At the State of the Union Address, Democrats should turn their backs to Trump and Republicans as a sign of revulsion of their dismantling of our democracy.
13
I am one of the people who have been holding trump and the GOP, and all of their insanity at arms length. It's absolutely true that I can't be in a constant state of outrage and horror at what these amoral, indecent creeps are doing to our society and our humanity. But that doesn't mean I'm disengaged. It just means that I don't watch cable shows or participate in cesspool of social media hate and conspiracy theories. Instead, I read high quality news publications on line, including insightful, coherent writers on both the left and right. Then when I'm finished, I go on to activities that further the well being of myself, my family, and others. The fact is that the election in November is the moment of truth when we - liberals, independents, and principled conservatives - all must come together to emphatically drive these monsters out of public office. Whether we're feeling enthusiastic, grim, or somewhere in between doesn't matter. Whether we all get out and vote straight Democratic, does matter.
6
For me it is about hate. When I was growing up there was a bully in town who I hated. Early in my legal career there was an obnoxious attorney who I hated. But that is pretty much it. Until now. Now there are so many people I hate that I cannot keep count.
4
The trump party sow division, fear and hatred, lie, cheat and steal because they have nothing else to offer. We can't fret because a snake will not turn into a dove. We have to deal with the snake as part of the environment.
1
This sham of an impeachment trial reminds me of a statement once used by Sarah Palin regarding crosshairs. Every senator who voted 'not' to allow witnesses should be placed in America's crosshairs for judgement. Simply put, they are bad people and bad for America. Have them removed!
5
Thank you Charles Blow. I really needed that pep talk as I have been looking for sources of hope. As they say in Star Wars, “Revolutions are built on hope”. Sometimes you just want to look away, but we must not if there is any hope in this constitutional crisis and removing the mad king posing as a president.
3
Mr. Blow writes of people who are "Exhausted". I have experienced this state of being ever since Nov. 2016 when I watched in disbelief that our 2016 election was stolen right before our eyes.. To preserve my sanity, I have disconnected from Trump's "in plain sight" corruption, and endless lies, et al., together with the Senate Majority Republicans co-signing the whims of this "at large in our community" American Political Terrorist posing as POTUS. I have experienced an amazing level of disgust at these so-called elected officials who continuously support this idiot. My motivator to reconnect is the upcoming November Election, when we all will cast our ballots for anyone but this swamp thing occupying the People's House.
1
I keep hoping for more revelations before the submissive Republicans vote to acquit in the Senate on Wednesday. I cannot wait until Nov. 3rd.
Democrats must subpoena Bolton, Mulvaney, Sec of State Pompeo, and others who are adding to the almost daily revelations of Trumps corruption. Keep exposing the corruptness of the space holder POTUS, and re-establish the legal oversight of the executive by the legislative branch. Go to court to enforce.
3
If you don't know who to vote for, try imagining that the person you vote for thinks it's o.k. to grab a woman by the genitals - or not.
9
In Oliver Sack's book 'A Leg to Stand On', he describes trying to descend a mountain to get help after being injured encountering a bear. At one point he fell into stream and the heat of the sun made him desire to just lie there and give in. It seemed easier to drift away.
I feel that same impulse regularly in relation to the destruction of the US and the fear that the elections will bring no changes.
I want to protect my mental health and inner self, like many do.
Then, like Mr Sacks, I get up again.
i will vote,
I do not now if my comments mean anything but reading the thoughts of others gives hope that there is meaning left to fight for.
Vote, everybody.
Yes, fight for health care and everything else, but a regime change is required in your own country, because the stakes are too high.
9
Charles Blow writes: "I cannot tell you how often I meet people — intelligent, interested and interesting people — who say that they have simply had to disengage from the news as an actual means of mental health and spiritual survival."
YES!!! This describes me exactly. I once read avidly about politics, but my anxiety over Trump's election and the Republican party's enabling and even encouraging of his outrageous behavior and erosion of our democratic norms has so exhausted and overwhelmed me that I have had to disconnect from following the news almost entirely. Reading this article by Mr. Blow has been a rare exception, and learning that he has met many other people who feel as I do makes me feel not quite so alone.
I worry daily about the future of our country. And it makes me incredibly sad to ponder what the authors of our Constitution would say if they could see the current state of affairs.
6
Why is the the Democrat Circular Firing Squad exhausting?
That is what Dems do, are you new here?
Why is the inevitable Senate acquittal exhausting? Did you think that impeachment = removal?
Why is the negative reaction to unprecedented tax increases by the Dem Candidates so exhausting? Don't the Deplorables know what is in their best interest?
Why is calling your relative who voted for Obama a racist so exhausting? Who knew 24/7 Woke would be so tiring?
Why is Demsplaining that Social Programs are the same as Socialism, but concrete examples of failed Socialist Systems aren't the same as imaginary Democratic Socialism, so exhausting? Your Grandpa who fought in WWII is so close-minded.
It is so exhausting doing the mental math as to why 3M popular votes in one Blue state doesn't equal a win in the Electoral College? It is almost as if the system we have been living under for 250 years was designed to balance out the tyranny of the majority.
So exhausting creating and maintaining narratives.
4
I think we must be more than excited, we must be strategic. If Trump decides to start another war and suspend elections due to a fake emergency, we need to understand that the Republican Senate will support him in this effort, and the courts will not "interfere." Like the idiotic wall, there seems to be no way to stop the perfidy. We will have to be in the streets as in France, the only way to save our democracy will be to shut the country down altogether. Think about it.
8
What is exhausting, Mr Blow, is the fact that Trump leads every "block" of cable news programming, whatever the show. Media vainly tries to program its political coverage in the useless binary of "both sides," totally abandoning right vs. wrong. Further and more stressful emotions are generated by the coverage and content of the Democratic primary season. Last Friday, the Senate cancelled the Constitution and formally elected a dictator. It's too late and too damaging for Democrats to engage in spirited, aspirational debates! The intra-party squabbles and criticism have to stop. Trump is a Russian asset destroying what's left of American democracy after Citizens United and Shelby County v Holder. When Democratic candidates and leaders coalesce, the stress will subside.
5
While neither party isinst identity politics blameless in regards to our dysfunctional gov't and distrust of gov't in general, I place most of the blame on the old GOP (my former party) and the Dems. The Dems faults were ones of omission; not listening to their constituents, failing to fight against identity politics, becoming a social elitist party and only paying attention to what the GOP was doing during Presidential elections. The GOP's involvement, on the other hand, were acts of commission; gerrymandering to gain control of state houses then promoting policies that restricted minority votes so they could gain control of Congress, followed by preventing appointment of liberal (or even moderate) judges and facilitating appointment of conservative federal judges who generally favored their interpretation of the Constitution. These acts were plotted and are much more odious, indeed un-American, that the Dem's lack of attention. This is a critical time for our republic. The GOP must decide if they want to be forces of preservation or of destruction; the Dems must decide if they are going to push for unity or once again succumb to identity politics and facilitate division.
1
As John Oliver said 11 percent of America has 44 senators all Republicans. We are going to be ruled by minority for a long while.
2
Charles, thank you for reminding us that mental health breaks from these stressful times can do us all many wonders.
I just hope that articles 1 and 2 were a decoy ploy to see how embolden those in the 45*¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠ administration will now become. Let them come out into the open to see their hidden agenda. We saw how the GoP went down every rain gutter to go after Hillary and Barack when they controlled the House.
Just like a title boxing match, the Iowa caucuses and the primaries are the appetizers to the big match.
Articles One and Two is where House managers limbered-up, stretched out, practice their foot work, feel out the opponent, and score some points with the judges.
The voters and the bookies will take notice. It won't be pretty...!
1
I’m exhausted and disconnected. I will vote for the Democratic candidate in November. Until then, I will preserve my sanity by staying disengaged. I never thought I would ever feel this way.
6
great column and message---your words are medicine and motivation---thank you, thank you, thank you.
3
Charles,
Thanks for the pep talk! I too am in need of a sanity break. November can't get here fast enough!
5
I'll vote, but I'm not sure it matters since there is nothing I can do about Russian hacking. All it takes is a little tweak to electronic vote tallies in a few key districts, and Trump wins the same way he did last time. Our Senate refuses to do anything about it, and almost half our electorate doesn't care. So yeah, exhausted and depressed.
5
I know the feeling Mr. Blow. Here in the deep red state of South Carolina where I live, I have fallen into a state of utter futility concerning Trump. I have watched most of the so-called "impeachment trial" in the Senate where I saw Adam Schiff and his team prove Trump's guilt convincingly in a most professional and excellent presentation of evidence, while Team Trump countered clumsily with nothing more than the usual conspiratorial nonsense, ad hominem attacks, and well-rehearsed GOP talking points. A few so-called moderate GOP Senators seemed a little embarrassed, but even they could only mumble something about his conduct being "inappropriate" or "concerning" or some other such meaningless evasion as they fell in line with Mitch McConnell's pressure campaign to acquiesce in the misconduct. Meanwhile, in the wake of the President's pending acquittal, some South Carolina state legislators have introduced a resolution to name a local highway after Donald J. Trump. Never pass up an opportunity to gloat and taunt political adversaries, right? Belligerence has devoured respectful civic discourse. Senator Lindsey Graham is running his re-election campaign with essentially unlimited funding from outside donors, while his Democratic opponent struggles to make ends meet. I will vote in November, certainly, but it would be useless to stay stressed out over something almost completely beyond my control.
4
Some "say that they have simply had to disengage from the news as an actual means of mental health and spiritual survival."
I join this group who are temporarily disengaging, but only to recharge my batteries, refresh my spirit and face November with a ferocious determination to defeat this disastrous president who hellbent on destroying our country.
6
Trump is leading us to either the destruction of our democratic republic or a civil war. That is enough to keep me engaged.
4
We must, absolutely must, elect a Democratic Senate. The antics of McConnell et al. need to be stopped. No matter what happens with presidential cheating and manipulations, we can stop this travesty.
We can because we must.
Vote Democrats into the Senate!!!
8
Ms. Susan Anderson: You are absolutely correct. The Democrats are far better off if we keep the House, take the Senate and grow the Party from city, county and state throughout the United States. During the Presidency of our well-loved, much missed Mr. Barack Obama, we lost 1100 seats nationwide.
Let the Republicans re-elect the Orange DJT, if they must, let us Democrats grow our base and Party infrastructure throughout America.
Besides, in an increasingly Brown America, Orange Trump is the mascot we hope sticks on the image of the Republican Party.
7
Mr.Blow, writes"This is the dawn of American authoritarianism,".
No this is not the dawn of American authoritarianism! That hysterical reaction to Trump, is as bad as Trump.
Our "democracy", long since sold to the highest bidder, is in trouble... not because of Trump, but because of the Establishment Democrat's reaction to Trump's election. Immediately after Trump took the oath of office, the Washington Post published a story headlined, “The Campaign to Impeach President Trump Has Begun.”
This impeachment and trial is an attempted coup, and a circus as sleazy as Trump, and this attempted coup is the danger to democracy.
Since Trump's election Democrats went hysterical and blamed Russia, when there were very real reasons Trump was elected.
One of the reasons was that Hillary was a lousy candidate for 2016.
Citizens voted for Obama because they wanted the Hope and Change he promised, but he did not deliver.
Nine percent of citizens voting for Trump had voted for Obama in 2012... they wanted Change!
I am not exhausted by Trump's sleaziness, I am exhausted by Establishment Democrat's stupidity.
The Establishment Democrat's are still trying to shove a bland, Wall Street supporting, moderate, status quo protecting centrist down our throats.
The American Dream died decades ago.
America has obscene, colossal and growing inequality of opportunity, income and wealth, where the richest .1 percent take in over 196 times the income of the bottom 90 percent.
Time for change!
17
@Lucy Cooke , if you believe it is time for change, you MUST, always vote Democrat. Obama raised taxes on those making over $400,000 but, now that Clinton was not good enough for some progressives, the inequality (and annual deficits) has been exacerbated again not to mention the erosion of environmental protection which Clinton would never have allowed.
14
@Lucy Cooke While you castigate the Democrats for wanting to impeach Trump from the beginning, remember Mitch McConnell's goal immediately after Obama was elected - to make him a one term president. The problems you complain about are mostly the result of Republican destruction of our country, it is indeed time for a change. Vote blue no matter who.
33
@Lucy Cooke There is irrefutable evidence that the Russians helped trump win our White House. Facebook, our intelligence services, our allies' intelligence services all confirm this. That's not "hysteria," that's fact. There's irrefutable evidence, including admissions, that trump attempted to extort a pledge of election interference from Ukraine and obstructed Congress in their duty of oversight. Cons admit this, and colluded with their leader to block further witnesses and evidence. That is neither a "coup" nor a "circus."
You have a wholly uninformed opinion about what is and what is not a lurch toward authoritarianism. The only thing you seem to get right is the "growing inequality" that permeates our society.
36
I imagine this is exactly how Trump dealt with contractors whom he refused to pay. Just exhaust them and eventually they'll go away and you'll continue to get away with it. We have to do what choral singers do: when your section has to hold a note for a long duration, individual voices can drop out as needed to breathe while the rest of the section sings on. So you go breathe as you need to and I'll keep singing, and you'll do the same for me.
8
There is a third category of people in addition to the exhausted and the excited. There is the category I fall into - the determined. I have stopped paying attention to the news. I did not watch one minute of the impeachment hearings. Instead I meet with other activists weekly to strategize and plan and do what needs to be done. I put on blinders and ignore the noise and put one foot in front of the other. I write letters through Vote Forward (votefwd.org) to register voters and get out the vote. I travel to events to register voters in person. I knock on doors. The process of taking action, along with the reduced consumption of news, works to alleviate some of the stress.
5
Up until recently I was devouring the news and opinions for 4 or 5 hours a day. I told myself it was important and it was historical.
I imagined that we had 24/7 news in 1776 or 1787 and were watching the historic making of a brand new way of governing. That would have been important.
I felt that watching the historic unmaking of that same democracy was just as important. And it is.
But...
Lately I am taking the evenings off and not watching recaps of the daily hypocrisy of republicans and the antics of the toddler in chief. I am restricting my morning newspaper reading to one paper, alternating between the WP and the NYT.
I am more regular with my meditation practice and I take particular care to interact with people with as much grace and kindness as possible.
We cannot change the outside world, but we can change our reactions to it. And we can do so and still remain active in our work to insure t rump is "a one term president".
3
As Mr. Blow's colleague Ross Douthat pointed out, Trump didn't win overwhelmingly. He carried the Electoral College by relatively few votes in a few states. In my opinion, that's where the Democrats need to focus, on the states that just tipped the margin. Go for the states that have the highest Electoral College return. Trump isn't a demigod, nor a Caesar, nor a Mussolini, even with the political cover from the cowardly Senate, he's not as powerful as he thinks.
All we have to do is beat him.
57
Half of Americans have positive opinions on Trump.
I recommend you to search for the best people among them whom you can like and get access to, too. If you think it's not possible, it simply means you are the problem.
Otherwise, you have chances to heal yourself. Try to talk with a selected person without hurting each other as much as possible. Then, if both are comfortable to each other enough, you can ask her/him what's the best part of Trump and the reason of it. Follow her/his mind and try to understand why the person has any good reason to think so. If you still can't understand the person, then tell the readers why and ask help. Or, if you succeed to understand the person, you can tell your reader your experience candidly.
That's one thing I think you can do for yourself and your readers now.
Good luck!
2
I certainly have returned to an encompassing hobby but not turned away from either the news or my outrage. Recharging is neccesary.
1
Right now I have turned off the impeachment hearings and instead listening to soothing music. The house managers just keep saying the same thing over and over again. How much can one take of this repetition. It is not good for one’s health.
1
@KMW,
Sirius XM Escape has been my go to- on Alexa.
Can't take it anymore.
1
Keeping people exhausted is one of the core tenets of Trump's re-election plan. Bannon called it, "flooding the zone."
But Trump will win re-election because the Democrats are playing right along: the exhausted won't vote in large numbers -- the Democratic Party is giving no reason -- and the excited won't vote at all when their preferred candidate (Elizabeth, Bernie, etc.) does not win the nomination.
There is one chance to remove Trump, and it comes in November. It will be a close election. Only voter turnout will win the election. Are the Democrats doing everything they can to get minority voters and women to the polls in November?
2
@R.S.,
Democrats lost me on the first debate, then compounded the turn off on the second debate; if per chance Klobuchar is not the nominee, I will vote for Trump; I was a fervent supporter of Bernie Sanders during the last election, but they have all become so radical with open borders and give aways to illegal immigrants and whomever can sneak into the country, that this lifelong Democratic voter is done.
Just because we may be exhausted doesn't give us a pass to give up.
Listening to the news and Trump's antics is stressful, but isn't that what he wants; to attempt to wear out the opposition so they just give up? That is not an option.
When I feel the stress I remind myself that other citizens from other eras had much more to contend with: Civil war, civil rights, McCarthyism. Those eras were worse than this one.
There is a legacy element here too. If we give up, what sort of republic do we leave to future generations.
Rise up, resist, and throw the man out by a landslide. We can do it.
4
At some point, the bubble will pop--hopefully very, very soon. When it does, I think Trump will disappear without anyone caring very much. Once he's viewed as pathetic and not just a bully--bullies are always pathetic--his supporters will drift away. He will continue to bloviate, but few will care. At least that's my fervent hope.
3
Maybe Charles, we should start seeing the US as it really is, more of a parody, a joke. We profess to be "peaceful", yet start most wars; we profess to be welcoming, yet the country has a history of hostility towards immigrants; we profess "equality", yet the nation was founded on a slave economy. In short, we are not what we say we are.
1
@Bob Scary that you believe this. Every single country in the world has income inequality. Also there has been no country in the history of the world that has adsorbed and assimilated more immigrants. Get out of your bubble and go see the world. And then come back and tell your tale of how awful the USA is. The country is not perfect but it is nowhere near the awful state you portray it to be.
It never seems to add up. The Trump voter appears to be socially conservative and religious. Yet voters having those traits should be unwilling to support a congenital liar, a multi-failed businessman who brazenly embraces cheating people, and a man who has openly and proudly bragged about his sexual escapades and eagerness to cheat on his multiple wives. Why would they claim this man and all he represents to be their political savior?
The only answer seems to be that Trump is fairly openly a racist who slyly suggests that making America great is a project that is actually about keeping white Americans in positions of power and influence in order to enable diminishing the influence of citizens of color.
What’s truly sad about it all is that there little substance to the alleged “replacement” that white supremacists worry about. Yes, America will become browner, not by replacement, but by enlargement. The “Ozzie and Harriet” view of America that Trump grew up with is not coming back. Like all eras, it has passed. Those who cling to what enabled success in the past may suffer, but there is nothing stopping them from acquiring the skills of the future except except the desire to cling to that past that, by the way, was not so great for everyone.
Not surprising that this post boasts about supporting an unconstitutional Trump third term.
It's not disengagement to go back to the level of news we all used to get before 24-hr cable news stations and then the Internet, and then the mobile, twitter-notification internet in your pocket.
We used to read the news for 15 minutes in the morning over breakfast, then take in another 15 minutes of it at night with the big-3 networks, then laugh at the funniest bits with Carson.
The papers and CNN and the rest have been making VAST profits since the 2016 election, so you aren't exactly a neutral party in weighing in on this.
5
I keep hoping for more revelations before the submissive Republicans vote to acquit in the Senate on Wednesday. I cannot wait until Nov. 3rd.
Democrats must subpoena Bolton, Mulvaney, Sec of State Pompeo, and others who are adding to the almost daily revelations of Trumps corruption. Keep exposing the corruptness of the space holder POTUS, and re-establish the legal oversight of the executive by the legislative branch. Go to court to enforce.
1
This Wednesday's vote to convict the president will be same as the previous Senate vote to convict the president - not one member of the Chief Executive's party will vote in favor. To use an overused term Mr Blow is using, I am just as aghast in 2020 when Trump denied wrongdoing as I was in 1999 when Clinton told us that matters depended on what the meaning of word is, is. So yes, i too am exhausted, but please spare me the outrage. They are all scoundrels and my only task, as in so many previous presidential elections, will be picking the best of the worst.
1
Another way is to tune out Trump who is the foul figurehead, and tune in the people behind the scenes, such as McConnell. He's the real root. And VOTE.
1
Continuous disengagement at this time is like a repeated national suicide attempt!
Short intervals of relief from the unbearable news may be utilized for energy recharging in order to get involved.
Trump makes me feel like a beaten wife. Every day with the beatings. I've taken all I can stand and absolutely refuse to listen to any more of his nonsense, or watch him beat up other people, or pay attention to his continuing destruction of the country I love. This impeachment fiasco was the last straw.
My vote in November will be blue regardless of what terrors Trump inflicts. I refuse to let this man make my life a living hell. Oh, what's that you say? I can't afford to remain disconnected? Watch me.
4
Back in 2010, congressional Democrats couldn't get far enough away from Barack Obama. The Democratic candidate for Texas governor refused to greet him at the Austin airport leaving that task to Gov. Rick Perry. Despite all the ignorant pretense to "not nationalizing the election," the election was still nationalized anyway and Democrats were slaughtered at the polls. Maybe there's a lesson here for Dems. You can look at Republican congressmen as a bunch of craven worms; or perhaps you can see them as people who are really fighting for what they believe in - even if it means standing by someone as reprehensible as Trump. In contrast, Democrats still make an idol of "bipartisanship" even though it means capitulating to what they want with nothing in return. Maybe Democrats could hold a majority for more than two election cycles if they ditch the pompous sanctimony and stand by their party's leader as long as she's delivering the goods.
2
that this country is experiencing has happened before. The eerie parallels to the crushing of hope during the period of "Redemption" -- the deliberate and systematic erasure of all that was attempted during Reconstruction -- ending with the Supreme Court finally voiding the laws passed to secure some rights for the formerly enslaved. And then the "Gilded Age"with the plutocrats bought the United States and established the model that is being followed today. More toxic than we would have imagined -- and partially due to our not knowing our true history.
1
As an ardent Trump hater, I am not dispirited by the Senate “debacle” masquerading as a trial but am energized by the presentations of the House managers. I do take time off and don’t watch or read about the very latest minuscule tidbit bandied about in the media. Sure, I do take pleasure in hearing about the Buffoon in Chief’s latest stupid statements i e “Kansas NFL football team,” hoping this asinine goof ball loses a point or two among his supporters. I mean, c’mon, man, how many stupid utterances does this idiot have to make to wake up people...
I’ve been heartened, also, by the new blood I see in the media. Young African American and Hispanic women have been remarkable in their insight and inputs. We should look at this phenomenon and be uplifted.
So let’s look for all these silver linings and fight, fight, fight! Win, win, win!!!
4
What weak sauce.
If it was intended as a ra-ra stay the course buck up homily, it's certainly a miserable failure. We will not be surprised to see an uptick in suicides and anti-depressants from those exposed to it.
If it was intended to further tamp down and normalize the actual fascism now consolidating every facet of our lives, it's certainly a worse miserable failure.
What next, 'good people on both sides'?
Time's up: your family, your planet, your freedoms, your country, is being systematically destroyed from within. And millions are colluding with it.
What then, must you do?
2
Where do I go to put in a nomination for Charles Blow as Prophet for our times?
1
@Jane Hunt
The ballot box is at your local Marijuana Dispensary.
3
It’s not just Democrats who must engage. I’m an independent voter, and know lots of other independents; for the health of our country we must all engage, and vote.
2
The Democratic primary race is an audition. This year, we really need to audition the candidates. We need as complete an assessment as possible of the strengths and weaknesses of each before we choose a challenger and head into the general.
In my view, this cycle's primary race has been enormously valuable. I know a lot more about the remaining candidates' strengths and weaknesses than I did at the same time last year. I'm optimistic that the result will be the strongest possible challenge to Mr. Trump.
Sadly, my vote won't matter as much because New York is a reliable blue state. Presidential elections are won or lost in Florida and the Mid-West battle ground states.
Don't sit home watching the news. Get active. Go outdoors. Meet other people who are doing practical work to end the nightmare.
And if no particular presidential candidate strikes you as the savior you'd like? Do it anyway. Let a House or Senate or state or local race drive you. Help turn out all the left-of-fascist voters to vote for the whole ticket, regardless of who is at the top of it.
3
I've decided not to read any news after dinner. It makes me too upset and I can't sleep. And that works for me.
So maybe I've got TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). If I can avoid reading about this "human" disgrace before I go to bed, so be it.
2
"He has stepped into our flaws and stretched open our shame." Mr. Blow, you often elevate the political columnist's genre with a gift for eloquence. Never mind that, as with this column, you are usually so very right.
1
Instead of seeing Trump as a crisis to avert, we can transform this crisis into an opportunity. Never let a crisis go to waste.
1
Summary: Mr. Trump is a disgrace, as are his minions including congressional Republicans. We must replace him with someone who can win and has acceptable policies. As an Independent voter who has problems with both major parties, I'm leaning toward Mr. Bloomberg. But he will support any Democratic candidate to remove Mr. Trump, and his support is massive.
1
Truth is only people with nothing to do are stressed out about the elections. Most people have there lives to attend too. This is what is wrong with politics, outlets and writers and like this that are trying to make politics a religion. It divides us all. In reality most people even people that loath Trump (myself included) our actual lives are impacted so very little by this presidency or any others in recent memory. It's all total nonsense stuff drummed up by the media and politicians. We need to move away from this politics as a death sport.
2
There are infants in cages right now. Don’t say this isn’t as important to them as to you.
Human beings lives are at stake. In case you didn’t notice.
2
I read this and stare out the window and look at the snow across the back yard. I wish I could be like my wife and not let it bother me. But I can't. I just can't. And what really galls me is that she defends her BFF and her younger brother in their support of the Sewer Rat with their votes. I have removed all vestiges of the BFF and limit the time that I spend with the sibling. Life is short and then you die.
7
I am both exhausted and excited, but nothing will stop me from voting.
My biggest issue though is whether we will ever return to a time when Trump is not mentioned in the media at all. Its like having an intruder barging into my house (or should I say brain?) every day. I want Trump out of my head and out of my life!
2
The Republican Senators are in the thrall of their populist master Trump and his lackey Mitch. Word is that they’re going to make a midnight break for freedom and unanimously vote for removal, then barricade themselves in their Chambers until the people rally in the millions across the country and give them the all clear. That would truly be making America great again!
2
I am disgusted with all of this talk of “exhaustion”, from privileged, educated Americans, especially well paid-pundits and activists for ever smaller, more niche elements. If you are so “exhausted” stop flying all over the country, proclaiming your exhaustion, whilst blowing an enormous hole in the ozone!
We do not get to be “exhausted”, we have to save our democracy.
3
The stress is because his supporters and enablers don't care about basic human decency. That's the stress.
So if you are a woman, you have to live with the truth that people voted for Trump after the Access Hollywood bus tape, and the accusers whose stories matched Trump's own accounts of his illegal assaults on women.
If you are disabled, you have to live with the truth that people voted for Trump after his mocking of a disabled reporter.
If you are Hispanic, you have to live with the truth that people voted for Trump after he launched his campaign calling most Mexicans rapists.
And I can't even articulate the "fine people on both sides" outrage.
And since when is compulsive lying acceptable?
Trump is disgusting. And people accept that and enable it. That's what is so hard to live with.
8
@Ann You are not alone. You have articulated my thoughts and feelings exactly. Thank you for speaking.
2
Fortunately they will never complete it, as the Anglo-American world power is cast into the lake of fire (symbolic for complete destruction) at the hands of Gods Kingdom while still "alive", Rev Ch 17 says so.
My vote in the primary may be counted after the nominee has been all but decided, so I’m trying to focus on Senate and House elections. Here in Georgia this year, we have the rare opportunity to vote Democratic in TWO Senate races, and there are a couple of House races I’m excited about, too. Vote Blue!
2
Do not watch news. Do not care about impeachment (waste of energy). Appreciate those who engaged in it. Will vote for for a blue alien/monkey/ mushroom.
Anything.
3
Snowflakes
2
Here’s the thing. You say lily liveried. Wsj/fox says brave.
