Republicans of today are reenactors of Republicans of time between the 1929 stock market crash and their total political rout of 1932. They were unable to react in any meaningful to the obvious problem they were faced with. The only thing were capable of doing was to continue advocating the old nostrums of the past.
Today Republicans are again faced with an impending disaster, and like in those pre-depression days, they simply cannot face the fact they must change or face a political tsunami. Not changing is part and parcel of being a Republican.
The irony of this soap opera is that even though most Republicans seem willing to go down with the ship, Trump, like the captain of the Costa Concordia has no compunction about abandoning them.
161
Destruction doesn't take long and today we have an acidic brew of vicious hate, corporate greed/control, and the foaming, celebratory desire for third or fourth tier hacks in lieu of people with principles and brains. I'm not sure what those of us trying to go about our lives actually did to deserve this. Well - we underestimated a goal and trusted that we would all play by the same system.
We cannot expect any help from the Republican Party. In fact they are no better than banana republic despots. They will do anything, absolutely anything, to maintain power. But we can never forget their hollow words, fake patriotism, and economic blindness (except when it comes to their own pockets).
The rocks have been lifted and it's terrifying.
166
My greatest fear is that Trump sits up in bed one night and decides that we need to show China, Iran and North Korea who's boss and decides to bomb one of them. I can see him willing to sacrifice young Americans lives, or all the rest of us, just to distract from his problems. I really hope there's not a General at the National Command Control Center who puts his MAGA hat on and thinks "what a great idea Mr. President".
102
I almost never agree with Mr. Friedman, but he's not far wrong this time, and errs only in lack of enthusiasm.
Mr. Trump is the sort of character, an autocrat or incompetent, that the founders of the Republic imagined might possibly come to power if the Congress neglected to exercise its own Constitutional powers. He is a result of decades of a Congress willing to avoid responsibilities by delegating authorities to the President.
Fortunately, the founders left one last power to the Congress. No previous President has so clearly and publicly demonstrated cause to remove the President. The House should impeach Mr. Trump, and the Senate should remove him from office. We need a strong, active Congress. We need them now.
185
You think it’s time??? I now realize how disassociated I was living in the New York area. I didn’t realize that half of Americans, who I rarely interact with, could imagine a kind of gross tv and real estate personality as our president. I wouldn’t have thought that most republicans would stand behind and support him for so long. Party above human values. No real separation of religion and state. I now understand that America will always linger in that precarious state. It’s kind of old news but in our face at this time in history.
81
I fear that the only thing that is going to remove Trump from office is the 2020 election. No matter how clear the evidence he may have colluded with the Russians or obstructed Justice in the investigation, it will still be Trump's word against the ragtag collection of misfits he accumulated in his campaign and in his Administration and were prosecuted.
As Bob Woodward has sagely analyzed it, if Nixon had destroyed the tapes, he would not have been forced to resign or be impeached because it would have been his word against Dean's etc. Trump has a much lower class of witnesses against him, nearly all of whom have plead guilty to lying. That is because he only hired the 'best' people to work with him.
The most effective plan of action may be to pick and choose among situations and frustrate Trump from his worst crackpot and/or dictatorial ideas. The fact that the budget has to emanate from the Democratic controlled House is the starting point of reining in his maddest impulses.
53
Interesting that Bush II had Dick Cheney, a power-hungry, dishonest sort of a person who usurped the power of the Presidency to satisfy his ego and line his pockets. And now, with Trump, we have the same sort of dishonesty and backstabbing. As with the Bush II years, Republican lawmakers stood idly by while our democratic institutions were being pillaged. And as Mr. Friedman ably pointed out, it’s not so different now as when our country abidicated its leadership place in the world prior to WW II (and WW I, also, I believe).
So, yes, it’s time for the Republicans to admit that the Emperor’s New Suit is indeed threadbare and call it like it is: This person, Donald J. Trump, is an embarrassment to our country whose actions are tantamount to destroying the underpinnings of our society. Do they have to wait until the public casts its vote to oust lawmakers whose lackasidaisical, no-action behavior lets this one man destroys all that we know and love? Or will they see the light and make the move we most need. The only problem, as I see it, is that Pence is to Trump as Bush II was to Cheney. But then two years or so of no leadership will only serve to settle things down until the country changes its leadership in 2020.
36
The reluctance of republican leadership to move against Trump should be subject to deep and extensive scrutiny. I suspect that they are dirty to a degree we do not yet know. They too fear Mueller for the same reasons as the Trumps: a) they are on the take and indebted to foreign interests b) They could be held legally accountable for selling out.
84
Well done. However, the spineles Republican Party will do nothing under the current leadership. Over the years, the party has become the sole source to serve the fat cat special interst groups. The paymasters help them to create huge propganada based on xenophobia, fear, tax, God and abortion. The trick works for the uneducated people despite the fact that the party’s mission to serve the fat cats is destroying the economic foundation of the country. Then con man came and he was a god sent to them since he is a genius manipulator con man. They were happy to serve the con man since he gave a trillion dollar tax cut to the wealthy. The corrupt Republican Party finally got the right match to serve as their leader.
49
I wonder about the soundness of this advice. It is hard to imagine going over to Trump's home field to fight this battle. Trump thrives on conflict and America is out of oxygen.
I am Canadian and we are more resolute than ever in trying to avoid conflict especially with Trump. I am amazed by our government's ability to avoid confrontation with Herr Trump no matter how provocative and irrational his attacks on Canada are.
We may not seem to be winning in the USA but the world has been taking notice. China whose interests lie with a Trump presidency is backing up Trump's action with action that is beyond the Pale for most of the world even including Putin's Russia.
17
Most forthright and cogent summary and call action I can remember. Thank you. (From Canada)
33
The answer to the wall is a tax on the American people. Let them all pay for it and then see how much they really want it.
27
Even though Friedman expressed his thought very delicate and eloquently, given the fact that GOP is little less talented than the Trump himself , all these words fall on deaf ears.
21
Trump has been a destructive force all of his life. We cannot expect him to change on his own or through threat. He is at his worst when confronted with being told what to do. He is competitive to the point where he will use his power to dismantle anything worthwhile someone else has done and then blame that person or group for its destruction. His ego is so fragile that he cannot take responsibility for his actions unless they result in a win for him and a loss for others. He is dangerous and is getting more dangerous as each day passes. If he cannot be harnessed by checks and balances, he needs to be removed from office.
66
Surely being president must require a basic ability to do the job. Trump has clearly become incapable of leading himself out of a paper bag. It is unreasonable to think he can function as a leader of over 300 million people. This is what the 25th amendment was designed for. Mitch McConnell has a decision to make: either get realistic quickly, or go down in history as the man who enabled Trump to continue damaging the country.
61
I too felt impeachment would do more damage than good... until this week.
46
Yes, Trump is deranged, cornered, dangerous. He is responsible for inflaming a latent schism in American culture and politics and reducing to near-zero our chances of addressing it constructively. He is a clear and present danger.
But the core problem goes deeper, to the corruption of our electoral process - beginning with its vote-counting component - and the fundamental warping of our politics that corruption has wrought.
Even with Trump gone, the forces of corporate feudalism that have influence, if not outright control, over the outfits that count votes in the pitch-dark of cyberspace, will be able to insure that our elections will never bring us a progressive America, a nation of, for, and by the people.
There's a good deal of evidence for that core corruption - that the manifest vulnerability of conceal, computerized, privatized voting and vote counting processes to manipulation has been exploited throughout the computerized voting era to veer the country inexorably and mysteriously rightward.
Unfortunately, even the Tom Friedmans of the world - so honest and perceptive about so many things - have taken a full pass on "going there" and examining and publicizing it. I can only wonder whether they and this troubled nation will ever awaken to the HOW of what has befallen, and move smartly to restore public, observable vote counting to our elections.
Until we do that the warping and the horror won't cease - Trump or no Trump. It will just put on a better face.
17
If you believe for 1 second the Republicans, and do not forget there will be some Democrats, will vote to impeach trump then I also need to ask you if you put cookies out for Santa last night. He will leave when he is voted out in 2020 or after 2nd term in 2024. Unless, of course they change the term limits for President. He could become President for life like his heroes.
13
Solid arguments, Tom, except for this one: "Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse." Our best hope is that "Quiet Man" Pence is up to his neck in Russian collusion (he played a major role in the transition team) and that he and Trumpsky will go down together when Mueller Time finally arrives early next year. That would result in one of the few competent adults still in Washington assuming the presidency-- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House.
60
The republicans' big money donors are going to put a stop to trump when they start getting hurt financially. The global markets tanking should do it. Watch as more and more Republican senators start turning on trump as the global markets continue to tank.
23
I agree. The GOP should do this. It should also govern responsibly in a way that help all Americans, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
But it is incapable of doing any of these things. It can't even keep government functioning. Remember Kansas? That and far worse is what we are now seeing on a national scale.
And their base, including most white evangelicals, continue to cheer on this insanity and destruction even after two years. They aren't going to wake up any time soon.
27
Thanks, Tom, once again.
You have argued convincingly that the president
is a clear and present danger to our country and
the Pax Americana that has kept the world relatively
safe from world wars.
However, until and unless politicians connect with the Americans displaced by the tech revolution and globalization
policies, the GOP will not grow a spine.
One exception: if the markets crash, GOP donors scream, and companies fall.
We are between a rock and a hard place.
Ultimately, we depend on our secular priesthood: the Supreme Court and the Mueller team.
But unless the GOP follows your advice now, it will be too little too late to avoid widespread damage.
13
I reject Friedman’s assessment that America (and the world) will be irreparably harmed with Trump continuing in office. Americans are resilient and people of good will throughout the world will repair the bonds that DJT attempts to destroy. I have faith in that.
From a pragmatic perspective Republicans are all in and will not join Dems in ousting Donald. No way.
However Trump will be long gone by years end 2019. Being president brings exposure. I anticipate charges of money laundering, profiteering through his office, Trump Foundation fraud, his children’s criminal activities vulnerability, fraudulent tax filings, finance election laws violations, and possibly treasonous actions will be forthcoming. And Trump can’t suppress because so much is outside of federal jurisdiction. It is important that various states investigating Trump pass legislation that removes presidential pardon protection for state criminal activities.
My firm belief is that a deal will be cut where DJT resigns for grants of immunity for himself and his children. The difficulty will be to get states to join in.
I want Trump to go to jail but I want him gone more!
30
I would like to see Trump impeached, but I think it is unlikely given the lack of conscience on the part of Republicans. Even though I share the Handmaid’s Tale vision of Pence and believe he would be a horrible president, I think that Trump’s mercurial and ego-driven-thinking is far more dangerous.
9
Of course, Mr. Friedman's arguments are compelling. I suspect many in the GOP, and in that strange slice of the electorate devoted to Trump, will need Mr. Mueller's product before they take any significant step. The GOP because they want whatever fig leaf they can find so the Trump voters don't take it out on them. And that weird slice, because...because....I'm not sure. I guess they can't stand the idea they were so wrong about this character. Or maybe it's just that Trump hates all the right people.
6
I couldn't agree more. It is time for Trump to go.
12
I have to wholeheartedly agree with the commentator called TM from Muscegon, in comments. Concise answer to the dilemma of how we solve our divided country since President Trump and even before. Now it’s blantently obvious how these “hidden” low hanging behaviors are invading our unity. United we stand. Until we get that we are more alike than different, we will judge, hate and make others suffer. There’s a better way. Let’s do that instead. Love, tolerate, empathize and heal.
6
When can we start? The 25th amendment is waiting with the cowards in Congress and the Cabinet. Mueller is coming down the street. Let’s get it going! Thanks for a very intelligent rendering, Mr. Friedman.
6
Don’t expect the GOP to develop a spine. Many of Trump’s worst traits reflect their own.
To date, anyone in Congress who half-heartedly challenged Trump has retired. There will be no “Profiles in Courage” of the sort JFK wrote.
We are left with a lying grifter who roughly 35% of the country are willing to abet.
11
Unfortunately, the compromised Mitch McConnell will never grow a backbone to threaten Trump. It was shear genius (and who knows who thought of it) to put McConnell's wife in Trump's Cabinet. McConnell will never threaten Trump as Trump holds the future of McConnell's wife in his hands. The conflicts-of-interest in and around Trump, including the McConnell's has no bounds.
While I agree with the basic premise of the column, there are no more principled Republicans like Barry Goldwater who met with Nixon and told him the game was over and to resign.
10
Clearly, going against Trump in the political reality of the current GOP is tantamount to suicide. So, the real question is how many GOP congressmen are willing to lose their positions of power to save the country? The only two that were willing to risk it were both from Arizona. I think that's called courage and patriotism.
13
I voted for Trump because I wanted an outsider who could stir the pot of politics as usual. I didn't care for his bullying but I got caught up with his shoot from the hip style. He was a camera conscious guy who knew how to play the system. I figured he would be reigned in by the professionals he appointed. I realized I made a mistake when he disrespected our war heroes. What he said about John McCain was shameful. His demonization of immigrants and support for groups that preach hate was unacceptable. I'm a conservative but an American first. I don't think the Russians were behind his victory but I have a serious problem with pulling away from our allies. My dad had a head injury from a car accident when he was 42. He was no longer able to run our small family business. He did not see that his judgment was impacted. He became impulsive and said crazy thing to his employees, friends and family. He reluctantly agreed to retire and now lives in my home. I never expected Trump to do and say the things he has. He really seems to be struggling but he doesn't see it. Maybe he is sick, too. Trump is not family but he is our president. He needs help.
12
Mr. Friedman is an immensely sophisticated, experienced, and thoughtful man and journalist. He joins several others of his calibre --including prominent political reporters of the NYT -- in whom I discern a gradually increasing note of genuine fear.
Key here is "genuine." These writers' distress responds to the imminent possibility of literal destruction of the world on which we all have relied for stability, safety, and (in truth) our prosperity for 70 years or so. This is *not* ginning-up hysteria to sell papers or garner clicks.
The only possible argument against removal of I-1, by *any* means, is that a President Pence -- an anti-scientific, fundamentalist, ignorant punch-line -- might give Republicans cover in 2020, for them to extend their plutocratic kleptocracy. This argument has great merit.
But the deeper fear remains: does any serious reader believe that I-1, a criminal, fabulist, and narcissist, would voluntarily walk out of the White House without armed guards and threat of force to make him do so? He, with the nuclear codes, and a Twitter feed into the ids of his 'base'? This is the nightmare scenario we dare not learn.
As Charles Blow said recently, our national nightmare is beginning, not ending.
20
He must be removed - the untold damage he doubtless would do in the next two years simply cannot be risked. His remaining “second-string” vice president and cabinet have neither the intellect nor courage to act; principled Republicans in Congress need to cease fruitless efforts to moderate this madman or retiring in figurative protest and instead serve their country as we elected them to do. It is about much more than a historical judgement - America’s survival hangs in the balance.
8
Mr Friedman, as long as Trump keeps nominating right wing unqualified judges , McConnell will keep the GOP in line and keep Trump in power. A wounded Trump is one he can control. McConnell does not care about America...he cares about establishing a right wing power base in the courts and maintaining through gerrymandering his grasp on power in the Senate, and the electoral college and he will break every norm (as he has done his entire career ) to see that through.
And then we have Pence. WHo believes everything Trump does, except he holds a Bible when he spews Trumps offensive positions. And Pence may be in Jeopardy with Mueller. The GOP will not get rid of Trump till they know PEnce is in the clear, because then we would have President Pelosi. Finally then, someone who is competent.
13
Look at the photo at the beginning of this piece.
Look at those eyes.. truly the window to the soul (if there is one)
Those eyes:
- Have never read a book
- Ignore obvious signals that DJT is not respected and unwanted
- Cannot find the good in anything that does not benefit DJT directly
- Cannot see anything but hate
- Are blind to the needs of a majority of Americans
- Lack vision into the future because he knows he is not part of it
DJT lies but the eyes never do!
10
Let me see what the facts are. Under Trump a prison reform bill will pass, em our prior president failed on that one. Under Trump NAFTA was renegotiated, our prior president failed on that one. Under Trump a window of opportunity has opened with North Korea, our prior president failed on that one.
Mad Dog Mattis is a part of the military industrial complex who have led us into war for the last fifty years and failed every time. Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq total waste of lives and money. I commend Trump for firing him. Mr. Friedman is a part of and a supporter of the military industrial establishment and so he calls for Trump's impeachment.
10
Shouldn't this have read UNWILLINGNESS???
Trump’s behavior has become so erratic, his lying so persistent, his WILLINGNESS to fulfill the basic functions of the presidency — like reading briefing books, consulting government experts before making major changes and appointing a competent staff — so absent, his readiness to accommodate Russia and spurn allies so disturbing and his obsession with himself and his ego over all other considerations so consistent, two more years of him in office could pose a real threat to our nation. Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse.
2
More ominous is the resultant triple whammy, a looming collapse in confidence in three major institutions: democratic governance, organized religion (Islam, Catholicism, and Prosperity Protestantism), and news media.
I am tuning out. The only remnant I find to be reliable is sports journalism, and this gives me some happiness.
1
Good luck hoping the GOP will do the right thing. I for one will not be holding my breath. It’s not just the fear of being primaried or losing the base that is driving the GOP’s loyalty to Donald Trump. They are also protecting themselves and it has a lot to do with the NRA/Russia investigation.
A little detail that has been flying under the radar is in the indictment of the 12 Russian hackers which Mueller dropped just ahead of Trump’s trip to Helsinki. The indictment reveals that in August 2016 the Russian hackers received a request for stolen documents from a U.S. Congressional candidate. The hackers did in fact deliver the documents which were related to the candidate’s opponent but the indictment does not reveal the name of the U.S. candidate that requested them.
Combine that with the fact that the NRA is being investigated by the FBI for suspicions of Russian money being illegally funneled through the NRA to GOP candidates. Add to that the fact that a few hours after news broke of Maria Butina’s arrest the Treasury Department announced a new rule sparing the N.R.A. from having to report their large donors to the I.R.S. and it suddenly starts to make sense why the GOP is as resistant as Trump has been to the investigation into the Russian interference in our election and why they continue to protect Trump and themselves.
Stay tuned!
12
My Catholic mother is saying rosaries to St. Aneurysm of Cerebellum for deliverance; maybe that will help.
6
"Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse." I agree that in some sense this is obvious. But, I am also informed by thoughtful conservatives like George Will - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UypXiV5frng. The GOP is the party of Trumpian lies regardless of the fact that its emperor has no clothes.
1
This is a pipe dream. The McConell Republican Party would never remove Trump.
3
I’m sure I am not alone in this sentiment, the Republican Party is the problem, NOT, the solution. Mr McConnell the great thief of the Supreme Court deserves much blame as does mr grassly, mr hatch, mr Cronyn, and other senior republican senators. Along with the freedom caucus which is less about freedom than more about exclusivity. The political climate within the United States since the Clinton administration has steadily become more strident and polarizing. Trump is simply a manifestation of that long steadily decline in American political accommodation. We have trump because we could not silence or counter the voices of division within this union. I say let him stay. Let the younger generation see for themselves what a taste of dictator, a taste of fascism, a taste of intolerance, and not the least, a taste of corporate politics looks like.
4
"Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse."
Really? He was a terrible Governor, is/was Trump's partner in crime and holds beliefs, to be kind, that are not aligned in any way with the beliefs of a majority of the American people.
Ugh.
17
The most horrifying aspect of all this is that there are more than 6 people in this country that still support Trump. But we have seen this before, haven't we? The 20th century holds too many examples of mad men casting a spell over unhappy populations - promising vengeance and victory - but delivering the destruction of democracy, a free press and decency.
It is Christmas time! And what is our President doing? Think about it. If this isn't a demonstration of his mental illness, what will it take. He just asked a 7 year old kid if he still believed in Santa. What's next? Really!
Why have so many church leaders been so silent while this person lies, berates, undermines and threatens the very fabric of modern society? If you go to church and don't hear your preacher condemn this evil person, get up, walk out, don't come back. They have been turned to the Dark Side.
I never believed in the devil - but now I am forced to rethink this.
7
Time to make decisive moves, nice nice not effective.
For the sake of liberation from tyranny I can see a White House invasion and strangulation of the beast by a coalition of pols and secret service.
2
Mr. Friedman is calling for Trump to be impeached based on policy differences and “chaotic” behavior.
Not a word about high crimes and misdemeanors.
Has he read the US Constitution?
2
You're just coming around to the fact he's a danger to the country? The entire election process was a sham, he should never have been allowed to run in the first place. The republican party is so up the creek in regards to representing actual people, their own 'base' can't stand their reps and candidates, only moneyed interests put forth people like Rick Santorum, Jeb!, and Ted Cruz. Then they support this lousy excuse for a human being in order to get tax breaks for billionaires and corporations while financially decimating our government and beggaring 90 percent of the population. Not to mention the numerous foriegn poilcy debacles, rolling back environmental regs to the 70's, and licking Putin's boots. None of this should have ever taken place, and he should be removed now by whatever means we can muster.
7
The time to fire Trump was two years ago but better late than never.
5
In the penultimate paragraph Friedman says "Trump has made 7,546 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day, through Dec. 20, the 700th day of his term in office."
That's not 5 a day, that's 10.78 a day. That means that, on average, virtually every working hour, Trump has told a lie.
Shame and sad.
9
We lost our chance to be democratic some time ago.
6
Over 1,000 comments so far and after 200+ read, I found one republican comment. Nothing helps more than the choir preaching to the choir. Sure would be nice if you spent this energy on constructive suggestions instead of trying to tear down the house.
That being said, What IF, President Trump:
…….goads China into a fair and balance trade agreement?
…….maneuvers the middle east to take care of their own problems?
…….achieves the growth of manufacturing in the U.S. consistently year after year?
…….drives the Congress to finally achieve a proper “fix” re Obamacare?
…….actually achieves lasting peace with North Korea?
…….gets the wall built and actually gets immigration under control properly?
…….continues to grow employment?
…….finally reduces government spending and the deficit starts to rapidly decline?
…….finally gets two parties working together and the infrastructure is rebuilt?
Would you still impeach him? Would you really keep this criticism going just because you wouldn’t do it his way? Would you fail to remember your own party’s failings and forget this unbelievably destructive rhetoric? Would you even consider allowing the man to manage and see what happens and judge him after his term rather than during the term?
It seems, to this conservative Republican, that perhaps the “other side” could use some civility and adaptability to current management.
4
Republicans are not competent enough for such a task, get someone else to do the job.
5
Trump thought he saw a world of snowflakes and considered himself to be the flamethrower who would turn back the clock. His supporters, other than self-serving oligarchs, saw a man to whom they are accustomed in their wretched, daily lives: the bully boy boss, the groping sexist and the wink and a nod racist. Like sufferers of Stockholm Syndrome, they flocked to his obscene MAGA banner. Christian indoctrination makes them susceptible to the need of a messiah who will deliver them. Loss and degradation are the only things that will make them change. Even that is a long shot, given the level of misinformation and outright propaganda that is aimed at and avidly consumed by the MAGA Hats. It started 50 years ago with the Southern Strategy and the Powell Doctrine. The exponential increase in the success of these schemes will result in a corresponding crash unless something can be done to alleviate the conditions that make the lives of people so hopeless that they want to watch it all burn rather than pitch in to put out the fire.
