I was so happy to see how the European leaders decided so quickly to accompany Zelenski to the white house. It actually brought a smile to my face and quickened my step. How fortunate we are to have such leaders at a time like this. Thank you for recognizing them and pointing out the contrast with what we're dealing with in our beautiful country. Keep hope alive!
So true. Jenn Rubin scores a bullseye when she says: "In sum, they are leading the Free World...". A severely weakened America under Trump has abdicated that role.
Happy. Me, too. We've heard a lot of cheap talk; these folks got on a plane, for Pete's sake, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a guy who woke up one morning and discovered he wasn't a t.v. comedian any more.
Absolutely Carolyn! The European leaders who "dropped everything" to be at the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting were wonderful.
Just to give credit where it is due, Zelenskyy has been doing a great job of leading Ukraine through this nightmare. I don't think any Ukrainian leader, without nuclear weapons and/or without more money and military equipment, would be doing any better against Putin.
We know Trump bullies weaker countries unless they're led by a vicious dictator. These European leaders would probably have seen a need to support any leader of Ukraine who was meeting with a fascist-loving American president, while Ukraine was fighting Putin's most recent invasion, regardless of his/her previous profession or other attributes.
This situation (like many situations involving Trump) calls to mind the most important parts of our Constitution, federal law and The Federalist Papers.
The president’s oath of office (in Article II) emphasizes his constant overarching duty to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” to “the best” of the president’s “Ability,” including by fulfilling his duty to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The oath of office of “all executive and judicial Officers” (in Article VI) also emphasizes each such person’s constant overarching duty “to support this Constitution” as the paramount “supreme Law of the Land.” Federal law (5 U.S.C. § 3331) emphasizes the constant overarching duty of each “individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services” to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and to “bear true faith and allegiance to the [Constitution].”
In The Federalist No. 51, James Madison emphasized:
It ought never to be forgotten, that a firm union of this country, under an efficient government, will probably be an increasing object of jealousy to more than one nation of Europe; and that enterprises to subvert it will sometimes originate in the intrigues of foreign powers, and will seldom fail to be patronized and abetted by some of them. Its preservation, therefore ought in no case that can be avoided, to be committed to the guardianship of any but those whose situation will uniformly beget an immediate interest in the faithful and vigilant performance of the trust.
But in The Federalist No. 1, Alexander Hamilton emphasized:
It must not be "forgotten that" although "the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty," that was said "in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment" bearing in mind that "their interest can never be separated." So it must never be "forgotten" that "a dangerous ambition" always "lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people" and "under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government." "History will teach us that" either such zeal "has been found" a "certain road to the introduction of despotism" and "that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."
I count eight (8) otherwise full-time employed child-minders at that table, hovering around Donnie Dementia, fluffing and poofing him, telling him what a big boy he really is, complimenting him on his wardrobe and hair, thanking him every 15 seconds just for breathing, and repeating endless variations of South Park's "and you don't have a small penis, either."
I've never felt a more terrifying moment on the world stage, as the supposed "Leader" of the free world is literally sitting there, crapping in his Depends, while the entire free world watches in terror that he'll give away not just his own life savings to that Nigerian prince email scam, but theirs as well.
This is a very serious and relevant comment. But I could not help briefly laughing out loud when you mentioned the most recent South Park episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmc_R8FShtc
I'm always grateful for a spontaneous laugh. Thank you!
You are absolutely correct. Experiencing a moment of joy for those of us who love our democracy, is a punch in the face to the Project 2025 and Trump regime fascists.
Share a laugh today for democracy (and for your soul)! Have a good day. : )
Very well written. I particularly love "insincere flattery." That is coin of the realm with Trump. When done by the Cabinet it comes off as shameful and disgraceful. When done by business leaders it is a violation of trust by their stockholers. When done in undisguised motive by world leaders it is responsible maneuvering. The whole process heightens disgust by people of decency for those who voted into power such a person ignorance, corruption, and failing mental capability.
As a Belgian I sometimes swear politely about our EU leaders (Mr. Starmer included) but I am proud that they take a united stand against the Putin-Trump tandem. Proud of the ongoing support (financially and military) of Ukraine.
It is so clear to us all, an aggressor can never be rewarded for his aggression.