But starting last week, watching the news began feeling like banging my head against a wall. The banging stopped when I tuned out.
Or, to put it another way, watching the news felt like standing outside in the open while an artillery barrage was coming in. Tuning out felt like taking refuge in a bomb shelter.
Either way, it's hard to resist the impulse towards self-preservation.
3
An important article here, Charles, that bears revisiting and repeating. The constitution must be defended at any cost. #45, Mc Connell and the other traitors are pushing for a Nazi state, make no mistake. This will not end in any pretty way. As you suggest, we must stay tuned and keep abreast of every attempt these moral monsters make to destroy our country. They need to be challenged at eery turn. The cowardice of the GOP congress is paving the way for only more hatred, chaos and destruction of our democracy.
2
@MickNamVet We have to challenge them. We don't have to track and react to every outrage, because the pattern has been clear for a long time. Focus on the big picture and on actions that make a difference.
1
No excuses! Just do it! Vote!
2
If you don’t tune out every so often, the madness will drive you crazy. And it really is madness. Donald Trump is the embodiment of pure psychopathy. And his enablers (i.e. the Republican Party) will continue to normalize his behavior because the only thing they care about is maintaining their own power.
But keep your eyes on the prize.
Make Psychopathy Abnormal Again.
Vote all Republicans out of office!
2
Trump will now cheat openly to remain in office. He has every last republican wrapped around his finger. They will continue to enable his corrupt behaviors. We are truly in a bind, play by the rules because its the right thing to do, or get down in the awful trumpian dirt and fight on his/their level?
You can’t overlook the complicity of newspapers like the New York Times in the ascent of Donald Trump. Leading up to the 2016 Election the Times and other outstanding newspapers in the country thought Trump a newsworthy joke that would go nowhere. The Times became practically a free advertising vehicle for him with the thinking that this buffoon makes for good fodder and headlines but in the end would prove harmless. How wrong was the Times? Now, you continue to compound the problem with your Trump news daily (free advertising) a litany of all Trump, all day, everyday on the front page. Can’t beat that multi-million dollar free ad heist of America’s top newspaper. Perhaps you might want to tell your editors that Trump has learn to play the media like a fiddle and either give the other candidates equal time or stop crying about the very guy you all helped to create. It ain’t so cute anymore.
2
The Republican party of today has become the Trump Cult Party. Their one aim is to stay in power forever even if it means a dictatorship and this aim is totally in sync with Trump's aim to be the dictatorship. Hitler had his SS, Trump has the Republican party. No difference.
1
When 40% of the nation is brainwashed, getting rid of their mentally impaired leader will not be the end of it. But first, ask yourself, who brainwashed these people?
Then boycott everything owned by the Murdoch family.
2
Who has been wearing us out Mr. Blow? Russian collusion delusion for 3 years and now a "fake" impeachment to further show how poorly Congress works together to get "anything"done. How about you, your paper and most of the media beating the anti-Trump drum every single day. You have angered most of America and will pay dearly this year in November. The hope is to re-elect Trump and return the House to sanity so things can be accomplished. Trump has lowered minority unemployment to levels never before seen. Did Mr Obama do that? NO! Do you regret that these people have been helped in their employment needs? YES! Or else you would mention this fact which nobody in the media does. I can't wait to see African Americans depart your destructive, socialist party in droves. You are Welcome!
All the angst and despair expressed over and over in the NYTimes comments section doesn’t seem to be helping. Can’t editorialist and reporter’s write to encourage us to act, and the NYTimes pick some of those comments. It’s almost as if the NYTimes just wants clicks based on popular sentiment.
Don’t expect this comment to be approved and I resent that my earlier comments were not deemed worthy to be aired, as they were no more insulting than the comment I was responding to, and I felt was a valid defense against harmful, incorrect comments that are just going to help get trump reelected.
I never questioned before that the comments section were not a representation of All people’s opinions, but now I’m wondering.
I much more appreciate the waPosts’ comments section, though at times, puerile and silly, as more accurately expressing everyones’ sentiments I am daily disappointed in the NYTimes in that I think they encourage peoples’ apathy.
1
@mt The comments on the WSJ are much better but the journal costs more money than the NYT and has so many articles about business/finance (boring).
Trump is a cancer. And if we don't stop him in November, he will kill our democracy.
The price of disengagement is simply too high.
3
When I feel like giving up, I read Charles Blow. Okay, Charles, we will fight on.
2
I was ready to give up on Friday when only two Republicans voted to call witnesses in the Senate trial. Nothing seemed able to move them toward doing what is right. Then I read that NPR was reporting that former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch had retired quietly, without fanfare. Her story put me back on track.
I was reminded of what she did for all of us. Marie Yovanovitch is one of the few heroes to emerge from the Trump horror. She put her job and her safety on the line to defy Trump's order not to testify about Ukraine before the House Impeachment Committee. She was the first and others followed. She had to know that her distinguished 33 year career would be over and she still stepped forward and put her country first to speak truth to power.
What an example of courage, duty and honor. And she made a huge difference in building the case against Trump. She inspires me to not allow Trump and his nasty cohorts to force people like me out of this fight. I will follow her lead. Every action, no matter how small, counts and even more, every person we can get out to vote.
677
@Mary Scott i feel exactly the same. i will be getting a new ( and very expensive) puppy in the next few weeks. i search for the best breeders for all of my animals. they become family members and once on board, nothing is held back for their health, comfort and joy. my next valuable dog will be named after her. again, my animals are family.
18
@Mary Scott
As one of the people who is seeing his therapist much more regularly now (and increased the dosage of some of his meds!), I want to say that this helped me out a lot today. You reminded me that our individual actions are small, but strong.
28
Rescues can become family and are truly grateful to have their lives saved.
12
It's a lot bigger than being disengaged or disconnected. What is the axiom about "a good person doing nothing"?
Say what you may about Trump, but you can't say that he ever relents. He is more relentless than any politician I believe we have ever seen.
If you're are too big of a ... well... ummm... "pusillanimous coward" (PG-13) to stand up, then you deserve what you get.
2
"A paper last year in SAGE Journals found that people were experiencing high levels of stress and emotionality when talking about political news now, and they “frequently develop mechanisms to cope with high levels of emotionality.”"
Hey, you know what Trumpers are experiencing? High levels of hilarity at the way their opponents are wimping out and hiding in safe corners.
When fascists threatened the world in 1939, my father went down on the first day of the war and signed up as a sapper in the Royal Engineers. Ten months later, he was a sergeant on the beach at Dunkirk, shooting at Messerschmidts with a bolt-action Lee-Enfield.
The mechanism he developed to "cope with high levels of emotionality," was to motivate his men to cobble together a raft and paddle out to the ships taking them off the beach. Despite the Stuka dive bombers and strafers, they all made it home.
The Nazis were overrunning France, Holland, Belgium, and Denmark, but my dad wasn't giving up. Although I imagine he was experiencing high levels of " stress and emotionality."
If your country's worth anything to you, get up and fight.
2
Just love these words :''Trump ..., ... is emboldened by the lily-livered cowards’ fear of crossing him.’'
You quite defined the Republican Senators and they also apply to the House Republicans. Sorry bunch and no wonder politicians (Republicans, i will bet) score the lowest in every public polling.
2
What part of the lowest unemployment rate in 60 years can you guys handle?
1
@Pjlit The declining labor participation rate.
1
@Pjlit Lowest unemployment rate in 60 years? Pshh. Thanks Obama.
I have to say I started limiting my news intake back when Reagan won in 1980. I knew then that the people were going to act as serfs and grovel before their corporate overlords. I determined not to have children, because of the cruelty that was commonplace among the "tough love", death to the family, just say no, sociopathy of the christian right wing.
I have said it previously that Trump is the natural extension of the GOPs drive toward a fascist corporate state. He would not have been their preferred Mussolini, but he tapped the bases low life hearts better than any dog whistle corporate lackey the GOP had. He did this because he is common. He is like the base, common, low, debauched. Thieves, travelers, grifters and conmen, he is one of them.
I love you, Charles M. Blow! Great column. Keep it up.
2
Charles, thanks, I needed that!
2
Just vote for a Democrat.......any Democrat who wins the nomination. Get Trump, Barr, and hopefully McConnell out of your mind forever. Beating Trump is all that matters right now.
2
Is Chief Justice Roberts a coward? An enemy to the people of the United States? Or is he in somebody's pocket? How are any of us supposed to believe that ANY man of principals and courage would sit there -- KNOWING that at least one of the President's lawyers was a eyewitness to crime -- or even an accomplice?
Can you not imagine Lincoln, or Washington, or Madison (or take your pick!) standing up and slamming down his gavel after hearing fools ATTEMPT to dismantle OUR UNION? But the fact is ROBERTS DID JUST THAT!
Roberts should resign -- and before that, give reason for his failure to stand up for all of us. It was easy to watch all 100 Senators behave like children, but Chief Justice Roberts? Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on YOU!
Mr. Roberts (Chief Justice no longer fits!), Stand up on prime time TV with Adam Schiff and Nancy Pelosi and Ambassador Yovanovich -- in an open debate, without stupid questions from reporters -- and work it out until you prove yourself worthy.
Coward? Yes! Traitor? Let's see!
Check out Warren’s anti corruption plans.
@Charles M. Blow
It's not the candidate.. It's the sentiment.
Tbf here and there the most exhausting thing is the endless newscycle of journalistic opinion, worrying the bone and chicken littling till nobody cares.
And the false equivalences and prioritising of false equivalence, so someone such as Trump was breathlessly reported with no real kickback and Hilarys emails were given equal balance with his overt criminal behaviour.
The NYT did this for clicks and similar things happen in the UK.
This exhausts me, and its hard to avoid because its constant and ubiquitous.
This election you need to decide your strategy NYT
for the sake of all of us and the planet.
1
Of course the disconnected are not reading this column, so your advice will go unheeded.
He is allowing sludge in our waters
killing birds
breaking up our great parks
more mine fields
dismantling our health facilities and science department
put children in cages
more pipe lines
more fracking
1
I stopped reading The New York Times the day after the election and only started again a couple of months ago. First, I was furious with their election coverage in the early days of the campaign. Maureen Dowd’s column about what a gift DT was to columnists—ha ha ha—sent me over the edge, and things got a lot worse from there until somebody finally woke up. Too late.
I never canceled my subscription. This is a great paper. And Dean Baquet’s interview with Michael Barbaro on The Daily gave me some comfort. They know theirs is a public trust, not an opinion columnist’s playground.
At least I am crossing my fingers and hoping so.
Why care who is the next Democratic candidate for the high office.
Unite to beat the Impeached Grifter. Going to be a whole lot better than the corrupt Liar.
1
We call ourselves the resistance.
So don't bewail - take action!
For inspiration we need merely to recall the original Resistance during World War II which operated against Nazis who were occupying their countries.
Spare yourself the gory details on Twitter or even MSNBC, and instead get to work with Indivisible, or the Democratic Party.
When the going gets tough the tough get going!
Meanwhile, back at the Oval, Trump is being rewarded by his puppeteer Putin for a job well done with a few more lucrative real estate deals thrown in as a personal bonus.
You and I are the real stooges here, folks.
BTW, think that your vote really counts? Think again.
I'm exhausted because of all the biased writings about the candidates--the op-eds, the nitpicks at this or that, the news stories that have what really is/was true later down in the article after the click bait headline, the lack of depth research.
1
Wow Charles, what an insightful and brilliant article. That cheating lying person is driving me crazy even across the mighty Pacific. The Trumpists smirk and they like that about him. How repulsive.
It reminds me of the song by Ronnie Shannon that the great Democrat Aretha Franklin sings. Aretha never could sing something she did not feel deeply. It always feels like she wrote all her lyrics so strong is the power of her interpretation.
Now there was a truly stable genius and great American
"You're a no good heart breaker
You're a liar and you're a cheat
And I don't know why
I let you do these things to me
My friends keep telling me
That you ain't no good
But oh, they don't know
That I'd leave you if I could"
And in the same song Aretha sings
"Some time ago I thought
You had run out of fools
But I was so wrong
You got one that you'll never lose
The way you treat me is a shame
How could ya hurt me so bad
Baby, you know that I'm the best thing
That you ever had
Kiss me once again"
And no Donald- she never worked for you.It was sad she died but at least she was spared your latest outrage.
But there is indeed a chain of fools who do work for you, principally cleaning your boots with their lying tongues.
1
Conservatives and Republicans have railed against an exploding federal government with seemingly unlimited powers and a rule making bureaucracy accountable to no one and they were labeled as dangerous fools for 50 years in the pages of this paper. For a columnist to know allege an authoritarian Republican administration is beyond ironic. The ultimate in everything is good if it’s my guy and everything is bad if it’s their guy. My liberal brother complained about what he saw as idiots that are fearful of an expanding government when Obama was in office. Now he makes the exact same arguments of people he routinely labeled as dangerous idiots.
Please, Mr. Blow.
Give people a moment to take a breath and regroup.
We have barely gotten over our annual Christmas stresses.
We are still shaking off the epinephrine-spiked fear injected into our blood streams as we thought we were going to war with Iran.
And now we are about to witness as our democracy is rocked to its foundation, the horror of unchecked Administrative mal-power in the Senate, foisted upon us again by the malevolent McConnell.
We're all here, and accounted for. We will go to the polls in the fall and vote for a Democrat to take the reigns next January.
Between now and then we will summon more energy, enough to get others registered to vote, and get them to the polls as well.
We are ordinary citizens. We don't have Bloomberg or Steyer bank accounts that can make a huge difference monetarily.
But we all possess the same power to vote. And we will. I promise.
In the meantime, you should take a deep breath.
1
I cannot believe that the public is not more outraged about this. People should b in the streets. We had a sizable protest where I live yesterday. WAKE UP AMERICA! We are heading toward a fascist state. This is not the time to be complacent!
2
The exhaustion or frustration in part stems from the viciousness of the intra-party fighting on the left. At the beginning of this cycle, I was genuinely excited by the field of candidates.
Yes, that's in addition to being afraid of where an unrestrained Trump will take the country (attempting to extend his second term or bypass term limits? Turning his rhetorical attacks on the free press into action?). Trump alone was reason to vote to our democracy - but it also seemed like we had a crop of genuinely brilliant impassioned people to choose from.
Warren's thoroughly researched crusade against corruption, Sanders' steadfast focus on the widening wealth and oppportunity gap, Buttigieg's focus on bold systemic reform coupled with his potential to offer an off-ramp to the conflicted center-right, Booker's decency and thoughtfulness, Harris' sharp intelligence... the list goes on and on. The election wouldn't just be about ousting Trump, it would be about choosing the best from a list of inspiring and impressive candidates to fix long term problems.
But as I see the primary process full of borderline disinformation (the pro-union Buttigieg is a secret corporate puppet! Sanders is a divisive extremist pushed by an army of trolls!) - it becomes tiring to engage and express a preference. I worry that many are now so dug into their candidate of choice that they're starting to despise the alternatives, and whoever wins faces an uphill battle to unite the left and turn out the vote
1
Mr. Blow, I have nothing but admiration for your writing and for the thinking and perspective that are its source. You are the reason I subscribe to NYT.
After last week’s column in which you made the case that the very idea of democracy has been corrupted in this country (and on that I agree with you completely,) I’m experiencing some cognitive dissonance with this week’s exhortation to be excited and enthusiastic about participating in it.
Of course I will vote. Of course it is the most immediate remedial action I can take.
What would ease my exhaustion is some discussion of how to deal with the hatred that exists in my community, which is largely conservative. My local paper recently had an ad for a pawnshop that featured a grinning woman cradling an assault rifle. I simply do not know how, even within my own mind, to deal with people like this. I can’t excuse them, they can’t be reasoned with, and it is becoming doubtful that they can be restrained by law or democracy.
And I can never forget all the people in this country, and within this country’s sphere of influence, who are directly impacted by the Trump administration in ways that I am not.
Yes, I am utterly exhausted and close to despair.
1
Here's a different way to think about the candidates: 1. Look closely at each candidate for yourself. 2. Think about the strengths of that candidate. 3. For the moment ignore their weaknesses. 4. Let yourself be enthusiastic about their strengths.
I am enthusiastic about them all. Really! It's a wealth of talent that these tirelessly working people offer our country. Whoever loses should play a role in the future. Seen this way, we are fortunate indeed. Bonus: You will feel less exhausted with enthusiasm motivating you.
After the election, when we have a Blue president (or even a Purple one, anything but orange). Hopefully a Blue Senate, too. That's when your work begins if your first choice didn't win. Work from the start to promote the agenda you think is missing. Work to lift up those who support that agenda!
It is said that Republicans find reasons to vote for a candidate, Democrats find reasons to vote against them. Change that for now. Resume after the election.
VOTE BLUE NO MATTER WHO!
SUPPORT BLUE DOWN TICKET, TOO!
4
If people disengage from politics, the more engaged win: that is exactly how Trump became President.
4
I think what’s most important is for people to vote in 2020. I think it’s also important for people to help other people vote if they can.
For people with difficulty going to the voting places for whatever reason they should consider getting an absentee ballot.
2
Psychologists have long studied learned helplessness. This is a part of why people turn away from politics. They feel helpless and powerless, so they turn off the news as a way to reclaim power in their lives. But avoidance breeds more avoidance if the problem persists. If it worsens the problem through, anxiety will get worse. You shouldn't watch news 24/7 but keep up. You also need to take action.
A better way to combat this is to reclaim the power that you do have. Becoming energized about ALL the Blue candidates is one way. When I look at the field of candidates for the presidency, I see a wealth of talent in all of them, from Biden to Yang. Despite your preferences, see how they would make a difference vs Trump.
Work at reclaiming Congress. This is of equal importance. Donate to contested Senate races. If you are in a solid blue state, pick a contested race elsewhere (Ballotpedia helps). A small donation of $5 is a vote, too. Research Congressional, state, and local Blue candidates and inform others about them. Vote Blue here, too. It will send a message to the GOP.
Do something local. Join a get out the Blue vote campaign. Even if it's just going door to door on your own street. Or drive people to the polls. Attend an event for a candidate. Do the small things you can do.
Vote Blue No Matter Who! Support Blue Down Ticket, Too!
7
Tomorrow, I will renew my New York Times subscription for another year. By doing so, am I subscribing to a "hate Trump" campaign? I respect the New York Times for publishing the Pentagon Papers and for speaking "truth to power". But your one-sided, anti-Trump interpretation of the news is very disturbing to me. You might see things differently if any of you had lost your job to a factory in China. The New York Times and its readers are becoming a religion or cult which cannot tolerate any dissent and can't see how anyone could not believe as they do. The New Yorker magazine once had a map of the US which showed New York as a the largest part of America. In the coming election you will probably discover that there is more to America than New York.
3
Gosh, really?
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-u-s-steel-layoffs/u-s-steel-says-to-lay-off-1545-workers-in-michigan-idUSKBN1YO287
May wanna check up on your home state a little. This is happening now.
2
@Bill The NYT is very biased and one-sided. It is best to stay away from the op-eds and the biased articles about politics. You can skim them or just read a few of the comments like I do and then go on to read the other, better sections such as Health, Science, the Arts, etc.
I'm about to be forced to choose between fascism and socialism. Gee, how could I NOT be inspired!
The answer to Trump is not to hold a mirror up to him and do everything he does just reversed, as Bernie and his bros seems to think. The answer to both fascism and socialism is normal people paying for what they get, not expecting a hand out because they didn't work hard, or because they think their culture is somehow being lost. What a bunch of whiners, the lot of them.
Pay for what you get. If you do not pay for what you get, someone else is paying for you. That's called stealing.
2
Mr.Blow, writes"This is the dawn of American authoritarianism
No this is not the dawn of American authoritarianism!
That hysterical reaction to Trump, is as bad as Trump.
Our "democracy", long since sold to the highest bidder, is in trouble... not because of Trump, but because of the Establishment Democrat's reaction to Trump's election. Immediately after Trump took the oath of office, the Washington Post published a story headlined, “The Campaign to Impeach President Trump Has Begun.”
This impeachment and trial is an attempted coup, and a circus as sleazy as Trump, and this attempted coup is the danger to democracy.
After Trump's election Democrats went insane and blamed Russia, when there were very real reasons Trump was elected. One of the reasons was that Hillary was a lousy candidate for 2016. Citizens voted for Obama because they wanted the Hope and Change he promised, but he did not deliver. Nine percent of citizens voting for Trump had voted for Obama in 2012... they wanted Change!
I am not exhausted by Trump's sleaziness,
I am exhausted by Establishment Democrat's stupidity.
The Establishment Democrat's are still trying to shove a bland, Wall Street supporting, moderate, status quo protecting centrist down our throats.
The American Dream died decades ago. America has obscene, colossal and growing inequality of opportunity, income and wealth, where the richest .1 percent take in over 196 times the income of the bottom 90 percent.
Time for change!
Submitted 2/2
Sure, take a day or a weekend or even every weekend off from the news, but consume it like a junkie the rest of the time.
How ‘bout this? Take the next month or so until Super Tuesday in March to rest and recharge — be really good to yourself, spend time with close loved ones, binge-watch something fun or silly, whatever it takes for you to get some relief from the stress of politics. Then, when we have more clarity on the Democratic ticket — even if it’s not your preferred candidate — get behind the best candidate and give it your ALL.
THIS is the time, Super Tuesday through Nov. 3, we must gear up and pour all our efforts and energies into defeating the most corrupt, lawless President and administration, and Republican Party, in modern American history. Get mad, get energized to fight! To save our country, the planet, and ourselves.
2
Yes I'm exhausted and there are still too many Democratic egos trying to become president. Let's winnow them down to one strong candidate who can actually beat Trump before he does something so truly awful even his Senate bootlickers will regret letting him run wild.
2
I needed this. Thank you, Charles
3
Detachment is what the totalitarians and trumpistas are counting on. We cannot let them win.
3
As usual, thoughtful. Too exhausted to say more.
2
As a Democrat, “the dawn of American authoritarianism” goes back to at least the artificially constricted 2016 Democratic primary. 2020 is what democracy looks like — but the field is stunted by the Clinton’s overlong stranglehold on the party.
Media elites like the New Yorker last week were running the same old puff pieces on Hillary Clinton and some woman’s empowerment group she is affiliated with at the same time Clinton is ducking service of process in Tulsi Gabbard ‘s defamation suit.
2020 is grotesque indeed.
1
Charles, you must constantly emphasize how poorly educated (Trump people) americans are. They have terrible schools with untrained and poorly paid teachers.
Duping them is easy!
Religion protects them from knowledge because they all know what knowledge did to adam and eve.
1
@Joe Brown
That is the type of elitist nonsense that will keep losing Democratic Party elections. It boils down to “ I think I’m smarter than you “. Brilliant. As for your blanket statement on education, I’m not sure where you live, but here in suburban NY our teachers have Masters degrees ( hardly poorly trained) and earn well over 100k with retirement and pensions the rest of us dream about. I suggest you stop thinking in false dichotomies.
1
@Demelza As I implied, the uneducated love Trump and Trump loves them. Only in the USA do the uneducated rule.
When I was 65 I had a friend from Thailand who taught at Columbia University. He said the same subject matter was high school material in Thailand. Sorry, but you do not know how poorly educated americans are.
Get out more!
1
Here’s a heads up! The Democratic establishment, meaning the party elite, some Moderates and most neo-liberals, would rather re-elect Trump than allow a Progressive like Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders become President. They really don’t mean it when they say “anyone but Trump!”. Keep your eyes on Biden, Kerry, Hillary, Boxer, the “liberal” media, and our burgeoning plutocracy (benevolent billionaires). They would rather keep the devil they know than let their reins of power slip away to the people. Do the research. Not a conspiracy; but, a natural reaction to maintain their status quo. They will become spoilers; unsupportive, bad-mouthing, and ultimately not voting for the Progressive Democratic nominee (that’s how their prophecy of who’s unelectable will be fulfilled).
1
Great column -- and important advice. I take one exception with Mr. Blow's reasoning that Senators voted the way they did out of fear of Trump. It's true that winning a primary for many GOP senators would be impossible without Trump's base. But I think the vote and the reasoning for it in recent days display that the real motivation for looking the other way is that Trump, despite his incompetence and indecency, is delivering on the republican orthodoxy -- cut taxes for wealthy, cut regulations, appoint conservative judges, etc. Alexander, who is not seeking re-election, all but said the same thing, which is what I've heard Graham and other say time and again: "As long as Trump delivers the policies we want, he can do or act anyway he pleases." He's their useful idiot and they are happy to tolerate his idiocy.
1
I needed this tonight.
It's been three+ years of exhaustion and it doesn't seem like it will get any better until Election Day.
It has been an all-out-assault on our senses, our well-being, and our sense of normal day to days.
Yet, if anything, it's been a wake-up call. A wake-up call to not pretend that things aren't bad. A wake-up call to exercise our rights as citizens. A wake-up call to not only get involved in our government, but a wake-up call to support groups that are working for better -- from the SPLC, ACLU, CAIR, HRC, Lambda Legal, Hope in A Box -- and movements that are galvanizing us together, such as BlackLivesMatter, MeToo, March for Our Lives.
Nothing bothers me more than when I hear people write on FB that they usually don't engage in political talk or avoid doing it during family get togethers. People, this is not politics, this is about our democracy and our lives.
1
Good article. I definitely feel overwhelmed and demoralized by trump and republicans getting away with such awful things. It depresses me that nobody cares about any of this. It’s exhausting. I think I do need to take a break from the news. It’s just too much to bear and unfortunately there’s nothing I can do except vote in November. Until then it’s just going to more of trump’s ugly visage puking out lies and nonsense. Yuck. Count me in to vote against all republicans. Other than that, I’m out.
1
Don't worry. Monday will be VERY exciting... Though I'm sure you'll be back with a column on Tuesday on "Why Iowa Doesn't Matter Anymore."
The cracks are showing. Slowly--glacially slowly--people are waking up. NYT, WaPo, CNN, MSNBC, Politico...all of the corporate mouthpieces’ smearing and spinning has only hastened their disintegration. It’s so pervasive that the very bourgeoises who populate that 3-1% can’t even see the latte-colored bubble surrounding themselves. Those who bring you the “news” won’t see it coming at all.
1
Speaking of boring into brains a Michael Bloomberg advisor said, after Trump's recent attacks on Bloomberg, "When you get into Donald Trump's brain all you're going to discover is a putter, a cheeseburger, a porn video and some one else's credit card."
He left out Obama but still says most of it for me. If people need to switch off for relief from tedious, repetitive and ever predictable ugliness why not - just as long as they still vote in November and encourage those around them of like mind to do the same.
3
Wow! That is so funny! I’m glad to hear he has a sense of humor. I did see him have a sip of a big gulp on the Colbert show.
1
I've learned my lesson from our Republican senators: I don't need to see/hear any more news, facts (real or imagined) or evidence of wrong-doing by or about their man trump - come November 2020, I'm voting Democrat, straight down the line. In the meantime, visions of Mussolini hanging by his feet dance in my head.
3
Enthusiasm FOR whom?
1
Thank you, Mr. Blow. Our body politic has been shocked. Electrocuted. But we love her. We will do what family does in the face of unimaginable trauma. We’ll leap up and administer CPR even if we don’t know how. Our national compass eviscerated before our eyes? Blood everywhere? Let’s get creative about what a tourniquet can be made out of. We’re our own Band of Brothers and Sisters and Humans and Lovers—-Family All. We really do know what to do when we love something. We save it.
3
When one unconsciously believes that there will always be some messiah to save him or her, anything goes, anybody goes. Judeo-Christian ideology is very deeply grounded.
2
I follow the news very closely -in the New York Times, on WCBS Radio (New York) and on MSNBC. But I am angry, frustrated and tired of watching Trump and his administration's endless dishonesty and ruination of the government of the people of the United States. I probably could avoid following the news altogether because I have known since November 2016 that my vote in 2020 will go to every Democrat on the ballot I receive.
1
Yes, this is exhausting and very scary. But what was it like to be living in the U.S. during World War II when Hitler was threatening world stability? That was existentially frightening, but Americans somehow dealt with it, day after day, with no respite.