7
It's time for the Republicans and Trump's family to recognize that not only is he a lying criminal but he is also mentally ill.
A president who would tweet "I'm alone (poor me)" isn't playing with a full deck. A president who claimed via tweet that he was signing contracts with a company for building another section of the wall is delusional and suffering from dementia since there is NO section of the wall built and he wouldn't be in a position to "sign contracts" for same. He may have signed contracts years ago when he was in real estate but those days are over and the presidency doesn't work that way.
The abrupt pull out from Syria because Erdogan told him that "ISIS is defeated." These are all acts of a mentally ill person regardless of his position.
Trump is alone because if even one of his children remotely cared about him -- they'd tell him to resign and get psychiatric care instead of displaying how sick he is on the world stage.
5
You respect voters who wanted disruption? And you are now, after two salacious years generated from the most honored position in the land, calling the disruption destruction?
No, I don’t respect any Trump voter. Not one. They knew who they were voting for: a TV un-reality fool who in turn sits in front of the TV and gets his thinking pattern from one station. It was clear from day-one, with his childish bullying of other GOP candidates during the primaries, that was who he precisely was.
They voted for him anyway. So no, I have less than zero respect for those Americans. And always will.
15
In pleading for a unified response to Trump's crazy behavior, you didn't address the one point most Trump voters care about above all else. He's white (sort of).
4
Why, instead, don’t we just do a few of the relatively simple requests that the President has made? For example, build the wall. $5 billion is a very small number. The Dems say it’s a waste - really?! After all the failed spending programs they promote? It is simply a roadblock and they know it. Why not try it, for heavens sake. The same goes for NATO: why Not require Luxembourg and all the others to pay their fair share? They live like modern barons in their quaint little countries, protected by Uncle Sam. And we pay the bill. Again, really, Dems? You defend the indefensible and claim Trump is “breaking up” the alliance. Next, when Trump decides to leave very unpopular wars and long-running conflicts it is again criticized. Really? Ok, timing is never perfect. But Mattis is a general. He’s not elected to deal with the big picture. Yes, it will be painful to leave a potential vacuum. And the alternative?Stay another twenty years? Send thousands more troops? What’s the “end game”, as the elites like to say? Clearly it is easiest just to bash Trump. So why Not just try some new ideas? But, no, the Dems and liberal press just can’t bear to see him do something right. Perhaps his behavior and civility would improve if Congress admitted some of his ideas are new and good. Mr Friedman likes to cloak himself in the old qualities of the “world order” but these are ever-changing. I take comfort knowing that the flat world predicted by Friedman remains round and spinning.
5
When one honestly revisits and regurgitates the last two years, why would there be surprise? Trump is certainly trump, a deranged, out of control pathological liar, probably under the influence of some (legal) drug(s), “medicines” for quite awhile. At 72, not getting younger, it has enveloped his behavior, and now with Mattis, destructive evidence in every which way. It’s like the grandpa when he visits that you relinquish to bits of laughter, but then he goes home. Unfortunately Trump’s home is the USA. With no GOP to stop it and him by taking immediate action to impeach, one is left to wonder, certainty he does, but do they all have a serious death wish. Seriously.
1
"...and I think that is unlikely."
Not unlikely. That's being polite. Trump has a serious disorder. It's obvious as the symptoms have documented, repeatedly, ad nauseam, all over the news and the world wide web. So, no, it's not unlikely, he's INCAPABLE of change.
5
It is the GOP Senate that will be in most danger in 2020 as Trump's dementia leads the country into recession and a restoration of the Soviet Empire.
The man is a crook who has no interest in functioning as president, and is merely using the White House to fight off lawsuits and criminal prosecutions.
2
In general, I agree with Tom's comments about this moronic POTUS. Let's assume that Mueller finds the necessary conspiratorial and criminal content such that when combined with the SDNY criminal case against @realDonalTrump that the House finds grounds for impeachment. I believe the only way the Senate will find 19 GOP votes to remove POTUS is if wealthy GOP donors realize that their personal portfolios and/or business interests are at risk due to Trump's hapless worldview and inane foreign policy. They already have their tax cut for the 1% and the removal of many regulations protecting the environment from this administration. If they threaten to pull financial support from the GOP unless something is done ASAP to stop this slow-moving train wreck of an administration that is creating havoc and unnecessary risks in the market and the world then the GOP might act even if it is purely out of self-interests. I also agree that the theocrat Pence is unlikely to be as absurd as Trump
1
Dream on. Trump is little more than republican dogma unmasked. He is a reflection of republican values and has shown us what they are really like. Their oath above all is to stick together at all costs, so we'll never see Pence as president under their watch.
2
Blaming every problem we have on President Trump is short sighted. Our country has always had many ills, however the core values of democracy and transparency have often gotten us out of our own ill conceived issues. We have been dumbing down our decision makers, in the various Statehouses and municipalities, which eventually led to the election of someone who looked and acted like our State Legislators, Congresswomen/men and Senators. When you stay an elected official for 20 plus years because you believe it is your god given right, then you will get Trump or his ilk as other countries do. Look at the Southern States, the large metro areas are often times well organized, developed and represented (there are the crooks and selfish people among this group also), the rural areas seem to be awash in the rural messiah, who only like looks after themselves and their friends, but continue to get elected, similar to President Trump.
1
As a former journalist, I realize it is a challenge for the paper to illustrate each article and column. That said, I would just like it to be known that I am beyond weary of seeing the orange buffoon's visage at every turn. The photo with this column grants me a close encounter with his pores that I never wanted and could have lived without. Some of the photo illustrations devised by NYT have been clever. Why not return to those or just not have an image of this person at all? The ubiquity of his face, again, is as distasteful as his presence in our halls of leadership.
5
One issue here that needs some consideration is that almost 35% of the US voters think just like Trump. So how does one counter this aberrant behavior? This is why the 35th amendment was instilled into the Constitution as it provides a specific reasoned process for removal of a non-functioning president, like Trump, who is damaging the country and as a result, creating a world wide threat.
However, this amendment was passed when we had a real Republican Party. Unfortunately, we no longer do. We have a club of enablers who easily jumped aboard the psychotic bandwagon for their own personal benefit.
As Pogo said many years ago, we have met the enemy and they are us. From a dystopian electorate to craven politicians and crusading religionists, we are seeing the complete fragmentation of the country.
3
The Republican Party gave its backbone and its principles to Trump and his handler, Vladimir Putin, years ago. It's too late unless Trump begins to seem to be a danger to Republicans' reelections or their donors' investment portfolios.
4
Hard to believe the spineless Congress will do anything to check the POTUS when they lacked the guts to pass the previously agreed upon spending bill and deliver it to the Oval Office to challenge the veto threat. Instead spineless Ryan, the "policy wonk" fraud, who should never have been put in a position of leadership, caved to Fox News and the Tea Party traitors, and added 5.7 billion for a wall. THAT assured a shutdown. Why not remove all GOP members of the House and replace them with Fox News commentators and right-wing Talk radio mouthpieces; they are directing the GOP anyway. Might as well have the source vote. January will be a different story. There will be more than the current 17 investigations into Trump, the campaign, and his business frauds. We have never had a criminal in such a high office in the history of this country until Trump. The sooner he is jailed the better.
8
Asking GOP senators to grow a spine and put nation first and politics second, is a long shot. The better bet is with Mueller and Chief Justice Roberts who can foresee that if Trump is above the law and he is immune from punishment for proven crimes, including treason, that the Supreme Court will be either a rubber stamp or that Marberry v, Madison will be effectively overruled by executive abuse of power.
There need be no agreement between these 2 men who are dedicated to the rule of law. DJT is a clear and present danger to the security of the USA and the rule of law and the Founders, never intended that if the president has committed high crimes, fraud on the people to obtain his office, that the nation should have a way, other than by a vote of his political allies whose own chances for reelection may be endangered.
Why didn't the Founders foresee this and make provision? They did and it was obvious, The Constitution did not say that the president was above the law or had rights that other citizens did not have, Also an opinion DOJ lawyers 50 years ago, when president were busy doing their jobs and had no time to spare, is neither law nor is it in point.
Mueller should indict the president for all of his crimes where there is sufficient evidence to convict and set a trial date.
Trump will move to quash the indictment and the trial court fast track it to the Sup.Ct. The question: Can a this president be indicted. 5 to 4 yes, and it's lets make a deal.
1
Way past time to threaten. It's time for action.
3
you're dreaming, dear sir. the fact is that the republican party is the mirror image of trump's amorality, his illegality, his attack on laws and protocols, his utter debasement of the presidency and u.s. institutions. he is the logical extension of the republican party since gingrich -- really, since nixon. in a futile attempt to "play fair," the mass media has failed in its duty to call a spade a spade. the republican party is and has been bent on destruction of civil rights, of the american middle class, of the environment, of the first amendment, and now of our national security as well as our standing among our allies. trump is the republican party's ideal. they'll never turn against him because he represents their last gasp before that corrupt beast meets a deservedly ignominious death.
6
The problem that the Republican Party has faced for decades is that its true agenda - making the wealthiest Americans even richer at the expense of the middle class and poor - is enormously unpopular with the vast majority of the American people. If the G.O.P. stopped relying upon white identity politics, racism, nativism, and fear mongering, it would have nothing left to offer except its actual much despised agenda. Trump is but the monster created by the Dr. Frankenstein that is the Republican Party. The G.O.P. dares not turn against him for fear that it will lose what remains of its shrinking base. Being the political party that cares solely about the interests of the wealthiest one percent of the population cannot be easy in a country that still purports to care about democracy.
6
Trump did not arrive via the “ballot box”. He arrived via the Electoral College with a nudge from Russia. The majority of voters picked Clinton. The election was stolen and the current outcome was completely predictable.
7
Tom seriously, or was this a tongue in cheek article. The party of "No" and "Do Nothing" couldn't possibly muster the courage and resolve to even consider impeaching trump. They will desperately cling to any vestige of power until they implode.
5
“...if there is not a radical change in how he conducts himself — and I think that is unlikely — the party’s leadership will have no choice but to press for his resignation or join calls for his impeachment.”
Mr Friedman-it isn’t “unlikely” that his conduct will radically change, it’s categorically impossible. Likewise, it’s just as impossible that the emasculated GOP will do anything to stop him, ever. Pundits everywhere should just stop this kind of talk; no one in any position of authority is listening and it gives the rest of us false hope believing that they are.
4
I agree that Trump should go, for his sake only. Nothing is going to change what this country really is, unfortunately.
3
I agree with everything you say about Trump, his aberrant behavior and the damage he is doing to the FOUNDATIONS of this country, vis a vis our standing within the world order. That's because I abandoned the Republican Party years ago, when Christian Conservatives, people who mean harm to me as a Gay Man, took control of the party. Since then their lock on power within the party has only been cemented by reinforcement from the moneyed interests who have their own agenda, but one not greatly in conflict with the Christian Conservatives. These folks care not one wit about Democracy, the Constitution or anything else that has kept America great for lo these many years, they care for:
1. Turning America into a Christian Theocracy (Christian Conservatives)
2. Aborting any and all rules that negatively impact them (the top 6% of money owners).
As long as Trump keeps handing them a never ending stream of ultra conservative judges and overturning all regulations they won't turn against him.
Mr. Friendman..................save your breath, it ain't gonna happen. And Pence might actually be worse in some ways, just a little less volatile.
6
Trump is waging war against his own party and our very own government. His tweets reveal a level of disintegration. Republicans are simply weak and/or complicit. Something happened when it was uncovered the NRA was funding the Russian campaign to elect Trump ---and that money also went to the RNC.
5
Good Luck, with Mitch running the senate. He can keep throwing bones to disaffected party members. He may be awful, but unlike the current occupant, he understands how to things done in DC.
Once again Tom, I think what you are saying is off the point. Right now (meaning tomorrow) the real point is "follow the money". No, not THAT money, the REAL money. Are American and foreign investors voting no on Trump with their feet? Is that what the market drop is about, or is it just an "understandable correction".
If it is all about confidence..............is there any?
1
Your fears & what ifs are 2 years too late. We are & have been from the moment Trump took office in the state of chaos,destabilization, destruction of the US, its institutions, American Democracy and world order-- all with the help & blessings of a Republican Congress who willingly aided and abetted his knowingly destructive Cabinet choices and Congress' unwillingness to check power. The US, like Trump, is a reactive nation, unable to analyze & see the big, future picture-- until its too late. It appears you only see the damage in economic/financial terms---if we are plunged into an economic crisis. Markets are due to correct, crises happen--- Trump is creating economic crises! Like many-- your head is in the sand. America with Trump is no longer the keystone of global stability. It no longer stands for freedom & basic human rights as it brokers with murderers. The president & his Justice Department separates immigrant families from one another, abusing children. No stability exists where gun violence threatens our safety, peace & security at home. I also disagree with you we have more peace & prosperity than at anytime in history. There is tremendous unrest & turmoil around the world & only a few truly prosper. Trump was never emotionally, mentally fit or intellectually competent for the office. Yes, any corporate CEO would have fired after a month. A double firing is appropriate, as Pence supported, backed all policies & where silent, is complicit.
3
I do believe that Trump has become too dangerous to allow him to continue this farce of a government. His destruction has escalated too greatly since the election.
2
The Catholic church ignored reports of child abuse for years, did nothing about it.
The G.O.P. have ignored this out of control president for two years. Rooted for him, became supplicants to him, carried out his criminally minded agenda and supported his strong man tactics.
So this season, this year, is not so much about Christmas Tree's as it is about zealotry.
Not like a charming grinch Christmas but a mob Christmas. A G.O.P. mobbed up Christmas.
5
You break it, you've bought it. Some parts of the GOP are only lately waking up to the fact that their initial assumption that Trump could be "managed" was delusional. "Of course he'll need a handler," some of them said early on. How's that working out for ya, GOP?
3
Pence would not be worse:
- He does not have the cult following that believes, beyond all evidence that Trump is a "good businessman" and that boorishness is "winning"—they saw it on TV, after all.
- He will be bound by standards and limitations that don't bind Trump. No one will ignore it if HE kowtows to Putin.
- His extreme ideas are not popular. He was too excessive even for Indiana. The political calculation of going along with him will be different.
- He will not alienate our allies and think it's smart to destroy our leadership position in the world. He's not fool enough to believe Putin really admires him.
- He doesn't have personal business dealings to protect with Russia and the Saudis.
- He doesn't have dementia.
- He's pale and unattractive to voters and other politicians alike. He's shown himself to be weak in his slavish support of Trump—even putting his water bottle on the floor in imitation and calling Trump "this good man." Don't think the political sharks can't smell weakness.
4
What makes you believe that any Republican congressman would have the integrity to confront Trump and talk about his impeachment?
3
Let's all take a deep breath here. The destructive imbalance of the Republican rule is about to come to an end. If the rule of law prevails, and the Democrats begin to tackle the many issues in a measured and respectful way, perhaps some of the more moderate Republicans will discover that they too have spines.
1
7546 fase/misleading claims divided by 700 days in office = almost 11 false/misleading claims per day. Significantly more then the average of 5 per day you state. It's a minor issue.
2
I am so tired of the media talking about how this one man has made us not-America anymore. Yes, he should be impeached. But talking about the America that "was," before his election two years ago, completely ignores that the majority of Americans are simply living our lives as we always have. This kind of myopia -- that the leaders define the country because they dominate the news cycle -- is the kind of narrow-mindedness that got him the media attention and got him elected in the first place.
Please, turn your eyes away from Washington and towards the American people for just a little while. Stop feeding the beast.
2
Probably somebody has already pointed it out, but since I do not see the correction I will insist: Average Trump lies is above 10 per day (redo your math).
2
88% of Republicans love Trump and approve of the job he is doing. Many incoming Senate Republicans owe their election to Trump; his Republican Senate critics are gone or are retiring. It will certainly be a Herculean task for the Republican leaders to remove him - but not impossible. Keep up with the drum beat of removal - it can only help.
1
I agree with Mr. Trump's foreign policy.
I believe most of the Bernie Sanders camp (those who don't reflexively react to Trump anyway) agree with him too.
Mr. Trump's foreign policy is infinitely better than the catastrophic destabilization of Libya and Syria undertaken by the previous president and Mrs. Clinton, who would no doubt have intensified both fronts had she come to power. How many countless lives did those misadventures ruin? How many generations? To what end? For whose profit?
The people of the Middle East will also breathe a huge sigh of relief today. So will the people of Europe - for what did the destabilization of Libya and Syria achieve but to send waves of desperate humans looking for refuge in Europe, in turn empowering the fascists?
Every powerful politician has blood on their hands - but the Obama-Clinton combination is particularly insidious because of the completely cavalier and uncalled-for nature of their foreign policy. Who did it benefit? At least George Bush with his catastrophic Iraq war (supported by Mr. Friedman for the reason that America had to bloody somebody's nose - anybody's) could point to 9/11. What could Obama-Clinton point to?
I say - thank you Mr. Trump. We will endure the racism here for a few more years - that too shall pass. The changing demographics will take care of it. In the meantime, thank you for your foreign policy decisions.
2
Remember if 45th cannot win next 2020 Presidential Election SDNY will go after him, because of pleading guilty by Michael Cohen,his personal lawyer. Statute of Limitation will does not expire for five years from 2018. Again if he cannot build the wall/ procure funds from Congress, his so called Base will go after him in 2020 Election. To avoid this he better build wall by LIQUIDATING TRUMP ORGANIZATION and pay for that wall. Grandson of a German barber is a so called NATIONALIST. He can do that like Abraham offered his child to God.
2
'I respect those who voted for Trump because they thought the system needed “a disrupter.”'
You lost me there Tom. There are enough naturally occurring "disruptions". We don't need leaders to create crises. We need leaders to use crises to make needed changes; like Obama should have used the Great Recession to address income inequality and the stranglehold the 1% have on "our" government.
3
Nothing will change until there is a recession. Then Trump’s support will crumble
1
Great cultures, societies, nations, economic hegemonies, unchallenged militaries in the past have collapsed or faded into the mists of time despite the dire warnings of some of its more perceptive observers. Perhaps it’s passed time to drop the “Exceptional Nation” self-congratulatory nonsense.
3
It seems clear to me that forty five, in addition to his many other issues, suffers from some sort of dementia. Many people believed--and with justification, as it turns out--that Reagan showed signs in his second term. But Reagan was not a decidedly cruel person, who reveled in insults and lies. And he wasn't a stranger to reality.
What we need is for medical personnel--more than one--to examine him. If he fails to pass muster, then he must be relieved of duty. Republicans need to step up and be willing to do the hard work of, at least beginning to restore our democracy. Otherwise, we are doomed.
3
Who in the republican party is capable or has the courage to confront Trump similar to what goldwater did in 1974?
2
He must also be held accountable for past and current crimes. Letting criminals linger creates resentment and reinforces that we still struggle to live in a just society. Obama did many great things but not holding top executives responsible for their roles on nearly crippling our financial system was a big mistake. Until there is accountability there will be unrest. I can think of no better place to start than DJT. Why would it even seem debatable to hold a criminal responsible for his crimes?
4
I completely agree with T. Friedman. ....but we are the choir!
How to persuade the beknighted? That is the question.
My own 2 cents is that of all that is unsuitable about Trump (which will fill many volumes of U.S. History) , he is not fit to be Commander in Chief. This puts us and the World in great peril. There is no stronger reason to remove him from office.
4
sour grapes.....
He was selected , elected and supported by his party.....that is democracy and the will of the people given our electoral system.
Yes he is disruptive and coarse and does not follow accepted political protocols.
16 republicans and Hillary could not overtake him and convince the nation his was the wrong choice. He tested and overcame the system.
Get over it. 2020 is your chance to change all this.
Do you really see and serious Republican challengers ? Do you really see any strong, charismatic, Democratic challengers ?
That is what you ought to be concerned with- democracy works best when there are challengers to the status quo.....show me where these people are reside.
3
The man was ELECTED by a due process Mr. Friedman, and comparison with “CEO getting fired from a Board” is a stretch (to exaggerate to make the point: ruffians can be elected as a President, but hardly many - any? - ruffians make it as a CEO).
Further, if the briefs are not perspicacious, or worse, missing the point, isn’t an executive entitled to bypass them?
How good are men like Mattis who knew what they were getting into but then resigned because they couldn’t grow any teeth and tried at least to some extent to maintain their own individual legacy or reputation?
What happened last week that was a watershed moment? Prezzes like Bush sent a country to war after doing all the administrative diligence, but deceived. And Trump is being smoked because he knew how he wanted the wars to end? If he knew what he wanted — and perhaps even got elected because of them — what was the need to read the briefs?
I will vote for him again. And academic / verbose pundits are not going to be able to change or neutralise my vote.
1
I voted for Trump and I would vote for him again. I am pleased with what he is doing. Here is a list of what I think Trump is doing right.
1. Reducing the Refugee quota
2. Fighting against the illegal alien invasion of this country. I supported his separation of child from parent. I will support anything he does that blocks asylum shoppers from getting into the US.
3. Pullout from Afghanistan. - after 17 years its time to leave. We can always bomb it back to the stone if needed.
4. Pullout from Syria. Our presence was illegal and a violation of the conduct of war. Assad and the Russian will take care of any remaining Jihadis.
Its time to take care of American citizens - not foreigners or asylum shoppers.
1
While I agree that Trump is incredibly dangerous, it is not at all clear that Pence would be better, given his committed assault on reproductive rights and paternalistic attitude towards women. It is also patently false that the US has always defended freedom and human rights- slavery was abolished here a mere 150 years ago. We must hope and work towards making 2020 a complete repudiation of Trump and his defenders, as well as those elected officials who stand blythy by and do nothing to stop the carnage.
1
Much as I agree with much of your editorial and the comments, I am horrified that arithmetic skills are in complete remission: 7000+ lies told over the course of 700 days is more than 10 lies told by Trump on a daily basis, not five!
Surely a little more numeracy would not only help to make the editorial more emphatic in its concluding paragraphs but also boost everyone's immunity to such lies and tall tales since so often Trump's untruths involve very bad math.
Mr. Friedman, it's truly shocking it's taken you this long to realize this. Millions of Americans this saw this before the election, and by that I mean the 2016 election, not last November. It's further shocking that you do not seem to realize, or do not seem to accept, the ever clear reality that Trump was illegitimately elected. That not only delegitimized the election, but our very democracy itself. And you were willing to accept the damage to our system and values that represented as long as Trump was only a little less crazy? Shocking.