Next step in EU should be to really cut ourselves loose from that damned cheap Russian gas and oil. I'm more then willing to pay more if that helps to free my Ukrainian friends from this war.
Another next step is strenghtening our armed forces with non US weaponry so we are no longer dependent on the whims of whomever occupies the White House.
(Trump just gave another blow to the US economy!)
In Europe we understand that Putin is eyeing up a corridor to Kaliningrad, eyeing up the Baltic states and a part of Poland. Eyeing up Moldavia. And who knows what country next.
Your observation: "It is so clear to us all, an aggressor can never be rewarded for his aggression" is the cornerstone of truth and reality in this war. Returning to it, remembering it with complete clarity restores our sanity and determination. It is not at all clear to our insane American president, who cares only for what will benefit him in any situation. We owe you and the European leaders who came with Zelensky a debt of gratitude for holding to this truth and reality.
I agree that the Russian oil and gas is a problem. That's why more emphasis must be put on renewable energy and saving energy. Unfortunately, the U.S. is cutting back renewables, so I hope Europe continues to forge ahead with them.
So embarrassing that our once-great country, now controlled by a bunch of traiitorous anti-democracy fools, is the target of an intervention by world leaders, because of an inept, grifting, cheating, moronic wannabe dictator. One can only imagine the kompromat Putin has on him, along with millions in unpaid loans. The sequence of events that allowed this to happen, from RBG not immediately retiring from SCOTUS upon her cancer diagnosis, to Mitch McConnell stealing two SCOTUS seats, to Russian interferences with our elections and Joe Biden's ill-fated decision not to be the "bridge president" he promised, is as incredible as it is disheartening. But far from being depressed, my resolve to do my small part to help repel those who choose party over country and greed and power over helping their constituents, has only strengthened 1,000-fold, and will continue to do so as I watch the example of those brave Texas Democrats, Gov. Newsome, and others. Count Jen and Norm among that number.
In a number of cases, the individuals involved and who are causing the problems didn't choose party over country; they chose themselves first, with both party and country trailing in last place.
But.... but..... but..... if Texas is gone......how will poor T. Cruz (R-Cancun) be able to escape to another country when the next Texan emergency strikes?
What you can do without is a national system that allows one-party rule in Texas. Like the USA a whole, many sane voters have given up the fight against a rigged game. This goes for our Electoral College as well.
What we have, in Texas and the country as a whole, is TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION which aroused the revolutionary ire of the Thirteen Colonies.
Those of us who live in a good part of the state can't do without it. Texas could be a different state if we got rid of our government and legislature, and had a neutral group draw our district maps. She doesn't represent me, but I am going to hate to see Jasmine Crockett booted out of office. Our rep, Veronica Escobar, who is also very good, will also be booted out of office. Please don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
States like TX and FL don’t necessarily have red majorities, they’re just Gerrymandered to make them red. I read in another article that TX actually has more registered democrats than republicans.
Yes. When defeat is preordained by all the rules and referees, many voters become apathetic. Remember Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the football? And what readers thought they would do--refuse to play the game? It's not just Texas and Florida, gerrymandering is killing us, literally when you consider our pitiful life expectancy compared to the civilized world.
We were left with Florida when its parent continents South America and Africa got divorced, otherwise known as the breakup of Pangaea. But I don't know if either one wants Florida back.
Everyone needs to watch (on Substack) the Adam Kingzinger interview with Gary Kasparov! He really understands Putin, Russia and the war - not unlike chess- in a way we can’t. He speaks in the way other leaders should, but feel constrained. Agree or not, this is straight talk and the real take-a-way of the “summit” talks. This is what’s at stake, and we better understand it.
Thanks, Olivia. Hugely informative interview. Kasparov really does understand Putin, Ukraine, what is at stake, and what needs to happen so Ukraine can win. And why Putin will never negotiate.
There's a reason Russians excelled at chess. Their game-of-choice always involves thinking at least 7 steps ahead. During the Cold War, our game was mostly poker. We were always engaged in playing some form of bluff. It made for tough negotiating, and that was when people were arguably sane.
Donnie Dipstick's game isn't even tiddlywinks and he's a complete fuck-up at it anyway.
Great analogy! Never thought of it that way, but you are right. That is indeed the way to look at our foreign policy and what passes for diplomacy these days.
