After a year of childish tweetstorms, some of those who voted for him are embarrassed. But he still has supporters who attempt to justify every mistake he makes. Some of you are yourselves racist, sexist or hate Muslims. A larger number are just rabid partisans who are so caught up in their hatred of Democrats that they are simply incapable of recognizing that Trump has been a disaster. But a few of you who are neither partisans nor racists nor sexists nor modern Know-Nothings still support him.
Why?
Please don't tell me he tells it like it is. That's just what bigoted people are using as an excuse. I find that an unacceptable reason to support him.
Is it the economy?
The economy, while not great, is doing rather well. But in a MacLeans analysis, it appears to be mostly the result of policies set in place under Obama.
How about the stock market? While the stock market nearly doubled in Obama's first term, Trump can probably take credit for the bull market. His braggadocio has probably probably given investors a level of confidence they lacked with Obama.
What about tax reform? It's unpopular at the moment, but does benefit low-income taxpayers. Several businesses have announced wage hikes and bonuses, so that's a positive.
Is it because the alternatives to Trump are worse? I get that with Hillary. But in a nation of 300 million, I think others can do a better job.
Thank You Bernie. O am very intersected to see if you get some rational non-judgmental responses. Hopefully with a strong basis in reason and logic, devoid of Fox TV slogans.
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ReplyDeleteGDP
ReplyDelete12:38, if you are unable to comment without resorting to the ad hominem your hero uses, I will delete you. Start showing some decorum, unlike Trump.
ReplyDeleteSo not even one comment without personal attacks?
ReplyDeleteWith the passion shown by people defending the President, I am shocked that not one person call give a rational explanation of his "policy" and his "behavior".
President Trump, great President or greatest President?
ReplyDeleteWill replace Buchanan at the bottom as the worst
DeletePresident Trump, worst president in decades, will permanently harm our relationship with allies, we may not recover from him in the long run. If you have money in the markets, be prepared for the impending Trump induced panic sell off and crash. Good luck to the seniors who need the market to live, good luck to the kids, who will never have a real pension and possibly no retirement security whatsoever, even though they pay in every paycheck and good luck to future generations who will grow up in a shithole of a country ala trump policy mistakes
ReplyDeleteThe real shame of our Country is having our Senate and Congress refusing to censure him for his comments. Only a handful speak up. Take a look at how many Countries in the world have spoken out against this president. Even Great Britain, our strongest ally told him to stay home, They don't want him visiting London. He is a disgrace to the Presidency and it will take a long time to heal the wounds he has opened. Every day is a new scandal in America attributed to our president.
ReplyDeleteYes, he has set the sides for the coming civil war. Trump's election has proved that there is no hope of reconciliation in America , we have 2 diametrically opposing sides and no way to bridge the divide other than all out war and let the winners rule. We have force and control by the socialists who demand the rest of the nation live in their image. Who want to control every aspect of our lives and impose their hedonistic culture on the whole population and their children. The only hope is for a peaceful separation. Let all the states have a referendum on the principles of their state. Let them them all choose. One group can have unlimited immigration, free college, free healthcare for all and no rules on individual behavior, or whatever they think is what they want. It really is states rights that kept the peace in America. Let all the states have their referendum and then they can join together with like states, or they go it alone. That may save the peace. The United states is no more. It is bound to go the way of the soviet Union. The only way to settle things is war or separation. Time for a divorce due to irreconcilable differences. There could be a period of adjustment so properties could be sold and families to move to other states. I no longer see another solution.
ReplyDeleteI voted for him and am not embarrassed. I knew what I was getting - an alternative to hateful Hillary Clinton. He's vulgar and his personal behavior is abhorrent. He joins a long list of presidents who were similarly distasteful. Elections are almost always lesser-of-tw-evils choices. Both choices were evil. Had Democrats run anyone else, they'd have beaten Trump. If Rs had run anyone else from the original 19 primary contenders, they'd have beaten Hillary worse than Trump.
ReplyDeleteFrom a conservative view, Trump has placed a pro-life, conservative on SCOTUS. He's delivered a long-overdue corporate tax cut. He's lowered taxes for 75% of American taxpayers. He's slashed the federal register of regulations by half. He has everyone talking about the single, defining issue of our time: immigration.
While his Tweeting is certainly idiotic, and betrays his childishness and lack of political experience (that lack of political experience is one of the main reasons he was elected), he's surrounded by sharp people like Mike Kelly and James Mattis who provide a steady hand at the helm. He's been thwarted by his own party, which is a good thing. The system works.
