(And if reports are accurate, Trump is prepared to release $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets, $23.3 billion more than released in conjunction with the JCPOA. Republicans excoriated President Barack Obama, claiming he was funding Iran’s nefarious activities.)
"Pallets of cash to terrorists!"
Boy do I remember the hyperventilating outrage of Republicans back in 2016.
Now, as is so predictable, they suffer from self-imposed amnesia.
In fact, I believe that should be the revised definition of "Trump Derangement Syndrome": self-imposed amnesia.
No she didn't. She has never acknowledged her decades of errors.
Show me one time she has.
And not only that, she doesn't just not acknowledge it here, when she writes how 'Republicans excoriated President Barack Obama' , she literally writes herself right out of that group, as if she wasn't a major vocal part of that 'excoriation'.
I have seen the 'shut up and obey' style replies here before. Not very convincing in a journal called 'The Contrarian' to simply demand obsequious praise, or go away.
And again, sine you ignored my point, she hides the truth here by criticizing those bad 'Republicans' when she was one of them...its; well past apologizing, its even acknowledging, her past views, its openly pretending she never had them at all.
It's also pretty funny that you claim to remember the 'hyperventilating outrage of Republicans ' but are 'offended' when its pointed out that Rubin was one of the most hyperventilating pundits who shredded Obama's deal.
But since you didn't even attempt to find one single example to back up your outright lie that Rubin 'acknowledged her error', I wont' waste more time responding to you.
Well you win the dumbest reply award so far...responding to Rubin's coverup of her own past MAGA adjacent views, from a progressive standpoint...becomes 'MAGAfied'.
Cognitive dissonance much? Or maybe just plain ol' lack of brain cells?
And? You've never made a mistake or an error in judgement? We ALL have. Some people, like Jen Rubin, have acknowledged their mistakes, changed course and moved on. It's time for her tiresome scolds to do the same. Or just move on.
A bad strategic decision by the current regime that contravenes the Constitution, statutory constraints and places US military personnel and foreign civilians in harms way, deserves to be criticized. That’s our First Amendment right. After the regimes flawed and failed rush to attack Iran, the best outcomes are worse than what existed on February 27, 2026. Additionally the regime has diminished our stockpiles of defensive & offensive weapons while damaging our place as leader of the developed world and pissing off our allies. If the feckless Republicans in the House and Senate would do their jobs they would impeach and convict the Orange Felon.
Again, the lie is repeated that Rubin has 'acknowledged their mistakes'.
No, she hasn't.
Show me one time in print where she has...just one. IF you can't then I don't care how much you and others whine and cry.
Yes we all have made mistakes...and the grown ups among us acknowledge them and apologize for them. Rubin didn't make a couple 'mistakes'. She was a hardcore right wing shredder of every single thing Obama did for his entire term, constantly.
Rubin doesn't just not acknowledge her decade+ worth of 'mistakes'. in this piece (and yesterdays, where she says the same thing) she directly pretends she never made them at all.
If you're so bothered what YOU perceive as her lack 'repentance', don't bother reading her stuff. Simple. Some of us are adult enough to recognize a change of heart when we see one. Others just want to be eternal scolds who will never be satisfied. Bye, gurl.
Truly, when one thinks about it, so few folks know what the JCPOA was intended to accomplish - and the many technical considerations behind it - it's easy to devolve into an argument based on reporting that conveys little or nothing to the average American.
This was an excellent commentary, Ms. Rubin. History, the takeover by capitalism, the abdication of congressional responsibilities and 'just another three day weekend' was well covered. It should be a special day, not a floating date. We have much to be thankful for, and much to remember, and it isn't the great price that we got on a mattress or anything else. More honor is in order.
Though trump surrendered to the Taliban with the Doha Accords in August 2020 & is trying to declare his catastrophic war of choice a victory because in his demented mind he can never lose.