This struck me as a powerful picture of the world stage of which I am so grateful. George and Martha Washington looking down on what we have become saddens me, but the flags of those countries stand out as the potential greatness we can be. The weakness of T#@?p is evident in his face. Then, his cronies to the left look pathetic as they sit there like wimps. I, too, stand with President Zelenskyy. These are the leaders who will save the world with the millions of resisters who have risen around the world to fight the atrocity created by Putin and our government. We must continue our good trouble.
I traveled around Europe in my mid-20’s, in the 80’s. I’m sure others have experienced the same thing: europeans on the whole expressed an enormous amount of gratitude for the role the US played in liberating them in WW-II. It seems to me that the roles are in reverse and we will be thanking European tourists down the road for helping us with the current situation and whatever is to come. (The tourists will return, because we’re not giving up.)
Right? Vance, Rubio and Hegseth are slouched over their phones. Bessent sits dutifully in attention, not that I have any regard for him. Over on the right, a member of the European delegation is scribbling notes. (Maybe I see what I want to see, and he’s actually just scribbling. He looks like he’s taking notes.)
I still can't believe we elected this loser as president. How wonderfully different our country would be now if we had President Harris in office.
The daily drumbeat of criminality, extortion, destruction of our economy AND our Constitution, is sometimes overwhelming.
The fact that heads of European countries have to bring board books and toys to the fascist toddler in the White House to hold his attention ("good job, Donny!!") is abhorrent and humiliating to our once-great nation.
Hopefully he will soon die a natural and timely death.
Unfortunately, JD Vance his successor, will still have the same project 2025 puppet-masters behind him. One consideration is that his brain isn't addled and his attention span is longer.
And this lawless President can never be prosecuted for his lawbreaking because the corrupt Supreme Court said so. Where in the Constitution is the President given such power? The President’s oath of office includes that he will faithfully execute the laws. That is what the Executive Branch used to be supposed to do. Not anymore.
I don't think Dumpy understands that all those European leaders came to the US to support Ukraine, and to keep him from lambasting Zelenskyy. He thinks they came here to honor him and seek advice on what to do with Putin. He might have dimly realized that with eight other grownups in the room, he couldn't riprimand and bully Zelenskyy the way he and Vance did last time, but mostly he was focused on "Look! They ALL came here to see me!"
Thanks, Jennifer Rubin, as always, and all the wonderful commentators. Regarding the European leaders, also note that these highly educated and informed people speak flawless English; most are multi-lingual; and they understand geopolitics and history in a way that Trump and his lackeys can't even understand.
I wanna hear what Congressional Republicans are sayin'.
2. We've also discovered he will not permit entry to people from Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti. "The White House issued a proclamation that “fully restricts and limits” the entry of Haitian nationals and “partially restricts and limits” the entry of Cuban and Venezuelan nationals into the United States. The travel ban has been in effect since June 9, 2025."
If he is actually doing that, it's a step up from what the 4,000 National Guard troops got in LA when they first came...no decent place to sleep and no food provided. Once again Trump demonstrated his disregard for our military.
Yes, not just Zelensky but we all owe a debt of gratitude to the leaders who rushed to Zelensky's side. But still I hope for the day when they will end their "insincere flattery" and treat the man in the Oval Office as the pariah he should be. He is crude, rude, uninformed, self-aggrandizing, deceitful. He sucks the air out of every space he inhabits; other presences hardly matter to him.
He only has the power that others give him. Why are the Europeans allowing him to continue holding center stage at every event? I'd love to see every ally of Ukraine cut off diplomatic relations with the US, which may sound drastic but the usual methods of diplomacy have not worked with the US, nor with Russia, nor with Israel. Make it difficult for the US to deal with the world, and see how long US business leaders will put up with this president's cruel lunacies.
The flattery is working. They’ve succeeded in putting on the brakes. This is going to take some time, but clearly, the europeans are holding the line. It’s going to be a long slog.
No, they might not. But short of gently walking Trump through this, we risk a swift destructive reaction that is certain to enable their demise. Trump is erratic and has much force and power at his disposal.
I haven't heard this idea before, but maybe it would be good if our "previous" allies turned their backs on DJT instead of flattering him. He doesn't understand insincere flattery. To him, any good words are absorbed as food for his ego. Make the US a pariah that the Rs are creating and see what happens. Maybe even the party of autocracy will rethink what's happening.