It's important to remember that a large portion of Trump voters are not Trump supporters. They made a pragmatic decision to reject Hillary Clinton. I'd do it again today, despite a firm belief that Trump is an asshole. Democrats should have offered a better choice than the despicable Hillary Clinton. Obama's governmental overreach created a recoil against government that served up Trump. Hillary smoother the path for Trump's election.
He has succeded in smashing the moral compass of the office of the President. Trump darkens the light of Lincoln. Sick people could care less about GDP. Worst President in history.
ReplyDeleteSecuring gun rights with a conservative Supreme Court nominee. Potential for another during this term.
ReplyDeleteConservative federal judge appointments across the board
Tax cut for small business. Much of the stock market run you cite (during his term) is due to less regulation and reduction in the tax rate
As another poster commented, I did not vote for trump, I voted against Hillary and her party.
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ReplyDeleteHe has succeeded with getting very conservative judicial nominees appointed. I have to agree that would be a measure of success to a conservative.
ReplyDelete" Much of the stock market run you cite (during his term) is due to less regulation and reduction in the tax rate "
Since the market was surging long before the reduction in tax rate, it is ridiculous to claim that is the reason. Use your head. Reduced regulation is a guess, but is at least rational. I believe that his attitude has inspired confidence in investors.
7:15, I asked foran answer to a simple question, not an attack on Democrats.
ReplyDelete"We have force and control by the socialists who demand the rest of the nation live in their image. Who want to control every aspect of our lives and impose their hedonistic culture on"
ReplyDeleteMy question is where has Trump been successful, and you respond with nonsense. Geez.
Trump has stalled the march toward total socialism, he has for the first time reversed the direction of the country concerning regulation, he has made the usa a more friendly place to do business, that will benefit all Americans. While his poll numbers may be low, there is still no one to compare him to in the next election. The Democrats don't have a candidate yet, nor do they have a positive platform for america. Just hate Trump, just remove him from office etc. They will have to do better than that to win in 2020.
ReplyDeleteI know many self employed and small businessmen, Trumps election, felt to many of them as the lifting of an oppressive blanket of doom. There is a feeling of optimism for many that did not exist in the former 8 years. Optimism is very important to this country.
ReplyDelete"Is it because the alternatives to Trump are worse? I get that with Hillary. But in a nation of 300 million, I think others can do a better job."
ReplyDelete....didn't you answer your own question? You get that alternatives (Hillary) were worse, but believe others could do better. Maybe they could, maybe not, but others weren't running, Hillary was.
Mr. Ohare
ReplyDeleteI would argue that the stock market gains during the Obama administration had more to do with the Feds monetarily policy and not the course of the administration.
The current gains can be attributed to a loosening of the restrictions on business and the lower tax rate. Whether that is good for the long term future of the government is a matter of discussion
"....didn't you answer your own question? You get that alternatives (Hillary) were worse, but believe others could do better. Maybe they could, maybe not, but others weren't running, Hillary was."
ReplyDeleteI thought and still think Trump is far worse than Hillary. I get that some people really hate her and voted Trump for that reason. I always considered Trump far more evil, although I would never have predicted what a disaster he has been. But I'm not here to discuss how Trumpgot elected. I want to know what you think he's done well.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteNot trying to be a jerk. I know grammar and spelling can be a headache sometimes.
I think you may have used the wrong word in the title of this thread.
Peace be with you,
Let's try this -
ReplyDeleteLowered taxes
Increased GDP
Increased border security
Strengthened military
Reduced ISIS
Addressed a failed healthcare scheme
Made our nation more energy independent
Improved trade deals
Reduced amount of government employees
Reduced Black unemployment to its lowest-ever level
Reduced number of people on Food Stamps
Increased Labor Participation Rate
Strengthened pensions
Eliminated Death Tax for most
Assisted school choice
Weakened and removed MS-13 gangs and the like
Improved VA hospital system
Improved morale of military, police, and fire
Reduced influence of United Nations
Strengthened relationship with Israel
Reduced aid to nations that enable terrorism
Effectively managed 3 big natural weather disasters
Donated his ENTIRE Presidential salary to charity.
Not to bad for just 11 months on the job!!!!!
Strengthened military? How? Ni legislation, not real changes in funding. Not aboit to give him credit Obama contracted ships. Left a troop behind in Niger and Navy slaming into other ships.
DeleteDonated salary? Blew full year of secret servjce budget innforst 6months. Too manynpersonal trips. Keep the pay, stay in DC more, less Mar A Logo and save use millions and milions.
Many of your points leak like a Whitehouse staffer.
The things that he did that are good, are all the things that you think he did bad.
