "preemptive" strikes on Iran and North Korea.
Lastly, the "trade war" with China will escalate, provoking China to get nasty about Taiwan. Meanwhile, they'll continue to ship "parts" to NKorea (unless you believe that the little dictator's scientists miraculously were able to advance their program in leaps and bounds in 18 months).
This will not end well at all.
3
Charles,
The day begins with a page 6 spread to assess drama competition. Luckily today, Trump is centerfold. Sorry Kardashian’s.
Next, on pops Fox&Friends to see the spread and assess drama competition. Today, Trump is centerfold. Sorry Parkland survivors.
The PDB’s is spread centerfold style for the 10 second soundbite. It’s been repurposed along the lines of Highlights for Children. That magazine’s goal is to entertain and teach them.
So it goes on.
1
As absurd as Trump's semi-fraudulent election is, I am almost equally astounded by the ascension of John Bolton to the any position of authority in the leadership of the US, let alone National Security advisor. If, after the expiration of office of another semi-fraudulent President, Bush the Lesser, had anyone suggested that in less than a decade one of the architects of the US's greatest foreign policy debacle in history, the Iraq War, would be back in influence, they would have been dismissed out of hand as scare-mongering at best, of dubious sanity at worst. Yet here we are....
Sexual peccadillos aside, Bill Clinton was the lone light in a cavalcade of flawed, incompetent, unstable, malleable, dangerous men (perhaps Bush Sr. and Jimmy Carter might also gain a pass) since the uneven presidency of LBJ until the election of Mr. Obama and a return to some semblance of normality; though many of his aspirations were actively resisted by the very group responsible for the litany of failure and incompetence preceding him.
Think of it, more than 50 years of almost continuous terrible governance has reduced the US from a shining beacon on the Hill to a dim bulb in a still undrained swamp.
Sad
6
"The world is closing in on Trump and he is in an existential fight for his own survival." To see this mean-spirited, misguided and inept man attempt to make meaningful decisions is appalling. List the foolishness: shoring himself up with Bolton and Pompeo, Stormy Daniels dragging him in the other direction, Mueller hot on his tail, his mouth war with North Korea, his financially destructive tax cuts, his travesty border fence, his double talk about the school shootings in Florida and ultimately, the blatant refusal of the Republican Congress to see him for what he is, a dangerous, lying fraud.
You can add many other criticisms to the list. He is a destructive force that needs to be tempered by a Democratic Congress. A trump impeachment followed by a Pence presidency is not the answer. Let's work on Congress.
9
C'mon, Donnie! You can win your war with Mueller. Don't worry about any lawyers. Talk to Mueller yourself. You're a very stable genius, for pete's sake! You don't need any snooty, high-priced lawyers telling you what to say. You have the best words. You're, like, really smart. Don't worry about preparing anything. Just get in there and show Mueller who's boss. I'm counting on you to do the right thing for America!
2
"... you can rest assured that impeachment proceedings will be in the offing."
If voters don't come through in the upcoming elections, all bets are off. We need to work with November in mind, particularly in congressional districts that have a reasonable chance of being flipped. We could really use the students who organized these gun-control marches over the weekend, since they are succeeding where adults have failed.
"There was nothing beyond him, and he didn’t have to follow the rules, he only had to follow his instincts."
I saw a couple leave a restaurant today, and shortly afterwards someone came running out to give them a wallet that they had inadvertently left behind. Then I began thinking about what would have happened if Donald Trump had been their waiter. I will leave it to you to decide on the most likely outcome, but I envision Trump on TV many years later casually discussing the incident and explaining that whatever he wound up doing: “makes me smart.”
That’s the central problem. How could we have been so stupid?
Trump is an amoral, mendacious, lecherous, and narcissistic con artist. How many of our kids might die in Iran? How many of us might die from whatever will come from North Korea? How many of us will look in the mirror and realize we really have ourselves to blame?
How many of us will do the work we have to do to start rectifying the situation this fall? In the end, that’s what really matters.
6
The GOP owns this dumpster fire of a "presidency".
5
The two-faced man has more than three fronts; he is waging war on African Americans, for example. Watch his staff changes to see how the already fair White House's complexion will come to more fully match its name.
1
Clearly, obviously, Mr. Blow is right. Trump the narcissist will do anything to save himself. He will lie, he will cheat, he will fire people without cause, he will hire people without qualifications. He will start a trade war that affects national economies. He will attack any department within the U.S. government, regardless of national interest. He will start a war. He will start more than one. He will do all this and more to save his paper-thin, orange stained, distended wasteland of skin. How could America find itself in such an absurd state? Ask the 50 million friends, neighbors, family members and clergy who still think he's doing a great job.
5
Trump: " I never had threats with that Woman ".
Beware, major distractions ahead. Seriously.
1
Trump is very dangerous person. He is not handling the pressure well. He needs to resign and go away so that he can calm down. Seriously though, thanks a million to all those Trump voters for what they did. Also thanks to the corrupt elections where oddly Trump managed to win.
We the American people are witnessing a full-blown fearful bully, building a new maze in which he can scurry around to feel safer. This whole presidency has gone beyond the boundaries of a Shakespearean role of evil. I'm sure I speak for more than half of America when I say, I wake up sick to my stomach that this man's impeachment has not been mentioned, by anybody in Washington. If you 'the Democratic elected' cannot vote for change, at least voice your opposition to this mad man's agenda, PLEASE SPEAK FOR US !
2
Because it drove “those condescending liberals” crazy, electing and continuing to support Donald Trump, despite his reckless, shameless, incompetence, was all great fun…until it wasn’t.
2
A cornered narcissist is a dangerous thing. Unfortunately this is the President.
1
Great piece, Charles. One missing piece. Trump is now loony toons. He will not go down alone. He could well push his little red button and he goes down in history forever (history?) as THE most infamous and evil human that ever lived. That's a pretty big brand. He's gonna die soon anyway,what a way to go.
2
We need to understand that Trump as a "man at war" has much more serious implications than an ill-advised nuclear or other military strike against Iran or North Korea. That he may well engage us in such a war is more likely than not, with the addition of Bolton. But there is a much bigger war that we will be facing here at home, from our fellow citizens, as Trump becomes more and more desperate.
As Mr. Mueller continues to tighten the noose around Trump, finding substantial evidence of multiple crimes committed by the president, Trump will turn to his base. This is the war the rest of us must understand that we will face.
Trump still has the nearly unanimous support of his voters. This translates into more than sixty million of the most heavily armed citizens in our country. Their common interest is that they hate those of us who aren't white Christians. They believe that Trump is their savior, the man who will guarantee that America remains a nation that is theirs alone. And they will do whatever he says, up to and including the use of arms against their neighbors.
It is no coincidence that hate crimes have skyrocketed since Trump's election. He has publicly approved these acts with his claim that neo-Nazis and the KKK are some very fine people. He is signalling to his base that their vicious conduct against their minority neighbors is encouraged.
The rest of us need to be ready, we need to be vigilant. Because he will urge his base to violence. Bet the rent on it.
5
Mr. Blow, you’ve gone too far this time. Listening (as opposed to reading) indicates a ‘severely compromised and restrained intellect....arrogance about ones information absorption’. Well, this Audible addict must stand up for listeners everywhere! (No, I’m not associated with Audible...lol, other than my addiction).
Tiny small print in my trashy novels, cataracts, moved me to ebooks. Loved the back lighting. Then I realized that by listening, I could absorb my western novels just fine, while at the same time cooking, cleaning, walking, sewing....etc. if this be arrogance, I’m guilty- and proud of it!
Ok, I may need to relisten to “Grant” - absorption has its limits. But that’s no reason to lay a blanket condemnation on we listeners. I don’t think my intellect is restrained...only my eyesight. And the print size of my NYTimes doesn’t help.
The fetid of stink and slime and corruption continues to wash upon our shores. The awful thing goes out on the tide, and then, borne upon some evil wind, surges onto the beachhead and rests even higher than it did before. Rinse and repeat.
There is absolutely nothing positive that can be said about this man. I have resisted describing him by his voted title, usually enclosing it in quotation marks, but that seems pointless now. Indeed, with each public revelation of shame and embarrassment, a new low that would have ended the public office of anyone else, this president continues to bring himself, his family and his country into even further disrepute.
America is now edging closer to the street corner harlot, eager for someone to recognize her in her tattered dress. She's pale and frightened, wild-eyed and desperately clawing for attention. She knows no dishonor; almost anyone who stops to pity her is repulsed by what she was and what she now is.
From racist landlord to draft dodger to dishonorable businessman to seller of racist lies about a sitting president to candidate to president--with perhaps countless episodes of marital infidelity sprinkled into the long tale of personal dishonor--he's come a long way from Queens. He now hazards the country's very future with a selection of men who would sooner loose the nuclear warheads from their silos rather than--as his predecessor did--engage enemies with respect and reason.
We're on the threshold of something awful.
6
Agreed -- except with what you write about the Stormy Daniels nonsense. I watched her interview tonight (Sunday-- CNN) and it was pure drivel. Does anyone in the greatest nation in the world really care about an 11 year old one-night stand that no one, including the participants, cared about then or now.?
It's absolute rubbish, whipped up by the self-serving media. Shame on the Media for pandering to (and forming ) our lowest and laziest reactions.
It's the little things that catches a careless criminal. Cell phone calls, letters, gifts, snapshots, dinner dates, etc. Watching Stormy match wits with an absent Trump took me into that suite in the Moscow Ritz where in 2013 our soon-to-be leader was entertained by Russian prostitutes. He's too exposed, too careless and way too confident in his own poor judgement. No wonder that there is a growing suspician that the Kremlin has still photos and videos of an American fool frolicking with girls. Only something of this magnitude would frighten him to the point he would be consistently submissive to Putin.
3
Say this aloud:
Say it again:
Text it to your five closest friends:
Trump is the symptom; my fellow Americans are the cause
Now try this: I will befriend a better angel
2
Stormy is going hard against Trump because she really didn’t want the money. She didn’t want to be treated like a prostitute and the money signifies an insult. What she wanted was a place on celebrity apprentice. And he reneged on his side of the deal, because he’s the one with the power, as has been the case for millennia: men hold the power. But the thing Trump forgot is that Stormy has nothing to lose, unlike him. So she is going to get her ten minutes of fame, just like she wanted all along. Only that ten minutes is going to last a lot longer than ten minutes.
2
I saw a piece on CBS Sunday morning earlier today that reminded me of something. For those of us around at that time, I remember Jimmy Carter's Playboy interview and how Republicans criticized him for "lust in his heart", after he disclosed that he thought naughty things about some ladies. Thoughts, mind you, not actions. He also stated he "committed adultery in my heart many times". Today, the Republicans give Trump a pass on his "indiscretions". Evangelicals give him a mulligan. What a bunch of phony hypocrites!
The presidency has sure come a long way from Jimmy Carter. A long way down, that is.
7
Charles, we all know the miscreant can't/doesn't read. But what on Earth makes you thinks that, although he can hear, he is capable of listening?
3
Trump's tariff threats and seemingly uncontrolled tweets are part of his program to manipulate the stock market for him and his rich pals. The market falls dramatically when he when he makes one of his bonehead tweets and rises again when he backs away from these threats. It's a pretty simple way to make money as the market fluctuates. All his pals are making money and laughing their way to their own investment banks.
1
How about tacos and regular mini-weiners? Corn dogs implies that he used protection.
1
What Trump needs to salvage his presidency is another 911. Short of that he's almost certainly doomed to resigning under pressure one way or another, at a minimum.
Trump's administration is imploding. Nobody worth having wants to work for him -- he's reduced to cycling through an ever-more-pathetic collection of sycophants and crazies ... that are starting to make the Mooch look good.
There are so many assaults from so many directions on Trump that it seems unlikely in the extreme that Trump can dodge them all. Some of these (like Stormy Daniels) are not likely to generate mortal wounds ... at least to anything other than his marriage.
But others that appear picayune have the potential of blowing up into catastrophes for him -- what if Summer Zervos gets discovery? Think about that....
And of course there's Mueller's investigation.
But even if Mueller doesn't find a smoking gun of Trump's he's facing the fear that the Democrats retake the House in 2018 ... and if they do, they'll surely publish his taxes, and start really enforcing the emoluments clause.
But Trump isn't acting like a man who needs Republicans to win to save his own neck -- he's acting the fool.
Charles, instead of fighting wars on three fronts that you mentioned here,Trump should be at war with himself.
He should look into the mirror and ask himself, "How could I be so stupid by not learning about politics before I got into it?"
"How could I not know that Senators and Congress members hold more power than the president ?"
And "How could I let Paul ( Manafort ) conduct my campaign not knowing how deep he was involved with the Russian oligarchs,mainly Putin ?"
If he questions himself these few questions plus a few more like,"How could I be so stupid by sleeping with these escorts not thinking that one day they'd come and rock my presidency ?", then Trump didn't have to start a war with Iran just to drown these huge cacophony that is enveloping our country right now.
Yes,Trump who didn't want to go to Vietnam citing a foot corn, now have to order an unnecessary war putting the lives at stake of thousands of our innocent but brave men and women in uniforms.
And all this reckless endeavor he's planning to do is just to postpone Mr. Mueller's Russia inquiry which is more close to Trump being snarled by the Special Counsel's office than it ever was.
Trump doesn't know it but his lawyers know very well that if Trump sits in front of Mr. Mueller, he'll say something very stupid like,"What's so big deal if I told my people to contact the Russians?"
That's the reason why our country will go to war pretty soon because Trump doesn't want to face the truth.
Go figure !
"He was the ladies’ man, businessman, smartest man, toughest man. There was nothing beyond him, and he didn’t have to follow the rules, he only had to follow his instincts."
These lines have a pleasing musical ring: the use of the past tense suggesting both the underlying sarcasm and, more important, that we shall soon see Trump in America's rear-view mirror.
Mueller, March for Our Lives and Stormy are triangulating Trump's bunker. He is facing an artillery bombardment of facts, morality and justice. His army of Republican troops will join him, all casualties of their own hubris, arrogance and America's outrage.
The sooner we can say "Good riddance!" the sooner America can mark another day of national celebration, second only to the Fourth of July. We will mark the day as a reprieve from national stupidity and foreign intrigue to destroy our republic. Stormy, March For Our Lives and Mueller will join our Founding Fathers as historic figures to be revered as America's saviors.
May we soon speak of Republicans in Congress in the past tense, may we soon speak of Trump and his family of rodents in the past tense, may we soon feel assured that our republic is secure and our future holds promise.
3
Trump is indeed a shallow, desperate and self absorbed danger to our world. It appears he knows little, seeks no advise and trashes those who critisizes him. He the man. Except he is not. It makes sense he gets his ideas from Fox. They praise him and reinforce his gut level version of the world. We as a nation are in trouble as is the whole free world. Trump’s idea of himself is being challenged and it seems to be setting off a panic and retribution mode. And what is even more scary is 40% of voters still think he is doing a good job! 40%!
2
I wonder if Trump will one-up Rubio and Santorum’s condescension towards the students protesting gun violence by giving them something else to occupy their time with a dose of NRA irony: an assault rifle and an “adventure trip” to Iran, North Korea or both.
1
All mouth and ego......he has no idea what a war is really like. I suppose it is lucky for us that any "next" war will be short and finished in about 24 hours. In the 21st Century, large land armies on a battlefield will be just a memory. Drones will deliver nukes, and the so-called winner will have won a radioactive wasteland devoid of all life for thousands of years. Then after a million years or so, evolution will begin once more. And the beat goes on......
1
While Trump's palpable fear of being exposed for financial crimes or treason leads him to fight, the battle I am most interested is the Prosecutor v. the Prostitute. Which one willl take him down first? And how soon?
Trump is flailing about. He knows the Mueller noose is closing. Trump wants a couple of wars (Iran & North Korea), is unconcerned he’s destroying our country’s reputation, and wants to find a pretext to fire Mueller.
"This is all gut and instinct. This is all reactionary emoting by a man of poor character, one addicted to affirmation. He desperately needs to be the king-of-every-hill he sees in the mirror: He was the ladies’ man, businessman, smartest man, toughest man. There was nothing beyond him, and he didn’t have to follow the rules, he only had to follow his instincts." You got that right, Mr. Blow. Imagine if he were a caveman, he'd never survive one day as one. Too bad his ancestral genes did.
1
Trump could watch a little less TV, play a little less golf, and try doing some actual work. Maybe get his duff off the golf cart and even walk a few yards to clear the cobwebs from his atrophied brain. The man has absolutely no work ethic or energy. Sad.
Remember the first time you learned to swim, and as you descended toward the deep end your toes finally left the bottom and it was instantly “sink or swim”, coupled with some panic. Trump’s ignorance, impulsiveness, vindictiveness, and finger-on-The Button, have similarly left my feelings of security planted firmly in mid air. A man without moorings has left me unmoored. I wake up each morning wondering “what next?”. For the first time in my 70 years, I feel insecure in very existential and profound ways....same for my wife. Now, with Bolton in the mix, the subliminal unease is a constant companion. North Korea....Iran....Russia.....the rise of nationalist extremism....trade wars....Mueller tightening the squeeze on an unpredictable narcissist. What could possibly go wrong?
2
Trump portrays himself as the Big Dog in the pack, this to mask the reality that he's no more than a whimpering puppy.
He bombastic to a fault, believes his own lies, surrounds himself with "personalities' rather than competent individuals and perceives a television talking head who heaps praise on him as someone who can bolster his administration. This blinds him to the reality of faltering presidency; one without a true vision for America.
Trump has always been his father’s failed son who inherited $200 hundred million and squandered it to a $10 billion dollar loss so that he could only find lenders outside the US. The corruption inside and outside his private life has brought him to the edge of personal extinction. He has become the mindless cornered creature his father made of him by telling him even as an adult what he should order in a restaurant. His most fundamental trouble explicit to the rest of us is his need to control others as if that puts him in control of himself. Knucklehead and 71 at being it.
1
I wouldn't crow yet. He's been pretty good at turning his troops into cannon fodder, deflecting, lying, changing the narrative, bankrupt as it is, and living to tell another tale another day. Typical dictator. Lets see if we can dislodge him some in November before he starts a war.
You forgot a fourth reason for war in Trump's mind: re-election. Start a war right before election cycle, and people will vote you in again.