International diplomacy would get nowhere without flattery, however insincere. Chump would have to go on a major revenge binge against Europe in that case, and we don't need that. And Ukraine surely does not need that. The Europeans have to do what works, moment by moment.
I'd sure like to see the Ukrainians test fire a few of their 1000 lb drones. Maybe do target practice on the Russian Presidential Palace or Daddy Vlad's $1 billion dacha.
This is enlightening information, unlike what legacy MSM in this country is pumping out. Thank you! Our own "free press" is complicit in dumbing us down.
I was so happy to see how the European leaders decided so quickly to accompany Zelenski to the white house. It actually brought a smile to my face and quickened my step. How fortunate we are to have such leaders at a time like this. Thank you for recognizing them and pointing out the contrast with what we're dealing with in our beautiful country. Keep hope alive!
So true. Jenn Rubin scores a bullseye when she says: "In sum, they are leading the Free World...". A severely weakened America under Trump has abdicated that role.
I quite concur, and I trust them.
Yes, I would like to add they are leading and "protecting" the free world.
Seems they are the ones who deserve consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize! Wouldn't that be rich!
Happy. Me, too. We've heard a lot of cheap talk; these folks got on a plane, for Pete's sake, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a guy who woke up one morning and discovered he wasn't a t.v. comedian any more.
Absolutely Carolyn! The European leaders who "dropped everything" to be at the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting were wonderful.
Just to give credit where it is due, Zelenskyy has been doing a great job of leading Ukraine through this nightmare. I don't think any Ukrainian leader, without nuclear weapons and/or without more money and military equipment, would be doing any better against Putin.
We know Trump bullies weaker countries unless they're led by a vicious dictator. These European leaders would probably have seen a need to support any leader of Ukraine who was meeting with a fascist-loving American president, while Ukraine was fighting Putin's most recent invasion, regardless of his/her previous profession or other attributes.
And hopefully one of Rutte's peers has told Rutte in no uncertain terms that sucking up to Trump and calling him "Daddy " was a really bad idea.
It almost makes me cry. Yes, keep hope alive!
This situation (like many situations involving Trump) calls to mind the most important parts of our Constitution, federal law and The Federalist Papers.
The president’s oath of office (in Article II) emphasizes his constant overarching duty to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States” to “the best” of the president’s “Ability,” including by fulfilling his duty to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” The oath of office of “all executive and judicial Officers” (in Article VI) also emphasizes each such person’s constant overarching duty “to support this Constitution” as the paramount “supreme Law of the Land.” Federal law (5 U.S.C. § 3331) emphasizes the constant overarching duty of each “individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services” to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic” and to “bear true faith and allegiance to the [Constitution].”
In The Federalist No. 51, James Madison emphasized:
It ought never to be forgotten, that a firm union of this country, under an efficient government, will probably be an increasing object of jealousy to more than one nation of Europe; and that enterprises to subvert it will sometimes originate in the intrigues of foreign powers, and will seldom fail to be patronized and abetted by some of them. Its preservation, therefore ought in no case that can be avoided, to be committed to the guardianship of any but those whose situation will uniformly beget an immediate interest in the faithful and vigilant performance of the trust.
But in The Federalist No. 1, Alexander Hamilton emphasized:
It must not be "forgotten that" although "the vigor of government is essential to the security of liberty," that was said "in the contemplation of a sound and well-informed judgment" bearing in mind that "their interest can never be separated." So it must never be "forgotten" that "a dangerous ambition" always "lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people" and "under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government." "History will teach us that" either such zeal "has been found" a "certain road to the introduction of despotism" and "that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."
I count eight (8) otherwise full-time employed child-minders at that table, hovering around Donnie Dementia, fluffing and poofing him, telling him what a big boy he really is, complimenting him on his wardrobe and hair, thanking him every 15 seconds just for breathing, and repeating endless variations of South Park's "and you don't have a small penis, either."
I've never felt a more terrifying moment on the world stage, as the supposed "Leader" of the free world is literally sitting there, crapping in his Depends, while the entire free world watches in terror that he'll give away not just his own life savings to that Nigerian prince email scam, but theirs as well.
I like to call them "Zelensky and the Magnificent Seven!"
