The Cretin News Network, mired in third place in the ratings and in danger of dropping to fourth place behind NewsMax, took an hour tonight to deliver “ratings” to their corporate overlord, “Reality” TV King David Zaslav. They did it by allowing anyone who could stomach looking to see that the monster known as Donald J. Trump has no “bottom,” that there is no line he will not cross repeatedly, that there is no proven lie he will not continue to spew, that he is not only completely and totally unfit to hold any office or position of responsibility, but is incapable of achieving the minimum behavior standards for inclusion as a member of the species.
Immune, unsurprised after that town meeting? He did seem worse to me. Even less in control. Absolutely frantic. Maybe he believes his lies...more completely than ever before? He's in a hole but so is America. Many of us say there are more of us...more Americans still living in reality. The disease of fascism is here. It's in the bloodstream. Yes, I'm still asking where the Justice Department has been in terms of the big fish? Do I think the neat WH press releases of Biden's good works penetrate the skin, let alone the will of the people? Who and what can galvanize this country? There is a lot of shit hitting the fan, including Climate Change and a destroyed public education system. It's not over, but we have get the engine of Democracy started.
Tom, I ask myself is this terminal, this America? The people that haven't bought into the fascism, seem either dead or frozen with worry. No organization, Tom. There is some life in the young ones, but they don't have enough backing, perhaps, there is leadership, but I haven't seen it.
It’s a disease that’s been festering since the founding, a result of our original sin, that is, making a safe space for slavery with all the anti-democratic habits of mind that come with it.
Yes, Gary, but each time there are factors such as our poor health care system; social media,; effects of the technological revolution on various segments of the population; weaknesses, including co-opting by the Democratic Party; moral laxity; Trump;... I don't suggest this a perfect list of contributing factors, but what after totally disarming TRUMP do we need to do and how? What's the plan?
I would argue some of the contributing factors are grounded in the original sin, such as ineffective health care rooted in a fear of comforting the undeserving (meaning racial minorities and those deemed socially equivalent because of poverty).
As for a solution, I haven’t one. At least not one that could settle this once and for all. Based on our history I tend to think this is a chronic problem which doesn’t have a cure but that can be managed whether with war (1812-16), compromise (1824-50), civil war, or New Deal programs. Every generation seems to have its own particular exogenous factors that gives a spur to the people disposed to authoritarian solutions. Right-leaning neoliberalism spurred this one, so we have to work to discredit that as Biden attempted in his first two years, and do our best to defeat Trumpism by calling out its moral failing, shaming those who collaborate (like CNN), and organizing to keep him and his like out of office. I think we are doing what needs to be done but we could be better organized and we have to be diligent. It’s like taking statins to control cholesterol-you can’t take a break.
GarySanDiego, I cannot feel encouraged by your thoughtful response as I cannot agree ',... we are doing what needs to be done but we could be better organized... ' Unfortunately, Gary that tells me nothing. What has been done and or being done to grow the Democratic Party in the red states?; What is being done about regulating social media?; What are the policies and programs for decent jobs and services in rural America?; What are the policies for rescuing public education?; What is the strategy to stem gun violence? How are the cracks in our economic system and lack of affordable housing being addressed?
Bliss, DeSantis cannot fill his shoes. Others, will try, however, Trump's 'charisma ' is a thing onto itself. Disarming him is a start, but fascism is in the country's bloodstream and, there are many demons within. An examination of FBI is called for, and it may be necessary to replace director, Christopher Wray. That is just one in a mountain of troubles.
What about this -- would you call it a loophole and or an excellent way to defeat America's experiment with Democracy?
'Amendment Ten to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791. It makes clear that any powers that are not specifically given to the federal government, nor withheld from the states, are reserved to those respective states, or to the people at large. The original text is written as such:'
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Howard Dean, when chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2005 to 2009 tried to get the party to grow and go local all over the country... it fell on deaf ears. The Koch Bros. were very active in controlling/funding the state legislatures in red states.
Dean was onto something. Because of the weighted voting in the Constitution for the executive and upper chamber ( a pro slavery compromise), controlling more than half of the states gives one the upper hand. The states are critical.