1
On top of all of the other problems of his own creation, the president also is putting his wife and family through a very public disgrace stemming from his extramarital dalliances.
Even a monster such as Trump wants a peaceful family life, but what he is getting, I reckon, is nothing close to that.
Having a partner cheat on you sends both lives down the tubes for a while, with brutal collateral damage to kids, other family members, friends and colleagues.
Melania likely knew what she was getting, but it's still difficult not to feel some pity for her. The same does not hold true for her pathetic husband.
1
Yes PTrump is playing Russian roulette and none of them are good for America. Hopefully he will pull back from pulling the plug until after mid terms and then let Pence take over with the House and the Senate in Democratic hands. If Pence tries to coalesce the religious right the Democrats can put up Landrieu or Garcetti as a formidable opponent. One last note on Trumps make america great campaign is I'm glad he changed from 50 years as a registered democrat to a registered republican. He couldn't have done more harm to a worn out party if he tried.
The fact he continues to rule is a dark stain on the Republican Party.
1
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Narcissistic absolute power corrupts fear and conflict.
Trump didn't do anything wrong. He didn't know any woman who accused him of sexual assaults. He didn't commit any crimes in the Russian connection. Former President has been defending his innocence.
Unfortunately, Special Counsel Mueller III and his staffs haven't trustee him. The mainstream press strongly continued to resist his incompetence, indecency, and mean, dirty character,
Comey and McCabe, with the help of the silent majority, will be the nails on Trump's presidential coffin.
“He is romantic-minded and half-informed about great historical events and men... He had a semi-criminal record. He has definitely said on a number of occasions that a people survives by fighting and dies as a consequence of peaceful policies. His influence has been and is wholly belligerent"
US Ambassador to Germany William Dodd, describing Adolph Hitler in 1934, before the world could see what was to come.
Many will consider any comparison to Hitler unjustified and I hope it is. I recommend reading "In The Garden Of Beasts", a non-fiction account of the University of Chicago history professor who became an unlikely Ambassador to Germany and saw others didn't about the Nazi regime.
(Worth noting that "romantic" in this context has nothing to do with love, but rather about an idealized past)
1
it's frightening to watch the GOP as they continue allowing Trump to be president, to remember that they are the ones who have repeatedly pushed the government to the precipice of non-functionality, to recall that they spent 8 years refusing to work with a duly elected president out of racism, bigotry, and spite, and to realize that they are enabling the destruction of America. The current GOP is continuing what it started when it took in the Dixiecrats after Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This is the party that ought to be an outpost of the Flat Earth Society. They don't believe in science. They don't like educated people. They don't want to keep the government functioning unless it's to stop abortions, allow people to buy as many guns as they want, to impoverish working Americans, and to keep themselves in power. They are greed personified. And they are not working for us. Nor is Trump.
Trump however has his own unique set of problems. He's a coward who fires people via Twitter. He's a liar. He's ignorant and prefers to remain that way. He is a 2 year old in the body of a 71 year old man. If he were anyone else he'd be ignored. The real shame is that he's in office to begin with. The worst part is that the GOP was power hungry enough to nominate him and now, to support him.
24
With the endless speculation about the abomination that is our current administration, Mr. Blow nails it. Trump is weak, and it will be a welcome (celebrated) relief when we get rid of him.
But what more damage will this deranged and despicable buffoon wreak upon us in the meantime? The GOP needs to go down with him, as gutless cohorts in this nightmare of US history are held accountable by patriotic citizens who don't appreciate the weakness and collusion of the pathetic politicians and supporters of the GOP. They have fully demonstrated party-over-patriotism, inexplicable bigotry and irrational hatred, and should go down in history as the dead, failed party they've become.
We need another party that holds true to the party of fiscal conservatism, and rejects divisive religious demands of our secular democracy. The evangelists are fully exposed as moral hypocrites, and should never again be considered as anything other than as a vile component of the vile GOP.
299
Charles, thanks for calling it like it is once again. Your voice has been right on about Trump from the get go and continues to be. Your willingness to speak truth to power and do so with eloquence is much appreciated. Keep it up please.
17
When backed into a corner, even the smallest, most untrained, mangy dog will fight. Trump doesn't have these characteristics - he has more - but he will find someone else to fight for him so his small-minded self can appear big. He, after all, has those bone spurs. So sad.
19
Always a great and correct assessment, Mr. Blow. Sober thinking. Kudos to you for keeping us on our feet. The president is a dangerous man with power, but he is also little in moral standing--very little. I think the majority of thinking people in this country have seen how low he has been and continues to be: ethically challenged on all fronts. This man should have never been the president of this country. Maybe he will cease to be soon.
21
The president's supporters say that the president has gotten in touch with his true self, has unshackled the troublesome formalities of governing and has hit his stride and is now on a roll.
Mr. Blow, I agree with you. This president has become unhinged, like Macbeth watching Birnam Wood on its march to Dunsinane. His legal team is melting right in front of him and his dalliance with Stormy Daniels is the talk of the town.
The president is agitated by the kiss-and-tell details of his "date" with the porn star but if he wanted his private life kept secret he never should have run for the nation's highest office. His very office makes him fair game for his unsavory past.
He has no right to resent Ms. Daniels for telling America what she knows about him. The president is the man who smeared his predecessor with his birther campaign and what Ms. Daniels is now doing is no different from what he did to Barack Obama. Turnabout is fair play. Stormy can back up her story with proof. The president just asked America to take him at his word that Mr. Obama was born in Kenya.
America is on a collision course with its own Constitution. With competent attorneys turning away from the president in great numbers, only Congressional Republicans are his defenders and have shown an unwillingness to protect Robert Mueller from another Saturday Night Massacre. His presidency is crumbling and his GOP enablers are determined to protect him at all costs. He is a man at war -- with America.
21
Yes. He is a man at war with America. God help us all--our country and the world.
As Trump continues his self aggrandizing path to his ultimate destruction, the risk that he will bring down the rest of us with him is very real. In the 1940's as Germany and Japan lay in ruins, and their citizens wailed in grief stunned by the unimaginable horror brought upon them by their insane leaders who believed they could laugh in the face of history, so too do we hide our faces from what is occurring before our very eyes. Our Congressional leaders en masse have forsaken us in a combination of their panic to hold on to their positions, and the inertia brought on by personal weakness. Time is not only running out for Donald Trump, the American people have previous little of it left for ourselves. We will pay mightily for handing the reins of power to a man whose entire adulthood proved him unfit to be anything other than the fool that he is.
33
Trump is not brilliant; not moral; not ethical; not far sighted. Trump is a rabble rouser; a bigot; a bully. He became our President with a minority of voters supporting him. Whether his election was legitimate or not will always be a question in the minds of most Americans. His "ideas" are formed in the dark of night while he watches cable television and mulls his own fate. I think this country is in deep political trouble, and with his current cabinet choices, the world is about to pay the price. Trade wars and real wars loom on the horizon, but the good ship Trump plows ahead. I am so happy I do not have children who will have to pick up the pieces of this mess. So happy.
17
When the men and women of the Republican Party, and this President, are afraid of high schoolers marching in the streets, something is very wrong indeed. These students will be the ones to die when the madness of war begins, but yesterday, they learned how to practice justice with the power of protest. These young veterans of shooting wars, occurring in their schoolhouses, and soon, from this White House, has steeled them more than Trump and his Republican donors will ever know or comprehend. They need no weapons but their voices, their courage, and their fellow citizens. How does our nation deserve such amazing youth? Most Americans are not Trump, and we will not be strewn among his liars and thieves any longer.
23
I am starting to believe that Ryan and McConnell are playing Devil's Roulette, making use of Trump's craziness. It will allow them to continue to dismantle the government so the Koch Brothers (and their ilk) will be happy. Trump doesn't know the difference. He just spouts what they tell him to or what he sees on FOX. Remember, the Koch's want no government, no entitlement programs and no taxes. They want no regulation and no climate science. They just want more money. Can you imagine? What is more depraved than that?
Trump is, simply, disgusting. He was always disgusting. He wasn't called "The Donald" because he was admired in NYC.
I wonder if ANYONE in Washington would stop him from going to war in Iran or N. Korea? Who is there to say to him, "NO!" When you look at the rich while men who are all millionaires surrounding him, and what they really care about, you have to say the prospects for the next few years look really grim.
War? Baby Boomers remember hiding under our desks at school during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It was a very real fear and instead of being the generation of Peace and Love we, instead, elected a representative of our generation who is a danger to the entire planet. Good job, Boomers! Look to the teenagers to rescue us all, if we live that long!
23
The thing is, Jeanie, that most Americans did not vote for him, and it is the archaic electoral college that anointed him because they did not do their job, which as I recall, was to block madmen from ascending as he has done. Tradition is one when it is beneficial but maintaining archaic traditions that are detrimental to the present and the future is another completely. We must not only remove Trump and his entire corrupt administration from office but also the electoral college from our electoral process.
I just returned from twelve days camping in the Olympic Cascades. There was 4" of snow Saturday and I really didn't want to come back. More snow on the way so I really had no choice since my supplies were running low and there was no way I could get back to spot where I had been with the weather turning again, it had been almost 50 deg F during the day when I first arrived.
I get Seattle, Everett, plus Canadian stations so I had heard that Trump was appointing Bolton (sounds like some kinda tool company to me) so I too believe he's loosing it. The normally staid Canadian radio stations were pretty explicit about Trump and his made up numbers when speaking to Trudeau (the french language stations are often fun to listen to, but not so hot for the weather forecast).
It was so quiet, except on weekends when somebody was across the Dungeness River Valley firing off guns all day. Yesterday somebody was shooting off a gun while heavy snow was falling! That's not the worst I've seen, though. Once somebody shot off what sounded like an AK-47 in thick fog on Figueroa Mt near Santa Barbara. The Coulter pines there aren't as thick as the fir trees here. No way he could see what he was shooting unless it was right in front of him!
It was really nice to get away from hearing about the state of our society for a couple of weeks. I wish I could escape from the madness but it will have to be dealt with. I like the new radicals that are emerging from the Parkland killings. Times up!
7
Mr. Blow, you have been right on, in my view, about Trump all along and I keep wondering why so many other pundits give this scared little boy any legitimacy.
Wishful thinking, I suppose.
10
At this point it should be clear that Trump is a narcissist. Narcissists know no limits. In Trump's mind, the entire country and all its citizens are secondary to him. He is the Sun-king and every single thing revolves around him. He will literally stop at nothing to preserve himself. In effect, when Mueller inevitably corners him Trump will hold the country hostage. It will be like nothing the world has ever seen or experienced. At the least, he will figuratively go nuclear.
13
If this “man” (and I use that term loosely) cared in the slightest about the country, he would resign.
16
Why blame Trump for any of it. This is a democracy. I hate his supporters. The people both rich and poor who just resent intelligence and true leadership which doesn't involve lots of reality show moments, but actually is boring. Diplomacy is a long and boring process. But it works, preserving lives and economic capital. Blowing things up is quick easy and testosterone driven. Guess what we will be getting? Blame the voters with a little help from their friends in Russia.
5
Last time I checked, Congress was the branch of government that could declare war. Not Trump. I guess we can only hope that this weak-kneed Congress will stand up and vote down any wars. Someone has to force this #FakePresident to realize he's not really a dictator, much as he wants to be.
10
Our problem is not just Trump. Everyone knows he is sleazy, ignorant and a bully.
Half the country reels in horror and the other half loves it all.
And our Congressional leaders? The great GOP majority led by McConnell and Ryan have no plans to do anything of substance for the rest of 2018 except campaign for the midterm elections. Seems to me there is real work to do on so many issues but what do I know?
The real danger before us is the possibility of a real bullets, bombs and blood war that will be started by America at the urging of John Bolton and agreed to by Trump. The Congress could stop that possibility by exercising their appropriate power.
At this point in time I see no reason to believe that McConnell or Ryan would muster the Congress to do their constitutional duty and protect the nation. Of all the people in America these two cowards and selfish 'leaders' have done nothing but lay down before the Mad King and kiss his feet. We have to look at where the GOP money is. What donors and representatives stand to earn great profit from a war? Do the Koch Brothers okay a war? Where are the factories and plants and bases of the military industrial complex who will benefit from war?
The GOP Congress has made it clear that they have no intention of serving the will of the people who they represent. Their money determines the course of action. A selfish cabal who will destroy American lives.
20
Yes, yes, yes! Well said and all-too-true, Mr. Blow. The only point I would add is that Mr. Trump is a narcissist on the farthest, most extreme end of the continuum ... several standard deviations beyond the most severe cases. As such, the magnitude of his narcissistic rage will be equal to his pathology. When the global adoration that he demand and craves, and for which he has sold his soul, turns to undeniable, colossal failure, rejection and shame, he will happily take the whole world down with himself if at all possible. That will be his ultimate revenge on us all. And no one can really fathom the extent of the danger he poses until we live through it.
10
This must be said repeatedly. Just cutting Trump down to size - or out - won't cure the multitude who wanted Trump in the first place. They will couple with someone else similarly diseased In this country, there are plenty from whom to choose.
7
The problem I see with Ms. Daniels as an adversary is that she's intelligent, witty, and focussed; qualities which dry up and blow away in the wind that is Donald Trump.
There's simply no way to spar with someone who has neither shame nor honor.
However, the mini-corndogs strategy might just do the trick.
This is the most fun I've had since Henry Kissinger beat off a burglar by hitting him over the head with his Nobel Peace Prize.
2
Seabiscuit, the most prominent figure in 1939, might have had some oats to share about 'Man at War', a great champion in his own right, but it was the former, the little horse that took the Nation to great heights.
Trump is symptomatic of our Weakness: sloth, sloppiness and stupidity. If China thought we were a Nation of Barbarians before we elected him to Office, the Leader of this Superpower might be entitled to believe that we are certifiably insane. We are not, and I am taking the liberty on behalf of my Country to mention that Democracy has taken a pause. We are not in flight to Beijing and a reminder to keep an ongoing eye to the enhancement of water resources World-Wide.
Putin was right in suggesting that America lacked spine in his letter to the New York Times a few years ago, but he had enough brain not to test the stature of President Obama. In his article 'why smart people say dumb things', Michael Socolow reminds us to think before we use tools of modern technology to spout views from the roof-tops. This should be posted on the fridge here, and this American is not the sharpest blade in the drawer at the best of times. Orwell dislikes these sentences and was blunt in condemning them.
In the deck of friendship cards, Africa, Austria, Jamaica and Ireland; all feature highly. Watching a man self-destruct is sorrowful. Watching a man try to take the Country with him is Cause to say 'We cannot oblige you', so says The Statue of Liberty. Thank you, Mr. Blow.
4
Some people just want to watch the world burn. Our "president" is one of those people. First trade wars then real wars. A living example of the power of hate and evil. Call it like it is.
7
It is almost unbelievable that Americans. in total meaning Trump's base and the rest of us have tolerated Trump's inept circus this long while he fakes being POTUS. Even those most politically astute claim to not "get it." I can't fathom it being anything other than selfishness and extremism. Those still aligned with Trump can't or won't give hi, up which for them would be like turning their backs on him (like he has given them so much). He has given much to the wealthy who are far outnumbered by the 97% of Americans who are not. If this is the result of some entertainment factor, it does appear that it is going to get very serious shortly. I agree that Trump is itching for a war. Why not? It will make money for his wealthy cronies and no one he knows will get hurt while all of the attention turns elsewhere from his scandals, incompetence and Russia.
I don't want to believe it but there is a saying that you get the leadership you deserve. For this travesty of a government to have been upheld this long and turned the nation back so far internally and externally give credence to the saying. With the confusion already experienced, if Americans let Trump start a war without a house cleaning about Russia that has done much more against the US than any other nation(s) presently-- we are all fools. We will all stand to blame for ruining this country and our children's future.
God help us!
2
I am a Republican (though I did not vote for Trump). If you Democrats really have the goods on Trump, please impeach him and remove him from office. No one would be happier than me. But so far, what you focus on borders on the ridiculous. The reason we have seen no evidence of collusion between the Trump circle and the Russian government is because the idea is absurd. We are to believe that the bumbling buffoon Donald Trump actually outwitted the entire American intelligence community in conspiring with the Russians to steal an American election. We are to believe that Russian trolls spending a few hundred thousand dollars on Facebook adds really matters. We are to believe that anyone in the country changed their vote because of the Russians. If you want to legitimately impeach Trump look elsewhere, such as the emoluments clause or some of bigoted things he utters or some of his erratic behavior. The misdemeanors in "high crimes and misdemeanors" meant misconduct (not necessarily a crime). The idea is that a president might do something gravely wrong that is not a crime, but still warrants his removal. I do not recommend that you try to catch him in some type of perjury or obstruction trap where there is no underlying offense. People will not buy it. You Democrats all need to come to grips with the fact that Trump legitimately beat Clinton, and focus on everything else that is wrong with him.
4
DT did not win by way of his personally inspired brilliant campaign; it took a village.
It is reported, "Michigan. In Michigan, where Bloomberg Businessweek quoted a Trump campaign official in October saying they had a three-pronged voter-suppression campaign in operation, the voter-ID law and overly conservative interpretations of it (many voters were not told they could sign an affidavit if they lacked acceptable ID) clearly discouraged many voters. Michigan is another Crosscheck state, where 500,000 “potential duplicates” were found, and at least 55,000 voters were taken off the rolls as a result. Michigan is also another state where a recount was cut short, even though large numbers of ballots in the Detroit area were “spoiled” when machines failed to read them properly, though the voter’s intent was clear on examination. All this had a cumulative impact that likely exceeded Trump’s 11,000-vote margin."
2
"Democrats" (which should read "all patriotic Americans") don't have all the goods on Trump and his campaign because the free press, as diligent as it is, cannot access all the records and testimony that the special counsel can. I am content to wait on Mueller's report to judge his and his cronies' involvement with Russians and campaign collusion. We can tell from Trump's actions and words that his anxiety is more about his business dealings than anything else, which can compromise his foreign policy actions and national security. I personally do not want to "get" Trump simply because he won the election. I want honest and accountable government.
The only reason that Trump beat Clinton is because of an archaic institution, the Electoral College, manipulated by unregulated citizens united money controlled by the Koch brothers and others of that ilk. This was hardly a free and fair election. To think that it was, one would have to be voluntarily blind. Are you? The reality however is that this menace currently sits in the Oval Office and must be dislodged. Let's hope that the Democrats in Congress can find a way to overcome Republican obstruction and get rid of this problem. The step after that is re-educating the third of America that still believes at this jerk should be our jerk. Good luck to all of us with that.