ReplyDelete"I think you may have used the wrong word in the title of this thread."
ReplyDeleteCorrected. TY.
I would encourage you and others to take a different approach to evaluating Trump. He is different and maybe the difference is unnerving and at times scary. First way to look at Trump. Examine a function totally under his control. Foreign affairs . Who drew the red line in Syria when chemical weapons were used? Who launched the cruise missles in retaliation? Who destroyed the caliphate? Who is dealing with North Korea? Which President forced NATO countries to chip in 12 Biillion towards mutual defense? Who sent arms to Ukraine and missles to Poland angering the Russians? Who recognized Jerusalem as capital of Israel? Now to answer the question. If his approach to all these issues causes you to lose sleep at night, then he has done a terrible job. If you accept that a different approach was necessary, then you may find comfort in what is happening. Trump will ultimately be evaluated on his administrative abilities. We may have made the presidency more than what can be reasonably expected. We want a legislative leader, a moral soul, etc. I just prefer a George Patton type. Get the job done with the least casualties.
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ReplyDelete8:48, if you are unable to comment without resorting to the ad hominem your hero uses, I will delete you. Start showing some decorum, unlike Trump.
ReplyDeleteFrom my perspective President Trump's "attacks on the free press" are simply his response to the overwhelming bias seen in the "reporting". Almost every "news item" is an attack, either by twisting the words or making assumptions on his objectives. This free press doesn't report, it editorializes everything. Of course a regular politician would backtrack and apologize. Why is the media so afraid of Trump saying "Fake News"? Because they know the majority of Americans agree with him in that respect at least.....
ReplyDeleteIf you can think others can do a better job, please name them.
ReplyDelete6:27AM, you probably got that wretched idea from a Russian Facebook troll, if you aren't one yourself.
ReplyDeleteCutting taxes while we are involved in our longest war was stupid.
ReplyDeleteWhat do economists say?
ReplyDeletehttp://thehill.com/opinion/finance/368904-economists-agree-trump-not-obama-gets-credit-for-economy
While Trump is personally deplorable, he's accomplished quite a bit in less than a year.
ReplyDeleteconservative, pro-lifer on SCOTUS
packing the federal bench with conservatives (his administration has been like a machine)
reducing federal regulations (again, a machine)
corporate tax cut
personal income tax cut
destroyed ISIS in six months
improved consumer confidence, leading to improvement in most economic indicators
lowest black unemployment rate in over 40 years
increased border security
His inane Tweeting distracts quite a bit, while his workmanlike accomplishments are many and his administration (after purging the Breitbart gang) is behaving like a solid conservative organization.
He's stupid to take any credit for the stock market. Markets go up and down and are influenced by a variety of factors. Reagan used to avoid taking credit for the stock market because he knew this. Smart investors make money whether the markets are up or down. We're still operating under Obama's last budget. Obama certainly gets some credit for the current, stronger economy. But his 2% growth record was abysmal and consumer confidence reflects that America is back open for business. The economy will likely get stronger as my fellow business people feel like the yoke of regulation, taxes, and Obamacare uncertainty are gone.
Trump's budget was not a serious one. It ignores spending and increases the debt by a trillion. He's no worse than the last several presidents in this regard. But there will be a reckoning for the grandchildren. That's simply immoral, regardless of who's ballooning the debt.
Trump's no more authoritarian than the last guy. His own party has kept him in check. Ds don't do that to their presidents. The executive branch holds too much power. Bush used 9/11 to greatly widen the power of our government to violate our rights and spy on us. Obama signed executive orders addressing serious issues - especially immigration - that had previously been left to the legislative process. Congress did nothing. Now, Trump has all the power the last two guys were ceded by Congress. That's not a good thing, regardless of who's in charge.
Glad to have the opportunity via this post to have a more rational examination of this presidency. It's neither as good, nor as bad as most predicted.
8:31 Exactly.... MAGA!
ReplyDelete12:54, Though I obviously disagree with some of your statement, it is well-reasoned and answers my question. I do believe Trump has some supporters like you who do recognize his shortcomings. I also tend to agree that the Presidency as an office is too powerful.
ReplyDeleteBOH: "I get that with Hillary".
ReplyDeleteWhy? And I ask this not being a jerk. I am simply asking, "What did Hillary do so wrong that you "get" why people didn't vote for her?
Actually, more voters did and she won the popular vote, but not the coveted electoral vote. But, I now rhetorically ask...is she so polarizing or are her haters so close minded?
But I like pre-shredded cheese!
ReplyDeleteI voted for Hillary myself. My statement is just a recognition that she is deeply unpopular in many conservative and some liberal circles. Those "lock her up" billboards were mostly home grown. I am simply acknowledging reality.
