The Former Trump Presidency Thread

[El Guapo]

Well, he kind of is being persecuted by accurate coverage. If people would just stop pointing out what he says and does, he would be much better off.

[malchior]

I think that is CNN's new strategy. Brutal, open coverage of what he says without the access filter. They aren't going to get the access anyway so they are instead thumbing their nose at him. For example, I just saw Clapper's remarks about Trump. The recently replaced DNI calling Trump unhinged should give people pause.

[tgb]

I'm starting to think the media should cut back a bit. Last night's rally wasn't news. Anyone could have predicted what he was going to say and many did. It was Trump's Greatest Hits performed for his adoring fans.

Why help him broaden his exposure? The media can't come out of it ahead. Maybe the thing is to cover Trump when is does something newsworthy (at either end of the stupidity/cruelty scale) and treat these Nuremburg-like rallies just lay there as business as usual.

[El Guapo]

I'm starting to think the media should cut back a bit. Last night's rally wasn't news. Anyone could have predicted what he was going to say and many did. It was Trump's Greatest Hits performed for his adoring fans.

Why help him broaden his exposure? The media can't come out of it ahead. Maybe the thing is to cover Trump when is does something newsworthy (at either end of the stupidity/cruelty scale) and treat these Nuremburg-like rallies just lay there as business as usual.

I agree, except that they should have started doing that over a year ago. At one point during the campaign CNN was literally broadcasting a shot of a podium waiting for Trump to come on. Meanwhile I don't think they broadcast literally any of Clinton's speeches live.

[Isgrimnur]

Television broadcasts sunk McCarthy. There's something to be said for being able to see the train come off the rails in real time.

[tgb]

I agree, except that they should have started doing that over a year ago. At one point during the campaign CNN was literally broadcasting a shot of a podium waiting for Trump to come on. Meanwhile I don't think they broadcast literally any of Clinton's speeches live.

Yes, but a year ago the take on Trump was very different. Hillary's speeches were sane and standard politics. Boring. Everyone in and out of the media felt that if people could only see what an unhinged, racist, madman Trump really is there would be no way they would vote for him.

[YellowKing]

I think the strategy is to give Trump the rope to hang himself. As much exposure as possible, so that everybody can see his temper tantrums. If the media doesn't cover it, the public will go back into "guess it's business as usual" mode.

I personally want cameras on Trump 24/7. I want every fuck up and misstep broadcast to the world. If there's one thing I have total confidence in, it's Trump's inability to conduct himself like a normal human being. And the more examples of that we have, the faster we can get that moronic fuckface out of office.

Ironically, I believe the coverage that got Trump into office is the only tool we have to get him out.

[Octavious]

I'm curious to see if any of the republicans call him out for omitting key parts of his response last week. Not going to hold my breath at this point as it seems that he gets away with anything he does. I almost broke my tv for the first half of the speech. And then he melted down and I was better.

[tgb]

I think the strategy is to give Trump the rope to hang himself. As much exposure as possible, so that everybody can see his temper tantrums. If the media doesn't cover it, the public will go back into "guess it's business as usual" mode.

Except it's not working. Trump spins any negative (i.e. accurate) coverage as more fake news from the failing, dishonest media, and the base eats it up.

It's little more than preaching to the choir.

[geezer]

Every time Trump manages to put several coherent sentences together, there is undeserved praise from some sides and panic from other sides. However, Trump is Trump. The one certainty we have is that he WILL fuck things up in a matter of days, so any positive bump he gets from reading a teleprompter will be moot a week from now.

You spelled "day" wrong

[El Guapo]

I think the strategy is to give Trump the rope to hang himself. As much exposure as possible, so that everybody can see his temper tantrums. If the media doesn't cover it, the public will go back into "guess it's business as usual" mode.

Except it's not working. Trump spins any negative (i.e. accurate) coverage as more fake news from the failing, dishonest media, and the base eats it up.