The biggest news story in Australia right now is that our test cricket captain has admitted to concocting a scheme to tamper with the ball in the just completed match against South Africa. Much of the nation's in a state of shock.
Real news of no real consequence from the real enlightened and free world.
In peace sport is war. May Earth be at peace. May sport be played.
May Earth be at peace? May sport be played? Mr Trump?
2
Agree here that Trump is cornered by the investigation of Mueller and is in a war mode. But it's not new. This is Donald the disordered narcissistic who has gone through his adult life like this. He hasn't changed but just has more exposure, a bigger playpen so to speak from which to tantrum.
8
I never liked Reagan or GW Bush, but in their way they tried to up hold the dignity of the presidency. GW was a fool who surrounded himself with those who did not know the effects of their policies and he took their advice to the detriment of our country, but in the end he was not a criminal as much as some people would portray him as one. This is not to excuse their actions or policies.
But Trump is another kettle of fish. His vindictiveness is personal and has nothing to do with policies which consist only of what the next person tells him. He has no comprehension of the dignity of his office reducing it to venal tweets and endless personal attacks. Trump has only one source of information FOX news which has become his outlet such as it is to a reactionary world. We would laugh at him if he did not have his finger on the nuclear trigger. Only losers such as Trump take no responsibility for anything.
There is no talking to this man or his followers who view him as transcending any sense of morality. Even Mike Pence with all his neo con evangelical flaws might be safer than this loose cannon of a president. To look back to GW in nostalgia really tells me how far this country has fallen.
7
Mueller is a friend on mine
He'll dissemble trumpenstein
When we see the evidence
We'll be stuck with VP Pence.
1
Short of WWIII, I don’t know what further proof Congress needs this “president” is irredeemable.
5
I do wish Trump meets with Kim Jong un. I guarantee Kim Jong he will come out as the smart one and Trump will look like a fool because in Trump’s words what does Kim Jong has to lose.
Kim knows how to play with Trump and he certainly will play with him and come out on top.
2
Unhappy? There is a way out.
Voting is the only way. Please, don't sit,/stay at home in November.
Get out and bring all the registered voters 18 years old+ with you to the polls.
2
Don’t wait until November. Donate to anyone with a D after their name, write and call your congressional leaders. Stay engaged.
Trump, a real and present danger, is a very disturbing and highly annoying mutant "leader," and the perp of frauds that, presently, cannot quite be proven in a court of law. Perhaps Mueller and Co. might be speedier to that end. If this is chess, the king should be checkmated at once. Given a few pieces in NYT this morning, our SURVIVAL depends on it. Perhaps that is no hyperbole.
Trump's perverse, off-putting qualities are evident every time he moves his lips or looks at a camera. Which is more bizarre: that he is president, or that the system enabled him to grab the office? That said, it's not clear that he is the sole top dog of the government. The overlapping messes of Iran and the entire Middle East have been festering for decades. It has been under obsessive scrutiny by the Biblical Armageddon crowd in this country for 70 or more years. Suddenly, Trump is going to resolve it? That's impossible with the present cast, and surely not with bombs. By any objective measure, these are multiple, grievous and perhaps suicidal self-inflicted wounds; it will require many courageous souls to concede that before any TRUE PROGRESS is made. Mr. Blow and millions of others see clearly that Trump has no such quality. At the exact time we need a steady hand, he is an arrogant anti-intellect, lacking a moral compass and being goaded by many parties, and many of them with a sub rosa agenda. Like the Trump presidency should have been, this war will be entirely avoidable.
Everyone needs to watch “You’ve Been Trumped,” (available on Amazon) an excellent documentary and predictor of what this horrifying man would reap upon this nation. He poisons everything he touches.
2
November feels frighteningly far in the future...
8
"He who knows not he knows not is a fool, shun him."
Thus said Omar Khayyam many centuries ago. And as evidence to that adage, we now see a long line of lawyers refusing to represent Trump. Essentially they are shunning him.
Trump is a wounded animal. And like wounded animals, he'll do anything and everything to survive. That makes the situation downright scary. Trump is truly a man at war on many fronts. Let's hope he does not go to a real war with Iran or North Korea. That would be an unmitigated disaster.
3
To: Mr. Blow, Haass:
Thank you for the observations. You have description of what is occurring, and descriptive explanations (e.g., "he has no strategy.")
Fine.
But, why is this happening? Metaphorically speaking, why is half of America at a carefully curated museum, slashing rare paintings, breaking down fine sculpture, and undoing everything civic, civil, just, and good? Why does half of America want a white christian Norway filled with guns with everyone else subdued and behind barbed wire if not behind bars, at war with everyone?
I'll venture: because one too many white Americans are feeling unjustly denied of their rights to rule, own, and do as they please by the wrong crowd. They found Obama's regime "oppressive," and Trump less corrupt and more honest than Hillary. What that means is, half of American voters have plain lost their mind, and have gone full blown Taliban.
No one can talk to them. They just want to be on the throne, with me and you gone. Even mainstream right wing is now paranoid, devoid of principal, and hungering for power at all costs.
So, why are they in charge of everything local, state, and nation? Because the left would rather come out for a rally, play their role as victims, than vote. Because the leadership in the center and left has no fiber, no spine, no strategy, suffers from terminal obsequiousness, and wants to build common ground. Not energize the base and get them to vote.
Kalidan
2
You’re wrong—-many of us vote, donate our time and even reach out to get others engaged. The Democrats are not why these ignorant racist folks are the way they are—history and a system that continues to favor white people is how we got here.
November feels frighteningly far in the future...
1
No exit. Donald Trump has entered the presidential twilight zone where there is no escape. No reality. His paranoia is increasing. He's desperate. His actions are more unpredictable. His rants via his tweets are inchoate. Like some caged animal he's become more dangerous. He's unhinged and out of control. The scenario is bleak for him and us. We are wasting precious time to wait for the magic bullet from Mueller. Congress needs to act now. The alarms have gone off in the White House.
3
Trump is a man who has always lived in a fantasy world. He used his money to create a safe, secure world in which his ideas were always the best, his decision were always right, every women wanted him, every man feared him, etc. etc. But his money can't block out reality now. I agree that a sense of panic is setting in and I too fear what he will do as the world closes in.
2
Sometimes I get the sinking feeling that there’s a method to Trumps madness, that said I’m not sure he understands just where he wants to be past tomorrow.
Looking objectively at his Presidency and the fact he has been able to maintain his base the concern I believe is what if he can grow his base slowly with those jaded tweets where does this lead us. Some are just pleased with his style but don’t have a clue for its hair trigger consequences.
Trump has now surrounded himself with men who are advocating for war with North Korea and/or Iran. These men, typified by John Bolton, believe that a strong America should impose its will on the world at the end of a gun.
I would be just like Trump, a chickenhawk of the first order, to start an unnecessary war in order to divert attention from his many political and legal problems. He now has the people in place who would provide backing for just such a move.
And once again, America's finest young men and women will be required to put their lives in harm's way to feed some politician's personal needs. It has happened before (see Iraq). It could happen again.
Now is the time for all rational Americans to let their elected representatives know that they will not support a war fought only to divert public attention from the President's problems. And that if the President does start such a war, he will not get off unpunished, as his predecessors did.
13
We, the American people, brought this all on ourselves. In 2003, another president took the country to war, not for national security reasons or to defend America's freedom, but to cement his chances for re-election the following year. Never before has America voted out a commander in chief during a conflict so early in it's infancy.
And, so, here we are again. Is it any surprise? Every elected president wants to be re-elected, and if the American people are going to send the message that taking the the country to war almost guarantees the president the prospect of re-election, what incentive is there to avoid war at all cost?
Even Nancy Pelosi passed up the opportunity to exact a price from George W. Bush in 2007, choosing not to pursue impeachment after House Democrats secured a majority several months earlier.
Why should Donald Trump expect things to be any different this time?
10
More than seeing Trump impeached, I’m looking forward to seeing him, he family, and associates led away in handcuffs.
18
Donald Trump is using the threat of wars and causing fear and anxiety in the American people because he needs a good cover-up for his ongoing corruption.
9
A shooting war with either Iran or North Korea means a war with nuclear powers. And that is unthinkable. One estimate of a war with North Korea: a million dead within hours -- and the capital of South Korea obliterated. And Iran's first target for its missiles is Israel. How did we get here? There must be a way to stop this man from starting a war because Robert Mueller is closing in on him.
15
It's called impeachment.
1
There will not be a war unless the press forces it. One minute they complain about Trump having a relationship with Putin or meeting with the North Koreans and the next they worry about war with these people. Which is it going to be?
So let me get this straight. Newspaper reporters will start a nuclear conflict. Is this your theory?
An impetuous, insecure and delusional man, trapped in the slow but inexorable wreckage of his schemes, lacking any moral compass, presents a terrifying threat to us and to the world.
This does not end well.
19
Trump is playing a movie in his own mind, a long epic about a debonair guy, real estate genius, people's choice politician, leader whose moment has arrived. He is Howard Hughes, Winston Churchill, even Robert Mueller, in his foggy confusion between reality and Hollywood. His own inadequacy is twisted into reflections of glory in tawdry funhouse mirrors. We need a good book about how Hollywood bakes the brains of insecure inadequate men.
17
The point is missed here. The reason Mr. Trump was elected was that the Democrats put forth an un-electable candidate who did not represent Democrats. He was an un-analyzed alternative to one who would do far worse to the Democratic base than he would. How sad it is to say the he was the better choice. How pathetic is it so recall that Democrats in positions of authority lectured us the unwashed that it was our "duty" to vote for Mrs. Clinton. Thankfully, Mrs. Wasserman Schultz was run off and Mrs. Clinton is relegated to history.
4
And all that voted for this abomination will deny it when he is impeached. Problem?? We know who you are. You’ve left a nasty trail—and we won’t let you forget .
He was the better choice? U r only fooling yourself.
Go ahead -- impeach him. Mr. Pence is infinitely more adept at destroying the middle class than Mr. Trump. Then you will know who you are yourself, and you won't let yourself forget.
I keep asking myself "is this what Trump voters really expected?" Unfortunately the answer at least as it's expressed through his GOP base in Washington is "yes."
Maybe McConnell and Ryan didn't bargain for Trump's crudeness and irascibility, but from a policy standpoint they are practically in lock step with this mad man.
And therein lies the real problem. Whether its abortion or gun control, tax breaks for the wealthy and continued mass incarceration, trades wars or real shooting wars, the GOP is on board with most if not all of what Trump represents.
While some seek to heal this divide, I can't reconcile with people who have such an anti-people stance on every major issue. Certainly some Trump voters aren't as hard line as the GOP leadership is, but they have been given an all or nothing option, as have the rest of us.
For the rest of us, the GOP had made it clear. The minority party and the people that voted for them have no rights that the GOP is bound to respect. We are in a literal fight for our lives and the sooner the Democrats realize this the better off we'll be.
339
I don't think the core Trump voter who is still with him is much of a reader or keeps up with current events....or even worse, gets their news from the RWNJ fringe organizations like Fox, Limbaugh, Breitbart, InfoWars, etc. They are woefully ignorant.
2
You are mistaken, sir. The Democrats were the majority party. It was only because of the Electoral College that Trump and the Republicans won.
1
I'm pretty young wasn't born until February 1956. So I was advised by my elders who had lived through both world wars and the great depression. They liked FDR type Democrats. My dad who was shot down over France, ratted out while hiding to escape to Portugal then captured by the Germans, hated war and its brutality. My grandfather fought in WWI, lost a business in the depression and was so proud of the USA overcoming those tragedies, hated war also. So I've got to say I vote for folks who will help the common person. That has never been a Republican. They can't get enough votes without cheating it seems. So we must vote the bums out and work for peace and sanity. Of course there may be more complications and intricacies I don't account for, but to start trying to take an appropriate first step sure would be better than trump.
5
Clearly he finds himself in a place far beyond his ability to fake his way through life. It worked for a while in commercial real estate, although I wouldn't invest a penny with him. His mixture of bluster and parroting TV journalists sure ain't working for him now.
During the dotcom boom I had a friend who read "Red Herring" magazine and touted whatever ideas appeared on it. He made a lot of money immediately before his company stock went to zero, but he got out intact with a "cashless collar". Too bad that investment bankers offer no way for Trump to lock in his electoral margin!
Trump's chief economic advisor, Larry "wrong about everything" Kudlow, said the following the other day:
"He [Trump] goes on gut instinct, and he's always right on economics and trade, and my job is to provide the analytics to prove he's right."
The "purge" that's underway in the White House is to find people who will cook up whatever it takes to feed Trump's "gut". It's anybody's guess what the unhinged, but well-fed, damaged psyche of Donald Trump will unleash upon the world.
12
I agree with Charles Blow. The roller coaster ride of "Breaking News" last week is a clear sign that Trump is consumed with rage and fear. He is like the cornered, rabid animal whose only goal is self-preservation and whose only way out is to attack. And yet, we have Republicans in Congress who refuse to acknowledge this and to act in the name of saving our country from this president who is dangerously leading our country into ruin. If we can last the seven months until November elections, it will be the voters who will show courage and take action to remove Trump and the cowards in Congress from office.
13
"...he is in an existential fight for his own survival." I might have said "...the survival of his ego."
2
I might have said either of the following and avoided redundancy:
He is in a fight for his own survival.
He is in an existential struggle.
Trump will start a war to try and save his presidency. His calculus will be : "You don't want to get rid of me while we are at war, do you?". Why, yes we will.
5
Absolutely what I've been thinking. This is a dire warning to all who have any power to stop Trump going to war to distract the country and the world from his demise! DANGER!
5
Impeachment (and the continuing Mueller investigation) are almost the worst options for the country. We have to think about where we will be as a country after trump.
Both the Muller investigation and possible impeachment leave the country bitterly divided. They bring out the worst of both the left and the right. The left wants to "bring him to justice" (whatever that would mean- think of the old saying about wrestling with pigs), which will not happen as it will be a political decision in the senate, not a matter of the evidence. Meanwhile the right is incensed by the unfair treatment of their duly elected president and it feeds their sense of agrieved-ness and resentment, as well as their belief that Washington and government in general are absolutely corrupt.
It would be far better for the country in the long run if we allow trump to continue his self destructive rein, resulting in him being overwhelmingly rejected at the ballot box. Even some of the true believers will start to tire of him over time.
4
We have no choice right now—but one must have principles. Where are yours?
Mr. Trump knows the walls are starting to close in. I'm reminded of "Wag the Dog". What will this desperate man do to distract from his short comings? The summer primaries will give the Republican party their first glimpse of how bad November will be.
During the campaign, Trump fooled so many into thinking he was a major business star. As most NYers knew, that was not true. Despite all the publicity, the Trump Organization was pretty much run like a bad Mom & Pop company. Seeing how he fooled so many, I thought that we needed to do a better job funding education. We need to teach critical thinking. What is fact vs opinion. Unfortunately, that's not in the Republican party's interest. If you get a chance read today's NYT Opinion piece on college education.
4
Give Clifford the equivalent of The Order of Lenin if her sordid revelations bring down this horrendous administration.
Trump the draft-evading tough guy. Isn't that always the way?
5
Trump/Bolton and Bush/Cheney compensating for their inadequacies by going to unnecessary, unfunded wars. Bolton is Yosemite Sam with a nasty personality, a vicious warmonger, nothing more. Now there is a real danger of a nuclear confrontation. Congress is on vacation even when in DC. Too much now riding on Mueller. The marches this weekend my end up waking voters up so that they will actually vote. D's are in a clear majority and I's have to see the light some time. R's seem lost in the whiteness of their being.
Read Sunday's Doonesbury cartoon. Seems to show a lot of truth re: trumpet.
2
Their may be a plan for orderly chaos to divert us from Trump's scandals.
The neofascists in the White House suffered a temporary setback when Bannon left. Now with Bolton, Pompeo and Miller running the foreign policy show, we have a resurrected and more aggressive neocon and fascist leaning group capable of unleashing world wide havoc. Trump thrives on havoc. The question is will Trump now part ways with Putin to prove only he can create havoc on an international scale. Like many others, Putin has served a purpose for Trump and may no longer be useful. Any threats of blackmail may have been neutralized by US intelligence gathering of worse dirt about Putin. Syria, Afghanistan, and North Korea are flash points where the end of the Trump/ Putin bromance may lead to horrific consequences. Plus there is an impending trade and economic war with China,
Bolton and the neofascists in the White House would love to precipitate a war to burnish their credentials as hawks and anti-communists. Trump would thrive on the ensuing chaos and attention as a diversion from the Mueller investigation.
2
"While pundits mull whether the cloud of chaos Trump keeps swirling around him is simple incompetence or strategic plotting..."
I just had a Peanuts flashback: Pigpen shuffling about, thumb planted firmly in mouth and his security blanket in tow, all enveloped in a cloud of dust.
Trump's version is more like ranting and raging at the television, thumbs ablaze on his phone's keyboard, personal-defense lawyers as security blankets, all enveloped in a cloud of conspiracy, deceit, corruption, malfeasance, and Constitutional sloppiness and contempt.
I'd rather have Pigpen in the White House, personally.
Trump has always been a bully. In his generation being sent to a military school was to instill more discipline or in response to some behavioral problem. Using his money and legal resources to threaten people was often accompanied by verbal threats. Who knows if any were acted on, or how many were.
In his current paranoid war mentality, his saner allies disappear-- economic advisers, national security advisers, diplomatic advisers, legal advisers. His shrinking circle of sycophants, family, white nationalists, and conspiracy adherents join with the chorus of hallelujahs from Fox.
The world becomes more threatening to him. Investigations, women from his past, polls documenting historic levels of unpopularity, and actual events he cannot understand or deal with all assault him.
These are dangerous times for the country due entirely to the unstable, unfit man who spends most of his time hiding at his resorts. The Republican Party and the evangelicals will never recover their souls after they sold out America to get this grotesque travesty in the White House.
5
What is really scary is about all this is you now have in Trump and Bolton people whose view of the world is basically "bomb 'em all into the stone age", with this idea of the US militarily that hasn't been seen since before Vietnam, that we are a superpower and we can simply wipe out any problems using the military, and I am sure his base believes that. The only sane person left is probably Mattis as DOD, but how much influence he will have with a president and a national security advisor who never served in the military and are about as interested in consequences as Stalin was in WWII is not a good scenario.
