Nancy may tear the speech up, but the impressions made on the viewers’ psyches will not so easily shred. The One Thing that Trump knows is the persuasive after-image power of television visuals and how to use it.
So, true to form, TV Reality Pretense-cum-Ringmaster Trump manically morphs the House Chamber into his Midway of Sideshows. Cameras focusing on the virtual tents pitched in the Gallery, with blatant braggadocio bravado the spectacle of the Carnival Barker unfolds:
Step right up! Watch the unbridled Pandering as the 100-year old Black Airman is called on to take a bow!
See it here! Live! In our Republican tent! The Pontificating Radio Polemist lauded with the Highest Civilian Honor right before your eyes...and IN YOUR FACE, Liberal-lovers, we adorn his golden throat with the Medal of Freedom!
Come on in! Choke-up on the surprising Return of the Battlefield Warrior dearly clutching at long last his shocked wife and little kids! Free Kleenex for your tears will be provided!
Just one thin dime - one-tenth of a dollar! - and you can see in her mother’s loving arms The Amazing Premie that Could, annihilating all Abortionist claims!
See it all now! A year scouring the land to dig up and present tonight here on my Big Fat Televised Midway, Spectacular Examples of My Stable Genius!
Barnum & Bailey knew that the Midway of ”The Greatest Show on Earth” was a Con Job.
So does Trump.
103
Bravo! I do question whether complimentary Kleenex would be provided ... in this flag wavin star spangled nation, free patriots would never accept such a blatant socialist handout!
6
@Russell Ward Yes it was a con job. But a masterful one at that. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Four years ago no one reading this ever 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 well there was no way he wins. 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 Ukraine til 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. 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.
9
@Russell Ward: Brilliant! Thank you.
As President, Trump repeatedly lied, attempted to force Zelensky of Ukraine to open an investigation of Joe and Hunter Biden by withholding military aid to Ukraine (thereby aiding Vladimir Putin) and by postponing having Zelensky over for a White meeting (again aiding Vladimir Putin) until Zelensky announced such an investigation, conducted a smear campaign against his own Ambassador to Ukraine and eventually had her ousted from her position under false pretences, and solicited information from foreign governments (Russia) regarding his own political opponents.
If you're a Republican, that was either not wrong at all, or not wrong enough to warrant removal from office.
In contrast, Nancy Pelosi publicly ripped up a speech that truly was not worth the paper it was printed on.
I hope she put the paper in the recyling bin.
9
It's about time someone stood up and said "The Emperor is buck naked."
Ms Pelosi said it loud and clear, without so much as a disparaging tweet or a personal attack on Trump's appearance, age, or hairstyle, and without otherwise disrupting is big moment.
Brillant.
20
Good for her. It's beyond time to show public disdain for a guy who disrespects his office all day, every day.
28
It is respectful of the presidency to disdain the holder of the office if Trump himself by his conduct, by his every breath, shows disrespect for it: And disrespect is far too gentle a word to accurately describe Trump's relationship with the position he holds.
16
@Dan Perfect Dan. Nailed! Thanks.
The SOTU by Trump was a valedictory address to himself and can be taken as a re-election campaign speech. It was nothing less so please do not for a moment think otherwise. I am a great admirer of Pelosi who is very adept at coping with Trump's open misogyny. And he just cannot cope with it. Good on 'er.
Now, I may be wrong but I do suspect there is a very large elephant for the US economy and its citizens in Trump's room of dreams and self-claimed achievements. It is never mentioned but the cost in US debt is now reaching into the trillions of dollars - it seems he has bought his "achievements" on a credit card that some day will have to be repaid. I really do hope that he is seriously challenged on this sooner rather than later, but it seems that no one is prepared to do so. Very sad, as when the chickens finally come home to roost Trump will probably be long gone - as usual - leaving others trying to repair the pieces of his follies. Sorting it all out will take time and will not be pleasant.
It should be pointed out that Trump did not shake the Vice President's hand, either. When Trump finished his SOTU address last year, Nancy Pelosi did a wierd applause dance, even extending her arms out at Trump when he turned around. I don't blame Trump for maintaining his distance and not really wanting to physically interact with her.
3
I have never been more disgusted with the Republicans. And I've seen many sick things. i.e. Mitch.
1
I'm on Speaker Pelosi's mailing list and get as many as half a dozen emails a day from her. No kidding, everything from donation requests to petitions to policy messages.
This morning I received one explaining why she tore up Trump's speech. It's because Trump's little campaign rally address was packed with lies to the American people and not worth the paper it was printed on. Rrrrriip!
1
Ah Nancy I love you. The only criticism that I have is that you should have bopped him on the head with the speech before you tore it up.
4
The hypocritical republicans seem so offended by tearing of paper, yet excuse election tampering and collusion with our enemies. Is there no plainer display of blind partisanship and lack of perspective?
6
To bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the racist xenophobe, Limbaugh, who has been one of the biggest contributors to feed the divisiveness in this country by spewing his right wing lies, is to not only insult previous recipients, but to render it not worth the cost of the ribbon within it's construction. If I were a recipient, I would do like John Kerry did with his silver star; throw it away. It now has no meaning. It's no accident he is diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. His breath fueled lies have done much to destroy the civility in this country.
The institution of the House and Senate are insulted by a POTUS who enters the chambers and insults the intelligence of America by speaking a lie-filled fable, under the guise of a SOTU speech.
3
Sad days for America.
President Obama was the last of the great American statesmen.
US statesmanship is dead. RIP.
5
How ungracious Pelosi & Trump were! Pelosi should've taken the high road and put out her hand so Trump could shake it. If he refuses, he looks the worst. Tearing up the speech was not a good move. She should listen to the Awesome Etiquette podcast then she'd know to take the high road.
2
She did put her hand out. trump turned his back to her.
Look on the bright side.
For the next 9 months, he'll be screaming "They tried to impeach me, the mugs, the dirty mugs!"
... reminding everyone of what a mobster sounds like.
2
His supporters KNOW he's a mobster and they like him for it.
Good for the Speaker. It was about time someone punched back at the bully... right in his face and on TV.
4
Someone said during Nixon and his crimes "whatever happened to rightgeous indignation"?! Nancy showed us. Thank you Nancy, its about time.
5
To Cadet "Sharpie" Bone Spurs -- if the 2016 election was about "the economy - stupid" be aware that the 2020 election is not. The economy was on an upward trajectory long before 2016 - the momentum was upward and stayed that way - in spite of you, certainly not because of you. The 2020 election is about the soul of America and the reputation of America. It's about reconstruction - call it infrastructure repair. You, sir, are a loose cannon ball. You and your ship of fools need to be placed back in the brass monkeys. Then, and only then. can we raise our sails and return to our course toward a more perfect union.
1
Nancy Pelosi is a great American hero.
(Now let's just hope the history books reflect that reality...even the history books used in red state America!)
The trump party dispensed with civility when they repeatedly questioned President Obama's citizenship, when they called him a liar during his State of the Union, when they referred to him and his wife in racist terms, when they went out of their way to try to publicly humiliate him by repeatedly feigning bipartisanship so that he would compromise, then rejecting his compromises, by mocking him when he cried after 20 children were slaughtered at Newtown, when they refused him his Constitutional duty to appoint a Supreme Court justice; and every time a trumpster uses the derogatory truncation "Democrat Party" on television and in speeches. These are just a few of the most memorable insults in a long, long line of them. Their "president's" tweets are a whole tome of insults and outrages.
It's long past time Democrats stopped offering their throats to these vipers. The entitlement they display in their outrage over the least slight against them is laughably disgusting, not unlike the outrageous elitism they show when every day they state directly or imply that there are "real Americans," i.e., trumpsters, and the rest of us. So, if you are genuinely "insulted" by Pelosi's behavior, GOOD. That's but a taste of how we feel several times every day.
10
These are some things that the Democrats need to implement now so as to show that they are not intimidated by this political buffoon: [1] start running full page ads in the Midwest and South about the staggering number of House bills that are piled up at Mitch McConnell's desk and how the GOP will not pass any of them [2] Start a social media war room to counter his lies and half truths [3] Stop making Iowa a showcase of democracy...it is not. Rather, have regional primaries as opposed to a string of one's and two's. [4] Push a bill for a national voting day...preferably on a week end for all can participate [5] do not rely upon the Internet for any vote tabulation or vote transmissions. [6] If Trump and his minions keep on hitting at Joe Biden and his son, hit back at his kids making the White House a gravy train for themselves [7] do a grass roots campaign of registering to vote for everyone and make sure people have a way to get to the polls. What good is it to register and you can not get a ride to the voting booth! [8] If Joe Biden stumbles, gracefully put him aside and go with Bloomberg because a "socialist" and Warren who is also for Medicare for all will NOT win. Mayor Pete is too young and has the weight of being married to a man which will not play well in the South and with certain critical age groups of black voters. I for one do not want to see a President on national TV kissing his husband.
2
I’m so tired of everyone condemning Speak Pelosi for tearing up Trump’s speech. Trump has destroyed the prestige and dignity of the office of the presidency and people here still try to make false equivalents between the speech being ripped up on national TV vs. the man who is president telling outright lies and pandering shamelessly to African Americans (me) and other people of color. Sure there are great humanitarian stories to be shared, but coming from the racist in charge, is so hypocritical it should be funny. But it’s not.
Anyone who was ashamed or thought Nancy’s behavior was undignified must be a closet case Trump supporter and just don’t know it. You cannot feel any shame or embarrassment for Speaker Pelosi’s actions if you aren’t appalled everyday by the lies and disingenuous behavior of Trump.
2
Ripping up the speech was indeed the courteous thing to do given the alternatives—lighting the nauseating diatribe of lies on fire would have been more appropriate. Bravo Madame Speaker!
3
Thank you, Madame Speaker. You made my day....
4
What happened to "when they go low, we go high?"
5
Trump is tearing the treasury to shreds, and the country apart, together with the climate and treaties like NATO. Those are the actual problems, not Pelosi tearing the blab.
All the applause and showcased pretend greatness, they're just instruments of distraction from the Reverse Robin Hood heist on the treasury, greedily groped empty so the kleptocratic yachting class can extend its death grip on everything, a heist designed to bankrupt all the real greatness to smithereens.
He boasts the economy but leaves out it thrives on the same credit card that is set and ready to ruin it, preying on entitlements.
He boasts the new edition of NAFTA, where it is practically the same as the old one with little change except some crucial pro-worker measures and protections that the Democratic Congress demanded in return for its signing on to it. He boasts it for the one thing it doesn't do: bring manufacturing jobs back. It's an empty boasting over a false shine, diverting from the deviously installed time-bomb to destroy it all: the deficit explosion for zilch stimulus in return.
It's clear why the Repubpocrits are clapping: they are getting rich from the bribes they get paid by the superrich.
For the rest: a future in shreds.
Blablabla boast boast boast.
Come again?
All these legislative, would-be achomplishments, it is all fraud, fraud, fraud, theft, theft, theft.
A disastrous takedown of America instead of anything good coming back or allowed to appear on the scene at all.
1
Nancy Pelosi spoke in action on behalf of millions of us.
5
I dont blame Nancy. Many if not all in her shoes would have burned the speech right there and then. After all, lies and creeps like Trump ought to be treated as vapor disappear from the annals of history.
2
Somewhat humorous to see Pence flapping his gums about Pelosi and a lack of respect for the President. Has Trump done anything in office to earn any respect? What has Trump done to respect the office that he was elected to? How is he respecting the Constitution that he swore an oath to protect?
On another note it was actually quite laughable to watch the assembled "mob" of Republicans constantly jumping up and down to applaud their dear leader. Man they are so corrupt.
2
Its all full of lies anyway. And self ingratiating gobble de gup! And not worth the trees that died so as it could be printed. In history books in years to come people will be made aware of how this White House and senate tried to convince this country and the world they they were not all guilty right along with Trump of disgraceful behavior while in office. When it comes right down to it their lame excuses in acquittal don’t make any difference. What a pitiful group we have in office.
1
OMG I love Nancy Pelosi! One beautiful gesture that I watched over and over again marveling at how gracefully and brilliantly she put Trump in his place. Only she, and now Bloomberg, can so effortlessly put this petty little tyrant in his place and so get his goat.
He will never live this down, and no one ever will quote from his SOTUS speech but history will forever remind him of this profound, disrespecting gesture from the real representative of the American people.
2
The hypocrisy was shared by both principles. More interesting was Nancy’s attempts to move her frozen face into some interpretable expression. Instead she was only capable of moving her lips into a Popeye expression. Kinda like watching a very intoxicated person form words without sentences.
3
A pointless and rash gesture. It wins her kudos from people that were already singing her praises and gives more spin material for Trump's campaign in an election year. We live in a post-truth society. Public stunts are just raw clay for pundits to mold into whatever shape they want.
Enjoy the moment, just don't say nobody warned you once Trump's media team finishes preparing the "official story" on this and starts bombarding everybody's social media feeds with it.
5
Over the last 40 years, voter turnout in the US has been declining. With our leaders acting like petulant children, it’s not hard to figure out why.
2
Elections never hinge over someone's demeanor during a speech. That is not how elections work.
Trump handed Pelosi and Pence a copy of his speech. Pelosi put her hand out as he was turning around. I don't think he saw it. If she really wanted to shake his hand, why didn't she extend her hand AS he was handing her the speech? On another note, I'm not sure why there is so much handshaking going on with all of the viruses going around. It seems rude to shake hands....it's like saying, "Here's my hand....not sure if I'm carrying anything, but if so, you can have it too!" I'd like to see that custom changed. Let's nod or do a slight bow.
2
@Susan
She did extend her hand. He just shoved a copy of his speech into it.
You know that all they talked about this morning? Speaker Pelosi ripping up the speech. So who is controlling the narrative? Not Trump.
2
As a political leader, perhaps Ms. Pelosi erred in ripping up the speech, a maudlin tissue of fallacies. But as a human being, she made a perfect call, to coin a phrase.
2
Pelosi tore up his speech. Trump tore up the Constitution. Only one of those actions has real consequences.
2
@SpeakerPelosi had a tantrum,
Anyone who viewed the video would, A. see the snub by Trump, and then B. a calm and cool collected Pelosi simply tearing the paper up as you would junk mail before tossing it in the trash. There was no tantrum. They only one who would see a "tantrum" were either those who didn't watch it or those who see any action by a woman that is not subservient as "hysterical" or "out of control".
It was over. It was done. She disposed of the speech she had no further use for than someone leaving a concert or ballgame and disposing of the program they had no intention of keeping as a souvenir.
"She resisted". Now, that's a high crime that Republicans can get behind as we've seen before.
2
Trump may have snubbed Nancy Pelosi by not shaking her hand, but Trump made no move to shake Pence's hand either. Although, likely, T&P had agreed earlier to omit the handshakes specifically to trip up Pelosi. That type of 3d-grade behavior would be typical of Trump.
However, CNN's constant play-back of that instance was also very childish. After all, So What that he didn't shake hands! It's just typical of Trump and not worth the time spent on replaying that clip.
Babies"R"US - US being the United States.
Lovely example to the world, of the way the greatest country in the world, is governed.
1
Anyone else notice how Pence looks like he’s in love? It’s very unsettling in a robotic sort of way.
1
The most awesome woman in the world.
1
Tearing up a copy of a speech just given by the President of the United States is “conduct unbecoming” for any elected congressional member, particularly one who is Speaker of the House of Representatives and second in the presidential line of succession. Speaker Pelosi’s actions can only be described as childish and petulant.
3
Lock up children! Destroy the environment! Eliminate all sense of public decorum! Encourage foreign countries to get involved in elections! Promote racist policies! And run up a deficit so huge our children's children will be debt slaves to China for decades to come! But, hey, if your 401(k) is up a bit, all is good, right? Well, remember, what goes up can come crashing down.
Mr. Trump must have forgotten he was there at Nancy Pelosi's invitation. The Speaker of the House is in charge of even the House Chamber itself. If there is another address to all the members of Congress, the only place large enough is the House Chamber. If there's such a need before he leaves office, maybe he can do a couple of sittings at his hotel down the street.
@drjillshackford No. He was sure was there because it was God's wish.
He did not see the intended hand shake...look at the video in slow motion, magnified. Additionally, her response indicates that she knew there was a possibility that he did not see it (basic study of non verbals).
But, people will see what they want...
4
The decision to have Speaker Nancy Pelosi rip the SOTU text was a brilliant move, IMO. Everyone in that assembly was a captive, but this very public gesture allowed the Speaker of the US House to grandly contradict every word he’d said. It was an economical and elegant gesture; it conveyed in the clearest (and most physical) manner just exactly what millions of citizens around the world think of the rhetoric that was written for the president.
I’m thrilled and satisfied by Speaker Pelosi’s brilliant coda to that discordant word symphony.
1
I agree with Nancy’s actions but it is going to be used by the Trump camp as a negative image of the Democrats. Already in Australian media I am seeing her ripping up the speech more than the refusal of a handshake. Anyway come on U.S. just vote in Bernie.
1
Speaker Pelosi vented my frustration, my blood pressure owes her a debt of gratitude. I turned off my TV after 3 minutes of the lie-filled speech. Thanks to the after-speech shows, I saw her ripping the papers apart, and felt better.
2
To quote Abraham Lincoln- "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
We are now a divided nation - and I doubt that there will ever be a joining.
1
While it's understandable that Speaker Pelosi may have wanted to display retribution against the president's rudeness toward her, and I can see why she needed to do something to show that she was not going to be left without participation in the evening's proceedings, it still rubbed me the wrong way that she tore up the speech given by Mr. Trump.
In these times of a president who doesn't know the first thing about decorum, politeness, courtesy or the larger picture at hand (such as the real meaning of the State of the Union Address), I look to both the House and Senate for proper behavior--and Speaker Pelosi's fell short, I'm afraid.
I think it would've been more effective if she had maintained her dignity and important position by NOT responding to anything this president's lack represents. He doesn't deserve it.
I am at a loss to understand what the Speaker achieved by tearing the speech. Her base is ecstatic but theyare never Trumpers anyway. Quite a few independents would be turned off by this temper tantrum. We won’t allow such behavior from our children!
2
He didn't refuse to shake her hand, she clearly extended it after he had turned around. No one seems to be mentioning that he didn't shake Pence's hand either. He simply handed them both copies of the speech, and turned back to the lectern. There was no deliberate snub.
Tearing up the speech was way beneath Pelosi. She normally acts with far more elegance and grace than that. It just came off as petty and bitter.
Trump and Pelosi are both people, but the Presidency and House are also both institutions.
Pelosi is a very smart, astute politician and well deserves the role of Speaker. She's brilliant at "herding the cats" (the main role of any speaker), and has always seemed to put the good of the institution above all else. Quite fitting too, as Speaker is an incredibly powerful position - third in line to the Presidency.
It was just very distasteful to see her sink to that level. I can't see any Republican ever ripping up a Democrat's SOTU speech so publicly, no matter how much disagreement there was between them.
And as an American I am simply completely exhausted by the behavior of people on both sides of the aisle. We live under a constitution designed to allow vigorous disagreements - in fact considers it good to do so. Out of a clash of conflicting ideas can arise brilliant solutions. But when intellectual arguments devolve into visceral hatred, when one's opponents are not just considered wrong, but evil ... the whole system falls apart.
As it now has.
3
It's about time, Nancy! The symbolism of your action was perfect, although I fear that Trump will get re-elected no matter what. His cheating knows no limits and he will quid-pro-quo with other countries to hack our election. This is his singular goal until November and he will do anything to make it happen. It doesn't matter if we vote or not, we are finished.
I have never believed that a person was owed respect simply based upon the position he or she holds.
That attitude did not go over well with the U.S. navy where I spent a few years.
People, regardless of position, earn respect. It is not God-given, it is not Constitutionally given. Basically, the respect you get is the respect you give -- give none, get none.
Should Pelosi have ripped up his speech? I wuld have done other things with it.
Doesn't anybody remember how Paul Ryan sat smirking like a dim-witted 8-year-old during Obama's speeches?
Trump, the Reality TV "master of visuals", got upstaged.
Just like he did to Hillary in their debates, the Speaker stole the scene by standing behind him and being kinetic, while he just stood there.
You got owned by a woman on live national television, Donny. And that iconic image of you standing there as she showed the world just what she thinks of you and your nonsense, will be there for all to see, forever and ever.
It's almost like she's not afraid of you.
Not one, tiny, little bit.
3
There's never been a SOTU containing total truth. Even the NYT fact check today gives Trump some credit. The speaker is almost eighty. What's the purpose of ripping up a speech? This is high school stuff at best and counterproductive.
1
I applaud Pelosi for ripping up the self aggrandizing SOTT (State of The Trump).
On a daily basis Trump displays no decency or decorum. He insults people, he calls them schoolyard nicknames, he brags about grabbing women's crotches, and PELOSI is being lambasted for a symbolic ripping up of his lie-infested speech?