3
What we also need are for the upper echelon journalists like yourself to admit your complicity in bringing this man forward. Too many times there has been compromise with the very conservative leaders like Lipman, Kramer and all of the other intellectuals of the Right Wing that simply were out of the mainstream of American movement away from the ethnic nightmares of the past. Today's rampant poverty and uncaring attitude while removing civic responsibility from the wealthy has given us Donald Trump and you in your over intellectual equivocating have been a part of that. Confession is good for the soul. You've forgotten the basis of the nation: "No one is an Island, no one stands alone, each person's joy is joy to me, each person's grief is my own, we need one another, so I will defend each person as my brother, my sister, each person as my friend." Why do these words only make sense on the left? What happened to us? What has made us so venal, so narrowly self interested that we are helpless? REH NYCity Artist
3
"now that Trump has freed himself of all restraints from within his White House staff, his cabinet and his party — so that “Trump can be Trump,” we are told — he is freer than ever to remake America in his image." This is the most disturbing, nightmarish and scariest sentence in your piece, Mr. Friedman. God help us.
1
Do your really think republicans will do anything other than support Trump? Trump has the backing of 80+% of Republican voters, they love that Trump is destroying everything, they love the spectacle. Forget about the GOP, this the the party before country GOP. Going against Trump means that they will be primaried out by someone even less scrupulous.
2
Some humility would be a good idea for Mr Friedman. One doesn't convince by repeatedly saying "You have no idea...". and worse: when you are rightly attacking a mega-inflated egomaniac, you should apply some checks to your own. That being said, the best way would be for Trump to be trounced in 2020. That would be a test for America, to see if indeed it is what Friedman think it may and should be. Until then, sorry as I am to say this, the destructive force of Trump's time will do more damage, and more of it will be rightly pinned to the Republican party, to his enablers and pimps of all sorts, and maybe to some of the Democrats who will fail to work to stop him. This is not a multiple choice quiz, Americans, this is a real, open-ended test.
1
Excuse me, but Instead of begging the GOP for an intervention, why isn’t one from the guilty party’s immediate family being demanded?
1
In 2016 there were 245.5 million eligible voters in America. Donald Trump won 62,984,825 or 25.6557% of eligible votes. He wants $5 billion for a wall. Take winning % x $5 billion = $1.283 billion.The Dems offered $1.3 billion. Trump is being offered his base. Very Fair deal
1
Pence would attempt to be a disaster but I don't think he would garner the support from republicans that trump has. I think even ardent trump supporters would look at him sideways. If his term as governor is any indication he is a ineffective leader and a poor public speaker. Pence is a follower not a leader. He is creepy in everyone's eyes.
3
Finally, finally - someone in the highly respected media is beginning the process of calling for silly Donald Trump's resignation. The press (news reporters) should stay out of such discussions and continue to do good reporting. But those columnists, contributors, commentators, talking heads, pundits - call them what you will - have not crossed this line. Any why? We were beyond unacceptable during the election and things have fallen so much further since. Thanks Thomas. Now how about the hosts of every show on CNN and NBC, every columnist for the NYT, Washington Post - what are you waiting for?
1
President Trump does not lead and that is why he is a source of chaos, why he cannot be trusted by anyone, including all the Republicans who give him unconditional support. A leader works with his staff and supporters to determine a plan of action so that all know the purpose and work together. There may be competition for the the leader’s favor and the leader may give people doing like things dissimilar assignments but there remains a common purpose. With Trump, that does not happen. It is no infrequent that his people are assuring others of one thing and suddenly the President completely contradicts them. When confronted with this confusing behavior he simply will not give honest answers.
His supporters seem to think that he is some master player because they do not understand what he’s doing but want to think that he’s in control. But he’s not. He knows who he’s trying to impress, his base, because he can do that without a lot of analysis. Fox News and right wing media tells him what they seek and he gives it to them. But he has a weak understanding of governing a modern state which is so consequential in the lives of humanity and he just does not learn what is hard for him to understand. He does not admit mistakes out of some silly notion that it would be a sign of weakness but reversing himself or contradicting his representatives is a sign of weakness which he does not appreciate. It makes him look to be incompetent. He is incompetent.
But would it happen?
With the recent developments, if the powers to be threaten president Trump to invoke the 25th amendment, he may mellow down.
But the problem is that he's not normal. He has been hypomanic all his life. His business failures one after another have been due to that mental disorder - impulsive irrationally ambitious and biting on much bigger than he could chew. His father rescued him from many such adventures. He filed bankruptcy for the rest. Then lied about his failures as successes. Finally he became president, against all odds & with luck. Now the stresses are insurmountable. And he's basically insane.
I don't know why psychiatrists are not proposing that he would benefit greatly from medication for his almost mania, paranoia and irrational impulsivity. In other words, he's the "emperor without clothes." I'm an ordinary psychiatrist. If he takes about 450 mg daily of lithium in divided doses, or equivalent, he's quite likely to improve substantially to finish his term, without making any (more) major mistakes.
Regardless of what Robert Mueller brings up, don't try to impeach him. Let him be a one-term okay president.
Though Gen. Mattis resigned in protest, so far his foreign policy has been far better than that of GW Bush or Barack Obama - both together wrecked Iraq & Syria and both will go down in history as two very bad presidents on foreign policy - Bush saved perhaps millions of lives in Africa from AIDS; Obama gave ACA, etc.
3
The Republican Party is not enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. In fact, in 1854, the Wigs introduced controversial legislation, by 1860 a new polical party was formed and Abraham Lincoln ran as a Republican and was elected.
As Trump descends into chaos so does the nation. But the end is in sight.
Trump's legal troubles may have begun with accusations about Russian collusion. But those have all fallen short of any actual conspiracy. But the special counsel has discovered what many of us already knew. Donald Trump is a con man and a crook.
He conspired to violate federal campaign laws, he broke numerous laws concerning foundations, and with that probably filed false tax returns as well. Knowingly doing so is also a felony.
He has hired undocumented employees, another violation and was notorious for violating both civil rights laws and labor regulations in his real estate business.
As all this adds up by next year it will become clear that President Donald J. Trump has presided over a criminal enterprise and will likely be indicted the moment he leaves office.
For the good of the country he will negotiate a "deal" and resign and like Nixon will receive a pardon. He will avoid jail and the country can then go about the business of healing.
1
Maybe this is the goal of the right wing evangelists that support Trump, despite his disgraceful behaviors and lack of any demonstration of Faith.
Pence is an ultimate Right Wing Evangelical Adherent. The way he backs everything that Trump says and does, makes me fear how he will follow the final instructions from the ultra right wing Evangelical Base of our country. These people stand for deceit and play on the ignorance of those who are uninformed and uneducated. They are so very corrupt as evidenced by the $billions raised by them for many years. Pence does not offer any salvation for our country from the path to Self-Destruction that Trump has put us on.
3
The elephant in the room is now Trump’s diminished mental capacity. He belongs in a therapeutic facility, not the White House. I fear impeachment is the only option left as he will not go gently into the good night.
2
It’s entirely up to co-presidents Ingraham and Limbaugh.
4
But who in the Republican Party will take up the cause? Ronna Romney McDaniel? Mitch McConnell? The Freedom Caucus? If the GOP had the ability and inclination to stop Trump it would have done so in the primaries of 2016. With 2019 days away the ability and will to "never Trump" (so to speak) are both weaker than ever despite the events of this week. It seems that the GOP will only stand up to Trump only if he does some sort of full-court press against the GOP itself, if he insults McConnell for example, or calls the Senate a bunch of old, weak, losers who don't deserve to be there. Or Trump would have to threaten China or Guatemala with nukes. It seems only something this unhinged will get the GOP to accept responsibility for Trump and take action.
Has one ever tried to sail a rudderless sailing vessel? Even thought of it is unnerving. This is what this country has felt like for the past two years in the abdomen, center of chest and further up where moral integrity is discerned - a ship adrift. Unnerved emotions, heart and any sense of clear direction. Split divided about where to reach, set direction... with no rudder.
1
Yeah, lets go back to a stagnant economy, apologizing to the world for being American, endless regulations, and open borders. Those were the days.
2
It doesn't matter whether Mr. Trump is clinically insane or not.
The mere fact that he continuously ACTS in an irrational and insane manner is sufficient ground to impeach the man and to remove him from office, if the political will were there. After all, impeachment is primarily a political act.
And while there are only a few days left in the tenure of the Republican-dominated 115th Congress, no doubt the remaining days are sufficient for them to act, and act decisively, to rid America of Trump and his increasingly erratic governance.
If only they find some political will under their Christmas trees!
What a novel concept? The damage is done and the GOP going down with individual-1. To much money and deals left before he’s gone. Yep, he’s gonna fire the fed chairman next, we all know that. There’s still time to oust individua-1, but not till 2020. The American voter is confused and have written Washingtoon off.
"Trump has markets worried." Nope.
The stock market cracked for real within minutes of Powell delivering a confusing and backward looking comment.
“The worst of times”. (Dickens)
An Englishman’s view of the French Revolution.
There are three existential threats to humanity
1) Nuclear Armageddon - a dream of perhaps half of humanity, as this enable their dreams of the next world to be realized
2) An impending climate Armageddon - there is no Planet B!
3) Artificial Intelligence - In the movie the Terminator, Skynet went “live” deciding that humans were the problem. One can already see how powerful algorithms could manipulate social media, helping to elect a no-nothing narcissist to the Presidency.
Like Tom Friedman, I want to live in an evidence, fact filled world, where decisions are made rationally. Our congress should unite to override crazy decisions and preposterous acts. The fact that 40% of Americans (and the Senate) do not have concern for others in the US and the rest of the world is so alarming, that one loses hope. Riding out the storm will leave global leadership in the hands of the Chinese - remember Tiammen Square.
1
If Vice-President Mike were a more compelling figure and had more substance, the pressure from Republicans on Capitol Hill and from many Republicans in the private sector for Trump to resign or face impeachment would have come earlier. Pence is a shallow, colorless man with a boring personality.
Donald Trump is out of control of himself and his impulses.
His greed and self-absorption caused Trump to seek the presidency, and his laziness for the nuts-and-bolts details of learning the job prevent him from becoming effective – even if he wanted to accept emotionally that running the executive branch is team job.
Thomas Friedman is right. We are at the endgame, and things cannot continue until the 2020 election. The pain suffered by the nation and around the world from Donald Trump’s inept and dishonest presidency is too great.
The incompetence, coupled with the man’s penchant for gratuitous nastiness and revenge, requires that we act now.
Mr. Friedman correctly states that Republicans must lead the way.
1
You say it’s time for a Congressional intervention. “Intervention” to many of us means friends and family members confronting an alcoholic with his/her drinking problem, which he/she denies. The intervenors insisting the drinker go to AA and/or get professional counseling. It would seem Trump has a sever leadership problem fueled by raging tantrums and knee-jerk prevarication. No Trump doesn’t drink, but his dry-drunk leadership is destroying the fabric of Our Country.
2
Indeed Thomas !
Why the GOP`s remain so meek , I wonder.
Particularly the Senators who won in 2018, even if trump wins in 2020 which I seriously doubt, trump can not touch them.
Please fire this lying demagogue, this man is taking this country to a point of no return.
2
We seem to forget that the GOP has always wanted an encumbered federal government. One that fails to deliver the promises of The New Deal. So why should the GOP do anything? They are all sad eyed and they move on to perky jobs as lobbyists.
No wonder the enthusiasm of the interior department and irs and epa is at an all time low. And that, because of the tax giveaway, social security is in grave danger. No matter that Democrats balance budgets and don’t cheat (much).
The welfare state is hated by extremists of the freedom caucus bent, who seem to believe that capitalism can solve every ill and will prevent the aged, infirm, and poor from begging on the streets. Yeah, right. Merry Christmas as you lose your house.
Yes, they hate the America we have become: less white. Thus the paranoiac “deep state” excuse.
This Christmas, i would like to see all GOP quit and trump resign. Let better people handle our affairs and realign the ship.
1
And as investors follow their guts, not their mind, Trump's behavior could easily make them crazier choices.
I'd rather keep my powder dry and wait for Mueller's report, and if his report proves the Trump's team conspired with Russia to influence our election, I'd get rid of all the traitors and impeach every judicial appointment they made. Germans 70 years ago and Americans in 2016 proved democracy doesn't guarantee freedom and justice for all, so I'm with Patrick Henry who spurned James Madison invitation to the Constitutional Convention writing, "I smelt a rat in Philadelphia tending toward the monarchy." The only Republicans who didn't sell out our nation with the absurd belief the ends justify the means are leaving Congress, so America may need a major street revolution like we saw in Ukraine or Egypt. By the way, I used to be a California public school teacher and, since the days of McCarthy when California demanded teachers take loyalty oaths, I could have been fired for this post, an assault on the 1st Amendment that should alarm every American.
2
Trump has not been convicted of any crime even though he’s been under investigation since essentially the inauguration. The fact that you don’t like his decisions is not an impeachable event. Most Americans are in favor of getting out of Syria. And Afghanistan. And being hard on China. The economy has largely done well since he’s taken office. Globally, we are in a period of relative calm because no countries want to test Trump. On top of that, we’ve lost less military lives under Trumps watch then most past administrations and it seems that is going to continue.
Trump is immoral, he lies, he is uncouth, downright rude and ignorant, but if you’re looking for moral leadership I would say the last place you want to turn is Washington DC. If you can name me 5 moral presidents (and you can’t say Obama) then let’s talk. But you can’t. The problem with Trump is he doesn’t hide his immorality like other politicians do. He doesn’t care to.
Articles like this are why people vote for trump. Self serving, condescending, unrealistic, and downright pathetic. The Russian narrative is played out. There’s nothing there. If there is, let’s see it. Most Americans have Mueller fatigue. If there’s something there, let’s see it. And I mean on trump, not on his sleazy staff who are easy targets. If mueller investigated the Clinton campaign with the same vigor there could be just as many indictments.
I’m tired of the media’s constant barrage. It makes me want to vote red.
1
Threaten to fire? There is such delicacy and conviviality built into that admission. May I recommend a remedy that Trump would grudgingly acknowledge as the only right course of action? Fire him already! I don't think he'd be disappointed or surprised.
1
Mr. Friedman is right this time calling on the elders in the Republican establishment to get rid of Trump who is destroying our institutions, the presidency and the country as we know. At the same time, I do not have too much faith in Mr. Pence and his ability to carry us through the remaining two years. In the end, Mr. Trump is the devil we know but not Mr. Pence. I trust Democrats in the congress call Mr. Trump out and his secretaries (though a B team) unlike the Republican congress. Nevertheless, two more years to survive and hope the damage does not continue as it did for the past two years.
To conclude, it is obvious the Mr. Trump would become not only the worst president in the history but in the future to come. May God save the USA for the next two years.
2
Tom, the problem is that the leadership of the Republican party is Fox, Rush and the rest and they have made their fortunes and derive their power and wealth from selling fear and hate as conservative principles and process. These right wing media folks have developed a cult following that is the Republican “base”. There is nothing left of the old values of personal responsibilty, patriotism, respect for the rule of law and fiscal responsibility left in the Republican party. Any Republican who crosses Hannity, Rush, Ingraham. Coulter etc. and their agenda of dogwhistle racism and xenophobia is likely to be primaried out of office after being criticized by Trump as their carnival barker of the fear and hate agenda. There is no leadership among any active Republicans. Those that wealkly try are leaving or already dead and gone.
1
I think there should be a vote of no confidence in Congress. I know it doesn’t do anything in our government but it might tell the people & the world that we know we have a problem. trump is devolving into a pathological antisocial mental case. How much longer will the country be safe with him in the white house?
How can he not see that he is the cause of the market fall? How can he not start to think it is time to learn how the government really works? Why will he not sit down with advisers to talk & learn? Does he believe he is so much smarter than God that he thinks he can destroy the world & start over with a country in his own image?
Wonder if he ever sits down to talk to Barron in the evening about his day & school & what Barron thinks of the old man who is too old to play with him? Sad for the boy.
1
All that you say is true, Mr. Friedman, and I greatly appreciate your powerful voice in confronting the conundrum of how to rid ourselves of Trump before 2020. I fear that impeachment could cause ongoing chaos by Trump's base that is willfully ignorant of the dangerous similarities between Trump and other dictator demagogues like Hitler, past and present. The safest course seems to be a Trump resignation if enough of Congress and business supporters will turn against him. Pence also is a liar and demagogue but, as you note, would be less of a danger than Trump. Let's hope that Mueller's report and the pending House investigations as well as other legal actions will force Congress to demand a Trump resignation. His voluntary departure should tamp down the resulting outcry.
1
Trump is a symptom of the divides, the level of the misinformed population the country is plagued. Removing or better yet attempting to remove Trump may be further divide the country and lead to a cold civil war. My sense is we are walking that tight rope already.
The true adult leadership in our country need to discuss the best course. Impeachment and removal may not be the best action. Discussions, should be directed towards limiting the power of this erratic president.
2
Of all the subpar candidates for president we chose the worst one.
4
So many comments seem to pick on one piece of Mr. Friedman's overall essay (ww1, now you're saying this...A team B team, just because you disagree with his policies, etc.), and are avoiding the general thesis that taken together, and very much peaking right now, the behavior and decisions being demonstrated by the current leader of the most powerful country in the world could (and are starting to) have massive negative consequences for the nation and world. That now, (right now) it is time for congressional Republicans to recognize the dire situation, and put country and world over party and help remove this ignorant nut from office (see the awful CEO and borad of directors analogy). What more does anyone need to see to realize we are twittering on the brink of an irreversible collapse of our nation's values and stability?
1
Too much damage done. Need to fire immediately to salvage as much international credibility as possible.
2
As a rule of thumb, most human beings are no better at predicting the future than is the toss of a coin.
I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve read or heard an argument that included some logic akin to, “ Then again, maybe we should leave things alone until the 2020 election, Mike Pence would be even worse.”
During the years I was a high school math teacher, I generally focused my efforts on teaching a step-by-step approach to problem solving.
The president of the United States appears to be unbalanced, delusional and paranoid. His mental health seems to be worsening. —> This is our problem.
One step at a time!
We know what kind of president Donald Trump has been for two years. Awful. We DO NOT KNOW what kind of president Mr. Pence will be, should he be given the opportunity.
If the president is dangerously deluded and irrational, if his mental state presents a clear and present danger to the nation—> it really doesn’t matter who or what the vice president is or might be. He could be living under one of the White House’s porches, convinced he’s an opossum. Who cares?!? He’s not our current problem.
If the president cannot for medical or psychological reasons continue on in his position, dealing with this situation takes precedence over all others.
“Let’s keep the nut case we’ve got. The VP might be even worse.”
There’s no way of knowing that!
That is really poor reasoning.
If you enjoy predictions, pick Super Bowl winners.
Now we’re dealing with a deranged POTUS.
2
"whether this man and his demented behavior — ... are going to destabilize our country, our markets, our key institutions and, by extension, the world."
Consider this as a stress test of global scale. One side effect will be that the global prestige given to the U.S., and consequently its influence in the world, will be diminished for a very long time even after Trump is gone.
1
The Republican party is just as bad as this president. Until his enablers are voted out of office, there is very little hope that anyone has the courage, the backbone or the will to address the elephant in the room while we as a nation, our standing in the world, our allies and we the people suffer from the election of the most unfit, pathologically ill president ever elected.
There is no hope in elevating the vice president who is himself an extremist, and there is no hope in the Senate who played obstructionist games for the past ten years to suddenly develop consciences and a desire to uphold their oaths of office. Party over country brought us to this, and I have very little hope in any Republican stepping forward at this late date to confront this or any crisis. They would rather protect a madman than their own constituents and their country. And that's where we are today.
1
Best Christmas present ever! But apparently the entire country is held hostage to Trump's "base," as Republicans struggle to hang on to their power. They care not one whit about what is best for the country.
1
The basic problem has been created at the time of th constitution when the foudung oligarchs made compromise in designing the congress, the Senate and House. The states with smaller area and population, namely connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware wanted the same voice in Congress as the syayes with larger areas and population such as Massachussettes, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In return, the souther states with plantations and slaves wanted to count slaves and women ion determining the population to allocate number of house representatives. Who would have thunk that the 13 states land would expand to 50 states with many in the mountainous west will have large areas and very little population. Also, there was thinking that USA is the union of staes and not one country. And so, they gave right to states to decide who runs the government. The House has NO voine.
What we need is a constitutional revolution, like 1861nti define US as ONE Country where every adult person has one vote, it defined by the House and the House will have the veto power over all decisions. The pfesident is the Manager of the federal government and not a CEO. Any other soltion is like putinmg a bandaid on a "fracture"; it doe not work..
If we remove Trump by means of the 25th amendment Pence, who seems to bel evangelical fanatic becomes president. Would this be an improvement? If we impeach Trump because of his subservience to foreign dictators who put him in power through election tampering. would not Pence also have to go since he was elected by the same interference? In this case Pelosi becomes president. What are the chances of that?
1
I think the American people spoke loud and clear in the election of 2018. Has everyone forgotten Trump did not win the popular vote? My hope is the Democratic majority in the House will take careful measured steps to end the reign of Trump. He is a dangerous man.
1
For heaven's sake, Tom -- forget the mealy mouthed discussion of "interventions". The intervention required is on behalf of the country and it is to immediately removed this dangerous clown from office.
He will not change -- his entire mentality is based on the fear and fact of being belittled and hated, and the more calls for his removal, the more this sick mind will dig in.
The Republican party has long since abandoned any pretense of principle or country before party, etc. They are the source of the problem, Trump is simply the most horrifying symptom of the illness.
The lot of them should be tried for treason for their abdication of responsibility to remove the clown who refuses to acknowledge that we are under attack (never mind responds with force), but instead cozies up to the vicious dictator who would bring us down.
1
I completely agree with you Mr. Freedman. I think America can ill afford to let DJT remain in office for 2 more years. He is so enamored with all his good Buddy Dictators, Putin MBS, Erdogan, Kim Jung Un, or their more? Probably, I'm sure. All the points you listed that shows him a danger to the Country, are all obvious reasons to be more than a little concerned. I find it very startling that he didn't consult General Mattis before just announcing, 1,2,3 we are pulling out of Syria, like right now. And also next is Afghanistan with a huge draw down. He has neither consulted with the Joint Chiefs about these crucial security interests of America. He is a disgrace of a President. He has embarrassed America to the whole world and even our Allies don't feel they can count on America for sure. He is itching to pull out of NATO, and that would be a disaster all concerned. He cares not for history, doesn't respect what NATO has meant the last 70 years to the world. What Trump is inflicting on this Country has everyone in turmoil. The fact that he has been losing Republican voters, should say a lot. He is now affecting the stock market disastrously, and is so obsessed over this ridiculous border wall, that he has now got the government shut down. And NO it's not the Democrats fault. They offered him a great deal, bipartisan last year and he flushed it just to say he did it. He is led by the nose by talk show hosts, Fox and Friends, his buds. And he is the champion of liars!
1
GOP might beat a dead horse, but not one that is still winning races for them.
One suspects the ruling 1% - that would be your true constituency, Mr. Friedman - are blithely rolling and ruling successfully to their own advantage despite any storm experienced by those in the lower decks.
1
The moment Trump no longer serves his purpose, to transfer wealth to the already obscenely rich, he will be removed. Decency, morality, all other considerations fall by the wayside compared to Job #1 - which he is now beginning to fail miserably at.
The Trump administration is a rolling disaster. No other way to look at it.