4
No matter how raging, blind and feral, the question still rings out to all the world: Who can stop this animal?
6
Trump tweeting and talking about and to people is not fighting any war. And Trump threatening to fire and firing people is not going to war.
While Trump's fear of and gratitude to Vladimir Putin is surrender of his solemn sworn oath to faithfully execute to the duties of his office while preserving, protecting and defending the Constitution which is defeat in the only war that matters.
If Trump fires Mueller and pardons his family and friends then he will be done politically by either resignation or impeachment and conviction.
If Trump discloses to the American people his personal and family income tax returns and business records then we would know the motivation behind his trade disputes with China and others.
If Trump decides to go to war with Iran and/or North Korea it will be the Iranian and Korean people who suffer the most. Along with the 0.75% of Americans who have volunteered to serve in the military since 9/11/01.
If Trump decides to let his ignorant, incompetent and unethical lawyers to continue to litigate against the three ladies then the number of women will grow.
If Trump can't go on vacation a third of his time while limiting most of his 'work' to watching Fox News then he might have to retire from exhaustion.
5
When trump wonders around the White House at night. muttering to himself, is there a Henry Kissinger type to talk him down from some truly horrendous decision? Is there someone who will call Strategic Command and tell them to disregard an illegal order coming from trump? I don't think so.
This is a person who beyond a shadow of a doubt should not be in the office he inhabits. We as a nation must insist our Congress act to remove trump as soon as possible.
4
The scary part is that whenever someone is backed into a corner, they react, at most times in a violent way. This is happening to Trump and he is working to make it happen to Kim. How soon can we rid ourselves of Trump this menace to the world?
1
Preemptive war: the classic move of tyrants, especially insecure, wannabe tyrants. Mr. Blow is right about that. Pump up visions of the external threat. Bolton is the right guy for that job, Then, Trump can don his super-hero cape because he's the only one who can save us (from the mess he created). Of course, we won't hear about that last part. Cue the M1 Abrams tanks on Pennsylvania Ave.
3
I am 59 years old and as scared as I’ve ever been.
1
Thank you for this piece. It points out the danger of having someone as unstable, as needy, and as insecure as Mr. Trump is, in a position of such immense power. Those of us who watched with horror as Donald J Trump became President of the United States in 2016, are now watching with an equal amount of horror as he becomes more and more desperate to be validated, and more and more unstable. It's familiar territory that most of us recognize from childhood, and probably never expected to see in the White House! Trump reminds us of the bully lashing out at the world. The bad thing here is that the bully has access to the nuclear codes. Let's hope our elected officials can put aside their self interested gamesmanship, and get rid of this arrogant grifter before he does further damage to our lives and our country.
2
We watched the 60 minutes segment last night. My partner remarked, we live in a crazy world, this is crazy, its crazy. From nowhere I was reminded, Be in the world but not of the world. Then you won't feel the craziness, you will simply witness it.
1
This Trump/Pence fiasco is demoralizing to anyone who actually thinks! They both need to go. The situation is more desperate by the day. Trump surrounds himself with like-minded people - why would anyone with a moral compass want to have "served in the Trump/Pence administration" on their resume'?
Of course, it is so "standard-practice"! When politicians are in trouble, they create different fronts to draw attention away. It was the reason why I thought the trade wars were merely for shows. Having said that, China and other countries must follow his playbooks. The "world order" created by elites are being disrupted by a reckless king. Even NK got the message. The most ironic thing will be his Noble Peace Prize speech. He and Mr. Kim are heading to Norway! Yes, Trump is not a normal president. But the world is a crazy place. Humanity is merely lip-service. Trump didn't start the fire. Homo sapiens is very good at self-destruction and is heading to extinction. Maybe it is all in our selfish genes. It is quite sad to have such an imperfect product after millions of years of evolution.
The majority of the popular minority who voted for Trump knew exactly who and what they were voting for and a minority of that minority did not care so long as there was an "R" next to the name. Trump is a product of electoral politics and Republican cynicism and it all worked because a majority of the voters in this country in key states did not do their jobs. Trump is an object lesson in the failures of democracy and at this point the tippimg point has been reached.
To Mr. Blow's point, Trump has no particular method in his madness except where his narcissistic itching leads him. Yes, in his fear of impeachment he can start a war, economic catastrophe or some other deflecting apocalyptic event. No, there will probably not be anyone willing to stop him before it is too late. And yes, this is ultimately America's fault for allowing Trump to be elected. There is no good ending to this story.
1
For a narcissist like Trump, there is no difference between "spin" and content. They don't understand content, or as George Will wrote about Trump, "he doesn't even know what it is to know something." So for him, hiring a Fox personality as an economic advisor makes sense. Lying comes easy because there is no actual truth, only a range of alternative facts. Narcissists live in the moment, so you can change your factoid de jour whenever convenient.
1
There is a considerable body of informed thought that North Korea already has the capacity to “hit us”. Bolton and his ilk will downplay that risk, just like Bush 2’s minions overstated (to put it kindly) the likelihood that Saddam had biological weaponry. The combination of Trumps’s evolving trade war with China and his chaotic dealings with Iran and North Korea has a repeat of the genesis of World War One written all over it. It will only take one miscalculation or misinterpreted action to cause things to spiral out of control unbelievably quickly.
3
Insecurity has no boundaries, it festers in both poor and wealthy. Insecurity, and the notion that the world is against them, is what fosters many mass shootings in this country. The problem when a wealthy man is insecure, is the level of damage that he can inflict upon a world he sees as being against him. To Trump, that is just about everyone at some point in time. Be very afraid of what this overly sensitive, insecure, vindictive, bully is capable of -- if no one is willing to reel him in.
We all know of two persons Mr Trump has so far not attacked: Mr Putin and Mrs Clifford. The most likely reason for that unusual behaviour is that each of these two person holds something on Mr Trump.
2
The megalomaniac in the White House is being aided and abetted by congressional Republicans who seem to have sworn allegiance to their cherished political agenda while winking instead of wincing at Trump's increasingly troublesome behavior and decisions. Their passivity and silence stand in stark contrast to their contemptuous nit-picking of everything Obama said, did or proposed. Their willingness to serve as handmaidens to an out-of-control president contrasts with their defiant obstruction to every initiative by Obama. I anxiously await the moment when they will join McCain and Flake in denouncing the most perilous man to occupy the nation's highest office in memory.
1
You know there is something very wrong when the adults can not take care of their children and they have to fend for themselves.
Trump thinks we wouldn't change presidents in the middle of a conflict.
He's wrong again.
2
“opting to listen rather than read” the only part of this essay I take issue with. Yes, he does not read, but he doesn’t really listen much. He does manage to hear but it is mostly what reflects his basest instincts.
1
Be it Iran or North Korea, a war a la Iraq II would be so devastating that I hope real republicans will wake up and stop it. But I would not bet the farm on it.
1
There is an alternative route for this Fake President to take: Quit, as a result of heightened pressure and continuous convincing from his family, who have a huge financial stake in the saving of the Trump Organization. "Deal" a resignation from the Presidency in exchange for the preservation of some of his business interests and the avoidance of jail time for himself and those family members, coupled with his cooperation in the Mueller Investigation including providing testimonial evidence against its criminal defendants.
Being an essential bully, when presented with the dire prospects of impeachment, conviction, and removal from office in Round 1., to be followed by indictment, conviction, and incarceration in Round 2., the narcissistic Coward-in-Chief will look for the exits.
Dear Leader's agenda: find deep-pocketed billionaires, find what they want changed or blown up in terms of regulations, and do so, via appointment of such sycophants, direct action when he can, and public bullying whenever possible. He has to look strong doing it, and won't be confused with facts or experts. Saving his own hide is job one.
1
If it is true that the president follows his gut after watching Fox News in the morning and policy is being set by talk show pundits, well, that’s a pretty scary thought.
1
President Trump is prisoned by his own power, his panic and the grip of desperation. He is a real and present danger to our country as he uses his power as shield and buckler against his nemesis, reality. Trump's astounding ignorance and arrogance have brought us to the cusp of chaos - in our government, in our malign cyber hinge of history - to civil and actual war among ourselves and against friendly and unfriendly nations. Only by unseating this quasi-Ozymsandias, will America have a chance to regain its honour and preeminence in the world order. There is no respect left for our President and his 45th American presidency. We are hoping agaist hope that impeachment prodeedings will be soon be in the offing against the most execrable president ever to have been elected by our experiment in democracy.
1
Silence from family members speaks volumes. Trump will get his war to save his presidency and it will destroy America. America does not want wars.
Get ready for horrors: waving the bloody shirt, the flag, fifth columns ("deep state"), purges, loyalty tests, and war. Trump knows that a war is the surest way to shut down Mueller: how can the commander-in-chief lead the war effort if he is distracted?
The only bright spot I can foresee is the spectacle of Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan kneeling and vying to be the first to kiss Trump's ring.
Trump's "severely compromised and restrained intellect" was appropriately skewered in this Sunday's Doonesbury cartoon where White House aids were asking Fox Newscasters to read the Daily Briefing aloud and also to remind the President of his upcoming dentist appointment.
1
To characterize Stormy Daniels as a 'war' is pure hyperbole. Lots of conjecture about war with North Korea or Iran but nothing to substantiate those claims. Even the Democrats were against the Trans-Pacific Trade agreement (TPSEP) during the 2016 election. Trump's chaotic management style is in full display and he's completely out of his league but voters in 2016 knew full well he had zero experience governing. No one should be too surprised with the turn of events in the last 14 months. You voted for the circus, now enjoy the show.
59
I didn't vote for Trump, nor did I split the vote, and I certainly did not vote for the circus. I voted for the one who won the popular vote.
Only those who voted for him are enjoying the circus, and they're enjoying it because they have no understanding of how government works and how bad it will turn out for them..
14
A majority in this country (myself included) did not vote for this clown.
10
One problem with your reasoning is that the majority of people didn't vote for the circus.
7
Trump doesn't get it. Even if his bullying tactics (e.g., trade deals) are at all "successful," this is not the way most Americans want to do business, let alone how we want to treat our allies. His social model - does Trump have any real friends? - is not what we want as a country. Integrity and values matter.
10
When Bush declared war against Iraq, the American people were energized though blinded by 9/11. I suspect that Trump's declaration of war against Iran when we have an effective truce with them will generate demonstrations that will make the Youth Marches look tiny. That Trump would use our military to distract us for his own political gain is not something the bulk of the American people will stand for especially when it means possible nuclear destruction and the deaths of their military children who are often these days minorities and the disadvantaged. Trump may find that he has gone a step to far and Vietnam anti war demonstrations will look like picnics.
9
Suggestion: bring back the draft. Its too easy for us to ignore the wars we are already fighting because the burden of killing and dying is borne unequally. And eliminate draftdodger loopholes: bone spurs etc.
Those pundits I've seen on TV talking about Trump's new "confidence" are seeing what they want to see, but what I'm viewing is a man out of his depth who has been thrashing like a hooked tuna ever since he took office, and is becoming more desperate as the hook sinks deeper. We can only hope he isn't close to the nuclear button when Mueller calls him in.
10
Nice note of optimism at the end there, Mr. Blow. However, I am far less confident about Trump's inevitable demise. It is increasingly clear that he is planning to manufacture the ultimate "distraction" by starting a war - possibly using nuclear weapons - sometime soon, certainly before the midterm elections in November. He believes it would improve his personal approval "ratings" and, therefore, potentially save his political life. Sadly, he was already encouraged when he launched a missile strike in Syria early in his "administration," which was his way of testing the waters of public approval. When it was largely "applauded," he was given a green light for more bellicose behavior. John Bolton's appointment as National "Security" Advisor is just what he will need for political cover: When the full catastrophe begins to unfold, he will just blame it on Bolton.
Could anyone be so morally bankrupt and insane? Of course. His name is Trump. The writing is on the wall for everyone to see.
27
And now his infatuation with John Bolton. This combo will bring an instant macho foreign policy. Bolton backed the Iraq invasion as early as 1998, when he signed a letter from the cult known as The Project for a New American Century.
His former colleagues in the Bush era describe Bolton as screaming red with anger in dealing with intelligence analysts who disagreed with him.
He demanded they be reassigned. Trump shares the same disdain for our intelligence agencies.
This doesn't bode well now, with Bolton's recent sabre rattling with NK and Iran on pre-emptive strikes. And Trump's own level of persuasion by Fox News performers. Here's an admission by Bolton the Iraq War was for actually all about oil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbpKKOEnAE
40
A man who shows no empathy or emotion for his wife and children, who is out philandering even as his wife is recovering from their birth, is not a man at all. He is disconnected from the primal self, that which has allowed civilizations to survive and thrive. Family. Trump is the nowhere man who is fast becoming the man with nowhere to run. A dangerous situation for the rest of us, a President with nothing to lose.
69
@ Brucer, unfortunately Trump had a lot of "emotion" toward one of his children, the one he would most certainly have tried to "date" were she not his daughter.
2
Sadly, true. One of the many things about this President I would like to not think about, but are now part of American history. How will history remember him, and by association us, for letting this disaster unfold? Numb citizens need to become engaged citizens. Follow and support the children's and women's crusades.
1
Oh, but he has much to lose.
Trump stands to lose his wife and child.
Trump stands to lose the office of president.
Trump stands to lose the illusion that he is rich and powerful.
Trump stands to lose his patron, Vladimir Putin.
Trump stands to lose any semblance of a reputation among his followers.
Trump stands to lose his freedom.
In short, Trump stands to lose everything. THAT is why he is so dangerous.
The spending bill signed on Friday by the mad king includes 700 billions for the Pentagon. This is more than 1/2 of the 1.3 trillion in the bill. We are ramping up the already big war machine. Are we going to attack some distant country in Asia again? Soon? Most likely yes! The propaganda machine will increase the talk about horrible threats to our country by foreign enemies, whoever they are and all we’ll have to do is pick an order of attacking sequence. I do not treat the scandals surrounding the president as a distraction as so much as a huge waterfall of garbage that has been picked by a tornado that originated in Trumpland and been spread over the entire country. A large enough group of our fellow Americans wants change that results in wrecking the country and some of the world and Trump is the vehicle for this. Good news is that the voices of normal are now louder, but they might be the once coming from the surviving safety boats of the already sunk Titanic. The November elections are rays of hope, but not a guarantee for avoiding tragedy. The Trump team of deaf eaters is getting stronger and more vocal. So far we and the rest of humanity are losing from the bad guis here at home and abroad. The world is getting more vengeful and intolerant because of elected powerful officials in numerous big and small countries who want to go back to the dark ages. Every day I wonder are we living in year 1913 or 1933?
I hope one day soon to weak up in 2018. Resist, endure and vote!
20
Defense spending has chewed up most of the national budget for the sixty years of my political life.
This is nothing new.
Nor is it extraordinary given our position as a political power in the world.
Your argument is based on the same straw man that is trotted out every year at this time.
I would suggest that you should be pleased that we actually have a budget in as much as Harry Reid and the Senate Democrats were unwilling to approve of one during most of Obama tenure.
At least the public knows what the priorities of the nation might be as opposed of never knowing the true pictures of how government was spending our ever ballooning taxes
The vast participation in the great number of worldwide demonstrations for "March For Our Lives" should give Trump and Bolton some second thoughts when it comes to the possible promotion of war-making of any kind.
They haven't seen anything yet ..... as the world at large will erupt and demonstrate their fierce and negative reaction to any war thinking and promotion that might occur in the Oval Office.
The protest march genie is out of the bottle and all promoters of war will be quickly put on notice to stand down.
I doubt very much that our military forces will support Trump and Bolton in any military escapades, if these two firebrands get out of hand.
Trump has fired more than one military general and he has barked up the wrong tree in this regard.
Will the American people support a defiant military reaction against Trump and Bolton. You betcha!!
Since maybe a military coup d'etat is the only answer.
Lock 'em up in the nearest Brig and throw away the key.
Voila!
25
I'm hoping everyday since November 2016 that at least a good portion of our police force and military are on OUR side and help defend us in the revolution/civil war to come. I know likely many of them will defend these intruders/treasonist/traiterous/terrorists who currently occupy our government, but surely there are some on the side of democracy?
Surely, Trump's attitude is that if he goes down, he's taking everyone with him. This includes the entire country. Trump will leave America in a bigger mess than the one that W left us to clean up. It might even include nuclear fallout.
29
Nothing distracts from scandal like a good war. Be ready for Trump to escalate tensions with North Korea or Iran (but not Russia - a bully never picks on the biggest guy in the room). War will make Trump feel like a man and is the surest way to make the American people look away from the tawdriness of Trump's personal life and the chaos within his administration. Puppetmaster Bolton is tugging on the strings even now, goading Trump to unleash the US forces on some hapless country. Thousands will die to assuage Trump's ego.
21
In 1968 Nixon tried to achieve the imperial presidency. He even changed the uniforms of the White House guards to present a more regal appearance to the laughter of the press and the people. While we enjoyed chuckling at the Freedonian head gear, we also felt unsettled by Nixon’s expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia. Then came the hubris of Watergate.
While Nixon was humbled the presidency was not. Reagan illegally sold weapons to our enemies and funneled the profits to death squads in Nicaragua. Bush 41 waged an undeclared war against Iraq to restore the emir to Kuwait. Bush 43 lied about weapons of mass destruction and invaded Iraq, again. Obama continued the intervention in Iraq and that spawned ISIS. Our military have engaged in battle in a dozen countries. All without the war making permission of Congress.
Over those same decades, Congress ignored its responsibility to serve as a check on the imperium at 1600 Pennsylvania. It might humble the occupant, but never the office. It might provide some sort of resolution that the president used as an excuse to start, continue, or widen military interventions, but never oppose the Executive Branch.
Now we have a president elected by a minority of the voters, aided by GOP congressional majorities resulting from gerrymandering, and potentially assisted by a stolen Supreme Court seat. An emotional child sits on the throne.
Where are the checks on the emperor?
In the streets because our institutions have failed us.
35
You seem to forget, Mr. Potenziani, that it was John Kennedy who actually got us involved in Vietnam in the first place, mistaking a nationalistic movement for Communist overreach.