Bannon said they would flood the zone with sh*t, and they certainly are. Also, those who survived the Depression, WWII, and the Korean War are mostly gone now. Those were the people who knew how terrible things could be, and they tried to make things different. I live in NC; I have an idea of life in a one party state.
Wonderfully put, but as Vin Scully used to say on Dodger broadcasts, "An asterisk and a footnote." The "reporters" at the Cretin News Network are supposed to know better. John Roberts of Fux Noise was supposed to know better when he was Dan Rather's heir apparent at CBS News (for all the post-Rather trouble they had, imagine that lackwit as anchor there). Carl Hulse and Peter Baker at The Times and Ashley Parker and Dan Balz at The Post and the network people are all supposed to know better. And they continue to treat this failure as a human being and his supporters as though they are loyal Americans who should be taken seriously. They only way in which they should be taken seriously is as the traitors and fascists they are.
Trump had accused the court of conducting a witch hunt.
The British called the American revolutionaries Yankees. Subsequently the Americans owned the epithet and sang Ysnkee Doodle as they attacked the British.
So lets own the epithet Witch Hunt
brcsuse Donald has graduated from Flim Flam Man to Warlock by definition:
The most commonly accepted etymology derives warlock from the Old English wǣrloga, which meant "breaker of oaths" or "deceiver"[2] and was given special application to the devil around 1000.[3] In early modern Scots, the word came to be used as the male equivalent of witch.
I am so appalled that CNN gave this fascist, criminal, seditious, rapist a national platform to spew his bullshit and lies. What the fuck is wrong with them?? Well I guess it’s the money. Just keep supporting the oligarchy. Bring the Nazi don back and follow the money.
Karen RN- my thoughts exactly. So blind to their contribution to slowly choking the log of our democracy. Or are they? What’s cnn’s vested interest in this?
Their jobs. As Orwell said, it is difficult to make a man recognize the truth when the demands of his paycheck require he do otherwise. CNN is under orders to "move to the center" (i.e., attract Republicans) and raise the ratings. Chris Licht has probably to the end of the year before Zaslav cans him.
This is perhaps the best and most succinct summary of the multiple reasons why Trump should be indicted, convicted and imprisoned. For what some may ask? For any one of a dozen or more failures to uphold his oath of office as President, as well as a dozen or more garden variety offenses as an ordinary citizen. That he remains the leader in the 2024 Republican primary is a reason to weep--or to laugh, take your choice.
I had heard that CNN was going to do this..... Apparently he was true to form, and that may tip some of the independents not to vote for him, but who knows anymore? I think he is coming apart - the Carroll trial was the first time he had to face real consequences for his actions, and he must be terrified at the possible (or probable) indictments coming down the pike.....
I attempted to watch just to see if CNN would hold him accountable. Silly me. I couldn’t make it more than several minutes of his orange smirking face. And the “select” audience chosen for their softball questions calling him Mr President was just more than I could stomach.
Especially since it was scripted, not real (did anyone ever believe it was?), according to someone I know in San Diego who was selected to participate and chose to quit after a couple of episodes. No different from fake wrestling matches.
once again, Tom, your rage packs a special wallop.
I'd been meaning to catch that disastrous "Town Hall Meeting." I forgot all about it. and it sounds like I was lucky to do so. needless to say, there is some kind of masochistic impulse I harbor because I'm going to try some excerpts on YouTube.
and tonight, late as it is, I have to stay up because Daisy is due at the vet at 7 AM. since I ordinarily hit the hay at about 3 AM, going to bed makes no sense at all. so it'll be some hating on TFF, who really is human only on the most basic biological level.
it's funny you say that because as I was typing it, I also felt like I was very possibly bending over backwards to be "fair."
I've been watching the CNN "analysis," and the whole thing is beyond disgusting. what the fuck did they think they were doing?
I know, I know...Zaslav, Licht et al.
NONE of them have anything resembling a shame gene. it's not even worth mentioning their amazing irresponsibility and betrayal of anything resembling what used to be the "principles of journalism." I'd call them all whores, but I have much too much respect for sex workers and wouldn't want to associate the two entities. dja think I could compromise with "hoors" or (as we pronounced it in Queens), "hoo-ahz" (heavy accent on the first syllable).
oy...now I'm watching this "focus group" of undeclared Repugs. about half of them have already said that they don't know what is and isn't "real." this is really, really scary because it's exactly what the people BEHIND TFF intend to accomplish.
they're also blaming "the media" for perpetuating TFF's 2020 insanity (again, by using the word "insanity," I feel like I'm giving him a little too much credit). well, CNN is nothing if not "the media."