In the U.S., there were constant reminders that things could get very bad at home very fast. Hundreds of thousands of our young men were fighting the Axis. Their families knew they might be gone for good.
But there were also stark reminders, large and small, at home here in the states all the time, every day, with no respite and no way to just withdraw from it because it was too stressful. Examples: Blackout curtains, air raid drills, rationing, Uboats on our shores -- all the time, every day.
And the news was scary and bad for years, starting in 1939, coming into full relief in 1941 when Pearl Harbor was bombed, and then throughout 1942, 1943, and 1944.
We are recent descendants of the people in the U.S. who dealt with their fears in World War II. Are we really so delicate that we have to give up the fight now because it's stressful?
I sure hope not.
82
@scrim1, My grandmother's birthday was December 7. I always remember my mother recalling a birthday party for her mother on that infamous day, and how the party just kind of ended. It reminds me of the election party we threw the evening of 11.8.16 and when it was obvious what was happening, it got very quiet and the guests all left. That was all she wrote.
3
@scrim1
Here we are, comparing the malevolent impact of Trump and his Republican lackeys to the threat posed by Hitler and WWII--and it isn't even hyperbole. Those dumbies have lost sight of pretty much everything that matters, and can't see past the end of their own noses. You bet the Democrats are as tough now as Americans were then. Pelosi and Schiff have set the right tone by doing all they could do, for all of the best reasons. As I recall, it was no cake walk getting the voting rights and civil rights acts passed. Feeling bad isn't the same as being weak. You can't be brave if you aren't also fully aware of the peril. I believe half or more of the "woe is me" comments here were posted with a duplicitous intent.
4
@scrim1 I appreciate the sentiment here, but WWII is not a valid analogy. Precisely because of the existential threat posed by Nazi Germany, Americans were then united as never before and never since. Only a small minority questioned the legitimacy of the war and the need to sacrifice for the common good. Today, we are probably more divided than at any time in recent history, and many people are disengaging because it's impossible to cope with the politics of the "post truth" era where one side says one thing, and the other says the complete opposite. To me, Trump is an existential threat to our constitutional democracy, to Republicans, he's a greater president than Lincoln, a savior sent by God. How do you cope with that? Yes, people are stressed, but part of the reason they're disengaging is that they don't know what's really real or what needs to be done about it.
12
Charles, I think your biggest problem is that you do not take into account the independents. Yes, we are exhausted! Excited? I do not think so. We are always enthusiastic and determined.
But, we are so tired of the vitriolic condemnation on both sides of the aisle. The Democrats and the Republicans. We do not get to hear about our concerns, wants or needs. We just hear diatribes suggesting doom and gloom.
We do not hear the voice of reason from either side. Is it not time for both sides to stop pandering to their base and to start acknowledging their shortcomings? A reality check, so to speak. Perhaps then there will be a reason for excitement.
1
There is one question: autocracy or democracy?
A vote for Trump and the GOP is a vote for autocracy. A vote for the Democrats is a vote for the Constitution. It is this simple.
There is an African-American spiritual that was code for men, women, and children who were committed to running away from slavery that sings: "Walk together children. Don't you ever get weary. There's a great camp meeting going on in the promised land."
Our promised land is to take power away from a sloppy, ignorant, vulgar, lying, criminal, impeached president and the congress-members who enable his criminality.
usa.gov/register-to-vote
2
Trump can’t be faulted for wanting to be President. This is America. Why shouldn’t he go for it? The problem is, we have an uneducated Congress who do not know how to do their jobs. Are they informed about the red flag of hearing immigrants called animals? The red flag (literally) of a Russian Satellite tailing ours in space right now? The red flag (again literally) of the imperiled Europe because UKRAINE IS the GATEWAY to the West?
What bothers me the most is the lag between what I feel is crucial “red flag” information and what is being talked about in the press or by Congress.
For example, right now, today, Democrats in the Senate are still talking about “he is guilty.” Old news. But what is new is actual national security compromised by a space body following our Satellite in space; something Russian, right?
This is the same lag I felt from the first days when I heard immigrants referred to as “animals.” Later we had the camps. But this reference to human beings as animals didn’t get noticed as a real talking point until we saw the actual abuse of immigrants talked about in the press.
Republicans won’t sit up to old talk about Trump guilt. But they might sit up if they heard deep talk on why Ukraine is the gateway to Europe historically and that inviting Russia in there is a disaster happening Now. National Security NOW
Republicans would be afraid of real fear talk, a kind of Yang future threat talk; to arouse their Base.
1
It is a long time before you are born and you are a long time dead.
Politics is a stupid mechanism for humans to live by but we have not found another system to civilize ourselves with.
We are sold God, money and our special position in human history when we should be educated in a language of critique that would enable each citizen to develop a more objective judgement.
Instead we have refined our differences and our prejudices without the accompanying self-knowledge to engage our inner ourselves with a redeeming narrative other than religion and its binary of heaven and hell.
As for ignoring Trump?
It is something we have to live with. But to spend all day in a snit because he is 'our leader' is foolish. He is not a model to follow nor suggest to our children that they should consider him a worthy or honorable person. He is what he is, and, greed and ignorance is his game and his message.
America has set itself up to be sold things, anything, as long as we are sold it - by the wise and caring sales people. Otherwise, I guess, we don't know what to do with our money, our time nor our ideas.
Ignoring Trump is fine, he is predictably awful and dishonest but he is basically a lazy fool who has gamed our system with unearned, undeserved wealth and lies.
Patience is a virtue. It will end. He is unique.
Trump will eventually be caught in his own toxic existential web and his name will be remembered as a great carbuncle on US history.
4
First thing is to ask people like Rashida Tlaib stop making devout liberal Democrats like me think, “This is why Trump won the first time.”
3
Yep.
I’m tired of people being tired: they have no right to be so unhappy, when so many others fight (and have fought) to deal with far worse.
And I’ll bet, if you look close, half of it’s coming from people who didn’t so much as vote, and are looking for excuses.
Another one of those ‘thanks, I needed that’ columns. Like a little league coach trying to buck up his losing team.
I disconnected and re-listened to my audio book “Truman” these past few days. So many lessons, cautions. The whistle stop campaign, when every editorial, pundit, poll, counted him out, he persevered. Dewey, the reassuring, calming, middle of the road guy- the safe bet.
Truman seemed to be an amalgam of Bernie and Amy- far left liberal ideas, but a real down-home person people connected with. A touch of Trump thrown in; ‘give ‘em hell, Harry’ - a drinker, swearer, poker player in a time of Bible-belt....hypocrisy. He delighted in the then politically incorrect (desegregation), and lost the South because of it.
How lucky we are that Democrats didn’t vote ‘Blue, no matter who’ back then. They voted their conscience, and they changed the Party.
Blue no matter who. And how exactly is that different from Republicans voting Trump, no matter what? Conscience matters. The person matters.
I’ve moved on to a comfort Western for now. And to counter that, will work through Lakota- as a matter of, conscience.
1
The Iowa caucuses are tonight. I kinda don't want to go because the lines will be long, there probably won't be anywhere to sit, the proceedings will take a long time, and my one lousy knee will hurt like hell. At least the weather is really nice -- 55 yesterday, sunny, no snow. But I will go because it matters, a lot, regardless of what anyone says about whether Iowans should vote first. It matters like never before.
124
@CMB
Thank you for participating, despite that knee, in the Iowa caucuses!
10
I find myself getting depressed when I read the comments after this week. So many Americans it seems based on the comments assume the game is rigged now and we have no hope and a Trump dictatorship is inevitable. If I felt that way I think I might be suicidal. I have been to countries where dictators rule and the idea of America becoming one of these countries is beyond depressing. Luckily I still remain hopeful. I do think we have one hell of a fight in November but I think we can still toss Trump out.
1
Trump’s psychological state presents an imminent danger to America and to the world. So say a group of 650 psychiatrists, who recently submitted a petition to the House Judiciary Committee. https://dangerouscase.org/petition-to-the-judiciary-committee/
This is a key passage:
“What makes Donald Trump so dangerous is the brittleness of his sense of worth. Any slight or criticism is experienced as a humiliation and degradation. To cope with the resultant hollow and empty feeling, he reacts with what is referred to as narcissistic rage. He is unable to take responsibility for any error, mistake, or failing. His default in that situation is to blame others and to attack the perceived source of his humiliation. These attacks of narcissistic rage can be brutal and destructive.”
Unfortunately, Trump's outbursts are likely to get worse.
3
Thank you Mr. Blow very insightful & helpful advise.
I find reading & contributing to an article’s comment section helpful also. Glad there are rules to maintain civility.
Do pro right wing, anarchist or anti USC sites offer readers of different stripes such liberty's of personal speech as the NYT’s or WP do? Vaguely I recall that years ago some new Federal rule changes made public Free Speech more an equity concern than a regulatory one. If true, any research on that Effect?
1
Thank you, Charles Blow, for giving words to what I feel everyday: Trump has bored his way into my brain. I feel contaminated.
I think dismay about the range of Democratic candidates running is misplaced. They represent a dimension of democracy: people with different views, constituencies, experience and values trying hard to get elected. Trump represents authoritarianism: a single person, ruling with an iron-fist, smashing any disagreement and guided by his own self-interest. I think that if all off us, with all of our conflicting points of view, vote, we will reclaim a piece of democracy. Complacency is a vote for the status quo, which in the age of Trump means deregulation, cutting support to those in need, aligning with despots, antagonizing allies, and inuring us to lies as the official message from the White House.
1
Thanks for the compassionate pep talk. I needed it. I have not disconnected but feel I am close.Not listening to speeches or his tweets does help, tho I read about them. In between I admit to playing a lot of Spades online. Outwitting the algorithms is challenging and calming at the same time. What we need is an early Spring to get out potting up, digging, weeding and growing our food and beauty again. That will support us thru to November.
I do believe We Shall Overcome ...
as great minds have schooled us for decades
1
I love reading the posts from people who foresee that Donald Trump will "cruise to victory." And I suppose that is definitely a possibility in this topsy-turvy political climate, where up is down and left is (far) right.
Ok - I'll play. Here's what I foresee:
Donald Trump, emboldened by his acquittal and completely unfettered by any Congressional check, will deepen his behavior acting as the despot that he is.
His hard-core 43% support will vote for him anyway.
But the independents - the moderates of both parties who voted for him in 2016 mainly because they loathed Hillary Clinton more than Trump (and they were hoping he would "pivot" and become presidential - ha! - will vote the Democratic line once in the voting booth.
They have had it with Trump. He will lose by a landslide, both in the popular vote and the electoral college. He will say it was rigged of course, but he will lose.
The House Democrats will gain seats. The Senate Republicans will lose both seats and their majority.
A Democrat, once in the White House, will reach out to the Republican Party, but if rebuffed, will govern by Executive Order as Trump has done, and begin to undo the damage he has done during his presidency.
One final thought to the smug Trumpsters who think their guy will win in November: get used to hearing "Lock him up!" once Trump loses his presidential immunity. Then get used to your hero being a convicted felon.
2
@Len As a Forever Trumper, maybe I should be worried. After all, Hillary was going to win, because she couldn't lose.
But, as long as people do what people do, I think Trump will do better this time, than any second term President, since Reagan.
So, what is it that people do? College kids vote in their college town. Oldsters vote for what worked in the past. And, oldsters remember socialism hasn't worked anywhere it has been tried.
@Mike
A fair argument, Mike. And there is some validity to what you say.
But let's not forget what happened in the mid-term election in 2018. The tide began to turn with the Dems winning back state legislatures and even a few seats in the Senate in red states.
And of course, they took back the majority in the House. Your post emphasizes what people do, their habits, etc. The mid-term election was a portent of what is going to happen in 2020.
As for socialism not working, Mike, try taking away Medicare and Social Security from the people receiving it. Socialism doesn't work? Please.
3
The exhaustion we are suffering from Trump (whether it is the lies, childishness, name-calling, voter fraud, lawlessness or whatever) illustrates what Benjamin Franklin meant when he (allegedly) said, we have given you a republic, if you can keep it. Controlling a government is a great way for evil people to profit for themselves, oppress others, make mischief. We democrats (small d) must be more relentless than our wanna-be oppressors if we want to keep our democratic republic.
3
I got tired of reading about Trump in the 80's and 90's (Marla Maples, the bankrupt casinos--who can't make money off a casino, well Trump couldn't. However he was more amusing back then. No more. I was depressed before he was even elected, but obviously I am staying connected because I just finished reading your column in the NYT. Could someone please make him go away!
1
As an Iowan getting ready to caucus tonight (Finally!) I can tell you that I'm seeing tons of Facebook posts from people planning to caucus for the first time tonight. Whoever wins in Iowa tonight, I want the caucus turnout numbers to be huge. I want every shameless Senate Republican, including our own Grassley and Ernst, to pause a moment when they see the Democratic Caucus numbers tonight - how many Iowans turned out. The Blue Wave starts building tonight - get excited! I definitely am.
1
One problem with the human condition is that we are condemned to live life one day at a time, plodding along hour by hour. We can't fast-forward to the end of the Trump Era, which we know will come someday. The despair you feel is pandemic. Every day in this paper, I read dozens of Reader Comments awash in despair. All I can come up with is that, somehow, all of us have to access warrior mode, the willingness to put our lives on the line to stop this monster, Donzilla, and scrub away The Stain that is contaminating our country and the world. We must not give in to this dime-store Mussolini.
1
The overconfidence of Republican commentators on this article resembles the attitude Democrats had just before Trump won due to an electoral technicality. Republicans tend to forget, Trump has never had the support of the majority of voters, only the support of lines drawn in his favor. Whether Democrats are exhausted or excited, our disgust is universal. It would be nice to vote for someone rather than against someone, but the United States wasn't setup to give everyone what they want. Compromise is the premise. As Democrats and beyond, we're willing to compromise for just about anything over Trump. We would vote for a tin can at this point.
2
Yes, Trump is the primary reason to focus and vote, but let's not ignore the other equally troubling issue: a Republican Party that has ceased to act in any interest but its own (and a few rich and powerful supporters), is no longer a true party of the people. The thrashing needs to be complete and thorough - House, Senate and President. Local and state elections are no less important, and they, too, should be part of the thrashing. The politics of greed and dissension needs to die an ugly death.
After the depressing, enraging McConnell-engineered debacle last week, I thought I had had enough and would just stop reading and watching political news and discussion. So I have to thank Charles Blow for this essay. I do plan to read/watch much less, but. I WON'T COMPLETELY DISENGAGE. I plan to make what little contributions to Dem. candidates I have hope for, to talk about what is going on even when preaching to the choir, and to vote and encourage whomever I can to do so come November to rid us of this wretched dangerous buffoon.
What is exhausting and revolting is the insistence that the only Dem candidate who can win is a Republican lite candidate like Biden or apparently some what devious and corrupt Bloomberg with super effective ads... and who would also support Wall Street and the banksters uber alles.
The great thing about Trump is that a progressive Democrat (not just Bernie) agenda is on the table again for the first time in nearly three decades. Obamacare was simply Romneycare-- protect the insurance companies- not single payer universal.... Clinton is unspeakable in terms of his accomplishments-- lock em up, free Wall Street, cut welfare, NAFTA ( move more jobs out of the country!)…
I wish the Media would stop with the we can't pay for medical care for everyone.. YES WE CAN> and we can stop paying billions for war machines and to prop up Boeing stock... and we need to stop with the shareholders must rule nonsense and speak the truth.
1
Thanks. It feels like you wrote this personally to me. I had to put my FB Acct on hold.
It got ugly when Bernie and Warren had the interaction and his campaign instantly deemed Warren a liar and a snake. Then I could not even look at her page anymore. It was so abusive- and this from the left? They assumed a man is telling the truth. Just like with racism this sexism is never ending . There was no nuanced and fair way to frame the interaction Bernie, the white yelling old man, close to 80 must be remembering the conversation right.
I watched the truth get brushed aside, I watched the bullies put snakes all over the Internet. I stopped being able to post about my favorite and, in my opinion- and others - the most intelligent and prepared candidate. Most of all- she gave me hope- gives me hope.
I can’t handle being yelled at by white old men with less qualifications. I find that people who voted and will vote ( even myself in 2016) for Bernie, have never read him being interviewed or researched his actual accomplishments.
It’s depressing to see the left employing many of the same techniques as the right. Booing a woman who protected our right to choose- as corporate as she is- the viciousness of the sanders campaign makes me never want to vote for him.
So my account is disabled, the misogyny of the world is just too depressing. The violence against women- and black people- bc only they seem to be the type of candidate people readily vilify when prompted by the tribe
1
From the moment trump announced his candidacy the media has accommodated his outsized ego and outrageous behavior with almost non-stop coverage. If only trump could be ignored for a while.
I don’t recall any other president receiving so much media attention.
1
Clearly I suffer from “election stress disorder.” I may be the biggest Trump hater in the country, but I need a break. The real issue, however is a feeling of helplessness. We all want to do something to get Trump out and win the Senate but I live in California. I want to do something meaningful, but what? That is a bigger stressor than election stress. The other big stressor is to listen to Trump supporters who have become Trump cult members parroting Trump lies. And finally the Republicans who have sold their souls for money and re-election depress me even further.
1
Mr. Blow's column doesn't square with often written lament that Americans don't follow politics.
Thanks Charles, I am still engaged and energized. He is going down, a rat can only escape being caught for so long.
Trump's big claim is that he "has the back" of workers, etc. One way to beat hiim is to relentlessly point out the things that he and McConnell have done to hurt those very people.
Not just the stupid failures like the wall, but the tax breaks for the wealthy, the cancelling of food stamps for 700,000 people, the undoing of all the laws and regulations that worked for clean air, water, and the preservation of the lands that really do make America great.
And the big one is ignoring and denying the warming of the planet, sea level rise, and changing weather patterns that keep reminding us that we are indeed just one of the planets circling in space around the sun, and that we really should care whether we self-destruct.
I stay informed, but don't need to immerse myself in the news. I know all I need to know about Trump and the harm he does. I suspect a lot of people feel the same, and we will jump into active mode when we know who the challenger will be. Anyone but Trump, for sure.
But using the best arguments against him will be key to attracting the independents and disgusted Republicans. Forget about converting Trump supporters. And save us from the purists who decide to stay home! Last time they helped us deserve what we got.
It's about respect - how do voters value themselves, and thus how will they insist politicians respect them?
The insult comic-politician White House meme we suffer under came to the fore with Gov. Chris Christie's constituent interactions, and it's time that meme was slapped down hard.
As for what we've been living through under Impeached Forever 45*'s sham trial, this is who the GOP has been for at least 35 years - just pull up "End of Innoncence" by Don Henley, reflecting on St. Ray-gun's Iran Contra episode, then remember how William Barr helped Bush 41 hand out a bunch of pardons, ruining the Special Prosecutor's case.
With 23 GOPer Senators up for re-election in November, there's a chance to flip everything back - but only if voters respect themselves enough.
It's discouraging to see so many people being so easily brainwashed by a two-bit huckster and his enablers.
At the same time we have to consider should Trump win re-election what will follow is an endorsement to his statement
"I am the President,I can do anything"
What started as a joke may turn out a nightmare
Freedom vs. Fascism. The only conceivable choice could not be more compelling in November, to rescue and then revive this nation. No excuses citizens.
Mr.Blow, writes"This is the dawn of American authoritarianism,".
No this is not the dawn of American authoritarianism!
That hysterical reaction to Trump, is as bad as Trump.
Our "democracy", long since sold to the highest bidder, is in trouble... not because of Trump, but because of the Establishment Democrat's reaction to Trump's election.
Immediately after Trump took the oath of office, the Washington Post published a story headlined, “The Campaign to Impeach President Trump Has Begun.”
This impeachment and trial is an attempted coup, and a circus as sleazy as Trump, and this attempted coup is the danger to democracy.
Since Trump's election Democrats went insane and blamed Russia, when there were very real reasons Trump was elected. One of the reasons was that Hillary was a lousy candidate for 2016.
Citizens voted for Obama because they wanted the Hope and Change he promised, but he did not deliver.
Nine percent of citizens voting for Trump had voted for Obama in 2012... they wanted Change!
I am not exhausted by Trump's sleaziness, I am exhausted by Establishment Democrat's stupidity.
The Establishment Democrat's are still trying to shove a bland, Wall Street supporting, moderate, status quo protecting centrist down our throats.
The American Dream died decades ago.
America has obscene, colossal and growing inequality of opportunity, income and wealth, where the richest .1 percent take in over 196 times the income of the bottom 90 percent.
Time for change!
I am strongly connected but totally exhausted. But more than exhausted, I am fearful. The parallels between the techniques Trump uses and what the Third Reich used to manipulate the public are horrifying to me. I want to check out, but can't.
The Reich had a state media which created movies and newsreels used to brainwash the public. Trump has Fox News.
Both the Reich and Trump use race centric nationalism.
The Reich put a radio in each home as a direct pipeline. Trump has Twitter.
Both the Reich and Trump labeled certain people as unfit for being in their country. These unfit people were blamed for economic strife of the working class.
The Reich had official spokespeople who lied about everything to the public. So does Trump. He has a bunch of them.
The Reich bought off the business class with a massive military buildup. Trump bought off the business class with a massive tax bailout.
The German intelligentsia dismissed the whole thing until it was too late. Same thing has happened with Trump.
In both cases, the followers of both leaders idolized them to the level of mythic status who could do no wrong.
These conditions and all the others we are pounded with each day cause enormous anxiety, especially those who study and understand history. We understand how fragile society is and how easily entire nations can fall under the spell of an authoritarian.
So many just check out and try to ignore it. Others suffer through it.
Unfortunately, Mr. Blow, yours is further tortuous news about Trump and his exploits. And, as much as I am ashamed to admit it, I've had to reluctantly abandon your column midway. I never thought this day would come, but here it is. One day this madness will be over.
"The rest of us — many of us, anyway — are aghast, overcome and exhausted."
If you feel this way perhaps you should stop standing by in witness and tweeting your outrage or watching the super sports bowl. Perhaps instead you should take to the streets in peaceful protest and show the Senate that you refuse to go to sleep as a citizen and wake up as a royal subject.
Or are you afraid that you will marked by facial recognition software and wind up on the monarch's list of enemies?
Very true that Republicans are enablers of Trump's corrupt behavior. Consider that Trump likely developed his Ukraine conspiracy beliefs from discussions with Putin. We'll never know. So Trump takes phony Russian info and discusses it with Giuliani who runs with it. Meanwhile phone records show Devon Nunes jumps on board and his House attack dogs lap it up, angrily rejecting any notion that the truth is the truth. Pompeo likes his job, he gets lots of travel points, so he stands by while a senior US ambassador gets trashed publicly and is removed for standing up to the nonsense. Trump's White House counsel are in on the scheme to with hold funding according to John Bolton. Finally, Republicans in the Senate go all in on trashing Biden and the conspiracy is complete. At least until November.
You know what would be more helpful? Posting a list of voter registration guides by state. Hyperlinks are useful. You could also post a list of state organizations accepting volunteers. Mr. Blow isn't really helping anyone writing columns which don't provide actionable information. We're talking about an opinion column. Don't pretend we're politically indifferent.
If you're going to come out demanding activism, back it up. You can in fact make a difference.
Mr.Blow, writes"This is the dawn of American authoritarianism,".
No this is not the dawn of American authoritarianism!
That hysterical reaction to Trump, is as bad as Trump.
Our "democracy", long since sold to the highest bidder, is in trouble... not because of Trump, but because of the Establishment Democrat's reaction to Trump's election.
Immediately after Trump took the oath of office, the Washington Post published a story headlined, “The Campaign to Impeach President Trump Has Begun.”
This impeachment and trial is an attempted coup, and a circus as sleazy as Trump, and this attempted coup is the danger to democracy.
Since Trump's election Democrats went insane and blamed Russia, when there were very real reasons Trump was elected. One of the reasons was that Hillary was a lousy candidate for 2016.
Citizens voted for Obama because they wanted the Hope and Change he promised, but he did not deliver.
Nine percent of citizens voting for Trump had voted for Obama in 2012... they wanted Change!
I am not exhausted by Trump's sleaziness, I am exhausted by Establishment Democrat's stupidity.
The Establishment Democrat's are still trying to shove a bland, Wall Street supporting, moderate, status quo protecting centrist down our throats.
The American Dream died decades ago.
America has obscene, colossal and growing inequality of opportunity, income and wealth, where the richest .1 percent take in over 196 times the income of the bottom 90 percent.
Time for change!
Exhaustion is understandable. So let's keep it simple:
If you find Trump and the Republican march into authoritarianism disturbing you don't need to keep up with the latest lie, crime or racist/ misogynistic/ethnic slur. We already have all the information needed to make an informed decision in the general election.
Register to vote if needed. Then just vote on or before (if your state allows it) Tuesday November 3, 2020. Vote Democratic. That's it.
End the exhaustion. Send Trump and his co-conspirators home. Save your democracy. And get back to living your life.
England has a short election cycle, Canada too. But we start with an eighteen month slog to Iowa Caucuses. Why? Its ridiculous, and amplifies a bunch of issues that are nonrepresentative of national concerns.
From an Iowa voter
Mr. Blow,
It is appropriate that you, a man of color, should write what you have. If there is one positive aspect to what we have experienced over the past three years - the gratuitous meanness, the intentional ill will, the silent complicity, the outright lies, the obvious crimes brushed off and forgiven, simmering violence and references to letting it loose - it is the realization, the small taste, of what oppressed Americans have had to face for centuries. That they never gave up, that they are still fighting, that along the way they became the moral conscience of this country serves as an example to the rest of us, few of whom have had to wake up each day wondering and fearing ‘where the next one is coming from’. That the ugly underbelly of the USA is now front and center, staring us in the face, might make us on occasion look away, but we have amongst us those who have stared right back for hundreds of years. Thank you for your righteous anger ( on previous occasions) and thank you for your salve today.
Depressed. Exhausted. Angry. All of the above! I'm channeling it to defeat Trump. Going to precinct leader training today for Nevada Caucus. What are YOU doing to fight for democracy? If nothing, no right to complain. Get off the sofa. Channel your misery into constructive activism. I want my grandsons to remember that I tried to save democracy for them. What about you?
Mr. Blow, I'm an individual, who before Trump, did not pay significant attention to politics, not something I cared too much about, did not vote for Trump or Hillary etc, I can say I too am worn out with respect to the so called "news." However, my exhaustion, and I'm guessing there are hundreds of thousands or millions like me who are beyond tired of the PROFOUNDLY over the top anti-Trump rhetoric in the (liberal) press i.e. NYT etc. And Mr. Blow, you sir, are one of the countless many "journalists" who engage in pretty much nothing but Trump bashing, and as I've mentioned countless times in the comments section of the opinion pages it got old long, long, long ago. This is one of the reasons I'm voting for Trump, between the FISA/Mueller scam and now the impeachment scam, and then add in the endless, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day press attacking Trump, I want to send a message to all of you, leave the US President to do his job! We don't care how much you dislike this president or any other president in the future--Republican or Democrat! Enough already. "I cannot tell you how often I meet people — intelligent, interested and interesting people — who say that they have simply had to disengage from the news as an actual means of mental health and spiritual survival.
This phenomenon of “news avoidance” has taken on an acute peculiarity in the age of Trump."
1
Choose the candidate that reflects the way you hope the country returns to after Trump. Choose the candidate that you are enthusiastic about; that you would be proud to have representing the US.
Do not worry if that candidate can beat Trump.
The last three years have for multiple reasons have been disorienting.
To the most disturbing thing was the certain realization that at least 30-35% of the voting population adore an ignorant, boorish, misogynist, racist and xenophobic president. And that after Trump is gone will continue to look for another candidate just like Trump.
"I will concede that it is a much better feeling to vote for someone rather than against someone." Disagree. I expect to feel real good about voting against Trump and his crew of sycophants. I plan to be among the very first to cast my advance ballot. My main concern is that he will prevail against a Democratic candidate that has not a clue about how to win the election.
60
@sharonm
Be careful, there is zero reason to believe that Trump can be beaten on his own turf, amongst his already-compromised Republicans. They will not vote against him, no matter who the alternative.