You also seem to forget that it was Lyndon Johnson, through the US-provoked Gulf of Tonkin incident, that extended the Vietnam war into daily bombings of Hanoi and the supply routes leading south.
Nixon's opening of the campaign into Cambodia was merely a response to the Vietnamese moving their supply routes west to avoid the constant shredding to which they were subjected by using routes in North Vietnam.
And wasn't the 9/11 "hysteria" due to the fact that Bill Clinton, fully cognizant of the trouble that Osam bin Laden was cooking up, was both incapable and unwilling to address?
You need to begin understanding that the issues are NOT with what we faced in the past. Blame for that falls on a lot of shoulders, both Democratic and Republican, both liberal and conservative.
The issues are that which we face now, and there is a pressing need to recognize that what has been done in the past for decades is not going to be the solution for the future if only one throws more money at the problem.
If Nixon had not intervened to communicate with President Theiu. planting the idea that he could negotiate a more favorable settlement for the South, then I probably would have never had to go to Vietnam.
There’s a difference between the folly of Johnson and the utter ability to sacrifice thousands of American boys to gain political office.
"The power of the American presidency is an awesome power, and Trump will harness and deploy it all as guard and guarantee against his own demise."
To think that a man chosen by a minority of Americans could potentially risk our lives here, on the other planet, is surreal. A man who has prioritised his ego over the lives of others, be they school children, victims of natural disasters and parents who have lost children to war, would evidently have no hesitation in triggering a war in our Asia Pacific to temporarily save himself.
Juxtapose this to Barrack Obama who visited Sydney this week. My fellow Aussie citizens lined the streets, stood clapping and teared up as this beacon of diversity, hope and love blessed our gorgeous city. I saw an US tourist on our news deliver a profound soundbite, "Obama is my President!" After all, he personifies America's truly values.
Your current president will get his. That is inevitable eventuality for those who lack a moral compass. Our request from the rest of the planet to our US friends is that you ensure this happens before he is personally in an unsalvageable corner.
26
I have family in Sydney and nuclear fallout will surely affect them. We want this degenerate out of office as much as you do. Trying trying trying. We are not all crazy here!
Fox news drives our so-called president's daily strategy. Somehow, that's the source that needs to have the mind shift so that the country and world do not continue to suffer or worse, go to war.
14
Fox News is the Pravda opium for the ignorant masses. Fox News won't change its discourse; and I know people who watch it 24/7 and believe it is the truth to all truth. Unsalvageable.
War with N. Korea has been in the air for years, Bolton will just make it happen more quickly, before they have full capability to hit us.
It won't be pretty, but it is necessary.
2
No it's not necessary, and you haven't tried to explain why you think so.
We lived with the threat of nuclear annihilation for decades during the Cold War. Turns out bombing Russia wasn't necessary. We can contain North Korea more easily than we did Russia. It's just a problem to live with, not solve. Like China.
To advocate for war is to diminish life. Nuclear war with North Korea would cost millions of lives. Do you really want that legacy on your tombstone?
3
Suggest you mentally follow thru to the scenario of what happens once we have gone down this path.
"Before they have the capability to hit 'us'"?
You're aware, of course, that an attack on North Korea will result in hundreds of thousands of deaths of people in South Korea and Japan -- our allies -- as well as our service people in US bases located in those two countries.
I assume you'll be leading the charge across the DMZ, right?
1
Walrus and a naughty boy,
painting little fluffy mushroom clouds in the sky,
I'm crying.
9
One additional point, Charles. Since entering the presidential race, and increasingly up until now, Trump has been forced to jettison people he knew, people who comforted him, like Manafort and Lewandowski, and, of course, Ivanka, who came in a package deal with Jared. He has lost all but Ivanka, and keeps plucking strangers whom his paranoid personality rebels against, who provide little reassurance and enormous doubt.
He seems to be flailing for someone, anyone, to spoon out the pabulum of consolation, turning to the personalities on the TV channel he trusts, hoping they will render to him the solace he receives when viewing Fox and Friends.
He doesn't care about their competency. He desperately needs them to man the wagons he is circling.
19
We all know the obvious answer to this question, but it needs to be asked again & again. "On the day after the [2016) election DT said, ' I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me." Since taking office, you've chosen 100% of the time to give speeches only to tightly-screened DT supporters. Are you afraid of speaking in public in front of 'all Americans - specifically people who don't support you?"
(...Do you think the Coward-in-Chief will reply?)
The background storyline with all these single shooter mass murders is how many people could see it coming. This country goes into its second year of a Trump's presidency with its eyes wide open. When Trump one day impulsively orders an attack on North Korea's nuclear facilities no one should be surprised.
8
"He knows only a fraction of what he has convinced himself that he knows" These words should never be true of most professionals. The fact that they are spot on about the POTUS is shameful.
18
We have been lied into two wars by leaders who convinced the public that they wouldn’t lie to monger war, but here now we have a natural born liar in his public and personal lives so that it will take an event for all to see to propel us into a new war that temporarily spares Trump his fate. He lives only day to day in the same bestial fashion as jungle predators but without nature’s graces of speed, strength and necessity to ennoble him. Never forget that the great deal maker has bankrupted six times and hasn’t been able to borrow from a US bank in nearly two decades, to say nothing of paying his creditors among the very so-called average Joes who elected him thanks to a perversion of the electoral college permitting Winner Take All tallies that in two of three most recent presidents elicited minority leaders. Like W Bush Trump believes he has a mandate to rule by fiat and does so because each day he roams the bowels of the WH knowing two hundred million Americans despise his existence. As a parent learns that he or she can be either respected or feared by their child but not both so Trump is stuck with the knowledge that he can never be respected since he has never done anything worth respect. Mongering war causes everyone to sit up straight and face forward. Trump can only be taken seriously by creating havoc and misery, and so he has sought those men like himself who are driven by lies and corruption when not outright derangement. Beware the big lie to come!
9
You’re spot on, Charles.
But Fox News commentators choose to ignore Trump’s massive faults only because “he keeps his promises” to restore religion (i.e, Christian religion) to public life and appoint far right judges to courts. With Trump, America is now anything but Great.
10
The eye of this needle involves Trump versus Mueller. Simple answer Trump sits down, answers questions and absorbs the consequences. Lawyers up and down the block advise against a compulsive liar answering questions. Next option, he refuses the interview, on the advice of counsel. This forces, yes forces Mueller to seek a grand jury subpoena to command Trump to appear without counsel. If his lawyers refuse the interview they can resist the subpoena from the losing end of that issue. Ultimately this compels Trump to assert his rights against self incrimination. A menu of bad choices with a client who reacts with his gut instincts. Hold on tight cause how this shakes out cuts across politics as well as the legal issues. Dowd left at the right time.
3
texsun,
you assume rational and customary behaviour.
He just fires Mueller and tells everyone to "shut their mouths", but not that politely.
It's worse than what Charles Blow writes. Trump's avoidance of the written word and reliance oin watching television is concentrated on a fake news network called Fox News. Trump believes the stuff they make up and the false outrages they perform.
Meanwhile his voters love him more for every failing and the GOP in Congress can't embrace him tight enough.
6
Do consider that the Russians were among his last source of dollars and Putin was his last shot at finding a "friend".
And do consider that with war comes the threat of martial law at home. And red hat, AR-15 militias.
3
I think this is the way trump likes it. He thrives on conflict, lives to attack, and nursing grievances is his favorite pastime. He loves the drama and attention, and I don't believe he understands there are actual real life consequences for anything he does.
9
For all of Trump’s lashing out, he is his own worst enemy.
There’s turmoil in his cabinet? He made poor selections and created an environment in which no worthwhile person would stay.
There are leaks and disloyalty around him? He should not humiliate, threaten and betray others.
Stormy Daniels is speaking out despite the hush money? Trump is getting his for years of reneging on his word.
Robert Mueller is closing in? Trump should not have had a campaign involved with Russia, a public record of being Putin’s mouthpiece, or abused the Justice Department.
Elections haven’t been going Trump’ way and the midterms look the same? Trump should not have endorsed bad candidates like Moore, taunted members of Congress, or performed so poorly as president.
Of course, Trump’s own nose is the last place he’ll point. Just another symptom of his hopeless cluelessness.
9
The Puget Sound, full of military targets, is a prime target. Those of us who live here try not to be alarmist, but find ourselves wondering more and more if we will indeed end up in a war with North Korea. I am not been an easily rattled person, but for the first time in my life I'm being medicated for the blood pressure that shot up in January. I jokingly told my doctor I blame it on Donald Trump, but I'm not so sure anymore that is really a joke. Those around me try to feel hope as we watch the rising political activism of a generation of young people, but we wonder if we'll live long enough to see it come to fruition.
3
It’s still baffling that Trump was elected - we have massive permanent tax cuts for the wealthy - the middle class gets anywhere from $12 - 100/ month - for eight years; manufacturing jobs - for defense contractors- maybe because tariffs are increasing costs; tariffs on Canadian lumber increased construction costs by 20%; infrastructure in the form of a Wall that will never happen. Fools all - conned by a New York real estate guy whose son-in-law is in dire financial straits because of a poor deals. So tell me - why did you vote for a con artist?
5
If Mr. Trump does not meet with Robert Mueller quickly--if he continues to drag his feet--he probably will loose the safety net of a Republican House majority in November and just two short months later will face a tsunami of congressional opposition capped by impeachment hearings.
Bite the bullet, Donald, or bite the dust.
2
I do believe that the chances of a shooting war increase exponentially as the pressure on Trump builds.
This man is willing to do anything to save his self-image from harm.
Bush started a war (Iraq) that has resulted in ~1 million deaths and lead directly to the creation of ISIS. It is the general opinion of the world that he did this solely to get re-elected, after his incompetent handling of Al-Qa'ida.
I think we can count on the bombing of Iran before the mid-terms to provide distraction from Trump's current woes.
However, we all know that Trump is 'the bestest'. So I am absolutely sure he can manage a limited nuclear war in order to try to get re-elected. I feel deeply afraid for the South Koreans who are likely to die as a result. Let us hope that Trump is gone before 2020.
1
I agree completely, Trump is headed for a meltdown. He doesn't have the intellectual or emotional capability to see the world as it is. So far out of touch with the real world. He has to massage his ego, be in control, or else. This past year has probably been the most stressful of his life, because he is no longer in control and doesn't know how to work with people, figure things out, really be in charge. He's always hired people to do his thinking for him, get him out of trouble. I really hope I'm wrong, but when I look at the footage of his speeches, what he says and how he acts, the petty tweet storms, it's so bizarre, he's so into himself, I doubt he can get out of his own way.
1
Just a short time ago when President Obama was still in office, America had 8 straight years of economic growth, a booming stock market, a President with progressive policies for the environment, consumer protection, healthcare, and racial, gender, and income inequality. Just as importantly
America was the leader of the democratic world and had been instrumental in shaping the Iran nuclear deal and in leading the diplomatic resistance to Putin and to terrorism. Now in 14 months Trump and his extremist
administration have of its own making set us on a course to economic chaos and possible war. The crisis was created in the ideological fantasy chambers of Fox News, Breitbart and the extremists of the Republican Party and enabled by Congress.
I fear that the ending will be a predictable disaster for America and the world. The question is how and why could this happen when America was on the right course
for a better future. This is truly madness.
8
Unless he chooses to go to actual war, with Iran or North Korea, before the elections, or as the Muller investigation or sex lawsuits come to fruition. Americans have a bad habit of rallying around the President in times of war, no matter how bad the decision to go to war is.
Politicians who want to start wars should be sending their own children to fight them first. Trump has plenty of sons including a child - any war starting will still be raging by the time Barron is old enough to join. If his kids don't go, no ones kids should go to fight.
1
Democracy, American Style, hasn't been working for the last two generations. Republicans replaced slavery with their own version of feudalism. There are the lords like the Koch Bros. and serfs like steel workers and coal miners.
They made bribery legal with Citizens United. They made killing schoolchildren, stripping away healthcare, letting the infrastructure crumble just another cost of doing business.
And then they gave us Trump, the final insult.
But there's hope as long they don't find some way to cancel the midterm elections. And there's hope with young people everywhere saying "Enough!"
And there's Robert Mueller.
7
"You can rest assured that impeachment proceedings will be in the offing."
Trump will successfully wiggle (or buy) his way out of the situation.
Somehow, against all odds, he managed to become the Republican nominee.
Somehow, he has managed to get the wimpy congress people to go along with his totally nutty behavior.
And you REALLY think we can "rest assured that impeachment proceedings will be in the offing (even with a Democratic majority, if it happens).
Blow, you are optimistic. I hope you are right. But the evidence doesn't suggest it.
2
The Donald will have to declare war prior to the upcoming midterms. Not the amorphous military actions of Afghanistan or Syria, but a full throated declaration of war against a nation a la Shock and Awe. He will not seek Congressional authorization, because he believes he can act autonomously in such actions, although the sycophantic and equally desperate Republican lead Congress may give it to him anyway. The reasoning, if you wish to call it that, is that all other issues, such as the firing of Mueller, the women's lawsuits, the mass deportations, the economic meltdown, etc., will turn into background noise as the public feels compelled to support a sitting president during a time of war. Are Americans foolish enough to fall for this?
1
We had a president, the younger Bush, who had “a severely compromised and restrained intellect,” and was led by gut feelings and instinct. He was used as a puppet by more sinister agents. It didn’t end well.
5
The majority of those who voted in the US election in 2016 did not elect Trump. They elected Clinton.
1
It is the country at war that has elected the inexperienced politician Donald Trump president, and why it even happened is the story that needs to be brought up for discussion, not his prior sex life or his indifference to the established norms. The media is laying down a Trump smoke screen to avoid the real issues, a gross disservice to the people at this critical juncture in our national experience. Besides Mr. Blow, for every head that is severed from this Hydra, two more seem to grow right back in its place.
A quiet takeover of the country took place in 2010. Republican legislators who were ushered into power by big money gerrymandered the congressional districts to lock-in Republican majorities in both the statehouses and in DC. Republicans knew they couldn't win the popular vote anymore so they chose the voters instead of the other way around and suppressed as much of their opponents votes as possible. They also enlisted foreign help to win the presidency. And, since they write the laws, the crimes they commit are now legal. The tsunami coming this November might not be enough to overtop the walls of corruption engineered by zealots who see their survival as job one, even if children have to be routinely sacrificed to the gun god.
2
Thank you as always, Mr. Blow. You're right on the mark. Trump is behaving like a cornered animal, and he will strike out at anything that moves. And he doesn't care, not for one moment, what happens to anyone else. That's one thing on the playground, or even in New York real estate, but this is a man who could start a nuclear war, just to save face. Or a conventional war, in order to distract attention, and reap the dubious reward of Commander-in-Chief. He is playing with our lives, and we are letting him do it. The only consolation is that as soon as the Republicans decide to throw him under the bus--when they decide that he is more of a liability than an asset, and that they have a better chance of holding on to the White House with Pence in the Oval Office than Trump--they will move to impeach him, and we will be treated to a lot of rubbish about standing up for American values.
2
"...This is the most perilous moment in modern American history — and it has been largely brought about by ourselves, not by events.”"
Pardon me, nomination and electing was something that revealed bitter flaws or whatever you name, that perhaps were not under our pundits's consideration.
Why in such modern era of communication and information, lot of people (however not majority of public, but the number, that obviously affect the current election) are neutral to their issues that directly affect them?
Why the left wing, the intellectual elite, the artists, the activists find themselves say, ineffective amid all this imbalance?
Pardon me there are open ended question that should be probe deep.
1
"Add to his sense of panic his compounding emotional and psychological liabilities: He has an inflated view of his own skills, talents and expertise." We have known this from the get-go. It has been written about in a thousand, if not a million, different ways. The NYT, WAPO, any and all media worth its honest reporting, has hammered away at making clear what a danger Trump is to our Nation and the world- is anybody but the choir listening?
2
Constitutional scholars: please continue to prepare this nation for perhaps, the most historical Constitutional crisis we have yet had to face.
1
To flip the house, and maybe the senate, the Democratic leadership will have to get it together and offer something other than "Vote for us because Trump is so awful."
The deafening silence from Democrats on specifically what they would try and do once in office is why Trump has a shot at keeping the house and senate and serving a second term. Ban assault weapons? Socialize medicine? Lower state college tuition? Listen to constituents? Clinton couldn't beat this guy, yet currently we are being offered Clinton's Democratic Party, minus Clinton, as the alternative to Trump. That wont be enough.
1
Stormy Daniels for President! There's two reasons to vote for her: She tells the truth and she's way better at Tweeting than the current president.
At this stage, does *any* thinking human being think the US -- or the world -- is a better place under Disasterous Donny than it would have been under the flawed but rational, competent HRC?
4
"Only Mueller knows what Mueller knows."
And that is the key.
When Trump speaks to the Mueller team, his life-long bloviating will be his downfall.
A president once was surrounded
A notion that had him astounded
He tweeted with aplomb
That everything was calm
And that our concerns were unfounded
I would agree if Haass had said, "...largely brought about by Trump, not by events."
You can fool most of the people some of the time, some of the people most of the time, but never all the people all of the time. I think Trump, our "so-called" president is losing his self described ability to fool some of the people some of the time, with saying, "I wouldn't lose any votes, even if I murdered someone on Fifth Avenue". Apparently, he does have a genius for knowing how well he has duped the some of the people some of the time, as he has been able to pull this duping off for almost two years now, but he knows it is coming to an end. He is dangerous as he knows he can't win all these wars with spin or "alternate realities", especially at the same time and his hold over his base is spiraling downward in numbers and consistency. So, as Charles Blow points out, he is most emotional and reactionary and has fewer adults in the room to steer this ship of state from disaster. Please good Congress folk, do ALL that you can, to help us avoid disaster as we are now on the Titanic and it is surely going down, with no rescue ships in sight. This sure does increase your devotional life. Lord, save us.
1
The possibility of Trump starting a real war with Iran or North Korea has left a huge number of Americans fearing the worst, and for good reason. Now is the time for bi-partisan support in Congress to ensure the safety of the world. This crazed president is spinning out of control, will stop at nothing to look strong, and has the authority to start a nuclear war. There's nothing more important than taking that power away from him. Democrats, Republicans and Independents in Congress: are you capable of putting aside party politics to protect every living creature on earth? How could the answer be anything but yes?