The reality is that this illegal and preemptive war has been nothing short of a disaster. Without a plan or exit strategy, it has limped along, achieving no viable or beneficial goals and costing us trillions of dollars. It has done the U.S. international reputation no good as the world markets were destabilized. Just how has this making America great?
Steve, that's because everything the mad king does is based on a whim or who he talked to most recently on the subject. Case in point: this latest debacle was caused by Drumpf being the first POTUS since GWB to cave in to Netanyahu's demands to invade Iran. Drumpf is a malleable, spineless demented vainglorious fool and our country and the world we are in peril on multiple levels as a result.
The DC skyline will be forever tarnished if he is allowed to build the ridiculous 250' knockoff of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Xi's ballroom (aka gallroom) he wants to erect as a giant melanoma attached to the people's White House.
"Netanyahu's demands" Really, Steven. The only one who can make demands that the moron will abide by is Putin. Otherwise, he only does what is good for him and no one else.
The national debt is very important, though it's the plundering of the kitchen-table economies of so many of our people that is getting more attention. High prices and rising inflation are causing problems for everyone but the very wealthy.
Republicans have always trotted out the "disaster" of the national debt when Democrats are in office. When they themselves are in charge, spending is a field day. Dick Cheney even announced "the deficit doesn't matter."
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives and gave everything for their country. We should remember them and pay tribute for their service and sacrifice. Where I am from, we still decorate graves in cemeteries not just the ones who sacrificed but everyone. In many locations there are memorial remembrance services at cemeteries where many veterans are buried. I put a flag on my father’s grave this weekend.
And for what? To keep the Trump Epstein Files out of the news seems like the obvious answer. It was clear that Trump was a pedophile even before the 2016 election. The material in those files about Trump and a number of Epstein Elites will shake the world. This is what happens when these kinds of people have massive power.
This is assuming that we ever see all of the pertainant files. It's not so much the power, but the lack of ethics, intergrity, and morality that "these people" are lacking.
Does that surprise anyone? What other president's wife is an enriched middle European "model" with nothing to do but take care of her looks? and raise her only child (who is doing what, by the way?) After 25 years in America she cultivates an accent that makes it almost impossible to understand her if and when she speaks. What other president's wife can be seen in photos scantily clad, hair in strings, eyes wild with - who knows what?
I think this "war", as well as many others, brings wealth to the rich who take advantage of destruction and shortages. Unlike some conflicts where the goal is to protect societies from hostile forces (e.g. WWII, Ukraine), the "excursion" to Iran has no moral goal. It is solely to erase an effective, well thought out agreement (with no money pouring into greedy pockets) that has Obama's name attached to it. What a tragic way to use America's resources and dishonor those who have fought and died for our stated values.
Yes the War Powers Act definitely needs to be revised, but I'm convinced the only thing that would have influenced Trump's decision not to go to war would have been a huge personal monetary fee if he acted without Congressional approval, because we know his only motivator is money.
How ironic that a “weak” President lost an election to Trump. Trump’s weaknesses are now legendary and Americans are threatened by the consequences of his laziness. Too lazy to argue for attacking Iran in front of Congress. Too lazy to choose quality over fealty in his Cabinet picks. Too lazy to write or even have a lackey write Easter or Christmas remarks for posterity. Too lazy to stand in the Oval Office for staged recognitions. Too lazy to even act Presidential in a foreign capital. Too lazy to admit mistakes in every aspect of his life. Too lazy to ask forgiveness, to show respect, to be human.
"Every other president has recognized that war must be the last resort after exercising all avenues and should be undertaken only for vital national interests."
Really? Have you forgotten adventurist wars of distraction by Republican Presidents like Reagan and the Bushies? I guess your "Republican" is showing.
But Afghanistan is an example of mission creep. It started as a mission to get the Taliban & get Bin Laden. They failed to get Bin Laden, abandoned the mission to start the Iraq war, and then expanded the mission in Afghanistan to nation building.