I read the NYT and a few political sites (electoral-vote.com is particularly good) to stay up to date. But listening and watch Trump speak is too much. I haven't heard a word he's said on TV or the internet, and I don't need to. It seems plain to me that he's spending 4 years canceling the democratic norms that have sustained the Republic. I don't expect him to willingly leave after being defeated, and I don't expect any Republican to encourage him to leave, either. He'll declare a national emergency and exercise his authority over the executive branch to thwart any opposition. And his Senate and his Courts will back him up.
It may be purely pro forma, it's still worth winning the election.
I care more about electability than the excitement a candidate generates in me. But electability IS the excitement generated by a candidate in unreliable voters. I'll vote for any Dem, but I'll be optimistic about whatever Dem inspires unreliable voters. We need to add unreliables to the blue-no-matter-who base. And then we need to hope, against all evidence, that the Republic will exist in 2021.
2
Donald Trump has not for a minute taken being president seriously. His presidency has been every bit the put-on that his campaign was (thanks again for nothing Hillary) and the clown act has long since lost its novelty and worn out its welcome. That is why Nancy Pelosi is Speaker today and why anyone who shows up will beat Donald Trump. But again the key is showing up (thanks again for nothing Hillary). This will become apparent once the primary is over and a Democrat can turn to confronting Donald Trump rather than other Democrats.
Unfortunately Democrats have a disturbing tendency to put themselves on defense when they should be on offense. This manifested itself in impeachment where Schumer in pleading for witnesses undermined the case against Donald Trump. And where Pelosi once the impeachment moved to Judiciary who forced Democrats to stop prosecuting and rather be prayerful and solemn. But also in people like Bill Maher who are already ceding to Donald Trump the right to nullify the election if in his discretion Democrats do not win by a large enough margin.
1
I have disconnected from political talk shows, but I continue to read news online (from respected sources.) Am I exhausted or excited? I was exhausted by Trump before he even ran for President. I am excited by several of the Democratic candidates and while I think of myself as a centrist, I am leaning more and more left since the 2016 election. My biggest fear is that the DNC will blow this chance showing preference for the establishment candidates as they did Hilary. I still voted for Hilary in 2016 and I will vote for whoever the Democratic candidate ends up being. However, I think if the DNC keeps up with its push for establishment candidates, we will lose in 2020. I think it's time for massive change in this country and you can fear it, but I know it would be better if the Democrats are at the helm and not Republicans. VOTE BLUE NO MATTER WHO!
If we had extracted Trump's $1T deficit in 2019, we'd already be in a deep, prolonged recession.
And Trump has his supporters. Go figure.
Time to speak about our failing educational system.
Once the Democratic primaries are over we can focus on supporting the candidate and being done with Trump.
Democrats competing with each other, however necessary, has been salt on our wounds. Until the end of the primaries, I hope that all those who see the need to be done with Trump tone down their dissatisfaction with this or that candidate. It really does not matter. Even Krugman has made the case for this.
With any Democrat in office, and an intact government we can begin to reaffirm our democracy and get things done.
(I certainly have my preferences, but those are private hopes, dreams of icing on the cake, to be put aside for the serious business of saving ourselves.)
2
It is hard to stay connected and excited consistently, the trumpinistas are exhausting and relentless. Their end goal is to destroy the rest of us into silence. They want to continue their quest for autocratic power without resistance. Trump has spent his whole life taking what he wants regardless of laws, decency, tradition, mores, humanity or the consequences to others. The Republican party has surrendered to this same approach. You can see it in the face, the eyes, the demeanor of Mitch McConnell, hubris rules. Some of us myself included check out periodically but we stay focused on November.
2
I may be "disengaging" from the news cycle. I can't stand it anymore. Everyday there is another assault on decency, honesty, integrity, the environment, science, etc.. etc.. If I continue to pay attention I will give myself an ulcer. This administration is truly bad for my health and spiritual well being...
However... I am most definitely voting.
2
@Groovy Moon
Since the 3 networks nightly newscasts, two cable channels,every late night comedian, other major papers all follow the lead of the Times, who is to blame for the coverage? Please don't tell me one cable channel controls all of the news. The viewership of the 3 nightly network shows far outnumbers Fox News.
There's no doubt that the progressives are overreaching as usual, and there has been insufficient attention to what the Dems can do to reach some of those who voted for Trump in 2016 but are disgusted by his behavior now, of which there is a substantial number. That's pretty standard for this point in the campaign. As the primaries proceed and the candidates are winnowed, the remaining candidates must begin to pivot toward Trump. A moderate candidate will be able to do so much more successfully than a progressive one. If the Dems chose a candidate who cannot successfully transition from running left in the primaries to running moderate in the general election, they will most certainly lose to Trump.
Exactly! I worry that my friends who "can't take" the news are thus insulating themselves from the need to work to defeat this president. We have to be tuned in enough to do the political work of GOTV (get out the vote). This is not the year to be shrinking violets and to let others do it. We ALL need to be out there working on the election.
1
It has been exhausting hearing constantly about impeachment. We have been listening to this drivel for five months now. Non stop. People are getting tired of this impeachment of our president and want to move on. They have tuned out and want the politicians to get back to work. This is why they were elected.
I would suggest that people are not "disconnected" in the way Mr Blow is characterizing. He implies that this disconnection means we've stopped paying attention, and that this inattention leads to inaction and not caring.
I think what is going on --- especially in the wake of the impeachment fiasco --- is a realization among people that there really, truly is nothing we can do at this point to stop the Trump machine. To use a football metaphor, it's like when you have the ball on your own 5 yard line and it's 4th down and 20. You don't go for it, you punt. That doesn't mean you've given up, it just means that at that point there's not much else you can do but punt, make a defensive stand and get the ball back in better field position.
I think that is what's happening, in large part. Most of my liberal, progressive friends have conceded that, for the time being, there is nothing that can stop Trump doing whatever he wants. The Republican Senate has basically crowned him king, and no amount of screaming about the injustice is going to change that. Instead, we need to regroup and wait for November. Spend our energy beating him in the election, rather than beating him now.
1
I plan to vote in my primary. Not exhausting at all.
2
It is critical that the Dems hold the house and WIN the Senate as a firewall against Trump if he should be re-elected.
That will help stem the tide of the Republican judicial appointments and move the hundred plus bills sent to the Senate by the House to a vote.
It is essential that McConnell is defeated and the other contested seats are flipped.
4
@Joan
In that, Democrats stand a pretty good chance. Republicans need to pick up 21 seats in the House to get that majority, and in the Senate, more Republicans are up for reelection than Democrats this year.
Playing the long game, being that this is a census year, the most crucial elections are for governors. If we can flip a few governors, Democrats will get the opportunity to redistrict. Democrats have already flipped Virginia and Kentucky. Hopefully we the trend continues in November.
1
The fact is that, on a daily basis we are barraged with an avalanche of information unimaginable even a decade ago.
Yes, it is exhausting...and, frankly, overkill. Mostly in the form of opinion. Everyone seems to feel they need to weigh in on the reading of the entrails.
Besides exhaustion, it seems thinking/feeling people everywhere are just starting to feel dis-empowered by the lack of consequences for even the most egregious/unambiguous violations.
It's not surprising that a sense of 'why bother' is creeping in.
I have checked out of the primary process in particular, because the fact is that no matter who the democrats serve up, unless the senate changes they will have absolutely zero chance of governing.
4
I have an anxiety disorder or two for which I take medication and see a therapist regularly. I read the news every day, listen to NPR almost exclusively (not just for the news, mind you), and talk about current events at my job regularly. All of the craziness in the news is really draining me. I have days when I just start trembling and hyperventilating, days when I'll start sobbing out of nowhere, and I haven't been able to get to sleep before 10:00PM in months. Sometimes I can't eat. Trump is the embodiment of all my tormentors, and I'm experiencing symptoms of PTSD. For some of us, the exhaustion is real. So for those of us who avoid the news because it's too negative and they don't like it, I would ask for a little more persistence and resilience.
1
@Andrew Roberts
My advice is to read the travel books of Paul Theroux. Forget the daily news. A wise man once said, read the newspaper standing up.
@Andrew Roberts
Howell Raines was once asked by a woman in her 70's what was she supposed to do because she could not read all of the Sunday edition to the Times. He kindly said it's not meant to be read in its entirety.
She couldn't believe his response. I would take his advice. Spend 10 minutes a day on news consumption. You will be fine.
As usual, Charles Blow has articulated the temper(s) of our times. In my lifetime, I have felt a number of stress tests and cycles of exhaustion (need to escape)and excitement (passion for an alternate cause). As a teen, fear of Soviet nuclear attack on New York City led to college in rural Massachusetts; the Cuban missile crisis prompted Volunteering in the Peace Corps; 911 aftermath led to political activism and flipping my town's majority from Republican wars and scandal to Democratic diversity and victories. Now, motivation to end Trump trauma leads to celebration of a century of women's emancipation and resolve to restore progress toward a more perfect union.
2
I am one of the semi-disconnected. I read the opinion and business pages to keep up-to-date but avoid the front pages and the evening news. I read books about topics that interest me and others that are fun. I am disconnected because I feel powerless. My state’s primary is after the nominee will be chosen so there’s no point in being involved in the presidential election locally though I am involved in local politics. As important, all of the groups that I could be involved with only use Facebook and I refuse to be on Facebook. They don’t use email or constant contact or any of the other messaging apps. If these organizations want to have a wide range of support they need to understand that being on Facebook is not the only way to build community.
2
Yikes. I find Democrats exhausting.
I will probably vote conservative. I am not a coward. I have different ideas about policy. I will vote for an administration that cares who comes in and out of our country, who protects a woman's right to choose AND the sanctity of life, who will not impose an estate tax, who cares about the content of someones character, not the color of their skin (or gender or sexual orientation), who listens to experts on global warming, who believes in presumption of innocence, who doesn't equate patriotism with xenophobia, and, most important, the side that addresses the most important issue, public education, not free college, excellent public education.
When I see homeless camps in LA, my outrage doesn't wonder where the affordable housing is and doesn't blame rich people, my outrage calls for better education and jobs.
Who is my candidate? I know, I don't have one.
Thank you Mr. Blow for simply and elegantly stating what many of us voters feel. After the "no witnesses" vote on Friday, I was profoundly discouraged about our democracy. In fact, I have never been more worried about the future of the country. But, I rally when I listen to good and honest people who care about the future of our democracy, including all those willing to testify against Trump, those who conducted the investigation in the House, those Democrats who courageously focus on the issues in the democratic primaries. I have already decided to devote as much of my time, my money, and my energy as I possibly can to help Democrats win this election because I think the country and the world depends on us making the right choice.
7
There is an alternative diagnosis that Mr. Blow does not discuss: many people have created their own exhaustion, ignoring the reality that, at best and at worst, Trump is just another politician who, on balance, has done more good than harm. But such a diagnosis would require those who want to feel afflicted to recognize that all they really want is for the Dems to be back in power.
1
Tuning out selectively is the way to go. Read the newspaper, listen to some NPR, and maybe spend 30 minutes or so a day checking out CNN or MSNBC, especially if a major news story is breaking. Our household has found this routine calming while allowing us to be informed and engaged. We are able to reflect and not obsess about all Trump all the time.
3
For trump and followers the interest level for impeachment is based on television viewing date and nothing else, so when
republicans tout that voters aren't interested in the impeachment process, they base their opinions on TV viewing data....the real gauge on American voters will ultimately be based on the voting outcomes.......fair voting outcomes.
Charles has so perfectly described me/us. Without further alarming me/us.
Yes, I am exhausted. Yes, for reasons of both mental health and spiritual survival I have had to discipline myself to focus on what I can control and what soothes me, sustains me, even uplifts me.
I take walks in nature. Even here where it can be frozen and icy. I read the Psalms. And my best source of sustenance is music. Thanks to my dear departed husband, who decided on our last anniversary together (8 months before his death) to gift me a new stereo system capable of connecting to the internet, and thanks to a lovely little “machine” that stands between the lovely Receiver and the internet, thanks also to software which allows for this and other software that serves up an endless supply of digitized - high quality - music, I am now spending my days awash in the greatest auditory beauty (along with thankfulness to my dear husband who wanted this for me) and gratitude that somehow mankind invented so many musical instruments, the composers whose works are written down, the musicians who put that “writing” into melodies, the software people who enable this to be digitized and transported, transformed back into music - that right now makes my little retirement apartment feel like home to so many musicians, vocalists ....
I will vote when the time comes. I will pray. But MUSIC is keeping me sane and joyful. Every. Single. Day.
The Ode to JOY - is playing as I press “submit.”
8
Thank you, Mr. Blow. Probably the great majority of the people who read your columns already are committed at the very least to voting for the Democratic candidate this fall in order to preserve constitutional government, but even they (we) need this sort of encouragement. Perhaps your words will make it that much more likely that those of us who feel able will do more than just vote, such as organizing and providing skills.
1
I spent 2019 excited for the election. I longed for the day that we would eject Trump. But now that Iowa is here, I am terrified.
3
Sure voters must remain enthusiastic and determined but only if there is a good reason to vote for someone who inspires them. Is hyperpartisan power struggle of America, the homelessness in urban America, the opioid addiction crisis, the climate change from decades of pollution due to decadence and irresponsible Americans driving gas guzzler vehicles, the disastrous endless regime change wars a reason to vote?
The partisan impeachment of Trump with bipartisan opposition was just a part of the American co-equal branches of government's checks and balances. Reaffirming the faith in the ballot box as the primary means to elect or boot out an elected representative is what will emerge as paramount to the validity of the constitution and the greatness of our democracy.
The acquittal in the senate will in all likely hood end the cries of "Impeach 45" from some vicious Reps in the house from Dem. party and the beginning of final year of the first term of DJT presidency. I don't think Trump needs emboldening because he was always bold and never afraid of the ferocious opposition. His base of supporters who believed in him will feel vindicated and yes it will embolden them. Most importantly, Trump's real triumph will be an appreciation of the good of the nation that has happened during his presidency. Trump can now focus on his agenda and the very purpose he decided to be president without Mueller futzing around, without bimbo eruption and without partisan impeachment charade.
7
There is no need for stress or exhaustion this election cycle. Democrats, progressives, and their allies can all take it easy for the next 9 months because Donald Trump will cruise to an easy re-election.
Why? The answer is simple: the Democrats are so focused on ousting Trump that they've given disaffected independent and Republican voters nary a reason to vote for a Democratic candidate.
Instead, rather than focusing on reform for a nation of 330 million people, the front-runners of the Democratic primary race are the "blow it all" type of revolutionaries kowtowing to the party's extremists that represent AOC and her Twitter following.
This may come as a surprise to Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, but for the vast majority of Americans the country is working just fine other than the current occupant in the White House.
So Democrats, decide for yourselves whether you're willing to risk November for pie-in-the-sky ideals that will never get past the Senate. Most of us independents have already decided. We'll take the devil we know given the Democrats' leading alternatives.
33
@Rima Regas
You said a lot without addressing the core problem: Democrats think the path to victory is the White House alone.
Republicans know better and understand the levers of government are most effective in the Senate.
Nothing you mentioned is going past the Senate. There, done. I can tune out the rest of the 2020 election cycle.
21
@Jason W
Most Democrats, right, left and center, that I've met are all painfully aware that this time winning means the House, Senate, and White House.
For Progressives, it also means electing more progressives in both houses as well as well as the White House and every state house in the nation.
Both Sanders and Warren drive home the point that a victory in the White House without the Senate and House will be a hollow one.
The media doesn't report on these things well. It is up to us, at least every so often, to watch the campaign speeches of each candidate. Sanders and Warren do a lot of town halls. They're worth watching, if anything to see what people are sharing about their lives and what questions they are asking.
108
@Rima Regas
I'm not seeing the "awareness" you're talking about. Democrats suffers from geographic concentration.
They therefore confuse their sizable constituencies' concerns in LA, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, etc. as a mandate for an entire nation. Wrong. There are people that exist beyond just the Northwest, Northeast, and Southwest.
There is no Democratic majority outside of those safe haven urban centers and Democrats will continue to suffer until they face that fact. Good luck capturing the Senate with that.
10
How I stay focused on the prize. I read the Times and Post every day, and watch PBSNewshour. But that's not enough, I just might tune out, so I've seared a couple of images into my brain.
As a father and grandfather that photo of children in cages and the other of that father and child laying on the edge of the river dead. How could they do that, these are war crimes.
Please all stay engaged, this country is under the worst threat since World War II. It could even be worse.
5
Per Bruce's comment about Tim Leary---his advice was given in the 1960s not the 1970s but what's a decade or so when it is over a half century since Leary was telling us how wonderful it was to use LSD---his choice for turning on, tuning out, and turning off.
1
With the exception if Trump and the GOP, I am not avoiding the news. But I am taking pundits and pollsters with a grain of salt these days. Massive failures in 2016.
1
The country might or might not be birthing "the dawn of American authoritarianism." Looking at the controlling power in the US Senate, however, another proposition is beyond debate: we are experiencing the depth of political pusallimity on the part of our "grand old" Republican Party.
Watching Lamar Alexander on "Meet the Press" twist himself into a rhetorical pretzel, lamely trying to justify his vote to admit relevant evidence while admitting that President Trump's behavior was "inappropriate" was physically nauseating.
The GOP has foisted the hoax of cascading rationalization with its argumentative fall-back to a fall-back to a fall-back to a fall-back. Beyond pathetic, Alan Dershowitz was so absurd with his rationale that he might have even made the president blush.
Then we have Marco Rubio recognizing the legitimacity of the charges against Trump, acknowledging that the charges constitute a crime, agreeing that the crime is impeachable but opposing witnesses because the country is "too divided" to handle real evidence. You'd think that Marco was doing a comedy routine if it weren't for the absence of the slightest shred of humor.
Then, there was Lisa Murkowski who seemed so miffed that Elizabeth Warren actually made a cogent opposing argument that she (Lisa) would foresake her constitutional oath in order to assuage a hissy fit.
These people, not to mention 58 more of their senatorial peers have to look in the mirror every day. I have no idea how they do it.
3
I must say that in my view, when the Democrats gave Trump a full year of appropriations, it was a truly catastrophic error. They should have given him CRs one month at at time. I cannot understand the concept of giving a full year's check to a criminal that you are at the same time impeaching for abuse of power. I fear that the House gave up its only real, hard, powerful weapon with which to control the now unleashed dictator. Too late now. Let's hope for the best.
2
Discouraged and exhausted. djt will cheat, true to his history. I will vote but I have to ration my national news consumption for my well being.
2
Had a discussion at work the other day about the democratic candidates and the lack of a clear choice. Where is the hero, well spoken, thoughtful and at the same time exciting candidate? Don't get me wrong I like most of them. But I said to my coworkers. "could you imagine the reaction if Michelle Obama walked out on stage to the microphone and announced she was running to be the next president of the United States of America."
A dream I know.
What an unthinkable tragedy if Trump were to remain in power not by winning, but because we just gave up.
2
I will say that I’m exhausted and exasperated with Trump but I feel the same with the Democrats. The pandering to both right and left extremes have just switched me off.
1
As a Democrat living in Manhattan, my vote is meaningless. Totally. The only possible traction is in a primary--I get mad at Nadler once in a while, but now I live in a political dessert.
Creating a cultural dessert has been my goal; on November 8, 2016, I learned the election result and turned off the TV. I have not turned it back on except for NCIS and David Attenborough. Period. Full stop. No exceptions ever.
I cancelled my digital subscriptions to the Times, WAPO and the Economist.
I was planning to write a book. So I did. I learned to live with QXR because I was priced out of Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. To Fairway, I took only a carefully edited shopping list and practiced unfamiliar self-restraint in a ruthless but satisfying way.
In 2018 I resubscribed to the Times, WAPO, the Economist and added Foreign Affairs. By intention, I made my world much bigger than this failing, stumbling country. Compared to most of the other continents and countries, the US is barely tolerable, but tolerable nonetheless at least sometimes.
I only scan these publications. No reading of the news or op/ed pieces about him or his administration. No deep reading about Putin, Xi or any leader of any country in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, or South America. I had long ago set adrift religious capitols like Jerusalem, Rome and Mecca. Can't put lipstick on a rattlesnake.
Practicing defiance, being enough within myself, keeping my side of the sidewalk clean and tidy...
1
So, Mr. Blow, what advice to you give to both groups you describe if Trump gets reelected in November? Seriously, what are you going to advise or do yourself if that happens? Scheduling regular doctor visits might be a good option.
1
You don't have to get excited or manufacture enthusiasm, as long as you realize that Republicans are actively supporting Trump's corruption go and vote for the Democrats on election day.
Well said. Take it to heart. But one last add on. Criticize your same party opponents on issues, not the personality flaws.
2
Election fatigue is more like it. Dems are tired. Republicans are tired. Independents are tired.
This page is a source. There are many things going on in this world and Trump is but one. Reading this page one would think he was only thing going on.
Times readers are tired, but columnists keep piling it on.
2
Unavoidable omnipresence of the Great Leader is a hallmark of autocracy. We do not all love Big Brother -- yet. But as the United States moves towards full-on autocracy, it is crucial that the Great Leader occupy as much of everyone's attention as possible. It doesn't really matter if that occupation precipitates hatred and anger; simply by taking over our brains the Great Leader wins, for he becomes bigger and grander than anything else.
My detestation of Trump feeds him, just as much as the adoration of the sycophants who swarm his rallies. Attention must be paid lest he feel devalued or -- horror of horrors -- irrelevant. Like FDR, he welcomes the hatred of his enemies, for that hatred confirms his unique, central, overweening importance to himself and the body politic. In their own way, those who tune him out may be acting as the most subversive opponents of the approaching autocracy.
Thanks, Charles, for addressing the extreme anxiety felt by many of us. Yet Democrats, unlike Republicans, need not be in lock step to succeed. You may need to step away from the chaos on a day I can handle it and vice versa. Our strength comes from our community and supporting each other. OMG maybe I am a socialist!
On the other hand, “the media” could help ease our anxiety a bit by providing alternative political commentary. What if you or Rachel Maddow or Chris Hayes devoted one column/program per week to a detailed analysis of one of the 50+ bills passed by the current congress. Allow me to focus on examples of Democratic elected officials doing their job. I could draw positive energy from that, rather than the negative energy created by the news report that such a bill is languishing in the Republican Senate.
At the very least each of us can confirm we are properly registered to vote and withdraw from politics until November when we emerge and cast our vote for anyone with a “D” after their name.
Charles I am not disconnected, exhausted, or any of those other adjectives used by you and comment writers. Why not.
Easy answer. I am in the cafe on a ferry beginning a trip across Sweden by boat, trolley, intercity and local buses all part of a seamless transportation system. The highways even locally in my destination are smoothly surfaced.
Should I need health care I will get it cost free since I am 87 years old.
I read in the New Yorker just now that this is what Bernie wants to bring to America. I can hardly wait to vote.
The sun is just about to appear. Let us hope Bernie or Elizabeth or other can bring a Duke Ellington sunrise back to America.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Citizen US SE
@Larry Lundgren - I mentioned Sanders in my comment but on the ferry with my phone I could not access and copy.
Read this and connect with my statement about transportation in Sweden:
Sanders in the New Yorker: “Our infrastructure, our roads, our bridges, our border systems, wastewater plants are crumbling,” he said, morosely, in Ames."
When in my American - New England and Albany - I can often feel disconnected, irritated angry because public transportation and infrastructure are so poor. But as I note in my comment, now confirmed when I am back home in Linköping, the trip from the island Styrsö on the west coast of Sweden back to my home here in Linköping was quite simply a pleasure, every single part of it.
Never In New England or Albany
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Now perhaps you understand the name of my blog.
I believe that you have not recognized a major accelerant of the nation's stress: your news media.
How much ink was used claiming that the President colluded with Russia to steal the election, or that he is Putin's puppet?
Contentions that cannot help but raise the anxiety of those who fear that they are true, and of those who believe that they are not.
And after the Mueller report, how many stories contended that it showed that the President colluded with the Russians, even after the report found that no American had done so? Responsible readers were alarmed if they believed the contentions to be true, and horrified if they trusted the report.
How much responsibility do you bear for pushing an agenda with a scary baseless narrative?
Not too awfully long ago, the Speaker of the House stated that impeachment charges must be substantial and bipartisan. How well developed were news reports over the past weeks analyzing how the Articles were neither? How much effort was expended to recount how Democratic Congressmembers have wanted to impeach the President from the get-go?
Folk on either side of the impeachment issue are understandably upset.
For what?
For a one sided exercise to damage the President.
Rest assured that we will continue to push back on the rancid baloney thrown over the transom.
1
Considering the intensity of Democratic anti-Trump feeling I think we have to admit he must be doing something significant, but what is it? It can't be that Democrats simply dislike his style that much, however unpolished it might seem, they must feel seriously threatened in some way. Could it be that they understand that the Democratic Party is nothing more than a loose coalition of interest groups each of which cares little for the others, but unite in a desire to get something free from the taxpayers, and if they aren't going to get what they want can't see any reason to pull together and compromise their own wants to support the party? So, if Mr. Trump blocks more government funded freebees and, even worse, threatens existing giveaways, he actually threatens the continued existence of the Democratic Party? Could it be that all the Democratic talk about elevated national values, fairness, minority rights, saving democracy, building social unity, etc., is just talk to cover up what they're really doing; pursuing plain old selfish self interest and getting their hands into the taxpayers' pockets? Is Mr. Trump threatening a long running well paying leftist political scam?
1
Now that Trump will be acquitted (but not exonerated) by a Republican-controlled Senate as corrupt as he is, I have zero confidence that the 2020 presidential election will not be rigged by Trump. It's difficult not to be cynical after enduring three years of the most corrupt president in American history who has become totally insulated from congressional oversight.
There has been very little mention of some of the most dramatic dangers and potentials of the Trump administration, such as how we might blunder into nuclear war, killing millions, even a hundred million or more, even threatening life on this planet.
Likewise, the dismantling and intentional frustrations of the functions of the federal govt., as detailed in "The Fifth Risk" by Michael Lewis, showing how Trumpsters installed two classes of people to run federal agencies: incompetents with little knowledge of how the govt. works and total incompetents who couldn't guide the various departments even if they tried. This is a waste, surely, of hundreds of billions of dollars which in turn puts millions of citizens at risk in various ways to varied degrees.
The Republicans, with their silence and slavish devotion to an unqualified, untrained and reckless president, have put all of us in grave danger. So what? Who can do anything about it while half the nation is buried in vile propaganda and the U.S. Congress comes off as a useless, ineffective and feeble force?
One could "love" what Trump is otherwise doing and hate the dangers into which his presidency has placed the nation and the world. Instead, people fed a diet of falsehoods close their eyes.
1
Into every misery a little relief must come now and then. This week for many it must have been seeing on the news that a section of Trump's wall had fallen over. That image shown with a soundtrack of his base chanting Build the wall! could make for an effective ad that gives people pause to reconsider their choice for president come election time.
When the abuse becomes generational, when the lies become unavoidable, the paralysis of learned helplessness sets in. With no outlet or remedy people will revert to the age-old patterns: hatred of the other, the retreat into to tribalism and, the most telling of all, the self destruction that is rapidly destroying millions of lives, whether it be from substance abuse, obesity or gun violence. We’re in a steam cooker and it’s only a matter of time until it blows.
Trump-related stress is acute. I hate to think of our emotional health if he wins re-election. Perhaps mentally preparing for another four years of insanity will help us maintain sanity.
One comment here....the Republican members of Congress allow Trump to do, and say, pretty much what he wants not because they are afraid of him, but because he is their representative. It is he who does their bidding, not the other way around. Trump is their puppet; Mitch McConnell the Master Puppeteer. Trump is the Republicans malicious malware, whose sole purpose is to alter and hijack the Constitution and our political system in order to serve their own political agendas. Since 2016 the Republicans have been spectacularly successful.
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I don't listen to the news on TV anymore.
At most, I read the captions.
It's too painful.
I've had a great life in this country.
Now he is ruining it.
Five more years of him and the country will be utterly destroyed.