2
Two wrongs do not make a right
2
When they go low we go high! ??
2
Bravo, Nancy!
Good for Nancy! Too bad the other Democrats had their tails tucked too deep to Boo in refrain.
Fake Republicans continue to bow to the fake President.
Where is Silentó when we need him? “Watch her rip, then look away... watch her rip, rip, and look away-ay...” ;)
Everybody has to know, for ever, how much I hate him, signed NP
Nancy Pelosi had a hissy fit on national television. Not very mature of her is it? She acted like a spoiled child who did not get her own way. I have seen more mature five year olds.
3
Go Nancy!
Good on you, Nancy! Liz Cheney says you shouldn't hold office because YOU are an embarrassment? Typical republican projection. If being an embarrassment to high office were a disqualifier, our so-called president wouldn't have been up there in the first place. As for the medal to Rush Limbaugh, there goes another honorable thing in our country that he has cheapened and ruined. He's like an anti-King Midas -- a King Sadim -- everything he touches turns to toxic plastic. It's good he didn't shake your hand, for your hand's sake.
He gives Rush Limbaugh, a homophobic, misogynist, sexist, drug addict, the Medal of Freedom, while a 100-year-old Tuskegee war hero walks home empty-handed.
Pathetic.
1
@Javalin. Magee got upgraded rank from Colonel to Brigadier General. That may add to his military pension.
3
This I know: growing up, all the bratty, spoiled kids with no impulse control I knew, all grew up to be liberals. Nancy was kind enough to drive that point home last night.
3
A one act play:
Trump refuses to shake Nancy’s hand.
‘Whoop. Hiss’
She tears up his speech from the podium behind him.
‘Hiss . Whoop’
He calls democrats ‘Socialists wanting to destroy America’
‘Cheers , Hisses’
A nobody, unelected, not been anything but a traitorous US pawn – Guaidó is introduced!
‘CHEERS WHOOPS, CHEERS WHOOPS’
We have a whole season of this to look forward too.
Please spare us all the embarrassment.
2
Nancy Pelosi is a disgrace to our nation. President Trump could've spent the bulk of his speech lecturing the House regarding their misguided and rushed impeachment hoax, but Trump took the high road and did not discuss it. Instead, Pelosi chose to behave like a preschooler by not giving Trump his proper introduction and ripping up his speech behind his back for the cameras. Pelosi is the absolute worst Speaker of the House in our nation's history and should resign.
3
What spews from Trump’s mouth is meaningless. Any American with a brain sees through his antics. He could care less about Veterans and single parents. As a classic narcissist, he merely uses people to his advantage. Once finished with them, he, or one of his codependent enablers, kicks them to the curb.
Nancy Pelosi, in her wisdom, understands his appalling behavior. She destroyed her copy out of sheer frustration and disgust.
Bravo, Nancy!
1
Pelosi rips up the speech (AFTER the President snubs her) and Trump fans go wild. What about the daily--no, hourly-- childish and disrespectful name calling and belittling, usually for silly superficial things, Trump does behind closed doors in the safety of his chambers on Twitter. There is no comparison.
The Republicans disgust me.
Time to employ some Skinnerian psychology. Dems and U.S. media: put the naughty boy on Ignore.
I am disgusted and offended by all of this. The inability of our elected officials to act with dignity and ethical standards has me repulsed. I am embarrassed by all of them. I would have been long fired from my job if I behaved in any way, shape, or form as they have. The American people are all "deplorables" in their eyes. We aren't worth anything to any of them.
2
The one upsmanship and the got ya’ moments going on in Washington these days reminds me of the “rank out contests” we used to have in my junior high school boys locker room! Definitely smacks of junior high school maturity and a junior high school level of sophistication!!
As I watch these childlike antics, all in disbelief each day, I think of the last line of Macbeth’s famous soliloquy;
“It is a tale told by an idiot! Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing!”
In the meantime, our country is in SERIOUS trouble and we are circling the drain ever faster. Our President refuses the Speaker’s offer of a handshake, and the Speaker rips up the State of the Union speech on camera!! So tell me...what positive good was derived for the 300+ million Americans who are more worried about what is happening to our country each day by the childish junior high school antics exhibited last night?
Time to grow up!!!
1
Thank you Nancy ! Deplorable is deplorable regardless of the time of the day. Tear up everything he sends your way. He is an impeached President.
1
Now who's being a baby
From clinton's failed election, to the failed impeachment, to the Des Moine and the DNC failed caucus results, to pelosi's absolute and disgraceful failure during and after President Trump's SOTU speech...and the looming candidate of democrat communist for presidency, the democrat party is out of touch with the voters and the United States of America.
1
Bravo Nancy Pelosi!
Nancy needs to go back to second grade and learn to control her behavior. What an immature display. Simply disgraceful.
3
"... considering the alternatives" (to ripping up the speech)
I'm reminded of the early 20th century composer Max Reger, who (in)famously wrote to a local music critic (translated from the German):
"I am sitting in the smallest room in my house. I have your review before me. In a moment it will be behind me."
1
My deepest regret is that I wasn't there to tear the thing into even smaller pieces.
33
Speaker Pelosi has often been criticized for being angry and showing it. I wonder if she were a man if the same actions would be better received. Women as smiling and pleasant and compliant who never get angry has been the norm and ideal in the past. It is sexist to criticize her while a man might be admired as brave, decisive and powerful doing the same action!
29
@Linda McKim-Bell
Any man who has lost his composure, spouts off incoherent things (and occasionally brings up his religion as weapon) is branded a deranged and unstable lunatic.
Witness the reception to Trump's Twitter rages.
2
February 5, 2020
Thus speaks volumes to the destruction of Trump State of the Union speech transcript by Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Yet succinctly Trump's decorum and his posture to define and express the dignity as America's height of political administration's as exposed by various transparent visual and document in transcript forms have left lots to be admired and appreciated as civility towards representative democratic forms albeit in our own homeland and indeed towards Russia, Ukraine and etc.......
Fortunately as we witness the quarrels and bitter behaviors we are best to give pause and just learn or relearn to default to our better manners.
2
@Joseph John Amato Not so much in this instance however. Civility at extremes is an absurd response. She stood tall and strong at abhorrent content and posture by Trump. She didn't play it safe and pretend to offer unearned respect. Bravo Speaker of the House!
Let's not overlook the fact that Trump has torn up the constitution. Is there any question among reasonable people whose actions are more grievous?
28
I have officially reached my limit of allowing Trump to influence my days, it has all gone beyond what I can permit in my life, it is simply too soul-crushing. I chose not to watch the State of the Union last night; why would I, I knew it would be all spin, showmanship and spectacle, just what his minions and supporters want and lap up.
Nancy Pelosi ripped up Trump's speech because it had no substance and wasn’t worth the paper it was written on. It astounds me that Trump can take down all of your institutions of government, shrug off his impeachment and lie bare-faced daily yet Pelosi illustrates the truth in her heart and soul with one gesture and is criticized for doing so.
26
I didn’t watch the SOTU address so I didn’t know President trump called our public schools government schools!! I suppose his speech writer himself doesn’t know. I am a proud parent of a nyc public high school teacher. Proud.
15
@petey tonei
So what public schools are not government funded and government managed?
You might want to read "Free to Choose" by Milton and Rose Friedman to get a better understanding of how the public/government schools in this country "evolved" from the private/religious schools.
Kudos to Speaker Pelosi. A most appropriate response! Thank you Madam Speaker.
21
Love Nancy Pelosi, standing up for America and everything it ever stood for.
14
I have always respect Pelosi for working hard to be an adult. She certainly blew that image last night.
11
@Tammy Not so much Tammy? She didn't cower in the face of a shocking decent into lies, fiction and divisive, reckless references by the President. She acted like a proud leader who stood tall for decency and represented millions of Americans coast to coast. Madam Speaker of the House struck a proud pose and I applaud her!
1
To bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the racist xenophobe, Limbaugh, who has been one of the people to feed the divisiveness in this country by spewing his right wing lies, is to not only insult previous recipients, but to render it not worth the cost of the ribbon within it's construction. If I were a recipient, I would do like John Kerry did with his silver star; throw it away. It now has no meaning.
The institution of the House and Senate are insulted by someone who enters the chambers and insults the intelligence of America by speaking a lie-filled fable, under the guise of a SOTU speech.
13
By ripping up Trump’s speech, she continues to make herself at home in Trump’s head.
6
@jhimbiz Rich! Agreed..."at home is Trump's head". Snap, Pelosi wins!
@jhimbiz
The actions displayed show the exact opposite, but nevertheless I suspect most readers would agree with your comment.
@jhimbiz
Definitely think someone is living rent free in someone elses head but it sure ain't Pelosi in Trump's head....
3
Pathetic is the best descriptor for Pelosi's actions.
Pelosi seems to have forgotten who occupies the Oval Office and it sure isn't ever going to be her.
13
Thank you, Nancy Pelosi, for doing what most of us would love to do -- show the world what we think of Trump's empty lies.
13
She could have introduced Trump as individual 1…
14
This was even better than Trump shredding his own notes in disgust after debating Secretary Clinton!
3
Rush Limbaugh receives the Medal of Freedom. Shocking isn't it?
But in a country where Eddie Gallagher is pardoned and Gina Cheri Haspel is head of the CIA, nothing is surprising anymore.
8
Ms. Pelosi, as with other democrats, "celebrate" tolerance and diversity, as long as they toe the party line. Otherwise, no tolerance for you!
9
Tolerance ends where lies begin.
1
This is really sad and pathetic.
Boorish behaviour from both sides now.
Supporters cheering on their infantile leaders.
News outlets getting rich by preaching to the converted.
A race to the bottom for four more years.
6
She treated his speech with exactly the contempt it — and he — deserved. Attagirl Nancy!
11
Speaker Pelosi courageously, openly, beyond question, and in full view of the world, ripped up that speech.
On the other hand, Trump, the World's Biggest Coward, lacks the courage to openly refuse Pelosi's hand. Ever notice he always makes sure to give his bad actions plausible deniability?
If Trump truly had guts and courage, he'd have ignored the applause of his Repub minders. If Trump truly had guts and courage, he'd have, throughout giving his SOTU, looked the Democratic side of the House directly in their eyes.
But Trump isn't capable of an act that gutsy. He's too needful of, and used to, a fawning audience who basks him in approval.
What a weasel.
I will never stop marveling at how Trump's supporters see a "tough counterpuncher", when all I see in Trump is a dangerously insecure, frightened, lying blowhard, who has to call in help from a foreign country to be re-elected.
10
Next time, I want to see bubble gum popping and paper airplanes flying. Bring in the clowns—don’t bother—they’re here!
2
Trump is the single worst person to ever achieve leadership in the history of the United States.
If he steals the election in 2020 I will be pressing hard very very hard for Vermont to secede from this degraded Union.
9
@Brother Shuyun
Just remember: Turn about is fair play!
Proud of you, Nancy P. Part of decorum is using whatever is available to communicate a message. Mission accomplished. Thank you for using the TV cameras oh so wisely.
24
Speaker Pelosi just showed #45 what his speech was worth. Kudos to her. My husband watched the sotu, voice level down. I just listened to the very strange sing song reading by trump, punctuated by the canned applause from the republicans. I have to wonder whether they were actually listening or just waiting for the sign which said APPLAUSE.
24
@miriamsaunders
Yes, the forced serenity voice is so strange.
8
If only the Republicans in Congress and the Senate could be as honest in their actions as Ms Pelosi.
15
Anything positive Trump had to say was lost in the first few minutes as he refused a handshake. That degraded the speech to a reality show. If not enough, the Medal of Freedom disrespect sealed the deal. How ironic it is that these juvenile gestures will be his history. Finally someone responded appropriately!
18
@Maria We don't know for sure if Trump did not want to shake her hand (and why not Mike Pence's hand ?).
But let's take it was intentional. Pelosi had revenge by intentionally not reciting the usual kind words of the introduction. With that they could have been even.
For Pelosi unfortunately that was not enough and she had to intentionally do something more, and precisely to tear up the speech !
To me that speaks of a very deep vengeful and disrespectful person, unworthy of her position.
And by the way, the SOTU speech is not an official document ?
6
Thank you, Speaker Pelosi, for truly representing the people of this fragile nation as it wavers on the brink of fascism. The Republican party seems to want to absolve themselves of any political fallout bypassing their duty for justice along to voters, albeit in what can be expected to be an election without integrity. So what happens to a democracy when a majority of voters decide that they prefer to disregard the Constitution in favor of a fascist tyrant? Is that how democracy is supposed to work?
13
Pelosi ripped up the speech. As long as it goes into the recycle bin and not sent off to a landfill I'm fine with it.
7
Sometimes, Nancy's actions might also be construed as strategic, say she does not want Bernie to be the nominee or she is indeed a closet GOP admirer. Who knows?
2
@Hari C'mon Hari, she ain't no closet GOP admirer by any stretch my friend. Pelosi punched proudly for huge chunk of nation! Her dis was symbolic after years of flabbergasting bluster, name calling, distortions and criminality from President and administration of sycophant cronies. It was a knock-out statement at precisely the right moment. Go Speaker of the House!
Civility and decorum. These are multimillionaires jockeying for tweets and likes , etc . Is anyone in that room an adult ?
5
Nancy's tearing down SOTU was bad optics. Just think about it, the multi-page transcript also included honoring veterans, tribute to soldiers killed in line of duty and other service members. Those and their family members will always remember that. Just poor judgment!
8
@Hari If she keeps it up she won't be present for the next SOTU.
I was happy Pelosi showed her displeasure on behalf of the millions of voters. Trump happily rips up the values of the Constitution. Instead of a Democrat screaming "You Lie" during his speech (which would have been well warranted); ripping up the speech was appropriate. I feel only sorry for those sheets of paper such a mean spirited speech was written on.
7
As a woman concerned about harmful stereotypes of emotionally unhinged women, I was embarrassed by Nancy Pelosi last night. Sad truth is that hatred this "bilious" and out of control can morph into a kind of insanity.
As an American, I mourn the loss of dignity that was once exemplified by many members of the Democratic party.
I was not an Al Gore fan but remember his presidential concession speech with great admiration. It was his finest hour. It is an irony that people at their lowest points in life can sometimes demonstrate a kind of moral courage in defeat that "bests" even their betters.
No such thing in the Democratic party anymore.
(Just keep kicking and screaming)
10
I am happy that we did not have a bar brawl in the Congress. Maybe the next time.
4
The evening began with a rude gesture. Trump's refusal to shake her hand. And ended with a rude gesture. Pelosi's tearing of the speech. This is what America has become.
6
@Stringer Give it a second look Stringer. She expressed a shocked and stunned nation who will not pretend the President's "horror-speech' is acceptable, and symbolic "shredding" and defiance was in order and well done! It took strength of character and makes me hopeful.
@Stringer
The evening began when Pelosi refused to introduce him in the manner of all Speakers before her or even say his name.
2
Trump's prepared speeches are much less full of lies than his normal nonsense.
However, 50% of the country, currently 'owns' 1.6% of the wealth. 1% of the country, currently 'owns' 32% of the wealth of the country.
Many many problems arise out of income inequality, not just 'how much people earn'.
Of the 40 OECD countries, measures for 2019, show the USA is 6th from the bottom, alongside Mexico in terms of income inequality.
Whereas Norway, which has a similar GDP per Capita as the USA, is 4th from the top.
Yet, the poorest of the poor vote Repubican? I have seen Trump supporters argue that minimim wage should not rise? What is wrong with them?
4
@Moira
Nothing “wrong” other than they have non-material values other than money. I have always found that those without such values can never be dissuaded from seeing those who do as other than stupid or deranged.
Pence’s face as he tries to ignore Pelosi ripping the papers is the most relatable he’s ever been (maybe the only time for that matter).
2
Cry me a river Trump fans. In the totality of all of Trump's despicable behavior, from condescending nicknames like Nervous Nancy to mocking those with special needs, his behavior is consistently deplorable. She ripped his printed speech in half, not multiple tiny piece, maybe in an effort to get it to fit better into a recycle bin. What else is she going to do - frame it? Her silent protest in the face of multiple accounts of presidential misconduct, much of which has been echoed by Republicans during the impeachment trial, is hardly worth mention as Trump continues to debase the dignity of his office on a multiple tweet daily basis.
9
Bravo, Speaker of the House! Keep the back straight, girl! May he grow up soon and you can then follow suit!
5
Pelosi is a joke, player her hand and failed miserably... reduced to ripping a sitting president's speech. Trump played her and she failed into the darkest of abysses. Honorably thing right now is to resign and seek an energetic and competent replacement.
More over so, Iowa caucus result of two absolute outsiders with no chance of winning the election, on top of Democrats inability to disclose results after days of fighting over and posturing about it. I mean come on, only fate could make this event play out at exactly the same moment as Trump being acquitted.
Let me tell you what American people see... Gross incompetence, yes I am talking about Democrats being grossly incompetent and failing at whatever they are doing and trying.
American people like ethical, good and kind people like themselves but absolutely adore and love competent and decisive leaders, this is no trick that Trump reached 49 percent of approval rating just now.
I am no fan of the orange god but I have to hand it to him, with opposition like this, next step could be declaration of him as Ceasar AKA God Emperor, Napoleon style. He plays by no rules and wins again and again.
8
@Socrates Count me confused? I am not sure what you mean. He is not winning Socrates, not today. His demigod gig is exposed even if still marginally intact. That is what Pelosi represented bravely by striking the pose of a leader. That is what Senator Romney from Utah also did today. Leaders standing tall and proud. They both deserve applause coast to coast. It seems we should mostly share a united sense of relief. Just a bit. For today.
Trump starting telling lies to the American people starting his first week when he said that his inauguration was the largest attended in history. Anyone could clearly see that Obama's inauguration had a far greater number of people in attendance by comparing aerial photos, yet he and his press secretary Sean Spicer insisted that his was larger basically stating, "Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes." He lies to us on a daily basis which is disrespectful to all of us. Now, the lies are over 17,000 and rising. It is about time that the Democrats starting pushing back. Trump has shown no decorum or respect to anyone, why should others show him respect back. He doesn't respect the office he holds, and many of people he is suppose to serve. I am glad that Nancy Pelosi is fighting back.
10
Ripping up the speech? Childish, churlish. Pelosi, Schiff, Nadler, and the Democratic "leadership" have adopted behavior that actually goes below Trump's incivility and self-absorption.
Toss the entire lot out. Enough incivility and sophomoric theatrics and junior high dress codes. Start being ADULTS and finding common ground, instead of playing I-know-you-are-but-what-am-I.
6
Pelosi ripped up that speech because it was a distraction from her fury. She's furious that all of the Dem resistance only led to more Trump support. Furious that, against her better judgment, she impeached this president without having a narrative locked down. Furious that the Iowa vote is still a disaster. Furious about the jobs, about the economy, about the stock market...Furious that the golden pens on silver platters are now a symbol of folderol.
So maybe we learned something: when you don't have anything intelligent to say or do just start ripping things apart. It distracts.
6
I agree with Pelosi that ripping up her copy of Trump's speech was the courteous thing to do considering the alternatives.
Listening to Trump's alternate reality speech and looking at the blind obedience of the Republican members of Congress, one can deeply feel the dysfunctionally appalling state of American politics and democracy. Why be bothered with decorums and the facade of democracy? Just tell it like it is. That the US is an increasingly regressive country ruled by a tribal of greedy and power-hungry people over a cowered and propagandized populace.
7
Both Nancy Pelosi and Trump are not worthy for their offices.
2
Whatever happened to, “When they go low, we go high?” National politics in DC had degenerated into childish tiffs of indignation. The middle of the road voter is simply sick and tired of all this squabbling. Republicans, Democrats and unenrolled voters of moderate bent have had enough of all of these petty displays of petulance. I feel like a besieged parent of several kids misbehaving just before dinner time. “Just quit it, will ya!”
3
@Jason Mayo Jason. Maybe..but maybe not? She has represented herself and nation quite honorably and with statesman candor and proud strength. Leading is hard and Pelosi and Romney should us what it looks like today!
1
Where does a middle-aged white man buy a white suit? Maybe several. Please advise.
Trump gave the most divisive, partisan, and vain glorious State of the Union speech I've ever witnessed, and I've been watching closely, since Carter.
7
Didn't I hear Nancy Pelosi remark that her religious faith forbids her from hating anyone.
6
"Fox commentator Jason Chaffetz said 'I have never seen anybody act so childish in my life' ... Sean Hannity called the ripping moment 'one of the most classless things ever done in the history of the State of the Union' ... " (CNN, 5Feb2020) The faux outrage of these pundits is pure chutzpah. They enthusiastically accept Mr. Trump's adolescent name calling (Mr. Hannity even egged him on!), blatant lies, and countless unfounded insults aimed at anyone who does not worship him. Hats off to Speaker Pelosi.