3
Interventions only work if the addict wants help, deep down. Somewhere inside them, they want to get better and go willingly. Trump has no ability to see that his behavior has negative consequences for others. He experiences himself as wise and powerful and all knowing. He would fire anyone who suggested otherwise. He thinks he’s doing a great job and that the government is running like a “well-oiled machine.” He takes direction from no one.
He’s delusional, disorganized, narcissistic, ignorant, and manic. This has been obvious from day one. The Republicans, many of them, know this, but he’s their tool for getting their agenda through. They’re not going to stand in his way.
I agree with everything you say, Mr. Friedman, but you’re banging your head against a wall. It is causing people mental anguish, hoping that he’ll change his ways or have a spiritual awakening. HE WILL NOT CHANGE. Ever. He is incapable of introspection or admitting that he might need help.
He’s in a downward spiral. The country is going down with him. It is amazing how one person can destroy so much so quickly. He doesn’t feel fully alive without chaos. I agree. I don’t think the people of this country can take much more. It’s the hideous, horrifying reality show that can’t be turned off.
2
Did you really mean "demented", a word that you used in the 2nd paragraph?
If so, what is his dementing illness and can it be treated?
If he is diagnosed with dementia, Article 25 would be relevant - but Trump will deny the diagnosis or disability.
That would constitute Denial of Illness, and be further evidence of loss of judgement and mental ability.
"Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse."
I strongly disagree with the assertion Pence could not possibly be worse.
Trump has come to the point that allowing him another two years as President is a Clear and Present Danger. A danger to our national security and our economy. More properly, the GOP is finally acknowledging this truth they have willfully ignored and glossed over for the last two years.
Trump has run off every single person in his cabinet who has any experience, knowledge, qualification for office, values, morals, ethics, respectability or competency to actually be in the cabinet.
We are now left with a President un-tethered from reality who has the temperament of a toddler.
The unfortunate fact is Mike Pence is far worse. He has none of the qualifications for a President. He is a Christian Extremist who believes the US should be governed by the equivalent of Christian Sharia law.
He is a Christian Dominionist who believes the US is not a nation that is made greater by its diversity. But that it should be ruled by Christian law. That the nation should submit to Biblical law.
This is far worse than Trump. Trump is simply a sociopath who cares only for his own profit.
Pence is a sociopath who is willing to lie, obfuscate and torture you into his beliefs because he truly believes that is what is God wants.
Neither is a great option. Both should be show the door as soon as possible.
2
The election was rigged, so he was never legitimate to begin with. He was never qualified. He should be removed by any means necessary.
2
If Trump is booted out of the presidency, I rather doubt that Mike Pence, cyborg from another mother, will fill the president' s shoes. He is too close to Trump, and so it is more than likely that Pence, too, will be implicated in any number of improprieties and crimes when Mueller's report is finally released. He may appear to be the strong silent type but he really is just another minion at Trump's disposal.
1
Unfortunately the premise of the article assumes republicans would do something other than place their own self-interest first.
3
Trump is the worst President in the past 100 years.
Trump didn't win the popular vote. In that he is much like W, who was the worst President of the past 100 years prior to Trump.
The American people did not learn any lesson. Trump's economic platform was the same as W's, which ended in a massive recession (near depression) only 8 years ago.
As to removing Trump before 2020:
1. The Republican leadership will never lead an intervention to remove Trump. He has been their dream candidate.
2. He could possibly resign if enough people laugh at him. His ego couldn't take it. He would leave with a dramatic statement saying we don't deserve him.
3. A promise to not jail Ivanka or his other children, or himself, would promote his decision.
4. He could still be tried and found guilty and fined, just not jailed.
5. He and his family could still be jailed for crimes in New York, especially if they revise their double jeopardy rule.
For 2020 Democrats need a candidate prepared to explain and defend good economic policy in eighth grade language. They will have to handle an endless torrent of hate speech from Republicans and Russians, because that is how they work. It should be based on simple math (taxes pay off debt, taxes pay for social security and Medicare, Medicare costs LESS than private insurance, we must pay more in taxes some years than others...more in good years, less in bad years, and good politicians spend taxes more wisely than bad businessmen).
3
We have a Constitutional system that includes provisions setting forth when a President must step down. Mr. Friedman ignores the Constitutional criteria and prescribes his own standards for Presidential removal. Basically, the test is whether Mr. Friedman thinks the President is really bad. Neither impeachment nor incompetence is what guides Mr. Friedman. His standard is based on his subjective determination that Trump is bad for the country. The Constitution works by objective provisions that have stood the test of time. And the subjective views of one journalist make for an absurd alternative. Mr. Friedman wants Trump gone because he wants Trump gone. That is the insane standard set by a megalomaniac.
1
One might get a good insight into Trump's relationship with his base by watching the Bravo show "Dirty John" where a starry- eyed woman is seduced by a cunning lying sociopath into marriage and dependence. The viewer eagerly waits to see when this naïve and entranced woman lifts the veil from her eyes and sees the truth about the man she had chosen to live with. As the show progresses, she learns more and more about the man she "elected" to be her husband. Hopefully, she will take action to remedy her mistake before something catastrophic happens.
2
Persuasive reasoning, but another "Fail" in the NYT headline for this Opinion, which does not match the content of the article, and is contrary to reality.
"Threatening" to fire Trump will do absolutely no good; he has invariably proven himself to be stubbornly, ignorantly irredeemable. A "threat" would only make him more angry, irrational and vindictive.
The headline should read "Time for G.O.P. to Fire Trump." That is a more accurate presentation of the thesis of Mr. Friedman's article.
4
*I agree with every fiber of my being. The GOP is responsible for this fiasco. First they empower a man who is obviously not suited for the job. Then they pretend that nothing is happening while the country falls apart. This is "the party of personal responsibility". What a farce.
2
To the GOP:
The beautiful thing about history is that it records for the future events as they unfold in pictures, words, actions and reactions.
This of course assumes that one reads history and further understands it. Sadly as we all witness today, some choose not to read it, not to learn from it and instead rather believe that they need no historical knowledge because they know all things.
If there is no thirst for knowledge past and present and no need for briefing books, no need for honest intellectual discussion from those who may disagree, no need in fact for honesty and facts themselves, then we are all left to the whim and folly of chance.
Certainly no way to govern and lead. This is reality today with Trump. We are all in peril.
Our daily onslaught of chaos based upon narcissistic and dishonest delusion must end now. The Congress must stop this now. Defenders and enablers must be called out loudly. Country must prevail over party. The GOP will be destroyed for its failure to act, to react and to stand up for the rule of law and basic constitutional norms. History is recording all of you. There is no doubt all but the slimmest handful know Trump is unfit, dangerous and reckless. To defend and permit this dangerous and sickening man to continue is nothing short of criminal. The actions of the past month alone would send chills down the spines of our founders as it should all of us. Where is the GOP? Do you have no shame?
2
Yes. Trump's lying, vindictive, purposefully disruptive behavior must stop before it ruins America - before he ruins America and further damages the world. He only knows how to destroy, not how to build. Add to that the fact that he is unethical, immoral, and has done multiple illegal things between his university and his charity, and he should resign or be impeached as soon as possible. Freidman is coming to the truth late, but better late than not at all.
2
My question is what the people at Fox News who have been aiding and abetting him are thinking Right now. Presumably a the leaders there are smart people, They see the same disorganized, impulsive, Ignorant, etc. person we do. Has the worry not crept in? Are they not concerned about their role in all of this? One would think their sense self preservation would demand that.
I feel like I'm watching a real life "House of Cards".
1
I am boggled on a continual basis that an individual of his calibre is running your country and making decisions that will impact generations to come. His life to the point he became the Republican’s choice for president certainly did not augur well - a cheat, a liar, an adulterer, and evinced traits of both sociopathy and psychopathy. And yet, he was the Republican Party’s choice.
It puts me in mind of the 20th Century fable of the Scorpion and the Frog. A scorpion asks a frog to carry him across a river, and despite his fear, agrees. The scorpion does predictably sting the frog, dooming them both. When asked why, the scorpion replies that it was in his nature to do so.
This is who currently inhabits your White House -someone who will take everyone down into the abyss.
The scary thing is that I think this comment is apt for not just this piece, but many other stories that deal with the president.
2
We knew Trump was egotistical and narcissistic but now he is crossed over to paranoid (advancing the departure of Mattis based on media coverage) and delusional (proclaiming the defeat of ISIS as an excuse to withdraw our troops from Syria).
Yes, an urgent Republican intervention is necessary before Trump does something terminally detrimental to the interests of the United States.
2
How can anyone be so sure that a President Pence wouldn't be worse?
1
With all due respect, Mr. Friedman, you are preaching to the choir. The NY Times is the last place you’ll find those who need an education on the reality of Trump’s dangerous insanity. Can you book a spot on Fox? You need to meet them where they are, because the Trump base will not turn away from the glow of Fox ‘News’ long enough to even remotely consider that they’re being brainwashed.
2
The falling New York Stock Market should motivate Vice President Pence to call the cabinet and fire Donald J. Trump under the 25th Amendment.
1
You know, it will will take more than threats to correct the situation we find ourselves in. And it's not going to start with Republicans.
Second, what do "unify" around? This country must tear itself apart from complicity with the fascism at the root of white supremacy.
I agree that the damage of the Trump/Pence regime extends far beyond U.S. borders. The world craves an international repudiation of American exploitation of disadvantaged humanity, at home and around the world. It is unsustainable; the system of capitalist imperialism is reduced to preying on the former recipients of global plunder, a disgruntled populace denied their piece of the spoils.
The "unprecedented era of peace and prosperity" was enjoyed by a privileged few, at the expense of humanity. Our kids won't just grow up in a different America. They will grow up in a different world.
And depending how Americans rise to the challenge to drive out the fascists dominating their government, to reject the false promise of American exceptionalism at the expense of billions of victims to that end, is a good thing.
The World Can't Wait.
Curt Wechsler
Organizer for RefuseFascism.org
3
Thank you for such a well written piece, but all I can say is "from your lips to God's ears." I also can't decide whether to laugh or cry. Laugh at the notion that the GOP (House or Senate) will actually find a conscious or grow a back bone. Laugh at the notion that the Dems are any better (tribalism reigns). Cry at the reality that too many media outlets do nothing more than shovel propaganda. But mostly, cry that "we the people" are pathetic lemmings or sheep (your pick) that are too ignorant or too lazy to do anything but stick our heads in the sand and let this disaster go on.
4
Republicans will most likely not abandon Trump unless he becomes too unpopular to win re-election, and sadly I don’t think that has happened yet, because of the right wing media machine of Fox News, Breitbart, talk radio, etc. I fear that we will only achieve national unity if Trump is soundly defeated at the ballot box in 2020, and then shortly thereafter is publicly and totally disgraced and humiliated in the criminal justice system. His base and the right wing media machine will only stop supporting Trump when he is publicly shown to be a “loser”, and when “Trumpism” becomes a dirty word like “McCarthyism” or “Nixonian.” That is unfortunately what we need for our country to really recover from the Trump debacle.
1
Threaten? We left that territory a long time ago.
2
Explain this to his base. They still love him. They share his ignorance and hateful world view. This majority of what is left of the Republican Party is the tail that wags the American dog, empowered by the GOP's successful strategy of gerrymandering over the past twenty or so years. A permanent majority of the American people will have been effectively disenfranchised. We are locked into this madness and no one can estimate the damage he will do.
3
Amen Mr. Friedman. You didn't even need to bring up Trump's nefarious relationship with Mr. Putin to make your case. Trump's allegiance to Mr. Putin is reason enough to kick him out of the White House.
1
Wrong headline. "Threaten" to fire him? No, Republicans, just do it - cooperate with the Democrats and just do it. Trump's response to threats is well known and his behavior grows worse, not better when boxed in. I realize now that Tom Friedman's column is much more assertive than the header would imply but I almost didn't wade in for fear that TF would advocate some sort of superficial surgery. At this dangerous point, with Trump getting crazier every day, the only way to rid ourselves of this poisonous growth is to excise it without mercy - in a bipartisan operation.
2
The symphony of stupidity hit a crescendo this week. Thomas Friedman is correct.
The time has come!
We need patriots in both the House and Senate to move forward on impeachment and they must do so soon. Members of the GOP, even if their only interest in serving our nation centered around job preservation, must realize that if things continue, 2020 will remove them from power in all three branches.
Trump has a base right now, but if their lives become harsher, that base will shrink. Republican lawmakers also most certainly fear alt-right primary challenges, which will loom even darker when moderate Republicans are so sick of Trump’s America they don’t show up for the primaries while what’s left of Trump’s base does. These members must by now, in the aftermath of the 2018 routing of the House, realize it is in their personal interest to get rid of Trump now, before the next election.
So while some may say that McConnell can’t get there, I say the time might be right to take the battles won to date under Trump and call it a day.
1
Amen. And sadly none of what we've so far witnessed is a surprise. Trump prior to November 2016 at least had the decency to give indecently the voting public a clear idea of what to expect were he elected. Respect for those who chose a disrupter? At what enormous cost? His serial fraudulence did not begin when he took office. It's been his proven M.O. for many years. His defiant arrogance, undisguised misogyny and racism, disdain for the truth rooted in facts and his untethered megalomania were never what the United States could afford to have in a sitting President, never mind the rabid dislike among some for HRC. Cunning media savvy hitched to a willfully impoverished intelligence may get by running a banana republic but not our country. Sit it out for two more years? Trump's GOP babysitters in Congress had better soon wake up.
1
Our Republican congressional office office holders are just as frightened of Rush, Ann, and Fox News. They have less character, humanity, and courage than the human? void in the oval office. We as a nation went from significant respect to the joke of humanity
1
A sober and accurate depiction of the downfall of a great country. The Republican Party should be disbanded before they totally destroy the country. They have no interest in the welfare of the nation or its people.
1
Fruitloopy stuff, Mr. Friedman. Fruitloopy.
If the GOP is smart, it will stand with him. Besides, just about ALL Republican voters stand with him. There's a political cost to Republicans on Capitol Hill who do NOT stand with him, as we've seen.
MAGA!
1
There is an ominous statement in Mr. Friedman's column today: "Mike Pence could not possibly be worse." Those sound like words to haunt Mr. Friedman.
Remember than Mike Pence believes literally in the Bible. That he will not even be alone with women unless his wife is present - discrediting half of the human race for sinful behavior. He believes in faith-based decision-making, the same problem which Donald Trump has.
The only solution is to remove Trump and Pence and let Nancy Pelosi be President. A national nanny, devoted to the rule of law and equal rights under the law, is just the sort of stabilizing influence that we need at this point. Nancy is sharp and predictable. As need a steady, fact-based vote counter as President to make up for the assinine and sometimes idiotic mistakes the past 5 male presidents have made - let's spread the blame around to everyone to make these steps more palatible!
2
I guess America has been naive thinking we would never get a president so blatantly poisonous to the nation.
Recalling a famous Watergate line, a W. Post column last year said “Trump is a cancer on the presidency” by Jonathan Capehart.
What is to be done?
President Trump should be deported to any country that will take him. In his warped way, he would love the world TV coverage of this milestone in history, as he’s escorted by law enforcement to the airport, sirens blaring, with millions lining the streets to say “Good-by and Good Riddance!”
Then America, including the GOP, must start building strong political walls to keep swamp- things like him out of government.
Tsar Trump would fit right in to any right wing authoritarian government out there, dominated by 'strong' men, and run by white financial elites calling the shots for profit and power. Plenty of possible choices.
Right now these lines from the musical Fiddler on the Roof are apt:
"Young Jewish Man: Is there a proper blessing for the Tsar?
Rabbi: A blessing for the Tsar? Of course! May God bless and keep the Tsar... far away from us!"
1
Idiocracy combined with greed and treachery has come to America. The Democrats love this because it means they gain power, perhaps for 25 years. The two party system must be scrapped. Trump proves it does not work.
2
Friedman starts out by writing "Time for G.O.P. to Threaten to fire Trump" and "Republican leaders need to mount an intervention" then throughly and convincingly explains why that is impossible. And I agree, Frump is a completely lost soul as are most of the people who would rather give up this country than miss the joy of seeing Americans cringe at all the lies, economic mismanagement and siding with murderers and dictators . Bye bye democracy and capitalism. I wonder what his supporters will do when and if they ever realize he never cared about them or their well being at all. One tenth of one percent of the population have more assets than the bottom ninety percent. Percents, critical thinking, understanding the Frump tax reform that adds to the one tenth's bottom line...is it really too complicated for their analysis. What happened to education and common sense? Oh, that's right there's a sucker born every minute, but, now the suckers say yea, I'm a sucker but it's worth to see you squirm like I have done all my life...and Frump pathetically manipulates and panders to their naiveness and vulnerability. Sad to watch.
1
If the Democrats would stop their love affair with illegal aliens and identity politics, they’d control all three branches of government in no time at all.
I’m convinced Democrats are shutting down the government to allow more illegal aliens solely to distract voters from the need for a far more progressive tax policy; a much higher inheritance tax; and a much lower war department budget.
2
While the thrust of Friedman’s piece is thoughtful, it is founded on several misapprehensions:
1. Oh, yes, Mullah Pence could be worse, just not in the same way.
2. GOP leadership—what’s that?
3. B-Team? Nope, F-Team.
4. Trump as chairman of a publicly-traded company. Laughable. His incompetence is why his business operation is private.
5. Respect Trump voters. As real people with real fears, anxieties, concerns, and challenges, yes, absolutely. As voters? Sorry, not so much.
1
The idea of Pence as president is as absurd as Trump because the GOP and its base are corrupt. What would it matter if there was someone sober in the White House? Has Friedman observed them these past ten years? They all spout the same economic voodoo and conspiracy theories. They now are hostile to federal law enforcement and our military leaders. They’re still paranoid about Obama and the Clintons. And if they admit climate change exists, or recommend a tax increase, or profess a desire to work with Democrats, they’re exiled to political Siberia. How can you expect Republicans to take action when the Senate won’t even protect Mueller? Friedman respects the people who voted for Trump as a disrupter? Really? Those choking business regulations Trump’s repealing are resulting in dirtier air and water, spoiled food and riskier investments. Mattis quit over Siberia. The Chinese are inflicting economic pain over a needless trade war. No, it’s not Republicans who are going to exact justice; it’ll be ordinary Americans taking to the streets to demand action. That’s, of course, if we can pull ourselves away from social media.
Hasn't Trump committed enough indictable offenses that if he were a private citizen, he could be charged and indicted on numerous grounds? If he's impeached, removed through the 25th amendment or not re-elected in 2020, he would be vulnerable to arrest. The only safe place for him is in the office of president. One might think he would be terrified of losing the office, but he is so warped, delusional, narcissistic, self-aggrandizing, and corrupt that his mind is incapable of understanding truth and reality.
I think he would sell out his kids before he would admit to doing anything wrong. He's despicable, demented and dangerous.
1
via FB: December 18 at 8:46 AM
Dear "Republican" friends: Don't waste your time! Nominate someone SANE! Democrats may very well "shoot themselves in the foot," just like you guys did with your last presidential primary and nominating process. Think about THE COUNTRY . ..and the world! ... Not just your personal power and careers.
With the right leadership, a party that can admit it's mistakes and focus on serious, practical decisions more so than uncompromising competition could also move us in the right direction while minimizing chaos. BE THAT PARTY.
1
If he’s lied seven thousand times in seven hundred days how is that an average of only five times a day?
1
"You have no idea how quickly institutions like NATO and the E.U. and the World Trade Organization and just basic global norms — like thou shalt not kill and dismember a journalist in your own consulate — can unravel when America goes AWOL or haywire under a shameless isolated president."
Great quote, Mr. Friedman. We are the indispensable nation and the keystone to it all.
1
I rue the day when the Electoral College members decided not to perform their Constitutional duty owed to the American people. They are not meant to be a rubber stamp; they chose to be so. So much collateral harm should have been avoided.
To the Republican old guard: you white men need to answer to the people as well for how you lost control of a formerly great party, beginning a long time ago. Readers, I hope, will come over to the party of human kindness. And greater wisdom, obviously.
These two aspects of what went wrong here loom large for me.
1
Donald Trump's significant behavioral problems began in his childhood, leading to his parents sending him to a military school for correction, then giving him exorbitant amounts of money, the following diagnosis likely indicates his behavioral problems. Oppositional Defiant Disorder; Source- Mayo Clinic: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, lists criteria for diagnosing ODD. [This is a disorder begins in childhood, and in some adults continues in adulthood]. Angry and irritable mood: • Often and easily loses temper • Is frequently touchy and easily annoyed by others • Is often angry and resentful Argumentative and defiant behavior: • Often argues with adults or people in authority • Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules • Often deliberately annoys or upsets people • Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior Vindictiveness: • Is often spiteful or vindictive • Has shown spiteful or vindictive behavior at least twice in the past six months ODD can vary in severity: • Mild. Symptoms occur only in one setting, such as only at home, school, work or with peers. • Moderate. Some symptoms occur in at least two settings. • Severe. Some symptoms occur in three or more settings. For some children, symptoms may first be seen only at home, but with time extend to other settings, at school and with friends: [And then into adulthood].
1
What would Vladimir want?
As for Pence, we do not yet know his involvement in Trumpovs' treason, but we do know of at least 5 instances of his obstruction of justice in attempting to hinder the Mueller investigation.
1
Trump will go down in history as the first President who was able to openly, flagrantly and consistently exhibit signs of criminal behavior and still get away with it.
All future candidates for the Presidency will take note of this and more-than-a few will be tempted to imitate him after they gain the office.
2
What frightens me most about Mr. Trump is that we haven't yet seen a real crisis during his term. He's been spectacularly lucky so far. We watch as he fumbles and bumbles, tweeting lies and nonsense, turning even the most mundane financial and political events into headline worthy mini-disasters on a daily basis.
But what if we had a REAL crisis? Something like the Cuban missile crisis of 1962 or God forbid, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001? We could, at any time, be confronted with a devastating international or local crisis that demands clear, concise and informed leadership of the kind that Mr. Trump is manifestly unable to provide.
Not only would he not seek or listen to expert advice, trusting his "gut", but he would inevitably make things worse by spewing his ridiculous half formed opinions on twitter and then acting at the urging of cable TV's most irresponsible right wing agitators, as he did on the current shutdown.
Worst of all, the only power that can effectively corral his malevolent urges is the U.S. Congress and with the spineless GOP in charge of the Senate we shouldn't expect any action from that quarter.
2
Firing or impeaching Trump is a necessary action, particularly by the Republicans. America has to continue to be the connective tissue between nations and their global institutions, a connective tissue that renews itself in the face of this century’s ultimate challenge of avoiding a looming climate catastrophe.
One way of playing this innovative connective role is to engage in bold initiatives that would base the unjust, unsustainable and, therefore, unstable international monetary system on a carbon standard of a specific tonnage of CO2e per person. The conceptual, institutional, ethical and strategic dimensions of such carbon-based international monetary system are presented in Verhagen 2012 "The Tierra Solution: Resolving the climate crisis through monetary transformation" (www.timun.net). This enormous challenge to domestic and global systems is to be taken by all publics in the USA and globally based upon their aroused desire to avoid a global calamity and the realization that all humans (and their fellow-creatures) are all riders on one, still beautiful planet.
