124 Comments
User's avatar
CE's avatar

America sits patiently while a corrupt, narcissistic octogenarian destroys our nation and our international reputation. The folks we’ve elected to represent us are doing anything but that. Trump is making money hand over tiny had, while factories close and families scrape by. Why are we just figuratively sitting here? We need strong leadership from our institutions and instead we’re getting craven obsequiousness. If we don’t show up to vote in levels beyond anything previously seen (Hungary’s turnout against Orban comes to mind) then we will deserve what we get.

JL West's avatar

"Craven obsequiousness" from the Republicans who are in power. And yes, voters did that. Not that many of us in the grand scheme of things, but enough. And yes, we need to show up and vote them out.

I still see too many people debating and weighing Democrats vs Republicans when everything that is happening now that they hate is down to Republicans being in power! (And the Supreme Court, who are also down to Republicans being in power). This and every election for the next 10 years - which is what it will likely take to undo all the damage - should be a no-brainer.

Ted's avatar

Should be a no-brainer, but is not, There are still too many smart, successful people that I know still plan to vote Republican and too many people in deep red states cannot see themselves voting anything but R. Maybe they just wont vote.

JL West's avatar

Yes, I know some too, such as my nephews. One wants the Christian theocracy, and the other wants the tax breaks.

LiverpoolFCfan's avatar

"‘Warsh didn’t convey the message clearly or explicitly, and the bond market puked on him,’” Wall Street Journal reporter Jon Hilsenrath wrote. “The evidence sat right there on the screen: the 30-year Treasury yield jumped as much as 14 basis points to nearly 5.23%, its highest level since 2007. A 19-year high, delivered in the hours after the chairman stepped down from the podium.”"

So much for "looking the part."

Apparently sometimes facts are more impactful than looks.

Stuart de Vroome's avatar

Great quote from David Cochrane, a CBC journalist: “America isn’t the way it is because the president is the way he is. The president is the way he is because America is the way it is.” Priceless.

Cutting off the head of the 'hydra' doesn't fix the underlying national problems. It will grow another head back quickly. I don't know how the States can be put back together again. Entropy?

Wendy B.'s avatar

This has nothing to do with Trump; he was just selected as a patsy. It's the White Christian Nationalists' Project 2025, with the gleeful participation of the super-rich. They have been working on this coup for decades: undermining education in order to produce people open to misinformation; taking control of the media so they can spread their misinformation; loading the courts with alt-right judges, most particularly the supreme court; getting Citizens United passed; and other preparatory steps. There's nothing wrong with the US population and there are no national problems: most of the population is in complete accord on most issues. The idea that there is a division is part of the misinformation package.

CE's avatar

We need to suffocate the hydra by strangling it at the Congressional level. That’s why these midterms are so very crucial. Thanks for sharing that most excellent quote…it is spot on!

Tim Matchette's avatar

We are not going to do by accepting a deatest attitude.

Hiro's avatar

Yes, only a record voter turn out this November will save ordinary citizens. Voters can no longer rely on the Congress or SCOTUS to remove Mr. Trump. All out voter turn out is the only means left for them, but that is democracy at work in crisis.

KnockKnockGreenpeace's avatar

Funny, I'm not patient at all. I don't deserve any of this.

Leigh Horne's avatar

You wrote: Trump’s personal economy may be “thriving,” thanks to $2B in ill-gotten gains since returning to office, but Americans are not. Republicans have every reason to fear they will pay a political price for this rotten economic record, unmitigated corruption, misguided priorities, and gross incompetence. And they should. In ceding their constitutional obligations and becoming yes-men for a fetid, corrupt, and thoroughly incompetent president, they have proven themselves unworthy of voters’ trust. Voters’ only recourse will be to throw them out of office.

I just wanted to second that opinion. All this comes down to Trump's warped and utterly corrupt character. And as for his cronies, 'Birds of a feather flock together.'