9
These are the grownups leading the free world... acting like children
3
And you’re actually proud of the Democrats’ childish tantrums when things don’t go their way? Wow, what a display. How could Trump not win? This is what happens when you were brought up winning a trophy for showing up and mommy said you’re always a winner Susie!
7
The dude is such a baby. He thinks he is acting tough when he is actually showing how vulnerable he really is.
2
He has managed to turn the State of the Union into a ratings-crazed Oprah show. I was waiting for him to ask everyone to look under their seats. C’mon down!
4
This Comments section has been an absolute joy to read.
5
Well done Madame Speaker.
7
For whatever you think of Trump in general, his demeanor last evening was Presidential and played extremely well to his base. Sadly, coming off the disastrous impeachment trial and the Iowa caucus debacle, Pelosi's silly actions at the end only served to bring the Dem party down to Trump's level. And the response needs to focus on the economy--just as Trump does--but remind people that the 2008 crisis was inherited from Republicans and that the economy restarted thanks to the efforts of the Obama administration and in fact was clearly underway before Trump came into office.
15
@Alan His demeanor was not presidential. He was part ringmaster and part candidate Trump leading one of his political rallies last night. I'm almost certain that Mike Pence had a whip and a chair handy in case Trump came off his leash.
6
Refusal to shake the hand of your host -- recall that it is the Speaker of the House who INVITES a President to deliver the SOTU in the House (there is no requirement that the speech be given there, or that it even be a speech at all) -- is NOT "presidential." It is, as is typical of Trump, the act of a petulant, thwarted toddler.
7
As a feminist scholar whose focus was the decline of women's efficacy with the professionalization of traditional occupations, I applaud Polosi for standing up to this misogynist bully.
As an ex-prosecutor and longtime civil litigator licensed in NM and Pennsylvania, I don't agree with her efforts to truncate what would have been devastating articles of impeachment, had they included bribery, campaign finance violations (both felonies), and the 10 counts of obstruction of justice supported by the Mueller Report.
But she had the courage to call Trump's speech what it was, and for that I think he should have given her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
23
Nancy is a frustrated, vindictive person, has no self control, her squirming and mumbling to herself does not project that of a strong leader. She is nothing more than a little kid throwing a whining tantrum when it’s not going her way. I’m embarrassed for Democrats who call her a brilliant strategist. Get a new leader, Fast.
8
@J Young Living That's not standing up to anyone, that was a reaction. Standing up is different.
2
The more I think about it this is Pelosi's reaction to the Iowa caucus. What's her game now that she is two down?
10
@Daphne
What makes you think she has a game at all?
She already promised she would retire when her current term is up. That was the only way she could get the votes to be Speaker.
3
She’s not two down. And it’s not a competition. We’re talking about America democracy. This isn’t the apprentice.
7
@Daphne ''Two down"
Meaning that she lost something in the ''game'' .....
What ?
Will someone please tell me why we are not running Nancy Pelosi as a Dem candidate!? She is a strong, powerful person with a lifetime of experience in Washington and service.
25
@Almost Or Adam Schiff?
5
@Almost ''strong, experienced, service '' We don't look for that in our leaders anymore. That's how we got this one.
2
@Almost
Great idea. Please, please, please get Pelosi to run for POTUS. Great idea. Hilarious idea in fact.
4
There is no love loss between Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump. It is very obvious they despise each other and are arch enemies. Can you blame President Trump for not liking Nancy Pelosi? She was the one who started the impeachment process and got the ball rolling. She may not have agreed with this judgement at first but she went along with the others. Her behavior last evening was atrocious when she tore up the president’s papers given to her. It was no way for a grown woman to act but then she has not behaved in an adult fashion. She should be replaced and hopefully she will.
11
Trump tweets are a way to behave?
4
And you are giving Trump a free pass for snubbing Mrs. Pelosi when she extended her hand in a gesture of respect. Open your eyes, please.
5
@KMW I took it to mean she was still unhappy that she didn't get to go to the Davos conference last year. Remember? Trump said she couldn't go until the budget was done.
We're talking about Speaker Pelosi tearing paper and not the speech. He hates that, it overshadowed his shameless medal for Limbaugh. The man has done nothing but stir the base via microphone, hardly deserving of national accolades.
He thought her gave shade ignoring her handshake. Lower class all the way but it's her gesture that got the most attention.
So I'm going with she knew exactly what she was doing.
24
Nancy Pelosi is expected to exercise restraint, but Trump can do and say whatever he wants with no restrictions... wait, what?
40
Trump's greatest accomplishment was/is ability to convince a section of the electorate that he is one of them!
Give me a brake, he shows no interest in workers. Material acquisition is his goal. Where are his taxes? He continually hides them from from the IRS. I pay mine as this is my duty as a citizen of the US. I venture to say his taxes will never be part of public record. He enjoys women whenever as they have no rights. True advances in the economy have been made irrespective of destruction that has been occured.
Figures don"t lie, but liars can figure.
8
Pelosi will be rightly criticized for a demonstration and protest that breaks the norms of decorum but can we be serious here for a minute.
There is no self righteous pedestal tall enough for Trump defenders to stand on that allows them to even peak over the mountain of childish and vile behavior of Trump himself.
22
Shocking, humiliating, insulting behavior. My vote in the fracas goes in favor of Madam Speaker. Don't mess with mature, beautiful, brilliant Italian Women. As she tore apart those long, white pages, she was in fact tearing the enemy into pieces like a lioness in Rome's ancient colosseum.
32
In shredding the State of Union Address on camera right behind the President, Pelosi might as well have burned an American flag. There may be partisan divides, but there is no excuse for such obnoxious behavior. The rest of the world thinks we are fools -- largely because of Pelosi.
12
@Endnoter Unlike you, I don't pretend to know ''the rest of the world.'' But the many Europeans I do know think very highly of her.
3
@Endnoter :"...largely because of Trump." There, fixed it for you!
2
@Endnoter Oh, the rest of the world thinks we are fools, all right -- but here's a question: who is it that has single-handedly destroyed the strong relationships that we have had with our allies for nearly a century? BIG CLUE: *not* the Speaker of the House.
4
I am proud of Nancy Pelosi and I am truly disgusted with Trump. Trump disgust has become a chronic condition Trump's speech was a pack of lies. Also, I don't remember former presidents criticizing their predecessors during a STOTU address. Trump is always in the gutter and he has succeeded in bringing much of our country down to his level. We need more leaders like Nancy Pelosi who refuse to bow to the dictator. The contrast between Nancy Pelosi and Mike Pence was also very telling. Pence's display of sickening adulation was really too much. Such deference to Trump is not warranted unless you are a willing party to the destruction of our democracy.
26
trump jumped on the microphone at the 2019 SOTU address; so maybe the SPEAKER decided to cut to the chase this year; he is the consumate BOOR, enough with chastising the SPEAKER for demonstrating her assessment of the lie filled speach
9
The real story is Trump's appeal to congress to allow the poor and disadvantaged school choice for their children. Blacks in particular know this is in their best interest but alarmingly the party they affiliate with refuses to support them. Disheartening for black parents and their siblings.
4
Surely it's time to demote Nancy Pelosi from the speakership. By acceding to the slapdash, partisan and hilarious debacle of star-chamber impeachment (featuring a shorter version of Shrek - Nadler and his cohort, Stanford-educated prevaricator Schiff), she has lost the plot and was rolled by the noisy nitwits termed 'the squad'.
This dumpster fire will lose them the presidency and the house. No one electable currently in line for nomination.
Remember the Russia hacking train-wreck (which morphed into the Mueller Probe started due to the sale of the DNC data by the Pakistani brothers (since fleeing the country) entrusted to program the DNC servers. They were hired and even further retained by disgraced Debbie Wasserman Schulz. Did the DNC also rehire these bros to handle the Iowa Caucuses?
These people can't run a one-flavored sno-cone stand let alone the world's largest economy.
7
Pelosi and Trump both need to stay after school today.
5
Stop the high school behavior! Write your own state of the union, then write another about what the state of the union will be under democratic leadership. You are giving the Reps. the whip to flog you with!
4
In the spirit of Banksy, Pelosi should sell the shredded speech and donate the proceeds to the DNC - or perhaps ‘Sociopaths Anonymous’.
Just an idea.
7
We all have our "You lie!" moment.
3
Bravo Mrs. Pelosi!!!!!
22
Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it.
7
Of course the republicans are enraged. They tolerate a traitorous criminal at the head of their party but, manners! She tore up some paper. If they could they would lock her up. And the way they have been going they just might. What's one more criminal action in the name of the truppette and Putin?
16
@The East Wind
I don’t think any Republicans are enraged. They are delighted, expressed by a bit of fake outrage.
Who was it that said when they go low, we go high? Hmmm. Nancy didn’t get the memo. She acted like a spoiled entitled brat.
7
@JOSEPH Well . . . she would still need to engage in about 500 other "spoiled entitled brat" episodes to even come CLOSE to equalling Trump's record in that regard.
Trump was boorishly rude in refusing to shake the hand of the host who had invited him. And then proceeded to make a mockery of the SOTU with the usual innumerable false claims and exaggerations . . . and to make a mockery of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by awarding it to a racist, misogynistic radio "personality."
Pelosi's response was quite proportional.
2
I agree with Ms. Pelosi's action. She just shredded a piece of Trump's garbage and lies.
26
Rip it up, Speaker Pelosi..a Manifesto of Lies...
do not give one inch to this ignorant,lying,impeached bully....
29
Love and respect Pelosi more every day. Kudos for representing those of us--and we be millions--appalled by Trump's nightmare administration. You go girl.
33
There must be a better way of showing disapproval of what Trump said than tearing up a speech which among other things praises and thanks a WW2 hero, a mourning family, a fallen soldier and many great people who were invited, right in front of them. I can't speak for all those guests of honor but at least one family (the one who lost a loved one in a shooting) is feeling extremely disrespected by this act, as has already been reported.
One can despise Trump and his behavior but not everyone mentioned and praised in this speech deserves such disrespect on such a unique event for them.
11
Yes, surely being praised by Trump in his burning-dumpster-pushed-into-the-sewer of a speech was surely torment enough for those poor folks.
2
I read a comment, on WaPo I think, that Pelosi should have brought a big red Sharpie and corrected the speech while Trump was speaking. I would have loved to see big red circles all over the speech. I think that would have been preferable.
18
@SYJ Yes with a big red “F” on the front and hand it back to him.
1
I'm of two minds on Pelosi's gesture. However, I will never establish a parallelism between her and Trump. In any case, she rocks and I love the woman.
17
What a thoughtful and beautiful State of the Union Address.
It's no wonder his popularity numbers are going up today.
We are so lucky.
10
Yeah, pushing millions of Americans off food stamps while giving himself and his family a massive tax-cut is truly something to be proud of.
5
@P&L from a distance of 3,000 miles it sounded ''lucky.'' But the rest of us live here.
2
Thanks to the great Nancy Pelosi for standing up for the American people.
21
As I reflect on current events, it seems that the corona virus epidemic is being handled quite competently by our country and by this Republican administration. Would Democrats have handled it similarly? No drama so far. But different drama occurred last night. Ms. Pelosi was making a dramatic statement for herself, a personal statement to Mr. Trump. That she was the focus of cameras for national television and beyond makes her decision to act out her personal feelings a poor decision indeed.
5
Pelosi tried to out-Trump Trump, which was not a good move for someone trying to make the case to Americans that impeachment was a somber and serious affair and not at all partisan.
11
It may have been wrong but it was good TV. Actually the highlight of the speech.
Now Trump can go on a Tweet rant and Fox News will whine about how Nancy does not respect the President. Of course they don't respect Nancy Pelosi so I have no idea what the big deal is.
I don't respect the President either or Fox News for that matter.
And giving Rush Limbaugh the highest civilian award in the country simply because he got sick at a good time for Trump just cheapened the Medal and cheaponed the Republican Party.
The more I think about it the more I am convinced she was right.
18
Was Trump was recognizing Limbaugh for advanced work in the field of hypocrisy?
After all, it was Rush who said, "if people are violating the law by doing drugs, they ought to be accused and they ought to be convicted and they ought to be sent up."
Of course, when Limbaugh was caught doctor shopping for pills and arrested he became the victim.
15
He did not shake Pelosi's hand, but no one mentions he didn't shake Pence's hand either.
Half news is also fake news.
11
Trump didn't shake Pence's hand either, but you don't see him upset.
10
both trump and pelosi are being childish. it was also awkward of that pence and pelosi ignoring each other. Pelosi should have just walked out instead of tearing up her copy of the speech.
3
I agree Nancy needs to not lower herself to Trump. stay high not low. Trump can’t do that.
1
I do think Pelosi made a mistake. Decorum matters. Remembering how insulted I personally felt when my president was interrupted during his sotu speech with “You lie”, how insulted are trump supporters now? The insult the speaker of the house delivered is ten times what that forgotten senator’s words were. Because of her position, her stature. There are a million easy ways to belittle that man, he has such thin skin, and she’s been good at it, but doing something that he can so easily own against her was not Nancy at her best.
9
Watching the spectacle as an expat in Australia, I was appalled at the speaker’s theatrics. Her pettiness and general demeanor underscores a lack of professionalism and dignity for her office, the office of President and the United States. She should be ashamed of herself.
15
Nancy helping President Trump get reelected.
Another reason to smile on Acquittal Day. Vote for America--Vote Republican.
13
@Jonathan Don't worry, I will. Thanks to all the Republican Senators. Pelosi is a horror and even worse are Nadler and Schiff. I'd like to see Schiff behind bars.
3
Nancy Pelosi is more restrained than I am. I would have shredded the speech into confetti and thrown it.
12
@BR I would have left the room after introducing him.
2
According to the agonizing point by point Times "fact check" Trump's speech was quite factual as such things go. Just a needs context or an exaggeration here and there. Oh, the S&P has "only" gained 63% not 70% and "only" 11,000 new factories not 12,000. Whoa there cowboy!
8
Towards the end of the Bush administration the CBO and the GAO both independently determined that for the previous 6 year period, the Bush tax cuts resulted in a net loss of 17% to the US Treasury. That means for every dollar that would have come to the treasury in tax revenue before the tax cuts, that the treasury actually received 83 cents after the tax cuts were enacted, a net loss of 17%.
You'd think having just run that experiment, we would have learned a lesson, but under Trump, we enacted more tax cuts, the result is a growing deficit. And no one seems to care.
Science, data? Not here, not now. Instead we hear Trump gloat about how everything is better for all Americans.
Someone once said "that which can't go no forever doesn't."
It seems clear deficits can't go on forever, but possibly stupidity can.
6
Everything Trump touches dies. You can now add the Medal of Freedom to the list.
26
What Trump did was a snub. It was personal. What Pelosi did was a total disgrace. It was her putting her party above the country.
6
'When they go low, we go high' - anyone remember that 'line'?
4
Speaker Pelosi tore up a speech unworthy of the occasion, a compendium of lies, a monument to mendacity. Trump meanwhile tears up and defiles the Constitution. There is no equivalence.
15
Next year (yes...Trump will be reelected), Trump should laminate the copy he gives Pelosi. That is, if she remains speaker. All Dems have done since 2016 is dug themselves deeper into a bottomless pit. You don't speak to the average hard working US citizen. I have watched all of your Democratic debates and there is nothing appealing about socialism, forced government healthcare, and endless benefits for illegal aliens ON THE TAXPAYER DIME, etc. My guess is the only people that could support someone like Bernie or Warren are individuals who feel entitled without putting in the work and/or have severe Trump Derangement Syndrome.
4
What Ms Pelosi did last night was the most petty, small and disrespectful thing I’ve ever seen from a politician. And that’s saying a lot.
10
@DanielMarcMD I guess you've forgotten the "politician" that yelled "You lie!" at Barack Obama as he was giving his speech.
I think there is more than just a missed handshake behind her decision to tear up her copy of the speech.
2
@DanielMarcMD What about DJT's snub of her outreach? What about DJT's demeaning and derogatory actions and behaviors towards her and other politicians (on BOTH sides of the aisle) when they even so much as disagree with him? What do you call all that? Honorable?
3
Dealing wih Congress is a pretty foreign thing for The Donald. His career has been that of an autocratic businessman, and he seems to assume he can run the Government the way he ran his company. On top of that, he is simply a nasty guy. Peilosi's gesture was as much a commentary on how hostile things have been with Trump. It underscores the extreme divisiveness that exists between Trump and the Democratic House. The guy has no context for dealing with the opposition. He is used to firing them if he does not like them. His is a pretty pathetic case for the job he holds.
6
But is she still praying for him?
5
She was recycling it. I am sure there are tons of paper thrown away at the Capitol every day.
7
Trump tore up the Constitution in front of our eyes. It is only fitting that Nancy Pelosi shredded his lies.
12
I love how Liz Cheney (and Republicans in general) are outraged! outraged! outraged! by Nancy Pelosi's decimation of Trump's falsehood-filled speech yet meekly tolerate a president whose breaches of decorum begin the moment he gets out of bed.
13
Perhaps Nancy Pelosi should have considered Michelle Obama's sage advice which seems on point: "When they go low, we go high." Nancy, please do not stoop to his level - he is excellent at baiting people and last night, it was you - and you fell for it! Learn from it and don't do it again.
4
I loved Nancy ripping up that phoney speech. The world loved it too.
13
Ripping up the speech strikes me as a tactical mistake as well as escalating the incivility war and energizing the base. But she is a brilliant tactician and maybe I'm wrong.
70
@DL Tactical? Just plain . . .
5
@DL Everyone fails to mention Trump snubbed her handshake first.
Where is the outrage over that?
58
@DL : Nothing critical of Trump will change the mind of supporters of King Donald the First. They live in an alternate universe of Fox News lies.
This was is far more than just over "civility"It is over whether we will continue to be ruled by the US Constitution and the laws of this country, or if we will succumb to a far right wing Dictatorship. Trump's base are not going to have its mind changed about anything. They see anyone who is not a Trump supporter as a traitor.
25
Based on the Republicans' reaction, you would think she ripped the Gettysburg address.
And can we please remember everybody that the GOP, by refusing to call witnesses, they have ripped apart the very foundation of this Republic - the rule of law?
35
It's funny but I anticipated that Nancy Pelosi was going to do something symbolic when Trump was finished lying.
My guess was that she would roll up the speech into a tube and bat him over the head with it.
All in all, what she did do was a lot classier.
25
I think it would have been more effective on Pelosi's part to write "LIE" in big, black Sharpie pen letters next to each one of Trumps lies in his speech, then put it to the media cameras before handing it back to Trump.
9
Actually, the President's speech was in a White House blue folder. Nancy had several sheets of plane paper, similar to the ones she had been rehearsing with, that she dramatically tore up twice just incase the cameras missed the first rip. There was a suggestion that she had gone through almost a ream of paper trying to get the right effect for the press. True, the President will be remembered for being Impeached but Nancy too will be remembered for wasting perfectly good paper. Just sayin.
6
I think ripping up the speech of lies is the least Speaker Pelosi could have done.
She would have been justified if she read a book, did a crossword puzzle or played with a fidget spinner just like some of the Republican Senators did during the impeachment sessions.
Of course, Speaker Pelosi has too much class for that type of immature behavior.
The Liar in Chief should be grateful she didn't rip the papers into a thousand pieces and throw it on the floor.
17
State of the Union speeches have always been political.
4
@Stuyvie
Good morning. I would invite you to review President John F. Kennedy's State of the Union speech Jan 30, 1961. These are the words of a true leader graciously referring to his Democratic and Republican predecessors, thoughtfully analyzing the problems of the nation and outlining the path forward. https://www.jfklibrary.org/asset-viewer/archives/JFKPOF/034/JFKPOF-034-003
Compare his deportment with the current president's. It is enough to make you weep.
4
I say 3 big cheers for Nancy. She gave the speech exactly what it deserved. DT is not worthy of respect.
21
Pelosi - low class and childish. Symbolically tearing up the stories of the guests of the SOTU. I guess she frustrated that she and the dems keep losing.
21
Could you please include footage of Rep. Pelosi’s tearing in slow motion and include a “loop” function? (It’s gonna be a LONG nine months till November…)
8
Perfectly appropriate action by Speaker Pelosi. The lie-ridden speech wasn't wirth the paoer it was written on.
14
Pelosi received 141,365 votes
Trump received 62,984,828 votes and 304 electoral college votes
show some respect or run for a different office.
both need to grow up
11
@Matt
Why are you comparing their vote counts?
Pelosi wasn't running for president.
I suggest you show some respect for the educated readers here.
11
@Matt
2018 Election results California 12th Congressional District
Speaker Pelosi received 275,292,
86% of votes cast
Speaker Pelosi showed respect for the Truth and the American people by tearing up that so called speech that had as much truth as The National Enquirer.
9
@Matt
Your line of reasoning suggests Trump should show some respect for Hillary Clinton, who received 3M more votes than Trump did.