An outstanding economist and climate specialist and founder of 350.org declared the following about carbon-based Tierra system: “The further into the global warming area we go, the more physics and politics narrows our possible paths of action. Here’s a very cogent and well-argued account of one of the remaining possibilities.” Bill McKibben, May 17, 2011
1
“When a person becomes bigger than the job, it is time for that person to go.” Paraphrasing George Voinovich in 1992, then governor of Ohio, when he fired Billy Inman, whose job it was to run the state fair.
1
Let us at least wait for the Mueller report, which we must anyway to garner sufficient support for removal. That will save all this teeth-gnashing and tell everyone except the intransigent lunatic right just what is what.
1
Friedman needs to use simple words. Indict. Impeach. Remove from office. Trump is not 'remaking America in his own image'. He is the champion of what America has tried to hide for centuries.
1
Anyone who has even a smidgen of intelligence saw ALL of this coming the day Trump won the election. For Mr. Friedman or anyone else to suggest at ANY time that it would not come to this just shows how naive and / or obtuse the conservative braintrust really is. It also calls into question their judgement and the reasons anyone would pay them for their "insight." As Denzel said as Malcolm X: You've been took, hoodwinked and bamboozled......and for all to see!
1
I disagree. No impeachment.
GOP has given our president free reign and MUST own their support of his every obnoxious tweet and foreign policy blunder in 2020.
The best response to Thomas Friedman comes from Ms. Kori Schake:
“Moreover, the president has the right to be wrong, and the Department of Defense has the obligation to carry out lawful orders rather than set themselves up as uniquely virtuous arbiters of the good of the country.
“As Thomas Jefferson said, the people are the only safe repository for the ultimate powers of society. We do our military and veterans a disservice by treating them all as comic book heroes and shirking onto them responsibility for policies that protect us from our elected officials. They have done enough by securing our liberty.” —Kori Schake, Director General, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Op-ed, NYT Opinion, Dec. 24, 2018
1
Scary thought here.
Trump resigns in February. (Pick any fake reason: strain on family, health, Democrats, life is unfair, etc.) Pence can run for 2 four year terms. 10 years! He is seeen as the stabilizing factor, the SC goes full tilt conservative, liberalism is slowly squeezed, the wall gets built, Trump gets his pardon and can blubber on from the sidelines.
A truly Scary Christmas.
2
Threaten? Fire him already. The country will thank you and maybe you'll keep your jobs.
1
The neocons preached "creative destruction", where what happens next is not prescribed, you destroy first and out of the ashes something better emerges. This is what we did to Iraq, and it was supported by Tom Friedman and his ilk.
Consequences for the Mideast (except Israel)? Mayhem. Consequences for Europe? Refugees. Consequences for the US? Very few.
Trump is now practicing creative destruction at home. The chickens are coming home to roost.
2
This administraton scares the heck out of me. We have the two most important leadership positions in our country held by two men who are opposite extremes in their actions and beliefs. trump has always been a horrible man, only now it is on a larger scale and affects not just us, but the entire world.
Our only salvation until the next election is with Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat majority in the House.
1
Tom Friedman is wrong. We have definitely incorporated artificial intelligence in the US. It’s called President Trump.
1
We knew all about Trump that was needed to see he was a traitorous disaster. But in the gerrymander electoral college he was better than Hillary.
1
(Poor me) DJT is, sadly, in a self-absorbed cycle of self-destruction. This has always been true, but like descending in a whirlpool, the acceleration is captivating. Trump cannot be what he is not, and what he is becomes clearer and deeper and faster every day. Republicans who clearly would rather go down with the Reich than risk the anger of their radical base, will go down with the Reich. Whether the country and the world will be better off is way outside their realm of reality. It's not even on Fox and Friends.
1
Time for the GOP?
Response: PAST DUE.
1
Only one problem. There is no traditional republican party leadership anymore. There is the Limbaugh ( and the rest of hate radio ), Fox and Friends, Hannity, Coulter leadership team. Truly the tail is wagging the dog on the right these days. They set the right's agenda and as long as they don't abandon Trump the cowardly senate republicans won't either. Welcome to present day homegrown American fascism in its ascendancy.
2
I too thought the best way to get rid of Trump was to wait for the next election. I know longer feel that way. In my mind, he may even be guilty of betraying his country to our enemies.
The thing that really brought this into focus for me was an article about Venezuela in the Washington Post this morning. It is worth reading and really describes how our place in the world has diminished under this president. I fear for our country.
Shame on you that voted for him because you hated the Clintons and Obamas more then you loved your country. Shame on you that voted for him because you loved money more then you loved your country. And shame on you that voted for him because you did not investigate his past actions in business and the way he lived his life but took everything you heard on Fox News or read on the internet at face value. You have let your country down big time.
2
I totally agree..the man appears to have paranoia (perhaps he is somewhat demented or has schizophrenia). Something not brought up is the possibility, that when the noose Mueller tightens even more that Trump will totally unhinge. If this happens to coincide with an incident on the Korea peninsula, he might very well go nuclear.
1
Mr. Friedman, anyone from Indiana will advise you to learn more about Pence before endorsing him. He’s played a clever game as Veep, but he is no enigma to us.
2
Agreed. 25th Amendment, resignation, impeachment just get him out before we lose everything!
2
Mr. Friedman - you just made my day - the best headline of the year - however, I'd make a small change - delete the word 'threaten'. It's time for the Government of the Privileged to fire Trump. Happy Holidays
1
well done, Tom!
1
One way or another he has got to go.
2
It's not just that we have an ignorant, unstable pathological narcissist in the white house, surrounded by sycophants. It's not just that the "Rebel without a clue" is now aided by the gang who can't think straight, (absent the generals).
It's not just that he's obviously in thrall of Putin.... he's a puppet of Putin!
Putin, the ex KGB tough guy who runs Russia with an iron hand...formerly the #2 superpower, and now #9 on the world economic scale, behind Brazil... seeks to regain his position on the world stage. And Trump handed him an open door to the middle east by ordering Syrian withdrawal. No wonder Putin publicly supported the decision.
Is that not aid and comfort to the enemy?
Is it not treason?
Consider that his family business was negotiation for a Trump Tower Moscow, during the 2016 election campaign...and that negotiation apparently continues today.
Consider that Putin's cyber-cretins are almost certainly responsible for disrupting our electoral process, and very probably did the same with Brexit, and have helped accelerate the rise of the radical right on the european continent. Consider the murders of soviet dissidents exiled in the UK. Destabilization is Putin's strategy. Consolidation of power will follow in the aftermath, like a phoenix.
Consider what the next Congress should do.
2
Trump cannot change. He is a pathological narcissist at the very least; only his psychiatrist knows what else ails him. We see evidence of this on a daily basis when he tweets something dangerous or untruthful, his handlers try to get him to stop, and then he doubles - even triples - down on it as the day goes on.
I agree with Friedman and worry about the chaos removing a president can cause. Truth is, it can be no more chaotic than trump is already making it.
Time for the 25th ammendment. Now. It is not just our country that is at risk.
1
The patriots are all gone from the Trump regime. McConnell & the GOP Senate must act or US world leadership will end.
2
The president may or may not be indictable, but could he be committed under mental health statues? If a physician or other qualified mental health official filled out a warrant for an involuntary hold, would the president have to submit to observation in a hospital like any other person?
From the Advocacy Treatment Center website:
EMERGENCY EVALUATION D.C. CODE ANN. § 21-521. An accredited officer or agent of the Department of Mental Health of the District of Columbia, or an officer [...][ in the District of Columbia, or a physician or qualified psychologist of the person in question, who has reason to believe that a person is mentally ill and, because of the illness, is likely to injure himself or others if he is not immediately detained may, without a warrant, take the person into custody.
FL FLA. STAT. § 394.463(1) [A] person may be taken to a receiving facility for involuntary examination if there is reason to believe that the person has a mental illness and because of his or her mental illness: (a) 1. The person has refused voluntary examination after conscientious explanation and disclosure of the purpose of the examination; or [.......] or 2. There is a substantial likelihood that without care or treatment the person will cause serious bodily harm to himself or herself or others in the near future, as evidenced by recent behavior.
1
Trump is the symptom, not the issue. He is not unreadable, or unpredictable (in his erratic attitudes to anything). Whoever decided that a man who is clearly unsuited for the position was the best man available in 2016 is not going to look for Abraham Lincoln next time he/she votes. They will search for whatever racist, xenophobic, isolationist incompetent puts himself /herself forward as a candidate. I'm sure Ann Coulter is always ready to run if asked, and there are many others.
That (to me) disgraceful side of America's electorate is significant enough to have commanded the Republican party. The problem is not Trump or Pence, is the obvious ease with which, in the American system, a President can introduce fundamental changes, even if against the law, with little consequence. It doesn't require the vision of Nostradamus to foresee that, even if Mueller were to find unquestionable evidence of collusion with Putin, the Republicans will not impeach Trump. The smell in Denmark that bothered Hamlet has reached America.
1
Nonsense! We did not need disruption. People who thought so were fools. And commentators who sympathize with them are disingenuous.
Sure, tweak trade rules with China. Press NATO members for full payments. But recognize that Trump’s campaign rhetoric was sincere. He and his supporters meant to blow it all up.
However badly this ends, his supporters will never admit they were wrong. Because, as I recall, Nixon’s never did.
2
The GOP need not worry about losing in the next election if they dump Trump. They need to worry if they don't dump Trump. Dump Trump in a lighting impeachment. Then I'll vote Republican
There is only one answer to Trump- impeachment!
1
Donald Trump is simply incapable of change as he has zero self awareness. Also, the GOP would need its own intervention first.
1
Merry Christmas America - the best gift we can get as a nation is to remove this President from office... I hope that with the swearing in of the 116th US congress on January 3rd, that we can begin this process. I have hope that we will not have to wait until November 4, 2020 to do so... I can only imagine the amount of damage done by this administration in the next two years... Have Faith America, this too will pass...
1
TM from Muskegon is right overall but I do not think Mr. Friedman goes far enough. Republican leaders need not "threaten to fire Trump." He has already proven himself not only incompetent, not only corrupt, but evil. They need to tell him "Resign or be impeached," for the good of the country. The trouble is, as Barry G from New York implies, Republican's don't care about the good of the country, they care about being re-elected, and removing this dangerous buffoon from office would likely hurt their chances.
1
7546/700 = ~ 10.8 lies per day.
1
The blind squirrel's luck has finally run out. Merry Christmas to the resistance
1
If my math is right, if Trump has lied over 7,000 times in 700 days, that’s over 10 per day not 5. Am I missing something?
1
What took you so long to finally end your wishful thinking? Trump hasn't changed one bit from the ignorant egomaniac that told the nation he was the only one who could fix an imaginary mess. Welcome aboard the growing bandwagon and best wishes for a Happy New Year with Pence replacing Trump.
1
You have hit upon exactly why this POTUS and his (lack of a sensible, thoughtful, experienced) administration is one to be feared. Our country is imperil. Our standing - and responsibility - in the world is being lost daily...for what? For the ego of a child- man with no desire to act with intelligence or thoughtfulness...who willfully and purposely remains ignorant under the guise of his disruptor status. It is certainly not for the advancement of the US, our people and our role in the world.
1
Just do it! Skip the threat, and just do it, please.
1
Understand his base enjoys the chaos he causes.
1
I agree with ninety percent of your views. But a President Pence? Way too freightening for me. Ask anyone who lives in Indiana.
2
So partisan Friedman suggests the Republicans fight among themselves. Why couldn't the Democrats pick someone else than Hillary...oh it's because she corrupted the Dems process as well.
1
This article reads like science fiction. The Republican leadership (whoever that may be) are not going to try to force Trump out. It would be suicidal.
I urge all of us to look at this report on the U.S. interstate highway system. http://www.publicpurpose.com/freeway1.htm
This was a huge national investment that occurred between 1957 and 1989. This report details the “benefits” and the “costs”. They claim a 6:1 ratio in benefits such as saving lives, saving time, transportation vs. the costs, which was $41B in then dollars spent. My estimate today is probably 10x that number or $410B, may be a trillion spent. What is the Trump administration plan for $5B to build a wall? What is the benefit for that? Hmm…keeping MS-13 out, keeping legal sanctuary applicants out, legal and illegal immigrants out. No data, no plans, no right of imminent domain issues, just fear, and hysteria. There’s no rational benefit from this $5B investment. If Trump is such a great businessman, why can’t he or his administration elucidate the return on investment. He’s also a great engineer with his steel tooth comb wall, that would only work on orange hair and nothing else. Maybe a version of it could be used to rake the Western forests of fuel.
No folks, this a total con-job, by the puppet of the Kremlin. He has no plan. He acts like an impetuous 5 year old, screaming in public to his parents, he can’t get his favorite candy called $5B, and he has no idea why he wants this candy. It’s time to stop this non-sense, open the Government back up, and let's start making plans to take him off the stage, this tiring pest of a president.
2
What are these "choking regulations on business" of which you speak, Tom?
You right-wingers are always complaining about them, and have since before Reagan. How many decades dominated by Republican politics will it take before you and your ilk are finally done repealing all of these "choking regulations"? And when you are finally done liberating American business from any and all accountability to anyone, will the remaining regulations--if indeed any remain--allow Americans to breathe clean air and drink clean water? Or are these merely collateral damage in the war to increase business profits at all costs?
2
Didn’t the same man, Mr Friedman that is, was drooling with the prospect of liberalization and modernism in Saudi Arabia as a guest of MBS just a few months back? He almost became their unofficial and unpaid ambassador to the world!i haven’t seen an apology yet and until that comes, he remains what he is today, an erudite and well-read opportunist. Amen and Merry Christmas, Tom!
2
Courage does not reside in congress, either aisle, to date. Re-election is paramount. Threaten that, and courage may appear. Envision more Trump insanity and republicans will feel the heat - not his base, they never will - and grow spines. And more Trump insanity is on the horizon - isolated, threatened and ridiculed. Let us pray, this day, for courage in DC.
Trump is now bad because he is bad for business? If he was put in (Put-in) place by the Russians, so was Pence.
2
Apparently, the GOP considers lying about an affair a high crime but conspiring with an adversary, obstructing justice, and bathing in emoluments is not. Don't hold your breath, Tom.
4
Thank you for your in depth opinion on why the president has to go. If we really want to keep America the “beacon of light” it once was, this president “has to go.”
I noticed you didn’t mention racism. With 45 as president, our country is devolving into overt racism. This virus of words is contagious. I remember what happened in the 30’s...we cannot allow that again.
“History not learned is oft repeated.”
Thank you!
Arlene Mittenthal
Cheshire, CT
1
Trump IS the Republican Party. He's what was always there, just presented by McConnell and Ryan in a less crazy way--absent the Tweeting and obvious, outrageous claims and lying. They don't know how to govern, and they are part first ideologues who don't represent the majority of the country--reasonable gun legislation to protect our citizens, a women's right to choose, reasonable immigration reform, affordable health care, and so on. Time to rid ourselves of these party first rats, break out of this gerrymandered swamp and get the representation we the people deserve and demand.
3
Before you insist on doing this - remember that liberal progressivism is the reason Trump was elected in the first place. Consider...
Over Obama’s eight years the so-called 1% prospered while rural America declined. It’s fashionable to blame Trump & Republicans for income inequality but it’s a decades-old problem that both own.
Over the past decade illegal immigration escalated as Obama and both parties in Congress ignored it. Welfare dependency among immigrants skyrocketed as did crime in the areas most heavily affected by immigration. Middle & low income citizens saw these immigrants being helped while they themselves struggle. No wonder they voted MAGA.
Flyover country people watched the left’s elitists disparage them, law enforcement, the military and religion. They were called racists, bigots, xenophobic, homophobic, and many other slurs for continuing to adhere to the values they learned as children. They were ridiculed for being concerned with having transgender males in their granddaughter’s restroom.
MAGA voters lamented a government growing out of control in size, scope & spending. They hoped Trump would begin to fix it since neither W. Bush or Obama even tried. They grew weary of Washington double-speak.
So before you remove him - be careful. The government you crave today created President Trump. His opponents own this mess too.
2
On top of everything else, Trump is socially stunted. He does not know how to relate to others, he does not know how to play with others and he cannot imagine what it is to be another human being. In short, he is emotionally frozen in a pre-K world. His desires must be met immediately, his thoughts are the only ones possible. Most children grow out of this stage rapidly, although the growth, for most of us, is life-long. Trump is now regressing to ever more primitive states, he is becoming more lonely and paranoid, and the situation is becoming really dangerous.
2
They won’t, and they can’t. Their greed has become a dangerous mental illness. You cannot expect a seriously mentally ill person to behave rationally. Americans wouldn’t hire people so challenged to watch their pets. But they’re fine with having them govern the nation.
1
It isn't Donald. It's the wealthy who will benefit from lax financial oversight and tax breaks, the poor- who need someone to blame for their poor choices in life,the hateful/fearful who go to church and temple every week and are simply afraid of anything different, the malcontents who don't really believe in anything except causing pain and disruption. It's your elderly parent, your neighbor, your grocer.
These deplorables, who put partisan and financial gain over love of America, are responsible for the mess we are in.
Tragically, I feel I've lost my country and family. America isn't the great country I thought it was. My family has turned against everything I was taught in school and at home. It's all been a lie.
1
The only change I would offer to this spot on article is to remove the word “threaten” from the title. They should move to remove him, period. I can see no positive outcome from his remaining in the White House; to threaten to remove him will not do it. He must be removed.
2
I agree with most of what you wrote, But the fact it came from a liberal columnist for the NYT makes it less likely that responsible Republicans will step up to the plate. Your relentless attack on Trump and unwillingness to give him credit for anything has resulted in a loss of your own credibility. Trump is a disaster, but so too is the press.
1
Today is Christmas and Trump has put doubts of Santa into the mind of a seven year old? Santa knows who's been good and who's been bad. Nothing more to say here from the North Pole.
2
I hope Trump fires Meuller when he fires Powell. This would make the decision to impeach and remove him from office crystal clear to both democrats and republicans. Then Trump really could unite the entire country.
If the wheels fall off this country under Trump, blame the Democrats for loosening all the lug nuts. All the sanctimony in the world cannot get the axle grease off their hands.
1
What about the 25th Amendment?
Mattis and the generals could lead the charge. How about Speaker Nancy Pelosi for POTUS?
1
Before the Republicans can come to terms with Trump, the party needs a tour at Betty Ford, because it's all Koched up!
Either that, or the brothers have to invest in some Trump properties, have their own "Come-to-Jesus Moment," then use their leverage to compel Trump to go to Narcissism Rehab.
1
Trump has proved himself to be unstable and you only need to look at the markets to show you the results of his instability and reckless behavior. Trump is mentally and intellectually unfit to run this country and must be removed from office before he leads this country into another depression that will be far worse than the last great recession.
1
Things haven't been this bad since Caligula appointed his horse to the senate. And I really wonder if " Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse."
2
When Thomas becomes panicky about something, you know the propagandists have entered another phase of their idiocy.
President trump has made the economy safe for the poor worker, which USED to be the democratic Party's primary concern.
Since then, of course, the party discovered just how rich the agitated environmentalists really are.
But Trump is Trump and one of his voters' targets is the old way of doing things.
Thomas screams at those christians or patriots who stick to what has worked in the past.
But Thomas loves how the OLD way of doing things in D.C. is beingclung to by progressives.
But Trump was elected to destroy the old D.C. Swamp system of weak ''leaders'' flopping over on principles, and because it's Trump, that system is in trouble.
1
Interesting that the only specific policy issues Friedman mentions he actually agrees with Trump. Trump is the disruptive we need and the media and Libs are terminally afflicted with TDS.
1
I agree with all but one statement. VP Pence is a very scary dude in his own right. He was selected as a lap dog and performs that job to a "T" pun intended. You might want to look into the many signs in Indiana yards "Fire Pence". Just think if Niki Haley, Angela Merkel or another head of state wanted to have lunch with him. You also might want to look into some of the legislation he supported that resulted in many events cancelling their appearance in Indiana, and the multi million dollar PR firm that was hired to repair the state's image. We are in a mess!
I continue to be astonished that someone as informed and wise in the ways of the world as Thomas Friedman can believe that Trump represents an aberration of the Republican Party. In fact, he is the natural leader of a party that has been built on a sturdy alliance between the corrupt and ignorant. Think this is extreme? Consider the party's position on global warming, an existential threat to life on the planet, which the GOP ignores for the sake of its backers in the fossil fuel industry. Only fools could support such a position, yet almost all Republicans do. And only fools could support Trump, yet again, virtually all Republicans do. This is not a coincidence. Trump is the soul of a soulless party.
..."And what is that image? According to The Washington Post’s latest tally, Trump has made 7,546 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day, through Dec. 20, the 700th day of his term in office. And all that was supposedly before “we let Trump be Trump.”...
Actually, if you actually do the math, it is over 10 times a day.
1
Isn't 7,000 lies in 700 days an average of 10 per day?
Trump is a danger to our nation ; has been assessed as mentally
deranged...(refer to Letter to Editors dated February 13, 2017.
from Harvard Professor of Psychiatry Lance M. Dodes M.D.
Pence is not mentally ill...; and could govern as a conservative
whose views are polar opposite of the liberals in the Senate and
the House....
So if Trump were to be dismissed as unfit to serve; Amendment
25: Section 4...Pence could safely finish Trump's term of office
without incident. And most likely would not become President.
1
This is a “watershed moment” indeed. Electing Trump was a grave mistake. The time has come to stop the nightmare of the Trump presidency, show this despicable human being to the door and then throw the book at him for all the lies, graft and malfeasance with which he has damaged the good name of the USA. The time has come for the GOP to finally do the honorable thing and put the future of the nation before selfish personal or party interests.
1
Good luck expecting the Republicans to defy Trump. What you see is what you get and, with the Republicans, we've gotten toadies and sycophants beholden to right wing extremists who are loonie toons.
1
This sounds an awful lot like the endless columns Tom Friedman wrote during the early and even middle days of the Iraq War with a never-ending refrain of there's still time to fix this. No, there's no time to fix this. The sad reality is that Republicans won't do what needs to be done to stop a dangerous president.
1
I propose a deal: they fire Trump if the Times fires you. We'd be a better country and more enlightened were those two to occur.
How can you say that the United States now enjoys more peace and prosperity than ever before when 95 people are killed by bullets every day, and 4,800,000 had to declare bankruptcy last year because they could not pay their medical bills, and America’s war in Muslim countries continues?
Threaten to fire Trump?
Won't happen. Trump is not the CEO of a public company. He's the leader of a cult. His followers are not critical thinkers - they are angry and frightened people who feel safe and validated under the protective shield of a MAGA hat, and the false promises and security that it represents.
2
Mr Friedman's sympathetic opinion of trump voters because they thought we needed a "disrupter" is the kind of dumb market ideology that makes me disagree with most everything Mr Friedman says.
