"Trump’s second term will likely be remembered for his domestic war on democracy and his disastrous foreign policy, which (hopefully) has reached its nadir with the Iran war." I have realized that there is no low to which Trump won't stoop - he is a bottomless pit of ever more evil impulse. You are so right, Steve.
I wonder. I get the feeling that this war is really grinding him down despite all his bravado. That might lead to him just focusing on his ballroom or some other vanity project.
There is plenty of time left for Trump to take our nation to even lower depths. Here's some other people who deserve to share the blame:
The CEOs who caved and groveled.
The Generals (Trump cleaned out some considered insufficiently loyal).
The Supreme Court majority.
Administration members who know better but continue to bow and scrape (e.g. Rubio and the VP, although the latter may be having second thoughts, too late!)
And of course all the MAGA voters and Trump sycophants.
You left out the Magapublicans in Congress who allowed and abetted Trump. They could have served the country and put a stop to what's happening long ago.
True, but no use crying over what could have been. We need to strengthen our positions and select more winning candidates, espeically looking forward to 2028.
Vance (?Vontz, Yiddish for bedbug) is blatantly ambitious and has his sights set on replacing Don the Con in 2028. So because of that his loyalties are very flexible-- he'll say whatever he thinks will advance him. So if he's having "second thoughts" it's pretty transparent that he's the rat who, out of self interest, is the first to abandon a sinking ship (or in this case, a stinking shit), and we shouldn't trust him any further than we can throw him.
But that assumes they have conscience, backbone and gonads, when in practice they checked those things at the door when they signed on to be crew on the SS Trump
"In his narcissistic quest for domination, Trump illustrates why we must never go to war based on one deranged president’s “gut.”"
Felon47 has a severe case of dyspepsia/GERD due to his "gut" instincts. It's painful MAGA-Acidosis and is in dire need of a strong buffer, lest we all suffer more of his acerbic Creed of Greed. Democracy demands neutrality, otherwise The Body Politic will shut down. Resistance is the Buffer. The Red Hats must face their conjugate base.
Don't you wish President Zelenskyy could be the US President as well as Ukraine's? He bravely resists Russia's illegal invasion and war crimes for four years, despite Trump's clear preference for Putin, generously offers to help with drone defense (Trump claims no need for that, because the US knows more about drones than anyone else, as if), and could potentially improve Ukraine's defenses and bottom line at the same time by swapping defense missiles for Ukrainian drones and their cost-effective drone defenses. Meanwhile, we have Trump.
I wish you might say more about Americans standing up in opposition all over the US while the gop "majority" rolls over; you know, as a counterpoint to what this regime with its matching florsheims and pouty lips are doing. As far as Joe Kent is concerned, well, he should never have been confirmed, along with the entire cabinet IMO. But here we are. I believe the vast majority of us are not stupid dolts. We know exactly what's going on with the felon in chief and his pals. May all of them be investigated, indicted ( many for treason), adjudicated, and removed from society for their crimes.
You might enjoy Rachel Maddie’s keynote at the University of British Columbia in Canada last week. It includes what Americans are doing all over the country to keep a record of what Trump is trying to destroy. It was so inspiring to hear. https://youtu.be/BGqypLBWjKY?si=xHu06Yok8uSWoMVJ
Thanks Jenny. She is good about reporting actions by Americans. I read Robert Hubbell's substack which always provides this part of the daily narrative.
"Trump may regret shredding America’s moral stature..."
Not a chance he'll regret anything. He'll certainly never admit it. He never recognized America's stature beyond its military might which he's misused again and again.
Jen, the first paragraph says it all most succinctly. The rest of the article explains and defines Trump's faulty thinking, assuming any actually took place. In any case, he (and the U.S.) is getting a dose of its own medicine: Treat allies like dirt; don't expect them to come to our aid, (and they aren't). They don't want to embroil themselves in this illegal preemptive war started by Trump. Even Kent said that there was no imminent threat, as have many others. This was a stupid choice for a distraction: A war of convenience, if you will, which will not improve our safety or security. Oh, and by the way, Trump, the Epstein files are temporarily eclipsed, but have not vanished.
Basically Trump exhibited a combination of a 2 year old having a melt down and a 10 year old cheating schoolyard bully who's angry because the other kids have grown tired of him and refuse to play his games.
Why 75 million people got conned by this career loser and put him back in office is a mystery for the ages. His six bankruptcies, failed businesses, sexual misconduct, tax fraud, and more were out there for all to see. It didn't even take much research. And most puzzling of all—those 75 million voters had his disastrous first term to consider, during which he tried to steal a free and fair election, incited a riot at the Capitol, completely butchered our nation's COVID response, stole government top secrets, and embarrassed us around the world... the list goes on. That plus the fact he's nearly 80 years old and clearly in poor health. Who thought this wannabe dictator, habitual liar, and ignoramus was the answer to our problems?