6
Nancy Pelosi is a class act! It must have been excruciatingly painful for her to stay silent through a litany of lies, half-truths, and self-promotion
13
Very immature of them both
7
He has been a disgrace since day one, and she's unfit for office? Short of her throwing water in his face, I'm ok with
just about anything she does as an action or reaction!
18
The economy may yet prove crucial in the election because:
the high stock valuations may prove to be more "paper" gains than accurate valuations. With the deficit currently at $1 trillion, fiscal policy stimulus is limited; and, little room for lowering the Fed's discount rate remains to provide a looser and more stimulative monetary policy. Compared to the huge stock and bond market gains in 2019, real wages have remained flat, with little growth.
Election time theatrics, aside, once again,"It still may be the Economy, stupid."
02/06/2020 1:30 pm Greenville NC]
6
I have one question. I am not an economist nor do I have the means with which to invest but here is the question. With a bullish market that has lasted longer than any previous one, interest rates are still at their lowest with little room to go down further. The argument being so as to keep inflation in check. Could the reverse also be true, in that little or no interest earned on savings. To the vast majority of those like the working wage earner, there is little disposable income left to save. Studies are shown that many are one pay check away from eviction if they lost their job. So, are the interest rates being kept low more to reduce the massive interest on the debt vs interest on savings. And if that too is part of the total financial picture than it speaks to a far more important issue.
5
The speech by our Dear Leader was perfect! Everything is so true! Our country marches forward together into a brighter future where we all unite as one into the faith and dreams of Donald Trump for prospering off our taxes and fellow countrymen, for establishing the proper respect toward women, black people, brown people, and all other second-rate people and even third-rate people from around the world. Except for those on the list as proclaimed by our Lord and Savior in the White House, today in year three of his reign.
7
Liars don't lie: you just have to know how to listen. When he says, "We're doing better than ever," he means the top 20% of income who grab 90% of the pie, leaving 10% of the pie to middle class, and NOTHING to the lower class. "We're" doing better than ever, he gloats, meaning the rich and grubby.
11
As Nicholas Kristof asked, 'What if this had been President Obama?'
6
I loved it. We need to stop coddling Trump. The gloves need to come off, he needs to be blasted for his lies and incompetence every day.
19
Donald Trump is going to have the last laugh when he's acquitted this afternoon.
10
@sharon5101
And we're all going to have the last laugh when we vote him out come November.
8
@sharon5101 And he'll have another laugh when he wins by a landslide in November!
3
I love Pelosi ripping up the speech and tossing it on the desk like just so much garbage. Which it is.
13
Nancy Pelosi is my Hero!
10
The biggest losers from last night's address, the people of America.
What we saw is a dysfunctional government that's not serving anyone.
15
Trump’s medal of freedom decision process
It would be great TV if I gave myself the medal of freedom at the SOTU.
How I would love to watch Nasty Nancy lean over and grab it from my neck and my secret service rushing in for the pounce.
It’s probably not a good move before the impeachment vote. Some of those fake trump-loving senators may decide to defect.
Rush just revealed he has stage 4 lung cancer. Hmmmm.
Got it. I’ll award it to Rush as long as he promises to bequeath it to me in his will and signs this air tight non disclosure agreement.
I do the best quid pro quo’s!
4
Brava!
6
Another reason to smile on Acquittal Day—Pelosi making a fool of herself. Vote for America--Vote Republican.
8
@Jonathan
I've been thinking about printing a bumper sticker:
SUPPORT PUTIN - VOTE REPUBLICAN
10
@Donna Do it.
I was most surprised that Nancy didn’t stick her tongue out at Trump and that he didn’t say na na na na na.
6
Listening to and reading the comments of people--mostly Republicans--clutching their pearls over Nancy Pelosi ripping up the SOUA speech would be hilarious if we, as a country, weren't in such dire straits because of Trump and his anti-social and traitorous behavior toward the country and it's people he took the oath to represent and protect.
I applaud Mike Bloomberg, Nancy Pelosi, and anyone else giving Trump a small dose of his own medicine after all of his disrespect of others these last 4 years. He counts on everyone else taking the higher road while he rides rough-shod over everyone else. This man is not a good person, let alone the God so many see him as and he deserves a few hard punches back.
15
The pearl-clutching from Democrats is what infuriates me most about this.
4
I felt like to SOTUS was produced my Hollywood producers! Give a medal to someone that is dying (get some tears), give money for studying to a black child (empathetic), talk about some 100 year old (inspirational) - and in the middle lie and make up storylines from a Hollywood movie... and the world is coming to an end and the hero (Trump) saves the day ... with a bit of romance (Melania). Oh... and Pelosi is the antagonist in the script... the one that stands in Trumps way while his wingman (Pence) watches out for him!
Amazing Hollywood blockbuster ! All for free and the cost of taxpayers !
Stay tuned for the sequel !
8
For those who want to apply Miss Manners standards only to Pelosi, remember as well that Trump is a GUEST of the House of Representative and must be invited.
Pelosi is head of the House there so it sure looked like she felt offended that Trump had felt entitled to soiled the place with lies and snubs. Looks like she started cleaning up before they left their podiums. I bet this resonated more with women. lol.
12
This State of the Union was another Trump television show, and not that as a real President.
Who could anticipate the truth when Trump has lied over 17,000 times since he has been President, and is indecent and has disrespected and hurt millions of Americans, financially and otherwise, with his legislation, administrative and executive actions that require no legislation.
No other American President in modern times has acted like he has, and he hasn't earned, nor does he deserve the respect that every other President has deservedly earned.
22
Speaker Pelosi’s rudeness in publicly tearing up a copy of the President’s superbly reflected how Democrats view traditional bi-partisan governance. And their lack of respect for the President. Ms. Pelosi confuses her personal feelings with the traditional role of our Presidents as the leader of our nation. Her disrespect for the President will likely cast a long shadow on Democrats. How much better would we have been without such a poor display of “old fashioned manners”.
Remains puzzling why Democrat leaders feel compelled to challenge the President at every opportunity instead of focus their energies and attention in proposing proposals to positive advance the “public agenda” and vigorously support those candidates most likely to follow the traditional Party’s agenda.
History will likely recall that Congressmen Pelosi, Schiff and Nadler displayed bad manners in their failed efforts to remove a duly elected President on questionable evidence/grounds. Many life long proud Democrats expected their leaders to observe the traditional courtesies. Rather than pursue Impeachment with a “do or die effort”. Americans value their traditional governance and its institutions. And expect courteous behaviors especially from those with whom they disagree. All in all a disappointing performance from Speaker Pelosi and her colleagues.
19
Someday soon under the term "bad optics" you will find a photo of Ms. Pelosi ripping up Trump's speech in prime-time. This will become a major meme in the 2020 campaign. Let's face it; Pelosi got Trumped on this one.
20
Can you imagine the howls of outrage from the bloggers and the talking heads if a Republican House Speaker had torn up a State of the Union message delivered by Democratic President? No matter how she felt Nancy Pelosi had no right to tear up Trump's speech because it belongs to the federal government.
So much for Nancy Pelosi masquerading as the only adult in the room. The esteemed Madam Speaker just handed Donald Trump 4 more years making State of the Union speeches.
17
@sharon5101 : Don't you wish. Madam Speaker just gave Trump tit for tat - he was disrespectful in her House, and she had every right to show her displeasure right back. If it had gone the way I wanted it to, every Democrat at the SOTU would have turned their backs and walked out en masse as soon as the first lie came out! Which means the Democrats might have heard the first 10 seconds of his "speech", if even that.
5
Speaker Nancy Pelosi , the decency in American politics. Recognition and respect for this
10
These were not even exchanges. Trump was impeached by the house, so it's not surprising to me that he didn't shake Nancy Pelosi's hand. But, for her to tear up the speech like that in front of the house was really unbecoming of her position and a disgrace to our country. What she did shouldn't be shrugged off as "snub." She should resign.
14
@Mark
I think too that was too much !
After Trump did not shake her hand, she did omit the kind words of the traditional presentation and with that she shoud have thought they wrre even.
But no ! She had to do more, she wanted to feel vendicated and that's why she did what she did.
Painful to see !
1
I honestly can not consider the lack of handshake or ripping of the speech as essential to more important items. It has been clear from day one that he does not respect Democrats that don't embrace him, and she is totally turned off by him and his agenda.
She may have wanted to set up a visual of sorts, and he was instructed to not focus on impeachment in his speech or overall demeanor. Let's move on to surviving this crazy state of America the divided!
3
I am tired of people applying social norms to what is happening in the Trump administration. Trump and the Republican Party are dangerous bullies. Democrats need to stand up and quit having a few congressmen, led by Pelosi, carry the water for the entire Party. Bullies are incapable of learning from observing decorum and moral behavior. They have to be stood up to.These are desperate times and they call for desperate measures.
13
I figured Trump would have at least made an effort to say something like "we have released 1 billion dollars to the CDC to help manage the coronavirus outbreak" But no mention of the soon to be pandemic. Weak.
8
I didn't watch the speech to prevent indigestion and sleeplessness and if he is re-elected I will avoid all news media (including the advertisements) and try to live out my days in some peace. If this is who America is, if you have to launch a huge, organized movement just to get a president who is law-abiding, decent, honest, and worthy of emulation by my children and grandchildren, I see no point in knowing what upsetting things this president and Republicans are doing that I can't do anything about. Look! The robins are returning!
11
NYT, don't be misleading. This video makes it looks like Pelosi tore up the speech right after Trump turned around. A careful re-look shows her placing the speech down still covered, but you don't notice that the first time. We need the NYT for a clear and discerning report of what happens. Please rework this video to indicate a time gap.
7
The entire State of the Union speech is unnecessary. It is nothing but spectacle, sound and fury signifying nothing. End this dreadful tradition now. There is nothing in the Constitution that requires this to be a speech, It can be submitted in a written report and was delivered that way until Wilson is 1913. It has become nothing but political spectacle. Thomas Jefferson likened it to a speech from a monarch, unworthy of a democracy. End this now, I haven't watched one in 40 years. It's a waste of time
10
@Darryl B. Moretecom I actually like to see the SOTU. You seem to be ok after 40 years of not watching. There is something to be said for seeing Congress, Supreme Court and President in the same room.
1
Neither Trump nor Pelosi showed leadership or character. An eye for an eye only leads to blindness. The people are desperate for someone who will take the higher road. What do we tell our children? He started it? I was embarassed for our nation. We elect our leaders to show leadership in times of turmoil, not in your face one upmanship and throwing redmeat to your base only politics.
The NYTimes appears to want to placate the "middle" that thinks Trump's decorum wasn't a problem but Pelosi's was (see "picks"). The goalposts have been moved far to the right.
What a disgusting campaign rally, full of lies, nauseating. Tearing up the paper was a mild and symbolic act by comparison.
Ruining the planet, earth, air, and water, for short-term profit? A massive fail.
Attacking the truth and supporting lies - a fail.
Tax cuts for the rich, while building up debt - a massive grotesque dangerous fail, which will backfire in a very big way. Value removed from the economy, massive profits for the wealthy and massive losses for the rest, setting up a 100% certainty of a crash the likes of which none of us have ever experienced.
People need living wages. Working conditions matter. Billionaires already have enough.
Trump/Republican policies of victim blaming and violence, encouraging "second amendment solutions" are dangerous.
Their "Christianity" would go unrecognized by the Jesus of the Gospels. Whited sepulchers, moneychangers in the temple, casters of first stones, persecuter of the less fortunate.
Voter suppression and cheating, intimidation, no protections from hacking and approval of foreign interference.
Interfering with women's health, worshipping fetuses while ignoring children, families and communities who need support, health care, etc., a massive fail. Life before birth but not after it, even if its rape of incest? Really?
12
Obviously, the alternative would have been taking the speech along with her..during a bathroom break.
Loved it Nancy!
12
There was no "confrontation". Trump ignored Pelosi, she fumed and posed for the camera ending with a childish stunt. She bet and lost and she knows it. Reviled (by the establishment Democrats she represents) primary candidate Bernie Sanders will be the nominee. They have a choice between supporting Sanders or by undermining him supporting Trump. Either way they lose. Pelosi sees the writing on the wall and her despair is plain.
9
I can't think of a more appropriate action than ripping up a speech filled with lies. Nancy Pelsosi's grand gesture should be remembered as one of the finest in American history.
18
Speaker Pelosi is always a straight shooter, and I applaud her for ripping up that speech; it wasn't worth the paper it was written on for reasons that are all to obvious-- among the newest ones, the utter disgrace of "honoring " a radio host known for nothing but inflaming his audiences with his pernicious rhetoric. Nancy Pelosi rightly put Trump the small man in his place
I am even more glad that she simply said at the beginning "Members of the Congress, the President of the United States," and skipped the customary florid words " ...my distinct honor and privilege to introduce the President...." That was "perfect" in its minimalism for the occasion, to use a Trumpian locution.
This so-called president has never known honor in his life. Not only was he impeached for violating his constitutional oath , he has been a legal and moral derelict in countless ways as has been well- documented. His pathological mendacity, his serial adultery, his predatory sexual behavior, his ignorance, his total lack of intellectual curiosity, his shameless hiding of his tax returns, his fraudulent business practices, his incompetence in foreign policy, his vulgar self-glorification, his evident insecurity, his petty tweets-- one can go on.
No one other than his craven and servile Republican bands can use the words "honor" and "privilege" in addressing this depraved and unhinged occupant of the White House. Go, Nancy!
17
I've seen a lot of the usual, "Both sides are to blame."
Are both sides EQUALLY to blame? Or...is one side more offensive? "Grab em' by the .....". Boorish, "Sadiq Khan is a stone cold loser". Bigoted, "Laziness is a trait in blacks". Intolerant, "Nigerians would never "Go back to their huts" after seeing America. Egotistical, "I would bet if you took a poll in the FBI I would win that poll by more than anybody's won a poll". Narcissistic, "I give myself an A+" as president. Condescending "I love the highly uneducated".
Is not allowing documents and witnesses to one of the most important trials in our history equally offensive as ripping up a speech when the person who is on trial stopped a fair process in which he is charged?
I know the media needs to gin up controversy but enough already...It's almost like the other famous quote from our humble and honorable POTUS. "There is blame on both sides" and there are "Very fine people on both sides".
Well then, I guess if we are going to be fair minded and even handed we would have to agree with Trump and shake his hand as we extend an olive branch for his high minded civility. Isn't that right Republicans? Isn't that right media?
That's what we should do?
4
Maybe it's time Nancy Pelosi faced impeachment charges for her immature behavior. Hey what goes around comes around.
4
Is this life imitating a kindergarten classroom? I'm sorry to offend any kindergartners.
5
What were all those Democrats doing at that MAGA rally last evening?
Where were the fire marshals?
2
Since 2015, we've been dealing with a personality-disordered con artist on the national stage, and, since 2017 with his finger on the nuclear button. A button we paid for with our tax dollars.
This personality-disordered con artist should *not* have his finger on the nuclear button.
He should not even be allowed Twitter -- by Twitter's own rules about using the platform for hate speech and violent threats.
When the Obamas welcomed the Trumps to the White House. I wanted to scream. "Why are you pretending that this is just a normal transition of power? It is not. This man is dangerous and toxic in a way that no previous president elect has been."
Trump called his top generals "babies" and "losers" -- and they refused to react.
Trump talked about solving international issues by nuking countries -- and his advisers refused to react.
What reactions we get are delayed and muted, like the "Anonymous" NYT op ed.
I'm a survivor of child abuse, and I've studied dark histories.
Both those phenomena depend on "good" people looking on and doing nothing when bad people get and wield power.
the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.
Last night, in real time, we finally saw someone with power comment on Trump's unsuitablity for office
Bravo, Nancy. You are a goddess. You will go down in history.
13
The Republicans have the bully pulpit (never has that name been more appropriate!) right now and I think Nancy Pelosi has shown remarkable restraint throughout her speakership. Everybody has their limits, though, and I thought her gesture was appropriate, given the nature of trump's caravan of lies. Go Nancy!
12
I realized last night how Trump has effected my life. While shopping, several Republicans began demeaning Nancy and the Democrats. They said horrible things about Nancy and went on to praise Trump. I literally wanted to scream at the top of my lungs how stupid and ignorant they were. I instead held my tongue and walked out of the store.
I prefer a Democrat President over a Republican President, but even when we had a Republican President, I never felt the anger, disgust and loathing that I do for Trump. Today with the Senate most likely to acquit Trump, that anger and disgust is only heightened and amplified.
Our nation is tearing apart at the seams. This is what Trump and the Republican Party have done to our nation with their disrespect for our laws and constitution. Trump will be remembered as the great divider of our nation. Trump has spent his entire business life as an authoritarian. That need to bully, intimidate, to lord over and to ruin others continues in the Oval Office. And yet Trump supports still rally behind him like Trump has done nothing wrong. How is that even possible?
Trump's Presidency is a frightening statement of where America is today. A very frightening statement indeed. If Trump wins four more years, I honestly believe a civil war will break out in our country. For every action, there is a reaction. Trump and his Republican Party should keep that fact in mind.
Please vote Democrat 2020.
12
Nacy tearing up the speech looked like an outburst of childish behavior. She's obviously angry and frustrated.
9
Democrats are ready to tear up the economy and the Constitution, just like Pelosi tore up Trump's speech. Clearly Pelosi was emotional. She lost the impeachment, Trump's approval rating is at all time highs, and her approval remains in the toilet. It's sad watching liberals cheer her on as she divides the country. What is wrong with these people? Three years of hoaxes, lies and Chicken Little "the sky is falling" stories. Snarky, petulant and wrong suits Democrats, but it's bad for our country.
5
@TL Oh, and Nancy should say and do nothing? Maybe you think we should continue to cheer Trump on in his next term as dozens of wooden buildings are built near the border with large smoke stacks burning well, you know what I mean.
The reason for Trump being as vile as he is because deep down he knows all his "success" is based on the work of his father. Trump is your typical bully, who, if you ever have encountered (Catholic grade school was a good place to learn about bullies), are filled with the rage of insecurity and self-doubt. Most of the time, these individuals respond to their shortcomings by lashing out, even as adults.
5
@Biggs I do ot understand all this disdain towards Trump.
I don't think there is something with a son being helped by his own father's wealth: is it not what we parents are usually doing ?
And should we not be happy if the son is successful ?
Probably you are thinking that is (too) easy getting richer starting from rich, but this is not always true. A lot of these "sons" are not capable to keep the wealth they inherit...
1
I have never seen a more morose group of people than the Democrats in the chamber last night. What a depressing bunch of sad sacks, led by the Speaker and Senate Minority Leader who have failed at the most important initiative they have ever undertaken. And tearing up the speech was the petulant act of a sore loser. No wonder the Iowa turnout was as poor as it was: there is nothing inspiring about the current Democratic leadership.
5
Why isn't Pelosi running for President?
5
I am so proud of Nancy.
12
It's a miracle that the medal of freedom was given to Limbaugh, and not to so many worse others, e.g. the pardoned war criminal SEAL Gallagher, an honored guest at Mar a Lago.
5
Pelosi is a whining crybaby who, along with Schiff, botched the House impeachment hearings. Like Schiff, she simply refuses to accept the reality of her failure. Tearing up the State of the Union speech is like tearing up an official government document. And grandstanding while doing it in the same white suit that avowed congressional women socialists also wore reveals Pelosi's own political agenda. She might take a clue from Trump's triumphant speech and start doing some real work in her own San Francisco congressional district where homelessness and drug abuse are running rampant. Why not make San Francisco great again?
8
About time! Pelosi, thank you for the applause in the appropriate spots, and ripping up Trump's lies.
7
Nancy's photobomb "Let 'er rip" moment was a classic refusal of someone's elaborate construction of a "reality".
Trump should appreciate a disruptive moment- he does it all the time. But he is ever the whiner, the bully who cannot take what he hands out- demanding decorum for others while rudeness is reserved for himself.
Nancy must've grown up with brothers. Lol
10
Gosh, she impeached him and he didn't want to shake her hand?
3
In any other reality, I'd say the Speaker's behavior was indefensible. But in the reality we unfortunately find ourselves, it was the only appropriate response to such disgusting bombast.
10
A very entertaining night...the only missing element of the circus was the dog...
1
As a retired woman who spent years in a male-dominated profession (IT), I cringed at the Congresswomen's behavior last night and especially the Speaker. They projected that awful behavior we have been trying to dispel...that we are a bunch of hormonal and emotional women who throw PMS tantrums when we don't get what we want! This was a terrible lesson for our girls to watch. And please stop stop stop blaming Trump and take responsibility for your actions! Let's take inventory: Nancy knew, when she began this impeachment fiasco, that the Senate would acquit. Yet..she pursued the impeachment. She lost and Sen Collins exposed why she lost! Now Nancy and the Dems have the Iowa mess which was brought to you by....former HRC staffers. The Republicans couldn't have written better scenarios. Then, Nancy topped it off with her disrespectful and mean-girl behavior...as the NY Post puts it "Tore Loser". She trivialized all those guests at the SOTU. Now she's frustrated...nothing is going her way. More Gallup polls out today show great marks for Trump. There is only one solution, Nancy. The Dems must create a unified platform and the candidates must run on that. Otherwise, you're done.