This is a very serious and relevant comment. But I could not help briefly laughing out loud when you mentioned the most recent South Park episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmc_R8FShtc
I'm always grateful for a spontaneous laugh. Thank you!
Gotta laugh. Gotta feel some joy. Despair is what they want. It's what I tell myself, anyway!
You are absolutely correct. Experiencing a moment of joy for those of us who love our democracy, is a punch in the face to the Project 2025 and Trump regime fascists.
Share a laugh today for democracy (and for your soul)! Have a good day. : )
Very well written. I particularly love "insincere flattery." That is coin of the realm with Trump. When done by the Cabinet it comes off as shameful and disgraceful. When done by business leaders it is a violation of trust by their stockholers. When done in undisguised motive by world leaders it is responsible maneuvering. The whole process heightens disgust by people of decency for those who voted into power such a person ignorance, corruption, and failing mental capability.
As a Belgian I sometimes swear politely about our EU leaders (Mr. Starmer included) but I am proud that they take a united stand against the Putin-Trump tandem. Proud of the ongoing support (financially and military) of Ukraine.
It is so clear to us all, an aggressor can never be rewarded for his aggression.
Next step in EU should be to really cut ourselves loose from that damned cheap Russian gas and oil. I'm more then willing to pay more if that helps to free my Ukrainian friends from this war.
Another next step is strenghtening our armed forces with non US weaponry so we are no longer dependent on the whims of whomever occupies the White House.
(Trump just gave another blow to the US economy!)
In Europe we understand that Putin is eyeing up a corridor to Kaliningrad, eyeing up the Baltic states and a part of Poland. Eyeing up Moldavia. And who knows what country next.
Your observation: "It is so clear to us all, an aggressor can never be rewarded for his aggression" is the cornerstone of truth and reality in this war. Returning to it, remembering it with complete clarity restores our sanity and determination. It is not at all clear to our insane American president, who cares only for what will benefit him in any situation. We owe you and the European leaders who came with Zelensky a debt of gratitude for holding to this truth and reality.
I agree that the Russian oil and gas is a problem. That's why more emphasis must be put on renewable energy and saving energy. Unfortunately, the U.S. is cutting back renewables, so I hope Europe continues to forge ahead with them.
So embarrassing that our once-great country, now controlled by a bunch of traiitorous anti-democracy fools, is the target of an intervention by world leaders, because of an inept, grifting, cheating, moronic wannabe dictator. One can only imagine the kompromat Putin has on him, along with millions in unpaid loans. The sequence of events that allowed this to happen, from RBG not immediately retiring from SCOTUS upon her cancer diagnosis, to Mitch McConnell stealing two SCOTUS seats, to Russian interferences with our elections and Joe Biden's ill-fated decision not to be the "bridge president" he promised, is as incredible as it is disheartening. But far from being depressed, my resolve to do my small part to help repel those who choose party over country and greed and power over helping their constituents, has only strengthened 1,000-fold, and will continue to do so as I watch the example of those brave Texas Democrats, Gov. Newsome, and others. Count Jen and Norm among that number.
In a number of cases, the individuals involved and who are causing the problems didn't choose party over country; they chose themselves first, with both party and country trailing in last place.
Excellent list of “own goals” leading to our current terrible status.
Yes!
I think a majority of Americans would gladly give up Florida. I certainly would.
texas and western PA as well......
We can also do without Texas.
But.... but..... but..... if Texas is gone......how will poor T. Cruz (R-Cancun) be able to escape to another country when the next Texan emergency strikes?
He could rush to California!
What you can do without is a national system that allows one-party rule in Texas. Like the USA a whole, many sane voters have given up the fight against a rigged game. This goes for our Electoral College as well.
What we have, in Texas and the country as a whole, is TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION which aroused the revolutionary ire of the Thirteen Colonies.
Those of us who live in a good part of the state can't do without it. Texas could be a different state if we got rid of our government and legislature, and had a neutral group draw our district maps. She doesn't represent me, but I am going to hate to see Jasmine Crockett booted out of office. Our rep, Veronica Escobar, who is also very good, will also be booted out of office. Please don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
My first laugh of the day. Thank you.
Dumbkopf -- the cities in FL are blue.
Cities all over the country are blue. Apparently, that is not good enough.
And that accomplishes nothing when they are outvoted by the rest of the state. Florida is ruled by a Red majority.