2
Mr. Blow, your references to the Nixon years are interesting but, unfortunately, wholly irrelevant. Today's GOP has already demonstrated that it bears no semblance whatsoever to the GOP of the early 1970s. Today's House of Representatives is filled with GOP uber rightists ready and eager to tear apart our country and the institutions that protect it because of their own love of power. And we have at the head of today's GOP a narcissist, egomaniac president surrounded by sycophants, yes men and his unqualified relatives.
He will not be impeached by this GOP-run House. The House has to change hands to Democratic control for that to happen. And whatever Bob Mueller does, Trump and his lawyers will fight it to the bitter end. He will certainly never resign for the good of the country, because he only cares about the good of Trump.
We need to flip the House. It is the only solution. The alternative is Trump until at least 2020. I say at least 2020 because no one has any idea which Democrats will run. If the Democratic Party acts like it did in 2016 or is taken over by a bunch of uber leftists, you could see Trump until 2024.
The Democrats not self-destructing in 2020 is crucial because even an impeachment of Trump means we get President Pence, possibly until 2024--you know, the man who is petrified to be alone with a woman other than his wife. So every ounce of focus needs to be on taking back the House, to both impeach Trump and to neutralize Pence if he becomes president.
1
A fragile ego is always at war and seeks to create an external reality that reflects this to reinforce emotional needs. Beating up on "the other" is the drug. Getting back at slights is always a big part of that scenario generated in the mind. Baiting friends until they go away is a sign of decline. Unhappily the scale of this real world is dangerous. Trump is unsuited to the Presidency. About time to do something about it.
1
Well, Trump always wanted to be on the kind of show that produced the highest rating as he put it.
He got it.
However, as even on the best and most watched shows, if the plot doesn't change, it becomes like watching the same old show over an over again.
And Americans are a fickled people.
Many predicted what the plot would be and how the 'Trump' show would fair during not only with the general campaign but the primaries also.
It's getting boring even with Stormy Daniels making a guest appearance (s).
We already knew what the title character was about, literally nothing much.
As much as I hate to say it because the sequel will be just as bad, but next up.
Pence
(sigh) They just don't make em like they used to.
3
The bad news is that as Trump gets more openly cornered and can't even attract lawyers to defend him, he will become erratic and even more tactical. Charles Blow is right.
The good news is that the stench is now becoming more pervasive. It is almost impossible to defend him, except in smaller circles than ever before. Perhaps the Republican majority will see the writing on the wall before it is too late.
1
Is there any evidence that people who prefer not to read have a "compromised intellect"? That sure seems like a broad stroke. This isnt the first time i've seen it in these pages and ive yet to see the claim substantiated, it always seems to just be asserted. There were/are many great cultures that have aural traditions. Presumably these cultures had/have rich intellects as well.
I love reading now in my thirties, but it was a real struggle for me until recently. It sure feels like elitist/intellectual dribble when I come across these articles, suggesting auditory learners are lesser thinkers. There are plenty of reasons to value reading, but let's not get overly simplistic. Besides, everyone knows, use of the slash in writing is the true marker of intellectual/emotional intelligence.
Though Trump has instilled fear, anxiety, and a sense of panic in most all thinking people, he has also served as a catalyst -- a terrible one, but still, a catalyst. He has woken the sleeping giant of progressive citizens who are still in favor of democracy, freedom of thought, and a civil mindset about others. A new "silent majority," if you will? The March for Our Lives was an extraordinary reminder that we do indeed still retain our own heart and soul.
We can hope that this tripartite assault on Trump's "leadership" will soon lead to his downfall (though I don't long for a Pence price to pay!). I remain astounded that so many continue to support the man, but I can't help but compare this nationalism to Germany in the 30s, despite the differences as well. It keeps me on an edge: do not grow complacent thinking progress is linear, do not assume it won't happen again, do not think it impossible.
Trump will not last, though the damage he's done will take some time to purge. While we are going through a nasty spell in the country -- and the world -- I have to hold to the hope that our youth will soon turn the tide. But we have to stand beside them, help them see that both idealism and practical action can bear results, and hold to resilient dedication.
We just can't let the rage -- which I certainly have -- overtake the hope. Right now, the passion of the youth is inspirational -- I am taking courage from how their justifiable anger is transformational.
26
No, progress is not linear, not when the promised American dream is only possible for an increasing few. Progressives, women, the college educated, and a newly empowered youth may flip both houses of Congress but ridding this country of the sentiments that resulted in this nasty spell brought by Trump will not happen without meaningful policy changes. I firmly believe that much of what drove the Trump vote (beyond the usual supply-sliders whose only concern is ensuring the next tax cut) was anger and fear. Self-preservation instincts were in high gear ni 2016 as too many were left behind in an economic recovery that primarily rewarded the wealthiest. I county myself and my husband as among those who was able to claw our way back to financial stability, but only because we already had the family and personal resources to move, further our education, and find new jobs. And like so many we know who made it out of that mess, none of it feels permanent, secure, or under our control. It is critical that in the next election cycles we elect representatives at every level who will implement solutions such as universal healthcare, a quality public education system not determined either by zip code or financial sacrifices of classroom teacher, sufficient affordable housing options for people at every income level, a renewed commitment to publically funded higher education so that students can graduate without crushing student debt, and a financially health social security system.
I read this column after reading the companion piece, "America's Warped Elections", and concluded that, even more than before, Trump's every move will now be strictly intended to whip up the base that elected him. Given the extreme gerrymandering as described in depressing detail in that column, it is very unlikely that Democrats can regain control of the House. Trump knows that, and he knows that a GOP controlled House will never move to impeach him. So that's his best strategy - play to the base to keep the GOP in control. And how to best do that? Why, war of course. The rubes love tough guys, and the media will rally 'round the flag just as it did with Iraq, and in the wake of 9-11. That's his only defense. And it's our greatest peril. 2020 won't even matter if change doesn't occur in 2018.
16
Wars always have unexpected consequences. That's why we should be very thoughtful and careful about using our military when it is not absolutely necessary.
Are Mike Pompeo and John Bolton wise enough to control Donald Trump's impulses?
It would be bizarre if they don't see some of the implications that starting a war could unleash. Only a person who is totally driven by personal issues could fail to see them. A person like Donald Trump.
18
I think you are giving Pompeo and Bolton more credit than they deserve. Bolton wants war and has a bomb-them-first attitude. Pompeo is more of a yes man for Trump. Don't expect reasonable people to be working with Trump; they have been selected because they will support him, not question him.
1
It's more a fervent hope than giving them credit.
Or Mike Pompeo and John Bolton, both are chicken hawks who have never served in the militay and whose views are known to be severely hawkish with very complicated situations. Both of them probably spent their time growing up watching WWII movies and think that is reality.
Since Trump got into office, I feel a never before known sense of anxiety that grows every day Trump is in office. I fear I am not the only one and that this is damaging the psyche of many of us if not shortening our lives because of constant stress and worry. We should all sue him for the damage he is doing.
74
Is is feasible that Trump is running scared that he will have the presidency taken from him, that his personal wealth may disappear and that his wife will leave him. With all the sordidness that is now coming out about the man, he might well be afraid that his empires are about to bottom out and he will be left with next to nothing.
While I am fearful for the repercussions that the American people will need deal with as a result, the sooner it comes to the man the better. Hopefully his crashing will help the economy, keep us from war and eventually we might have some sanity in the White House.
Though I am not certain we will have any sanity with Mike Pense.
37
"He was the ladies’ man, businessman, smartest man, toughest man. There was nothing beyond him, and he didn’t have to follow the rules, he only had to follow his instincts."
Mr. Trump is no longer the ladies' man. He is not currently a businessman; he is currently the president. He most assuredly is not the smartest man in the room, except when he is alone. All that remains of his former sense of self is being the toughest man. That is what makes him the most dangerous man because, in his efforts to maintain the aura of toughness, he may well decide to prove it by launching a nuclear strike against North Korea.
That is what keeps me up at night.
51
All of us better hope that there are crimes that have been committed by this president. Unless this is the case I don't see this narcissist backing down for a second. If Mr. Mueller can bring charges along with the state of New York that might be enough to slow him down. At this point only a close family member could probably convince him to step down or walk away. Trump's megalomania/egomania will take him to the edge of the insanity of war. Perhaps even nuclear war. Time is running out.
29
I think the questions submitted by Mueller's team a couple of weeks ago really rattled trump. As is said, a lawyer doesn't ask a question he/she doesn't know the answer to.
25
The drum beats of war will heat up this summer, in time for the November elections. Trump is counting on bloodlust to overcome fear in uniting Americans. This just might work if Democrats behave like the sheep they were in 2003.
16
I agreed with all the comments, now we have to remember why is D.Trump even existing in America today, being in Ny city we know his tactic ,They are always the same and with the support of cable news and his friends on page 6 of the Post ,Donald knows how the manipulate the message, the message is simple: keep them busy with one upsetting news , when the distracting news become old (24h) create a new one to keep them busy and confuse, at one point they will be all confuse, tired and fatigue, meanwhile keep appointing new judges to change this country for ever, glad that we have one guy , one guy only that doesn't fell into this trap , his name is Robert Muller, andwe also remember that trump doesn't do it alone, without all the republican in congress & Senate this all circus will not be possible.
Glad that I read foreign press to read that Remington has officially declare bankruptcy March 25th 2018, good timing for the children and the March.
17
"As the personal threat to him grows, his threat to the country grows."
I agree but I might expand the statement to include the world, not just the country. Trump is a cornered badger. That's not a good thing for anyone when he heads the world's largest economy and military.
I also agree Trump will likely face impeachment if Democrats win the House in November, an increasingly likely possibility. However, even if Democrats manage an unlikely victory in the Senate, the odds of gaining a super majority are practically nill. Nada. Niente. That means Trump will probably be impeached but most likely never removed from office. There would have to be something more incriminating than self-perjury to flip the Republican Senate. Maybe Mueller has the evidence but you're dealing with an audience that doesn't want to be convinced.
Taking both scenarios as hypothetical certainties, Trump is fighting his political war by starting economic and military wars. That's his only chance to stay on top through re-election which is everyone else's best chance for removing him from office. If you're not scared, I'm frightened for you.
23
This is a little man. Always was. I can understand how people voted for him as a protest vote. I cannot understand how anyone stands by him now. It challenges my faith in the electorate.
Someone also explain to me the Republican strategy: Budget deficits appear to matter only when a Democrat sits in the oval office. How can tax cuts and record spending be reconciled?
40
The massive marches Saturday to show raging concern about gun violence, particularly that which hits schools, were terrific. But, note this: young people don't vote in sizable numbers. They stay home. They go out to parties and are "too tired" to go to the polls. Like their elders, but with more enthusiasm, they get distracted by drinking and smoking substances to bring about "mood enhancement". The fierce urgency of NOW in the youngest voters gets washed away by the fiercer urgency of ME.
Colleges and governments actively try to discourage young people from voting. It is, like most plots, open, not secret. First, they question the residency of college students, not wanting their influence in local matters and, for colleges, not wanting out of state students to then qualify for in-state tuition. The state of Texas, which has drastic voter ID laws, even outlaws the use of a student ID as a means of voter identification. Its and ID but it doesn't count. Not good enough.
If those under 25 across America would actually vote and at least minimally participate in vast numbers in the process, America could be turned around. March to the polls! Your voices are not merely wanted, they are direly necessary to secure a better future.
28
College kids can vote absentee in their home states.
1
I have said this three or four times now in NYC columns. A la the Womens March in January and the recent anti–gun march by students, all people who feel Trump is leading our country to disaster need to (morally) organize a massive march in Washington, to be followed by large marches in Congressional districts that support Trump. Certainly, the mature children who recently marched can provide us an example.
37
I think the positive note attributable to this article is that citizens are starting to fight back
40
We now know factually that Trump does not openly criticize those who have compromising information on him - to wit, Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal. We also now factually know that Trump's behavior in the past has been to seek out women for sex outside of his marriage at every opportunity. Put these facts together and we can almost assuredly know that Trump did engage in some form of sexual escapade while in Russia, surrounded by beautiful women during his Miss Universe pageant in 2013. And we also know that whatever activities he engaged in would have been recorded by the Russians. With every passing day, the salacious part of the Steele Dossier seems that it is most likely true, but that is the least of our problems.
Trump must know by now, as Mr. Blow suggests, that Mueller has the goods on him for serious crimes. You know a President is in trouble when his lawyer recommends firing the Special Counsel and then resigns when it doesn't happen. I agree that Trump will do anything to try to escape the peril which is his future. He knows that when the country is at war, Americans rally around the Commander in Chief. A war is what Trump wants and as quickly as possible.
Mueller needs to move faster. He needs to subpoena Trump to testify before the Grand Jury and then indict this compromised, colluding criminal. It is an open question whether a sitting President can be indicted or not. Do it and tie him up in the courts so he cannot start an unnecessary war.
54
I don't think Trump is picking all these TV personalities as "window dressing". I think he's doing it because TV _is_ his reality; these people are on TV so they must be real experts. After all, his reality TV show convinced not only the voters but he himself that he was a brilliant businessman, even as it was clear to those of us out in the dull real world that he was in fact a serial failure. Just as we know his Fox "experts" are not the real deal either. But it looks like they are going to do us real harm.
59
George Bush started a war for prestige and it worked for while. Trump with start a war to fight Mueller. How do we prevent that from working? A majority of the population seeing that coming will do a lot of good.
23
Who is going to bell the cat, or in this case take the nuclear football away?
The 25th amendment leaves it up to the VP and cabinet. Zero there.
Both the House and Senate have to be flipped for our grandchildren to have a chance of a non radioactive shortened lives.
Impeachment or not both houses could deny funding for any undeclared war.
Would that stop him?
25
The phrase mad dogs and Englishmen has always had me wondering what it means, but if someone says mad Editors and Trump I think I understand the reason why. The whole world of Editors which includes all of Europe, the UK , Australia, South and North America echo, in a multitude of languages, that when translated are in agreement with Blow’s gut and instinct. What I don’t understand and no Editor has explained it to me, is why the GOP is so lost in Trump’s narrow gutted instincts. So does the phrase mad Republicans and Trump forecast a truth and a heavy shadow on the future of a nation and the world?
18
At the risk of sounding too psychoanalytical, Trump is indeed at war on many fronts because he has, to put it mildly, unresolved personal anger. This causes him to constantly try to "recreate" wars externally wherein THIS time he will finally win. But of course he is doomed to lose, the repetition complex now being displayed for all of us to see. He also surrounds himself with bellicose people with whom he identifies and has consistently gotten rid of those who are more prone to peaceful resolution. He will continue to go down this inevitable path so long as he is permitted to do so as it is the unconscious drive for healing, as strange as that may sound. Extremely dangerous to us all though.
27
We've all wasted enormous chunks of time denigrating Trump instead of trouble shooting what a country does when faced with an intractable president.
Yes, he's our problem and being confronted with the dilemma of how to remove an inappropriately elected head of state should be our focus of attention.
A parliamentary system would make short work of a failed president but our choices in a constitutional democracy are few indeed. Recent years watching congress manipulate the weaknesses in our Constitution argue for a constitutional convention to design new executive and legislative branches of government.
We've had a recent senate refuse to fill a supreme court vacancy and get away with it. We've had several presidents get elected by electoral votes only and lose the election by significant numbers in the popular vote, three million in Trump's case.
For my part, I support a reworking of the Constitution. Future elections may draw increasing numbers of unqualified candidates so this Trump may only be the beginning of numerous Trumps in the future!
35
At minimum, getting rid of the electoral college should become a priority. The majority of the people live in cities and are being held hostage be small, red voting areas.
This is what happens when an extreme narcissist is overwhelmed by events like Stormy Daniels and the Mueller investigation. They start unraveling and enter an extremely dangerous phase of self-destruction. The three emerging crises of a trade war with China, a hot war with Iran, and the unimaginable nuclear confrontation with North Korea are symptoms of the great unraveling that will see this already unstable and volatile man literally explode in a psychological meltdown that may not only be a catastrophe for him, but the nation and the world. And, just where are all "the adults in the room"? McMaster and Tillerson are gone, John Kelly seems more an enabler than a restraint, the Republican Congress is AWOL, leaving only Gen. Mattis at Defense to hold out against the looming insanity of a "man at war" with himself who seems now in an explosion of other-blaming to be at war with the world.
28
And let's not forget that in the swirl of chaos last week Trump mulled/threatened to veto the Omnibus Spending Bill, possibly because he confused it as being the Obama Spending Bill.
20
The moment Rosenstein appointed Muller we were on the path to war. As things have gotten worse for Trump there is little doubt where we are headed. The only questions are with what country and whether or not Republicans in the Senate will put a stop to it.
20
I guess there is only one question then: against whom? Because the Republican Senate will do nothing to stop Trump.
Trump is the poster boy for the Dunning-Kruger effect, where someone with limited skills believes that they are more talented than anyone else believes. Well known in business and now in politics.
37
Isn't that the truth.
1
What rings particularly true in this column is Richard Haass's opinion that our current political cesspool "has been largely brought about by ourselves." If we fail to face up to that reality, and too many liberals do, we shall never right the ship.
Mr. Blow worries that the president opts "to listen rather than to read." This just in; he doesn't listen either.
Among the constituencies outraged by this vile presidency "are young people who feel betrayed." Yes, they do, but that feeling applies only slightly less to the Democratic Party than to the GOP. Abjuring Republicans this November will not necessarily ranslate into Democratic votes.
16
Charles Blow's opinion pieces are for me a reassuring combination of sanity and righteous rage. This essay is no exception. We are indeed at a frightening juncture with this president, who has no commitment to informed leadership nor to the American people. Having shed layers of aides and Cabinet members in favor of war-mongering sycophants, Mr. Trump is indeed bringing us ever closer to the precipice.
My only quarrel with this piece is the assertion that Mr. Trump opts "to listen rather than to read." Listening implies a transactional exchange. Mr. Trump has no interest in this. Rather than listening, he hears, but he does so selectively, extracting from the constant feed on Fox News and the whispered advice from cronies and members of Mar-a-Lago the tidbits he favors--at least for the moment.
He knows enough, though, to realize he is being backed into a corner, which indeed is gearing him up for war. Let us hope--as Stephanie Clifford suggests--that his weaponry is less impressive than he would have us think.