Congressional Republicans have neither conscience nor backbone. Until Republicans in Congress are more concerned about voters, rather than Trump, they will render the US Congress inconsequential.
Thank you, Jennifer. Your analysis and commentary never fail to educate and inspire. I am so grateful to you and The Contrarian for a window of sanity in this insane media environment.
What? No talk of the Trump Files (Epstein's dead)? This country MUST stop thinking this was/is a "war of choice". It was/is, put simply, a "war of diversion", for which the consequences MUST be SEVERE!
Thank you, Jennifer Rubin, for lifting up the history of today's holiday. No more wars without the approval of Congress, which must place the interests of our people and the safety of our troops over the whims of any president, present or future.
Take a look at the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and now Iran. The war industry made lots of money while our soldiers died in wars that accomplished nothing. This Memorial Day we must all remember the bravery and sacrifice of our brave soldiers. We should also show them the respect of holding our leaders accountable for the failures that led to their deaths.
Thank you Jenn for the best comment of the day. “I can think of no better way to honor our military men and women — living and dead — than to make it as hard as possible for a president to launch a harebrained war without the buy-in of voters and Congress.”
(And if reports are accurate, Trump is prepared to release $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets, $23.3 billion more than released in conjunction with the JCPOA. Republicans excoriated President Barack Obama, claiming he was funding Iran’s nefarious activities.)
"Pallets of cash to terrorists!"
Boy do I remember the hyperventilating outrage of Republicans back in 2016.
Now, as is so predictable, they suffer from self-imposed amnesia.
In fact, I believe that should be the revised definition of "Trump Derangement Syndrome": self-imposed amnesia.
It's hypocrisy. The GOP is fine with anything done during a GOP presidency.
It's just those damn Democrats they hate
I remember the 'hyperventilating' back then was hardly louder and more hysterical from anyone than from Jennifer Rubin.
Yes, and then she recognized the danger of MAGA-ism and acknowledged her error.
As all historically literate, intelligent people do.
No she didn't. She has never acknowledged her decades of errors.
Show me one time she has.
And not only that, she doesn't just not acknowledge it here, when she writes how 'Republicans excoriated President Barack Obama' , she literally writes herself right out of that group, as if she wasn't a major vocal part of that 'excoriation'.
Well, if you're so offended that she has not sufficiently apologized, please stop reading and trolling her posts.
I am thankful to have her brutal honesty at work every day.
This guy is just here to argue and stir the pot. Pay him no mind; he's not worth the attention.
Thanks, Jane in NC.
Thanks, LiverpoolFCfan.
I have seen the 'shut up and obey' style replies here before. Not very convincing in a journal called 'The Contrarian' to simply demand obsequious praise, or go away.
And again, sine you ignored my point, she hides the truth here by criticizing those bad 'Republicans' when she was one of them...its; well past apologizing, its even acknowledging, her past views, its openly pretending she never had them at all.
It's also pretty funny that you claim to remember the 'hyperventilating outrage of Republicans ' but are 'offended' when its pointed out that Rubin was one of the most hyperventilating pundits who shredded Obama's deal.
But since you didn't even attempt to find one single example to back up your outright lie that Rubin 'acknowledged her error', I wont' waste more time responding to you.
Please troll elsewhere.
Why are you subscribing, I wonder? Simply to MAGAfy the comments?
Well you win the dumbest reply award so far...responding to Rubin's coverup of her own past MAGA adjacent views, from a progressive standpoint...becomes 'MAGAfied'.
Cognitive dissonance much? Or maybe just plain ol' lack of brain cells?
And? You've never made a mistake or an error in judgement? We ALL have. Some people, like Jen Rubin, have acknowledged their mistakes, changed course and moved on. It's time for her tiresome scolds to do the same. Or just move on.