States like TX and FL don’t necessarily have red majorities, they’re just Gerrymandered to make them red. I read in another article that TX actually has more registered democrats than republicans.
Yes. When defeat is preordained by all the rules and referees, many voters become apathetic. Remember Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the football? And what readers thought they would do--refuse to play the game? It's not just Texas and Florida, gerrymandering is killing us, literally when you consider our pitiful life expectancy compared to the civilized world.
Just like the big cities in Texas.
We were left with Florida when its parent continents South America and Africa got divorced, otherwise known as the breakup of Pangaea. But I don't know if either one wants Florida back.
Yes, except we have a good friend who lives there… And they have one rep in the house who also deserves to be saved - Maxwell Alejandro Frost.
LOL...so sad, so true!
LOL
Everyone needs to watch (on Substack) the Adam Kingzinger interview with Gary Kasparov! He really understands Putin, Russia and the war - not unlike chess- in a way we can’t. He speaks in the way other leaders should, but feel constrained. Agree or not, this is straight talk and the real take-a-way of the “summit” talks. This is what’s at stake, and we better understand it.
Thanks, Olivia. Hugely informative interview. Kasparov really does understand Putin, Ukraine, what is at stake, and what needs to happen so Ukraine can win. And why Putin will never negotiate.
There's a reason Russians excelled at chess. Their game-of-choice always involves thinking at least 7 steps ahead. During the Cold War, our game was mostly poker. We were always engaged in playing some form of bluff. It made for tough negotiating, and that was when people were arguably sane.
Donnie Dipstick's game isn't even tiddlywinks and he's a complete fuck-up at it anyway.
Great analogy! Never thought of it that way, but you are right. That is indeed the way to look at our foreign policy and what passes for diplomacy these days.
Like Donnie's playing checkers, and can't remember whether he's red or black...
Thanks, Olivia. I'll definitely watch the Kinzinger/Kasparov interview. Adam is a true patriot who refused to drink the Kool-Aid.
You’ll be glad you did.
This struck me as a powerful picture of the world stage of which I am so grateful. George and Martha Washington looking down on what we have become saddens me, but the flags of those countries stand out as the potential greatness we can be. The weakness of T#@?p is evident in his face. Then, his cronies to the left look pathetic as they sit there like wimps. I, too, stand with President Zelenskyy. These are the leaders who will save the world with the millions of resisters who have risen around the world to fight the atrocity created by Putin and our government. We must continue our good trouble.
I traveled around Europe in my mid-20’s, in the 80’s. I’m sure others have experienced the same thing: europeans on the whole expressed an enormous amount of gratitude for the role the US played in liberating them in WW-II. It seems to me that the roles are in reverse and we will be thanking European tourists down the road for helping us with the current situation and whatever is to come. (The tourists will return, because we’re not giving up.)
Right? Vance, Rubio and Hegseth are slouched over their phones. Bessent sits dutifully in attention, not that I have any regard for him. Over on the right, a member of the European delegation is scribbling notes. (Maybe I see what I want to see, and he’s actually just scribbling. He looks like he’s taking notes.)
I still can't believe we elected this loser as president. How wonderfully different our country would be now if we had President Harris in office.
The daily drumbeat of criminality, extortion, destruction of our economy AND our Constitution, is sometimes overwhelming.
The fact that heads of European countries have to bring board books and toys to the fascist toddler in the White House to hold his attention ("good job, Donny!!") is abhorrent and humiliating to our once-great nation.
Hopefully he will soon die a natural and timely death.
Unfortunately, JD Vance his successor, will still have the same project 2025 puppet-masters behind him. One consideration is that his brain isn't addled and his attention span is longer.
vance cannot scare the repubes like rump does
Exactly. Vance has the charisma of a sewer rat.
MAGA will not accept him as tRump's successor.
He will be torn apart in a newly-competitive race for leadership within the fascist party.
That would be highly appropriate.
Grateful for your sane perspective, Jen.
And this lawless President can never be prosecuted for his lawbreaking because the corrupt Supreme Court said so. Where in the Constitution is the President given such power? The President’s oath of office includes that he will faithfully execute the laws. That is what the Executive Branch used to be supposed to do. Not anymore.