9
@J. G. Smith Well, she had already demonstrated her snarky clapping last year, she had to try something else to demonstrate her mean girl attitude and get attention. This shows a lot about her character.
1
They both continue to behave like spoiled children in their dealings with each other. I will be happy when both of them are gone.
Trump is only trying to keep the support of right wing conservatives (reactionaries would be accurate) in the Republican Party who see the rest of the country not as fellow citizens but existential adversaries. He was coached into this by Bannon, who advised him early on. The results have convinced him that that was the way to go. But the President derives legal authority from the Constitution not any political faction. He is neglecting the rights of our citizens to fair representation by him, their right to representation in the Executive Branch of their government.
The state of our country is that it’s divided as it was in 1860 over slavery because Trump only cares about winning elections, not fulfilling the responsibilities of the President. Last night the Republicans cheered as if they were winning a big game and the Democrats were sitting silent and sullen. Trump was campaigning.
146
@Honora Too many repubs seem to have forgotten the place of common decency in discourse with opponents of any kind
20
@Honora
I see. Now that those of us on the "left" (ie: to the left of Ted Cruz) are as fired up and angry as conservatives have been since the appearance of medal winning Limbaugh, we're the bad ones.
8
@Honora
You are literally standing with those who fought to keep slavery. I feel so bad for you.
2
Pelosi ought to have considered the effect that her fit of petulance will have on the upcoming congressional and presidential elections. For many Americans -- and not just Republicans -- Pelosi is the "poster child" for what is wrong with the Democratic party. Her dramatic gesture presumably delighted many fervent Democrats, but it seems likely to offend countless swing voters. If Trump is reelected, Pelosi's action last night may be one of the factors that tilted the election.
14
And therein lies the problem with your comment - you are attacking Pelosi for her behavior, yet make no mention of Trump’s behavior last night, nor over the last 3 years. If you are in fact correct that her behavior reflects badly on the Democrats, can you also then acknowledge how ridiculous it is that Democrats are always held to a much higher standard while Republicans always seem to be granted immunity from criticism against their own hypocritical behavior?
6
Pelosi is not going to have to worry about introducing Trump again at a SOTUS. If Sanders gets the nomination, the polls indicate Trump is going to trounce him, and the GOP will likely retake the House. Pelosi's impeachment fiasco set the stage for this.
8
One of the problems that the Democrats have with President Trump is that under his leadership more people are working in America than ever before and more people are looking for employment than ever before. President Trump is the epitome of working for a living and Americans find that to be inspiring. Democrats want Americans on the welfare dole or working for the federal government. Under Obama, the federal government became nothing more than a jobs program. President Trump has ended that nonsense as people have sought work in the private sector. We need four more years of his leadership; in fact, we need more than four, perhaps the Constitution can be revised to keep him in office forever. Thank you.
10
@Southern Boy
Unemployment statistics are notoriously unreliable. Many of the actual added jobs are things which do not pay enough to live on hence people have to have multiple jobs. That is not exactly an improvement.
4
Good for Speaker Pelosi. At least she has he conviction to do the right thing and stand up for what is right.
13
Perhaps it is actions like this on both sides that explain the partisanship we see today.
For if you are a true independent and consider candidates on both sides each election, maybe it's tempting to throw your hands up, renounce national politics, and let those who seemingly just want their team to win, play the game.
The lack of collaboration and compromise between opposing views is disheartening. The genuine animosity however makes me wonder if our institutions, in which our shared belief in is what makes our nation a nation, have lost their heart. Here's to hoping they don't lost our collective belief and trust as well.
3
@Jason Which "both sides" ?
It is not sure Trump did refuse Nancy's hand (literally) - did he refuse also Pence' s hand ?
Anyway she took revenge by intentionally not reciting the kind words of the traditional presentation.
And, ON TOP OF THAT, she intentionally did tear the speech up !
1
This was quite possibly the best SOTU address I have ever seen! It appeared as though about half of the auditorium sat with appearances of disappointment on their face through most of it. I am glad to see Rush Limbaugh finally get the recognition which he deserved for so long. Until last night I was undecided but a long excellent list of accomplishments has finally persuaded me. I don't understand why almost half of our congress just sat their like a scolded child. I thought these people worked for us and the Trumps results are undeniably top notch. Nancy Pelosi should be censured or impeached for her behavior last night. I think Trump finally broke her but she will be gone by the end of the year anyway.
11
Pelosi's response to Trump's SOU was appropriate. The reaction of her critics is amusing. They say, without a hint of irony, that she acted unprofessionally and child-like. Trump has made a career of acting unprofessional and child-like, yet that is ok because it's just Trump being Trump. It's time to stop making excuses and hold Trump accountable for his actions.
15
@Good Things If with that you do mean she went down to the same level of Trump, then the Democrats self praised "high ground"is just what it has always been: FAKE !
And Nancy just did expose that !
5
At least neither of them pretended they liked each other.
There's little point in putting on a smiling face after the contempt Trump and the Republican Party just showed for democracy, the Constitution, and the majority of the country. Maintaining decorum just allows the abuse to continue.
Decorum gets us Alan Dershowitz in front of the Senate, arguing that it's not illegal to cheat in a democracy if the President does it. And high-flown speeches from 'moderate' Republicans ending with capitulation to his specious argument.
Yes, I'm sad things are this way. But I'm tired of having my good nature exploited. We keep kicking the football and getting it yanked away like political Charlie Browns. The rules are rigged, the opposing side cheats. Now they're whining that we're booing from the stands at them while they're polishing their ill-gotten trophy. Sometimes you have to rip up the speech.
13
If someone was asked to write a script about how a President and Speaker of the House should not behave they wouldn't conjure up the spectacle I witnessed. How can we command the respect of the world when our leaders act like children in a playground?
3
Pelosi, once again, let herself be provoked by Trump. The “tearing up” of Trump’s speech has now gone viral around the world and certainly does not improve the chances of the Dems winning the presidential election. Seen “from the outside” she has ridiculed herself and added, (unfortunately), to the disarray of her party. Since the Democrats won the House, Pelosi, Schiff and Nadler have been Trump’s best little helpers.
9
Pelosi's ripping the speech in half was a reflection of Trump and his party's ripping up of the Constitution over the last few years.
Seemed very appropriate to me given the circumstances.
13
I appreciate civility and cooperation in our political leaders. It's so rare these days.
By tearing up the speech for all the world to see, she showed herself to be as vindictive and mean as the President. Obama would not have done that.
I know many of the the writers and readers of this paper love it. Clearly the ones commenting do.
But it was wrong.
11
ms. pelosi had no choice, especially after trump claimed he would preserve coverage for preexisting conditions.... while his administration pursues lawsuits that will strip everyone who has one of health insurance.
6
@Andie Of course she had a choice. She made a poor choice that demonstrated a lack of control and distain for tradition and process.
1
Nancy stole the show!
From her handsome white suit, to the graceful extension of her hand and equally graceful pull back so as not to embarrass the ungraceful guest in the chamber, to the climactic tear down the center of the guest's speech, Speaker Pelosi showed us what it means to be a knowledgeable, experienced, successful political leader.
She made me proud.
13
I hope the Smithsonian is quick enough to get those torn pages. They are, truly, historic, a fearless, defiant gesture for the ages. I hear John Paul Jone's retort "I have only just begun to fight!" Go Nancy.
10
Why do the Dems in the house insist on continuing the type of behaviour displayed by Pelosi that is sure to get Trump re-elected?
8
I was going to watch then decided I would just read the closed captioning but then I lost the courage to do even that.
So I ask those brave ones who heard it - did he announce his next quid pro quo - the middle class tax cut to get him re-elected and a house majority in 2020?
““We’re going to be doing a middle-class tax cut, very big one,” the president said on the Fox Business Network (FBN). “We’re going to be doing that. We have to win the House. And I think we can.”
He predicted that the ongoing “impeachment hoax” by House Democrats “really helps us in terms of the House.”
The Democratic majority in the House is highly unlikely to approve another tax cut this year. Mr. Trump called it “very important.”
Republicans would need a net gain of 18 seats to win the House majority, but at least 25 GOP lawmakers are giving up their seats this year. Seven House Democrats are retiring.
The president told FBN’s Maria Bartiromo that he would also like to make permanent the tax cuts of 2017, but that effort has “a long way to go.”
His 90-day timetable for a middle-class tax cut plan would put the announcement around the April 15 deadline for filing income tax returns”
2
The graceless behavior by Pelosi was matched by the aggrieved and childish tone of the NPR commentariat this morning. The economy is strong - but this does not matter. The trade deals will benefit the US - but this does not matter. Illegal immigration is way down- is does not matter. Truly, this is the behavior of badly raised children.
9
She's as bad as Trump is. Instead of fixing California's homeless problem and finding a solution to salvage from the fires, she's fixated on Trump.
8
Much more importantly, Trump is shredding the Constitution.
11
Not sure of what is protocol here but Trump did not shake Pence’s hand either.
8
I have a feeling Nancy Pelosi senses the president is right about his "ending America's decline," but sees it more as "hitting rock bottom."
4
Ripping up his speech seems indelicate and perhaps in poor taste, but it is fair. It's what he did to every subpoena or request for documentation.
11
It is very interesting to me that Trump acts horribly and childishly and has this sort of frothing, cult-like following in part of this country that cheers such behavior. Meanwhile, if anyone else reacts to his antics, his baiting, his ugliness, they are immediately attacked for "stooping to his level" and we get the "both sides" arguments that falsely equate.
I no longer understand my country, and perhaps I never did. I grew up with American exceptionalism. I grew up with sweeping stories about Lincoln and the Roosevelts, and MLK. People defending Trump, I ask you - How has he brought honor to the office of the president? How will he be seen in history books? Calling women dogs? How can you, just based on the man, defend his legacy to our country? 401ks are not going to be mentioned in the history books I assure you, but his slights, his meanness, his divisiveness, and yes, his cruelty, will. The problem is not Pelosi. The problem is Trump.
10
God love her. Considering what he is doing to our nation, she demonstrated considerable restraint.
10
It seems the day is not far off when we can see the pandemonium and fisticuffs characteristic of the parliaments of some foreign countries in American Congress too.
1
More often than not the Speaker is the smartest person in the room.
10
C'mon, Pelosi wasn't ripping up Trump's speech, she was reducing its size so it will fit easier into history's shredder.
9
Feigned Republican outrage about Pelosi's actions demonstrates a lack of self awareness unseen elsewhere in the civilized or natural world. After falling mute and countenancing years of egregious remarks and actions by the President, including mocking a disabled reporter, they have forever forfeited any right to protest the loss of civility.
9
Dems, how do you want to win the next election with such childish shows? I thought that we will go high when the others go low. This way Trump's win will be sure.
4
the President speaks at the invitation of the Speaker in her house. Using kids, military and Rush Limbaugh as props for TV was a vulgar spectacle. The Speaker should have moved hte date to next week while dist settles from impeachment cote.
2
Pelosi had a temper tantrum and as a result made a fool of herself and as a leader of the Democrats did not represent the Democrats well. Granted the Democrats had had a bad day with how inept their caucus went but Pelosi needs to control herself. While having a tantrum might appeal to the sophomoric Democrats the people in the states that the Democrats are trying to swing their way will not be impressed. Vote for America--Vote Republican.
6
Pelosi shredding the speech was the only true reflection of the American people. Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Limbaugh has forever tarnished it so as to be worthless.
8
Just went to Fox "News." Everything was about Nancy Pelosi and the Rip. Trump State of the Union "message" and Iowa debacle are now afterthoughts. Well played Madam Speaker, well played.
5
I watched the video dozens of times.
He handed a copy of the speech to Pence, and didn't shake his hand.
He then handed a copy of the speech to Pelosi and turned..not even seeing her hand.
Come people...the country is hitting on nearly all cylinders and you want to focus on him not shaking the hand of someone who's tried 3 times in the last 3 years to have him politically assassinated?
If you say he should have risen above all of this..you surely don't understand politics and you certainly don't understand Washington DC politics where as Pelosi has shown time after time...it's a Blood Sport.
6
@Erica Smythe
Trump refused to shake the hand of the Speaker of the House. We all saw it.
Trump supporters will defend and justify anything this guy does. When he finally does murder somebody on Fifth Avenue, you'll all cheer, just as you cheer when he calls women "dogs" and refers to war heroes as "losers." Come, Trump supporters - you know it's true. You might as well admit it. Your past actions have become predictable.
4
Why do many comments here assume the speech was torn because he missed the handshake offer rather than consider it was ripped up because of its rubbish content?
2
If I had been her I would have refused to attend that charade.
2
What will this woman do next? Wear a tan suit?
I've never been so glad to be a liberal from San Francisco as after her eloquent gesture.
7
I think it was a rehearsed gesture. Just like Kamala Harris’ eye rolling attack on Biden! And just like Harris went her way, Pelosi will also. These woman are not making us professional women look good. Rather as being petulant and childish.
7
After Trump fades away into the next 18 holes who is going to replace his demagoguery in the Republican Party? Whoever it is they will have go lower than he does, which is pretty darn low. The successor to the helm (unless we now have a potus-for-life) is the one I am really worried about... In a very dangerous way Trump has opened doors that I would never have imaged for this country. It only takes another deranged billionaire like him to take us to that dark side.
1
I have reached a point of total disgust with our political parties. What went on last night was the perfect example of why we need term limits. Partisan politics gone wild!
If the Senate Republicans could only serve 2 terms do you think they would support everything Trump does? McConnell and Pelosi year in and year out point the finger at each other for nothing getting done. They are the leaders of their respective parties, year in and year out. If they were CEO's do you think their stockholders would put up with their incompetence?
Two terms in the Senate and three terms in The House of Representatives. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
3
Last night reminded me of professional wrestling, with both Trump and Pelosi acting as the heel to each other's base. It's childish, its embarrassing, and takes away the ability of the two parties in power to govern. I'm sick of it and disgusted.
96
@Holden
The visible slights aside, Trump’s decision to turn the State of the Union into Fractured Fairy Tales is much more likely to inhibit the ability of the two parties to work together. To hear him tell it, the previous Democratic administration is solely responsible for all of this country’s ills, and his administration alone deserves the credit for any progress. His serial misrepresentations and boastfulness were appalling. Pelosi treated the text of that speech with the respect it deserves. None.
90
@Holden Pelosi offered her hand; he refused it. She tried to take the highroad, how many cheeks would you have her turn? At some point outrage and disgust is the right emotion IMO.
69
@MoMck - Absolutely correct. Do you know who responds with sympathy to the person who shrugs and smiles after being struck by the back of the hand? No one. A person who takes a knife to a gun fight is a fool and deserves to lose.
It may be difficult to see from within America's 24/7 political news bubble but the United States has become the laughingstock of the world. Donald Trump takes the stage to tell lie after lie and sycophant Senators stand and applaud like trained seals.
If Democrats don't start showing appropriate outrage at the state of you union (and Nancy Pelosi's actions last night were a good start), and stir up as many voters as possible to vote out this charade of a president, there will be no turning back.
44
I don't see why the handshake is necessary in the first place given that the speaker normally must do an introduction. This introduction, to me, should suffice.
7
@Carol Pelosi also insulted Trump by failing to make the normal introduction of the president at a State of the Union speech. She said "Here is the President of the United States". In every other State of the Union, the House Speaker introduces the president by saying "It is my high honor and privilege to introduce the president of the United States" Pelosi is a whining crybaby who uses grandstanding gestures, smirks, and outright disdain to mask her own failures.
7
@paul
"Pelosi is a whining crybaby who uses grandstanding gestures, smirks, and outright disdain to mask her own failures."
Sounds like a gaslighting to me, considering you just described every day of Trump's life.
4
@paul I agree that her "introduction" was far from the norm.
4
Trump has been deliberately condescending and rude to Pelosi, from the beginning, his misogyny on full display, along with his massively egotistical take on the Presidency.
She didn't genuflect,and she didn't give up any part of her designated role as Speaker: those are the conditions for striking a "civil" relationship with Trump. Those who work for him either do that or they are out. He expected her to fade or give up her goals -- and he wasn't used to having to confront someone he could neither fire nor intimidate.
Ripping up the speech? Perhaps that's what it takes to get through to Trump.
759
@cheryl
Nothing gets through to trump. But it did get through to those of us who are happy to have a real hero in our Congress.
125
@cheryl
Tearing up the speech will not get through to Trump. He could care less. The only thing that could get to Trump is to shame him publicly. When the crowd booed him at the World Series last October, that had to get to him. Why don't we see more public shaming of Trump? One of the ways you can bring a bully down is to humiliate them in public.
104
@cheryl The challenge is to stand up to Trump's bullying and boorish behavior without sinking to his level. He successfully goaded Rubio, Cruz, and other GOP challengers in 2016, and when they took his bait, it was a fight they could only lose.
The Democrats may get away with using surrogates to fight nasty with Trump, but the eventual nominee has to show that she is a better kind of leader.
18
It was a very good speech, perfectly delivered, with the right intonation on each word, for 78 minutes, with no breaks to drink water. I am much younger and would not have the stamina for such a delivery.
Pelosi's faces behind the President amounted to a cheap circus. With faces like this, America is no longer the shining beacon on the hill for the rest of the world.
The POTUS delivered a message of optimism and he cornered the opposition in a place of negativity and pettiness.
The Democratic rebuttal by the beautiful Gov of Michigan was full of platitudes and I turned off the TV like 5 minutes in.
The Democrats must to up their game! Their strategy to date has backfired and Trump has 49 percent approval rating despite an impeachment and 5 years of nonstop vicious criticism from all the media, save Fox News.
28
Giving the highest civilian honor to Limbaugh was deliberately provocative
3
It makes sense for Pelosi to go all in because if Trump wins in November, she won’t be Speaker for the next State of the Union.
13
@Sam Who’s to say the new women, veteran, and “sane” House members still won’t be there? For one, the women in white made a powerful counter statement. There are plenty of Americans like myself who will gladly vote the such reps back into office.
25
Hi @JM
I think you missed my point. Pelosi barely survived a leadership challenge after the last Presidential election, and I think it is accepted thinking that she won’t maintain the Speakership if Tump is elected. As to her House seat, I assume Pelosi has that for life if she wants it but I assume the pull of her beautiful vineyard will be too much at some point.
4
@Sam She agreed to hand over the leadership after four years if the dems still control the house and everyone fell in line. She has gained a lot of momentum this year and proven how shrewd she can be. That little stunt last night was frustration boiling over after dealing with the most ridiculous administration in our nation's history. I wouldn't be surprised if she stays until 2022, if the House is sill in the dem majority. This lady has a lot of pull around Washington. Anything can happen though... I'm hoping she stays.
2
In fairness, the State of the Union address has been a partisan snoozefest for years. I watched my first when Carter was in office, and have seen almost every one over the years. If they weren't required, I don't know if any President would give one.
7
They're actually not required. The president is required to address Congress annually which could be in writing. For the first century or more presidents did this by sending a letter.
2
I was less focused on Pelosi and more focused on the myriad of misleading statistics pouring out of Trump’s mouth (or I should say, being read off of the teleprompter). Admittedly, I stopped watching after 30 minutes, but what I did see and hear was a bizarre attempt to frame Trump’s presidency as a triumph. I sure hope people realize that most of the “wins” Trump cited actually began years before he took office and are not caused by anything Trump or his administration has done.
37
Well the Democrats are not exactly role model as an outsider i see Pelosi represent the Democrats of today like my party the Labour in the U.K. disconnected from the voters in the election they will be punishes
19
The current president has been impeached by the House for violating Constitutional checks and balances.
The Senate has refused to call witnesses or introduce evidence in their "trial." Their leader from the beginning announced an intent to acquit.
I applaud the Speaker for ripping up that lying ode to himself. The rooster crowed on his dunghill last night, while the Republications, who have left the known universes of discourse in order to wander endlessly in lies and self-promotion, received that one slight rebuke.
Let's not just tuck this into an isolated 24-hour-news cycle. The president has violated Constitutional checks and balances. Pro-Trumpers among the Republicans have abandoned the Constitution, to which they swore an oath. Not respectable, not admirable, not patriotic, not truthful.
Joe McCarthy had millions of admirers in the early 1950s "Red Scare," too. Once he was confronted, he folded. The republicans have refused to publically confront the monster they have created but will face a penalty in 2020.
If we all just get out and vote.
35
@Carol
Is not the Senate supposed to be the jury in this impeachment? Since when does the jury call witnesses and produce more evidence? It is my understanding that that was the House's job to do. And then they wanted the Senate to prosecute their case? In their disingenuous hurry to complete the impeachment before Christmas, they missed opportunities and ruined their chance for conviction.