It's little more than preaching to the choir.

I don't think it's a strategy at all, nor has it ever been, beyond "we get great ratings broadcasting the unhinged unpredictable speeches of a madman."

[Captain Caveman]

I'm curious to see if any of the republicans call him out for omitting key parts of his response last week. Not going to hold my breath at this point as it seems that he gets away with anything he does. I almost broke my tv for the first half of the speech. And then he melted down and I was better.

He spent nearly 45 minutes misrepresenting his statement on Charlottesville to complain that the media didn't report how totally un-racist he is. Then he talked about "them trying to take away our history and heritage", hinted that he's going to pardon Sheriff Joe, and described how violent illegal immigrants like cut their victims "into little pieces" because they're "animals".

[Isgrimnur]

I think the strategy is to give Trump the rope to hang himself. As much exposure as possible, so that everybody can see his temper tantrums. If the media doesn't cover it, the public will go back into "guess it's business as usual" mode.

Except it's not working. Trump spins any negative (i.e. accurate) coverage as more fake news from the failing, dishonest media, and the base eats it up.

It's little more than preaching to the choir.

The base can't keep him in power by itself. You've seen posters in this forum talk about how their family and acquaintances have turned on Trump in the last eight months over just what a horrible person and president he is. This isn't because it's been radio silence, it's because they've been exposed to his flaws.

[LordMortis]

I don't have the stomach to search for Trump speeches when I get home from work, but they were playing snippets on the drive in to work this morning. Oi! That was brutal. The fake news... I went after nazis. White Supremacists and the KKK, folks. Like he's gave such a great speech on chastising these hate groups that they're now all defeated in shame for all of eternity. The snippets were surreal.

[Octavious]

Just the facial gestures he makes is maddening. He's so god damn smug. We seriously have never had a more horrible personality in the office. And to think some people just adore his "honesty".

[Holman]

I know Trump lying isn't news, but he claimed a crowd of 15,000 supporters in AZ.

I just read that, according the Fire Marshal, the venue holds fewer than 5,000, and it definitely wasn't full.

[Octavious]

I just can't imagine that we went from Obama to a guy who lies about things that are f'n recorded and visible to everyone. It boggles my mind and nothing happens. He just keeps on doing it with no real consequences.

[RunningMn9]

I just can't imagine that we went from Obama to a guy who lies about things that are f'n recorded and visible to everyone. It boggles my mind and nothing happens. He just keeps on doing it with no real consequences.

That's because most of the dummies that voted for him think that he is telling the truth. No matter what he says.

[LordMortis]

Couldn't help myself after coming to this thread

Trump revisionism, where he still can't help himself talking about a house he purports to own in Charlottesville while calling the media liars.

Insane.

http://time.com/4912055/donald-trump-ph ... ranscript/

Spoiler:

It's coming back, very fast.

We want every child to succeed, every community to prosper and every struggling American to have a chance for a better life. What happened in Charlottesville strikes at the core of America.

And tonight, this entire arena stands united in forceful condemnation of the thugs who perpetrate hatred and violence.

(APPLAUSE)

But the very dishonest media, those people right up there with all the cameras.

(BOOING)

So the -- and I mean truly dishonest people in the media and the fake media, they make up stories. They have no sources in many cases. They say "a source says" -- there is no such thing. But they don't report the facts. Just like they don't want to report that I spoke out forcefully against hatred, bigotry and violence and strongly condemned the neo-Nazis, the White Supremacists, and the KKK.

(APPLAUSE)

I openly called for unity, healing and love, and they know it because they were all there. So what I did --

(APPLAUSE)

So what I did is I thought, I'd take just a second, and I'm really doing this more than anything else, because you know where my heart is, OK?

(APPLAUSE)

I'm really doing this to show you how damned dishonest these people are.