America needs a change, but what a bogus way to repackage Mr Friedman's typical right-wing economic elitism. As though deregulation and tax cuts for billionaires are the "disruption" everyone needed. Just like the techies in the Bay Area, disruption is a radical elitist buzzword that means "rich people not caring about the lives of vulnerable people that they destroy." Can you imagine a world in which Friedman could have countenanced Bernie Sanders as a disrupter? Yet he's willing to apply this term of market intelligence to trump?
It's because of reasons like this that I can't stand Mr Friedman's "I'm an adult in the room" talk. I don't know who elected him national Dad in Chief. His columns are generally elitist ideology masquerading as quasi scholarship.
1
But why “threaten” Our mistake is to keep thinking he’ll change.
1
Threaten?
Please, we are far past that point, nothing better demonstrates the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of modern conservative "movement" and the Republican-Reptilian party than their FAILURE to show the tweeting disaster and his hairpiece the door.
A majority of the voters already have voiced their disgust.
Time to consign Trump and the Republican Party to the Dust bin of History.
1
feeling so helpless-
shocked by how much damage this asterisk president can get away with before someone/anyone steps in and says enough!
this is not at all what this country is about.
SO OBVIOUSLY UNFIT!
1
The Republicans who are in positions to make such a choice lack the integrity to do so. The capable moderates have been squeezed out of Republican discussion. Instead what passes for a Republican hierarchy feels it owes its survival to Adelson and the Kochs. It doesn't matter to them that Trump's actions so weaken us at home and in the world as to constitute treason--as long as their clients get their tax breaks.
We were a proud nation. We outproduced the Axis powers and won World War II. Then we gave Europe guidance, support and sustenance through the Marshall Plan, and were very generous as a people.
I grew up proud of my country. Trump has made me ashamed of our behavior. Whether it is separating small children from their parents or shutting down much of the government in an attempt to force Congress to fund construction of a totally useless and ineffective wall on our southern frontier, we have been humiliated by this "tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing".
1
"People wanted disruption" Uh No. Most people didn't vote for Trump. Of those who did only some of them wanted disruption. Good of you to catch up to what has been obvious to most of us since before the ludicrous Inauguration with his awful speech. The parade of empty stands. The pots of money to gain influence. The awful cabinet of incompetence. The lying and grifting by all of them. Talking to Trump is, as you predict, hopeless. Time to make him go. Is there anyone in the Republican Party who will do it? Alas, they are all pretending this is normal. Apparently not a patriot left among them.
1
Tom,
What happened to your math skills? 7,546 false or misleading statements over 700 days is not an average of 5 per day but more than 10. Trump used to average 5 per day earlier in his presidency. In a recent stretch, he made 32 false or misleading claims per day.
How can we possibly meet our Paris agreement targets with this much hot air coming out of Trumps mouth?
1
Hear, hear! Trump is not just an embarrassment, he is the most dangerous person in the world. His alignment with dictators and strong men should be enough to raise the hair on the backs of all Americans. Impeachment isn't quite enough to punish this tool of Vladimir Putin.
1
OMG yes. Too bad it won’t happen. Instead they’ll wait for the Dems to do the work of bringing up impeachment, then, if possible, if things really look bad for Trump, put some votes in impeach him. They won’t take a bold stand, a MORAL stand. No backbone to make internal change, only external fight. Morality only occurs when when you turn to face yourself and your kind.
1
Excellent! No one can disagree
1
If the President's decision to pull troops out of Syria is not immediately reversed, our nation will suffer for decades if not generations. We will be hated and distrusted for our commander in chief's betrayal of our sworn allies, the Syrian Democratic Forces. The President said he was "giving" Syria to the Turks. This means they are free to commit genocide and ethnic cleansing against the SDF, Kurds, Arabs, and (among others) their Christian and Yazidi neighbors, as they did this year in Afrin. This was just 8 days after signing the Iraq and Syria Genocide Accountability Act to get justice for prior genocides against Christians and Yazidis. The much vaunted international religious freedom initiative will lie in shambles. No persecuted people groups will believe the US will help them effectively. Worst, their enemies will be sure they can get away with genocide and ethnic cleansing. Iran is the sure winner here, and three days after the "deal," Erdogan said he would work with Rouhani to evade US sanctions. Iran will have a path to the sea and airbases adjacent to Israel because the alternative to genocide is to accept Assad regime control. Our allies will not trust us to select a person fit to sit in the oval office and lead the free world. It is a disaster of historic proportions. It's our mistake, the American people and elected officials of both parties, if we don't fix this problem. It isn't a time for politics. It is a time for statesmanship.
Friedman should know that we elected Trump because of the leftist, anarchist and atheist goons in the Democratic Party. These corrupt swimmers in the swamp who sold out the Party are still in charge clamoring for an open border, dissolution of ICE, promoting the bogus claims of climate change, abandoning the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, viewing Americans as black, brown, white, man, woman, transgender, rich, poor, middle class, Catholic, Fundamentalist, Baptist and Jewish, promoting Islam within our borders. And, the country selected a leader to end all of this dangerous trends.
The same philosophy and sentiments still continue among the Pelosi-Schumer crowd. The lawless hooligans and liars like the leaky Feinstein and hypocritical Spartacus we witnessed just two months ago in Washington continue to be in power. Then the media. You claim that “Trump has made 7,546 false or misleading claims.” Wow, should I be impressed by such numerical accuracy? The media has made “zero” positive comments about the good things done by President Trump. None, nada. That is an accurate count.
Trump came to office without political cronies and media darlings. He selected his cabinet from people who he did not know very well. A few are leaving or being fired when they couldn’t function effectively. When did Gen. Mattis become a poster boy? He was fired by Obama too.
No, Mr. Trump should be the President for the next six years. He will adapt and improve in the second term.
2
Regarding Pence, if he pardons Trump, that in and of itself is an attack on our rule of law in this country.
1
Sen Lamar Alexander (R-TN) announced his retirement in 2020, then joined Bob Corker to successfully oppose the rules change (nuclear option on the Wall).
Others wouldn't mind breaking Trump on his Wall, but breaking ranks? No, political suicide. The Republican base may never acknowledge Trump's destruction. Doing the right thing for all of their constituents? Not even in their equation.
Trump-supporting parents HAVE NO IDEA of the real competition from foreign workers that Trump will bringing to America.
Until 3 Jan 2019, Homeland Security IS IN ITS COMMENTING PERIOD "to alter the lottery-based selection process for H-1B applications to favor people with master’s degrees or higher. The agency has also said it plans to revise the definition of a “specialty occupation,” in order to enhance the visa program’s ability to obtain “the best and the brightest foreign nationals.”
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/21/h-1b-homeland-security-secretary-signals-change-to-controversial-visa-program/amp/
Since Republicans can't pass their Corporate-Sponsored Immigration Bill, Kirstjen Nielson is pulling this stunt that does not conform to Public Law. Unless stopped by courts, the ANNUAL 85,000 immigrants getting visa, green card, and permanent residence - will all have AT LEAST a masters degree.
College students won't get good jobs because their parents are cheering a Wall that saves lettuce-picking jobs AND IGNORING Nielson's betrayal on tech jobs.
More like an average over 10 a day if you divide 7,456 by 700 days....
But no matter. Another well done piece, Mr. Friedman.
2
What a chilling assessment, Mr. Friedman, capturing why I've been so uneasy, anxious, and scared over recent months.
Yes, it must be Republicans who rid us of this scourge they brought us. But I've had no confidence they will do that, judging from the way my congressmen is now cowardly hiding and ducking.
But Wall Street big dogs and banks may well do Trump in while a spineless Congress can't. Trump has played to what he calls his "base" but has forgotten the powers-that-actually-be. They have their tax cut now, want their ride to continue, and don't give a hang for the "base."
1
Well, welcome aboard Tom. So happy you got around to joining us. But don't hold your breath waiting for Republicans to do the right thing. They are Trump's rump and beyond redemption.
2
Exactly right!
2
I don't like Pence, but I agree he could not be worse than Trump, because I don't think Pence hero-worships Putin. For this Democrat, at this time, that's enough. I just want Trump gone.
2
Healthy children move from dependency to radical independence to healthy independence and, finally, to healthy interdependence, where they negotiate their relationships with mutual respect, like NATO.
However, codependents simply see others as a means to meeting their own needs, interlocking with those they disrespect or even hate. Hence the Donald rallies: mass homecoming events for a huge codependent family and parent.
Donald loves America because, "it's been very good to me," meaning it has not prevented him from lying, cheating, stealing and assaulting his fellow Americans to get his needs met ("Ask not what you can do for your country..."). Of course, he is not getting his needs met; he doesn't have even the level of consciousness to know his needs, so he seeks more and more substitutes, like money, women, power and incessant boasting. Trump is codependent in every area: Followers, family, enemies, marriage, money, etc.
This explains why his followers are in a symbiotic relationship with one who flaunts their core values. They need some things he has the power to deliver, so they ignore whatever is necessary and give incomprehensible explanations for this. Same with Congress, except Congress has no core values.
Donald is a sick man in a codependent relationship with a huge segment of the population. His removal is absolutely necessary. For his base, it will be like taking candy from a child—they will be enraged. Let's pray the Constitution can weather the heat.
2
Sorry, we are not left with the B team. We are left with the D team. The A and B team were never considered for the job, or wouldn't want to work for the sycophant. From the start this administration was formed by grifters who only want to obstruct the mission of their department, with a few half competent ones thrown in. Now the latter are replaced by the former, because the rotting head of the fish cannot stand anyone better than him. He always thinks he's the best, and he makes sure he is, at least in his ever shrinking world, where he now sits alone for Christmas. Sad.
2
We must let Trump be Trump for at least two more years and hopefully four (4) more years after that. The United States of America needs this large, great, shake-out and shakedown during eight years of a Trump Presidency. The nation needs to go cold turkey and face and deal with all that will come out of these years.
We are a false and faux nation and we need to become a true nation to and for ourselves. The myth of the United States of America for two hundred and fourty-some-odd years is being exposed and destroyed by Presidnt Trump and that myth has indeed been a fraud, a hoax, a lie. Call it the Big Lie if you will.
President Trump has allowed this country, this nation to see itself as it truly is. Be it racist, be it misogynistic, be it politically incorrect, be it a total artificial concoction of Madison Avenue and Hollywood, Mr. Trump is allowing and encouraging us, we, Americans to see ourselves for who and what we truly are. The truth, as Mulder says, is (and was) out there; but our government, our institutions, our corporations, our entire "American way of life" was not true and not telling us the truth. We have lied to ourselves from the founding of this nation about who we are and what we stand for.
It is taking President Trump and his Presidency to put the lie to America and bring forth a truth & the truths that have been stifled since the birth of this nation. President Trump is leading us through the ultimate cleanse, the ultimate detoxification.
2
Is my math off? 7546/700 = 10.8 lies per day. Remember when WaPo had him at 7.5 lies/day then we went into the 2018 election and jumped to about 30 lies per day. That how we wind up with 10.8 as an average.
Like it matters. Once you hit 5 lies/day, the sane people aren't listening for your "truth" any more.
2
I agree with Trump that bad people are enteringthe US, but NOT AT ANY BORDER CROSSING WALL. He does not get it. Points of entry and Naval Water ways for the 11th Naval District are where the REALLY BAD people are entering, and drugs, He is using a very blind eye to that, and that only underlines the reason for THE WALL. It is all about his legacy, proven over and over. Then again, many of these immigrants are running from the very thing he accuses them of bringing to the US. If he would just listen to his Pentagon personnel, his Intelligence providers about foreign countries inclusive of Mexico, but me thinks his orange died locks get in the way of his hearing. Then when he is told, he know more than anyone else in the World. Senate: TIME TO FORCE THIS MAN TO REVEAL HIS TAXES TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. We all need to see the criminal activists blueprints as has the NY US Atty and Muellers team. Mr. President: Give us all Holiday Blessings and step aside now, save yourself from losing it into infinity.
2
Welcome to the real world, Mr. Friedman. There are a good many of us who came to the conclusions about Trump that you express here well before he was even nominated as the Republican presidential candidate. Your own NYT colleague Charles Blow has been loudly sounding the alarm for the past two years; Paul Krugman almost as long. What’s the matter, Tom; don’t you read the Times Op-Ed page??
Well, whatever. Those of us blessed (or cursed) with the ability to discern the flames of political (and perhaps literal) Apocalypse burning ever closer in the distance are always happy to welcome a new recruit to our swelling ranks. Congenital pessimist though I am, however, this is one time I would dearly love to be proven wrong...
1
Tom,
I agree with everything you say. But you are just waking up to this reality now?
2
Unfortunately a solid 35 % of the country, and the gun owning 35% at that, who are a majority in the states where most hard right Senators live, firmly believe now that there is a criminal conspiracy of liberals to overthrow Their government. They intend to resist in the name of all that is decent and right. In their news bubble, Liberals are evil traitors, and a present danger to their children's future.
Unless there is proof beyond reasonable doubt of conspiracy with Russia in the Mueller report, do not hold your breath waiting for GOP Senators to do the right thing.
2
James Mattis is now free to begin speaking his mind as of January 1. If he is the patriot everyone says he is, I hope he will go on national TV beginning on that day and say what every person with any sense knows by now - that the President is either demented, mentally ill, or probably both, and that the people who have the power to act but choose not to must know that they will own the catastrophe that will inevitably come if he is left in office.
1
Trump is a solitary mad man rattling around the WH ranting over the last message he received from Fox "news." Most photographs we see of him is one in which he is alone, like the one in this story. In the background a Marine standing at attention because he has to in the presence of this fake. When will this end? It won't be with President Pence, a true believer in all things humane. No, it will come with an impeachment where all of trump's crimes are placed on public display where even his base can't deny them (maybe even then they will support him). Then it will come with Pence's sound loss in the next election. But, even after that, we and the world will be left with the stench of this mad man. Just let it begin now.
2
What is a wrong with Republican legislators that they see nothing wrong with his crazy, erratic behavior? Senators need to stand up to him fast; Trump keeps pushing the limits because he knows no one will stop him. He is a serious danger to this country and the world!
2
Threaten to fire Trump? No, Mr. Friedman, the time for equivocating is way over. Trump is past his sell by date. By about two years. And forget the GOP coming to the rescue. They have lashed themselves to the mast of the Hesperus, and they are going down with the ship. Trump has to be driven from office by the people, the old-fashioned way, with daily demonstrations of a million people in the streets, banging on pots and pans, until Trump turns tail and hies to Mar-a-Lago, never to emerge. It's what he deserves.
2
Good luck. Aint gonna happen. Republicans are who they are.
2
Well, the GOP stood behind Trump, kowtowing to his every whim and ignoring many acts that bordered on treason the past two years and look what it got them, a Democrat controlled House of Representatives.
Perhaps it is time to wake up and smell the coffee before it is too late.
2
I care not how it gets done. Just get him out of there ASAP.
2
Both Trump and Pence are serious aberrations of American values, 'electoral accidents' if you will. But replacing a loudmouth, lying, grifter with a quiet, sneaky, lying, fundamentalist will not benefit America or rebuild it as one of the best countries in the world. And it is still one of the best, by any standard, countries in the world. We, American people, have a difficult problem here, and the only thing to recommend at this point is that every voting American pay close attention to their 'better angels'.
2
"Trump has made 7,546 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day, through Dec. 20, the 700th day of his term in office."
What's 7000 divided by 700?
(It's not 5)
2
Indicative of the Left's self-righteousness is its consistent and persistent advice to the GOP about who its leaders ought to be. The GOP, having taken their advice (McCain et al), then finds its leaders savaged by the Left, its media enablers, and NYTimes readers who, of course, are better educated, more learned, and well, just better than everyone else. Not once is this tactic used by the Left against their own leaders, nor ever deployed to ponder that they are actually criticizing policies they had a chance to wonder about when a Democrat sat in the White House or when they were initially proposed by Democrat candidates. Of course, we could solve this if we simply fired Friedman. Alternatively, we could do what seems to be their metier --- simply, adjust the argument to fit whatever narrative is needed to avoid any Progressive cognitive dissonance.
1
The American Republic is what is flawed. The office of the President has too much power. Restrict those powers before an even worse wingnut is elected (yes that's possible).
Threats do not matter. Trump has already proven that point. The GOP needs to take action, or become the party of treason.
2
It would be dangerous and useless to threaten Trump with anything. Do you not realize that he is at best unbalanced, at worst fully or nearly fully gone?
I have assumed that the reason politicians and journalists refrain from saying so right out is that they are afraid of pushing him over the brink. If he starts reading stories about himself being a dangerous maniac who has to be suppressed, well, who knows where that might lead him?
But we have to face the fact that he is incapable of governing, and has become a danger to this country and to the entire planet.
He just has to be gotten out of there, as quickly and as quietly as possible.
2
Checking the Neo-Cons plans for another war, this time against Iran, is the one vital thing Trump can be congratulated for.
For an active & unbiased observer all these columns & opinions are more scarier than what Trump is actually doing. For common people & their future generation columns like this are sending a message to mind your business, just vote & leave the matter to us the elites in media, academia, hereditary politicians & press owners & industrialists to decide what is good & bad & you need to be the part of this circle & gets their trust if you or your future generation wants to lead the country.
The NYT with its obsessive compulsive panic mode disorder is making every attempts to redefine policy making in democracy- by the media, for the media, of the media & to the media with complete disregard to common citizens.
On Trump, media should know he is what he is, he is sticking to his pre-election agenda, he is not diverting from his agenda. So is media not accustomed to a politician who is walking the talk?
Columns like this show a day is missing in a life of many, the day Trump got elected.
1
Have you read the nutters over in the far right press recently? They are celebrating Trump. The GOP has even more of a hard time doing the right thing than the Democrats, and while all politicians ignore their base, only the dumb ones do it visibly.
1
Good Luck, Don’t Hold Your Breath!
1
"Republicans" and "leaders" seem to be mutually exclusive. The problem is the entire head. Trump, Pence and the entire Republican administration, they have taken a quantum leap towards the past and, honestly, many of us are sick of putting up with it.
1
No threats are required. Just do it!!
2
There’s one basic flaw in this plan; the GOP is as corrupt and incompetent as Trump. Maybe more so - he beat everybody the party put up against him in the primaries. They created the base that feeds him - and that they answer to.
Asking the GOP to rein in Trump is like asking an arsonist to put out a fire he started.
2
If God tells Pence to invoke the 25th (after 1/19/19 so Pence can run twice), will acting department heads get to vote? Will Trump then argue that, say, acting AG Whitaker's vote is not valid because he's an illegitimate appointment after all. We know Devos and Carson will vote with God's choice. Of course, Trump can appeal to Congress. And Pence will have to nominate a VP and Congress approve said stale, pale, male quickly (because Pelosi). We could end up with two Presidents and two VP's at the same time. What fun!!!
1
As usual, Friedman is years behind the curve. The time for an intervention was 2015.
1
Trump is a loyal American -- loyal to Russia. Not once has he criticized Vladimir Putin or openly defied his wishes. Yes he's a "disrupter" -- a disrupter working for the Kremlin. People like Friedman toss around the word "disrupter" like it's an honorable title. It means trouble-maker! Yes, Putin wants a trouble-maker to disrupt our system of legal due process, our electoral process, our economic system, our press freedom, our alliances with countries that have stood up to him, our belief in our constitution, our faith in each other. All of those things have been disrupted by this monstrous traitor working on behalf of a Russian dictator. Face it, Trump hates our freedoms. He means to disrupt them!
2
Tom Friedman,
In thinking of your past columns, I almost expected you to say that you and your wife had dinner with Trump.
And remember, as you do your usual middle-of-the-road treatment, Trump did not win “at the ballot box“. He lost at the ballot box. An antiquated electoral college provision of our 18th century operating document put him in the White House.
1
Tom, thank you. Please keep writing articles like this one. Can you please go on as many tv shows as possible and repeat all these ideas and start the momentum for impeachment???
2
Mr Friedman, if you waited till last week to have your watershed moment. Then you were far by being too generous in the amount of slack that you gave Trump.
Congratulations to Thomas Friedman! Words so many of us have hoped to hear for so long. Thank you and please take care. This is a man who will haunt you until he has long left the planet. Not that I have any hope with Pense. He is just patiently lying in wait. Thank you for the words that other cowards have withheld.
2
GOP should do more than threaten.
2
100% agree Mr Friedman.
America is adrift under Trump. A rudderless ship waiting to crash.
No good will ever come from this presidency.
2
Have you no faith in America? We, yes we ,made a mistake. Simple isn't it ? We should fear another two years that got us to this twisted point here & now. We need to stop this idiocy. Making enemies of our friends, making heroes out of our enemies. We have a President that knows more than all of us combined. Vice President Pence as President scares some people? Well ,for the remaining 38% who still support Trump, think of a President Pelosi will affect them ? We will always have demons & imagined demons, but this President is trading away our democracy , our wealth, our country to sell condos in Moscow. With everything he tweets ,he is essentially saying 'bah humbug ' to us.
1
Really? Everything before this past week wasn't enough for Mr.Friedman? The GOP will ride the Trump train as long as they can. We all know it.
2
Dear Thomas,
This is yet another "someboby's got to do something" rant you're known for. The President doesn't need an intervention - that's what you do with family members. If you can find credible charges under which to impeach him, write your congressman and list them in detail. If you just don't like the way he performs his duties, you'll just have to deal with it like the rest of us. The next presidential election cycle will be upon us soon enough. Your biggest problem is having a credible Democratic candidate to run in 2020. Right now I don't see one.
1
They will not fire him. They have effectively been brainwashed and are in a cult like status. The prime example is Speaker Ryan who has failed to act to stop the shutdown when there is nothing to lose.
3
Disruptive? DISRUPTIVE?
As Turkish troops begin to mass on the border of Syria, we should be concerned about Trump being DISRUPTIVE?
Nuclear missiles launched via a 3AM Twitter peak is a tad bit more than disruptive.
2
We have a "president" who most likely can't even read above a 3 rd grade level. He couldn't even be bothered to read the resignation letter of his secretary of defense. He had to wait till someone on TV explained it to him. He is way overdue to be removed from office. The republican party seems like it wants to destroy this country.
2
You fail to mention the reason Trump ran for president: to lift the sanctions and otherwise accommodate Russia (dismantling the Western alliance, pulling out of Syria and Afghanistan, etc.) in exchange for have his gargantuan debts to Russian oligarchs written off. Do you not read the newspapers or watch TV news?
1
hold on Friedman, let the man finish his job - destroying the GOP totally, put the fear of total chaos in to China's Xi, ....
and then , and then only then... talk about a gentle retirement for Donald.
1
"Vice President Mike Pence could not possibly be worse."
Be careful what you wish for.
1
Many of these responses look like they are paid for directly or indirectly by the Putin's government.
3
When you have a mentally unstable man like Donald Trump who suffers from the anti-personality disorder of narcissism, the only viable "intervention" is the political one of removal from office either using the 25h amendment or impeachment. Trump's instability has been clearly on display for some time in his erratic behavior that has only increased recently with his forcing a government shutdown over a border wall that over 63 percent of Americans oppose; his abdication of American security by his abandonment of the Middle East to Vladimir Putin and Iran; the resignation of the last remaining "adult in the room" in Defense Secretary Jim Mattis; his implication in multiple felonies involving money laundering, bank fraud, and campaign fiance violations; his trade war with China which has resulted in a bear market that threatens a recession; and the growing concern that he conspired with Russia to win election to the presidency. Trump has become a "cancer on democracy" and a "clear and present danger " to world peace. He is a mentally ill and truly evil man who threatens every citizen of American and the world. For his sake; for our sake; for the world's sake he must be removed from office.