I thought they were disgusting when they were paying Santorum. now, I NEVER watch.
I gave up watching the "news". Cable news is 99.9% opinion, except for when breaking news hits of yet another mass shooting. I did watch MSNBC briefly on Tuesday night to momentarily enjoy tfg's loss to E. Jean Carroll. Now, if Fani Willis would indict the orange putrescence, it would be wonderful. Are we noticing here that the WOMEN are doing the hard work of holding this traitorous criminal accountable?
You forgot John Malone, who somehow is still with us 20+ years after TCI Cable was sold to Comcast. He is Warner Brothers/Discovery's largest shareholder and a right-wing giver almost to the magnitude of Charles Koch. He nixed CNN+ after 10 days, just long enough to pocket a cool mil and then holding the $3.99 fees until after a month to collect the interest. Fucker.
Not to forget how he wormed his way out of the Enron mess. He also contributed large sums of money to Pete Coors senate campaign and dark money groups (Swift Boaters and Citizens United). He (supposedly) brought John Ramsey's house and had it torn down. Just an awful person.
I held my nose and watched as a civic duty....also to reinforce my deep aversion to the man...and to prepare myself for what is to come unless GA or Jack Smith stop him. ( probably rationalizations!)
Very quickly I realized that I had been lulled into thinking that his support is waning and there is no way he will be nominated or elected. Last night I got shaken out of my lethargy. Unbelievably, this Trump nightmare is not over.
I knew the audience was gerrymandered but nevertheless they were disturbing and saddening -- especially the next generation, the young St Anselm students. The audience of white men laughed at crimes, applauded swaggering lies. Also in the audience were some rows of women who neither clapped nor laughed-- I wondered who they were.
Trump looked disheveled, tired and pissed to have to be there...barely constrained. He was alternately a looped tape of his victimhood and a lawyer's dream as he continued the defamation he had just been convicted of. He went for laughs from his friendly audience even about the most horrendous issues. He has never left 2020. His performance was SNL gold!
David Axlerod said of Caitlan Collin`s relentless efforts to correct him: "It was like trying to fact check a moving lie machine in real time.." Toward the end, as Trump's constraint was wearing then, his dissembling turned into severe aggravation and hints of an embryonic temper tantrum. That is when he called Collins " nasty" -- a word he seems to reserve for women. (I had a stray thought that the strong Collins was pushing, pushing, like a prosecuting attorney, to break down a witness.)
Whether CNN should have done this, whether St Anselm's should have hosted this, are questions for soul searching discussion. This is a man who is addicted to attention --good, bad or indifferent. He is a sociopath, which as David Axlerod said, unfortunately plays well in today's politics. Trump waffled on and on on issues like abortion, immigration, war. Playing the autocratic dictator he so wants to be.
Trump has not changed. If anything, he is worse than ever. Giving him air time may indeed be an immoral act, knowing what we know...immoral and dangerous.
He is devastatingly unfit for any public office......yet, yet, yet,.....there is every possibility that he will be our President again.
His followers think he is funny. They like that he openly disdains democratic process, as they do, and they think he is a " strong bully man" with his boasts of being able to solve the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. They want him back. They think getting that to happen is their patriotic duty!!
In a relatively short period of time 13 federal charges just brought down another political liar...a lesser player but consummate liar,
Why is it taking so long to stop the lethally dangerous Master of Lies?
I’m so glad my old TV set gave up the ghost some three years ago and I have no intention of getting another one, especially with crap like interviews (if you can call what transpired on CNN that) of trump to befoul the airwaves. CNN put on the clown show to prop up its ratings and gave the Orange Bloat a national audience to spew his putrid verbal garbage upon. And there is no salvation for the droolers and mouth breathers who support him over their supposed beloved country…what are we to do with these morons?