You’re right Jennifer. Trumps war not the United States war.
He is a warmonger. Period
From the beginning his administration changed Department Defense to Department War. What does that tell you.
He hasn’t solved one war, especially the one he was solving the first day in office (Ukraine). Now we are in three wars and Mr Negotiator hasn’t solved one war.
"Trump may regret shredding America’s moral stature, a historically indispensable part of our influence around the world. He has eradicated the difference between the U.S. and other rogue regimes that invade neighbors and kill innocent people indiscriminately."
Alas, a conscience is required in order to feel regret.
Trump has no conscience, just a lizard brain.
Meanwhile though, hopefully many of his voters are having regrets.
If his loyal voters aren't getting it, Trump isn't keeping his promises to them. No wars? Hah. Lower Prices? Ya gotta be kidding. A better life? Where? They should treat him as he has treated them.
I would just add to Ms. Rubin's column that although virtually each paragraph starts with "Trump", it could just as well start with "The Republican Party".
Above all else it is the Republican party that has betrayed the Constitution and forfeited their right to exist as a legitimate political party.
As a former USAF Combat Intelligence Officer, air power can destroy tank farms and military targets, but they can not clear the mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Insurance companies are going to charge exorpiant rates or not insure passage at all. Welcome to a future of higher gas prices, and unrest in the Middle East.
This might be a good place to hash out the suggestion that referrig to a "pro-Israel Lobby" is necessarily an anti-semitic trope. Certainly the use of the term probably was anti-semitic historically, but now? Isn't it the case that a significant part of the support for Israeli-positive actions by the US Government is from the Christian Fundamentalist right?
Is there a better, non-anti-semitic, way to object to US support of what some of us see as run-away Israeli policies which abuse (probably too polite a word) Palestinians?
Is there even a lobby of this sort? If there was a lobby, it would be an organized group which has some strength to influence US government policy? And then what about Iranian stated policy to remove Israel from the face of the earth? Is that an approach by a foreign government that we as well as Israel should ignore?
Somehow, our current war reminds me of the admonition not to tell someone to go to h*ll if you cannot make it happen.
Your response begins with a telling comment that a phrase like "pro-Israel lobby" must be anti-Semitic. "Israel" is not equivalent to "Jewish," however much Netanyahu wishes it were. Let's stop conflating the two and recognize the damage to US interests Israeli policy has done to our standing in the world.
Sherry, I thought that was what I was trying to get at. It seemed to me that Jennifer suggested that the idea that there was sucha lobby was an anti-semitic trope. I'd hoped that it wasn't anymore and wondered if there even was such lobby and if there was, who comprised it. And if this sounds like I'm confused. I am.
In 2024, Trump assured the voters that, "I'm not going to start a war. I'm going to end wars." In his first 4 disastrous years, the Washington Post calculated that he lied an average of 21 times per day. Clearly, the deranged and increasingly demented version of Trump currently occupying the White House is hellbent to improve on that average -- assuming he is mentally competent enough to even realize he's lying.
Jennifer, your intelligent reporting is excellent but I am sure I am not alone in wishing that photos of trump would not appear at the top. We all know what he looks like, and I loathe the look of him and the sound of his voice although I need to read about him to remain informed.
Great summary of where we are. I would add Trump's aggression also highlights his total disregard for average people, including killing people for just being in boats, not caring about the death of school children and civilians, not caring about so many people needing to flee his damage, and not caring one bit about his actions hurting average Americans.
I also am glad countries, formally our allies, are letting Trump hang out there, not letting him off the hook for his disastrous decisions.
If only Republican leaders would do their job to protect our country, reputation, laws, economy, and just plain human decency.
You are right. But Trump cornered is Trump more dangerous. Fingers crossed.
Yes. If the SAVE Act fails, will he then go into Cuba, as the next distraction?
As we're quickly finding out, with this man, anything is possible, and none of it good.
"Trump’s second term will likely be remembered for his domestic war on democracy and his disastrous foreign policy, which (hopefully) has reached its nadir with the Iran war." I have realized that there is no low to which Trump won't stoop - he is a bottomless pit of ever more evil impulse. You are so right, Steve.
I wonder. I get the feeling that this war is really grinding him down despite all his bravado. That might lead to him just focusing on his ballroom or some other vanity project.
No stinkin' ballroom, and no ugly arch.
And leave the Kennedy Center alone too.
I’m with you.
Oh, no. He is able to do both. And, golf!
I wish (as much as I hate the ballroom!) But I think the compulsion is still to show strength - and that means f***ing with another country.