58
Whew. The only quibble I have with this description is that - while Trump does demand oral presentations on complex situations - brief, simple ones - he doesn't actually listen to, or perhaps he is unable to 'decode' the meaning of the words.
He definitely has illuminated some shortcomings of our political & governmental systems: we were in no way prepared for someone so totally egomaniacal.
It's hard to laugh anymore, but still, I think I'll stock up on those mini-corndogs and nuke 'em when he is forced out. That'll be a relief, because the complicit GOP - the new silent majority - while cruel, and beholden to the NRA and the Koch Bros., is afraid to appear this crazy.
35
When you find yourself at war on one front, it requires a focused response. Two fronts makes you split your focus and decide how to allot limited resources. Three fronts almost demands allies to help take on one or more of the "enemies".
Mr. Trump doesn't do well managing alliances. He expects blind, uncompromising support but cannot be counted on to reciprocate. He has spent a lifetime shafting those who partnered with him. He has done the same with many Republicans, with Democrats on the rare occasions he offered partnerships, with nations in Europe and Asia, now with his attorneys.
Trump has his own reality. The only logic to it is within his mind. Now it is running into the actual reality of kids marching for gun reform, women telling their tales of his sexuality, Mueller's inquiry, and political realities at home and abroad.
Trump's reality is falling apart. He will strike out in ways we can't predict. It is a very dangerous time for America and the world.
69
Very true and also visible in the fact that Trump can't get decent lawyers to represent him. They know he won't take advice, won't shut up even when its in his best interest and won't pay the lawyers. He is a walking disaster.
2
Terrified of what this man child will do! He is unqualified and has no loyalties and never has...even his loyal followers are eventually going to find this out....as many who were his "staff" did. Maybe when he sends their children to war to distract from his misdeeds. Putin must be very proud of the way he has Trump dancing on his strings...what a clever way he had to disable the USA!
Trump is going to war because his approach to the world has always been about confrontation. Dominate or be dominated. When attacked, hit back harder.
His subservience to Russia, his silence (so far) on Daniels suggests he knows he is compromised with regard to them. What he will do to try to change the subject grows more worrisome with every moment.
More worrisome. The new policy on transgender troops was apparently dictated by Mike Pence, with the ‘help’ of extremist religious groups. If Trump were somehow removed from office, a President Pence would be just as big a threat, if in a different way.
Considering the fact he may have been selected as VP by Trump by Russian manipulation via Paul Manafort, let’s hope Meuller can make that clear as well.
Trump may go to war in self defense; Pence would make it a religious conflict.
66
But what happens if he is impeached, or not re-elected? What if an even more clever and capable tyrant uses the Trump playbook to become President? Trump is not the problem- he is a symbol of the problem. As noted by the New Orleans mayor, 85% of Americans reside in cities, yet the rural voters are controlling, or at least exerting an unjustified influence on, presidential elections. We need to have serious debates on gerrymandering and the electoral college. Under the current system I can see a President winning the election but losing the popular vote by more than 10,000,000!
85
Yes, a debate on gerrymandering because it is partisan. We ought seriously to abolish the electoral college which did not honestly function as it was supposed to in choosing Trump, namely, to meet as a 'college' for consideration & best choice. That would require an amendment, no?
But if conditions helped create Trump, he is surely the focus of the problem now. Urgently that we deal with this -- but where's Congress?
11
Agree somewhat but if independents come out and vote, women, and the young all your fears will be for nought. People this us our country and like the youth just showed us we can accomplish awesome stuff
10
You don't just have to imagine that...
Trump essentially lost by 10 million votes!
6 million people voted for 3rd parties; 1 million wrote in someone else's name; and 3 million more people voted for Hillary than for Trump.
The Electoral College has a racist origin — it was a compromise largely relating to maintaining slavery. Too much power resides in geography not population and that needs changing!
Donald Trump will likely go down in history as one of the most effective presidents in history. He is single-handedly awakening the public to the dangers of electing a president with less capability than most middle school class presidents.
But, we need to weather this storm for his full term. Impeachment would result in the scarily dangerous combination of an even more extreme yet intellectually capable President Pence. Given enough time at the helm, Pence would be able to re-coalesce the right into formidable opposition in 2020. Be careful what you wish for...
47
Pence is no Trump; he may coalesce some evangelical right wingers, but nowhere near as broad a coalition.
No question about it — we need to impeach, convict, *and* remove Trump from office — and Pence, who will pardon him, will go down in a massive defeat in 2020.
2
Stephanie, I wish I could agree. IMO, Pence will broaden Trump's base, and become another successful incumbent. The last failed incumbent was Jimmy Carter going up against Reagan. Pence would have plenty of time to repair the damage to the Republican brand and regain the financial backing of disillusioned GOPers.
We can weather this storm, the marches, the fighting back at every turn with this baby president shows that the American people will not back down. Americans have realized the line elections have consequences and dire in this case. Charles Blow gives us the inspiration with his writing on Monday to face another dangerous week. We can with our strong will crush the foes who want to destroy the American way of life . This political nightmare seems as if it will last forever but it will end and it wont be repeated with an election of Pence and his pretend religious followers. We need to watch there every move, counter the lies of GOP republicans, and ensure that we pay attention to Bolton and his insanity. Let this old man go to war and fight not our children.
I understand the uninformed Fox News viewers, but how do the R's in congress and Senate look in the mirror and not see someone as evil as Trump. Do they need a job so much as to sell their souls? Or are they as insecure as Trump. needing the trappings of office to bolster their insecurity?
They could learn from the student protesters that truth will always prevail.
96
Think of the Evangelical leaders and church pastors who still support Trump. Why would they? Because he's handing them policy they want. On the religious side, it's hope for upending national policy on abortion, gay marriage and the host of LGBT rights. On the political side, the Republicans in Congress are getting their tax cuts for the wealthy. They'll soon focus on eliminating big government, especially the safety net and entitlements like SS and Medicare.
Every one of them looks in the mirror and says, "the end justifies the means." That, Tom, is more evil than Trump.
1
The Ryan's and McConnell's have already sold their souls to Corporate America, K Street, and the K Bros.
2
From the op ed piece today by Wendy R Sherman, Trump and Bolton's Plans To Isolate Allies And Encourage Enemies and as these two pieces are about future potential war by the Administration:
European diplomats rightly feel that Mr. Trump is demanding that they solve a political problem he created by campaigning against the deal.
Just about every problem we are now facing in this country has been created by the real Donald J Trump. The bigger question is have we as a nation and voting population learned and above all remember the lead up and invasion of Iraq by people like Bolton? Are we destined to repeat this mistake again but on even a bigger and more damaging scale?
Sadly from my perspective of US history and its citizens, when we get fired up to go to war, it is war we go with little thought of the consequences.
74
He is going to try to change the subject by attempting to make war against Iran. When he went to CIA headquarters, standing in front of the wall honoring agents who lost their lives in then line of duty, bragging about the size of his inaugural crowd, he said he expected we would be going to war with Iran / Iraq and that, in effect, to the victor goes the spoils -m that he would be paying for the war with their oil.
He's going to begin then ramping but for one detail: the American people will not buy into it. The people have had enough war. That will be our Constitutional crisis. Big time.
Consider Trump's base is really a shell. "His" people are falling away from him. They don't come clean when they are polled, burt when it comes time to go to the polls and cast their ballot they will stay home.
The anti-Glock, assault weapon millions of kids are going to figure this out fast enough and lead the country to Trump's screeching impeachment.
49
All indications lead to the conclusion there will be a "blue tsunami" in the November mid-terms.
Not so fast, buckaroo... unless and until we hand count the votes, expect Republicans to retain the house and senate.
31
First, the Dem's must become the majority in the House. (register and vote)
Second, the House must hold open hearings. Closed hearings and trials are inadequate substitutes.
Only then, when enough information is put into the public record, will several key Rep senators take the short trip to 1600 Penn Ave and tell Corrupt Donnie it is time to resign or be expelled through impeachment. The choice will be: leave office and get a pardon or face corruption charges after being thrown out with possible prison and loss of fortune.
Its going to get worse before it gets better. It will get better.
28
We are now in a good starting place from which to flip the House. However, if the election were held today, it would not flip. A lot must be done and seven months is not an overabundance of time in which to do it. So, "If this surge of enthusiasm leads to Democrats flipping the House" it will be because of things yet to be done, not just what we've seen so far.
Much as Stormy Daniels delights those who hate Trump, she provides personal insult, and not more. She is hints about "little corn dogs." That is not going to cover the distance in the next seven months. That will require real politics, not such Ken Starr-level stuff.
A model for what is needed is the professional adult backing for the student march about guns, as described on today's front page. That is substance, a real issue, in which the professional politicians are providing real backing to their own base. It is the opposite of taking donor money and telling the base to like it. We need more of this sort of real political work.
Blow makes the fundamental mistake of thinking he knows Trump's mind. "I see a man growing increasingly irascible as his sense of desperation surges. The world is closing in on Trump and he is in an existential fight for his own survival." Much as Blow wants to think so, through his lens of hate he has no idea what Trump is thinking.
Trump may have no idea what Trump is thinking. Certainly Blow doesn't. That is a poor guide to get us through the next seven months to where we need to go.
26
As indicated in this column, with Bolton and Pompeo in the administration, Trump appears to be planning for war. Will it be "pre-emptive war", at least partly so Americans will be distracted when Mueller's report comes out and documents impeachable behavior by Trump? And/or is it to set himself up for re-election as a "war president", like W Bush did? Nothing but disaster looms, no matter what the reason.
45
There are no parallels with W Bush. 9/11 happened under Bush, giving him a valid reason to go to war, however misguided in choosing Iraq over Afghanistan. W Bush did not have the sex scandals, Russia investigations and disregard for presidential decorum that are Trump's hallmarks. He did not have the massive opposition by women, minorities and students. He did not estrange allies and cuddle up to dictators the way Trump does. He did not dismiss expertise and competence. If Trump tries to go to war, he'll encounter massive opposition, unlike W Bush after 9/11.
1
Instead of isolation, Trump is after the whole world in war! Among his weapons and demands: trade, international payments, military strikes; among his invasions and breach of rights: public interest, immigration, healthcare, women, transgender persons, the law itself, communities with decades of gun violence; among his deep state actions for ego and special interests: the wall, tax reform, Russia, minority opportunities, proprietary colleges, campus rape, charter schools, offshore drilling, Saudi Arabia.
He feints withdrawal. Yet he actively uses his powers for domestic/global carnage through disruption.
It is difficult to measure the losses. Future losses are invisible statistics, difficult to see on the balance sheet. The best way to view loss opportunity is against trends. At home and aboard, we are missing trends that are surging growth. Best practices are deterred by special interests and political narratives.
Undocumented workers help the economy, including them legally would be a boost; they do not steal American jobs. The growth of the global middle class, centered in Asia, doubled by 2025, receives marginal notice. China's One Belt, One Road Initiative will reset regulation and standards to China's defaults. West Virginia's successful Chemical Alliance Zone is drowned out by the irreversible story of coal's lost jobs and waning days.
Blame, lies, denial, and flag-wrapping are his tactics. Trump has no economic plan for the short or long term. No truth to tell.
61
I think less and less about the Mueller investigation after reading in the Wash Post that Mueller's report can only be released to Congress (not the public). It will be up to Congress how much we see. If he reports before January and/or if the GOP does better than expected in November, expect the whole thing to be quashed with the GOP announcing that there was no 'there there.' Trump will declare victory; his fans will feel that their belief that it was all a sore-looser Democrat plot is affirmed.
The question remains whether or not Mueller could move to get a Grand Jury indictment of a sitting president (if it came to that), but I'm betting that won't happen. So, it will, in retrospect, become a tempest in a teapot in which some lesser participants and hangers on are indicted and maybe convicted.
As to war with real weapons - with Bolton coming on we might as well debate which war it will be --- and hope it is not both N. Korea and Iran at once.
45
Very true. Even if a Democratic House in January (and not really guaranteed, despite all the optimism) should vote to impeach, the GOP-controlled Senate will NEVER convict, regardless of the crime (not even for treason), and regardless how ironclad the proof. But the world might well be in flames long before.
1
Buck up! The house will flip in November.The democrats in the house will investigate with or without Mueller. Hopefully with and perhaps augmented by a serious non partisan commission to get us through the treason and electoral fraud elements of this nightmare. The democrats that hold office will represent the will of the people. They have been witnessing its strength since Jan 2018 when millions took to the streets and subsequently millions more went to the polls in VA, AL and PA. And millions of young voters have now joined them on their way to the polls. Wait till CA and NY patriots vote! We can do this...
1
You dont think it would get leaked?
Trump is so devious I think he will start a war to salvage his presidency. Since he must have adoration and affirmation, his choice of Bolton is to facilitate war. Millions will die including Americans. I hope he is wrong that a war means re-election.
57
Nb, you might be bit amnesic. Americans always seem to unite behind a war with some invisible external enemy. Not only is it a distraction that instead of spending on our own citizens, their well being, like the rest of the developed world does, we instead spend money on fighting wars, over there. The best marketing done by military industry complexes who have penetrated our political system, is that "it is for national security reasons". Everything is for national security. NOT for national development, our infrastructure, our schools, our public universities, our health care. No, those are not important to our politicians, only the glamor of military might, saber rattling, is the way macho Americans feel they are masculine enough. UGH
1
I hope Americans are smarter than Trump and will shut down his presidency before embarking on another (Boloton produced) war of choice.
Then again, Fox News and Facebook........
Early on in the 2016 presidential campaign, when Trump said all sorts of outrageous things, President Obama said:
“We are starting to see this kind of rhetoric and loose talk and sloppiness about who we are fighting, where this can lead us... Where does this stop?”
Obama's words were ignored as we, as a country, elected an ignoramus given to "loose talk and sloppiness."
Perhaps people will listen to another piece of advice from Obama:
"So, my fellow Americans, whatever you may believe, whether you prefer one party or no party, our collective future depends on your willingness to uphold your obligations as a citizen. To vote. To speak out. To stand up for others, especially the weak, especially the vulnerable, knowing that each of us is only here because somebody, somewhere, stood up for us. To stay active in our public life so it reflects the goodness and decency and optimism that I see in the American people every single day."
Let's hope.
162
Dear Charles, By now, all rational people have his number. There is no further need to analyze him. Please use your influence to create positive change. Rally readers to pressure their elected representatives, get out and register voters, and work tirelessly for candidates who can rebuild our government.
89
My guess is that Mr. Blows readers vote.
1
As a Navy Vietnam veteran ('65-'69) and a retired federal prosecuting attorney here are two thoughts.I am 10 months older than John Bolton.
First, with respect to Trump's war plans, no meeting with Kim Jong Un will take ever place now that Bolton, a sorry excuse for a human being if there ever was one, is National Security Adviser. In this regard, North Korea has stated repeatedly that it will never deal with Bolton, who nonetheless continues to advocate for regime change there.
More disturbing however, for every veteran, and indeed, every American, is the unseemliness of Bolton, an ultra-chickenhawk, who refused to serve his country in Vietnam stating that ". . . [he] had no desire to die in a rice paddy in Southeast Asia." Hmmm! He was unwilling to fight for his country yet he has no reservations about sending our sons and daughters off to war again like he did in Iraq.
Second, I only disagree with Charles insofar as his use of the phrase ". . . if something comes of the Mueller investigation . . ." Based upon my 16 years of experience investigating and prosecuting cases for the federal government, I am convinced that Mueller already has "the goods" on Trump. Moreoever, I would argue that something good is coming and it's going to be very, very bad for Trump.
1015
"Based upon my 16 years of experience investigating and prosecuting cases for the federal government, I am convinced that Mueller already has "the goods" on Trump. Moreoever, I would argue that something good is coming and it's going to be very, very bad for Trump."
I so hope you are right.
20
This helps make my day! Pray you are correct.
12
As a Marine Vietnam grunt (and criminal defense lawyer) I am giving you a standing ovation. And I usually don't mind chickenhawks, unless and until they start waving American flags in my face.
15
This is not a man who is or has "grown" into the job. This is a man who finds the walls closing in around him and feels he has no alternative but to change the narrative. He will start a war somewhere in this world (Iran, NK, maybe both) in order to distract and deflect. This is where the media will need to play a major role in keeping this country safe -- no more platitudes about "need for regime change, etc." as we saw before the lead up to the Iraqi War. The media needs to speak loudly and accurately about what such war(s) would look like, and who would be fighting them, and for what purpose. Time to the do the job the Constitution protects the media for.
69
Jackie Shipley:
The media. Yes, that's the solution to everything. They helped get Trump elected by their constant coverage of the primaries, and the nomination.
Half the people in the US think the press is biased and is promoting "fake" news.
And you REALLY believe the media is going to prevent a war?
Fox news and its nutty commentators are the most watched channel by the most people.
Remember that wars are not healthy for those countries' children and that some of them may live to grow up and your grandchildren will live with the results....
Oh, I hold the media totally complicit for his election. I just don't want to see a rerun of the Iraqi War buildup.
1
Nothing of substance will change with the November elections. There will be plenty of "I'm not a Republican" right-wing candidates that will even register as Democrat just to avoid ties to Trump, but at their core they are regressive reactionaries a la Conor Lamb. America as an inclusive society tied together by a common ideology of liberal capitalism is moribund. Whites have discovered that they are bested in all fields by immigrants, except in their skin color, which is organically a vector of the country's history. Being white confers a leg up in safety, connections, access, support, and capital both personal and monetary that only a saintly Jesus-loving people would give up its privileges voluntarily, and Americans are no saints, much like any other people. The real fight is between the haves and the have-nots of privilege, and that privilege is overwhelmingly - 85% - owned by whites, a soon-to-be racial minority. The best analogy - aside from the propaganda of One Nation Under God - is that of Zimbabwe. Not South Africa, because Apartheid was an ideal of culture, not of wealth. The ties that bound people living on North American soil, material success on a level-playing field regardless of origin, have been undone by extreme inequality unequaled except in Russia. With the least mobility of any of the OECD countries, the bond that tenuously tied together people of disparate origins and cultures in America is loosening. No American Dream means no American nation. Sad; bad.
34
"a common ideology of liberal capitalism"
"Liberal" means many things, and various Americans mean all variations on that.
The neoliberalism of maximizing investor returns is near feudal, while Scandinavian liberalism is derided as Socialist near Communist by its enemies.