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Perhaps you actually own a House. You scrimp, you sacrifice, you make do, you work extra hours when possible. You place all your hopes for the future in the modest House. You even get a Dog, or two. Things are tough, but bearable, and spring WILL arrive. But one dismal Day, the septic tank overflows, OR the Main Sewer line breaks. Your yard is covered with raw sewage, or your Basement is Full of the same. An expensive, time consuming nightmare of epic proportions. Yes, it will be cleaned up, eventually. But the disaster leaves you wary, and your love for the House diminished. It can never be as Good.
Trump is that raw sewage. The House is our Country.
You know what to DO.
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Dems are exhausting too. Hunter Biden’s comp was obviously wrong and this issue isn’t going away. Trump will use it to paint the Left as corrupt. And the Dems just keep dismissing Hunter like it doesn’t matter. It does matter and it’s hanging over the Dems like a dark cloud. The Biden’s may only be guilty of poor judgement but it doesn’t matter.
Part of the problem is that the president was Donald Trump, an dishonest and dishonorable man before the election and just as dishonest and dishonorable after the election. That was a known that a lot of people were willing to live with so long as "things went ok". His ratings were low before the election and low following the election and he has behaved like Donald Trump from the outset. I fear it is the Democrats who have taken the beating with the impeachment process. It was a waste of time and the outcome was predicted from the moment it began.
“Get excited! Manufacture enthusiasm, if you must.”
One thing that can revive those of us who are exhausted and want to turn away is this:
I believe Trump is desperately trying to be re-elected because he is terrified of what awaits him if he is not. The State of New York will finally come after him for his many offenses that he has always gotten away with (tax evasion, money laundering, etc.) Imagine the epic humiliation he will face after being so boastful and such a bully on the world stage. Picture his mental state as his lifelong grift is exposed and he finally pays for what he has done. That is what can happen if we don’t give up and work as hard as we can to make it so.
Sure works for me.
Enough woe is me! If you're cynical and exhausted by the news, you need to get bigger problems! If you are "concerned" by Sanders' supporters, go support a candidate! Make calls, canvas, do something!
But make no mistake: change is coming. Get on board or get out of the way, because we are NOT going to let Trump get reelected!
Trump supporters are not manufacturing their enthusiasm. We need a moral leader and an inspirer as much as we need good sound policy. How often now are we reminded of Yeats? "The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity." He was prophetic — this is the condition when when some new revelation is at hand. "The ceremony of innocence is drowned." A second coming indeed. A rough beast. Yet Trump remains only a symptom of it. Perhaps we do not need a political leader in these rapidly dwindling hours. Perhaps we need a voice with nothing to lose, no "constituency," the strength of moral clarity — something that cannot be manufactured — to shift a cultural tide that has refused to ebb. Someone like Dr. King, who was no politician, and who can quote Amos not aspirationally, but with command: “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.” You do not vote for such a voice with a ballot. You push them a box and say, "Stand on this. Speak." New York Times, this is why you exist.
@Jacob
Jacob: Dream On; Any voice of such"Moral Clarity" would never be tolerated by many of the splintered factions that comprise this paper and its readers. That voice, if it dared utter any kernel of absolute truth (non relativism) would be "Culture Cancelled" and dismissed.
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Jacob,
Martin Luther King was a Republican; think Condy Rice from the Bush administration.
Malcolm X is who you should think of instead; I remember them well,
Malcolm X was more in tune with the youth of my time.
Feel sorry for the Republicans. Not because they lack a conscience: That is a problem that is its own self-soothing remedy. But because they fear not only the president, but his deplorable "base" that embodies the worst prejudices humanity has conceived. They are pitiable.
In a dictatorship the fearless. ruler is always in your face. Trump being a reality tv star lives for the show. Everyday a new insult or outrage is blasted in the news. You become exausted. Life is short and as we see there is nothing to do to change anything until the next election. The midterm change stopped the headlong charge downward but didn't change the power of an unrestrained president. We must carryon
I didn’t watch yesterday’s Super Bowl - because I had heard that there was going to be a Trump ad.
1
The most important decision Democrats will make is who will lose to Trump.
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This "election stress disorder" that Americans are experiencing is not just yours. In several countries, including Brazil, where I live, it has also manifested itself more and more intensely, as in the last presidential election that we had and in which, unfortunately, we elected the ill-fated ultra-rightist Jair Bolsonaro who, in each speech and in each project proposal of law sent to the national congress, causes outrage and discomfort to a large part of the population. I fear that this is a trend in all democracies in the world today.
I agree with Mr. Blow, but the process didn't "kick off" with Iowa. The presidential campaign now lasts an incredible two years, and that's just when it gets heated. There's a lot of talk for a year before that, and the talk starts six months earlier. No other country in history has had to endure this idiocy. Why do we have to be the first?
And how many qualified candidates say, "No, thanks," when they're encouraged to go to all 99 counties in Iowa and shake every interested voter's hand?
Today reflects yesterday. We are poisoned by Trump and the Republicans because we have been so bad at citizenship for decades. Not a surprise.
We watched, or participated, as wealth concentrated and poverty/near-poverty grew. We watched and participated in the wrecking of the planet's environmental balance. The two greatest problems, challenges, sins of our time came from us. US.
Blow is right about needing to stay engaged and committed; no other way to live. It is easier now to call-out the fake 'moral majority', the conservatives that try to hide behind the flag and an idea that if a woman has an abortion then she should go to prison (and all the while they try to restrict access to effective contraception). No they are not 'moral': look at their 'chosen one' leader. Trump is the most immoral man I've ever seen. I'll name 2 of 100 examples:
He sneaks into the Miss Universe dressing room to peep at the women, because he owns the show and nobody can stop him. He's 'a star', as he's said. 'Grab' them if he wants.
He fakes a hurt foot with help from daddy's doctor/renter and so skips Vietnam, but talks so tough and courts the votes of all military personnel (though he tried to disgrace McCain and POWs, 'I like soldiers that weren't captured). At the same time he brags about how much he loves the military, he avoids any and all taxes possible, which leads his lawyer to declare him a 'genius'. Yes, others will pay.
Stop the lying, traitorous, vainglorious, immoral monster.
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It turns out that watching your country unravel is more painful than most of us imagined.
At some point the rape of the land/air/water, deconstruction of government agencies, decimation of the rule of law, corruption of the Department of “Justice”, and the complete and utter treasonous betrayal of the Republican Party, becomes just too much to bear.
Children in cages for god’s sake! In our country! Children stolen from their parents and relatives and caged in cold pens with no love, care, legal representation, or even a database to track where they wind up. Children like our own. This sickens me in ways I cannot even describe.
We may tune out from time to time, but the outrage isn’t going away. Not while we live and breathe.
Lamar Alexander didn’t want witnesses at the sham impeachment trial because it would be “pouring gasoline on the fire of cultural divisions that already exist”?
Mr Alexander, the duplicity of your party IS the gasoline and the fire is already burning.
Hi Charles and NYT Readers: I made 100 calls to Iowa for Bernie Sanders today and took a nap during the football game. One reason the USA is in such a mess is because too many Americans have taken football way too seriously for too long and politics not seriously enough.
Ok, Mr. and Mrs. "I had to quit paying attention to politics for my mental health." First of all, how luxurious that it's a choice for you, that you're not being detained or prevented from entering the country, so that politics is your life whether you like it or not.
Second, if you have to disengage for the sake of your mental health, fine. But don't forget that your enemy is Trump and the GOP. Don't start talking about "politics" like this situation is anybody else's fault. Trump and the GOP is trying to break you by playing with the nature of reality.
If you disengage now, you forfeit your right to complain about the Democratic nominee. And if you stay home, if you fail to vote for the Democratic nominee--be that Sanders or Klobuchar or freaking Bloomberg or whoever!--then Trump wins. Trump recruited you. You joined Trump. And that makes you the worst history has to offer.
Don't forget come November!
It may be that some sort of sustained disconnect (not to the point of not voting) is what is needed to return some semblance of tolerance: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/28/books/review/why-were-polarized-ezra-klein.html ("Why We're Polarized," by Ezra Klein).
Stress is not some vague foggy idea where we just feel bad. We are an ageing country. Some people are being advised to keep away from the 24 hr news cycle so their blood pressure does not spike. Dr. Nordal's advice may make sense for more than psychiatric reasons, more some sense of mental exhaustion.
We can and should still go to the polls, but the level of "excitement" described by Mr. Blow--perhaps fine for not-too-old pundits and younger political junkies--may be very bad for both our older population and the general health of the nation.
As Patrick McGoohan, the creator of The Prisoner, sagely said when the public was outraged at his ambiguous existential ending to the series, “I was happy at their outrage. At least they felt and reacted. It’s when they don’t think or feel that they become a mob who can be manipulated. That’s Germany in 1931.” We must hone our outrage to action to defeat this most heinous criminal syndicate the government of “we the people.”
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Maybe the smart things is to save our energy for a time when it will truly matter, October, 2020. Then, somewhat rested, we can all press hard to get out the vote to defeat Trump. No fighting about candidates, rather a full throated effort to get out the Democratic vote especially in Florida, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan. Take a breath now. Then, next fall, with steely determination, getTrump.
I am not exhausted. I am invigorated. I will vote for Trump again.
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Why?
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@Olivia
Why?
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@Olivia Really, he doesn't care about you. He cares ONLY about himself.
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Well, I thought it was just me with the depression, rage, health effects, etc. I agree with the commenter who said that that IS mental health, at least in a democracy. In a fascist state it would be maladjustment. But we're not there yet. So yes, don't do all news all the time. But don't turn away, either. Things are going to get really ugly over the next twelve months. We do all need to be engaged.
Mr Blow, We may be exhausted with the dysfunction of DC and the poison of trumpism, but rest assured we will be voting in 2020.
Our disgust may have turned into a 'syndrome', but we have voices and they will be heard come November.
Trumpism is part of the american fabric (it's not an aberration like some are arguing) , but so is integrity and honesty and empathy.
I haven't found the off switch since Trump flopped into the White House. My computer stays on. I check in the middle of the night, daybreak, high noon, to see if he's gone.
I read political news, opinions, follow GOP shenanigans, and international happenings. He's there, sprinkled throughout.
I'm concerned about legal fees the heroic diplomats who testified incurred, about families separated at the border, about the abandoned Kurds. The list grow long.
He's still there, his ego reinflated at his rallies and stoked among doubled-fee payers at his Mar-a-golf palace.
I can't wait to join fellow Americans in voting him out and taking his sniveling Republicans with him.
Trump's presidency is little more than a criminal insurgency.
Most insurgencies that prevail do so only when their better-resourced opponents grow overly timid or quit altogether. It will seem far longer than a marathon, but simply persisting is a winning strategy.
Whenever we say Trump must go, we should always also say the Republican Senate must go. Nothing good will happen without the Senate. These people need to be punished for betraying the oath.
I am excited but also find myself constantly musing about how we might break the trance suffered by the Fox News group. I try in conversation with these people to put forward facts that they have not heard but the hypnosis seems to be intractable. The Serentity Prayer seems apropos for this dark time.
All very, very true. Go the last 2+ years I turn off the TV sound when trump speaks. The same for the political talk shows when his republican sycophants spin their twisted logic. I will not listen to the State of Union speech although very interested in the state of our union. As one who lived most of his life in and around NYC I recognize in his vocal intonations the craft of a huckster. I can’t listen to him and can’t understand why so many Americans can.
To the point of this article: yes I tune out the incessant garbage but I follow the Democratic race closely and will vote. So will my children who have so much to gain or lose in the fight for democracy and against demagoguery. WE WILL VOTE.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Four years ago no one reading this never thought in a billion years Trump was serious about running for President. And even if he was he could never be nominated. Never. And even if he was nominated there was no way he beat Clinton. No way. Ok, he won but the Mueller investigation will end his Presidency. Right? Shoot Mueller dropped the ball but this will all come crashing down when we impeach. We promise! Oh my God Trump is starting World War 3! Wait scratch that Iran wants to deescalate. Starting to see a trend here? Against all odds Trump always defies expectations. What Trump's adversaries will never be able to grasp is that he's is a political genius. I don't use that word lightly. Nothing else explains his uncanny ability to rebear himself like the mythical Phoenix in crisis after crisis emerging stronger than before. The Dems can rage & shout about his tweets until there's ice on the equator. It won't change the mind of one person who voted for Trump. The more you complain the more he will rub it in your face. Isn't that obvious at this point? What progressives & their co-dependents will never be able to see is that Trump supporters revel in the non-stop drama, are galvanized when he punches back, are delighted when he spits in your face. Far from being embarrassed by his antics, they're thrilled by it & in their heart of hearts can't get enough of it. He's their champion, he's their hero. MSM time to open your eyes.
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Most of my friends are not disengaged, merely disgusted with democrats, And in particular, Adam Schiff, who has been trying to bring down Trump from day #1. This empty suit of a politician has been destructive and devisive to this country. Add James comey, Brennan et al to the list....well, you get the picture. Most people will vote for who is best for their pocketbook, and the values (Think pro life, illegal immigration) they hold dear. That’s why Trump will win.
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@Pvbeachbum Have you ignored all the information that has come forth regarding the conduct of the president?
Recommend we occasionally listen to one or more Martin Luther King, Jr., speeches. Works for me.
I believe a strong majority of Americans, many of whom are suffering from the exhaustion Mr. Blow describes, are at a stage where the following simple message is enough to get them through to November 3, 2020, and inflict massive collateral electoral damage to Republicans up and down the ballot:
Trump: never again
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This is the worst time since the end of the War. Perhaps even worst as Trump and Alan Dershowitz relieve themselves on the Constitution. It’s the Constitution and generosity of the American public that allowed Dershowitz the freedom and opportunity to succeed - to the extent that his life can now be viewed as a success; yet, he’s chosen to sabotage and betray the country. Michael Bloomberg self-financed campaign is another example of stabbing democracy in the heart. Bots and other domestic and probably international hackers are already influencing the Iowa caucus that has Sanders winning by a landslide.
“America has a choice to make, and you will be part of the choosing.” Maybe if you live in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, or one of the Super Tuesday states. But if you don’t, you won’t. So the fix is already in.
I must admit to some level of outrage fatigue. It isn't just the outrageous behavior of Mr. Trump. It's the soulless stare and mocking smile of Mitch McConnell that push me to my limits.
In November, who I vote against will be at least as satisfying as anyone I ever voted for.
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When Americans use the expression “people get the government they deserve,” in my experience they are generally referring to authoritarian, floundering, often war-torn countries somewhere in the wider world.
Well this time it’s “personal!” Democracy-supporting Americans who are too apathetic or “picky” to vote next November may help pave the way for four more years of this cruel, lawless, environment-trashing, healthcare-denying President and will get exactly what they deserve but the rest of us don’t. VOTE!
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No Americans have worked harder and longer for less return than enslaved and separate and unequal while black African American in the United States of America paat and present.
No Americans have been more hopeful and fought harder and longer for a better American today and tomorrow.
By following a multi- pronged dual strategy of active resistance demanding structural change against the status quo. And passive resistance accepting and trying to make the best of the status quo.
W.E B. DuBois in ' The Souls of Black Folks' outlined the dilemma and the solution to black African American ' twoness".
Being a physically identifiable minority marked by American history as being property and then not equal required emotional, mental and physical superpowers in order to exist and strive and thrive.
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Here's another dismaying fact: Even if Trump is roundly defeated, he will not go away. He will continue to sow discord and wreak mischief, interfere in the political process at every turn, and control his minions from the sidelines.
He will have an instant and permanent national stage on Fox News. He will also have a huge cadre of fanatical cultists, many of them armed to the teeth, to carry out any preposterous campaigns he can envision in his fury.
He will have the entire lax, poorly overseen Internet to broadcast conspiracy theories, slanders, and rumors.
So Trump may be even more dangerous as an ex-president, unconstrained by even the shredded, ineffectual protocols that have failed us so far in the Presidency itself.
I think handling Trump and his cult would be the biggest challenge a new president might face. We are not even near out of the woods if Trump loses.
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I cannot understand why anyone would need to be motivated, enthusiastic, and determined to vote. Just go vote - you’re not storming Utah Beach.
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You have done a fine job of defining the problem, and I am truly encouraged by Charlie Cook’s reading of the tea leaves the other night with Lawrence O’Donnell. This election looks to Cook like a big turnout election that is a referendum on the incumbent. What I worry about — and want you to write about — is how to boost turnout and limit voter suppression and election interference now that the #RepublicanCoverUp has put the 2020 election in some jeopardy. I urge you and your readers to use this tag as often as possible to help make Republican Senators pay in November.
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The deluge of anti-Trump reporting gets me down. It is constant. It never stops. President Trump is not the problem. It is the mean spiritedness of the media and some cable news networks. They have been writing stories and reporting against President Trump since he was elected. They have never let up.
They report every nitty gritty criticism they can drum up. It is his hair, his diet, his clothes, everything they can think of. We have never seen this amount of nastiness directed towards a president before. It is never ending. How President Trump copes is a miracle. He must have the constitution of Hercules. Good for him.
The simplest way for people to reduce the stress created by Trump and today’s Republican Party is to vote them out of Office in 2020. Accepting the idea of voting against every Republican running in any political race is amazingly satisfying.
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"Republicans in the Senate are poised to acquit Donald Trump without even truly putting him on trial."
Or, as Nancy Pelosi says, "He will always be impeached." Impeached, but acquitted.
Charles, the exhaustion is because the media plays ping pong with the truth. And not the slow ping pong, most people play. I'm talking, Chinese Grand Master four time World Champion ping pong.
I'm not going back four years with every contradiction, a couple of weeks is enough. The House(Schiff and Nadler) had their respective hearings. They call 18, eight-teen, witnesses. The House collects mountains of evidence. All the while breathlessly exclaiming, "NOW! NOW! NOW!"
Pelosie, inexplicably, but for political reasons, holds out for a month. The impeachment goes to the Senate. The country gets 24 free hours of House evidence, with video of their House testimony.
Adam Schiff says, "The evidence is overwhelming." Jerry Nadler says, "We have proven guilt beyond reasonable doubt. We have proved it beyond all doubt." Then, every Democrat joins the chorus, "Why won't the Republicans allow witnesses and evidence?"
"...people were experiencing high levels of stress and emotionality..."
Do you think the whipsaw coverage of the President may contribute to the fatigue?
You can modify your trump news diet and still vote him out. I can’t let my spirit drift to thoughts of a worsening dystopian country, following the news pushes me closer to the edge of despair. My survival mechanism is to limit my intake and vote the creepy guy out in November.
2
Yes, keep a stiff upper lip in the face of all the Trump/GOP madness. But, the madness is encouraged and helped by Rupert and his family.
Can we annul their citizenships?
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Trump is living proof Republicans are fine with tyranny as long as it's their tyranny. Democracy only matters as a process they use to trick their way to power with deceit and duplicity. It's the GOP version of Heads I Win, Tails you lose.
Republicans are predicated on attack and destroy, spook and lie. They do scorched earth against Obamacare but despite a death-grip GOP majority Congress for the last 6 years they've offered not one viable legislative healthcare proposal, and still haven't. No is all they know.
It's not Dem health reform vs. GOP health reform. It's health reform vs. none at all. Republicans have built a border wall between health and equality. Not just corrupt business as usual, but actively blocking government efforts to provide basic healthcare out of reach of too many citizens in the wealthiest, most advanced country ever.
It's a principled but impossible fight if one side abides by the rules and the other side uses the rules to break them. Heads We Lose, Tails They Win.
The story of the emperor's new clothes has never more vividly come to life than now with half of America running amok. Through Trump's lying eyes they see spectacular while the rest of us see sordid, specious and shocking.
Teeth gnashing over a rerun of McGovern's shutout is less apt than GOP's Willie Horton smear that buried Dukakis.
Trump loses if the spotlight's on him. He wins if the spotlight's on the Democratic nominee.
The future is Left. Let's not rush it.
3
Trump is living proof Republicans are fine with tyranny as long as it's their tyranny. Democracy only matters as a process they use to trick their way to power with deceit and duplicity. It's the GOP version of Heads I Win, Tails you lose.
Republicans are predicated on attack and destroy, spook and lie. They do scorched earth against Obamacare but despite a death-grip GOP majority Congress for the last 6 years they've offered not one viable legislative healthcare proposal, and still haven't. No is all they know.
It's not Dem health reform vs. GOP health reform. It's health reform vs. none at all. Republicans have built a border wall between health and equality. Not just corrupt business as usual, but actively blocking government efforts to provide basic healthcare out of reach of too many citizens in the wealthiest, most advanced country ever.
It's a principled but impossible fight if one side abides by the rules and the other side uses the rules to break them. Heads We Lose, Tails They Win.
The story of the emperor's new clothes has never more vividly come to life than now with half of America running amok. Through Trump's lying eyes they see spectacular while the rest of us see sordid, specious and shocking.
Teeth gnashing over a rerun of McGovern's shutout is less apt than GOP's Willie Horton smear that buried Dukakis.
Trump loses if the spotlight's on him. He wins if the spotlight's on the Democratic nominee.
The future is Left. Let's not rush it.
I went to Denmark and Sweden in August 2019 and decided not to ruin my vacation by trying to keep up with US news. (Fortunately my wife and I left Denmark shortly before Trump made his idiotic remarks about buying Greenland from the Danes.) Avoiding sources of stress is by no means the same thing as “checking out”: it’s not as if my political views or my willingness to engage would atrophy due to not reading or watching enough news. I will be a precinct captain for Amy Klobuchar at the Feb. 3 caucus. Although caucusing is time-consuming, inefficient, and undemocratic, it’s one a few ways I can work toward defeating Trump. After the Iowa primary I will work for whoever is challenging Joni Ernst, since she has among other things doubled down on parroting Trump’s delusional projections about Joe Biden being corrupt. I don’t think Democrats have “checked out”: there’s a lot of energy and engagement here and it’s going to carry though to the fall.
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@Michael
About the middle of September, I was on a train going though Denmark, and across from me was sitting a woman with whom I had wonderful, long conversation. She turned out to be a sitting Member of the Danish Parliament. And boy was she irate about Trump’s stupidity and arrogance in trying to ‘buy’ Greenland!
On the 24 of September, having gone all the way to Norway and back, I was in Zurich - where I had a ticket to the Opera. I will never forget that Date! Because while I was at the Opera, Nancy Pelosi was announcing the opening of an Impeachment Investigation.
I was out of the country for 3 blessed months! But during that time the news crept into my days. And nights.
We must all pull together. To get rid of a stain on this nation!
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@Michael Thank you, Michael, and your wife, from a big AMY supporter out here in my-vote-don't-matter San Francisco ... Having voted in every election for over 50 years, I won't stop now, despite the fact that the electoral college renders my vote mostly useless.....
9
In 1963 we were all Berliners. There should only be one slogan for Republicans, Democrats and Independents who don't like what your country has become.
We are all Ukrainians!
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I’m writing a response, so obviously I haven’t disconnected from reading the NYT (or watching MSNBC for 1-2 hrs per night.) However, I’m still feeling exhausted and discouraged. And conflicted regarding the Iowa Caucus and Democratic nominees. Beating Trump is goal #1. I’m worried sick that Bernie has too much socialist baggage for much of the country (even if not me.) So I find myself unable to feel excited about any nominees.
Last night my wife and I went to the movies. We saw Just Mercy, an inspiring movie about Bryan Stevenson, an African American attorney fighting for the rights of Alabama death row inmates wrongly accused. I wept like I haven’t wept in a long time—a release of the some of the emotion I’ve been bottling up.
It reminded me that there are many things we must continue to fight for. This morning, I feel refreshed. Ready to do battle again in any small way I can.
The lesson—feed yourselves. Read an inspiring book. Go to the movies. Feel empathy for the afflicted, gratitude for the people fighting for right, joy for the opportunity we all have to make a small difference in the lives of our loved ones and yes, even the nation as a whole.
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“Get excited! Manufacture enthusiasm if you must.”
If you have to be told to fake enthusiasm for a candidate, then that’s a pretty bad candidate.
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@Thomas Not necessarily. The spirit of the times, as manufactured in the new digital universe, is extreme criticism. It is hard for many to be enthusiastic when they are brain-washed into thinking that it is naive to be enthusiastic.
3
@Thomas You don't have to have a strong emotion about a candidate to think they'd be good at the job. Choose with your head.
Then talk yourself into whatever emotional state it takes to get you off the couch to do something about it. That's not on the candidate, since every individual is animated by different things.
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Thank you Charles. This is an excellent reminder to make sure we exercise our rights even when those rights are under attack. One cannot give up. Staying informed is the most important part of voting. It is overwhelming, but then freedom has never been guaranteed, one has to work to keep it.
I just read 5 brief portraits of 5 excited IU students from the "Daily Iowan". Two students became politically engaged because of the Parkland shootings. Another student, while not specific, expressed concern for Israel as her primary motivation to be "excited". Other students became political pioneers; a young woman raised in a Republican family chose to be a Democrat, and a Freshman young man did a lot of reading of history, especially political history, and found his views align with 45. IU and Johnson County are very Democratic. Some of these students experienced ostracism around the family dinner table. I experienced that during the early days of Watergate news reporting by the WP and NPR "All Things Considered". (I am still in the family as the "crazy uncle" with my "Resistance" T-shirts!) Active engagement of the youth gives me hope. We actively worked for a decorated WWII veteran and Senator who did not become President, Senator George McGovern. It is important to have a candidate supported by all generations from all American places. We need the "Exhausted" to stay connected.
This is well stated. I'm straddling the line Mr. Blow describes; I am excited by the candidacy of Elizabeth Warren--a brilliant policymaker with a workable theory of power to addressing the enormous structural challenges that enabled Trump--but pessimistic at her prospects, given our country's deep misogyny and anti-intellectualism.
And I'm exhausted and heartbroken at the cruelty, venality and hypocrisy that increasingly characterizes our public life in the age of Trump. It's in my head constantly, and sometimes it's too much and I have to step away from it.
But what underlies all of that is something closer to fury, and a sense that the world can't afford my, or anyone else's, sustained disengagement. I'd figuratively chew my own arm off to get this guy out of office and at least give us a chance to heal some of this damage. We ultimately have to save ourselves; whoever comes out of this primary will need the utmost effort from every one of us.
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I am backing off and taking a break. For this week, I am not watching any impeachment nonsense nor the State of the Union. I have certain programs, hosts, pundits, and publications that I will continue to view and read. I go on Twitter several times a day and Facebook not much. I am focusing on my life so I can come back stronger at some point. Trump is winning. At this point has won with the total support of Republicans. There is the crux of what I have to deal with--how to know I'm losing and figure out a way to cope and succeed in Trump's America. One day at a time.
5
I walked out of a large store without buying anything the other day when I overheard one of their cashiers having a loud discussion with a customer about Adam Schiff. They were making fun of his name and using immature slurs to describe him. This is the second time I have been in that store listening to a cashier sharing political opinions with customers in front of others waiting in line.
I bought my items at another store, came home, and then took the time to write an online complaint to the first store. I won't be back to shop there, and will share my experience with others I know here in town. My hope is that the store manager will speak to the employees about civility, but I'm not holding my breath. In the meantime, there are other places I can shop.
And, as others have noted, I've let go of one of my newspaper subscriptions, am only watching the news twice a week, and have taken up reading fiction and doing artwork. I occasionally listen to podcasts while cooking, too. They provide me with information I still feel I need, but lots of humor, too.
4
@furnmtz Was the cashier making fun of Schiff on his looks or speech?
Or, was she ridiculing him for having "overwhelming evidence", but he was unable to convince enough Senators to get a conviction? Even Nadler said, "Trump was guilty beyond ANY doubt."
Exhausted? I find this whole thing exciting! Bring it on! The game is afoot and we are playing for the future of civilization.
6
I admit to being one of the exhausted. I am not totally tuned out. I’ve given a little money to one of the Dems, and to a couple of Democratic congressional candidates. And I’ll give a little money to the Democratic nominee—even if it’s my least favorite, Sanders—and certainly show up and vote blue in November.