There is plenty of time left for Trump to take our nation to even lower depths. Here's some other people who deserve to share the blame:
The CEOs who caved and groveled.
The Generals (Trump cleaned out some considered insufficiently loyal).
The Supreme Court majority.
Administration members who know better but continue to bow and scrape (e.g. Rubio and the VP, although the latter may be having second thoughts, too late!)
And of course all the MAGA voters and Trump sycophants.
You left out the Magapublicans in Congress who allowed and abetted Trump. They could have served the country and put a stop to what's happening long ago.
None dare call him Krasnov!
And that's a problem!
And those anti-Trump folks who could not bring themselves to vote for a woman in 2024.
True, but no use crying over what could have been. We need to strengthen our positions and select more winning candidates, espeically looking forward to 2028.
Vance (?Vontz, Yiddish for bedbug) is blatantly ambitious and has his sights set on replacing Don the Con in 2028. So because of that his loyalties are very flexible-- he'll say whatever he thinks will advance him. So if he's having "second thoughts" it's pretty transparent that he's the rat who, out of self interest, is the first to abandon a sinking ship (or in this case, a stinking shit), and we shouldn't trust him any further than we can throw him.
I dubbed him Vassilating Vance.
The GOP in the House and Senate that could a serious pause on him.....
But that assumes they have conscience, backbone and gonads, when in practice they checked those things at the door when they signed on to be crew on the SS Trump
Thomas well said Democracy Will Prevail✌🏼🇺🇸
"In his narcissistic quest for domination, Trump illustrates why we must never go to war based on one deranged president’s “gut.”"
Felon47 has a severe case of dyspepsia/GERD due to his "gut" instincts. It's painful MAGA-Acidosis and is in dire need of a strong buffer, lest we all suffer more of his acerbic Creed of Greed. Democracy demands neutrality, otherwise The Body Politic will shut down. Resistance is the Buffer. The Red Hats must face their conjugate base.
Don't you wish President Zelenskyy could be the US President as well as Ukraine's? He bravely resists Russia's illegal invasion and war crimes for four years, despite Trump's clear preference for Putin, generously offers to help with drone defense (Trump claims no need for that, because the US knows more about drones than anyone else, as if), and could potentially improve Ukraine's defenses and bottom line at the same time by swapping defense missiles for Ukrainian drones and their cost-effective drone defenses. Meanwhile, we have Trump.
I wish you might say more about Americans standing up in opposition all over the US while the gop "majority" rolls over; you know, as a counterpoint to what this regime with its matching florsheims and pouty lips are doing. As far as Joe Kent is concerned, well, he should never have been confirmed, along with the entire cabinet IMO. But here we are. I believe the vast majority of us are not stupid dolts. We know exactly what's going on with the felon in chief and his pals. May all of them be investigated, indicted ( many for treason), adjudicated, and removed from society for their crimes.
You might enjoy Rachel Maddie’s keynote at the University of British Columbia in Canada last week. It includes what Americans are doing all over the country to keep a record of what Trump is trying to destroy. It was so inspiring to hear. https://youtu.be/BGqypLBWjKY?si=xHu06Yok8uSWoMVJ
Thanks Jenny. She is good about reporting actions by Americans. I read Robert Hubbell's substack which always provides this part of the daily narrative.
"Trump may regret shredding America’s moral stature..."
Not a chance he'll regret anything. He'll certainly never admit it. He never recognized America's stature beyond its military might which he's misused again and again.
Indeed; “moral stature“ is not something that Trump has ever possessed or valued so why would he regret degrading it?
"moral stature"? Would he even RECOGNIZE it?
He’ll regret it only because it’s making him look bad.
Jen, the first paragraph says it all most succinctly. The rest of the article explains and defines Trump's faulty thinking, assuming any actually took place. In any case, he (and the U.S.) is getting a dose of its own medicine: Treat allies like dirt; don't expect them to come to our aid, (and they aren't). They don't want to embroil themselves in this illegal preemptive war started by Trump. Even Kent said that there was no imminent threat, as have many others. This was a stupid choice for a distraction: A war of convenience, if you will, which will not improve our safety or security. Oh, and by the way, Trump, the Epstein files are temporarily eclipsed, but have not vanished.
Basically Trump exhibited a combination of a 2 year old having a melt down and a 10 year old cheating schoolyard bully who's angry because the other kids have grown tired of him and refuse to play his games.
If he were only still in the schoolyard instead of the White House...
Why 75 million people got conned by this career loser and put him back in office is a mystery for the ages. His six bankruptcies, failed businesses, sexual misconduct, tax fraud, and more were out there for all to see. It didn't even take much research. And most puzzling of all—those 75 million voters had his disastrous first term to consider, during which he tried to steal a free and fair election, incited a riot at the Capitol, completely butchered our nation's COVID response, stole government top secrets, and embarrassed us around the world... the list goes on. That plus the fact he's nearly 80 years old and clearly in poor health. Who thought this wannabe dictator, habitual liar, and ignoramus was the answer to our problems?