This..."incapable of achieving the minimum behavior standards for inclusion as a member of the species" and this..."The only people worse than the monster Trump are the 74 million who are so debased, so depraved, so lacking in all morality and intelligence, who voted for him after watching his assault on the United States and American society, the 74 million who support him for hating the people they hate."
Everything I have been thinking all this time summed up..right here. My parents and grandparents would be turning over in their graves.
Apparently Joe Biden asked after the "Town Hall"; "You want four more years of this?" Oh hell no, I do NOT.
The Cretin News Network! Perfect! How could you stomach the "event"? I cannot listen to his voice. The 4 long years of his "administration" were nothing but a horror show and proof of just how immoral, unethical, and corrupt a group of grifters can be when they get their hands on the levers of government power. This guy brought every defective and deplorable from under every rotted log in the nation, allowing them to spew their venom all over the place. We knew they were there of course. But to give them permission to act as if they are the majority - and they're still behaving that way. And in some place they are the majority and they're making life impossible for so many of our fellow Americans. Horrifying that little cnn would participate in such a fraud and that the media have no earthly idea how in the world to report on this guy who cannot open his mouth, who cannot even breathe without a lie coming out on his exhale. The guy is one sick dude and if he gets to run for office despite being a traitor and insurrectionist then we'll all be asking what is the point of the 14th Amendment.
This is one of your strongest pieces. Although I am heavy-hearted after reading it. I watched the first 5 minutes and couldn’t force myself to continue. The audience’s reactions were very depressing. I have been secretly hoping that the maga base would become disillusioned and disappear.
Immune, unsurprised after that town meeting? He did seem worse to me. Even less in control. Absolutely frantic. Maybe he believes his lies...more completely than ever before? He's in a hole but so is America. Many of us say there are more of us...more Americans still living in reality. The disease of fascism is here. It's in the bloodstream. Yes, I'm still asking where the Justice Department has been in terms of the big fish? Do I think the neat WH press releases of Biden's good works penetrate the skin, let alone the will of the people? Who and what can galvanize this country? There is a lot of shit hitting the fan, including Climate Change and a destroyed public education system. It's not over, but we have get the engine of Democracy started.
Well stated, Fern. As usual.
Tom, I ask myself is this terminal, this America? The people that haven't bought into the fascism, seem either dead or frozen with worry. No organization, Tom. There is some life in the young ones, but they don't have enough backing, perhaps, there is leadership, but I haven't seen it.
Yes, it is a worry.
It’s a disease that’s been festering since the founding, a result of our original sin, that is, making a safe space for slavery with all the anti-democratic habits of mind that come with it.
Yes, Gary, but each time there are factors such as our poor health care system; social media,; effects of the technological revolution on various segments of the population; weaknesses, including co-opting by the Democratic Party; moral laxity; Trump;... I don't suggest this a perfect list of contributing factors, but what after totally disarming TRUMP do we need to do and how? What's the plan?
I would argue some of the contributing factors are grounded in the original sin, such as ineffective health care rooted in a fear of comforting the undeserving (meaning racial minorities and those deemed socially equivalent because of poverty).
As for a solution, I haven’t one. At least not one that could settle this once and for all. Based on our history I tend to think this is a chronic problem which doesn’t have a cure but that can be managed whether with war (1812-16), compromise (1824-50), civil war, or New Deal programs. Every generation seems to have its own particular exogenous factors that gives a spur to the people disposed to authoritarian solutions. Right-leaning neoliberalism spurred this one, so we have to work to discredit that as Biden attempted in his first two years, and do our best to defeat Trumpism by calling out its moral failing, shaming those who collaborate (like CNN), and organizing to keep him and his like out of office. I think we are doing what needs to be done but we could be better organized and we have to be diligent. It’s like taking statins to control cholesterol-you can’t take a break.
GarySanDiego, I cannot feel encouraged by your thoughtful response as I cannot agree ',... we are doing what needs to be done but we could be better organized... ' Unfortunately, Gary that tells me nothing. What has been done and or being done to grow the Democratic Party in the red states?; What is being done about regulating social media?; What are the policies and programs for decent jobs and services in rural America?; What are the policies for rescuing public education?; What is the strategy to stem gun violence? How are the cracks in our economic system and lack of affordable housing being addressed?
Fight the next one. Nature abhors a vacuum, and when Trump is out of the equation, someone will be there to to step in his shoes.