As for Pelosi, I expected more class from her instead of her dramatic stunt. Doesn't she consider herself above the behavior level of Trump? I gave her more credit than was due.
3
The economy is goosed to the max, running on credit while the rich hoard ever more wealth. If there is another recession there's no room to lower interest rates, and borrowing to boost spending might bring the deficit to the actual brink. Lack of regulation will be paid for later by an environment that makes us all sick. So just like Trump's fake hair, arrangement for a marriage, and spray tan disguising an old bald and unloved man, the economy hides stagnant wages, poor getting poorer to the point of disappearing, and swindlers laughing all the way to an off-shore account.
37
Exactly right. We are riding on the fuel of a sugar high with staggering rate of debt accumulation and no bullets left in the chamber. People will look back after the next collapse and wonder how the GOP could have been so willfully stupid and easily conned.
Nancy Pelosi sat with amazing decorum listening to trump's self-adulation. If I were her I probably would have been making faces behind him to stoop to trump's adolescent level of behavior that he so-often displays on his Twitter rants against Pelosi and anyone else who confronts his childish behavior.
15
Pelosi's tearing up of the speech was just like Hillary's "deplorable" remark: It pleases people who are going to vote for the Democratic nominee no matter what while annoying people who are going to vote for Trump no matter what.
It’s damaging to her cause because it turns off independent voters, the ones the Democrats must persuade if they are to win the presidency. It’s yet another unforced error of the kind that will sink the Democrats this November.
And yes, I know Trump refused her handshake. It’s similar but less ostentatious and so less damaging.
22
@Tench Tilghman,
Can't imagine a man behaving with such histrionics as Pelosi displayed; not even Schumer would have been so tacky as to behave as Pelosi did, and her fan club loves it, this Independent, not so much.
5
@Tench Tilghman Nancy Pelosi is the speaker of the house. Trump should treat her with respect. That's like having a guest over , and having them ignore you.
2
It was a perfect jesture to rip up his speech because it was filled with lies. BRAVA Madam Speaker BRAVA!!!
3
Thank You Nancy. You are my hero.
31
It is about time that Democrats start acting in line with reality. Decorum is dead. Civility is dead. Compromise is dead. The days of reaching across the aisle to negotiate with reasonable Republicans in good faith are long gone. It's time to recognize that the parties are at war. To win this war Democrats need to gain power, hold on to power at all costs, and wield their power ruthlessly. No it is not ideal but it is better than quietly admonishing the Republicans while they destroy the country.
22
It’s funny how Trump has shredded the constitution day after day and the GOP supports him, yet when Pelosi shreds Trump’s egotistical and aggrandizing joke of a speech she gets the criticism.
38
I realize this is a magazine article and not a news report but the gestures on both parts was hardly a confrontation.
3
Mr. Trump, you are the best example of America'a decline.
22
"She is an embarrassment and unfit for office." Really?
Here is a question for all of the Republicans who almost daily wrap themselves in the American flag. How would you characterize your president when he pretends to conduct an orchestra during the playing of the national anthem (not once, but twice)? Similarly how would you characterize him when he is moving chairs around during the national anthem? Before you answer, remember this is the same president who loudly and consistently criticized those who took a knee during the playing of the national anthem.
For those unfamiliar with the president's actions this past Sunday, check YouTube or the New York Post. Google it as well.
20
@Tom Q I'll answer your question,
I would characterize Trump by stating he is EXACTLY what more than half the country wants
Trump is compassionate
Trump is intelligent
Trump is for the working man
Trump unlike previous administrations are void of bigotry and racism
Trump drives liberals over the edge
and finally
Trump is your president too!
3
@Tom Q I think that's the point. Pelosi showed that not only is she no better than Trump but she might be possibly worse.
3
@RS
Gosh, I think you forgot that he has always been faithful to his wife and has never told a lie.
1
If he can't shake her proffered hand, he deserves no courtesy from that point on. At least she didn't stand up and shout, "You lie!" Which in his case would have been perfectly appropriate. Good on Nancy for showing Democrats how to fight fire with sangfroid.
18
In fairness I don't think he shook Pence's hand either.
14
Pence didn’t offer it. Pence was just snubbed by the pope. He’s a bit gun shy.
1
Welcome to life after the tech revolution, where if you speak your mind in a public forum, be prepared to be bullied and bullied some more until you will have to decide if you want to become like the bully or if you want to just stay quiet and not call attention to yourself. Mind you some of the bullies know how to pull your strings so hard that you over react and it's on display for all to see. Trump has learned to play the game, and will try to do everything to make dems and Pelosi look bad, even though he is the bully in the room. Women in the video game/tech world already know how this goes, lol it looks like all of the republican men already know how this goes and they bow down to Trump. If we all want to be bullied into an America the majority doesn't want, lets all stay quiet and be nice ;-p
5
Rinse, repeat. JUST as applicable as with Trump's last State of the Union... https://realcontextnews.com/trumps-state-of-the-union-state-of-meaninglessness/
2
I'm with her.
31
Both acted like petulant children. You don't have to like someone to work with them. Do your job.
14
@larsd4
She has done her job, the fruits of which are sitting on McConnell’s desk, gathering dust.
3
Maybe she should have marked it up with a big black Sharpie and the Republicans would have happy with that? Or would that be acting too presidential?
13
trump desecrates the Constitution and his oath.
Nancy tears up a document not fit for print.
One might say she is redacting those parts that are full of lies.
With Nancy coming from one side and Mike Bloomberg from the other thin-skinned trump is in for a rough ride.
15
Pelosi's symbolic tearing of paper is symbolic of Congress' utter lack of power.
Congress hasn't been a co-equal branch for decades, they are just a freak show now. This latest bit of theater just highlights how irrelevant they are. Why Pelosi would choose to show the world how weak Congress is, and how little control they have over the Executive is beyond stupid.
Impeachment was the right thing to do, but what is happening now are just childish tantrums.
5
The Road to Nowhere...
1
I thank God for Nancy Pelosi.
16
Leave it to subservient Melania to hang the medal on Rush, the man with a most crass mouth imaginable, spewing and frothing on his microphone.
And then Nancy shreds the speech, sentences of lies and vile untruth.
Women, who do you want your daughters to be like? Role models for your granddaughters? Remember the lives of future generations are being sculpted and molded right now.
I can only picture my granddaughter ripping up those pages....and it makes me feel really good.
22
What else is there left to do but mock
and laugh at this clown.
9
I wish that, every time he told a lie during his “manifesto of mistruths,” Pelosi had mouthed for the cameras, behind his back,”You lie.”
3
This is the new normal, soon we will see President Camacho as in Idiocracy.
4
Hurrah for Ms Pelosi, the least she could do to keep her dignity...in front of a poorly educated rascal in-chief, unable to hold his resentment in check. Vulgar Trump shall remain the worst president in memory...however shrewd in lying, insulting and finding scapegoats to hide his incompetence. A true demagogue! He must be ousted... before he converts his 'base' of adoring fans, clueless politically and seeking entertainment in what they believe is a circus...into a cult for a malevolent clown in it's center. What a farce, what a laughingstock, what a danger to this suffering democracy...losing the trust in its institutions by a jester who calls the Press 'the enemy of the people'.
7
This was a State of the Union address? Really. The President starts off by turning his back on the Speaker of the House, who had offered a handshake. Then from there it went downhill.
Hard to see who this talk was pitched to other than to targeted groups of people from specific states in play, as if the President was using the traditional address to unify the country as an hour-long free ad buy for re-election. Having people used as props to seemingly appeal to whoever the targets may be was moving but appeared exploitative.
Those that want to criticize Pelosi should look and listen closely at the words that were spoken by the President. It was hard to know the truth versus the opposite. We needed just the facts and a speech that brought together the nation. The country needs major changes and a refocus on the middle class and poor. No mention was made of the rise in homelessness, income equality, rise in rents, low-paying jobs, and the weakening in our traditional alliances abroad.
It was also odd the way the talk ended. The speech appeared to end somewhat muted and looked as if the President wanted to leave the building as soon as he could.
16
@David The country is cracking apart in bits and pieces.
We will never be able to glue them back together.
1
@David Trump wrote the speech. It was that bad.
2
The icing on the cringe-worthy cake of Trump’s presidency was having to watch Limbaugh get the medal of freedom. I recall the night of the 2016 election wondering what awful things I’d seen in the next four years. This ranks right up there.
As far as Nancy Pelosi goes, I think she was right the first time in not pursuing impeachment. Trump will use his Senate acquittal to do even worse things. I am sorry she simply ripped Trump’s speech up. I wish had lit it on fire.
Don’t have a whole lot of hope for the future. I expect Trump to be re-elected. The Democrats are failing to coalesce. And, even when they do get power they don’t use it well.
16
@Sheela Todd In the meantime, Trump has had nobody in the White House who would be expected to get anything other than Cheeseburgers and fries. The first lady is third.
1
Trump snubs Pelosi by refusing to shake her hand. This was the action of a small man and could be expected. The better person offered her hand in greeting.
17
@NOTATE REDMOND and she didn't introduce him with the usual respect so it all started with her actions.
3
@NOTATE REDMOND
Absolutely correct. Speaker Pelosi tearing this speech in half will become an ICONIC image of what this administration and the Republicon party had done to the United States of America and our Constitution.
4
@new conservative
She did her introduction, or lack thereof, after Trump refused her hand in greeting.
2
i think the state of the union was displayed (quite accurately) by these gestures. It's all the bloviating in between that is just hype and infomercial.
7
Commenter "Leon" referred to the terrible Federal Deficit that has grown so dramatically under Trump. It reminds me of the unthinkable debts that Trump has run up in most of his business dealings, according to the excellent article on Deutsche Bank in yesterday's New York Times. Clearly, Trump has nothing but disdain for the laws regarding banks and loans and money lending, which reflects his total contempt for most Americans. He is an abominable anomaly, reeking of corruption--and he's our President!
Please let's not squabble about nuances in the Democratic candidates' policies and plans. We need to rid ourselves of this autocratic monster sitting in the White House by voting Blue in 2020.
13
Trump refused Pelosi's hand and gave a speech full of lies and self congratulation. Trump makes a mockery of the presidency all by himself; Pelosi refused to pretend otherwise. Were she to smile and applaud it would be a false display of her sentiments. By tearing up the speech she gave an honest non-verbal sign of her complete disdain for Trump's actions and words. It is unfortunate that things have gotten this bad but until Trump and McConnell are gone I see little hope for things getting better. I do predict, however, that if Trump wins reelection (or maybe even before) things will get much, much worse and the Republicans will come to regret their vote of acquittal today.
9
Here is my contribution to my Democratic leaders in the hopes a long term crime sees justice;
Here's the scoop on the Trump Wall st tax cuts.......
Trump is talking about more tax cuts.....
I figured out the Tax cuts strategy over decades;
For decades, when Republicans were in power, they cut taxes harming the budget. When the Democrats won, they had to raise taxes to repair the harm from Republican tax cuts. Then the next cycle, Republicans scorn the increase of taxes by Democrats to win an election and power after which time, they cut taxes again. The cycle has repeated for decades.
It's a reputation thing to cover their crime. The Democrats get a bad rap for raising taxes then the Republicans win again shaming the Democrats for their increase of taxes that Republicans were the original cause of. It happens over years and that's why no one figured it out.
First Reagan cut taxes, then Clinton raised taxes, then Bush cut taxes, then Obama raised taxes, then Trump cut taxes as he and all the Congressional Republicans are preening themselves again.
We are all Chumps. That my fellow victims is what's up with Republican strategy. Republicans are robbing the nation.
This is what "Globalization" means. The term might have been coined to glorify what is the biggest heist in human history as all those Trillions in wealth have been exported to other nations along with the businesses to support them later after they escape.
8
All that loot is being laundered through the stock market and on to other countries in what the Republicans call "Globalization".
1
The Democrats cannot stoop to Trump's childish and boorish behavior. The story today should have been Trump's snubbing of Pelosi and the many lies in his speech. Instead... it's all about Pelosi. Fuel to the fire. The Dems have to be better than this. We don't need to exaggerate what Trump does (it speaks for itself) and we certainly don't need to act like petulant angry children (the "angry liberal" label feeds right into the right's propaganda). I fear we're doomed in November given our candidates and this doesn't help.
7
I want to see a detailed fact check of Trump's claims.
Pelosi's misjudgments on the narrow singular focus of impeachment (i.e. Ukraine, when Trump committed numerous "high crimes and misdemeanors"), her poor timing which undermined Sanders' Iowa campaigning, and her several deals with Trump (too many to mention here), are evidence of major problems with the Democrats.
1
What solutions do you propose?
The AP did one. It’s extensive.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-fact-check-trumps-claims-in-his-state-of-union-address
He may gloat on his victory. ...but the whole world is laughing at him. We saw that in NATO summit. THAT is the real barometer, not what republicans make it out to be.
13
You do not return one snub with another slight, a major cold shoulder, ripping up the president's speech in front of the entire congress, in front of the entire t.v. watching world!Is the Speaker losing her marbles?Some might be inclined to believe that. When Pelosi finally turns in the gavel and retires from politics, but with that one gesture she has become a liability, and that one gesture, "malplace," will be on her mind forever. Even an apology to her party, public, to the entire nation, won't do. SHE lost her temper when it was necessary to hold it. Trump can be boorish. He is known for that and his followers love it,but when you are pushing 80 years old, almost at the end of the rainbow, others will interpret such a gesture as a sign that years are really adding up!
16
@Alexander Harrison If at 73 a man "can be boorish" I fail to see how a woman "pushing 80" has to be held to some transcendent standard. Do you expect him to acquire even basic manners in the next five years or so, when in seven decades he never has?
4
@Alexander Harrison, your advice is to turn the other cheek?
2
I turned it of when House Republicans started chanting "four more years". Their venality knows no bounds.
11
I’m sick and tired of people ripping on Speaker Pelosi. Instead take a look at his twitter account and all the insulting, disrespectful, and offensive tweets about her (and everyone else who opposes him). The speaker tearing up the speech was golden and worthy of applause in and of itself. I’ve watched the clip at least 10x. The sooner he is out of office the better for all Americans - Republican and Democrat alike.
19
There will be a lot of Republican propaganda about Pelosi ripping up her copy of the speech. But we have to remember that Republicans have been the ones poisoning the political dialogue. Rush Limbaugh has been spewing hatred, vitriol, racism, and lies for over 30 years. By awarding him the Medal of Freedom, Trump is telling us all that vicious and extreme partisanship is just fine as long as it is in the service of the Republican right.
15
I think we could clear this whole mess up by requiring the President be sworn in before making future SOTU addresses.
Beyond that, nothing in the democratic response comes close to the "you lie' slander thrown from the house floor toward Obama in 2011.
2
Trump should be treated with open contempt by all decent people.
13
In ripping up to shreds a paper copy of Trump's speech, Nancy Pelosi, to my chagrin, has revealed how out of control she, and the rest of the Democratic Party, is. Until that moment, I hadn't quite realized how D.C. Dems are filled with anger and hate. Trump . . . of course he's a dangerous goof-ball -- but Pelosi (of all persons) was supposed to be the calm, Patrick-Henry quoting voice of reason in a sea of trouble. Alas, in her clap-back demonstration last year and now her ripping apart of Trump's speech this year, she has revealed herself to be far, far from that solemn, thoughtful Patrick Henry-quoting stalwart she purports to be. She is just as bad as Trump.
Sad. It is time for her to retire.
17
@tony.daysog
She is just as bad? You haven't read Trump on Twitter, have you?
3
@tony.daysog
Holy false equivalence, Batman.
4
Nancy's behavior was disgusting, and I agree with many that she should be censored. She has shown she has no business being leader of the House. Her "temper tantrums" were in full view last night, and is one of the many reasons our country cannot get anything done. Democrats need to chill out and get back to the business of the people.
20
I wish I could make a gif for my phone that every time it rings, it's Pelosi ripping his speech. It's so satisfying to watch.
15
@Jj
Indeed. It’s even better than last year’s clapback, one of my favourite gifs of all time.
2
Who is the grown up of the two!
Pelosi is a grandmother, mature and wise. She knows how to handle a spoiled brat.
Trump is an entertainer. His followed think he is joking when he calls people names, ridicules them! They laugh out loud gleefully when trump
Misbehaves. It speaks a lot about Trump’s followers. They want to be entertained and they look to trump for comedy relief from their otherwise miserable sometimes opioid strived existence?
8
So Alex Jones wasn't available to accept the award?
11
I would have preferred it if every Democrat had walked out the minute the boor in Chief snubbed her handshake.
9
The speech, like everything Trump, was a manifesto of lies. It actually deserves more than ripping up. It’s time to stop normalizing this grotesque creature. He has disgraced the Office.
13
After watching Trump's crude and boorish behavior for 3 years I can't imagine why he deserves any respect whatsoever. It's enough that Pelosi had to sit through his shameless, partisan campaign rally replete with sickening gloats and boasts. She could not walk out, as some other Democrats rightfully did.That was more than Trump deserved.
8
@hark It’s her job to sit through it. One of the highest positions in the country. I cannot give her criticisms of Trump’s behavior credibility any longer after her toddler-level stunt of ripping up the speech on camera. A “wise grandmother” would know better.
4
When confronted with a leader like Trump, how many cheeks are you supposed to turn?
You finally have to say " I can not smile and applaud, at long last is there no truth and decency here ? "
9
Pelosi ripping up Trump's speech was a perfect meme to bring home the fact that Trump's speech was a bunch of worthless lies. It got the message across. I wish the media could be as straightforward at identifying Trump's lies. Maybe use it as a GIF to identify when Trump lies?
8
Trump can add “terrible orator” to a long and growing list of defects. I pity all those in the chamber who had to listen to him drone on for 90 minutes.
4
She didn't go far enough. All the Democrats should have stood up and left... Senators and Congressmen.
He is not legitimately our president. He was originally elected by a rigged Putin election and now he's trying to cheat again.
10
Cameras cut away too early...
Within 30 seconds, the pieces rewove themselves...
Eventually fully intact, lying on the desk...
Mike looked at them reverently, folded them carefully, put them into his pocket – and was gone...
PS
My bot and I have a wager on how many hundred times Trump is going to tear up a picture of Pelosi tearing up his speech, at campaign rallies...
Autographed taped-back-together versions will be more sought after than signed MAGA hats, on the trail in 2020...
And how many Dem wannabes will try the same thing – until the backlash hits them in the side of the head with the pole from a campaign placard…
Ever the party of unintended consequences…
6
You go girl! Disgraced herself and the house? I think not!
Good to see a Democrat showing the disrespect that Trump deserves....Obama didn't deserve it and the Republicans had no issue with that. You get what you give!
11
Childish. Not the high road.
17
The speech was full of lies; a shredder would have been better so as to leave no word untorn.
5
President Trump’s SOTU was an embarrassment, and I truly sympathize with Pelosi’s urge to shred the printed copy, but I wish she had abstained until off camera. The stunt played right into Republican hands, and they’ll ride it for all it’s worth just like the pens. There’s an old saying: don’t wrestle with pigs; you’ll both get dirty, and the pig likes it.
2
Liz Cheney,
Please ... you and any republicans criticizing Pelosi for not honoring decorum of the politics should watch just one of hundreds of Trump tantrums, snubs and misbehavior under the guise of stupid bravado; the corrupt man you and your immoral cohorts have decided to stand by.
Wait, you are the daughter of other corrupt republican who has blood of thousands of Iraqis on his hands and millions of dollars through military contracts. You wouldn’t know the difference between right and wrong.
12
@Assay Thank you for your comment. It is good to remind people how very awful the Cheney family is.
Nancy is a sore loser but smart enough to know that The Donald will be giving 5 more State of the Union speeches.
12
I thank God for Nancy Pelosi every day who expresses the disgust of the American people with this fake president in very effective ways. Too bad the Republicans have lost their minds.
It's hard to watch. Donald Trump is a con man and a fraud and Nancy Pelosi as well as the majority of Americans know that. She expressed our disgust with his constant lies and his betrayal of our country perfectly. It was a "perfect tearing up" of a lie filled waste of time.
7
The focus on Trump versus Pelosi misses a far more serious situation: THE ANTAGONISM BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS. The television pictures that scanned the chamber of the House of Representatives said more than all the hyperboles spouted out by the President. You could turn off the sound and see the tension in the government. This all came to a crescendo with multiple confirmations of the bold attempt to loot foreign aid funds to be sent to Ukraine. Later today, the block of votes controlled by Senate Majority leader will further divide America. The future will be uncertain for everyone, not just for those who hold high office.
12
President Trump and Speaker Pelosi each
represent a High Office in the Federal Government.
Neither should allow their personal feelings to
bring them to ignore simple politeness.
While we can be thankful that Trump did not
slap Pelosi across the face with the folder the
State of the Union Speech was in and that
Pelosi did not tear the Speech up in little bits
of paper and rain confetti down upon Trump's
head in the middle of the speech, neither not shaking
the Pelosi's hand, greeting and announcing
Trump in the usual manner
are worthy of their Offices.