You cannot reason MAGA out of a position that they did not reason themselves into.
They are motivated by emotion, primarily, by fear driven hatred of “the other“ that they have been told are taking things that are rightfully theirs.
he is every racists dream
Steven, Miller’s, to be sure.
and many MAGAS !
MAGA's peace & prosperity president? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh5HDjCHe5Q
Propaganda & AI aren't enough to hide the failures. Resist MAGA gangster, grifter authoritarianism! Vote Sane. #VoteBlue!
You’re right Jennifer. Trumps war not the United States war.
He is a warmonger. Period
From the beginning his administration changed Department Defense to Department War. What does that tell you.
He hasn’t solved one war, especially the one he was solving the first day in office (Ukraine). Now we are in three wars and Mr Negotiator hasn’t solved one war.
He is a losing Warmonger. Period
bankrupt in every way and thought
"Trump may regret shredding America’s moral stature, a historically indispensable part of our influence around the world. He has eradicated the difference between the U.S. and other rogue regimes that invade neighbors and kill innocent people indiscriminately."
Alas, a conscience is required in order to feel regret.
Trump has no conscience, just a lizard brain.
Meanwhile though, hopefully many of his voters are having regrets.
If his loyal voters aren't getting it, Trump isn't keeping his promises to them. No wars? Hah. Lower Prices? Ya gotta be kidding. A better life? Where? They should treat him as he has treated them.
pitchforks at the gate
I would just add to Ms. Rubin's column that although virtually each paragraph starts with "Trump", it could just as well start with "The Republican Party".
Above all else it is the Republican party that has betrayed the Constitution and forfeited their right to exist as a legitimate political party.
As a former USAF Combat Intelligence Officer, air power can destroy tank farms and military targets, but they can not clear the mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Insurance companies are going to charge exorpiant rates or not insure passage at all. Welcome to a future of higher gas prices, and unrest in the Middle East.
This might be a good place to hash out the suggestion that referrig to a "pro-Israel Lobby" is necessarily an anti-semitic trope. Certainly the use of the term probably was anti-semitic historically, but now? Isn't it the case that a significant part of the support for Israeli-positive actions by the US Government is from the Christian Fundamentalist right?
Is there a better, non-anti-semitic, way to object to US support of what some of us see as run-away Israeli policies which abuse (probably too polite a word) Palestinians?
Is there even a lobby of this sort? If there was a lobby, it would be an organized group which has some strength to influence US government policy? And then what about Iranian stated policy to remove Israel from the face of the earth? Is that an approach by a foreign government that we as well as Israel should ignore?
Somehow, our current war reminds me of the admonition not to tell someone to go to h*ll if you cannot make it happen.
Your response begins with a telling comment that a phrase like "pro-Israel lobby" must be anti-Semitic. "Israel" is not equivalent to "Jewish," however much Netanyahu wishes it were. Let's stop conflating the two and recognize the damage to US interests Israeli policy has done to our standing in the world.
Sherry, I thought that was what I was trying to get at. It seemed to me that Jennifer suggested that the idea that there was sucha lobby was an anti-semitic trope. I'd hoped that it wasn't anymore and wondered if there even was such lobby and if there was, who comprised it. And if this sounds like I'm confused. I am.
I think we have done that all on our own
In 2024, Trump assured the voters that, "I'm not going to start a war. I'm going to end wars." In his first 4 disastrous years, the Washington Post calculated that he lied an average of 21 times per day. Clearly, the deranged and increasingly demented version of Trump currently occupying the White House is hellbent to improve on that average -- assuming he is mentally competent enough to even realize he's lying.
It was up to "We the People" in 2024 to see to it that his next place of residence was a federal penitentiary and NOT the White House.
It is less up to Trump to realize that he's lying as he doesn't care - it's up to "we the people' to recognize and realize.
Jennifer, your intelligent reporting is excellent but I am sure I am not alone in wishing that photos of trump would not appear at the top. We all know what he looks like, and I loathe the look of him and the sound of his voice although I need to read about him to remain informed.
yes, but it's good to watch his decline in pictures...gives us hope !
Great summary of where we are. I would add Trump's aggression also highlights his total disregard for average people, including killing people for just being in boats, not caring about the death of school children and civilians, not caring about so many people needing to flee his damage, and not caring one bit about his actions hurting average Americans.
I also am glad countries, formally our allies, are letting Trump hang out there, not letting him off the hook for his disastrous decisions.
If only Republican leaders would do their job to protect our country, reputation, laws, economy, and just plain human decency.