(BOOING)

So here is my first statement when I heard about Charlottesville -- and I have a home in Charlottesville, a lot of people don't know. Here's the first -- can't believe they haven't figured that one out yet. Now they know. Now they finally know. But I -- I just -- I don't want to bore you with this, but I -- it shows you how dishonest they are. And most of you know this anyway.

So here's what I said, really fast, here's what I said on Saturday: "We're closely following the terrible events unfolding in Charlottesville, Virginia" -- this is me speaking. We condemn in the strongest, possible terms this egregious display of hatred, bigotry and violence." That's me speaking on Saturday.

(APPLAUSE)

Right after the event.

(APPLAUSE)

So I'm condemning the strongest, possible terms, "egregious display," "hatred, bigotry and violence." OK, I think I can't do much better, right? OK. But they didn't want to put this on. They had it on initially, but then one day he talked (ph) -- he didn't say it fast enough. He didn't do it on time. Why did it take a day? He must be a racist. It took a day.

(BOOING)

Dishonest people. So here is -- here is me -- I hope they're showing how many people are in this room, but they won't. They don't even do that. The only time they show the crowds is when there's a disrupter or an anarchist in the room. I call them anarchists. Because, believe me, we have plenty of anarchists. They don't want to talk about the anarchists.

So this is me -- "it has no place in America." I'm talking about hatred, bigotry and violence. "It has no place in America. What is vital now is a swift restoration of law and order and the protection of innocent lives. No citizen should ever fear for their safety, security in our society, and no child should ever be afraid to go outside and play or be with their parents and have a good time." This is me speaking.

(APPLAUSE)

[Octavious]

I just can't imagine that we went from Obama to a guy who lies about things that are f'n recorded and visible to everyone. It boggles my mind and nothing happens. He just keeps on doing it with no real consequences.

That's because most of the dummies that voted for him think that he is telling the truth. No matter what he says.

The evil side of me kind of wishes that great healthcare had gone through. I can't believe that sack of shit was making it seem like passing that was in any way a good thing. On the bright side I fully expect they will eventually do something that will be a tragic mess.

Oh and I love the massive tax cuts + rebuilding all the roads and bridges + the wall. We're just going to use magic money to pay for all those things.

[LordMortis]

I know Trump lying isn't news, but he claimed a crowd of 15,000 supporters in AZ.

I just read that, according the Fire Marshal, the venue holds fewer than 5,000, and it definitely wasn't full.

https://twitter.com/mattmfm/status/9001 ... 07801.html

[Smoove_B]

I just can't imagine that we went from Obama to a guy who lies about things that are f'n recorded and visible to everyone. It boggles my mind and nothing happens. He just keeps on doing it with no real consequences.

That's because most of the dummies that voted for him think that he is telling the truth. No matter what he says.

I also still think there are many single-issue voters that are happy right now because of the Garland appointment and/or the lack of movement on guns. To go back to an earlier discussion, the racist overtones and policies apparently aren't deal-breakers for a significant number of these voters. They'll continue to support Trump (and the GOP) as long as the single issue they're interested in is part of the party. It might be why his polling number (is it too early for polls?) never drop below a certain baseline level.

[noxiousdog]

I know Trump lying isn't news, but he claimed a crowd of 15,000 supporters in AZ.

I just read that, according the Fire Marshal, the venue holds fewer than 5,000, and it definitely wasn't full.

https://twitter.com/mattmfm/status/9001 ... 07801.html

In the comments, they said it was a bot account. Russian propaganda undermining the whole system?

[Octavious]

I liked part of the speech about all the great things he has done. He listed one. Appointing Garland. Congrats you picked someone from a list. YOU ARE F'N AMAZING!!

[LordMortis]

I know Trump lying isn't news, but he claimed a crowd of 15,000 supporters in AZ.

I just read that, according the Fire Marshal, the venue holds fewer than 5,000, and it definitely wasn't full.

https://twitter.com/mattmfm/status/9001 ... 07801.html

In the comments, they said it was a bot account. Russian propaganda undermining the whole system?