We overwhelmingly support a market mechanism over government dictate of what we can buy. Beyond that, there really is no agreement.
Our politicians on the other hand are almost entirely bought by the one neoliberal faction, as a donor elite holds private primaries to decide who is allowed to run for office. It is no different in effect than what the religious authorities do in Iran, deciding ahead who may run.
The first step is to realize our voters don't have a common ideology, only our donors have that. Then we must break free of them.
Whatever his other faults, Bernie showed a way to do that, showed that it could be done. Others may now realistically try to do it too.
15
We live under the law of contracts. Liberty is the power to negotiate the gives and gets of one's contracts equitably.
I'm often wrong reading people, but I think Trump approached his run for the Presidency with a sense of "look at me and admire" and, failing in that, he has upped his game to "look at me and tremble." All that he does and- essentially all that he is- is the show he puts on every day before the "largest, believe me," largest audience in the history of audiences.
58
I think Trump approached his run for the Presidency as a publicity stunt. It got out of hand. He never expected it to go so far, and he was utterly unprepared for it to do so. He still is.
67
I'm with you, Charles. Our country has been primed for a change from democracy into a "fake democracy" autocracy like Turkey. The man in charge may or may not end up being Trump, but the enabling circumstances have been created. A war with nuclear threat might enable Trump to assume more power, with approval by Congress. It would likely increase his approval ratings as sitting president as well, as previous wars have always proven. Republicans have been spineless at every step up until this point, there is no reason they will suddenly draw a line in the sand and so the US might stumble into an autocracy.
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Our country has been fake democracy for quite some time. Certainly by the time of Dubya's appointment by the Supreme Court, allowing his brother's manipulation of the Florida election, it was as fake as Turkey.
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I don't think the usual surge of patriotism for a war president would happen. Americans are tired of war. Trump is deeply unpopular. Congressional Republicans just added $1.3 trillion to the deficit with their budget on top of the $1.5 trillion they added to the deficit for the enormous tax cuts for the rich, setting the country's economy up for a Great Depression and leaving a failing infrastructure and sabotaged healthcare system. There's no money for endless wars.
Nor is there any great sense of enmity for the nations that Trump and his warmongers might want to attack. You cannot have major wars when almost no citizens will support them. Not that I think Trump and his collaborators would realize that. Congress would not declare war. Impeachment would come swiftly though.
President Trump's erratic and crazy behavior seems to be reaching a tipping point, as his desperation mounts. Desperate men do desperate things and the unthinkable can become reality.
Trump's unilateral authority to launch nuclear weapons is so powerful and so final that every American should be frightened to death. When Nixon was in his last days in office, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger issued orders that if the president gave any nuclear launch order, those in command should immediately notify him or Secretary of State Henry Kissinger before executing those orders.
This was unprecedented and no one can know if Schlesinger's order would even have been followed.
It was Republicans in Congress who alerted Schlesinger that Nixon was too unstable to be in charge of the nuclear codes but Congressional Republicans today simply act like Trump's unhinged behavior is simply "Trump being Trump." They do nothing but look the other way.
Let's not forget that Trump has wondered aloud why we have nuclear weapons if we don't use them. Secretary of Defense Maddis needs to follow Schlesinger's example and put safeguards in place.
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Everyone forgets the rest of the last days of the Nixon presidency story. Nixon was drinking himself into an alcoholic stupor and that's the main reason the nuclear codes were taken away from him.
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@Sharon:
Nixon himself had stoked official fears during a meeting with congressmen during which he reportedly said, “I can go in my office and pick up a telephone, and in 25 minutes, millions of people will be dead.” Senator Alan Cranston had phoned Schlesinger, warning about “the need for keeping a berserk president from plunging us into a holocaust.”
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/08/11/donald-trump-nuclear-...
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Charles you have made a pretty accurate description of Rumps personality flaws, or abnormalities to be more specific.
I have been pondering his behavior for awhile, and most posters on these sites describe what he does, what he is or think he is, but the critical issue is why he is and does.
So let us look at the reasons he has given for the majority of his actions, and they all involve "Protecting the people, or the American public," be ti from drug dealers, immigrant criminals, Muslims, from China stealing information, they all have a common thread.
North Korea is a danger because he is making it one, and the same for Iran. He wants to institute a war with either or both of them, he believes it would be an easy win, just as
Desert Storm was, and people will look up to him for it, he is like a petty Napoleon, he is aware what a failure he is, he does not want to go out with being the most hated president in history. a big military will will make him a hero so he believes, I think that may have been behind W's decision to go to war. He wants a big military parade to show how admired he is so he can brag about it.
He is a classic case of an escaped inmate from the funny farm, he just has to get his way, he has a history of that, consequences be damned.
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It's as if we're in a lucid dream (nightmare, really) and know this will end badly, but can't seem to change the end or even wake up.
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Dear Pontifikate, next time ensure more votes for the qualified candidate.
Oh sorry, you did that last time.
Perhaps change to a truly democratic election process to ensure the candidate with the most votes wins?
For me, there's nothing lucid. It's all lurid - utterly repulsive.
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Indeed, as Mr. Blow rightly asserts, "The power of the American presidency is an awesome power" -- but from where does it arise? The consent of the people. Why should America's 325.7 million people, or the world's 7.6 billion feel obliged or compelled to sit silently on their hands while this idiot works through his penile issues? If he chooses to make war -- press that button -- will his military men genuflect before Don the Con and let him do it? Will they be that craven and cowardly? Would that a mob of two million stormed the White House or Mar-a-Lago (ton where he fed from the young people demonstrating in Washington this weekend) and dragged this nihilistic wannabe dictator out and sent him packing. Neither Americans or our fellow travelers on this troubled planet must let this despicable man decide their fates.
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Sorry -- meant to write: Mar-a-Lago, to where he fled from the young people demonstrating in Washington this weekend...
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Mr. Miller, not to be confused with Mr. Miller 'The Deer-Hunter', who is the most industrious worker I have ever encountered, and who added when the results came in on a bleak November 'Either way, it cannot end well', this is to say that he might have been on to something.
Enough with the bashing of Trump, as The Nation attempts to deter his sense of direction, reminiscent of 'Mr. Toad' who ends up in the ditch.
Many Americans, fit, willing and capable, are trying to make a living. A moment to pause and give homage to Our Young, whose voices were heard this weekend last and you are all supposed to be in school again until Spring break.
We are American. We are not The Mob who stormed Versailles, and watched heads roll, while we excelled at the art of knitting. America is a young Nation, and there is no need for 'Mob-Mentality', but a reminder of what is right or wrong.
Let us be quiet and 'listen' to our Country Men and Women who are having a rough time. Let us try to hear what plagues them the most. Some are trying to retire, and may not be able to. They detest and distrust big Government, and they do not like terms like 'Climate Change' or 'Progressive Thinking'.
'Nice' does not cut it with them either. We are not a Nation of Mice. Pandora's Box is open. There are many ills that have to be addressed and these have been lingering. We are the Greatest Democracy on Earth, and let us begin by keeping the lid on this.
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If two million people stormed the White House or Mar A Lago, you can be sure the Secret Service would open fire on the protesters at the front of the line. And likely keep shooting at each wave following.
And that would give license to the deplorables to use their semi-automatic weapons against the hated liberals.
The Secret Service oath is not to the constitution like most elected officials. They are pledged to protect the life of the President, no matter if the man masquerading as the President is worthy of being protected. As they have proven time and time again, they will take a bullet to protect the President. Even Trump.
Sadly, if Trump refuses to go or starts a war to distract people from his immoral and criminal behavior, you can be sure a lot of innocent people will die trying to save their country from this traitor.
So very sad but Civil War II is a distinct possibility if Trump and his family aren't locked up soon.
I have decided to leave America on April 3rd and live overseas until this crisis ends.
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Trump may want to appear tough but he's still the one who got his daddy to pay a doctor to say his footsie hurt him so he wouldn't have to serve his nation in the Vietnam War. Trump told Howard Stern that having unprotected sex while trying to avoid STDs was the equivalent to fighting in Vietnam. I bet the 55,000 young Americans who died in Vietnam and the over one million Vietnamese who died wished they had to opportunity to avoid STDs instead of bombs and gunfire.
The irony is that Trump, who was too scared to be drafted, is in the position to send young Americans to their deaths. Having seen his attitude toward others, he won't have a regret or a serious thought about it. He'll send them to die and enjoy a "beautiful chocolate cake" five minutes later.
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Ah, yes, we should not forget that Wayne La Pierre evaded the Vietnam draft due to anxiety issues. The irony of that statement as he became the purveyor of gun deaths in America is rich.
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We demand that Trump send his sons daughter and son in law to the front lines. And every congress person does the same, should they start a war. Let the lawmakers personally send their family members "over there", while we watch the show from "right here".
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Trump promised to hire only the best. Yet he has fired or been forced to fire droves of his hirees. A normal person would question whether he had in fact hired only the best and the brightest. But not Trump. Those he was forced to fire 'never really had significant positions' in his administration or campaign. After all, Manafort was only Trump's campaign manager. The others who left had other opportunities that drew them away. After all, working for POTUS is not the great opportunity it's made out to be. In other words, at the end of the day, Trump was right: he hires only the best, who continue to replace the best who for some unknown reason, could not last very long in the administration that is making America Great Again.
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Washington politics indeed is a long way from New York City real estate. NYC real estate is significantly more honorable – even WITH the Mafia.
On a day when Jimmy Carter states that he hopes Trump is NOT impeached, Charles takes impeachment as a given. That’s interesting. Trump has one instance of a woman accusing him of non-consensual sex, and has established a pattern of consensual sex out of wedlock, while Bill Clinton had several women accuse him of forced sex with only one known incidence of consensual sex (in the Oval Office), establishing his own pattern; and while one should never have been impeached, the other should be. Both were not loved by ideological adversaries, yet only one (so far) bombed Iraq to distract from a White House sex scandal (in 1998 -- according to Human Abedin, of all people); and it wasn’t Trump.
But one thing’s for sure: we haven’t been this diminished in our dialogue since Bill Clinton forced us into the mud, twenty years ago. Then, liberals forgave Clinton with a boys-will-be-boys shrug, in order to retain his policies; and, now, it’s evangelical Christians who forgive Trump his manner and his hobbies in order to retain HIS policies.
We impeached one president (ridiculously) and talked about impeaching the two who followed him -- one a Republican, the other a Democrat. And now we’re talking about impeaching Trump, as well, who is neither. The only thing here that’s clear is that America is chock-full of sore losers.
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Mr. Luettgen,
You, David Brooks, and quite a few others have become this American's literary stalking-horse. While honesty is not always the best policy, there is a streak of the fighting Irish in your make-up, and on occasion, The Irish will go to bat for The Under-Dog. This takes courage and loyalty, even when facing a losing proposition. Some would have walked by now.
Austria and I had an earlier exchange where the rise of Racism and anti-Semites are on the rise. She saved my life a few years ago in saying that a choice cannot be made without consultation. And she was to remain resilient and patient.
We did impeach one president ridiculously. His name is Bill Clinton, and he is liked by some of the downtrodden among us, even commonly known as 'The Good Old Days'.
Our mentality of 'Winners and Losers' shows itself as detrimental. Case in point, I tried this on an international workshop for the humanitarian cause, and it was actually quite funny to hear the lukewarm applause at the time while flushing pink in shame.
It would help if Our Nation were to have a bright, elegant Leader: Civil and courteous, enlightened and informed to give 'We The People' a sense of direction and give us steady ground to stand tall and do our best. A great Communicator to The People of America, to our Allies and Foes alike.
At the moment we are crippled and hobbled. Some of us even feel threatened by our current lack of Leadership.
Yours in support of Mr. Mueller.
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If Huma said Iraq, she was wrong (and hardly for the first time). It was Afghanistan.
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If Clinton had paid hush money to a woman or women 11 days before an election in which he was on the ticket, the GOP would have been entirely justified in impeaching him.
And Abedin didn’t make the claim about Clinton’s bombing Iraq to distract from the Lewinsky scandal. It was made in an article published in an academic journal for which she was an assistant editor.
Jimmy Carter hasn’t been right about many things over the course of his long public career. Maintaining that Trump “wants what’s best for the country” isn’t among them.
And reasonable people can disagree on the precise moment when we were “forced into the mud” by a politician. Richard Nixon would have to be included in that conversation.
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I view this piece as very much spot on. yet it misses one largely inevitable thing. I have every reason to expect trump to start an actual shooting war. he and the gop can wrap themselves in the flag and from their perspective do better in the upcoming elections. Or maybe further out taken advantage of an apparent willingness among trump supporters to postpone 2020. In that way he can surpass china and russia and become president for as long as he can. Considering the apparent mind of trump that may be in his mind. perhaps in his mind if he starts a war he can at the very least fire Mueller and get away with it.
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Trump’s impulsive behavior ensures that he will be unable to develop a coherent and effective defence to the myriad of challenges that he faces.Trump marches inexorably to impeachment. The momentum has changed. You can see it in his demeanor. You can just feel it.
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And in his weight gain and collapsing physical appearance.
According to available biographical information Trump was a disturbed and belligerent child, constantly getting into fights, and had be shipped off to a military school by his father.
Trump seems to have made a quantum leap from age 17 to 71 without any midway emotional development. Trump has been in a constant state of war his entire life. Revisiting newspaper headlines from twenty and thirty years ago illustrate Trump attacking bigger celebrities than himself: Mayor Koch, Leona Helmsley, Rosanne Barr, and on an on.
Attack is the only social expression Trump knows - it got him into the White House, but it will likely be his undoing. Fine. But the more pressing concern is that he does not take the entire nation down with him in a nuclear confrontation.
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A violent child (sorry, I insult children) indulging in tantrums, and acting like a mob boss. He is not a god, a king, or an emperor. He is in violation of his oath of office since day one. He's in it for himself, and his immature greed and deep dishonesty are a clear and present danger to our nation.
As he brings in ever more blind and/or destructive and/or violent people to fill the halls of power, he endangers us, each and every one, and our future.
I have hope, thanks to the women and the young people and the saner people of every age, everywhere, who are becoming ever more organized and clear about how to combat this horror that has taken over my country.
It is time for true patriotism, for true humanity. This ugly monster and his enablers and dupes are a danger to all of us. He must not be allowed to use his toys, the nuclear arsenal, to distract from the troubles he has brought on himself by violating every tenet of human decency.
Christians need to practice their religion, not the "gospel" of success and hatred, but the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was pretty straightforward about hypocrites and moneychangers in the temple. The seven deadly sins, the ten commandments, Trump has no respect for that, he's just using people by pretending because he loves the attention. Go and sin no more ...
We have 9 months to survive, what few holdouts of decency remain need to band together to protect our country from the depredations of this ultimate kleptocrat.
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Impeachment is not likely. The Republicans, who gave us this mess of a man, would then be in the position of voting him out in the Senate, which will upset their Wall Street and Defense Industry donors. If Republican Senators oppose Trump's impeachment, in the face of thousands of pages of incriminating evidence, they will humiliate what's left of their Party.
The fossil fuel companies are in a quandary: Koch and friends gave us a nincompoop, and somehow their first choice, Ted Cruz, was even worse.
Trump is going to resign, but timing is key. Then, if Mueller proves that Pence is also dirty with Russian ties, we get Ryan. That's a perfect scenario for Koch, Adelson, and Exxon, since Ryan works for them, and hates taxes on the rich more than anything in life. He's also a good front man, with his earnest frat boy personality, and well disguised hatred of the poor.
If the Democrats and Congress stall dumping Trump until 2019, we get the Democratic Speaker of the House if Pence is also gone. That means Nancy Pelosi, whose main strength is that she is better than the Republicans. The Democrats must soon choose a quality Speaker who could actually handle being President, no easy task, since most of the good potential Presidents- Whitehouse, Sanders, Brown, Warren- are Senators.
In any case, Trump is done, even before 60 Minutes. If he had any self respect, he'd disappear to Mar-A-Lago, but he won't.
No good choices here, but this will be fun.
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Mike, we won't get Ryan unless President Pence leaves office without appointing a new Vice President. I agree, that such an appointment/successor is not likely to be a good person--unless a Dem majority in Congress forces a good appointment.
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Mike: This is your idea of fun?
Watching the country self emulate because of one half baked man?
When the nukes start flying, I suppose that will be "fun". It's probably "fun" for trump to replace (You're fired) incompetent people with people that are even more incompetent and infantile and dangerous.
It's not fun. It's a nightmare. It's reality TV at its worse.
Adam Schiff would do just fine as a intetim president. He's smart, ethical and a decent human being.
On Trump's "opting to listen rather than to read," I have yet to see any evidence (useful policy, sensible legislation, or observable action) that he has actually listened to any advice or briefing he has been offered. He may have heard it, which a very different thing. And how he follows his "instincts' has been widely discussed in these pages as well as elsewhere, but all I see him following are impulses. Animals listen keenly and have instincts--characteristics which this president sorely lacks.
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GG, you analysis is incisive. The difference between instincts and impulses is crucial, and right on the money.
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For Fintan.
I concur.
Impulse is to act devoid of conscious thought.
Instinct is inborn and natural. The primary and basic instinct of a human being is self-preservation.
When it comes to Trump one could conclude that instinct could lead him to resign.
Whereas impulse could cause him to take us to war ... somewhere or other and without any meaningful thought for the consequences and/or the final outcome.
Trump is seriously flawed and he must go away by one route or another and the sooner the better.
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Mr. Trump certainly now understands more about what he can get away with. He knows that the duties of the president depend on customs and traditions which he can largely ignore. He knows that Congressional Republicans have largely abandoned their Constitutional oversight duties. Given that, it must be puzzling to him that Mr. Mueller's investigation is proceeding apace. Mueller is motivated by public service and the public good. I believe Trump finds such motivations inexplicable and hardly credible. In the meantime, his obsessive war on the investigation makes him look all the more guilty.
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The Republican majority (even some one-time never-trumpers) are too invested in party advantage to do their duty of being a check and balance to the trump gang; they will allow trump to do anything, no matter how bad for the nation.
Our only option for averting total disaster, if we have that long, is to vote in massive numbers to rid both Houses of Republican majorities in the fall elections.
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I agree. Vote them out. Democrats are no angels, but at least they have not sold their souls so unconditionally and hypocritically to the devil that now occupies the White House.
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