Bliss, DeSantis cannot fill his shoes. Others, will try, however, Trump's 'charisma ' is a thing onto itself. Disarming him is a start, but fascism is in the country's bloodstream and, there are many demons within. An examination of FBI is called for, and it may be necessary to replace director, Christopher Wray. That is just one in a mountain of troubles.
What about this -- would you call it a loophole and or an excellent way to defeat America's experiment with Democracy?
'Amendment Ten to the Constitution was ratified on December 15, 1791. It makes clear that any powers that are not specifically given to the federal government, nor withheld from the states, are reserved to those respective states, or to the people at large. The original text is written as such:'
“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
Howard Dean, when chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2005 to 2009 tried to get the party to grow and go local all over the country... it fell on deaf ears. The Koch Bros. were very active in controlling/funding the state legislatures in red states.
Dean was onto something. Because of the weighted voting in the Constitution for the executive and upper chamber ( a pro slavery compromise), controlling more than half of the states gives one the upper hand. The states are critical.
This is a dark moment indeed Fern. Either we rise to stop this or we are in grave trouble.
Bannon said they would flood the zone with sh*t, and they certainly are. Also, those who survived the Depression, WWII, and the Korean War are mostly gone now. Those were the people who knew how terrible things could be, and they tried to make things different. I live in NC; I have an idea of life in a one party state.
He does appear worse and frantic. Perhaps DeSantis is waiting for that moment…
Wonderfully put, but as Vin Scully used to say on Dodger broadcasts, "An asterisk and a footnote." The "reporters" at the Cretin News Network are supposed to know better. John Roberts of Fux Noise was supposed to know better when he was Dan Rather's heir apparent at CBS News (for all the post-Rather trouble they had, imagine that lackwit as anchor there). Carl Hulse and Peter Baker at The Times and Ashley Parker and Dan Balz at The Post and the network people are all supposed to know better. And they continue to treat this failure as a human being and his supporters as though they are loyal Americans who should be taken seriously. They only way in which they should be taken seriously is as the traitors and fascists they are.
Trump had accused the court of conducting a witch hunt.
The British called the American revolutionaries Yankees. Subsequently the Americans owned the epithet and sang Ysnkee Doodle as they attacked the British.
So lets own the epithet Witch Hunt
brcsuse Donald has graduated from Flim Flam Man to Warlock by definition:
The most commonly accepted etymology derives warlock from the Old English wǣrloga, which meant "breaker of oaths" or "deceiver"[2] and was given special application to the devil around 1000.[3] In early modern Scots, the word came to be used as the male equivalent of witch.
And we can call his party the Warlock Party, and get the jump on recanting evangelicals.
Susan, don't all those descriptions just fit tRump to a "T"?
Yup!
I am so appalled that CNN gave this fascist, criminal, seditious, rapist a national platform to spew his bullshit and lies. What the fuck is wrong with them?? Well I guess it’s the money. Just keep supporting the oligarchy. Bring the Nazi don back and follow the money.
I’m stunned at this unmitigated garbage.
I am too Ally
It is all about the 💰💵🤑. 🤢.
Exactly.
Karen RN- my thoughts exactly. So blind to their contribution to slowly choking the log of our democracy. Or are they? What’s cnn’s vested interest in this?
Their jobs. As Orwell said, it is difficult to make a man recognize the truth when the demands of his paycheck require he do otherwise. CNN is under orders to "move to the center" (i.e., attract Republicans) and raise the ratings. Chris Licht has probably to the end of the year before Zaslav cans him.
This is perhaps the best and most succinct summary of the multiple reasons why Trump should be indicted, convicted and imprisoned. For what some may ask? For any one of a dozen or more failures to uphold his oath of office as President, as well as a dozen or more garden variety offenses as an ordinary citizen. That he remains the leader in the 2024 Republican primary is a reason to weep--or to laugh, take your choice.
I had heard that CNN was going to do this..... Apparently he was true to form, and that may tip some of the independents not to vote for him, but who knows anymore? I think he is coming apart - the Carroll trial was the first time he had to face real consequences for his actions, and he must be terrified at the possible (or probable) indictments coming down the pike.....
I sure fucking hope so.