That was my thunk but I'm not smart enough to speculate on these things with any sort of education. I just thought it was interesting follow up.

[El Guapo]

I liked part of the speech about all the great things he has done. He listed one. Appointing Garland. Congrats you picked someone from a list. YOU ARE F'N AMAZING!!

It would be so awesome if Trump actually said that.

[Octavious]

OOPS If CNN hadn't stopped recording I could go back and check! Stupid fake news.

[Kraken]

I'm starting to think the media should cut back a bit. Last night's rally wasn't news. Anyone could have predicted what he was going to say and many did. It was Trump's Greatest Hits performed for his adoring fans.

Why help him broaden his exposure?

Because every time he throws red meat to his base, he loses a little more support among everyone else. Give him more rope.

I think the strategy is to give Trump the rope to hang himself. As much exposure as possible, so that everybody can see his temper tantrums. If the media doesn't cover it, the public will go back into "guess it's business as usual" mode.

I personally want cameras on Trump 24/7. I want every fuck up and misstep broadcast to the world. If there's one thing I have total confidence in, it's Trump's inability to conduct himself like a normal human being. And the more examples of that we have, the faster we can get that moronic fuckface out of office.

Ironically, I believe the coverage that got Trump into office is the only tool we have to get him out.

Yup, this.

He is an entertainer, first and foremost. He has to keep the ratings up or he'll be canceled. Eventually even his base will realize that Greatest Hits shows are really just reruns.

[LordMortis]

I don't put much stock editorials that pass themselves as news but quotes

https://thinkprogress.org/trump-spiritu ... 5c512bffc/

“Therefore, we choose things that we think should sound right, should act right. They say about our president, ‘Well, he is not presidential.’ Thank goodness. Thank goodness. Thank goodness … he is not a polished politician. In other words, he is authentically — whether people like it or not — has been raised up by God. Because God says that He raises up and places all people in places of authority.”

She continued: “It is God who raises up a king. It is God that sets one down. When you fight against the plan of God, you are fighting against the hand of God.”

When do Christians turn their backs on this sort of false idolatry? Isn't this what what protestants hate most? Self proclaimed divinity? Especially in popes and kings?

[Octavious]

I'm pretty sure Trump would burst into flames if he walked into a church.

[Smoove_B]

When do Christians turn their backs on this sort of false idolatry? Isn't this what what protestants hate most? Self proclaimed divinity? Especially in popes and kings?

The other night a nun point-blank asked Paul Ryan about his interpretation of Catholic teachings:

“I know that you’re Catholic, as am I, and it seems to me that most of the Republicans in the Congress are not willing to stand with the poor and working class as evidenced in the recent debates on health care and the anticipated tax reform,” Jordan said. “So, I’d like to ask you: how do you see yourself upholding the church’s social teaching that has the idea that God is always on the side of the poor and dispossessed as should we be?”

His response:

“Sister, this may come as a surprise to you but I completely agree with you,” he said, as sister Jordan stared at him stone-faced. “Where we may disagree on how to achieve that goal. We exercise judgment in practices or faith. For me — for the poor that’s key to the Catholic faith. That means mobility, economic growth, equality of opportunity.”

He went on to add: “I think we need to change our approach on fighting poverty. Instead of measuring success on how much money we spend or how many programs we create or how many people on those programs, let’s measure success and poverty on outcomes.”

You know, just as Jesus told us - mobility, economic growth and and equality of opportunity.

[Isgrimnur]

Mark 14:7: "The poor just need better economic opportunities"

[LordMortis]

Mark 14:7: "The poor just need better economic opportunities"

Citation contains No link? Can't tell if my isgimnopedia is serious.

7 The poor you will always have with you,[a] and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

So what Jesus is saying is that we can wait until it's a matter of inconvenience to not help the poor? Like getting a McDonald's and ordering off the breakfast menu on your way because you know that's the last stop for the next three hours and you're already hungry?