Sally Fell's avatar

After luxuriating in Jen's verbal acuity, and stunning analytic powers, absolutely nailing every description, I often reread the opinion piece, just to admire how I always have my own viewpoint sharpened by hers. One of my favorite phrases of this one is, "the orgy of self-enrichment." Jen just has a way of expressing herself that continues to amaze me, and suggest her depth of understanding the man and dynamics of what is going on!!

Tim Matchette's avatar

No question that Jenn is a true gem. She's the one that gives me hope.

Signe K.'s avatar

Tim, I agree — and I would add to that list of hope-generators, Heather Cox Richardson, and Jessica Craven. Information plus action options are offered by both.

JeffreyS's avatar

Ironically— or better yet, stupidly— the people most affected by Trump’s dumpster fire economy are still blaming Biden, or Obama for everything. It’s been said many times but I’ll repeat it again “you can’t fix stupid.”

Steve 218's avatar

People have voted against their own interests forever, it seems. Will this gross and criminal mismanagement of our government get their attention to change? We'll know in roughly 94 days.

Noah Dowd's avatar

"People have voted against their own interests forever, it seems."

How else are you gonna own the libs? /s

Leigh Horne's avatar

This is an interesting point, illustrative of the fact that human beings, unlike other mammals are capable of imagining a thing that is not. As in, believing the lies and promises of a criminal thug instead of their own eyes and ears.

JayW's avatar

Again, how much in crypto bribes fly under the criminal radar to pay off Trump-MAGA-Republican Congressmen and Supreme Court Justices in order to buy Trump’s support to absolutely ruin everything that REALLY makes American great? There is just no other explanation that explains so much irrational and absolute support for such amoral “leadership.”

Mark D Olson's avatar

According to an interview I watched Sunday afternoon the republican war chest has yet to be unleashed. While there are a number of individual Democrats that are doing quite well in their bid against republicans according to this interview between a republican and democratic analyst the democrats war chest is in the red. I couldn't agree more with Jen Rubin's article this morning. I hope her message is more powerful than a billionaire funded war chest because according to both analysts we ain't seen nothin' yet folks! I don't know if Ken Martin understands the weight that this election in November 2026 holds but if he's waiting for 2028, that's too damned late!

Wendy B.'s avatar

Why do you think money will help? When Musk backs candidates, they lose.

Mark D Olson's avatar

I hope you're right

Signe K.'s avatar

Mark, I agree. There are voters who vote for winners; ie, those who the voter believes will win. Putting money up front to support candidates to enable their victory would cause a cascading effect — more winning drives more voting drives more winning. It seems foolhardy to wait. Put up or shut up.

Michelle Jordan's avatar

The economy sucks and it’s thanks to the felon in the Oval Office. It’s thanks to the Republicans in congress that have abdicated their responsibilities of keeping the executive branch in check. Gas is more expensive now than it was especially at the peak of summer travel. Tariffs are having a crushing effect on middle income earners and people on the cusp of retirement. Food prices are through the roof and still soaring especially since we have an ignoramous as health secretary who doesn’t belong there. It has to get better. VOTE!

Patricia Dempsey's avatar

There has GOT to be a law passed that nobody convicted of a felony can run for the presidency. Instead of looking for fraud in the 2020 election, perhaps somebody should take a look at 2024. It was closer by far than 2020. Hmmmm.....

Paula Smith's avatar

I heartily agree...we need a law to prevent felons from running for office, especially the role of president. Continuing to elect those proven to have broken the law gives us what we deserve. So stupid!

John Gregory's avatar

There is a law - in fact it's part of the Constitution - that someone who has participated in an insurrection against the government can't run for federal office, including President. A couple of states tried to keep Trump off the ballot in 2024 for this reason, but there was no effective coordination nationally, and the Supreme Court would not let them persist.

An 'ordinary' felony maybe is not enough to bar someone from the presidency if the voters want to overlook it. Though that principle is shaky when a large proportion of the electorate has no access to reliable information, because they are addicted to Fox/OANN/Newsmax/Breitbart.