I attempted to watch just to see if CNN would hold him accountable. Silly me. I couldn’t make it more than several minutes of his orange smirking face. And the “select” audience chosen for their softball questions calling him Mr President was just more than I could stomach.
They were advertised as "uncommitted Republicans." How CNN vetted that is beyond me. Those people sounded like committed Trumpscum to me.
they sure did.
it feels like it's all just bullshit.
and now I feel like one of the focus group idiots...
The New Reality TV News; they pretend its real, you pretend to believe them
Someone should have cancelled Survivor after the first season
Especially since it was scripted, not real (did anyone ever believe it was?), according to someone I know in San Diego who was selected to participate and chose to quit after a couple of episodes. No different from fake wrestling matches.
But it had such great ratings! :-)
And what does that tell us?
It tells us that people who watched in anticipation of their “favorite” winning are dumber than a box of rocks
That's why we didn't watch.
Thank you for watching and reporting so I didn’t have to suffer through it. Thank you for your sacrifice.
once again, Tom, your rage packs a special wallop.
I'd been meaning to catch that disastrous "Town Hall Meeting." I forgot all about it. and it sounds like I was lucky to do so. needless to say, there is some kind of masochistic impulse I harbor because I'm going to try some excerpts on YouTube.
and tonight, late as it is, I have to stay up because Daisy is due at the vet at 7 AM. since I ordinarily hit the hay at about 3 AM, going to bed makes no sense at all. so it'll be some hating on TFF, who really is human only on the most basic biological level.
And I'm not even sure of that last.
it's funny you say that because as I was typing it, I also felt like I was very possibly bending over backwards to be "fair."
I've been watching the CNN "analysis," and the whole thing is beyond disgusting. what the fuck did they think they were doing?
I know, I know...Zaslav, Licht et al.
NONE of them have anything resembling a shame gene. it's not even worth mentioning their amazing irresponsibility and betrayal of anything resembling what used to be the "principles of journalism." I'd call them all whores, but I have much too much respect for sex workers and wouldn't want to associate the two entities. dja think I could compromise with "hoors" or (as we pronounced it in Queens), "hoo-ahz" (heavy accent on the first syllable).
un-fucking-believable.
oy...now I'm watching this "focus group" of undeclared Repugs. about half of them have already said that they don't know what is and isn't "real." this is really, really scary because it's exactly what the people BEHIND TFF intend to accomplish.
they're also blaming "the media" for perpetuating TFF's 2020 insanity (again, by using the word "insanity," I feel like I'm giving him a little too much credit). well, CNN is nothing if not "the media."
I thought they were disgusting when they were paying Santorum. now, I NEVER watch.
I hope they go belly-up and FAST.
fuck them.
I gave up watching the "news". Cable news is 99.9% opinion, except for when breaking news hits of yet another mass shooting. I did watch MSNBC briefly on Tuesday night to momentarily enjoy tfg's loss to E. Jean Carroll. Now, if Fani Willis would indict the orange putrescence, it would be wonderful. Are we noticing here that the WOMEN are doing the hard work of holding this traitorous criminal accountable?
You forgot John Malone, who somehow is still with us 20+ years after TCI Cable was sold to Comcast. He is Warner Brothers/Discovery's largest shareholder and a right-wing giver almost to the magnitude of Charles Koch. He nixed CNN+ after 10 days, just long enough to pocket a cool mil and then holding the $3.99 fees until after a month to collect the interest. Fucker.
Malone is the one who gave Zaslav his marching orders. I'll bet Chris Licht really wishes he'd never left Steven Colbert.
Not to forget how he wormed his way out of the Enron mess. He also contributed large sums of money to Pete Coors senate campaign and dark money groups (Swift Boaters and Citizens United). He (supposedly) brought John Ramsey's house and had it torn down. Just an awful person.
I held my nose and watched as a civic duty....also to reinforce my deep aversion to the man...and to prepare myself for what is to come unless GA or Jack Smith stop him. ( probably rationalizations!)
Very quickly I realized that I had been lulled into thinking that his support is waning and there is no way he will be nominated or elected. Last night I got shaken out of my lethargy. Unbelievably, this Trump nightmare is not over.