I don't think Dumpy understands that all those European leaders came to the US to support Ukraine, and to keep him from lambasting Zelenskyy. He thinks they came here to honor him and seek advice on what to do with Putin. He might have dimly realized that with eight other grownups in the room, he couldn't riprimand and bully Zelenskyy the way he and Vance did last time, but mostly he was focused on "Look! They ALL came here to see me!"
Thanks, Jennifer Rubin, as always, and all the wonderful commentators. Regarding the European leaders, also note that these highly educated and informed people speak flawless English; most are multi-lingual; and they understand geopolitics and history in a way that Trump and his lackeys can't even understand.
It’s not unusual for Europeans to speak several languages.
they also know if putz isn't stopped they're next
Don't be too hard on Trump, he has other important duties including delivering pizza to the occupying forces in DC.
He's busy.
1. Here in Baghad By the Sea, we're pretty sure Trump is starting a war so he can cancel any election.
"Amphibious warships join U.S. destroyers nearing Venezuela amid crackdown on cartels By Antonio María Delgado Updated August 21, 2025 12:13 PM"
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article311788818.html#storylink=cpy
I wanna hear what Congressional Republicans are sayin'.
2. We've also discovered he will not permit entry to people from Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti. "The White House issued a proclamation that “fully restricts and limits” the entry of Haitian nationals and “partially restricts and limits” the entry of Cuban and Venezuelan nationals into the United States. The travel ban has been in effect since June 9, 2025."
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article311796325.html#storylink=cpy
3. Immigrants seeking legal work, citizenship now subject to ‘anti-American’ screening By Emily Goodin
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article311772494.html#storylink=cpy
4. Allegator Alcatraz has to close. "Judge orders Alligator Alcatraz shut down in 60 days, says no more new detainees" By Churchill Ndonwie
Read more at: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article311770767.html#storylink=cpy
If he is actually doing that, it's a step up from what the 4,000 National Guard troops got in LA when they first came...no decent place to sleep and no food provided. Once again Trump demonstrated his disregard for our military.
Yes, not just Zelensky but we all owe a debt of gratitude to the leaders who rushed to Zelensky's side. But still I hope for the day when they will end their "insincere flattery" and treat the man in the Oval Office as the pariah he should be. He is crude, rude, uninformed, self-aggrandizing, deceitful. He sucks the air out of every space he inhabits; other presences hardly matter to him.
He only has the power that others give him. Why are the Europeans allowing him to continue holding center stage at every event? I'd love to see every ally of Ukraine cut off diplomatic relations with the US, which may sound drastic but the usual methods of diplomacy have not worked with the US, nor with Russia, nor with Israel. Make it difficult for the US to deal with the world, and see how long US business leaders will put up with this president's cruel lunacies.
The flattery is working. They’ve succeeded in putting on the brakes. This is going to take some time, but clearly, the europeans are holding the line. It’s going to be a long slog.
Ukraine and Gaza might not be able to survive that slog, unfortunately.
No, they might not. But short of gently walking Trump through this, we risk a swift destructive reaction that is certain to enable their demise. Trump is erratic and has much force and power at his disposal.
We literally can’t stop him fast enough if we have to.
I haven't heard this idea before, but maybe it would be good if our "previous" allies turned their backs on DJT instead of flattering him. He doesn't understand insincere flattery. To him, any good words are absorbed as food for his ego. Make the US a pariah that the Rs are creating and see what happens. Maybe even the party of autocracy will rethink what's happening.
International diplomacy would get nowhere without flattery, however insincere. Chump would have to go on a major revenge binge against Europe in that case, and we don't need that. And Ukraine surely does not need that. The Europeans have to do what works, moment by moment.
I'd sure like to see the Ukrainians test fire a few of their 1000 lb drones. Maybe do target practice on the Russian Presidential Palace or Daddy Vlad's $1 billion dacha.
We watch Ukrainian TV via youtube. Not reported by MSM:
1. Moscow is burning.
2. The Russian army is getting creamed.
3. Russia is going bankrupt.
4. Russian oligharchs dying from unknown causes.
On Polsh TV - A Russian drone exploded 64 miles into Poland.
On Tousi TV -- Iran is in a civil war.
This is enlightening information, unlike what legacy MSM in this country is pumping out. Thank you! Our own "free press" is complicit in dumbing us down.
Someone with access will finally have to become enraged enough to take Putin out.