Patricia Dempsey's avatar

Sadly, so much of that is up for interpretation. The term insurrection, for instance, wasn't always accepted as the events of January 6th... Republicans called it anything BUT insurrection, if you'll recall. There are so many things provided for in the Constitution but if one entire political party won't acknowledge it, what good is it? And a legislature that is afraid of their shadows and won't vote against the president even if it means not being reelected. What is wrong with this country?!

Thomas Moore's avatar

Yes, the Dems SHOULD have picked 2-3 states and given the same treatment Trump gave. But instead the Dems just rolled over. And now the DNC wonders why they aren't getting any money. I have donated instead to individual candidates who support my views.

J Circosta's avatar

And the corrupt SCOTUS majority that has given Trump few losses & too many major wins. No surprise that Trump told Roberts: “Than you. We won’t forget.”

Steve 218's avatar

Neither will the rest of us forget the senators who confirmed the corrupt justices of the supreme court (at least that's my hope). They should no longer be in office as they did not serve their constituents or the country's people well.

Dawn's avatar
Aug 4Edited

Trump is like a bank robber making a big heist. His view of the economy is not how economies work holistically, but what he and his oligarch compadres can steal for themselves. Stealing is the deprivation of other people's assets and their ability to make a living. Trump is the black hole of the US and world economy. Trump produces nothing, but just takes, takes and takes from the 99%. When the 99% have nothing left to steal, then he lets them die. In Trumpland, people are to be used, abused and discarded. To Trump, the United States represents his biggest heist, and the Republicans are part of his complicit gang of thieves.

Steven Erick's avatar

If we want to shift our focus from the lies of Trump to the fixes for the economy and other problems, start only carrying Trump's truthful comments. That should limit his coverage to about one story per month and really get him wriled!

Gary Walters's avatar

You are being too generous in regards to him saying something truthful, I think it would limit his coverage to about twice per year and that might be more than generous.

Steven Erick's avatar

I was trying to be generous in case he told house guests he had to go to the bathroom, which might be truthful.

Gary Walters's avatar

You may be correct, but I believe he wears diapers, so he may never got to the actual bathroom.

Douglas Mackay's avatar

I guess being President means anything you say should be reported and commented on. Among the sane, Trump’s rhetoric and unhinged blathering are always ridiculed, rejected, and repeated with the proverbial or metaphorical side eye or snort. But they are reported, nevertheless. This includes those mad king Truth Social AI postings. This attention gives them weight far above their importance. His constant threats and back downs on Iran exemplify his instability and this dilemma for news organizations. And those silly Oval Office pressers and group photos have only emphasized how pathetic he is. Let’s try to ignore him for a while. I suggest cold turkey news blackouts of Trump to give our collective psyches a rest, to reduce the nation’s anxiety. He won’t stop as long as his heart beats but we can stop paying attention to him.

Jean Moreau's avatar

Jen, The first thing I do every morning is look for your column. Thanks so much for your superb take on the awful mess the Orange man is making of our country. I miss seeing you for coffee!!

Lynn Fisher's avatar

Thank you, Jen. Hello from Austin, TX! Miss seeing you on the live feed and wishing you well.

Justin Sayne's avatar

"Republicans..........will bear the burden in November of voters’ anger over an economic agenda that has been rubber-stamped. "

Oh, God......I hope you're right, Jennifer! Thanks for a great article! Here's hoping your throat continues to heal so that we can see you back on the Contrarian videos in the mornings!

Jan's avatar

Jennifer Rubin is a master with the descriptive word. She echoes what I am thinking and feeling. I’m taking it to the ballot box.

J Circosta's avatar

Will we be able to vote? Yes, throw them all out! But will we be able to with Musk interfering, prob Russia again, & Republican-led states bringing back Jim Crow & more? Given that Trump is spiraling out of control what might he do? Declare a national emergency & stop the election? He is desperate to save his sorry a— and is capable of destroying the election. Sycophants will help. We are in for trouble this November is an understatement.