But I won’t do it with much hope. My head realizes the numbers say Trump can be beat, but my heart knows that Trump never loses. He’s undefeated in life, and I feel in my bones that he’s utterly invincible.
I feel like we live in Trump’s world. He and his worshipers have hijacked the national airplane and locked the cockpit door, and all we can do is ride along.
I have, as Blow described, turned my attention toward trying to get the most out of my life in a world totally politically controlled by Trump and his acolytes. We are becoming Russia, and, I tell myself, it is at least possible to keep ones head down and have a decent life in Putin’s Russia.
I’ll contribute and vote, and maybe even volunteer, but I don’t feel powerful. I apologize, but that is the feeling I carry.
3
Part of my disconnection is that since 2016 I have heard dozens of times about how "this" will be the end of DJT. And it hasn't happened. I find myself now rooting for bad economic news, and I doubt I am alone.
Coronavirus is one of the few things that has taken DJT off the main story of the news. If he gets re-elected, maybe climate change will be another. It's just a shame that so many people will be hurt or die in the process. Even those who vote for him.
3
Yes, exhausted! I can't even fini...
8
Avoiding news and disconnecting does not mean you are going to vote for Trump, or fail to vote against him. Surely people who had to start avoiding the news because of their desperation with Trump do not need daily convincing to vote him out when they get the chance.
I'm in kind of the same situation, albeit politically reversed. With leftist traitors holding all power in my country, who broke the law with impunity to allow millions of illegal immigrants into Germany and destroy its future, with full-throated support from almost all of the media, following domestic news has become so dispiriting that I now know more about the details of what's going on in the U.S. Democratic primaries than about what's going on in my city. It's a form of news escapism.
Regardless, I'm going to go out and vote every four years, even if it's futile. After a certain point, you don't need all the daily details anymore to make up your mind about whom to support, or oppose.
1
Excellent column, and very timely, as I am sure was the intent. I admit to semi-unplugging of late from the daily deluge of impossible-to-believe news. I have turned to reading and running more, and spending even more quality time with friends and family. And it's helped. But, come November, if the unthinkable happens, yet again, some of us are going to need a Prozac tap installed in our homes. After all, in Brave New World they had Soma.
4
EXHAUSTION, both physical and emotional, reflect the human need for rest. Some argue that sleep is the mind's way of protecting the process of dreaming, as a way to discharge emotional tensions. Whatever the case, we all have limited energy that we must conserve and use wisely, if we are to attain our goals. Writing, especially, requires a state of mind of thoughtful reflection and openness. It requires engaging the unconscious as well as the conscious mind. Recently, I heard Ronan Farrow describe writing a book with all night sessions. he claimed that he typed till his fingers bled. I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. Unless he was using a manual typewriter. Brain cells communicate through sending and receiving electrical charges. There is a limit to how rapidly brain cells can fire and how long it takes for the to recharge. About getting hooked on news media, the term itself implies that the process is both addictive and toxic. Done in moderation, writing, or getting information about politics can be beneficial. Even enjoyable, if only rarely since 2016. Trump's response to business failure has been to cut and run, usually stiffing whomever he can. If he has political failures, his interest will fade quickly enough. He must be gratified to engage at all. Trump protects himself by playing golf at a huge cost of taxpayer dollars per weekend for security. But that's other people's money, so it's his to spend with aplomb. So yes, give yourself many breaks!
3
It is not only the news that exhausts. It is the length of the Campaign. Trump has been holding rallies since he has been elected. That, in and of itself is exhausting
And then throw in the length of the Candidates running and that too can be exhausting.
We need to look at a shorter election season and somehow prevent any President from starting to run right after they have been elected. The right thing to do would be to do the Country's work before you start running again.
22
@Jean If you want more government control of all that culminates in a secret ballot, there is only one candidate up to the job.
Hillary Clinton.
@Jean
How is it that you are exhausted when he holds a rally? He's doing all the work. His supporters draw energy from the rallies. But you are exhausted.
Is it exhausting to post complaints about the rallies and the length of the campaign? Because if it is as exhausting as it is ineffective then maybe it's time to try something different.
The current political climate affects me like 9/11. I have to limit my exposure to preserve my sanity. I live in a state that basically has no say in the Democratic primaries, no affect on who the ultimate candidate is, and thanks to the electoral college a proportionally anemic part in the ultimate election. The candidates don’t even campaign here. So there is. not much I can do other than donate and vote, and I would never skip a vote. Meanwhile, my inbox is overflowing with requests for donations from every Democratic candidate all over the country. All I want is to get money out of politics and limit all political campaigns to a month or less.
15
@Caryl baron Family in California sent a FB post that for us broke the dullness of day after day of grey skies and cold temperatures and the depressing news of Republican Senator's perfidy. They sent a clip from Laurel and Hardy's movie, "Way Out West". Their silly dance brought needed levity for the moment, much like Monty Python's silly walk.
I'm close to disengagement but that doesn't mean I've given up. That's if disengagement means following every twist and new outrage and getting personally outraged up about it. You can only deal with so much (apparently having the mind of a gnat, without retention, as is the case with D. Trump, upends this fact, or makes it irrelevant).
But that doesn't mean forgetting about it. At election time, we will vote and we will remember.
10
You are suggesting that we MUST continue with this terrible system, or the perpetrators of it will win despite voter preference. A better answer is to correct the system. There is no need to begin Presidential races 4 years before an election. There is no need to require candidates to spend millions of dollars for years and years in order for only the wealthy to have enough funds for election. There is no need for the media giants to pretend that 4 years of campaigning makes any sense, and that everything said by their commentators is critical information. as they make huge profits at our expense.
Let's make a change - perhaps begin 2 months before the primaries. Then both candidates and voters will give proper attention to this important task, instead of suffering through media and campaign overload.
19
It doesn’t make a difference which state or election district we live in. We have all been betrayed by our government. I may live in Vermont but Lamar Alexander betrayed me. He has ignored the oaths he has taken and failed every American. He’s not alone.
While it’s true that a few republicans voted for witnesses, we won’t know the extent of betrayal until the vote on removal or acquittal takes place. We do know that every republican and a few democrats in the House didn’t even have the moral strength to vote in favor of the impeachment articles.
More than a few have said that trump did do the things he is accused of and that they are wrong, yet still they fail to vote against him. They say it’s not enough to remove him. I guess there’s nothing enough to remove a president now. And that means a dictator or king is in charge and that the USA is no longer a democracy.
Or maybe they didn’t need witnesses and documentary evidence to know that trump is guilty of the charges and they will remove him. Fat chance.
To see these people from both parties sitting like Greek gods on mt olympus looking down as we suffer is simply sickening.
Whatever the election is, I never miss my opportunity to vote. This time is different I’m taking an active part in the election this year by backing a candidate against trump and donating, making phone calls, and working to get out the vote. And it will be to remove traitorous members of congress, too. Join me!
42
A non-partisan law refuting the arbitrary DOJ ruling that a sitting president cannot be indicted has to be enacted and signed by the next president.
A non-partisan law demanding that personal financial information be submitted before a candidate enters the primary races has to be enacted and signed by the next president.
A denunciation of the Citizens United decision has to be stated, and again, legislation enacted to overturn it and prevent it from happening again.
Abrupt, tough and non-partisan legislation will begin to right the wrongs Trump and his cronies have done to destroy the country. Be patient; the truth will come out, the pendulum will swing and sanity will, eventually, return.
23
@jhbev: All good points, and the electoral college undoing our votes must be ended, once and for all.
6
Excited?
Disheartened is more like it,
Excited about what? The Electoral College? The Supreme Court, Mitch McConnell?
Excited about the candidates the Democrats have presented?
Excited about a phony Impeachment hearing? We all knew how that would end.
Excited about another 4 years of trump? His minority base from incredibly small states will see to that.
Oh, I will vote. Coming from Illinois I know that with or without my vote, Illinois will support the Democratic vote.
I live near Wisconsin. Maybe I should figure out how to vote in Wisconsin so my vote might actually count.
My sister lives in the south. Likewise she knows how her state will go.
Get excited? Only to get incredibly let down in 9 months.
That's worse than being "exhausted".
I will NOT get excited until there is something to get excited about.
12
@esp After 4 years of Trump, one and only one of two choices is true.
First, Trump is the biggest ne're-do-well that ever graced the American stage. However, the main stream media and Democrat leadership are powerless to bring him to heal.
Or, Trump is a pretty good President and there is hard data to back it up. The MSM and Democrat leadership has been lying for four years.
Trump voters are loyal. They show up at his rallies as energetic as ever. If Democrats showed up in numbers like that, I would pay attention. Democrats are not showing up to primary rallies, in numbers remotely close to Trump rallies.
It’s not about resistance that we need to be concerned with, it’s about our practice and involvement in democracy. We don’t have to fight these political battles, we have to learn and find our democracy. Trump is a constant stressor we can all ignore if we can come together as a people and move en mass toward a people’s agenda. Instead people like Trump have subdivided us into too many fragments to count, making us easy to control and subvert. The problem is not Trump, it’s us, the people, who can’t find the learning or will to be citizens of a democracy.
7
A very poignant article, and certainly meaningful to me and many of my friends. Over the past three years, I cannot count the number of times I have woken in the middle of the night, and begun composing letters to the editors of various papers, and examining the latest outrage of this president. I have even mentioned this to my doctors.
The most important plan is to engage where possible: writing letters, working for local candidates, organizing voter initiatives, doing what you can where you can to be most effective.
At the same time, while perhaps cutting back somewhat, we can’t afford to relax our guard because this administration is working on so many fronts to distort and change our values. And example: the new travel ban.
I can say that there is nothing more satisfying than working for a local candidate and seeing him/her get elected. I speak from experience.
7
Yes, indeed, the news confounds, the tone is frequently negative and insulting, and media reports sometimes a little too enthusiastically. On the other hand, we have never had as much access to information, both legitimate and nasty.
As a college instructor who teaches political history, I can tell you that 18-year old freshmen have precious little knowledge of the country or what the idea of "republic" is. In fact, it may not be coincidental that our knowledge of the political history of the United States has never been lower. Or that the level of civic education is frustrating low. This is not the first time that presidential politics have been nasty.
I am not as pessimistic as some of the other writers. We have to take the idea of citizenship seriously, and learn as much as possible. However, it is also our responsibility to develop the filters that helps us distinguish between useful and useless news. That may be more challenging today than in pre-electronic news days.
8
Here's the deal I made with myself: far less news consumption; clear out my twitter feed of most pundits and commentators; watch no live TV, which is littered with political ads.
In return, I will be voting as I have every year since I turned 18, and I will be attempting to help register as many new young voters and ensuring they go to the polls this year. In 2018, I helped one friend who'd never voted before; I want to expand that exponentially this year.
It does me no good whatsoever to hear his latest Twitter belch, or listen to his repeated lies. My focus is on anything and everything I can do to get him out of there.
60
I’ll invoke The Man in the High Castle where Republicans are pretty much all John Smith. Well, this is season four and I choose to see a light on the horizon. Now is the time to keep fighting.
4
We have to go all out on this election for the same reasons we had to go out to win WW2 It's time to step up and carry on for the greatest generation or lose all they won.
41
In the Navy and especially at sea on a ship where you could not avoid one another there was an general understanding three things were off limits in discussions in the wardroom: women (or relationships), religion and politics.
Some went too far in this nihilism and decided it was inappropriate for them to vote at all since they were compelled to follow the orders of every commander in chief or his designees in the chain of command right down to their individual units.
For now, as this comment affirms, I choose to remain in the game while sensitive to the fears many carry in their hearts about our politicians of all stripes.
3
Some of my friends have disengaged from watching/reading the news. Not necessarily because they find it emotionally difficult. Mainly, it's because the media feasts on negativity - which is disconnected from the reality of their lives.
What is that reality?
Most people get along quite fine and their average day is populated by positive interactions.
And then they check the news and realize "Hey, that's not Life."
And the Media - instead of looking at itself and looking for ways to improve - demonizes average people, herding them into one group or another.
It's time for some self-examination.
16
@Sunny 4 Life
Maybe the media having zero impartiality has been part of the problem. I yearn for the days when papers would print both sides but that is pretty much gone. There are some great stories about corruption that go untold because the guilty are favorite candidates. You saw where Russia Collusion Delusion led and Mueller was a disgrace as he never looked at the document that started the whole mess. Unless you want an absolute idiot socialist running your country, and your life, vote for Trump and get your country back.
At a time like this, political satire helps save our sanity. Yet I'm troubled by reports that some Americans get most of their news from comedy shows. Democracy works only when we stay informed.
10
@Richard Waugaman, M.D.
Comedy shows. You must mean Network news, one sided, or newspapers, one-sided or even real comedy shows, one-sided. There could be a great living made reporting and digging out the truth. The NYT prints it and it becomes the Lefts narrative. The WSJ prints and it becomes the Rights narrative. I would love to read a news source that goes after the news without measuring to their political base first. Journalists have a new name, cowards!
Yes, the sky is falling and has been since November 2016. People are indeed exhausted -- because of the endless drumbeats telling them that they should be.
None of the horrors and predictions made way back then have come true. I think of a friend of mine, who on the day after the election sold ALL of his stocks, convinced that the bottom was about to go. Ditto-with wars, social unrest, harming minorities, etc etc etc.
If you hate this guy -- and half of the country does (or says it does) -- try voting him out in November. That's productive. Telling people every single day of their lives that the world is about to end is not.
19
@Ken “ None of the horrors and predictions made way back then have come true.”
The horrors are real and very painful. But the bubbles where people are untouched by them are real too and a real problem because the people who are doing fine tell themselves the horrors are no big deal.
2
@Eli Thank you. This is the essential truth that so many fail to see. It's always "fine" until it touches you... It saddens me that some people have so little empathy.
It's a little hard to be enthusiastic when you're not exactly overwhelmed by the Democratic candidates so far. However I will withhold judgement until I see how Mike Bloomberg does on Super Tuesday. Of all the Democratic presidential wannabes it's Bloomberg who seems to make Trump really nervous. That's good enough for me.
9
@sharon5101 I guess that's the difference. The democrats want to be overwhelmed by a candidate before she or he is chosen by the party to be the nominee. The republicans wait until their party chooses a candidate and then become overwhelmed by him.
10
@sharon5101 Call me crazy, but I get pretty overwhelmed by candidates who can speak in complete sentences, who don't have to be tv personalities, who don't have to feed their insatiable egos on a daily basis, who actually know how government functions.
I don't need a clown who thinks that disruption is a substitute for good governance. We have many good, solid choices this year. Pick one, and then go to work. There's something to be said for solid and dependable. Overwhelmed is overrated.
Reading this reminded me of advice my father (highly successful at work and in life) gave three-year-old me many decades ago when we moved to a new neighborhood. "If you want people to play with you, act like you're having fun", he said.
He had built a big sandbox, so I took my bucket and spade and started building a huge castle. Well, very soon all the kids in the neighborhood were asking to join me, and all we had a grand time together.
As exhausted, physically ill, and morally outraged as I am after the last three years, I'm going to follow that ancient advice this year.
Rather than dwell on the Trumpian darkness, let's focus on all the positive policies we offer the country -- including building a very large sandbox that will include lonely Republicans, saving the planet, expanding health care and access to medications, revising the tax code to limit our debt, building infrastructure that will bring jobs, improving our educational system and making it more accessible, and rebuilding old alliances, to name a few.
When Obama ran, he looked like he was having fun. His happy message "Hope and Change" made a majority want to join him. All of the Democratic candidates have a more positive platform than the current president. Many of them are winning in online polls.
Let's wipe away our tears and have fun winning for America -- and make a majority want to join us.
56
When 99.9% of a population sees reasons to unite their paths, a governing 0.01% can see reasons to divide and conquer them. It’s been this way for a very long time.
Are 99.9% of world leaders snowflakes leading nations of snowflakes?
Divide. Conquer.
Existential threats will always exist in reality and imagination. Horrific battles are an ever-present danger, and clarity is out the window.
Eli Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Nobel laureate and educator believed the world learned from WWII. Nearing the end of his life, dedicated to peace and education, he stated the world had learned nothing. The notion of a final solution is a red herring. There is only the ongoing path of the struggle.
Mother Theresa struggled to follow the path, and thought she succeeded. She later said there were several years where she just went through the motions.
Two stalwarts struggled. What hopes exist for the less enlightened, myself included? The mythical 0.01% or the 99.9% will choose.
2
@Daniel Kauffman
Correction:
The mythical 0.01% or the 99.9%, divided or united, will try to choose. Me? I am choosing a different path wholly designed by me. .
1
I try to remember that people have different coping mechanisms. But this tuning out is dangerous. It was in part the sense of being overwhelmed by frustrations that led some Americans to turn over their power to a "strong man" type who promised that "he alone" had solutions. We cannot eschew complexity and simply turn to another "strong" leader to solve our problems. No leader can deliver us from this nightmore. Only a people, fully engaged, focusing their energies on finding solutions to our awful and complex predicaments- can possibly bring us forward.
9
Wasn't it Tim Leary who counseled us back in the 70's
to turn on, tune in and drop out?
Good advice back then that seems even more applicable now.
Just don't turn on and forget to vote come November.
5
No, that was the ‘60s.
@Eric Lurio yeah, you're right, it was the sixties. That's exactly where this forgetfulness comes from these days.
The thing is: the social compact, at the most fundamental level, is at stake in America today.
The rules of the game are at stakes.
Anything is possible, for better and for worse.
Given America’s importance, all American citizens bear a special responsibility to the world. The outcome of this election could literally be the beginning of the end for Homo Sapiens. Have you thought about that?
I, for one, try not to...
9
Political discussion in any work or social group has become a mine field to be strenuously avoided. That is because any trumpists present will either go dead silent (easily identifying themselves) or more likely run amok with emotional rants, spewing a barrage of frustrating half truths and outright falsehoods absorbed in the Foxhole. They tend to go straight to the red zone/ emotional extreme, incapable of any logical interchange. Emotion is the core of their beliefs, and cognitive dissonance makes them quick to anger.
At this point, no minds will be changed, so unwise to introduce unpleasantness at work where everyone must coexist. In a union setting, I limit why own comments to which party supports labor. The rest not worn on my sleeve. Will do my talking at the ballot box.
One person at work who said something anti-trump, basically relaying the day's news, was reported to HR by another employee (talk about snowflakes!) and disciplined from above. No thank you.
Yes we can, and will, vote. We hope that still matters. If it doesn't, the next option would be to take to the streets. If even that fails, overseas options are on the back burner. Fingers crossed that the backlash induced by GOP senate treachery in creating a kangaroo court will be severe.
19
Thank you, Charles. I tried to watch the Senate "trial" last week and absolutely could not tolerate the Trump attorneys' spin. I have been feeling guilty because every time I see our president on TV I change the channel because even the sound of his voice sickens me. You are, of course, absolutely correct. We need to take breaks from this daily assault on our Americanism, but if we want to keep our beautiful country, we need to be active participants. Please, please, please fellow citizens - vote blue no matter who!!
35
All that really counts is to turn up on election day and vote for the best choice possible. I. have a US patent on how to measure presidential leadership. OF all the candidates Bloomberg passes way ahead of them all. In fact he scores higher than even Obama.
Mike's leadership is proven beyond doubt in business, politics and philanthropy. No one else comes even close to being ready for the White House. In these out of the box times he is an over the top outstanding and out of the box leader. He will be the perfect replacement for the mess that is now in the White House.
On another note, Bolton said that Giuliani is a hand grenade, well Giuliani is a hand grenade that did not explode to the level of impeachment. Trump is the wrecking ball who has demolished so many American institutions. While, the Democrats get it that Trump must be voted out of office, the Rebuplicans think that he is their only champion who is fighting to accomplish their goals. In trying to work the Republican goals Trump is trampling even the Republican party itself. Trump has even distracted the Democratic leadership to the extent that instead of working for the American people their priority is bringing the wrecking ball again and again to Trump's standing. They should wake up to the fact that his base will not budge. In the meantime we Americans are suffering. Now that the impeachment saga is coming to a close the Democrats must focus less on Trump's lawlessness and more on solving our problems.
8
I have been watching the corruption and criminality of trump and company intently since he came down the escalator.The Access tape should have been the end of it. It wasn’t. It would take all night and maybe tomorrow and the next day to list all of the destructive acts committed by this would be dictator. His assaults on our country, our security, safety and the rule of law, are happening. Daily. And Trump has lots of help from people in office in Congress, in his administration and in what was once the GOP . They will cover, lie, or pay him public homage even as he thumbs his nose at any who challenge his authority. “I can do anything I want!” he has told us. Why that help is there is a broader question, but one overarching reason is that the GOP is now (and has been for years) protecting against loss of power and control traditionally held by very wealthy White men. (Fact). Another basis for these assaults on everything from the environment to education and weakening of allied relationships is what Steve Bannon said would be the role of this presidency- deconstruction of the administrative state. This is taking place daily. We need a running ticker tape of the wreckage. If the impeachment showed us anything, it is that such destruction includes the blurring, weakening of the constitutional divide between the three co equal branches of our government. Yes. It’s that serious. So be exhausted.Take a break, but be alert to what is happening. The ground is shaking beneath us.
41
@Fredrica Gray Good summary of Trump and GOP, but I see him/it as a symptom rather than (purely) the problem.
Sure, some of Trump's (and GOP) votes came from revenge/hatred of the coastal libs, monied self-interest, ignorance, cultism, et. al... but many (millions?) of them voted for Trump as a way to fix the totally corrupted, feckless, incompetent and unrepresentative gubmit in Washington.
And I must admit, even if such voters were naive or misinformed (not to mention wrong) regarding Trump, I don't disagree with their sentiment/motivations: I agree that this is no doubt the worst government that money can buy, and has been since Raygun.
However, if after the past 4 years these voters can't see Trump for the fraud that he obviously is... and vote for him again... then they are just unpatriotic, idiotic shills.
America is lost. Too divided by factions, one pointing to the past and one pointing towards the future. Trump knows that the authoritarians will, he just doesn’t realise that they speak Chinese.
6
Perhaps copious amounts of drugs,or a really intense hobby would alleviate my intense ire and scorn for the GOP. Perhaps it is observing too many of my fellow Americans practising that most exceptional trait of "American Exceptionalism" which is sticking one's head in the sand. This century hasn't been particularly good. The GOP has slyly ,either by hook or by crook, compromised, and decimated my country. From the theft in 2000, 911 which happened under the GOP watch,yellow cake lies,Halliburton,Blackwater,the Soviet tactic like "Swiftboating", and the financial collapse. All under purview of the GOP. And that was just the first eight years of the new century. Then hope and promise blew in,and on the tails were bigotry,slander,resentment,and yes,unabridged hate; with a huge case of amnesia. So,yeah,fatigue was a factor before this latest GOP Frankenstein resulted.
85
But it wasn’t the GOP that killed 58,000 Americans and who knows how many Southeast Asians. It all started with JFK and continued with LBJ.
@Richard Actually it began with Eisenhower.
2
We should not confuse or conflate the maintenance of an emotional state with accomplishment.
Have your feelings. Let them guide how you pace your work and when you need to rest or vacation.
But most of all make a commitment to work and action. Vote, get others to vote, lead marches, hold economic boycotts, let your money and time consciously reflect your values.
Discipline, commitment and persistent work to right the ship are what we need. We will feel all kinds of things along the way. Keep the eye on the ball about the work itself and keep at it.
17
@Sarah
“Lead economic boycotts.” “Trump would be toast if the economy weren’t still growing.” Would a Democratic boycott of non-necessities affect the 2020 election? Is it worth a try?
Even I can feel the stress, and i live in Sweden. It is so frustrating that I can do nothing to influence the american election. If only i lived in Ukraine.
63
@Anders Wallenberg - We are more connected than we realize. Boris Johnson and Brexit had me stressed and frustrated as well.
@Anders Wallenberg
Thanks for laugh-line, I needed that this morning.
@Anders Wallenberg
Thanks for the laugh!
It is now clear that Trump will only be removed from office by the 2020 election. To pass progressive legislation and secure favorable judicial appointments, the senate also needs to be overturned, a daunting challenge.
Winning the Presidency and the Senate will require talking to people who have not already made up their minds, particularly in battleground states, LISTENING carefully to their concerns and aspirations, and engaging in dialogue that helps them consider voting for change. It also will require getting organized to get people out to vote who too often don't make it to the polls (young people in particular). Organization and community effort are critical. The Civil Rights movement succeeded in the south through its base in the churches, but was less successful in areas where community organization was lacking.
Reading the NY Times and posting comments may help if it brings people together, if it motivates people to get active in ways that build bridges to those who are undecided, and ensures that people who will vote blue get to the polls.
Trump is a divider who breeds cynicism, dispair and anger. People who want positive change should be uniters who find common ground with others, raise hopes for a better future and spread good will.
The Presidential election can be won with a slim majority if battleground states are won, but progressive change requires changing people's hearts and minds as well, and getting people to the polls.
18
The current American zeitgeist is still actively populist. Little has changed since 2016 and the economy is still humming. The Republicans have their media master incumbent with his loyal Twittering mob. The Democrats need a populist of their own to answer the call and excite millions of new voters across America. Don’t bore us back to Trump.
6
@Joel H
That darn populism. Having people decide their representatives. Outrageous.
1
Well, my team lost the Super Bowl tonight. At first I thought what a fitting end to a really bad week. Another loss, another defeat. But then I analyzed these past seven or so days and realized that to not be victorious this time around does not translate into continuous defeats. On the contrary, the 49ers will learn their weaknesses and what needs to be improved, just like thousands of us have learned what has gone wrong and know exactly what needs to be done to heal a wounded and ailing nation. Like a pro football team, it will take strategy, focus, and hard work. But we are up to the task ahead, and we are ready, willing, and able. This week Trump will yell his self-congratulatory State of the Union. The next day he will probably be “acquitted” by his fellow cowards in the Senate. I will watch neither on TV. It is but noise, and I will not let it distract me from focusing on the next President who will be a real one...and a Democrat.
44
@Kathy Lollock The Democrats lost a battle, but hopefully, they can still win the war.
2
"...I meet people — intelligent, interested and interesting people — who say that they have simply had to disengage from the news as an actual means of mental health and spiritual survival."
Blow has identified a real problem and offered good points. But there are further distinctions to be made. For starters, "fake news" is a real thing, but just not in the way that Trump suggests. The line between real news and political entertainment has been blurred and needs to be reestablished.
Take, for example, the Senate impeachment hearings about to conclude. We have known from the beginning that the prospect of finding 67 votes for conviction was impossible under any plausible scenario. This means that the Senate hearings from start to finish were simply an exercise in political entertainment.
If you enjoy that sort of thing, you may have found it amusing or even instructive. But as for keeping up with real news, watching the hearings was nonessential. Nothing happened except the utterly predictable. If you decided instead to take a walk or read a book, you missed nothing of consequence.
The point is that we are under no sacred civic duty to absorb meaningless political entertainment. And if the exercise makes you tense, depressed or nauseous, then by all means you should change the channel. We suddenly find ourselves adrift in a sea of information far too vast for us to comprehend in its entirety. We need to intelligently choose which items to admit and which to exclude.
23
@woofer
Whether you call it a show or not, the trial should be watched so you, without an interpreter, will know how those Senators conducted themselves.
If you watched the House conduct impeachment proceedings, you would know how seriously and professionally they did their duty.
If you watched the (R) Senate conduct trial proceedings, you would know what a sham it was and the extent of their corruption which amounts to an attack on our system of government.
The information the House gave us on this President was easily comprehended and supported by brave and honorable witnesses. Testimony of Dr. Fiona Hill and Ambassador Yovanovitch were enough to justify watching hours of the hearings. I encourage anyone who has not seen the hearings to do so. They are not entertainment or a non-event we could easily do without to decrease our stress levels.
They should be watched for a lot of reasons but the first is to restore our faith in the government and how we might make it better by electing leaders who are as intelligent and honorable as the brave people who came forward. ...and, also, to observe the tour de force put on by the Democrats headed up by Schiff and Nadler. Of those we can be proud.
50
@Blanche White
The House was non partisan? Well, not really. They allowed no witnesses by the other side. Sounds fair don’t you think.