ReplyDeleteThe presidency has become more powerful, because congress has been not responsible in its duties. Daca was an illegal executive order, so congress now has to come up with a solution and one that the president will sign. That is the way it is supposed to work, the Trump administration has tried to actually do away with governing by mandate in that way. The same goes for drug laws, the president cant just say we are going to ignore some laws and enforce others. Congress must make these laws. Marijuana legalization must eventually be changed in the U.S. Congress. Problem is they are too timid to vote on controversial items, they would much rather there was an executive order or just ignore the existing law. There should be more voting by the congress, put up a budget and let them vote. Put up immigration law and let them vote. The party in power gets to put up legislation, that's how our system is supposed to works.
ReplyDeleteDACA was arguably an illegal XO, but then it necessarily follows that the XO ending it is illegal. I agree Congress has abdicated its authority as a check and balance on executive power.
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ReplyDeleteThe above three comments have been deleted bc they are nonresponsive and just attack Dems and the press. If you are unable to answer the question or offer a comment that actually contributes, move on.
ReplyDeleteMain point to summarize, President Trump is DA MAN!
ReplyDeleteTrumps behaviour is deplorable. But he was elected I believe because voters are tired of politicians who only do things to get re-elected. America has so many issues and we need REAL change. I voted for him because I believe we need to address immigration. Illegal immigration must stop. We need legal immigration policies like other counties . Truthfully all immigration should change. Stop the policies that import workers like Disney and teck companies use. Train Americans to do them and pay a living wage. Programs like the one his wife used to get here should be stopped. We really need to import models? Anchor babies, hiring illigalls, etc needs to end. If you believe these practices don't cost taxpayers you are wrong. While they may not qualify for some things, they get taxpayer benefits like education and health care as well as many other services because of other criteria like MH services or Aging even if they have never paid a dime into the system. The father works off the books and the children ensure many of them get things like food stamps, housing or other services. This must stop until we can get our citizens off the street, and get able bodied Americans working at a living wage. Then we can bring in legal immigrants from all countries.
ReplyDeleteMr. Thin Skin. Tough guy in calling our President names but can't take it himself. Your blog is a joke.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless President Trump
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete“God has a special providence for fools, drunkards, and the United States of America.” ~ Otto von Bismarck
Trump is definitely a fool.
While false, trumpet claims all immigrants come to be welfare recipients despite ignoring the fact 40% or more have degrees. He claims they aren taking american jobs yet we know many are taking lower and or seasonaljobs. Look at trump resorts hiring practice. NOW, he wants a merit-based system and take only the advanced educated. Using that doublespeak, it seems he wants immigrants to take higher paying jobs away from Americans families driving wages down as they will work for less. Does he think americans are not smart enough for these jobs?
ReplyDeleteMost Presidents have been "foul-mouthed racist, xenophobe and sexist who","repeatedly belittle the free press" and "thinks he should be able to use the Justice Department to go after his political rivals. "
ReplyDeleteIt is the role of the president to be an "Authoritarian" and to challenge "our democracy and Constitution."
Distinctions without differences. Again
Donald Trump is a genius at what weight-lifters call, "getting the negative".
Trump shows us our own wretchedness, what hypocritical liars all politicians are and shows so plainly to ordinary people, that they are right, it's all bullshit, copyrighted and for sale by the pound.
It's a show folks, and we have the quintessential American ringmaster center stage taking a selfie.
You left out a whole lot of Trump supporters Bernie.
ReplyDeleteThere are those supporting not Trump himself, but the absolute entertainment of watching politicians and press squirm in there own stench, and whine to the point where the, "The Great an Powerful Oz" can be seen behind the curtain.
You know, "the crazy people"
"Where has Trump succeeded?"
ReplyDelete1.) Like it or not, he has somewhat attempted to follow thru (even if more often based on the expediency of the moment, rather than any well-planned rationality) on his campaign rhetoric. In that regard, he has succeeded in making those willing to acknowledge that some things that may sound good at the visceral level don't always make good policy once you see someone try to act on it. In fact, may be outright bad policy, or contrary to American values.
2.) he has succeeded in proving that elections have consequences. Will that matter in the upcoming mid-terms? 2020?
3.) he has succeeded in rejuvenating the free press, who woke up to realize that they allowed themselves to be played through the election season with all the free coverage that focused on the force of personalities rather than on substance. He rose through the Republican primaries, and ultimately the presidency, not because of, but with the definite help of, the press and their focuse on horse race journalism. Investigative press is back.