Trump should be generous in apparent Victory,
Pelosi should rise above partisan politics, for as
Speaker she represents the entire House of Representatives
not just her self and/or the Democratic Party.
Are their any Adults
in the Junior High that the
Congress has apparently become ?
9
As scripted Nancy did her job. She truly is a well trained politician/actor who
followed her part flawlessly, standing and applauding on cue with facial expressions to match throughout Trumps lengthy and all inclusive speech.
Feigning boredom Madam Speaker constantly rearranged and sorted thru her copy of the the speech with full knowledge that the cameras were focused on her antics. Then with a flourish and with perfect timing offered the coup de grace by dramatically tearing up the President's speech.
WHAT A MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE!.
3
I'd like to remind everyone of the following. Donald Trump cares about 3 things: 1-his wallet 2-Putin and 3-Ivanka. In a pinch he'll throw Ivanka under the bus to protect #s1&2. The GOP is afraid of 3 things: trump, their base, and the truth. Having lived into my 7th decade I'd also like to remind everyone of something else. There is a huge recession just around the corner. Mortgage rates hovering near 3% is a clear indication of this as is the inflated stock market. Best get your house in order now and be ready for the next crunch. Might be smart to move your investments into safer havens.
11
@Citizen 0809 Most people don't have any savings or investments to worry about. They are living from paycheck to paycheck.
1
It was admirable of Nancy Pelosi to even invite a President to the House, to give the State of the Union, when it has been proved that Trump is basically a crook. The fact that Pelosi tore up the speech after Trump used the opportunity for untruths and as an election rally, instead of a dignified State of the Union address, was an expression of outrage for Trump's using this speech to glorify himself--clearly not the purpose of the State of the Union.
Nancy has been so patient, beyond any human limits; she gave the response that any honest representative of the people should have given.
15
what I observed last night was the deterioration of what should and used to be the strong coming together of elected people forgetting that they got there "we the people, for the people, by the people" was it childish, certainly, by all means, considering many nations who are Democracies were watching and anticipating that even though there is an impeachment brought by the Democratic House some form of semblance as most of us can attest is done by people throughout the world would prevail and for over one hour a formative semblance of unity,( I personally have always stated that the average person should win the Oscar as our daily behaviors are often one of the most fraudulent displays that get us feeling powerful and wanted, sad but true, most of us put on an act) Will the US Government not come to the Conclusion that should this continue you may never regain your place in the world of the free. I hear the mention of the word Socialist being thrown by the Republicans, is it true? Are the Republicans looking for a Monarchy, Canada is under a Monarchy, the Queen has no real Power, she is a figurehead, Many years ago Pierre Elliot Trudeau thought of opening our Constitution in order to keep a country that showed division due to the Province of Quebec wanting to abdicate from Canada, this is still a factor that continues, is this what the Americans want, to be torn apart due to the divisiveness of factors brought on by Government! what happens then, loss of power, economy, self
3
Did this really happen? While Trump's incivility does not surprise me Pelosi is better than that. What's up with the playground antics?
9
Btw, what about Pence? I can't decide if I think his composure is an amazing feat of self-control (maybe even as in, please let these four years end) or if he's scheming revenge (as in, you insult my leader I will get you...) Either way, it was a thing to behold.
@PS Whatever he thinks, he holds himself with dignity. He did not sit on his hands, smirk, rip up a speech, or anything else to disrespect his office. The only adult in the room, and I include Madam Speaker.
4
The "honor of the office" can no longer Trump's utter disdain for this country. Pelosi was appropriate. No longer can we pretend he is a president other than in name only.
10
No fan of Trump, but I thought Pelosi was raised with better manners than that.
I wanted and rather expected her to be the total adult up there.
Having said that, perhaps she was experiencing an inner fury over the mess in Iowa that challenged her usual professional standards.
10
Just days ago, Pelosi lectured to a reporter that she doesn’t “hate” anyone, and that she in fact prays for Trump. It was a great moment.
Ripping up his speech was not.
Sadly, advantage Trump.
21
The Speaker of the House failed initially to utilize the customary introductory words for the President of the United States. The president shook neither the speaker's hand nor, when also presenting him with a copy of the address, the vice president's. The sub head on this story does point out the initial breach of protocol.
6
Trivial unimportant. Trump tries to claim the economy is wonderful. Wrong. He is very vulnerable. One need wait a moment or two before Trump commits a gaff or is fecklessly involved in unethical behavior. Pelosi is uninteresting leading a flawed politically motivated impeachment that didn't move the political needle one way or the other.
2
Trump made a mistake by giving the medal of honor to Rush Limbaugh (a divisive racist) instead of the last tuskegee airmen survivor. He could have won some of the black and independent votes if he did. Sure, his base doesn't care but moderate Republicans or independents might. Come election time I will play a commercial to death highlighting this event, playing some of Limbaugh's racist comments vs the heroics of the airmen.
9
It seems that, like all bullies, Trump and the GOP can dish it out, but they can't take it.
16
Good for her, that's the least she could have done. She should have introduced him as the "Impeached President of the United States"
9
Pelosi is just like Trump. Classless. At least he has been effective.
16
Speaker Pelosi was everyone at that moment, everyone who sees Trump perform the most unpresidential and underhanded actions without any repercussions... everyone who boils inside reacting to Trump’s continuous spill of lies... At some point we all need a more visceral and candid reaction! She has had it! So many of us.
7
As Little Richard said so many years ago, "Rip it up!". You go, girl!
10
It's time to end the SOTU, at least in the age of Trump. It is nothing but a circus.
3
Trump got a taste of his own medicine as Pelosi took control of the social media meme cycle by ripping SOTU speech. She knows when and how to counterattack. Keep it up, Nan!
11
I was angered by the Medal being given to Limbaugh. I think Mrs. Pelosi showed enormous restraint. I admire her. She is a good role model. Does anyone tell their kid to be more like Trump? I hope not. He is the worst President we have ever had. And we have Republicans who are backing him. If you lie down with dogs, dear Republicans, you wake up with fleas.
15
Hand him a bogus impeachment, raise the military budget and stand for a coup in Venezuela- this is Pelosi’s resistance. What a joke she is.
9
This horrible person continues to bring out the worst in all of us. That's Trump, not Pelosi.
The person who openly courted the votes of white supremacists in the 2016 election is far below the suitability of holding the office of president graced by Republican Abraham Lincoln during our Civil War 1861-1865.
It's as simple as that.
Forget the 15,000+ lies and degrading descriptions he uses to demean people. This horrible person has been permanently impeached.
The Senate may acquit Mr. Trump, but it will not, it cannot, exonerate him.
But, once again, he will try to claim, as he did with the Meuller report, that he was exonerated.
Add one more lie to the 15,000+.
'We the people' will promise this. He will not get away with all the damage he has done to the promise and possibility of America.
10
i can understand the frustration, but not the pettiness.
it was an amazing state of the union address. how many more times will we see a racist and misogynistic bigot receive the presidential medal of freedom during the address?
could that be considered an impeachable offense?
2
Who was he singling out with claps while The Soeach was getting torn up?
Who is located to his left in the house?
Pelosi can't help it. She is consumed with hatred. Hate drips from her like acid that erodes everything she touches and she is the Icon of the Democratic Leadership. What next?
13
Drama or not, everyone knows Trump despise powerful smart women. It is extremely painful to watch how the country’s morality has been down the drain. Trump has impose his new set of ethics and morals, obviously the lowest in American history.
4
For Nancy Pelosi enough is enough!!! She is not perfect because she is simply a human. Ripping up the copy is only " one small mistake". not a matter at all. I stil look up to Nancy with proud and proud.
4
I am appalled to sit here and read the comments that bemoan Pelosi's actions as inappropriate.
Our "President" stole the 2016 election. He's actively stealing the 2020 election. He's almost singlehandedly (with the help of his nefarious henchmen) polarized this nation beyond repair. He lies constantly to the American people. He is cruel, petty, and stupid: a most dangerous combination.
In contrast, Pelosi has been a patriotic and God fearing American her whole life. She loves this country, and her actions only work to bring justice to American democracy.
If you cannot see this with clear eyes, then you have been polluted by the right wing establishment media, like 38% of the rest of the country. Open your eyes...
Pelosi is not even *slightly* to blame. Not even one iota.
This is ALL on Trump. Wicked, wicked man.
10
Speaker Nancy Pelosi's shredding of Trump's propaganda speech pales in comparison to Trump's shredding of our Constitution and the separation of powers. He behaves like a dictator, emboldened by a cowardly, complicit GOP.
I applaud her protest.
13
I think it's reasonable to tear up Trump's ridiculous speech because it was full of lies. I'm tired of everyone saying Democrats should act with decorum and be as nice as they can to Republicans, while Republicans act like bigoted bullies and say incredibly harsh things about Democrats.
Democrats don't have to play nice with Republicans anymore. Republicans aren't due any dignified treatment or respect. Republicans have backed a lying, adulterous, bigoted fascist, and should be seen as opposed to Democracy and most Americans. Any gesture of disrespect toward Trump and his crew is warranted and reasonable.
12
It was a very good speech, perfectly delivered, with the right intonation on each word, for 78 minutes, no breaks to drink water. I am much younger and would not have the stamina for such a delivery. Pelosi's faces behind the President amounted to a cheap circus. With faces like this, America is no longer the shining beacon on the hill.
The POTUS delivered a message of optimism and he cornered the oppositions in a place of negativity and pettiness.
The Democratic rebuttal by the beautiful Gov of Michigan was full of platitudes and I turned off the TV like 5 minutes in. The Democrats must to up their game! Their strategy to date has backfired and Trump has 49 percent approval rating with impeachment and 5 years of nonstop vicious criticism from all the media, save Fox news.
13
But the speech he delivered was mostly lies, as per usual for him.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ap-fact-check-trumps-claims-in-his-state-of-union-address/ar-BBZEVQ9
1
@Alexgri If you turned off the rebuttal after 5 minutes, you did not miss much, it only lasted 6.
Pelosi and the democrats have taken decorum to a new low. They have proven their case to the American people. They are a national disgrace...GUILTY...as charged. The whole world saw this woman make a fool of herself. Thankfully, unlike the division of the Obama speeches, this was a great speech talking about the future of America. If you are for America, you loved the speech.
53
@Tom. Were you watching with your eyes closed? Did you not see Trump reject Pelosi's handshake? The Republicans are the National disgrace, having enabled this so called President to get away with all his degradations of the presidency for so long.
24
@Tom I cannot believe that you or anyone else can say this in light of what this Impotus-forever has done to denigrate the Constitution and people - both as groups and individuals. I cannot believe that anyone thinks ripping up a speech compares in any way worse than refusing a handshake, lying incessantly, self-promoting, using taxpayer funds for his own profit and extorting foreign leaders by withholding funds and meetings for his own personal benefit - not to mention separating families and abject cruelty. Who has disgraced America? Certainly not Nancy Pelosi.
28
@Tom, right on Nancy Pelosi. I would have set the speech on fire and watched Pence panic.
33
Nancy Pelosi's initial stance that there should be no impeachment of Trump without some bipartisan support was correct. Partisan impeachments are never going to work well. We've had two of them and they have both ended in rancor and divisiveness.
There was never any chance at removing either President. Better for the Democrats to have saved their evidence and looked for more in the months before the election. Then let the people, not Congress, choose the President.
14
Now, at least the protagonists have dropped the gloves. The next 4 years will be interesting. That, of course, assumes the DJT wins reelection and I believe he will. House Democrats may get a surprise as well.
7
Yes, I suspect House Dems will win an even larger majority this year. Nancy certainly speaks for me!
8
She's a good italian woman and I am proud of her and the work she does on our behalf everyday.
11
Let's see, Republicans are upset about a Democrat ripping up a run-of-the-mill speech as they prepare to rip up the Constitution. Sounds about right.
22
Nancy Pelosi is not the leader of the free world. Donald Trump is. Let's not forget who is in charge here. Let's not forget who dissed whom by not taking the outstretched hand to shake.
8
They’re both in charge. In case you forgot: The legislative branch is co-equal with the executive branch. No matter how much Republicans would like to convince us otherwise.
3
Tearing up a speech full of emotional - and some factual - positives about America may not have communicated to most of her audience what the Speaker intended.
10
@Paul Nicolette I'm not sure what she intended, but what I take from it is that Nancy Pelosi is mean-spirited, spiteful, and lacking in judgment.
9
It is altogether unclear that Trump snubbed Pelosi's handshake. He was already turning away when she stuck out her hand, and he did not shake hands with the Vice President either. More likely Pelosi purposely stuck out her hand late to make it look like he snubbed her, in order to justify what is clearly the most disrespectful act toward a president ever in such a formal situation. Can you imaging the outcry if Paul Ryan had ripped up President Obama's State of the Union speech? The Democrats would be calling for his resignation--and they would be somewhat justified. Of course, Ryan is too classy to ever do such a thing.
18
Dealing with Trump must be like dealing with a petulant 5 year old. But he's a petulant 5 year old with a government of Republican enablers. I don't know how Pelosi has the patience to deal with him and them in any way for any length of time.
10
Let's see, Republicans are upset about a Democrat ripping up a run-of-the-mill speech as they prepare to rip up the Constitution. Sounds about right.
15
Let us all recall that the President of the country was at the House to make his State of Union Address at the invitation of the Speaker of the House. It was not an invitation from an individual to another individual, but from an Office representing the people of the Union to the very Office that alone can deliver the message.
What happens when the Speaker of the House, upon receiving a written copy of the speech, ripped it up? The only way one could construe it is to regard this childish act a totally uncalled for insult to the Office of the Presidency. Madame Speaker is an intelligent, brave and totally focused lady; she did not have to rip up the copy of the speech to make her point she had in mind. She could have accepted it with a genuine charity towards the Office of the President.
3
Its about time Democrat’s in this country engage in a symbolic resistance to counterbalance the cynical Republican sloganeering employed for decades by the their side as they have taken aim no higher than to procure and maintain power by whatever means necessary. Democrats must relish this engagement as a newfound shield against the cynical, Republican overuse of this dark art. It has been a cakewalk in subterranean messaging for the other side since they first filched their power in the 1970’s. For the pendulum to begin its long arc back in the direction of more appropriate balance within our system of government, the heretofore dormant Democratic opposition must develop a taste for the sights, sounds, and smell of this battle. For snowflake R’s unable to tolerate even the hint of an evenly pitched political battle between equals, I offer them the infamous words of Mick Mulvaney, “Get over it...”
This is a fight that must happen for balance and order to be restored within our Union. Scowls, derisive alligator claps, and ripped up manuscripts are the smallest price to pay so that a monarchical tyrant may be dispatched back under the rock that had been his proper home until now. Rather than meekly allow him to stand center stage astride a weakly compliant and submissive opposition, Nancy Pelosi is correct to engage our loathsome POTUS & his band of weakly compliant supplicants. It is her duty symbolically to model the Resistance, as it is ours to stand and follow her lead.
12
There's a reason the majority leader of the House was given the title "Speaker of the House" (as opposed to the Senate where the majority leader is referred to as such) and placed in the succession line for the President. The position is supposed to be non-partisan when executing her official duties. Speaker Pelosi has taken partisanship to a new high (or low in this case). Dispensing with the customary greeting and then tearing up the State of the Union document, in what was a clearly scripted action (after pretending to read along with what the President said) made me embarrassed.
President Trump didn't shake Pence's hand and assuming he snubbed her attempt at a handshake, can you really blame him? Pelosi was the ringleader for his impeachment. If it was tit-for-tat, omitting the typical ceremonial greeting (high honor and pleasure) should have been enough.
I'm a Democrat and I was embarrassed by the childish antics my fellow Democrats are performing. Same for those Representatives who didn't show up. To attend the SOTU address. This isn't a personal choice but an official duty. Now, as Democrats, we can't even applaud good news for our economy? Really makes you think.
14
Utterly disappointing from both people. I expected this of Trump. Speaker Pelosi should not be stooping down to Trump's childishness. A well crafted response by Pelosi to the American people is what I would expect from her.
4
Pelosi said she would give him all the respect he deserves. She did.
11
These body language stunts are a zero sum game and what’s riding on empty is America.
9
A forceful statement from the Speaker. Now, let’s be real. Had she use the, “I have the high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States,” the world would be saying: hypocrisy plain and simple.
4
She did what she could at a minimum. Trump was in HER House.
7
I get the argument about not sinking to Trump's level, but why would anyone be more upset by Pelosi ripping in half his "manifesto of mistruths" than by the actual mistruths? If we're looking for insulting behavior, let's start with Trump's lies, all 16,000 of them -- and counting. Under the circumstances Pelosi was restrained. After that lie-filled reality-show/re-election rally last night she'd have been justified stuffing the torn paper in his mouth.
10
He accepted her invitation to her House. She opened her door, extended her hand. He refused to shake her hand and strutted into the living room! He has no class whatsoever. Stay home if you can't be polite to your host.
5
The Vietnam War draft dodger can spin alternative facts and fake news through the drabble he calls a speech to the nation, but he cannot fool Madame Speaker Nancy Pelosi! I applaud Speaker Pelosi for her demonstrated independence by trashing in full view the pages filled with mistruths, mischaracterizations, and MAWA focused demagoguery. He can run but he can't hide. Add to the public display of playing racial politics to persuade Black Americans to vote for him, such an extreme reach underscores the desperate plight the Republican Party faces. Politicizing Charles McGhee to tout 'look what I've done for you people,' he has affronted the memory of the Tuskegee Airmen. Obviously he didn't care about these brave men, much less know of their accomplishments, until politically expedient. General McGhee deserves the promotion but coming from the draft dodger diminishes the solemnity of the presentation. The draft dodger fancies himself as the "Great White Hope" to appease the base that dark complexioned individuals will be 'put in their place,' while exhorting what he has done for a select view. And, bestowing a medal upon another Vietnam War draft dodger, Rush Limbaugh, is the icing on the cake. The spectacle last night was just a captive MAWA rally to fire up the base through spewing racial and anti immigrant divisiveness.
9
Speaker Pelosi is a mother, grandmother, and has worked full time in public service all of her adult life.
Trump has been disrespectful to her on numerous occasions in words, in deeds, and in public.
She ripped up the State of the Union speech because it was another pack of lies right on top of the ones being peddled by Trump's lawyers at the impeachment hearings.
She ripped up his speech on a majority of Americans' behalf. We are also tired of the circus atmosphere, lies and exaggerations.
11
Nancy Pelosi has still a long way to go before being as offensive as that POTUS giving the Medal of Freedom to Rush Limbaugh...Maybe the Speaker should have thought of an equivalent provocation for a Medal of Congress ( Jimmy Carter?)
3
@Bruno Parfait False equivalence. Jimmy Carter is an honorable man who has devoted most of his adult life to public service, almost all of it without compensation. HIS medal, at least, would be well deserved.
2
The week was a disaster for the Democratic leadership: Iowa fiasco, Trump acting sane and Pelosi acting like Trump, acquittal today, Trump bump from impeachment.
And the greatest disaster - the upcoming Bloomberg vs Sanders debacle. Old NY Fiance billionaire versus Old NY Socialist.
Just like 2016 - Trump will not win, but the Democrats will loose.
10
She succeeded in that she guided the news cycle, and beat Trump at his own game.
6
Ms Pelosi did the right thing-responding
to rude and crude behavior of Mr. Trump
with her own. Tit for tat. she deserves
applause.
11
Trump is a huge favorite in 2020 at this point.
14
Glad Nancy gave her opinion of Donald... pure trash. She stood and applauded at other times during his speech when his guests were honored. Great that she did not support his lack of gun controls, his ignoring of the Constitution’s separation of church and state by calling for prayer in the schools.
Trump touts how much he believes in religion, yet he rarely goes to church (funerals), opting instead to play golf every Sunday at his resorts with the taxpayers paying $760 million for his “vacation.” Can anyone explain just how that huge expenditure betters the lives of US citizens?
8
Trump, in his vile, vengeful manner tried to humiliate Nancy Pelosi by refusing to shake her hand, an act of decorum. Nancy Peolsi's tearing up of Trump's speech, which was nothing more than a political pat on the back and a compendium of lies, stole Trump's thunder. Now few people will remember what Trump said, but everyone who paid attention will grasp the significance of Nancy Pelosi's statement.
6
I peeked at Twitter and there are droves of Republicans calling for her to resign over this.
No care about Trump's crimes, but Pelosi rips up a paper packet of lies and she has to go.
The cult is on full display today.
14
Speaker Pelosi missed her chance to be the better person. Sad!
14
Senator Pelosi looked like a pouting 6 year old when she tore up the Presidents speech. Does she think President Trump seeks her approval or favor? If anything, he is reveling in her petulant response. When are the adults coming to the table. What an embarrassment.
13
@Steve
She is not a senator.