1
Part of election stress is directly related to the dysfunction in the process. Two full years of running for POTUS with all the attendant cash required and all the media outlets cashing in means that once you've won you're already running for the next election. Narrow the the election cycle, as do most major western democracies and offer public financing for candidates who meet the minimum requirements. Congress is a whole other dumpster fire where the revolving door between K Street and the Capitol means that congresspersons and senators are not going to pass legislation that could hamper their pay day upon retirement. We could outlaw that revolving door and perhaps offer better retirement benefits to former lawmakers.
13
@BaadDonkey Vote them ALL out.
Then go after the lobbyists.
Then move on to public financing of elections.
We get the best government money can buy.
That is what to change.
1
I have been voting in local, state, and federal elections for almost fifty years and I have never voted for a Republican - and never will. Having said that, I am one of the frustrated, cynical, and dispirited, and while I will vote in November as I have always done, asking for "excitement and enthusiasm" at this point is a bridge too far.
26
I'm 1 of those who disconnected for the past month-plus. I feel much better for having done so. I'd been in a state of near-hysteria for the past 3 years. I knew it was going to be bad, but I had no idea it would be this bad.
I'm reconnecting a little, but limiting myself to reading about the Democratic primaries & candidates. My intention is simply not to read anything about Trump. What more do I need to know? He is the worse angels of our nature personified.
Although I'm going to try to stay semi-disconnected, it doesn't mean I won't show up to vote in November; regardless of who the Democratic candidate is, I'll be there.
And I'll vote in the primaries, though the contest is usually decided by the time New Jersey has its primary. In case it isn't decided, I'll keep reading about the Democratic candidates because I don't know who I'll vote for yet. I want the much-needed radical change promoted by Sanders & Warren, but I want Trump defeated first and foremost. I'm worried that radical change will scare off Republicans who haven't sold their souls, many independents, even some Dems.
I'll also donate to a few senatorial campaigns (e.g., Amy McGrath, running against the traitorous Mitch McConnell).
What really matters is voter turnout in the swing states. Is there a way I can help with that from NJ? I welcome any suggestions.
Bottom line: We can't give up. We have to try to save our country. Do what you have to for your mental health, but vote Democrat in November.
61
@JediProf
We all must get politically active: manning phone banks for purple state nominees, going to the purple states (Pennsylvania for you) and canvassing door-to-door registering voters, and volunteer for the swing state nominees. Democrats must win back the Senate, the House, and state legislatures in addition to defeating Trump.
15
@JediProf
In order to win back the Senate the Democrats need a candidate who inspires NEW voters to come out. Bernie Sanders is the only candidate who is attracting significant numbers of new voters among the young, the poor, and minorities. He also performs best among independent voters who feel that both parties have been corrupted by money. And most of all, the New York Times map of donors shows that Bernie outperforms all other Democratic candidates in rural counties. So Bernie is the most plausible path for the Democrats to take the White House, take back the Senate, and transform the terrible Supreme Court through appointments.
1
@JediProf My favorite get-out-the-vote effort is writing postcards. You might like to volunteer with Postcards to Voters - do a web search and it should pop up in your results. Write on!
1
I think that in the long run we will look back at this and see that there was good news and bad news.
The good news is that Trump will be the worst president between the years of 2016 and 2116. That is to say, things will get better.
The bad news is that things will never be perfect.
Probably the shocking news will be that Trump loses in November. And people can start rebuilding the nation.
But things will never be perfect, and it isn't sure that we won't have to wait another 4 years. But there is hope, he may be gone sooner than one would guess.
5
Election stress disorder. Post-election stress disorder. All of the other Trump-related syndromes one sees written about with apparent seriousness. These are all certainly first-world emotional luxury-good disorders. Since the election cycle never stops this must be a great deal of stress to process for those having trouble coping. And all of this in times of relative health and prosperity. It may get worse, too, since it is at least even money that, no matter the electoral energy expended, the upcoming election will be a replay of the last.
2
I'm excited about a candidate, Bernie Sanders. And terrified at the same time that pundits may be right and he would be too easily labeled or portrayed as too far left for a crucial number of people in the deciding states.
Nevertheless, I'll vote for him enthusiastically, and vote for the eventual Democratic nomenie as enthusiastically, no matter who he or she might be.
Exhausted, yes; despaired, no!
17
@Sha I will enthusiastically vote for Bernie if he is the candidate who wins the primaries. I fear, though, that the hard core Bernie supporters will sit out the election if their man does not win, and that we will have four more years of Trump. That would be a sure disaster.
6
@Harold Johnson All the more reason to support Bernie in the primaries. The Pew analysis said that about 10% of Bernie primary voters switched to Trump in the general election. Keeping them on board would have been enough to stop Trump.
6
I'm excited about a candidate, Bernie Sanders. And terrified at the same time that pundits may be right and he would be too easily labeled or portrayed as too far left for a crucial number of people in the deciding states.
Nevertheless, I'll vote for him enthusiastically, and vote for the eventual Democratic nomenie as enthusiastically, no matter who he or she might be.
Exhausted, yes; despaired, no!
4
Consider Pennsylvania in the 2016 presidential general election. Hillary Clinton won over 2.9 million votes and wound up losing by just 44,000 votes. If for every 66 people who opted for HRC just *one person* who threw away their vote on a third-party candidate (or who didn't vote at all) could have been convinced to vote for her, she would have won the Electoral College in that state. In Wisconsin, the 66 people above become 61 people. In Michigan, the 66 people become 206 people. Roughly speaking, if for every 100 people who voted for HRC in 2016 just one person who didn't vote for her could have been convinced to do so, she would have won the EC in all three of those states. So this time around, if we could manage to convince just one more voter per 100 Democratic voters to vote for the eventual Democratic nominee, Democrats would win all three of these states (given 2016 conditions). That doesn't seem like too much to ask, does it? And it would give us something to work on to combat election fatigue.
43
Blue Moon, great mathematical analysis...thank you! To think it could have been the difference between Clinton and Trump, between stability and chaos, between justice and notoriety, if only we worked a little harder to inform our neighbor, family, and friends.
13
@Kathy Lollock
I'm just quantifying what many other commenters have said recently: that Democrats should woo voters who didn't vote the last time (for whatever reasons) or threw away their votes. They're a key voting cohort. And I suspect we can do a lot better with them than just what I say above.
I hope Democrats will unite against Trump and his GOP. I think Trump supporters are pretty immovable. I worry about "swing" voters simply because, well, how can they still be on the fence after everything we've already seen from Trump and his fellow Republicans!?
Our best chance is bringing the non-voters/third-party voters from 2016 back into the Democratic fold ... and pronto!
13
@Blue Moon
Apparently the Democrats think the best to persuade those voters is too ridicule them. Surely a winning strategy.
I’ve never seen more excitement, engagement and determination to GOTV and end the nightmare of the most corrupt and divisive president in modern American history.
Not just the normally politically active people, but thousands of folks who’ve never volunteered or contributed to a campaign in their life are out knocking on doors, making calls and donating repeatedly small amounts when they are able.
I’m very inspired and optimistic that not only we we will defeat Donald Trump but that a massive movement of the people for democracy, justice and compassion is being born.
The slogan of the movement, Not Me Us, says it all.
22
Voting is, indeed, crucial. Helping to get out the vote, or any other personal action to restore reason and honor to our government, is not only a palliative to despair, but can achieve desired political results. Onward!
9
It's always more productive to think that things could be worse than that they couldn't be.
For example, it appears that Mr. Trump's State of the Union address will be before the Senate vote, not after, and while his performance probably won't sway any Republican senators it may make some of them wince a little in private.
Even if this impeachment isn't itself the avalanche sweeping Mr. Trump out of the White House, it's part of it, and the rest continues to happen. The GOP is betting that the U.S. electorate is apathetic or ignorant, and it's our job to prove we're not.
If anything can stir bipartisan concern, it's probably provable tax criminality. The IRS whistleblowers, according to the Washington Post, have complaints about political appointees interfering with the normal VP/President audit process. It will be hard to argue that anything it turns up is OK -- not necessarily about Mr. Trump's personal returns, but the way he and his administration have handled his tax sensitivity.
7
@grennan "If anything can stir bipartisan concern, it's probably provable tax criminality." Nothing will stir Republican concern. We already know his taxes contain fraud - that's why he is hiding them. Mueller tagged him for obstruction and then pulled his punch. Everyone knows he's a criminal. Forget the Republicans.
While unable to turn away from the news very much, I respect the wisdom of those who do so according to their needs. It may be that I have the need without the wisdom.
Stepping back lets you survey the scene in all kinds of context: historical, emotional, strategic, tactical. It also restores the soul, as you mention, which can be essential to survival when walking through a valley such as this.
At bottom, the differences in response may be personal ones. Some people do their best work by staying immersed; others, by staying detached till the crucial moment. Some of us must flit this way and that while trying to get our heads around the task.
If others seem indolent or hysterical by one’s own lights, it’s important to believe that we will each play our part in the final act.
6
I logged 162 phone calls to congress over impeachment circus week, and I know I'm not the only one. I have no intention of letting up. I'm furious, in despair. My heart is broken. I'm exhausted and stressed. But our kids are looking to us to leave them a better world, not a scorched earth and a tattered, bloodied democracy. We have a duty to prevent our world from falling apart, no matter how hard the fight is. Scores of people died for this democracy, and for the rights and freedoms and advantages we have long taken for granted. Let's not take them for granted anymore. I think about the vulnerable who can't fight. I think about kids at the border. I think about the mass species extinction we are in the middle of. I think about homeless families. And when I'm really down I think about Harriet Tubman. She nor any of the people she helped to freedom knew if they would live another day. She didn't sit down and say, I'm too tired. And her fight was truly arduous. She did it in pain. If she, and so many others like her could do it, I can do it, and so can we all. Let's turn this ship around! We can!
145
@Anda You've said everything beautifully, I feel exactly as you: exhausted, despairing, throughly stressed yet determined to fight tooth and nail to save this democracy. Know that you aren't alone, and I'm not either, there are many just like us who are doing everything we can think of to save our country. It's ok to take breaks, sometimes it's the only way to recharge and get back to it. And thank you for all you do, you're such an asset.
10
I am not so much disengaging as choosing how and when I engage. Obsessively absorbing info via the 24-hour news cycle and on social media has been counterproductive for me. Staying informed of the facts, and finding ways to really make a difference, makes much more sense. Vote, get involved with local politics, donate to progressive organizations, write to your senators.
19
I am a Navy Vietnam veteran ('65-'69) and a retired federal prosecuting attorney (1995-2010).I am a lifelong Democrat who worked for George McGovern's '72 presidential campaign.
And while I have been disheartened with several subsequent elections since then: Reagan, W., and 45, I have not given up and will not give up now that our democracy hangs in the balance.
So Charles Blow has it right. Our goal is to defeat 45. To accomplish this task all Democrats must unite to save our republic. That means each of us must put our country before our own preferred candidate when he or she is not the nominee without exception.
Moreover, as all but one candidate falls by the wayside we must be prepared to acknowledge that our efforts were worthwhile. However, we must further acknowledge that much more difficult days lie ahead if we are to save our country from the would be dictator.
In this regard, I am prepared to stand up and fight again for my country and the rule of law, are you?
238
@Richard Yes I am. I'm an AF brat and was once a paralegal. I've avoided having a favorite candidate, all I care about is getting rid of trump and I'll work hard to support whoever gets the nom. Democrats can be unruly, I hope everyone realizes what's at stake and unifies. I think we will.
15
@Richard ...I am sir
2
@Richard ;
And we must pay attention to more than the presidential election. The house and Senate are just as important.
6
Just what I needed to hear! Thank you for the timely push, and please keep doing it when our spirits are low. Last week was a beat-down. Time to pull up our socks, gather the troops and resources, and keep fighting. Fighting as if our lives depend on it - because they do.
We are better than what Trump and McConnell have done to us. Stand up and show them what America and the 99 per cent deserve.
22
The first thing Steve Bannon taught Trump was always dominate the news cycle. He's certainly done that, and it's the main cause of our political exhaustion. You just can't get away from Donald. It's also a cynical tactic to gin up his base and make everyone else feel like moving to New Zealand.
Mr. Blow is correct we have to stay engaged. That's becoming increasingly difficult for many due to gerrymandering, voter suppression, voter I.D. laws, intimidation and everything red state Republicans can think of to suppress Democrats from voting.
Then there's the Electoral College, where white working-class voters give Trump an unfair advantage, so he can lose the popular vote by millions and still get re-elected. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to check out flights to New Zealand.
20
@Mark McIntyre New Zealand's immigration rules are very strict. You have to own a business or be able to prove you have plenty of money to contribute to their economy. The only person I actually know who was able to satisfy their requirements is a trust fund kid with big bucks.
1
@Mark McIntyre
You are welcome in Australia too with the caveat that the United States needs good people like you to stay to defend your country from this terrifying attack on democracy.
America needs you.
2
I'm determined. Enthusiastic? Not so much. But I am optimistic. "We" are the majority. The ones who want to progress, not look back for a world that never was anyway. And the demographics are with us. Not to mention reality--climate change is reality, income inequality is reality, stressful or non-existent healthcare is a reality. The world is changing and Trump and his minions can't hold back the tide forever.
14
“You simply can’t afford to stay disconnected.”
I think Charles puts things in perspective. For people who have hung in there and stayed connected I think it’s time to take a little time to absorb what has happened. It’s hard to imagine how corrupt the bullies running our government are. Trump, Mitch, Pompeo, Barr, Mulvaney, Kushner, Miller and so many others are taking our country in a really bad direction.
I think about the only way out of this horrific mess is for the people of this country to realize that if the 2020 elections may be the last chance to salvage our Democracy. It’s not going to be easy but the decent people of this country need to pull together and do what is right.
16
Charles, I can't tell you enough how often I hear a number of my progressive friends say that they can not read the news anymore, that they are disengaging, that it's affecting their health, ad infinitum. The biggest excuse is when they say, "What difference does it makes anyway? We don't have a chance against the Trump machine." At that point, with a huge effort to control my Sicilian temper (thanks, Dad), I calmly tell them that with that attitude we WILL lose. I then proceed to send them articles from the Times, specifically from our op ed contributors like you, Charles, and your colleagues (even the Republican ones). I also tell them the time and the station to tune into Rachel Maddow to not only enhance their political knowledge but also for encouragement. Truthfully, without the Times and MSNBC, I would have sought refuge in a cloistered convent by now. That is an exaggeration, but you get the drift. Frankly, with each egregious action of Trump, of Barr, of Pompeo, and now of the Republican Senate, I become more determined to end this dictatorial and corrupt reign of the worst of the worst. And as the last line of this essay states, "You simply can't afford to stay disconnected." Our health, our environment, our diverse social fabric, and most of all our kids will be the ones to suffer; and suffer they will.
62
The more the DNC and establishment folks like Hillary Clinton and John Kerry try to manipulate the Democratic nomination, the more I donate to Bernie and there are hundreds of thousands who think exactly the same.
Step back, accept none of the centrists candidates inspire like the young Obama, and let us win this election. And please, don’t push to make a moderate Republican billionaire the head of our party.
21
@Anne
I'm not voting for socialism. You could choose someone like Warren or Klobuchar or Yang--people who have actual thoughtful plans and budgets, not just "we'll make someone else pay for everything."
But you insist on selecting the single person who is a declared Communist sympathizer. Sorry, both Socialism and Fascism are based on the LIE that you can (and should!) get something for nothing. No. Wrong. Pay for what you get is the only moral and sustainable way to live with others.
Bloomberg is not close to my first choice, but he is better than Trump in the ways that actually matter (he can read, for one), and better than Bernie in that he actually knows how to budget, and doesn't believe in getting something for nothing.
PS Obama was catnip for suckers who saw his skin color and assumed that meant "revolution." Duh. No. He was just a smart, thoughtful, and hard working man that happened to be black. Racist whites saw his skin and thought he was some kind of revolutionary (and I include the liberals who thought of him as some sort of savior).
1
@Anne
I don't care so long as you vote Democrat.
1
One of the most discouraging and exhausting developments is the alleged strength of Bernie as the candidate to oppose Trump in the general election. Given the choice in the general election most voters would simply find Bernie's 1930s style isolationism an unacceptable alternative to Trump. Already, according the latest Wall Journal Poll fully 43% of the general electorate are "very uncomfortable" with Bernie, compared to only 37% for Joe Biden. This strongly suggests Bernie would be a much weaker candidate against Trump in the national election.
14
@David ....if the DEMs nominate Bernie or Liz, we hand the Oval Office to Trump for 4 more years
@David I believe if Bernie wins the nom trump will demolish him, he has a plethora of skeletons in the closet and trump and his minions will hammer them ad nauseam. All I care about is getting rid of trump, we can't go in the direction of Bernie.
@David
Lol...so both beat DT's 49% "very uncomfortable".
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6750229-200053-NBCWSJ-January-Poll.html
(Note, Bernie leads amongst RV Dems. for Pres. )
Please include any links to back up this supposed 1930's isolationism of Berns. Thanks in advance.
The man is extremely NOT isolationist, as his foreign policy speech (which garnered high praise) and history proves out.
Here is that speech in transcript form: https://www.vox.com/world/2017/9/21/16345600/bernie-sanders-full-text-transcript-foreign-policy-speech-westminster
Here it is in video:
https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/bernie-sanders-just-gave-the-progressive-foreign-policy-speech-weve-been-waiting-for/
Yes, Sanders is for Books, Bread and Brotherhood; he isn't for Bombs, Blood and Bullying as another candidate has a history of. You think after 20yrs of constant war, millions of lives' lost, including thousands of our sons and daughters, trillions of dollars wasted, and 0 to show for it but lies and now excuses of "I made a mistake..."
Sorry, but one candidates foreign policy record is vastly better and more often correct than another's.
Alleged strengths, vastly weaker...Lol...Which do you think America wants and needs, a candidate that pleaded with his $$$ donors that "Nothing will change!"...or change.
Vote accordingly...but remember to VOTE~!
1
The House called 17 witnesses and tried and convicted Trump based on what they said was “overwhelming” evidence. But now they need more witnesses? No, they have not been satisfied since Trump began his 2016 campaign. They never will be.
6
@ehillesum
The House didn't convict Mr. Trump, but impeached; the Senate will vote to convict or acquit.
"not been satisfied since...."
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Mr. Trump has never used the word "responsibility" about his end of the deal.
13
@ehillesum Doesn't it bother even a little that McConnell stated quite clearly before the election that he was working hand in glove with Trump's lawyers or that Senators like Lindsay Graham had already decided how he was going to vote before the trial had even begun?
1
The authoritarians want people to tune out. Nothing could be a bigger mistake. That is a recipe for fascism. I think the best way to stay engaged is to join an organization that is fighting Trump and the Republicans. That way you get a steady stream of emails or other communications describing what Trump and the Republican are doing and how to fight back. Staying away from cable news is probably a good idea since it is fatiguing to keep up with. To save democracy it is critical that Trump be defeated and if that fails then it is critical that the Democrats take control of the Senate. Democracy cannot survive with an authoritarian president and a rubber stamp Senate. Our system of government is no longer working and that is what Trump and the Republicans want. Only voters can revive it.
32
@Bob
In order to defeat Trump, the Resistance will have to come up with a politician who is appealing and a platform that is appealing. Hillary was not successful at complaining that anyone who did not vote for her was evil.
It is authoritarian/totalitarian for the Democrat establishment to deny the results of the election and instead to spend their efforts attempting to overturn the election.
If you do not agree with the results of an election, their is nothing more autocratic than arranging a coup. Democrats need to allow democracy to rule.
5
1) Hillary never said any such thing. Also, she’s not running again. You’re stuck in 2016.
2) Impeachment and removal from office is not “overturning the results of an election.” Mike Pence would have become president, not Hillary Clinton. (Remember Mike? You voted for him, too.)
Under your rules, no president could ever be removed from office. Not sure how you square that with the constitutional provisions for impeachment.
@ebmem
She never said that and she won.
1
I am normally a pretty positive person, but I can feel a Trump depression coming on and absolutely dread the thought that he might be re-elected. Do you have a plan for that ? Does anybody ?
8
@Helmut Wallenfels My therapy for Trump depression is to join up with some event -like phone banking for canvsting for a candidate I like. Not necessarily a presidential candidate. State governments are important because Tump's power is predicated on gerrymandering.If you can get Dem majority in your State House and your State Senate they can redress the gerrymandering. We'll have a fairer vote that includes communities that are marginalized . If that happens we'll be able to grow the majority in US Congrss. So much happens at the state level. I'd find someone you like and volunteer for her.
1
@Helmut Wallenfels yes--we beat him.
Living, as we are, in a nascent banana republic, I wonder what makes anyone think 45 will gracefully leave office if Dems win in November? Seems wildly optimistic. I predict we’ll be hearing about fake election, etc... and a peaceful transition of power will be just a fantasy not reality. a
12
@Dede Wilder
If Trump is re-elected, Democrats will riot in the streets and burn their cities.
If a Democrat is elected, Republicans and Trump supporters will go back to work and campaign to elect Republicans.
Think about it. Did McCain supporters boo Obama at his inauguration or attempt to violently block Trump supporters from attending his inauguration? Did Republicans in the Senate filibuster Obama cabinet nominees? No they confirmed six on inauguration day and another seven within the week. Democrats slow walked the confirmation of 13 Trump cabinet members for over two months and the SM complained that Trump's administration was disorganized.
Did McCain supporters have resistance rallies the day after the inauguration?
Democrats did not have any complaints when Bill Clinton was elected with 43% of the popular vote and a majority of the Electoral College. But Trump is somehow illegitimate with 46% of the popular vote and a majority of the Electoral College.
But for the Electoral College, Bill would have lost the election to the runoff and Hillary would be a bitter Arkansas housewife instead of a bitter housewife in Westchester.
@Dede Wilder. Do you not see that it was Hillary and the Dems who have never accepted the results of the 2016 election and have tried to upset that election for 3 years? Conservatives and Republicans follow the rules; lefties never, ever do.
"... This phenomenon of “news avoidance” has taken on an acute peculiarity in the age of Trump. …"
I follow the news, thus will continue to keep myself informed.
It is detached, clinical, vetted, fact based, stress free. In any conversation with GOP supporters, I simply recite dry facts, never heated rhetoric, no charge words, never conclusions. Think Dragnet's Joe Friday's tagline: "Just the facts, ma'am".
As I long ago passed my threshold of tolerance for all things GOP. Every single last GOP politician in the house, senate, and executive is corrupt, bought, owned. Every last one of these politicians need to be flushed out of positions of power in the govt. This will be reflected in my voting pattern for the foreseeable future.
12
@oldBassGuy. If you don’t also read the Wall Street Journal or watch Fox News (not Hannity but the news), you have a very provincial at best and terribly biased at worst view of what is happening in the world.
Yes, voters must remain enthusiastic and determined, and they must also vote for whomever the Democratic nominee is.
Period.
No way the Dems can win if those who are upset that their favorite candidate is not the nominee, stay home.
Those folks are de-facto voting for Trump.
Period.
Vote Blue no matter who!
23
@Equilibrium
many voters indicate in the polls they simply cannot vote for Bernie in the general election, even though they do not like Trump. Man people can't "Vote Blue no matter who"
2
@David
Then, respectfully they should wake up.
If Sanders is the nominee then the choice is him or Trump. Period.
And if you don't vote, then you are essentially casting a vote for Trump.
17
@Equilibrium
Bernie and his bros are just a fun-house mirror to Trump and his goons. All are based on fear and entitlement to getting something for nothing.
So, no, I won't be voting for Fascist Trump, but I also won't be voting for Socialist Bernie.
This used to be a country where people were proud to pay for what they got. Not inherit it, not expect the government big-brother to deliver it.
I think it'll be interesting to see how many people will still follow the news if the market crashes and economy goes under because of coronavirus fears. A lot of tech companies rely on China for intermediary parts, and tech has been leading the way in market gains. The manufacturing sector is already in recession. And Trump's decision to leave some tariffs on China will further exacerbate the problem. People could turn away from the news or become really interested in it by the panic.
3
Only two candidates can win: Bloomberg from the center as he’s the only one rock solid credible on keeping the economy going and Bernie from the left by bringing workers back to the Democrats. I prefer Bernie to stick it to the DNC that once again can’t let the people decide without manipulating, but would be fine with either one.
6
America ended not at the moment Trump was elected but in a long slow process that began when The Federalists under Adams started their relentless pursuit of a country under law to combat their fear of Jeffersonian democracy.
Despite what others may have called insanity, Alan Dershowitz explained how a nation of law had become a nation of sophophists and lawyers. Jefferson called for a new constitution for every generation. A nation of law cannot stop the world from moving on. I remember William F. Buckley; he believed in many things I do not believe in but above all he did not believe in democracy. That is why the GOP never ever referred to America as a democracy they referred to it as a constitutional republic. Russia is a constitutional republic.
Thank you Charles but Donald Trump is just a symptom of a nation debating democracy or plutocracy and elections in a land where the only political consensus is cynicism needs to confront the root of its dysfunction.
I don't know if getting rid of Trump will make the situation any better or make it much worse. I am not an American but I am far from alone in worrying about what is happening south of our border.
I would start by explaining the meaning of empathy something the GOP has completely forgotten. I remember when Kennedy said "We are all Berliners." in 2020 we are all Ukrainians.
13
@Montreal Moe Adams was not really a federalist. He was the original and paradigmatic 'independent.'
To be honest, I'm a card carrying member. I'm done with the United States. I won't be voting and I won't be doing any work for the election. First time since the 1980s, but I'm done.
5
@Doug K
That's what happened in the 2016 primaries when Sanders' people said my way or the highway and we now have Trump.
It didn't have to be this way if people weren't so prone to temper tantrums.
8
@Doug K Here’s a suggestion for you. Mark November 3, 2020 on your calendar. Then, totally tune out. Don’t pay attention to any of it. Don’t get invested in who becomes the Democratic nominee. But, on November 3, go to your polling station and vote for the Democrat. You will have done your duty and we will all be grateful.
4
@Doug K wow, that's sad. You're willing to throw away your voting privilege (which should be an obligation). I'm sure Trump supporters wish there were many more like you.
1
I agree with Charles Blow and am always heartened by the withering gaze he casts upon the unfit and ill-equipped resident of the White House.
In the last gubernatorial election in Florida, progressives rejected the highly electable moderate Gwen Graham in favor of Andrew Gillum. As a staunch Democrat, I campaigned for the far-left Gillum despite misgivings about his appeal to the overall voting population. His loss set back Democrats in Florida. A loss by a progressive presidential candidate will be disastrous.
Yes, we want it all. No, we will not get it. Why we must learn this lesson over and over defies logic. As Einstein said, it is illogical to repeat a behavior and expect a different outcome. Still, Trump must not be allowed to remain in control of our country. Slogging toward November remains a sorry game with all the fanfare about a revolution led by the “Sick and Tired” one.
9
@ReggieM
But we ran your moderate presidential candidate last time and lost.
" Yes, we want it all. No, we will not get it. Why we must learn this lesson over and over defies logic. As Einstein said, it is illogical to repeat a behavior and expect a different outcome."
Yet now you're saying THIS time it will be different. Which defies the logic you said...
Your lesson only works for one faction, but doesn't apply to yours? Did I understand this correctly?
Lol...Graham lost to Gillum; Gillum lost.
Sanders lost to Clinton, Clinton lost.
Which lesson should we learn from?!
1
Filth and sickness have been a part of American life for a lonnnng time. Now it's more out in the open.
That fact doesn't make things better, but it does allow more ethically minded folks to bond together and change the culture.
Exhaustion is a problem. If one has a job, a family, a home, a hobby, possible health problems etc. They need attention 1st.
As my wife points out. The wealthy can afford to have things done for them. A big advantage in certain situations.
The rest of us need constant encouraging and strong positive leadership.
14
@Anyoneoutthere? Amen
I understand why people, so overwhelmed and exhausted, need to take a mental health break from hearing and reading about the constant reactionary depredations.
Unfortunately, that's just what the reactionaries depend on. Hate and anger are extremely motivating and energizing; these people seem to have endless reserves of patience and doggedness.