I knew the audience was gerrymandered but nevertheless they were disturbing and saddening -- especially the next generation, the young St Anselm students. The audience of white men laughed at crimes, applauded swaggering lies. Also in the audience were some rows of women who neither clapped nor laughed-- I wondered who they were.
Trump looked disheveled, tired and pissed to have to be there...barely constrained. He was alternately a looped tape of his victimhood and a lawyer's dream as he continued the defamation he had just been convicted of. He went for laughs from his friendly audience even about the most horrendous issues. He has never left 2020. His performance was SNL gold!
David Axlerod said of Caitlan Collin`s relentless efforts to correct him: "It was like trying to fact check a moving lie machine in real time.." Toward the end, as Trump's constraint was wearing then, his dissembling turned into severe aggravation and hints of an embryonic temper tantrum. That is when he called Collins " nasty" -- a word he seems to reserve for women. (I had a stray thought that the strong Collins was pushing, pushing, like a prosecuting attorney, to break down a witness.)
Whether CNN should have done this, whether St Anselm's should have hosted this, are questions for soul searching discussion. This is a man who is addicted to attention --good, bad or indifferent. He is a sociopath, which as David Axlerod said, unfortunately plays well in today's politics. Trump waffled on and on on issues like abortion, immigration, war. Playing the autocratic dictator he so wants to be.
Trump has not changed. If anything, he is worse than ever. Giving him air time may indeed be an immoral act, knowing what we know...immoral and dangerous.
He is devastatingly unfit for any public office......yet, yet, yet,.....there is every possibility that he will be our President again.
His followers think he is funny. They like that he openly disdains democratic process, as they do, and they think he is a " strong bully man" with his boasts of being able to solve the war in Ukraine in 24 hours. They want him back. They think getting that to happen is their patriotic duty!!
In a relatively short period of time 13 federal charges just brought down another political liar...a lesser player but consummate liar,
Why is it taking so long to stop the lethally dangerous Master of Lies?
I’m so glad my old TV set gave up the ghost some three years ago and I have no intention of getting another one, especially with crap like interviews (if you can call what transpired on CNN that) of trump to befoul the airwaves. CNN put on the clown show to prop up its ratings and gave the Orange Bloat a national audience to spew his putrid verbal garbage upon. And there is no salvation for the droolers and mouth breathers who support him over their supposed beloved country…what are we to do with these morons?
An amazingly succinct & brutal summation, TC!
Tee shirt possibilities abound . . . there just can’t be enough mockery these days
CNN -> Cravenly Normalizing Nazism
“Nobody ever went broke overestimating the vulgarity of the American people”
- Kurt Vonnegut, Welcome to the Monkey House
This..."incapable of achieving the minimum behavior standards for inclusion as a member of the species" and this..."The only people worse than the monster Trump are the 74 million who are so debased, so depraved, so lacking in all morality and intelligence, who voted for him after watching his assault on the United States and American society, the 74 million who support him for hating the people they hate."
Everything I have been thinking all this time summed up..right here. My parents and grandparents would be turning over in their graves.
Apparently Joe Biden asked after the "Town Hall"; "You want four more years of this?" Oh hell no, I do NOT.
The Cretin News Network! Perfect! How could you stomach the "event"? I cannot listen to his voice. The 4 long years of his "administration" were nothing but a horror show and proof of just how immoral, unethical, and corrupt a group of grifters can be when they get their hands on the levers of government power. This guy brought every defective and deplorable from under every rotted log in the nation, allowing them to spew their venom all over the place. We knew they were there of course. But to give them permission to act as if they are the majority - and they're still behaving that way. And in some place they are the majority and they're making life impossible for so many of our fellow Americans. Horrifying that little cnn would participate in such a fraud and that the media have no earthly idea how in the world to report on this guy who cannot open his mouth, who cannot even breathe without a lie coming out on his exhale. The guy is one sick dude and if he gets to run for office despite being a traitor and insurrectionist then we'll all be asking what is the point of the 14th Amendment.
Tom,
This is one of your strongest pieces. Although I am heavy-hearted after reading it. I watched the first 5 minutes and couldn’t force myself to continue. The audience’s reactions were very depressing. I have been secretly hoping that the maga base would become disillusioned and disappear.
You and me both.