A bad strategic decision by the current regime that contravenes the Constitution, statutory constraints and places US military personnel and foreign civilians in harms way, deserves to be criticized. That’s our First Amendment right. After the regimes flawed and failed rush to attack Iran, the best outcomes are worse than what existed on February 27, 2026. Additionally the regime has diminished our stockpiles of defensive & offensive weapons while damaging our place as leader of the developed world and pissing off our allies. If the feckless Republicans in the House and Senate would do their jobs they would impeach and convict the Orange Felon.
Again, the lie is repeated that Rubin has 'acknowledged their mistakes'.
No, she hasn't.
Show me one time in print where she has...just one. IF you can't then I don't care how much you and others whine and cry.
Yes we all have made mistakes...and the grown ups among us acknowledge them and apologize for them. Rubin didn't make a couple 'mistakes'. She was a hardcore right wing shredder of every single thing Obama did for his entire term, constantly.
Rubin doesn't just not acknowledge her decade+ worth of 'mistakes'. in this piece (and yesterdays, where she says the same thing) she directly pretends she never made them at all.
If you're so bothered what YOU perceive as her lack 'repentance', don't bother reading her stuff. Simple. Some of us are adult enough to recognize a change of heart when we see one. Others just want to be eternal scolds who will never be satisfied. Bye, gurl.
I have far more respect for people who can reassess their opinions than for those who spout BS just for the sake of it
Truly, when one thinks about it, so few folks know what the JCPOA was intended to accomplish - and the many technical considerations behind it - it's easy to devolve into an argument based on reporting that conveys little or nothing to the average American.
This was an excellent commentary, Ms. Rubin. History, the takeover by capitalism, the abdication of congressional responsibilities and 'just another three day weekend' was well covered. It should be a special day, not a floating date. We have much to be thankful for, and much to remember, and it isn't the great price that we got on a mattress or anything else. More honor is in order.
Though trump surrendered to the Taliban with the Doha Accords in August 2020 & is trying to declare his catastrophic war of choice a victory because in his demented mind he can never lose.
The reality is that this illegal and preemptive war has been nothing short of a disaster. Without a plan or exit strategy, it has limped along, achieving no viable or beneficial goals and costing us trillions of dollars. It has done the U.S. international reputation no good as the world markets were destabilized. Just how has this making America great?
Steve, that's because everything the mad king does is based on a whim or who he talked to most recently on the subject. Case in point: this latest debacle was caused by Drumpf being the first POTUS since GWB to cave in to Netanyahu's demands to invade Iran. Drumpf is a malleable, spineless demented vainglorious fool and our country and the world we are in peril on multiple levels as a result.
The DC skyline will be forever tarnished if he is allowed to build the ridiculous 250' knockoff of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Xi's ballroom (aka gallroom) he wants to erect as a giant melanoma attached to the people's White House.
Will no one rid us of this turbulent pestilence?
Hear hear!!
"Netanyahu's demands" Really, Steven. The only one who can make demands that the moron will abide by is Putin. Otherwise, he only does what is good for him and no one else.
Lest we not forget, our national debt was the highest during Trump's first presidency and looking to be even higher in this one.
The national debt is very important, though it's the plundering of the kitchen-table economies of so many of our people that is getting more attention. High prices and rising inflation are causing problems for everyone but the very wealthy.
Republicans have always trotted out the "disaster" of the national debt when Democrats are in office. When they themselves are in charge, spending is a field day. Dick Cheney even announced "the deficit doesn't matter."
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives and gave everything for their country. We should remember them and pay tribute for their service and sacrifice. Where I am from, we still decorate graves in cemeteries not just the ones who sacrificed but everyone. In many locations there are memorial remembrance services at cemeteries where many veterans are buried. I put a flag on my father’s grave this weekend.
In the Baltimore area, Scouts place flags at the graves in military/veterans cemeteries.
I did the same, for friends from Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf War I.
And for what? To keep the Trump Epstein Files out of the news seems like the obvious answer. It was clear that Trump was a pedophile even before the 2016 election. The material in those files about Trump and a number of Epstein Elites will shake the world. This is what happens when these kinds of people have massive power.