So they must be met at every turn, countered on every corner, because authoritarianism is insidious. As Neil Young put it, rust never sleeps.
That's not to say you can't take a little hiatus from time to time--an afternoon nap, a luscious dessert, or one of Bloom County's mass dandelion breaks. But not for too long.
For the price of liberty truly is eternal vigilance.
28
I am exhausted but engaged and will be an enthusiastic and determined supporter of the Democratic nominee no matter who it is. That said, it would not do any harm to my state of mind were the Sanders' supporters to do more than merely recite their eternal devotion. The comments here from that quarter are a case in point. Please, for instance, reassure us that you have prepared yourself to vote for the nominee no matter who it is. In a recent credible poll, fully 50% of Sanders supporters told us either they would not vote for the nominee if it were not Sanders or they had not yet decided whether they would. By the way, please do not pay overly much attention to the comments here bemoaning the prospects of the helpless feckless Democrats and the democracy. Yes the situation is far from good. But I believe perhaps half of those comments are posted with duplicity in mind.
13
@Robert
Care to post a link to this "50%" you state? Thanks.
Here is the latest Emerson Poll. It doesn't agree with you.
https://twitter.com/EmersonPolling/status/1220531705682984961/photo/1
It has Sanders supporters @ 16%. Still high, but not the most.
Maybe it's worth considering many/most of those "No's" aren't Dems to begin with. When you bring in cross-overs, Indy's, abstainers, disaffected, and yes, duplicitous it will affect your numbers.
Just so you feel better, yes, I a Sanders supporter will vote Blue in the GE, just as I did last pres. elect.; as did some 80+% of Sanders Primary Voters. No, I'm not a Dem.; still want my vote?
Now maybe you'd like to ask the same question of those PUMA's that are prowling around causing dissent and disunity eh?! They bailed on D's in double the number (25%) only 12 years ago. Look up above to David of Ca. comments. He says D's won't come out for a Sanders nominee.
Maybe he deserves your question as much if not more the way polling is going.
By the by...where is YOUR pledge?~! You should be fair and state as such yourself shouldn't you?~!
By the by...constant picking at scabs tends to not help heal the wound does it. Something we could all think about...unless someone is being disingenuous and divisively duplicitous on purpose huh...
1
@Robert you'd prefer apathetic and milquetoast supporters? Honestly. How do you think we beat Trump? "Shame on you" doesn't seem to be working.
1
@Josh
"@Robert you'd prefer apathetic and milquetoast supporters? Honestly. How do you think we beat Trump? "Shame on you" doesn't seem to be working."
I think my comment said nothing of the kind. To paraphrase, it said that I want folks to be not only enthusiastic but also smart. As in, make America smart again.
1
While I was sitting at home watching the presentations on television, I was deeply moved by the dedication and motivation displayed by the House Managers as well as the decorum and professionalism in their presentations in spite of disrespect from the Senators who had come in with minds made up. The House Managers are true heroes and demonstrated extraordinary courage and humility. More so than I, they all must be deeply saddened, not to mention physically exhausted after having to participate in the McConnell Side Show. I sat down and wrote each of them a note, the old fashioned kind that goes through the mail, explaining how grateful I was for their remarkable and memorable efforts.
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@Barbara Moran I would concur with everything you say, and thank you for writing those notes! I think I ought to do the same! I did e-mail Adam Schiff and told him how grateful I am, but handwritten notes have far more significance, I am sure. Thanks for the inspiration!
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A good antidote when National politics is getting you down, is to put it aside, talk a walk outside (even if it’s freezing cold, or especially when it is freezing cold!) Then, look around your community, and find something hyperlocal that you can do to help it. or help someone in it. There are lots of opportunities, and you will feel more optimistic when you you are done. It could be something as simple as seeing if your elderly neighbor needs something when you go to the store, and then doing it regularly. Everybody can use a friend in a different generation. Or it could be volunteering with a local non-profit, there are lots of them around. Or, where I live, you can add your two cents to town government by getting appointed to a committee or a regulatory board. National politics makes you feel impotent. This would make you feel empowered. .
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@Karen Think globally, act locally.
I too am going to work on local issues to keep my optimism about the future.
1
Stay strong and true to your vision. This too will pass - a revolution is coming and it will be televised.
12
@michael
We really do not need a revolution. We need normal progress towards economic and social justice.
MLK said the arc of the moral universe is long and bends towards justice. Feels like people want to make a sharp left turn onto a shortcut. I think stability and slow progress is basically the only way the little people are not destroyed. Only the wealthy think "Bernie or bust," because they know they are protected from the bust.
2
I totally understand that feeling. After watching the roll call in which the majority of the US Senate said they were not interested in hearing from any witnesses, I felt like it was time to take a real break from all of this.
If our elected officials won't even uphold the law, who will? And if they don't care if we have foreign interference in our elections, who will?
But then I realized the best way to overcome that sense of hopelessness is to do something positive. So I signed up to volunteer for Elizabeth Warren. Even at a distance, I can make a difference. And so can all of your readers if they have a candidate they like.
And if it turns out the Russians have more say in our elections in 2020 than we do, then we'll all have to figure out what our next steps are. But that's a few months away and we have to at least try to push back while we still can.
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Trump can be soundly beating by turning out the Democratic base and mobilizing all those millions who don't vote but would vote for the ticket. The Democrats won the 2018 election nationwide by 9 million votes. No reason why with demographic drift and widespread mobilization they can't surpass that margin in 2020. Trump should get no more than 45 percent of the popular vote. He had 46 percent in 2016 but that number has shrunk over four years with his white elderly constituency checking out at the grave site.
Trump can and should be defeated by a determined and united Democratic Party. Once that happens, the Trumpists must be exposed, purged and prosecuted where need be. Further, our reconstituted political order must be reformed to end the imperial presidency. We need strict ethics boards for anyone running for president in either party. An ethics board would have rejected Trump in 2015 for numerous reasons, his birtherism being on the top of the list along with his complex and scandalous business history.
Legislation should also be passed to ensure that presidential misconduct on the scales we have seen can be prosecuted while the chief executive is in office. Obstruction of justice which occurred during the Mueller investigation should be immediate grounds for impeachment or criminal prosecution. The United States should not have suffer the reckless abuses of power, including violations of the emoluments clause by any future president.
32
@Yankelnevich Hear hear!!!! Well-stated! Thank you!!!
I have no enthusiasm. I have let go of hope as a set up for disappointment. I do read the NYT, WSJ, watch PBS Newshour every day, I check in with MSNBC and CNN. I see how Trump plays off the voices that turn off the voters in the middle. The only way we can beat them is to start defying them. We need the states to just say no. Calexit with WA and OR would make great headlines. We need to stop listening to them and start listening to us. Gorget them they're a lost cause.
4
As an attorney, I would tell my international clients, in America it doesn’t matter who you know, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, all that matters is what the law says (for the most part). Now, if I say that, they look at me with a smile of mockery and disbelief. That’s what trump has done to our country, that’s what causes stress and trepidation. But what is even more stressful is that a large segment, if not a majority of our country’s populous, including the majority of our senators, don’t care about the rule of law, our constitution, or our republic. If trump wins in 2020, America will never be America again. We live in strange times, but I like Mr. Blow, would like to live in sane times.
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@Omar I believe that Americans do not understand what each of them will personally lose if the rule of law is replaced by autocracy. They are so accustomed to our system that they take too much for granted.
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@Omar
I never want to hear the Gop blabbing about Law and Order or Deficits again, the hypocracy is stunning!
5
I’m energized and excited to support Senator Sanders. And I can’t wait to cast my vote on Election Day.
Go Bernie!
7
@Zareen great but you need to be open minded in case someone else wins Primary and you still have to vote for them
Us Bernie supporters aren’t exhausted in the least. We’ve remained focused and determined and finally it’s paying off. BERNIE BEATS TRUMP.
9
I'm a Biden supporter and confess that I'm more a member of the exhausted camp than of the excited one. On the other hand, if the diagnosis is cancer it's more important to find a doctor you can trust who'll save your life with a tried and true method than one who subscribes to an experimental means of treatment that may or may not work in the end. Once your health has returned you can argue over the cure.
18
@stu freeman Yeah, but the tried and true track record is only "okay" with some arguing it is terrible from recent data (2016).
I'm ABT.
5
I understand Mr. Blow's exhortation to remain enthusiastic and determined. And a year ago, I would have agreed with him. But not anymore. It's too late.
We no longer have a democracy. We have a "Senate" that just told Trump he could do literally anything he wants, including - no, especially, rigging an election. The November election after this sham of a "trial" is a foregone conclusion. Oh, more voters may well vote for Trump's opponent rather than for him. And Dems may well win the Electoral College. But it will not matter. Trump will stay, and he has enough military and paramilitary support to ensure his reign continues.
We thought surely someone would come along and "save us". Well, news flash: It's too late. We who detest Trump have only two options at this point. Live under this dictator and hope he is overthrown, or leave (if we have the means). There are a number of thriving democracies that provide many educational and professional opportunities for their citizens. Time for those of us who can, to begin looking at these. We owe it to our families, and to our children, to raise them somewhere where they have a future. We who are Americans of color are especially at risk under Trump's regime. We are nothing more than targets, as long as he stays in power.
I have no doubt in my mind that Trump will not be removed by any peaceful means. At some point he will have his children take his place. And he will leave only at a time of his choosing.
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@Orion Clemens Quit waiting for someone to save us with a coup de grace. Just settle down for a long, determined process. Work at what you can. The state level is important--whoever is the party in power at the state house will determine congressional districting. Taking the senate will matter. Non profits and private organizations working on climate change, equity, education, media access all matter. There are hundreds of ways for you to make a difference just by giving money, even $5 would help. Go do something as simple as that. That is what will make a difference, not something grand and final.
11
Excellent column, thank you.
Very hard to disconnect nor should we. Times are too critical and we have to accept that the entire Country is wearing a hair shirt though we may not have realized that we had put it on.
So, as we suffer, we speak out in objection even though we may seem to be lonely voices. But we must never accept it or give up.
An example, the other day, I was at a little country nursery where I had taken some extra native plants from my yard. It was a nice day and a few people were around and in a conversation on politics. It was obvious they were Republicans. I was intending to cash out and leave but they pulled me into the discussion by saying they hoped I would help return Trump to office.
Knowing I was outnumbered and their minds were set anyway, why bother with my opinion, I asked myself? Yet, I also think its good for those in their bubble to hear a contrary view so I manned up and said, "I'm sorry but I cannot agree. He doesn't meet the age requirement. He hasn't gotten out of the mean three's yet."
One of them laughed a little bit but the rest looked pretty glum. Nevertheless, as long as no guns can be seen, speaking up to this outrage is the best thing.
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@Blanche White, thank you so much for speaking out. I have friends in South Carolina and know deep in the red bubble folks can be there.
19
For me, it is easier to disconnect because I retired to Panamá. But my three children still live in the US. It is hard for me to acknowledge the truth. They now live in a more economically developed version of Venezuela. Both are ruled by ruthless authoritarians. I fear for their futures.
21
There is some good news, Charles. People are starting to grasp that this is not an extreme, toxic version of excessive partisanship, but a determined and very self-conscious revolution from the far right, one that did not start yesterday but that glommed onto Trump as its unlikely fuhrer. You can read it in the comments in this paper. Two, two and a half years ago, very, very few people grasped that. Now every other commenter is talking about Germany 1933, or its equivalent. People are starting to get it. They expected the Senate to let Trump off the hook, but seeing it actually happen, and the way that it happened, has shocked people into the realization of what we are really facing. This shock is one of the positive unintended and unforeseeable consequences of the impeachment - another reason, if a retroactive one, that it was absolutely necessary to do it. I don't know if this shock will save us, but it is waking people up to the real danger, and it will give us a fighting chance.
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What worries me is all of his supporters . Not enough are waking up.
2
I dunno. I'm very excited to vote against Trump. I literally don't care who it is anymore. The Democrats could nominate Tim Kaine and it wouldn't dampen my excitement.
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@Ross Corian For the record, Tim Kaine is a fine person and a devoted public servant. It would have been our good fortune to have had him a vice president.
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@Ross Corian
I appreciate part of your comment but don't understand the shot at a fine man like Tim Kaine.
Frankly, I would hope that some of the candidates would have him on their list of VP candidates.
24
@kglen Agreed!
1
I agree. But, to make matters even worse, is the amount of false and misleading information that is being disseminated in the social media and on Faux News. It has special appeal to the "low information" voters, that are Trump's base.
21
@Phillip J. Baker
One plan is to focus on the list of companies whose advertising dollars support Fox News. CEO’s have addresses on line and companies have stockholder meetings. They don’t expect people to show up or communicate. For those who can, let’s do so.
1
The stress comes from the realization that millions of people who live in America want to destroy it and that they may well succeed. Being stressed about this is not a "disorder." It's called sanity.
253
@anita - I'm not sure they want to destroy it as much as they want to make sure that they (and their kind/tribe) hold on to power so they can control how this country of mostly caucasian citizens is governed.
5
@RB And those are the things that would, indeed, destroy our country. They have already done significant damage.
1
Just wait.
Those of us who have taken a break to preserve our own ability to be cheerful have no intention of dropping out permanently.
It is true that for many of us, none of the current Democratic candidates are perfect. None of them are as inspiring as, say, President Obama was. All of them have flaws, or risks, and therefore following this intra party race makes us nervous. Which, on top of the nightmare we're living through, is a bit too much to deal with right now.
But once the nominee, however imperfect, is chosen, we will swing into action and do whatever is required to make sure that whoever he or she is, we have a new President come November. So many people I know disagree on whether a progressive or a traditional Dem is the way to go, but agree that even if an amoeba is chosen to run against Trump, they'll be going door to door for that amoeba. No matter what, we cannot have another four years of these criminals running the country.
We may seem disengaged right now, but we're all just conserving our energy and waiting for a nominee so we can unleash all our passion. Just wait.
85
@JPFF
Thank you! Well said. Lead the way JPFF!
@JPFF I totally agree with you. I definitely have become one of the exhausted and I tune out way more than I used to just for my own sanity. It was starting to rob me of my joy and "he" cannot have that! One of the things that always makes me feel better is reading readers comments on NYT. Knowing there are so many passionate, intelligent people out there who want this nightmare to end as much I do sure does help. I also agree that whatever Dem is chosen to run against this cretin will have my full enthusiastic support and yes, I would vote for an amoeba!
Surely Trump is now emboldened by Republican unwillingness---engineered by Mitch--to convict or even censure. He can continue to play the aggrieved victim who is perfect and makes perfect calls. Strengthening his power is the stress Mr. Blow describes that envelops all those enraged by his actions---that weakens their active opposition to Trumpism. Stosny might be correct in identifying an "election stress disorder" that stops us from harping on Trump's evils when meeting with others who might include a Trump supporter. At present the plethora of Democratic candidates we have splits Trump's opposition and allows Trump freedom to lash out at all potential "enemies". He did the same when for the 2016 Republican primary he faced so many moderates that no one opponent received enough focused support to topple him---until it was too late. In the present situation facing Democratic opponents we must make certain to pick our one candidate and focus all our support on that one alone; this would allow us more support for this one candidate to rebuff Trump. The more the merrier does not apply here, One against one is a far better strategy for getting rid of him .Let us pick wisely.
4
thank you for writing this piece and keep imploring folks to stick with it (defeating Trump) in 2020.
38
I disagree Charles. Yes of course everyone needs to vote so Trump is forced out of office but the media sensationalizes the news daily and a steady diet of the news only depresses the 1/2 of the country that despises Trump.
I stopped watching the news and only read your piece because I wanted to comment about the public remaining skull locked on the next election.
The overwhelming majority of Americans already know who they voting for and no amount of information is going to change that.
Either America remains a Republic or it becomes an authoritarian state the likes of which the Founding Fathers never envisioned but feared nonetheless.
24
For me is relatively easy to see Trump for what he is: the product and the puppet of the right wing Christian organizations, ex tea party together with the far right elements of the military as well CIA and so on. One has to rationalize the phenomenon which is not unique to this country, see Poland England and Hungary not to say Turkey.
Trump did not come out a a mushroom from nothing but from a soil poisoned by the groups I mentioned.
And so it is imperative to go and vote for who will be the selected democrat (hate the idea of voting Bloomberg but with my nose close I will vote for him).
But it is also imperative to be cognizant of what lead Trump to the presidency and trying to elect a candidate that really is able to energize the electorate and the people in general, a candidate with new idea and new perspectives, a candidate with charisma and determination who is ready to listen to the average persons and stand for them.
12
“Read enough to stay informed but ... take care of yourself and pay attention to other areas of your life” is NOT "disconnecting", it's keeping it peripheral and refusing to be overwhelmed. The combined dangers of gerrymandering, voter suppression, social media lies, and election hacking are threats we must remain alert to and push back against, we can be proactive and retain some hope and even excitement at the likely prospect that Trump loses as he should.
30
Thanks, Charles; I needed that. And will continue to need such reminders between now and November
9
"When an ostrich senses danger and cannot run away, it flops to the ground and remains still."
Are we no better than a bird? .
This man is a clear and present danger and must be removed.
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@TJ
Animals evolve survival strategies because they work. Nor do they wreck their own environment or attempt to control every other species. So, no, we are no better than a bird--and often, much worse.
As Adam Schiff so eloquently reminded us, Trump continues to cheat in this election. Mueller reminded us that Russia is undermining us every day. As long as Putin’s SVR and GRU has unfettered and secret access to Trump, to the complicit GOP, and to Bill Barr, Americans can not be sure that election results are real, not rigged by the Russians.
Proof in point is that Putin has managed a trifecta of treachery by smearing Biden, undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty, and eroding Americans belief in their democracy. Trump continues to kowtow to the Kremlin. We must defeat him now.
316
It's not enough just to vote. Your enthusiasm can help bring two more people to join you and vote.
2
@Ichabod Aikem And, annul the citizenship of every member of the Murdoch family, especially Rupert.
1
@Ichabod Aikem "As long as Putin’s SVR and GRU has unfettered and secret access to Trump, to the complicit GOP, and to Bill Barr, Americans can not be sure that election results are real, not rigged by the Russians."
So if the Democratic nominee loses in 2020, all the lefties will double-down and claim that it wasn't a fair election? Huh. That's kinda funny since all the lefties think that's what Trump will do if he loses. Both sides are rather pathetic along these lines.
This was the kick in the pants I
needed. Thank you, Charles.
I've been finding peace in movies. It's like a spa treatment for the brain. Fortunately there are many to see before the Academy awards.
As I write this, I'm watching the Superbowl, which of course reminds me of what I'm trying to forget because of his grievances with the NFL. And his ads. And his issues.
Oh well. I have 2 choices: tune out or tune in. The former is self defeating, the latter maddening but no more so than it's been for past 3 years.
I'm a big girl. I can handle it. thanks again Charles for reminding us what we have to do..
213
@ChristineMcM
Knowing the Grifter has a presence on/in the Super Bowl has kept me away from it and made me stop hating the Liar for a couple of hours. And I do not even live in America.
Please get rid of the corrupt Liar that he is. Vote and rid the world of this thorn.
3
@ChristineMcM
One can tune out of TV without tuning out of current affairs for heaven’s sake. The best part of living TV-free is living far more ad-free. I whitelist the NYT as long as the ads are not offensive--when they become so, turn ad-clock back on. They can send their pleas to Google, not me.
1
@SheWhoWatches
There is a way to be commercial free without being completely TV free...the DVR. Even though I have cut way back on my television watching I stay pay for this little indulgence. Watch next to nothing live. Zap right through the commercials. Bloomberg is wasting his money trying to reach me.
2
You cut down the stress by making everything off-line. Make all political inputs asynchronous. Watch or listen to no live broadcasts,feeds, podcasts, etc. Treat everything like a book report on the Thirty Years War. Treat the election as final exam and you READ material along the term. Put a block on any article that uses words like viral, crushed, slayed or anything else that sounds like a teenager wrote it. You emerge very knowledgeable without stress and then simply go to the exam and vote. For mature adults it is an easy formula. If you start to feel hysterical, close your eyes and back away.
28
Yes yes yes. The only way I have survived 45’s reign thus far
1
Dr. Nordal's advice would have worked equally well in Germany in the 1930's and early 1940's, when there was even greater stress from media overload. As she sees it, the situation is so bad that you should turn away, keeping somewhat informed but otherwise disconnecting. Do that and things are guaranteed to get worse.
16
@Marvant Duhon Disconnecting from the news, TV, and social media does not mean disconnecting from political activism! (See my other comment.)
1
I fear we have now reached the point where, politically speaking, anything is possible. If Trump wins the election in a landslide, I will wonder to what degree other governments have been involved in manipulating voting machines. If, on the other hand, Trump loses the election, I think it possible that he declares voter fraud and, with the help of the Republican Senate, a new election is mandated. I am exhausted just considering these options.
90
How come prevention isn't zeroed in on as the cure. Schiff and Managers did Outstanding Job but why was Trump allowed on the ballot at all? Six Bankruptcies and still eligible to guard the Vault? Electoral College, Iowa "all white" Caucuses, Senators -2 per state when one state has 1% the population of another, shows this archaic system did not have effective blueprint for growth. The little hamster is just running the cage==and the Country.
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@That's What She Said
The Founding Father's feared a man like Trump obtaining the presidency--and they planned for the possibility. I am sure they would be incredulous that Trump, his nature well known, happened.
We have only ourselves to blame as we, for too long, have assumed we would always have this republic and we became complacent.
Now, we fear the implications of our reality.
Currently, prevention is only a hoped for potentiality.
First, we must vote out all members of the Republican party, at all levels-local to national. That party must pay a price for their failure to ensure that future generations have the protections of the system so well designed by the Founders that we have nearly let slip from existence.
Only then, should we succeed, can we begin to enact preventative measures to avert a repetition of this nightmare.
Representation based upon State population occurs in the House of Representatives. Each State having 2 Senators ensures equal voice of all states. This arrangement was the one of the first political compromises of our Nation. Three co-equal branches of government was to serve as checks upon each other.
The design works, execution currently leaves something to be desired.
November, 2020 marks the beginning of "The Tweaking." Vote Blue!
8
@That's What She Said Wow, we must have been watching different hearings and trials. Schiff, and an "Outsanding Job?" No, Schiff likes to hear his own voice, raising the same arguments, over and over and over again, and pursuing a goal he knew he was going to lose. That sounds like OCD to me. He needs help.
1
@That's What She Said My question also. Why did the Republican Party qualify Trump, a glaringly obvious incompetent, racist boor, as a candidate?
I’m exhausted, too, but I’m not tuning out, as I can not afford to.
But I will not be lumped as one who is being apathetic just because I support the most electable candidate.
Backing an exciting candidate who can’t defeat trump is not going to gain anything and any candidate would be a million times better than trump.
96
@mt It is important to vote Dem no matter who the nominee is, I have pledged to do so, and I really like someone other than Bernie. But he will get my vote if he gets the nod.
16
If there had been better reporting during the 2016 elections Trump might not have been elected. If each side didn't have its own collection of facts, or perhaps I should say that the GOP didn't insist upon its own collection of facts, and lies, and didn't support a man who is clearly endangering the country because they want POWER, people would not have disengaged.
My personal hope is this: if Trump wins I hope I drop dead. I do not want to live another 4 years with this man as president or with the GOP in power.
161
@hen3ry There was fairly decent reporting of how dismal Trump was in the NYT, WaPo and NPR. The problem is that most voters do not read those newspaper or listen to NPR.
That someone like Trump can become President is a reflection on how poor the civil education in American schools is and how important it is to sanction media that consistently publish misinformation.
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@hen3ry
Not ashamed to admit I wish someone would drop DEAD. Today. But NOT you. It would save us all a lot of grief, angst and Money.
Seriously.
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@hen3ry Mitch McConnell wouldn’t allow Obama to inform the electorate of Russian interference.
Don’t forget that!
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It doesn’t help that two of every four years is devoted to picking the next presidential candidate(s). There doesn’t seem to be much time devoted to governing. I understand that we don’t have a parliamentary system that would make for a shorter election cycle but there must be a better way. I need to turn off the breathless media coverage of the horse race or go mad.
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@Jc What really makes me angry are the constant Bloomberg commercials on our local stations. What is so upsetting is knowing that the super-rich can buy anything they want and force themselves on us.
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Maybe if we hadn't been hearing about this election for so very long, we wouldn't be so exhausted. Shorten up, tighten up and limit the time and money of our election cycles. Two YEARS is too long!
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@joan s I agree. Our political campaigns are ridiculously long and far too expensive. Candidates bore us to death and beg for our money, and as soon as they are elected, it starts all over again. The irony is, except when they are trolling for our money, the only people they work for are the 1% and their corporations. The rest of us can go pound salt.
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@joan s OK, lets have them every month. NOT
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Yes, voters must remain enthusiastically determined to keep tabs on the underhanded tactics that are going on this cycle, just as they did last cycle.
Politico reported last week that a group of superdelegates is entertaining the idea of forcing a rule change back to get back their power to determine the winner of the primary in order to prevent Bernie Sanders from winning, even if he has a majority of the public's votes.
The DNC changed the rules to allow Mike Bloomberg who is buying himself ranking in a primary he didn't join on time and in whose debates he didn't participate.
Politico reports today that the campaigns opposed to Sanders' candidacy are already complaining, even before the caucuses have begun, that Sanders will take the real time data that is published and claim victory tomorrow night in some kind of dishonest move.
If this is how the DNC and national Democrats are planning on conducting a fair election and expect the public to remain confident and engaged, then they only have 2016 and confirmation of every suspicion that the game is rigged to look forward to.
Be determined. Be enthusiastic. Be varied in your news diet. Verify what you read from multiple sources.
Most of all, vote!
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@Rima Regas, yes vote. And read about the candidates before you make a decision. There was no lack of information about Trump in 2016. There was no lack on Hillary either. There was a lot of fakery going on which is why it is important to read the national newspapers, to look at what candidates have voted for or against if they have a record in government. In Trump's case he had a record of saying incendiary things, making blanket and unflattering statements about other groups without considering the effects.
Read the opposition as well. I do. I don't have to agree with them but it helps to understand what they fear, want, and don't like. We are supposed to be one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for ALL.
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@Rima Regas You mention Bloomberg's attaining ranking in a primary he didn't join on time and debates he didn't participate in. What about the fact that Bernie Sanders hasn't even joined the Democratic party and doesn't participate in it until he can derive some benefit from that affiliation?
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@Cy
He has been a part of the Democratic and progressive caucuses, voting with Democrats the vast majority of the time, his entire tenure in Congress.
From the policy point of view, he's been an FDR Democrat his entire life as the party has moved further and further to the right.
People recognize Sanders' true and steady positions for honesty and trustworthiness.
Those are worker's values. Those are Democratic values.
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I’m guilty. I’ve deleted my social media accounts, all two of them. I used to love to watch the evening local and national newscasts (CBS). Now we have No-News Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in our home. I’ve embraced my personal reading like never before, and I’ve begun a new hobby to add to one I’m already deeply involved with. All this because I need to escape from what’s happening in my country.
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@Deckhand on the Pequod
No news is good news. Yes, read, read read. The absolute futility that following the news brings to me is overwhelming, I feel that I cannot do anything to change anything. Voting is a questionable solution but I guess it's better to have the illusion of some small degree of autonomy than none at all.
There was only one survivor from The Pequod, and his lifeboat was a coffin.
And Ahab said that he would smite the sun if it insulted him.
My new hobby is laying on the sofa, staring at the ceiling!
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@Deckhand on the Pequod Deleting social media accounts isn't disengaging from politics. It's self-defense against corporate and state-sponsored disinformation.
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@Deckhand on the Pequod
As long as it doesn't mean you won't vote, that's fine!! I have tuned out much news and barely watched any of the impeachment coverage in the Senate. It was too depressing to watch our checks and balances fail completely. But I know I am voting for the Democratic candidate, no matter who he or she may be. I can't imagine anything could come up that would lead me to believe that DJT would be a better choice. So in order to preserve my sanity, I limit my news intake.
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