I was never smart enough to read things like that....

[Pyperkub]

When do Christians turn their backs on this sort of false idolatry? Isn't this what what protestants hate most? Self proclaimed divinity? Especially in popes and kings?

Not the Southern Baptists, who were effectively founded to perpetuate slaveryand had a huge influence on the rise of the evangelical right whose policies are what most "christian" political religious philosophies are:

The nation's largest Protestant denomination was founded in a split with northern Baptists over slavery, has a history of complicity with Jim Crow laws and is still 80-90 percent white.

I've long lamented why it's these "Christian" philosophies take precedent over say the Episcopalian Church's views (LGBT pastors ok, love one another, etc.). I surmise it's because it was started as more of a political statement than a religious one.

[Smoove_B]

I challenge anyone to read this and not wonder what the hell is going on:

I voted for him because of diversity. He actually practices diversity unlike liberals, who don’t practice diversity. Obama had this whole country thinking about skin colour. Trump doesn’t look at skin colour. He doesn’t label anyone who’s non-white a minority, just people. Skin colour is colour, not culture. His cabinet is nothing to do with skin colour: they’re right for the job.

...

I tend to agree with what he said about Charlottesville. If you look at any situation there’s usually three sides: yours, mine and the truth. It’s not just one side doing something. Everybody has a right to their opinion. It’s freedom of speech. If I recall correctly, one side has a permit to be there legally while the other tore a statue down illegally.

...

I voted for him because he was the best candidate running. I agreed with him on border protection and didn’t want someone being investigated by the FBI sitting in our president’s seat.

[Carpet_pissr]

Allow me to one up you:

"“Personally, I like the statues being up. To me, it’s not celebrating racism; it’s remembering the past,” she said. “If you try to erase history, how do you remember the past?” “To me, he loves America — and you can’t fake that,” she said of Trump, as others in line voiced their agreement. “Am I right? You can’t fake it.”

She struggled to list what Trump has done as president that she likes. For her, success is more of a feeling than a laundry list of actions."

And that, my beloved OO brethren, highlights one of the many problems any thinking, rational, RESPONSIBLE American citizen faces today - the rise and prominence of ignorance trumping reality and facts. The sad, scary thing is that Trump is just the ultimate embodiment of this dangerous dumbfuckery - you can read and hear this kind of "thinking" all around the country, by the people that voted for him, and that continue to support him.

[tjg_marantz]

https://twitter.com/thehill/status/900520692961206276

Fuck you.

edit: this sharing tweets on mobile is crap. Argh.

[Daehawk]

I wish they'd ban him from the net.

[pr0ner]

Trump is tweeting a bunch this morning. The fact that he doesn't know the difference between "there" and "their" is especially amusing.

The Fake News is now complaining about my different types of back to back speeches. Well, their was Afghanistan (somber), the big Rally.....

Trump also retweeted this:

While blaming Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, AND the Democrats on the debt ceiling holdup:

I requested that Mitch M & Paul R tie the Debt Ceiling legislation into the popular V.A. Bill (which just passed) for easy approval. They didn't do it so now we have a big deal with Dems holding them up (as usual) on Debt Ceiling approval. Could have been so easy-now a mess!

[Holman]

Ah, yes. It's the "different types" of speeches that are the problem.

Anyway, read this if you haven't: The President of Blank Sucking Nullity.

The dogs are inarguably inconvenienced by these cones, which is their purpose: the cones are prescribed by veterinarians because saying things like “I’ll need you to try avoid licking these stitches for a week” or “I’m going to ask you to stop gnawing on that bacterial infection on your ass” is not going to work. The dogs do not like this, and they also may not like engaging with their peer-dogs while wearing a goofy blunderbuss that keeps them from their habitual introductory b-hole assessments and self-administered kamikaze junk ablutions. But at some point there’s no real sense in guessing. You have probably gathered that this is about Donald Trump.