Pam Birkenfeld's avatar

Work hard in your state to be sure that doesn't happen. Like Robert Hubbell says, we are not potted plants.

Lois Kallunki's avatar

Also support Marc Elias and his Democracy Docket. He is doing a yeoman's work fighting in our courts against the Republican effort to restrict and deny our votes.

Stephen Ranck's avatar

The real issue here is to what extent those in power will go to stay in power. So, Plan A is to get out the vote. If that is stymied, there needs to be Plans B, C and even D. Be prepared for the twists and crooked turns to come.

Greg Bergin's avatar

Is "too browbeaten to admit Trump is a crook" sufficient to change MAGA voting behavior? I expect that the Republicans, conservatives, MAGA I know will say some version of "I'll hold my nose." Which, to me, is an acknowledgement that Trump is at least their crook.

Bob Egbert's avatar

Trump scratches the bigot bellies of his cult worshipers. Race & religious bigots have been the base of the Republican Party since the 60's. It's the red meat that's their motivation and he's still feeding them.

L.D.Michaels's avatar

TRUMP’S TOUGHEST DECISION

Does He Wack Out A Made Member of His Family for Choking on A Hit He Put Out?

Having made Jeanine Pirro the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, he gave her an order to take out former Olympian David Hearn whom Trump accused of sabotaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

While she dutifully followed his order and blindly indicted Hearn, she ultimately “choked” and couldn’t go through with the trial.

When the word reached Trump that she dismissed the case, he was not a happy camper.

No matter the reason. No matter the evidence. When push comes to shove, she let him down.

So what is Trump to do? When he puts out a hit, and the hitman “chokes” and can’t go through with it, that’s not good for the family. Other members of the family may get the same idea. So where does that leave the Boss of the family?

Does he have her whacked and return her to political oblivion?

Does he bring in a new U.S. Attorney who knows how to follow orders?

It’s decisions like this that test the true mettle of our President.

Christine's avatar

I prefer her turned into total oblivion. She didn’t deserve the job anyway.

Any more than Trump deserves the job.

Trump continues his fantasy with his version of the US, because he has to. He is so delusional, that he actually believes what he is saying! That’s how sick he is! He can’t and won’t accept any other version

Gary Walters's avatar

I agree, he and MAGA live in a world of lies and they have lived there so long that they cannot see the truth.

bitchybitchybitchy's avatar

They're happy as long as they believe they're owning the libs, ot "protecting girls" from trans athletes.

Gary Walters's avatar

Exactly, they live in their own delusional little world where they own those who don't believe what they believe and are always victims. They are just fools and sadly the current online world allows them to find one another to validate their beliefs.

Steve 218's avatar

When will 'owning the libs' become too costly to Trump's loyal 'little people' who vote for him and his disgraced representatives and senators? Their kitchen-table economy is getting descimated.

Noah Dowd's avatar

In November, hopefully.

pts's avatar

I prefer her disbarred, drenched eternally and publicly with opprobrium, and widely documented in histories and law textbooks as an epitome -- one of a great many these days, sadly -- of a dishonorable political hack masquerading as a legitimate attorney.

May Pirro live long and in the dark shadow of constant shame.

bitchybitchybitchy's avatar

I suppose Pirro blinked when she understood that she could be sanctioned or disbarred for being a fraudulent, vindictive prosecution.

L.D.Michaels's avatar

As I see it. No one has any respect for this clown, except his die-hard wacko cult followers. What keeps everyone in line is what Trump can either do for them or to them.

Alexa Murray's avatar

Don’t forget throwing billions in taxpayers money away to buy out the investors in green energy projects that would have lowered energy costs for American rate payers. Instead the profits will go to the energy majors that funded Trump’s election, who have made billions in windfall profits this year. The Trump model is and always will be guaranteed private profit, funded by public liability.