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.
"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.
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.'
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.”
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!
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!
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.....
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!
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.
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.”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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
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.
"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!
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.
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.
"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.
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.'
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.”
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!
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!
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.....
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!
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.
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.”
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!
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.
I was trying to be generous in case he told house guests he had to go to the bathroom, which might be truthful.
You may be correct, but I believe he wears diapers, so he may never got to the actual bathroom.
Good point
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.
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.
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.
Work hard in your state to be sure that doesn't happen. Like Robert Hubbell says, we are not potted plants.
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!!
Thank you, Jen. Hello from Austin, TX! Miss seeing you on the live feed and wishing you well.
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.
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.
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.
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
I agree, he and MAGA live in a world of lies and they have lived there so long that they cannot see the truth.
They're happy as long as they believe they're owning the libs, ot "protecting girls" from trans athletes.
I suppose Pirro blinked when she understood that she could be sanctioned or disbarred for being a fraudulent, vindictive prosecution.
She still could be.
Fingers crossed
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.
"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!
Trump & Co corruption on an epic scale: https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/corruption-for-make-benefit-glorious?r=aexlz&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
MAGAs reject science, wreck the economy, balloon the deficit & transfer wealth to the wealthiest.
Dems: an order of magnitude better than the Trump & Co packs of depraved sociopaths. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_i38-qjtbI
Please, 86 47 & his capos with a Blue Tsunami. #VoteBlue!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6ji9EFt9Lg
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.