This is assuming that we ever see all of the pertainant files. It's not so much the power, but the lack of ethics, intergrity, and morality that "these people" are lacking.
Not only Trump's involvement with Epstein but Melania's too. What a mess!
Does that surprise anyone? What other president's wife is an enriched middle European "model" with nothing to do but take care of her looks? and raise her only child (who is doing what, by the way?) After 25 years in America she cultivates an accent that makes it almost impossible to understand her if and when she speaks. What other president's wife can be seen in photos scantily clad, hair in strings, eyes wild with - who knows what?
I think this "war", as well as many others, brings wealth to the rich who take advantage of destruction and shortages. Unlike some conflicts where the goal is to protect societies from hostile forces (e.g. WWII, Ukraine), the "excursion" to Iran has no moral goal. It is solely to erase an effective, well thought out agreement (with no money pouring into greedy pockets) that has Obama's name attached to it. What a tragic way to use America's resources and dishonor those who have fought and died for our stated values.
Yes the War Powers Act definitely needs to be revised, but I'm convinced the only thing that would have influenced Trump's decision not to go to war would have been a huge personal monetary fee if he acted without Congressional approval, because we know his only motivator is money.
Precisely!
How ironic that a “weak” President lost an election to Trump. Trump’s weaknesses are now legendary and Americans are threatened by the consequences of his laziness. Too lazy to argue for attacking Iran in front of Congress. Too lazy to choose quality over fealty in his Cabinet picks. Too lazy to write or even have a lackey write Easter or Christmas remarks for posterity. Too lazy to stand in the Oval Office for staged recognitions. Too lazy to even act Presidential in a foreign capital. Too lazy to admit mistakes in every aspect of his life. Too lazy to ask forgiveness, to show respect, to be human.
Suggest substituting some form of selfish for lazy.
"Diseased?" But that let's him off the hook. . .
Well said, Douglas Mackay.
"Every other president has recognized that war must be the last resort after exercising all avenues and should be undertaken only for vital national interests."
Really? Have you forgotten adventurist wars of distraction by Republican Presidents like Reagan and the Bushies? I guess your "Republican" is showing.
The invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq were totally wrong, but GWB did ask for authorization from Congress first.
Iraq was wrong, Afghanistan wasn't in my opinion. Afghanistan is where Bin Laden was. He was the mastermind behind 9/11 and that needed to be avenged.
But Afghanistan is an example of mission creep. It started as a mission to get the Taliban & get Bin Laden. They failed to get Bin Laden, abandoned the mission to start the Iraq war, and then expanded the mission in Afghanistan to nation building.
I had the same thought.
Congressional Republicans have neither conscience nor backbone. Until Republicans in Congress are more concerned about voters, rather than Trump, they will render the US Congress inconsequential.
Thank you, Jennifer. Your analysis and commentary never fail to educate and inspire. I am so grateful to you and The Contrarian for a window of sanity in this insane media environment.
What? No talk of the Trump Files (Epstein's dead)? This country MUST stop thinking this was/is a "war of choice". It was/is, put simply, a "war of diversion", for which the consequences MUST be SEVERE!
Our soldiers died for our Constitution and DEMOCRACY! Honor their memory be voting to restore real Democracy esp., The Bill of Rights.
Thank you, Jennifer Rubin, for lifting up the history of today's holiday. No more wars without the approval of Congress, which must place the interests of our people and the safety of our troops over the whims of any president, present or future.
Take a look at the wars in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and now Iran. The war industry made lots of money while our soldiers died in wars that accomplished nothing. This Memorial Day we must all remember the bravery and sacrifice of our brave soldiers. We should also show them the respect of holding our leaders accountable for the failures that led to their deaths.
Thank you Jenn for the best comment of the day. “I can think of no better way to honor our military men and women — living and dead — than to make it as hard as possible for a president to launch a harebrained war without the buy-in of voters and Congress.”