2
@Steve
Um, Representative Nancy Pelosi, D-California 12th District, is the Speaker of the House of Representatives. What an embarrassment.
2
Time to drag out the double standards. Time and time again the Democrats are held to high standards while Donald gets to break all the rules, and act aloof. Good on Pelosi. Only the fake news, easily controlled, brainwashed Fox robots think Donald has somehow transformed our country into something greater than it was 4 years ago. Unfortunately it seems that is half the country.
8
I'll be waiting for the GOP TV ads capitalizing on this now ... "Great economy!" (clip of Pelosi ripping speech. "Honored veterans!" (clip of Pelosi ripping speech. "Victims of crime!" (clip of Pelosi ripping speech) ... and so forth. "This is how the left feels about you and American success." (video of Pelosi ripping speech).
The TV spots are going to be epic.
9
Doesn't matter what side of the aisle you are on.
You need to respect the office !!!
13
It's not easy to deal with a liar. Pelosi's action said, "This is filled with lies. I do not accept." She stood up for the truth, and defended America.
6
Good on you, Madame Speaker.
The sooner trump himself ends up in the dustbin of history, the better.
12
I wouldn't want either one of them in my house. They're both thoughtless and rude.
3
In the late 1980's. I was driving home through NYC on Christmas eve. I noticed a homeless couple huddled in a doorway.
A few days later was the first time I heard the sickening voice of Limbaugh.
He was ridiculing the homeless while he played "Ain't Got No Home"
The Limbaugh fits right in with the callous imbecile on display last night.
How could anything but a heartless evil soil the award this way?
4
If I were a grade school teacher and two of children acted this badly, they both get detention and required to write essays on correct behavior.
150
@Austin Liberal Amen. I expect lies and boorish behavior from Mr. Trump, but Speaker Pelosi did not need to sink to his level.
17
@Austin Liberal Dear Austin Liberal, It is only the President who behaved badly. Ms. Pelosi offered her hand and he refused to take it. Her two reactions were quite carefully calibrated and I admire her enormously for it.
119
@Austin Liberal,
let's stop "both sides-ing", that's how we ended up where we are.
73
Trump's SOTU address was a paean to nonsense - his. Pelosi's contempt was appropriate - applauding self-gratification, phony sincerity, cherry picked promises of things to come and fake achievements is the domain of sycophants - and the good Lord knows Trump surrounds himself with them and only them.
505
@Tom Absolutely spot-on analysis. The amazing and disheartening phenomenon is the millions of Americans who actually believe all of the self adulation Trump delivered last night.
48
@Tom Is this any different from any other SOTU? What'd you expect of trump or any president for that matter? Pelosi? I'm saddened to see Pelosi bring-down the state of civility even more: I expected much more of and from her.
5
@tony.daysog
You now there is only so much anyone can take from Trump . Even Pelosi. I applaud her for having the guts to stand up to him. None of the republicans will
We need someone to stick up for us. Nancy is the lady to do it.
46
At times like this I wish that I had a better knowledge of history. Egypt, Carthage, Rome and others were once feared entities. Greece made contributions way beyond its geographic proportions. Do our current leaders consider the falls of these countries to have been inevitable. How could they have been prevented. Henry VIII made his own church and Britain once ruled the world, they sang. What happened? There's no doubt that Trump and his kind extract pleasure from what they do even though there is evidence of continues slippage of respect and power. America may be like the Galapagos without controls that allow for gradual change. Big bang is our preferred mode.
6
I read and hear half of the commenters are appalled at the state of the Union Address last night.
And the other half cheer the President’s words.
America- please wake up and engage with your neighbors and make this country we can be proud to be citizens and leave to the next generation a better place.
Trump, the Republican-led Senate and the Democrat-led House are not going to go it.
We, the People will have to do it the Right way for everybody - the American Way.
1
It appeared to me that the president handed a copy to the speaker and moved on. It didn’t seem that he saw her offer a hand, nor did I catch him shaking the vice-president’s.
19
@Joseph Gironda
That's my impression too
Pelosi's antics, on the other hand, were unmistakable.
Similar to those recorded of King John when forced to sign Magna Carta.
"Rolling eyes, gnashing teeth, and gnawing sticks" in frustrated rage.
10
Let me guess your view on Trump’s crowd sizes.
1
@Robert
They're "hugely hugest".
It's sad how our government leadership has been brought so low (years in the making, it's not just because of/with Trump). It's political theater now, entertainment at best -- I want to laugh and cry at the same time.
3
@pvks20016
The era of decorum, civility, and respect for across party lines end when the televising of governmental events began. It serves no real purpose other to provide a theater for the politicians to strut and preen....
2
I didn’t watch the speech. I literally cannot listen to Trump’a voice without having stress. It’s so grating. But the first thing that came to mind when reading about Trump’s stunts, with Limbaugh and the Medal of Freedom, and the soldier surprising his family was how dictators around the world use the same tactics as propaganda.
In Venezuela, Hugo Chavez had a recurring TV show. It was live every week, called Alo Presidente. On the TV show, he would make bizarre proclamations like dedicating funds to specific villages or announcing that Venezuela was changing its time zone, bestowing awards on citizens, or announcing arrests or investigations into political opponents.
In Russia, Vladimir Putin uses staged town halls for the same purpose. A little girl calls and asks about the roads, then magically a paving crew emerges in the village to give them new roads on live TV.
Trump is a dictator. There is no possible way to argue against that assertion with facts or evidence.
32
Listening to the "campaign rally" in the house of congress, I felt it was so cheap to attack the democrats, the public school system, California … during the state of the union.
Should it be rename the state of disunion.
Throwing red meat in awarding Rush with the medal of freedom was also a sure way to be divisive.
Also the choice of colored props (all good people I am sure) while attaching immigrants as bankrupting our healthcare system was so cynical.
I only attentively listen to half of what he said and it was already too much.
9
What Pelosi did last night,ripping up state of the Union speech will never be forgotten.There were mention of soldiers death defending this country that she totally disrespected by do I,g that.There shouldn't be a solider in America or world wide that should vote den.I try to believe in my personal beliefs that the good Lord forgives,but what she did is a tough one to forgive.
8
@Lawrence freedman
A bit melodramatic. Individual One shreds the Constitution on a daily basis, and that is fine. Speaker Pelosi tears a copy of a speech that Individual One could barely read, let alone write, and it's off to the fainting couch? Please!
4
Yesterday I refused to be insulted by a president who has lied so many times, so I walked away from the television room. That show was tailored for gullible people, the undecided and those still thinking that Trump is an honorable man.
The only thing I know is the Nancy Pelosi has much more courage and intelligence than Trump and all the Republicans combined. She should be the recipient of the REAL Medal of Freedom for trying to save this country from the abyss of tyranny.
9
Here's the scoop on the Trump Wall st tax cuts.......
Trump is talking about more tax cuts.....
I figured out the Tax cuts strategy over decades;
For decades, when Republicans are in power, they cut taxes harming the budget. When the Democrats win, they have to raise taxes to repair the harm from Republican tax cuts. Then the next cycle, Republicans scorn the increase of taxes by Democrats to win an election and power after which time, they cut taxes again. The cycle has repeated for decades.
It's a reputation thing. The Democrats get a bad rap for raising taxes then the Republicans win again shaming the increase of taxes that they were the original cause of. It happens over years and that's why no one figured it out.
First Reagan cut taxes, then Clinton raised taxes, then Bush cut taxes, then Obama raised taxes, then Trump cut taxes as he and all the Congressional Republicans are preening themselves again.
We are all Trump Chumps. That my fellow victims is what's up with Republican strategy. Republicans are robbing the nation.
6
I, too, and very disappointed in the Speaker's conduct. This kind of display will be exploited (remember the "basket of deplorables" and the "clinging to their guns" comments that were used against the Dems?
Stay classy, get out the vote in the 5 states that decide such things, and put someone forward who can actually win.
8
I'm not condoning either Trump's or Pelosi's actions during the State of the Union Address, but to hear some Republican Senators and Congressmen blame this polarized environment on the Democrats is ludicrous. This extreme partisanship started in Obama's administration by the Republicans and it was obvious by the 72 attempts by the Republican House to abolish the ACA. In addition you had McConnell state that it was his main goal to make Obama a one term president and then blocking Obama's Supreme Court pick with 11 months left in Obama's administration. From Gerrymandering of the Congressional districts to restrictive voting laws the Republicans have been at war with the Democrats for some time now. The only way to end this is to put them out of office this November.
10
I usually have respect for our Speaker of the House, however this one has really disgraced that title. Dems are furious and helpless to stop President Trump. As an independent, I begged local Dem officials here in Nevada to scream for a normal middle of the road candidate and not push socialism down our throats. It went on deaf ears, get ready for four more years of this President dominating the airwaves.
7
At least she didn't shout "You Lie" while he was still speaking.
Although she should, and could, have.
11
Nancy Pelos has the nerves of steel. She doesn’t flip out or have a temper tantrum easily.
Last night she had the courteousness to extend her hand to Trump at his State of the Union address. But he snubbed her handshake. Then she tore up his speech and tossed it aside when he finished. I don’t blame her showing him her disdain. Under normal circumstances she seems a composed person.
I wonder what a GOP Congresswoman would have done in Pelosi’s place if Trump were a Democrat!
4
If trump gets reelected I suggest that the dems just not show up for his State of the Union speech, and the rest of us just not tune in. Trump can't stand being a ratings flop.
2
@Steve725 That's right; let's just ignore him and turn away while he destroys our country. That will show him.
2
I lost total respect for the Speaker from the moment she surrendered to the radical left that has taken over the Democratic Party. As an Independent, I have a long history casting my vote with the Democratic Party. No longer. Her lack of protocol and respect for the highest seat of our government is an insult to our country and to to the american people regardless of their political leaning. the tearing of the speech deliberately done while the camers were rolling is a disgrace that she will forever have to live with.
11
@Geo So it's all Pelosi's fault, not Trump's? She should have just ignored it when all the crimes that Trump had committed and was committing were brought to her attention? Don't rock the boat? Just ignore it and let him be? Most important thing is respect for the highest seat in government no matter what who's sitting in that seat does?
3
In all the focus/analysis on decorum, does no media outlet notice that Trump kept a military family apart in order to exploit their reunion during the STATE OF THE UNION?
4
Nancy was brilliant! I watched during the speech, sort of fingering and passinf the pages. I figured she was trying to find the place where Trup was speaking. But after she ripped the pages of his speech—she did in in 3 bunches—I realized that she had been finering the pages to see how much she could rip at oe time! Bravo!!! I’m going to see where I can make a donation to her.
2
Could have been worse. Pelosi could have said “Members of Congress, the [impeached] president of the United States.”
Trump’s speech was quite offensive on so many levels and the blatant lies straight to Americans’ face insulting. And Pelosi ripping up such an offensive document is what thin skinned trumplicans cry about?
Indeed, as I sit here waiting for repairs on my vehicle this morning, all the mechanics and shop managers were slamming Democrats with one mechanic yelling it was not worth killing Pelosi - to full agreement of all including another customer but me. And I have a “Not Fooled By Trump” bumper sticker! Will my vehicle repairs be subjected to the current partisan hatefest?
Giving a man who has made a highly profitable career out of hate speech and dividing Americans for Americans getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom is a new low and a wholesale insult to all other worthy recipients. Sad.
6
We, the American people, have only to blame ourselves to have elected ans probably will reelect a president such as Trump. This is a very dark hour our for our country.
1
It requires almost saintliness to not respond to Trump’s and his supporters’ hatred and disrespect with the same. We liberals try to “understand” our fellow human beings. Sure Trump had an unloved childhood and mommy/women’s issues and clearly just wants to be loved. And now he’s getting that blind devotion because he’s doing what his devotees want and channeling their hatred and resentment. But what did Presidents Clinton and Obama get for extending a bipartisan hand? Clinton even worked with Republicans to accomplish several things they’d professed to want for decades like a balanced budget and Nafta and a crime bill. Obama merely got their determination to make him fail at all he tried. So Pelosi responding in kind appeals to many and is understandable. Maybe it’s just time to give up being the nice guys. We can still be reasonable but as we witness Trump rape the earth and him and his party normalize blatant dishonesty and greed and power grabbing it’s probably time to take our gloves off. We have too much to protect.
6
This is just the latest example of the toxicity that Donald Trump has brought to the nation and the world. The symbolism of the President and the Speaker snubbing one another is immense as we've been reduced to snarling, spiteful tribal camps each pointing the finger at the other. This truly is the very sad "state of our Union."
2
At least now we know what it takes to generate Republican outrage. Massive abuse of power and thousands of lies? Not so much.
8
@Davarino yes. An indication that we're in dictator territory now.
2
Pelosi's "rip" is rather tame when contrasted with the antics of two Republican congressmen in the House. Anybody remember Ben Nussle of Iowa covering his head with a paper bag while giving a speech to the House in 1991? Or Joe Wilson of South Carolina shouting "You lie" at President Obama in 2009 during his speech on health care to a joint session of Congress? Pelosi's act pales by way of comparison to the disrespect those two displayed.
6
She didn't seem angry. She just made her made her eloquent nonverbal statement that showed her disapproval after the man-baby who shakes hands with a dictator in North Korea refused to shake hands with the Speaker of the House.
6
A great moment in this historic time. I wish she had set it on fire.
Mothers, teach your children - "never back down from a bully."
8
Bad move on Pelosi’s part. We are trying to unite a country. That doesn’t help get us there. Bernie2020
4
Why isn’t the avalanche of lies in the President’s speech the story here? That is the real affront to decorum.
7
I'm surprised the Republicans were not all wearing red MAGA hats and shouting "lock her up!" The party of Trump just joined his loyal minions along with Susan Collins, who votes party over principle every time. Sad day for America. Worse coming.
1
Good for Nancy Pelosi for ripping up a bunch of lies. The media are the ones spreading the trump lies. They keep repeating them especially about the economy and giving President Obama no credit. I have refused to watch any of his videos or even click into articles where he rants, raves and lies about everything. I even turned off cable news programs in favor of TMC, PBS and old movies which are better than listening to or watching the GOP lie unfettered. I will tune back in when its time to cast a vote for the GOP demise.
3
Madam Speaker, why so serious?
Just do what the rest of the world does when subjected to Trumps lie-ridden ramblings: laugh at him!
1
Just as there will forever be an "*" after Trump*'s name, signifying that he was Impeached, will there also be an "*" after Rush Limbaugh*'s name, that his receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor?
Truth?
I can't think of a less-deserving person to be awarded that.
It would have been better-bestowed on Rush Limbaugh's housekeeper for the courage to meet up with drug-dealers for him in deserted parking lots.
As usual, Trump* has made a mockery of another valued American icon.
Speaker Pelosi?
I wouldn't have even offered my hand to that man ---- who knows where it's been?
6
@Larry
He's still been impeached, therefore the * stands.
2
How not to be impeached: First, don't break the law. Second, unite Americans and show that you are President of the entire country, not just your constituency. Pretty simple really.
3
Is Trump's Presidential Medal of Freedom to Limbaugh any worst than the Nobel Prize to Obama? Both are political theatric and have no meaning. The awarder knows it, the awarder knows it, and so it everyone watching. The only people that believe it's real are hardline supporters and they already can't stop showering Limbaugh and Obama with praises.
No opinion on the display of rudeness in the House. This is partisan politics and only trashs rise to the very top. Both are just different side of the same coin and have no problem backstabbing you or call you their bestest of friends on the same afternoon.
3
Pelosi, not alone among the current leadership of the Democrats, is an embarrassment. It's not enough that we have a president who is also an embarrassment. He is in office precisely because so many Americans have had it with both parties. Last night's performance seemed to be channeling the behavior of deeply flawed Latin American governments--an all-time low for this nation's governance.
4
She wanted to show everyone her contempt for a speech that was just one lie after another and she clearly achieved her goal. Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but I applaud her for it. You can't reason with dogma, particularly corrupt dogma. It has to be exposed, then beaten.
6
Reading the responses I see a lot of disdain for Trump and cheers for Pelosi and the democrats. As an independent, I'm not a big fan of Trump the person, but his policies have had a good effect on the country. The speech was alright and it highlighted many of the recent positive developments that have been good for all Americans. (Note: not everything positive happening in the country and economy is due to Trump actions or policies.) Relax everyone, the tide of Trump will recede someday and progressive policies will get a chance. Step past the theatrics on both sides. Focus on your life and make your life better. Dwelling too much on the Washington circus, something you really cannot control, wont do you much good in the long run.
192
@D Laughlin
That would be nice, but meanwhile our air, water, and people will have been poisoned, our coastlines drowned, our allies alienated, and our deficit in the stratosphere. Once again, the Democrats will be left to clean up the mess.
217
@D Laughlin Yes, the environmental rollbacks have been GREAT for us! Oh, and don't forget family separation at the border. But, what's that you say? Your 401k is up? It's all good, right?
197
@D Laughlin
Wait and see. His policies have *not* had a good effect on the country. It has removed value from the economy, replacing it with massive profits for the wealthy and massive losses for the rest. People need living wages. Working conditions matter. Billionaires already have enough.
The policy of victim blaming and violence, encouraging "second amendment solutions" a fail.
The policy of voter suppression and cheating, along with intimidation, not to mention hacking and approval of foreign interference - a fail
Tax cuts for the rich, while building up debt - a massive grotesque dangerous fail, which will backfire in a very big way.
Interfering with women's health, worshipping fetuses, while ignoring children, families and communities who need support, health care, etc., a massive fail. Life before birth but not after it, even if its rape of incest? Really?
Ruining the planet, earth, air, and water, for short-term profit? A massive fail.
Attacking the truth and supporting lies - a fail.
187
That's very rude of Ms Pelosi. It reflects poorly on Trump's graces that he ignored the hand. It could have been excused as a miss, though very flimsy excuse. There is no excuse for Ms Pelosi at all. She left no escape. Also, it's not one of poor courtesy. It's one of disrespect to the office.
129
@Ckoh
Contempt is not a thing to be despised. It may be borne with a calm and equal mind, but no man, by lifting his head high, can pretend that he does not perceive the scorns that are poured down on him from above.
- Edmund Burke
29
@Ckoh -- Every day he occupies the office is a day of disrespect to the Presidency. I call falsely equivalent both-side-ism.
121
@Ckoh Are you paying attention to the disrespect generated from within the office? Should we "respect" someone we see as destroying something important? It's not disrespect for the office, but for the individual destroying the office.
Free speech = free speech. Pelosi is allowed hers as much as Trump, his.
142
Nancy Pelosi demonstrated a natural action of disgust which is appropriate when a president misuses a state of the union speech as a political advertisement of how great he is and how great Americans are when they all act and believe as he does. I view her action as having integrity and refusing to kowtow to culprits who undermine truth and the constitution.
623
@Juliana James
If there ever is a next time, she should simply not invite him. He is not worthy of it.
34
Appropriate natural action of disgust? Integrity? Pelosi acted like a child that didn't get her way.
9
@Radha
...Or invite him and keep tv cameras out...
7
The campaign trail is the proper place for this squabbling. All of the candidates and prospective nominees need to put their ideas before the American voters and let them decide. That’s what a democracy is for.
2
@John
The voters did decide in 2016. Unfortunately it was the electoral college that went against the wishes of the voters and put this very dangerous "man" in the white house.
4
Had a senior manager back in the day who used the paper-ripping scene to very effectively intimidate others. Pelosi played it well for the audience, but it would have been much more effective if she first caught Trump's attention, torn the speech into smaller pieces, and thrown them on the floor. Many of us would have liked to see Trump absolutely "lose it" in public.
4
ms. pelosi shouldn't lower herself to trump's level.
that being said, politicians aren't my favorite people.
just the same, i congratulate her on doing a difficult job and adhering to her oath of office. that's something neither the president nor republicans in congress have done.
i always vote, but this year, i am taking a much more active role in the elections by supporting candidates through donations and volunteer work.
EVERY ONE IN GOVERNMENT THAT DENIGRATES THE CONSTITUTION SHOULD BE VOTED OUT. every candidate opposing those that turn their backs on citizens is a better choice. give them a chance.
this year is also becomes more obvious than ever that term limits for congress should be enacted through an amendment to the constitution, which is the job of the states - not congress.
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@Steve Ell Agree that term limits is badly needed as much as campaign finance reform. Me, I won't donate a cent to any candidate. Waste of money.
Pelosi is a disgrace. To tear up the president's speech is an insult to all Americans.
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@MCH
The real disgrace is the shredding of the Constitution that Trump and the Republicans do every day. Our country will never be the same. Too bad you don't see that.
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@MCH That was no speech, it was self-congratulatory, self adulating, pack of lies which his followers never check for veracity; it was a campaign speech by a dictator wannabe who was impeached by the legal authority per the Constitution; if you support him, you support living in a Dictatorship.
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Nancy did the same thing I do at work with paper that needs to go in the trash bin. Rip it in half, then put it in the shredder. It's garbage, after all.
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