1
With stock market in sharp decline and the government shutdown taking all attention and concern, please, don't forget that Trump has just thrown Kurds under the Turkish tanks for no obvious reason.
In spite of that, his party is cheering him up to break Democrats' resistance to his stupid wall. Republican leaders know who Trump is. They knew it then. They have to start sharing their knowledge with the base. Just repeat what they said before with all new information that has been published since election. Then there is a chance.
1
Threaten? He should have been fired when he kowtowed to Putin and dissed his intelligence agencies on live television. He’s long past his sell-by date.
2
With respect to Republicans taking on Trump, that is like Friedman's constant refrain that only Muslims can reform the Muslim world. True, but it is not going to happen any time soon.
2
Friedman has allowed his mounting frustration to overwhelm his political common sense. As long as Trump holds close to 40% of American voters, 80% of Republicans, he’s the Black Panther; well, make that White Panther. The Republican establishment doesn’t care about collusion with Russia, campaign finance corruption, or anything Democrats and the mainstream media focus on. They need his base to get re-elected, they love Trump’s corporate tax cut, they understand he’s just the explicit version of the racist dog-whistles they’ve been pushing since Nixon, and, while upset about tariffs and the Syria withdrawal, they have resolved to suck it up. Nowhere does Friedman say what Trump will do or be exposed as doing to lose his base, forcing the Republican Party to turn against him. Because it isn’t going to happen.
1
“If the C.E.O. of any public company in American behaved like Trump has over the past two years — constantly lying, tossing out aides like they were Kleenex, tweeting endlessly like a teenager, ignoring the advice of experts — he or she would have been fired by the board of directors long ago.”
Two words for you: Elon Musk
1
It would be amusing to count how many columns have been written since election day fantasizing about undoing the election. Nothing Friedman lists is a high crime or misdemeanor. He will not be removed from office. The U.S. survived a Civil War. It will easily survive President Trump. But maybe that’s what really worries Friedman and his ilk. If the country doesn’t end up suffering at all with someone like Trump in charge, maybe all the claims by the elites that they are the essential glue that keeps everything together will be shown as false.
1
Thank you for saying it better than I could ever hope to.
But you missed the Second Threat - the Horror Replacement.
Michael Pence has been described as dirty as Trump who poses as a theocrat looking to impose his rigid narrow Christianity on the land.
A white Nationalist, who said his ascension to the Presidency would be God’s will, and that of his friends, the Koch brothers.
His goals: a luxurious lifestyle at taxpayer expense and a country
where abortion is a crime, LGBTQs are treated for their ‘disease’.
Pence was, I suspect, chosen for the same reason Nixon chose Spiro Agnew: Dump me get worse.
I only hope Mueller has watched both, so when we drain the White House swamp, we can drain it all.
2
The GOP is going to do nothing. They are his enablers. If it boils down to party versus country there is no doubt what choice Republicans will make, a party that is not even recognizable to Repubs of old. When the Mueller report finally comes out I fear Trump will do the most stupid and dangerous thing he can think of like bombing North Korea or Iran purely as a means of distraction. With other presidents the odds of this happening were close to zero. With Trump it’s closer to 100 percent.
2
Let me try again. As an aside, last night I posted a comment. It was a NY Times pick. Many people responded angrily, as I didn't agree with Friedman. Now the Times has taken down my comment. Free speech I suppose. Or maybe the antifa version there of.
This is the same NY Times editorial -- let's get rid of Trump now -- that's been running since before Trump took office. There is no evidence Trump is guilty of any crimes or misdemeanors, that he has done anything illegal. You may not like his tweets, but he is hardly an existential threat. Many of the things he has done were needed, like withdrawing from the ridiculous photo op called the Paris Climate accord. He's forced N.Korea to negotiate. He's done a lot of things to improve the economy.
But the left doesn't have to like Trump. But unless there is a legitimate reason to remove Trump from office, you are undermining the democratic process, disenfranchising those who voted for Trump -- all because you disagree with him politically. Actually, I'm not sure there is really huge disagreement as much as there is disdain from the ruling class. And the arrogance of the left is simply beyond the pale
And Tom -- why don't you provide some specifics to support you views rather than just shouting the sky is falling?
2
If it looks like an unstable, lying, autocratic-leaning insane person occupying the Oval Office, and acts like one, then it likely is one.
It’s time for Congress to do its job — if for no other reason then to restore civility and stability to our Government, dignity to the Office of the President, and leadership to the world.
3
7500 falses, etc. But, multiply that by the number of times he tells each of his lies.
3
"Threaten to Fire Trump"? No need to threaten. Hey Trump, you're fired!
1
“If you like your doctor, you can keep your doctor. If you like your policy, you can keep your policy”. Tom, your can’t be serious when you write about disruption. Obama’s lie landed in the laps of 50,000,000 people so how does that compare with Trump, the ‘disrupter’. Politicians all lie so why are you surprised to hear a non-politician remake his previous statements? He wants to do what he promised and got elected to do so why is everyone surprised. Where are his ‘lines in the sand’ that cost thousands of Syrians their lives? The sky is not falling, Tom!
2
https://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/in-the-news/farrell-how-the-fbi-ran-an-illegal-counterintelligence-masquerade-in-plot-to-get-trump/?fbclid=IwAR3__9ska0CGLmdDk_k9U_4P6QNFA5cC2C2bJJj4RIj2m6ZmJvaE47zjFxY
This explains the FBI and DOJ role in an ongoing attempted coup d'etat. That may not trouble you, but it should.
1
It’s time to surgically remove the Trump cancer from the White House. When the UN world leaders laughtered at Trump they were laughing at us, too. His erratic, impulsive, and shameful behavior has not been ameliorated by anyone. His facile lying comes as easily as he draws breath. Now is the time to start repairing the damage he has done. Let’s REALLY Make America Great Again. As Trump says, “what do we have to lose?”
Robert Gedaliah & Rande Davis
New York, NY
2
On a positive note, I think that Trump has demonstrated that evangelical Christians will swallow anything, that Republican claims of fiscal responsibility are pure hogwash, that Fox News and Conservative talk shows are the real Fake News, and that America can have the biggest and most wealthy liar of any country in the World bar-none; Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Vladimir Putin move over.
2
We wish you a Mueller Christmas
We wish you a Mueller Christmas
We wish you a Mueller Christmas
And impeachment next year
Indictments we bring
To you and your kin
Indictments for Christmas
And impeachment next year
We wish you a Mueller Christmas
We wish you a Mueller Christmas
We wish you a Mueller Christmas
And impeachment next year..
4
It’s become abundantly clear that he will have to be forcibly removed from the White House in order to protect the rest of us from this demented, paranoid, virulent narcissist who stole the election with a conspiracy imvolving a hostile foreigh power. Unprecedented, unacceptable, and unsustainable. By any means necessary.
3
What Trump has done to America is the logic of the Leveraged Buy Out - scam, strip and leave for dead. Thank you Harvard Business School, Arthur Laffer, Mitt Romney, Jack Kemp, Ronald Reagan, Ayn Rand, Paul Ryan, Milton Friedman, Alan Greenspan, Newt Gingrich, Dick Armey, Tom Delay, George W. Bush, et al.
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The best move would be for the Supreme Court to ANULL the election based on its questionable validity due to Russian meddling and voter suppression in some critical states, like Wisconsin. I’m sure that Justice Clarence Thomas knows from his Catholic Catacism training that anullment is the perfect reverse time machine needed to undo the damages wreaked by Trump’s Administration to our foreign relations, lives, and the environment. Like Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned, Trump twitters while the earth cooks! Anullment will provide rapid removal of the likes of the Betsy de Voss’s and the like. If Trump’s wall is built, its path may very well bull doze its way through the sanctuary of the Monarch butterflies, resulting in its possible extinction, which would be as severe a loss as was the extinction of the passenger pigeon was in the 19th century. Trump’s proposed withdrawal from Syria if carried out could unleash an ethnic cleansing of the Kurdish community of the likes not seen since Bosnia!
The use of the 25th amendment may not be possible because the entities needed to carry it out, like Trump’s cabinet and the Senate have already be subverted. Impeachment may not be possible because so many of the Republicans have been so badly brainwashed, like Trump’s base. If it were carried out, Mike Pence would be President, and Trump’s corrupted cabinet and his horrible orders and actions will still be in place!
1
I don’t like anything about Trump but don’t you have to break a law to get impeached?
Maybe the “Mueller Investigation “ will find something but so far it feels like “Waiting for Godot. “
1
Um, no, threatening is a waste of time. It's time to just up and fire him. Too bad the GOP are now nothing but lickspitlles lacking the grit to invoke the 25th Amendment.
2
The Times is outdoing itself in finding the most ominous pictures of Trump to illustrate its pieces. But give us a break. We don't need any photos, much less such horrifying ones.
1
It’s really quite something to see so many suddenly sounding the alarm about Trump with much more urgency than ever before.
Never mind his cruel and I humane treatment of migrants - the family separations, the caging or children. Never mind the breathtaking corruption - on par with that of the most depraved banana republics. Never mind his winking at white supremacists. And never mind the incompetence - and corruption, once again - of the lackeys and sycophants that make up his cabinet and White House staff.
All of that produced a lot of furrowed brows from the establishment, but what’s really got them to get the knives out is ...... that he dared attempt to scale back The Forever War.
Trump is certainly going to be seen in histoey as a disaster for this country. But man, this freak out over daring to pull out of a military escapade that is nearly two decades old, and which has been an unmitigated disaster....well that says a lot about the state of our political and media establishment too. And none of it good.
1
A former head of Israel's Mossad, Tamir Pardo, said yesterday that "Russia decided Trump was their best candidate and ran him for president".
I think that our own intelligence services have come to the same conclusion.
Russia has gifted the man now at the helm of this country the biggest ever emolument that can be bought with just a few millions of dollars.
Trump won the presidency through the interference by a foe of the US, while his campaign and transition were in frequent contact with Russia.
In any other true democracy, a person having won the leadership of the government by fraud and foreign influence, would be tarred and feather and chased out of his/her job.
The arch-right Teapartiers considered President Obama as being a Manchurian candidate out to the destroy the country as we knew it.
Now a real one beholden to Mother Russia with his BFF Putin is at the helm of the US, while Republicans in Congress and their base are either too dumb to realize it and/or like that this nation is on its way into the abyss of fascism pure.
3
Superb piece but, really, is anyone surprised by the havoc and destruction TRUMP has caused. He told us exactly who he was during his campaign and those who voted for him were either not listening or naive or, worse still, just like him. Now, we need to tell this ignorant, erratic dictator who the majority of Americans really are and IMPEACH TRUMP NOW. Then the real work begins to ensure that a raving, criminal lunatic is never again given the opportunity to enter the Oval Office from which he sullies the best, most valued principles of peaceful world order and prosperity for all.
2
“Trump’s behavior has become so erratic, his lying so persistent, his willingness to fulfill the basic functions of the presidency — like reading briefing books, consulting government experts before making major changes and appointing a competent staff — so absent,”
Only now? Really? Only now you expect them to have a revelation? It took only two years of daily behavior by individual one for them to figure this out? And with that tolerance for his fulsome mendacity, for this “well oiled, stable genius” administration’sT tone deaf, knee jerk, self aggrandizing over reach, pray tell exactly what was it that is supposed to be different for them this time? What was the straw that broke the camel’s back? Where is the fulcrum we will use to turn these fools back from the brink of destruction? There is no such fulcrum. The Trump led lemmings are headed for the water at the cliffs edge, willingly, incuriously, fingers stuffed in their ears, blowing a big raspberry at anyone who tells them what they don’t want to hear.
The Flakes/Corkers/Collins’ and all their ilk share culpability as they scurry down the hawsers to the wharf. I have nothing but scorn for them. What a shame none of them grew a spine when it could have made a difference and actually voted to derail some of the damage that has been done. Now mouthing platitudes as they exit this political tragedy do they expect some measure of reward for the idiot wind coming out of their yes-men maws? Not from me not mine.
2
Mr. Friedman is a dreamer I live him. He is more sane then many around us, Or at least he got this Chanel to bring more real facts: we need to take this in: GLOBALIZATION is a fact - we should learn Embrace the know-how to take next step and not use it as an Excuse for total disruption+war. I fear pence, I fear the global sliding into Nationalistic/Egoistic/Erratic/Fanatic hate for "The Others". Teaching & education to all, and special care for teaching the Older generation too. We need scientists Doctors builder thinkers Technicians and nurses... and more. Not all Mexicans are Rapists, Thieves, Drug Dealers... They are Dentists, Biologists, window cleaners and Police officers... we'll be able to breath again. Arsenic Propaganda destroyed life of 55 Million people not long ago; Old and young, Short and tall Etc... Some sense could return, New Disastrous standards will not have chance to bloom, maybe even destroy. I am 75 years old (12.27.1942) I know a lot about WWII, the Air smells now as it may have in 1933. Then there were 5 Vertex in the Political globe. Now five hundred. In a Blink 5 thousand will emerge, Will be too Complex; between nations between Individuals and groups; big and small. It'll blow us into Space, as dust.
1
Sorry Mr. Friedman, with an exception of Mattis, Trump never had a A or B team. At best D or F. His team, including Mike Pence is there to serve him not the nation. God saves us all from the chaos of this mad man.
1
Trump's presidency will go down as the most disturbing, deranged and malfeasance riddled administration in the history of the US. And there will not be too much good to say about the conspiring and spineless GOP either. Truly a cohort of political cancer. Taking a nation over the cliff.
2
Trump = Sociopath
Why were so many unable to see this prior to voting for him?
3
Really, just threaten, not impeach right away? Still not enough? It's long overdue. It's time to start with replacing Mitch, who treats The White House as if there is a President in it, and not just a senile and deranged lunatic. If Mitch himself was any better, DACA-"wall" deal would be a law long time ago, and Trump would back off as he always does. All the GOP cowards have to go, or.there won't be a Republican left in Senate, and not soon enough.
While I deplore Trump's behavior, it's not as bad as being a by-stander to it and doing nothing about it. The cold indifference, (of the Republican Party) as Robert Frost put it in his poem, "Fire and Ice" is just as bad as the hot-hate and temper of their party leader. They are the banality of evil, newly reincarnated here, and their legacy goes back to Germany and the Nazi and their leader, doesn't it? Doing nothing and following orders and party loyalty are not American values. Or is my faith in them misguided?
2
A big difference between a Trump presidency and a Pence presidency?
Trump listens to Fox&Friends to get instructions on how to run the country; Pence would do what he thinks God just told him to do.
Of two crazies, I wonder which is worse?
1
Call the doctor. It’s syphilis gone untreated for too long.
3
I see Friedman has come around to what my granddaughter who was 10 at the time knew the first time she heard Trump on TV when she asked, "Is this a Reality Show?"
We need to think of the future. The parties need to demand that all candidates take tests to show their competence. It may be an intelligence test, or they could use the tests given immigrants when they apply for citizenship. If the Democrats do this and the Republicans do not, subject the Republicans to ridicule. We need to filter idiots like Trump out of the Presidency in the future.
Me thinks you voted for DJT Mr. Won three Pulitzer Prizes and the National Book Award. How ironic.
Sorry Tom, that is like asking the getaway driver to turn in the bank robber.
1
"Your kids won’t just grow up in a different America. They will grow up in a different world."
I think Mr. Friedman is a starry-eyed optimist. For the first time since my childhood in the 1940s, as the Cold War ramped up with Russia in the hands of a paranoid dictator with nuclear arms, I consider nuclear war to be a definite probability, Two adventurous major powers are testing the limits, the US has thrown NATO and the Atlantic Alliance into chaos, and the President is a petulant, narcissistic egomaniac with the attention span of a gnat and the impulse control of a rabid dog.
I just hope the world my grandchildren inherit will be worth living in, because Trump's model is the state of nature, where the life of man is 'solitary, nasty, brutish and short.'
1
Ah. For Lindsey Graham, the firing of Mattis was a bridge too far? All the stuff that came before was just background noise. When Trump attacked his dying friend, Graham's silence sounded like McCain had it coming. As I have said before, Tom. If Trump wanted Jeffrey Dahmer, were he alive, to be his Secretary of the Food and Drug Administration, there wouldn't be a single nay vote on the Republican side. How, in any universe, do you think Republicans will put a stop to this? And please stop looking at Pence as some sort of savior. He has gone along with this, even more so, than any other Republican. He will pardon Trump, any priest accused of sexual abuse of children (because the children should not have put themselves in the crosshairs of temptation), and pick at the scabs forming over the raw division between Americans. Gerald Ford he will be not.
1
Go Tom! I am in total agreement with your piece. I am so tired of waking up every morning to the nightmare of this presidency. It is so much worse than what we might have imagined. He is a despicable embarrassment to our country and the worst thing that ever happened to our beloved America. Hopefully the country will come to its senses and either impeach or vote him out.
1
I voted for him albeit while holding my nose. While my vote in New Jersey did not help him get elected I am sick of him. We can argue until the cows come home about the nuances of why I now routinely call him an idiot in front of my family but suffice it to say while he has introduced and driven dialogue on some very important subjects I believe deeply he is bad for our country. And from a political point of view this man is not a Republican. But with few exceptions, like John McCain and Jeff Flake, our Republican legislators have enabled him by standing by while he runs around like an 11 year old having a temper tantrum at every turn.
1
No threats, just do it!
2
Trump isn’t going to change for the better. I don’t have a degree in psychology, but I can see where he’s going. I know Pence is a toady, but he probably won’t cause crisis after crisis with rash decisions and the House can keep him in check.
Please do the right thing, GOP. Get rid of this guy before he flushes this nation down the toilet. And take that nuclear football away from him!
1
"Threats" do not deter sociopathic bully egoists like T, they only reinforce his inner contempt for his "weak" critics who do not have the strength to ACT!
That I can tell you. Believe me.
1
This Republican wants him gone.
2
"Trump has made 7,546 false or misleading claims, an average of five a day, through Dec. 20, the 700th day of his term in office."
Isn't that 10 lies a day????
Yet another Times piece that dances around impeachment. Shy of nuclear war, what will get you guys to call for his immediate removal from office? Are you waiting for Bob Mueller's approval?
The endless lists of mental illness symptoms, lies, tweets and personal financial deals is tiresome.
Impeach! Convict! Imprison!
1
Fire Trump and swear in Pence, a wannabe preacher, who will dismantle the liberal agenda, turn back women's rights, especially the right to abortion. It is the latter reason that I would welcome Pence, otherwise I don't care for him. But for us who detest the liberal agenda, in all its permissiveness and promiscuity. he is the savior. Thank you.
Well stated Mr F! As a Republican I have wondered when the Legislative Branch will do their job. Mr Trump was elected (barely) to shake things up. And actually, so was Obama.
That being said, I am old enough to remember how Nixon's fate was sealed and it was due to someone with integrity speaking up, exposing the dangerous lies of the President. At least Nixon accomplished some incredible results, which will not be the case for this President. Who will stand up now?
1
Trump on Twitter, Jun. 4, 2014: "Are you allowed to impeach a president for gross incompetence?"
1
It is about time that newspapers come to realize that citizens no longer need more news about Trump as incompetent and unfit as POTUS. How much more do I and others like me need to be reminded of this? Most of what is in today's NYT front page I will not read. Mr. Friedman has finally come clean, cut to the bone, Trump must be restrained or removes from office by the Republican Party. Time has come for newspapers world wide come to grease the ways with editorials demanding relief from the ignorance of a demented man.
1
**RESUBMISSION**When you have a mentally unstable man like Donald Trump who suffers from the anti-personality disorder of narcissism, the only viable "intervention" is the political one of removal from office either using the 25h amendment or impeachment. Trump's instability has been clearly on display for some time in his erratic behavior that has only increased recently with his forcing a government shutdown over a border wall that over 63 percent of Americans oppose; his abdication of American security by his abandonment of the Middle East to Vladimir Putin and Iran; the resignation of the last remaining "adult in the room" in Defense Secretary Jim Mattis; his implication in multiple felonies involving money laundering, bank fraud, and campaign fiance violations; his trade war with China which has resulted in a bear market that threatens a recession; and the growing reality that he actually conspired with Russia to win election to the presidency. Trump has become a "cancer on democracy" (to paraphrase John Dean) and a "clear and present danger " to world peace. He is a mentally ill and truly evil man who threatens every citizen of America and the world. For his sake; for our sake; for the world's sake he must be removed from office. It's time for Congress to move beyond "threaten to fire" and actually say, "You're fired!"
2
Yes, not a threat but just dump Trump. And then in comes Pence. Hizzzzz! We'll get a silent one, even more dangerous, who stealthily sends a cold, chilling terror down our spines.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Indeed!
1
Okay, America, if you were looking for compelling arguments to be rid of this mentally challenged "leader," Mr. Friedman has spelled them out with astounding clarity and in fact, the Times has done the same all along.
But not only has our President tanked, but our Republican Congress has followed him in lock step. Both Trump and McConnell have made clear their disdain for America.
I share the concern for a Pence presidency, but with a Democratic House and a hopefully awakened Senate, perhaps America could start back. We need to and soon.
In 2020, America can make their voices heard.
This is too good a country to just flush down Trump's golden toilet.
2
All I want for Christmas is 20 Republican Senators wholly fed up with Trump's antics, incompetence and malfeasance...
1
You're just now realizing how bad things are or could become? I - who know very little about politics - have been screaming "Article 25" for months!!
1
Respected Sir: Nice to see you back. Your crisp analysis is need in these turbulent times.
Do you know what is more scary than an emotionally challenged leader in the White House? The fact that we have such a polarized America that President Trump is either considered a hero or a villain. The fact is that he has a brilliant mind, along with an emotionally challenged brain. The reason he won was because he understood the pulse of the vast section of America. He brilliantly channeled their anger into a victory for himself. Hillary lost because she never took him seriously and dismissed him as an idiot. What the Democrats and the Republicans need to do is respect the will of President Trump's supporters and take steps to address the legitimate issues that they are concerned with.
What we need is a new leadership on both sides of the aisle that fights for the White House and then works together for the greater good, no matter which side wins.
1
If both Trump and Pence resigned, Nancy Pelosi would be president. Now that's the kind of Christmas present I could get excited about. Other than that, I am going for some haymishe Chinese food!
1
Mr. Friedman, I am very concerned that this Union, is not untied.
We seem to be as divided as we were just before Abraham Lincoln became president.
Quite frankly, living on the east coast in one of the northern democratic states I wouldn’t mind if the southern states would create their own republican nation.
The south never got over losing the civil war. Look how difficult it is to remove statues that represent the losing side?
Charlottesville PROVED it. And we have a bigoted leader in the whitehouse who lead the birther claim against our first 1/2 black American President. Then, after the murder by a white supremacist of a peaceful protester, he had the nerve to say,
“There are fine people on both sides”
Wake up America. Divided we stand!!!
1
Thank you Thomas Friedman! What to do with the helplessness I feel?
1
After 2 years of this mayhem, I am still amazed at the massive stupidity, and absurdity of the situation.
Somehow, the most vile, narcissistic, dishonest,evil,loathsome, malignant form of humanity managed to weasel himself into the white House. This "man " has proven his dishonesty, and ignorance of all things domestic, and foreign. There is no doubt that his actions and decisions have done long lasting harm to our once proud nation, and to the rest of the world. He has upset world order, and has brought this planet closer, and closer to world wide conflict. After all this, he still remains in office, ALLOWED to continue, and the world awaits his every decision with apprehension, while his followers await his decisions as though they were decisions from Solomon.
What will it take before this pestilence is removed ?
1
Half or more of opinion pieces are about Trump. Most lead off with another picture of the ogre. Please stop. The photos add no meaning to the text, but cause physical pain. Please!
Take this every time me the word “Republican” appears in this column and replace it with “Fox News” and you’ll understand what actually needs to happen.
1
What was so refreshing was how Mr Friedman puts this is such a clear non partisan voice. This isn’t about more whining about how unfair or how stupid everyone who supports trump is. It will require Democrats to step up and not make this vindictive.
No Republican will act if this becomes about payback. But if we see maturity on the Dems part the five maybe ten Republicans who will be the swing votes will have no choice. Democrats can actually force this if they rise above their own noise and lead. Trump is a disaster but as a Republican who agrees with Mr Friedman I am looking for and waiting for the Democrat who will step up and lead nobly to get us out of this mess vs use this as partisan retribution.
Friedman, you have a column and a book deal. I’m sure life is good for you. Yes, Trump has got to go, somehow , someway that doesn’t rip this country apart.... for good. Having said that, I’d like to say that you have had no credibility for many many years. Your efforts to help only reinforces those who can’t see beyond fools like you. It’s a cliche, a clock is right two times a day, but for you, I’ll conjure some celestial timeframe that indicates “Friedman may have been right once, but we can’t really determine when and doubt it will ever happen again”.
1
Yes, yes, yes to all that Mr Friedman so strikingly identifies
1
Impeach Trump, then swear in Pence, who opposes the liberal agenda, especially women's rights, abortion in particular. Be careful what you wish for. Cheers!
1
To paraphrase a slogan from the 1992 presidential campaign, "It's the COURTS, stupid!"
I'm sorry Mr. Friedman, but as long as he continues to nominate to the federal bench those selected by the Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation (with the imprimatur of such so-called "Christian" organizations as the Family Research Council and Focus On the Family — formally designated as hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center) to fill the historic number of vacancies created by McConnell and his fellow travelers since taking control of the Senate following the 2010 midterm election, Trump is almost certainly safe.
After all, that has been the long game of the Evangelical Right for decades — and they are now well on their way to transforming the democratic constitutional republic that the Founders bequeathed to us into a theocratic-fascist kleptocracy.
1
This is how empires fall Tom. Brick by brick.
Republicans will continue the farce they call governing under a corrupt and demented leader and when it all comes crashing down they will blame everyone but themselves. It’s who they are. It’s what they do.
1
I read all the comments from people Who voted for Trump and he was Elected . Sorry he was elected by the russians . Dont kid yourselves .
1
What, "threaten" to toss Trump? Make him the First President on the Moon.
1
"Threaten" to fire him? Just fire him! We are so sick of threats that are nothing but words.
1
The integrity in the Republican congress wouldn't fill a child's teacup...
1
He could destroy the Republican Party once and for all. May want to just let it ride. I’m not in the
Market or the Military. The foolish voters must have their nose rubbed in it, so that we may never pass this way again.
1
Mr. Friedman, please, please put your knowledge, wisdom and writing skill to work in venues that challenge the propaganda and demagoguery that is so misleading the Trump supporters that sustain life for his shameful presidency.
You are mainly preaching to the choir at NY Times. We need so much more than that from you.
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Trump is the Republican Party, they created him and they sustain him. They spend the last forty years preparing and cultivating the ground for Trump. When trump lies they all lie, from McConnell to Graham to Nile Gorsuch to Brett Kavanaugh. Can you believe any Republican? Think of the party’s embrace of birtherism. Think of Mitch McConnell’s pledge to destroy Obama. Think of the endless Benghazi inquisition to destroy Hillary Clinton. Think of the endless votes and tirades against Obamacare. Think of the NRA’s control over Republicans. Think of how Fox News literally controls what any Republican can do or say And it is easy to see how we got here, how Russia so easily amplified the Republican message and how every Republican embraced and fostered Putin’s help. Trump is a criminal and therefore the party that sustains, guides, and promotes him is a criminal enterprise.
To the point, get rid of Trump and you still have the problem. Remember — a monkey in a silk suit is still a monkey.
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I have no respect for people who knowingly voted for a serial bankrupt who founded his campaign on furthering and "Mexicans are rapists" from the very start.
Wanting "disruption" is not the same as wanting "destruction," and someone as smart as Tom Friedman should have been able to see the difference.
Nearly all conflagrations end in heaps of smoking rubble, not a glorious phoenix springing reborn from the flames.
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I can already see the responses from those who still cling to this very false prophet. I’m stunned by the fact...and yes, there are facts...that this amazing, advanced society of ours could have selected such a corrupt, exclusively self-centered buffoon.
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Thom, as usual, a Johnny-come-lately.… the evidence has been compelling for months and months...
You're wrong so often it's hardly worth taking you seriously....
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What is the impeachable crime that Trump has committed?
Sorry did he hurt the liberal morality feelings of how Presidents should act?
Trump is the expected reaction to BO and his apologist, cringeworthy actions.
Oblama should also have been impeached under your hurt my feelings criteria!
Elections have consequences!
Shake it up Donald, the whiners are powerless.
Go get that wall funding!
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How does 7546 claims over 700 days come out to “an average of 5 a day”?
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I am worried that some superpower will seize upon the horrific state of our government, or rather non-government & decide the time is ripe to take us over. With no one in charge of anything anymore I fear this is a real possibility. At 74 I have lived through many presidents I disliked, maybe hated, but never had the gut-wrenching feeling I wake up with each day made worse with reading the latest idiocy of our president. Let us do whatever is necessary to remove the moron from office & restore dignity to the government of this country I love.
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So now it's on to the "C" team....
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Funny how's he's doing all the things he campaigned as a Presidential Candidate for, isn't that shocking?. His order to leave Syria and hopefully rest of the miserable brutal global wars that Congress never authorized is going to stabilize the world not the opposite Neocon opinion. So far the only thing they possible got him is for the non-disclosure pacts he signed with fine two ladies. At the worst they could be silly campaign violations but could be easily challenged as marital issue. Critics say a wall is useless but look with having no wall caused -some 15+ million illegals swarming the country.
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Oh please. That time was three years ago when he first got in the race. Anyone who has taken this long to realize the abundantly obvious problem, is for all practical purposes brain-dead.
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I'm so thoroughly gratified to see that Mr. Friedman has found a topic for his column that does not involve white-washing the Saudi ruler.
There’s Trump who is drowning in 17 criminal investigations, spouts 10 lies a day, wants to date his daughter, and bragged that he bought the Miss Teen USA brand so that he can walk in the dressing rooms while the contestants are naked.
And then there is Pence, a grown man, who calls his wife “Mommy.”
Why do I get the feeling that the Republicans are not sending us their very best?
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Agree....except I would remove the word “Threaten” from the title Tom.
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Our unhinged "president" is only a reflection of a racist, sexist, and xenophobic minority in this country. The Republicans in Congress are gutless wonders who have placed party over country and personal greed over democracy. Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan should be ashamed of themselves. BUT, unfortunately, they are laughing all the way to the bank as Trump sells out the country. It is time, past time, for Mueller's report.
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Why is Trump president given what was known of "The Donald," during the run up to the election? His active indulgence in all things repugnant to most Americans: racist conspiracies like birtherism, Trump University scam, tax fraud, malignant narcissism, disdain for science and inquiry, pettiness, incivility, and out right cruelty to the most vulnerable do not concern his base. They close their eyes, cover their ears, and cry fake news! They are reinforced in this false narrative by the likes of toxic voices like Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingram, Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson who peddle in deceit for the sake of self enrichment. Until these vile individuals are once and for all called out and discredited by their own audience, there will be little to no change.
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Trumpy is like the uncle who thinks he is a chicken. But his relatives don't want him treated by a psychiatrist because they want the eggs.
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I couldn’t be happier with President Trump.
Keep the government shut down until we fund the wall required to stop our country being invaded by illegal aliens unable to succeed where they live - and intending to bring their uneducated, untrained, homeless poor to our already overstrained social services.
America needs more downward pressure on wages like we need more resources devoted to special bathrooms for whatever new gender is invited this week.
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While a world with Trump is a world without sunshine I agree Pence might be worse. I recall jokes going around when Pence was chosen that he was chosen as Trump's security blanket...no one would impeach Trump to replace him with Pence. It might have been said in jest at the time, but now it is a reality. They came as a pair and they must go as a pair!
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The only way Trump can be impeached is if Limbaugh orders it.
Limbaugh controls the deplorable who supports Trump. The Republican Senate & Congress fear this rabble rouser. Limbaugh was instrumental in getting rid of Ryan. He has become the power behind the Republicans, & he can make or break any Republican , including the President.
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Tom’s been hitting the Maui Zowie again if he thinks the republicans will do anything. And all that nonsense about ‘disruption’ is pure balony. Get a clue, Tom, trump has noidea what he’s doing, and his followers are equally clueless.
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I expect he has already shared classified and very sensitive information with the likes of Putin. The fact that the GOP has buried their heads in the sand leads me to believe that are either very cowardly, fear of the mobster in the Oval, or so in love with the idea of a true Oligarchy that they love him.
Since the voter suppression, gerrymandering, WI, NC, MI activities, I lean toward the latter. They really do seem to disdain a democratic republic.
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Mostly agree but prefer President Pelosi. Mike Pence is a cowardly former talk show host... Speaker Pelosi is anything but.
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The wealthy and the corporations are going to be the ones to get rid of Trump, when he has outlived his "useful idiot-ness" to them. The GOP congress will just be the lackeys assigned to do the paperwork for the removal.
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Does `Republican leaders' qualify as an oxymoron?
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Republicans have made it clear that they love Trump and his racism, his greed, his ignorance, his mistreatment of women, his loathing of foreigners. Republicans have made it clear that they care only about serving mammon and mocking what Jesus taught. Republicans do not care what Trump does.
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The art of the deal scribe. Talk is cheap. You must know the expression:? Money talks etc etc walks. The Republican Party is a mere smidgeon ahead of the Demoncrats in affecting anything other than self preservation and forging the status quo. This President is in tune with common sense. Something a government that spent millions on a cocaine study on rabbits and the like historically lacks. The money will work in new ways
There are fundamental issues here that cannot be 'paved over.'
Both Trump and Pence should be removed via impeachment or popular vote, whichever comes first. Following the vote, which will be overwhelming, to remove Trump and Pence from office, a vigorous prosecution must proceed. They are criminals.
The 25th Amendment Solution is now being bandied about along with a 'resign, no harm,' removal fantasy. Both are Republican fantasy confections, and neither will be accepted by Putin or Trump, in that order.
It's time for Mr. Freidman to acknowledge that he has deluded himself along with most of the Times editorial staff. Trump is a traitor, which now many of you acknowledge. He is a criminal, as most of you have long treated cynically as something "that goes without saying." To restore this nation, Trump, and the collection of grifters, parasites and criminals he has accumulated around him, must be rooted out. This goes for the Wilbur Rosses, Carl Icahns, and myriad others.
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Nice call for action, but really, when is the last time a Republican listened to Thomas Friedman?
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Quite accurate. Excellent
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Trump is actually the face of American failure as we stare at our navel. And he's just as destructive as Mr. Friedman enumerates.
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The term "republican leaders" is an oxymoron.
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If Melania and Ivanka would go on television and say that their husband and father is sick and needs help, our present national crisis would be over in a matter of days.
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Trump and Pence need to go and then third in line is the Speaker of the House, Ms. Nancy. Yea.
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Could not agree more. If only more republicans in congress would read the New York Times and act like they respect the job they were sentto do and live the spirit of the constitution.
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Just a quibble: 7,546 lies in 700 days is not five a day. It’s more than twice that many — between ten and eleven a day.
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Better late than never, Tom. Mattis should invoke the 25th amendment in the few days before he leaves.
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Impeaching Donald Trump is not the solution to the terrible damage Trump will almost certainly cause. Reason 1: The United States must fully feel the pain of Trump´s absolutely bottomless stupidity. That is the only way to purge his posion from the politcs of the U.S. Reason 2: The world is too dependent on U.S. leadership. Japan, Europe, Korea must work out what to do without the U.S. playing the central role it has since the end of the WWII.
It's far past the time for the political classes and media to understand that DT has no strategy, plan, or thoughtful agenda. DT is paranoid, sadistic,and quite insane.
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Enough. WE ARE ALL EXHAUSTED.
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Mr Editor you think there are two options to remove this President.One he himself would resign.Is it possible?or can you even dream that he will resign from a post which has according to him given unlimited powers to insult anyone.And the second option of impeachment.Forget the numbers no one will even think because of the lengthy process.The solution lies between the two.Both the Republicans and Democrats join hands to pressure him to put in his papers and he may.
Mike Pence is a religious revanchist, not a conservative. He will deliver only Hellfire and Brimstone.
It is time to get over the specious conceit that the US is "under God".
The wise don't threaten people like Trump. They just dump such people.
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"Mike Pence could not possibly be worse" - yes he could
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Hmmm,...a CEO who misbehaves and doesn’t deserve the public trust, yet remains CEO? Tom Friedman is living under a rock, forgetting the Silicon Valley companies he worships as game changers. Trump is worse, but they all came from the same germ.
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Trump is "a selfish, shameless, lying grifter", and that is on a good day. Volumes can literally be written about how unfit and unprepared Trump was to be president and how loathsome he is as a person. Unfortunately that won't sway enough of the GOP, but what should get their attention is that Donald is becoming, or has become, emotionally unbalanced. He belongs in a rest home or under supervised care at Mar-a-Lago.
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Mr. Friedman makes his case for a GOP d'tat.
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Although most of us are not as erudite as Mr Friedman, Donald Trump's instability in the Presidency was predictable based on his well known business career and personable foibles in New York. Mr Friedman should have shown leadership long ago. You're way late Mr. Friedman. You're a leader of the Johnny-come-latelys.
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7,546 lies/misleading statements divided by 700 days as of Dec. 20th is more than 10 per day, not 5 per day.
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Is this the better choice: a megalomaniac who believes he draws all power from himself (DJT, I propose), or one who believes his power is conferred by the Christian Almighty (Mike Pence, I propose)? Be careful what you ask for.
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It is not just Trump that is a danger to our nation, but more so the GOP.
Asking for one to remove the other is not going to solve the problem.
Moreover, Mike Pence is even more the devil than is Donald Trump. He is in every sense the Christian equivalent of a dangerously religious Mullah.
If the GOP is comfortable doing less than nothing after Sandy Hook, don’t expect them to grow backbone anytime soon. No It will be up to American voters to hand Trump and the GOP the most almighty electoral walloping they have ever experienced (provided the Democrats do not do anything dumb).
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Change is always needed, to some extent. Trump has sought change primarily because either A.) It appeals to his aggrieved "base", or B.) It goes against what Obama did - that jerk who made fun so effectively of Trump at the Correspondent's Dinner, those years ago.
Trump's ego has no bounds, nor does his need for vindication against those who have called him out and caught him being what he is. A fraud.
Trump doesn't like to think so he has others who like him, do his thinking for him. And the people who like Trump have turned out to be...... well, despicable. How ironic.
If you folks can't see this man is not qualified for this job, you are either thick or have an anterior motive! I could dance around with a few words and appear I know what I'm talking about, but, long story short, He should not be a president.
Merry Christmas!
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But what about her emails???
Pence will be more of the same, with the added evangelical twist.
Remember, Manafort recommended Pence.
The NYT and WaPo need to investigate and expose Pence's dirt before it's too late.
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Thomas Friedman has lost his mind. Is it because the wall streeters have Made off with his investment? Time for New York Times to fire Friedman for peddling nonsense. Trump has demonstrated that he is truly independent . He is not in the pockets of left or Right wing politicians or is puppet of Putin. Yes he has to be true to his supporters and those who elected him for precisely what he is doing and the results of Trump presidency are better than either Bush of Obama presidency in this century. Most importantly Trump has maintained a peaceful equilibrium in the world and much fewer deaths have resulted on average than during the Bush or Obama years.
Domestically the economy is sound according to the Fed Chairman. The gas prices during holiday season are less than $2 and lowest since the first term of the Bush Administration. The unemployment among Women, African Americans and Hispanic Americans is the lowest in decades. Law and order has kept the country safe so far except for the mass killers who surface sporadically and will also perish sooner or later. Friedman if I were you I would stop spewing nonsense until we hear the state of the Union address of our 45th president in less than 4 weeks.
The Republicans without Trump will have no chance. Their survival depends on Trump. MPS from philadelphia has said it right don't wish for Pence. He will show his true color and those will not be pretty.
You have problem with Trump deal with that in the ballot box in 2020.
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I try to recall a time in two decades where columnist Friedman was not on the wrong side of history. With “Pence could not be worse” he continues that trend.
Oh please, Mr Friedman. It's WAY past time to fire him. Have you just awakened from 2 years of hibernation? The G.O.P. stands for big profits, corruption, de-regulation, stealing from the middle class and poor and giving to the rich, a filthy , polluted planet, greed, greed and more greed and turning the government over to private business interests. Let's say a madman offered you lots of money, more power and control of day to day lives of people, that is if you were that type of greedy person; he/she then proves that he could. Wouldn't you support him, jump on their bandwagon, lie , cheat and steal to get these things? So what if the president is nuts, as long as he can deliver those goods, those promises to you, you'll be his buddy. Kindly change the lead to your story, it's insulting for those of us who have been keep up with current affairs.
Since Congress is unwilling to remove the living blight from office, I recommend, we hand him over to the psychiatric community in New York in a straight jacket!
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Friedman's got some stuff right, the primary item being that Trump is demented. He is also right about Trump only getting worse as Mueller's investigations continue.
Is it okay for America to have a demented individual leading the nation? Were he any other leader in the world, of a democracy, or were he someone other than a self-proclaimed billionaire white guy from an ivy league school with average grades, he would have been griddled out of office some time ago likely with much disrespect.
Notwithstanding all of the accolades his base of followers would assign to him, of which I am not one, he is mentally unstable! Is he taking his meds? Who is checking on him? We still don't have an accurate medical report on Trump. We have not glimpsed his taxes which causes him great anxiety that at some point they are going to turn up. They will. Trump is desperate and will do anything not to have to leave office which will be when he becomes indictable. Presently, he can be medically assessed and institutionalized; we have heard and witnessed enough! He harms people like he harms himself unconsciously.
Friedman thinks it has to start with the Republicans. Let them be the end of Trump. The Democrats need to get at him as soon as 2019 begins. He is volatile and self-destructive every day, can't help himself and will take all of us with him! He needs help to end this charade Presidency. Whether he leaves in hand-cuffs or in a strait-jacket, it's truly time to reject and eject him now!
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Is exile an option when the dust settles?
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Does anybody really think that Fox news would approve of the G.O.P. firing President Trump? Sean Hannity would have a fit !
Boy what a silly article this is.
Still better than any Democrat.
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I think Friedman is right and the markets and overall economy will determine Trump’s fate. And I think it at least possible that Pence will be caught up in the Mueller investigation. Which is why this talk of replacing Pelosi is so foolish. Thank heaven we have her. If she needs to step into the role of president, she is perfectly prepared.
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Trump demands to be the only beneficiary of everything.
America "always paid extra to stabilize the global system from which we were the biggest beneficiary" sums it up perfectly. How else could we be the wealthiest most powerful nation on Earth? Trump wants all benefits to go to him as he demolishes the pillars that got us here - yes, and where Obama has gotten us 'til trump.
Pence would only compound bad on top of worse as yet another illegitimate POTUS. He was brought to power via fraud and traitorous behavior of the GOP and Russians. The entire entire lot of B-players in this illegitimate administration needs to be fired too. Do we really want to keep the trump-chosen corrupt ilk of Bad-players to continue run the country into the ground? Pelosi is next in line of succession and she "could not possibly be worse."
"constantly lying, tossing out aides like they were [used-Kleenex], tweeting endlessly like a teenager, ignoring the advice of experts." Trump's the 7546 points of lies president.
Well, I don't respect those who voted for and still support the "disrupter" - the incompetent bloviating fool. And I'm not for eliminating "choking regulations on business" if it means choking on polluted air and water instead. How do we confront China as they see us self-destruct?
What an awful image, "he is freer than ever to remake America in his image" and that of his ilk of comrades like Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, Mercers, Kochs, McConnells and the worst America has to offer.
Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country. Otherwise, by default, you come the aid of another one ...Russia.
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Yeah right and risk the wrath of the spite-filled base?
Decades of cultivation by faux news and right wing talk radio yields the result you see now-double talking elected leaders afraid of the monster they created.
Too bad we all lose in this ☹️
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What in sam hill took you (and so many others) so long to figure this out? Now do something about it!
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As the Republican party's only mission is to make the rich richer, I do not believe they will tolerate much more of a decline in the stock market, as that is where much of the wealth is concentrated. I suspect they will covertly join the Democrats in removing this buffoon.
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The way to regain national confidence is for Republicans to pull the plug on the Trump presidency because of the horrors it portends. This crazy no moral value guy can start a war tomorrow. The proposed defense secretary to replace Mattis has no defense or international or government experience, but he has been a leader in the military industrial complex, making a killing as head of Boeing.
Previously mainline Republicans have been all in on this crazy man. Your continued support of him, even in the face of the certain calamity he will cause the nation and the world, is irresponsible and mind-boggling. Time to take responsibility and remove him from the office that he has not a clue how to handle.
The madman has turned 36% of society who still support him today, complicit with this madness.
(#pulltheplug can copy and paste)
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"Trump is in the grip of a mad notion..."
You could have stopped there...
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How many times does the alarm need to be rung to break the stupor of the GOP?
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WOW! Beautifully said and right on target. This man is an embarrassment, a paranoid, and an ego-obsessed self-aggrandizer who doesn't really care about the US or its people or its global commitments. I hope the Republicans can wake up and do the right thing before our nation is totally destroyed. I am fearful, anxious and very upset.
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Mike Pence's alter boy shtick, to the rational and well informed, is a complete fairy tail. For him to have been with Trump through the campaign, transition and presidency, and not have his finger prints all over the malevolent and quite likely, criminal enterprise that is this administration, defies credulity.
https://themoscowproject.org/dispatch/the-pence-flynn-cover-story-continues-to-unravel/
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I think it is time for patriotic Americans to fire all Republican Leaders !
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Sorry too late, there is no cure for pathological narcissism. Too bad.
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