Pete Wehner is one of the very finest human beings I have ever encountered. More than any person I have ever known, he exemplifies the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in the daily countenances of life. There is a serenity, peace and wisdom that exudes from him. It is more than admirable.
We didn't even need that to confirm his level of dangerous mental sickness. What I find shocking is that for more than a decade now, nothing has been able to stop the progression of his influence. There is seriously something wrong with a justice system that executes innocent people for crimes they didn't commit, but allows dangerous criminels like TFG to flourish and thumb their noses at justice. As for the 4% being sociopaths, the numbers of his followers certainly would indicate that it is true -
I agree. What I wonder is how writers, journalists, authors, those who get the chance to speak to TFG, on our behalf, too,...and, they allow him to lie to them and not confront him. Jon Karl, Kristen Welker-have the chance to NOT treat him as a part of American culture, history or politics.
I’d say to him:
“Sir, Mr Trump, you and I know that you are lying and I will not broadcast or write anything about - as you now say “your opinion” that there is massive voter fraud in the US. If you want to present evidence, I’d be willing to see it. But, it’s been 8 or 9 years since you’ve been lying-saying Hillary’s 3 Million popular vote win was fraud or illegal...yet, you’ve never given any evidence or explanation for how it happened.”
Not confronting DT about this Big Lie - has damaged America, too much so, to turn back.
There is seriously something wrong with a justice system that executes innocent people for crimes they didn't commit, but allows dangerous criminels like TFG to flourish and thumb their noses at justice. Agree and in my opinion this is a much bigger problem than Trump himself .
I have spoken to about 50 Republicans in the last week who have all said, “there’s no way I’m voting for Trump”. Not in a primary, not in a general.
1 of 4 might being a sociopath; where the hell are these polls coming from? Are these the same polls that said Hillary was winning? Is this a grand ‘get out the vote’ scare tactic? Fear driven campaigns by the media?
Went into Thanksgiving planning to convince small herds to vote💙🥏 -- went better than I thought it would. 💯🦃🍁
Yea Gale 🙌 Everyone needs to hear these testimonies.
Only a few extract the message, which is a lesson . every .time. Most ,I believe , sort the daily onslaught doing their best to weed BS, points which raise flags of need ( research) and fear tactics (not necessarily to go unheeded) ...and still tend their own fires, mind you!
Give feedback please but I didn’t see the trees through this forest until +/- 50.y.o. The importance of paying attention and to what..that is.
I trusted too much, and now trust too few...so trust is fragile and too many given it have no proof they are deserving.
Truth seems to ring clear but matching up the few truths is the hardest puzzle I’ve ever....
Stands out too few want to choose and when that’s done too little thought with critical discernment. I don’t expect many to have Steve’s ability -that’s rubbed shoulders with stuff - but we are woefully negligent as a society in general knowledge what it takes to govern-the basic needed character of principled leadership. Clearly it’s not a person who has never held any office of running the/a ship ...or (more) specifically one who has notably failed/was fired/flouts fame.
Some need told ...don’t make the same mistake again
Good for you! My close friends and family are Blue, but I would love to speak to those “on the fence” (who could be?) or those in Dumpy’s lane. I have coached friends on how to talk to their trumpy fam/frnds. Given them facts and ways to win in conversation. Keep on going. It’s all we can do. And, I try to share Steve’s The Warning where ever I can.
Sorry Steve, Grace and decency have abandoned this country the way God abandoned Africa during the colonial age.
While I agree that PEPFAR is a gift to humanity, it does little to negate Bush’s legacy of reinstating the Hyde Amendment that disallowed federal funds to be used for abortions (leading to untold deaths of women), or in the context of foreign aid to African countries. Nor does it excuse the manufactured war that left over 500k innocents dead, or the torture and spy programs that have diminished civil liberties at home and diminished our standing in the world abroad.
Trump didn’t metastasize in a vacuum. He is the result of a deliberate and arrogant viewpoint of your former party that has fomented for decades, and resulting in the destruction and erosion of democracy and the rise of a false idol and fascist kleptocratic dictator.
That said, Trump must be defeated, but it’s looking less likely by the day as RFK Jr., No Labels, Stein and a slew of right-wing media personalities and organizations organize in support of authoritarianism.
Have a great weekend all. And please let me know when you have a strategy to defeat the spoilers. That’s where our attention needs to be focused at this point.
I have been reading about the JFK assassination and realizing that the country's plunge into darkness and cynicism might not have started then, but it certainly sparked a new era of same. And today we are spiraling ever downward, thanks to Trump, who took the lid wholly off Pandora's box of evil, and those evils have infected authoritarians and desperados everywhere. You always provide us a tough read, Steve, but you remain a shining light in this darkness.
I wrote this yesterday after listening to Carville/Hunt’s War Room podcast episode #214.
I was in 6th grade when the announcement came over the class intercom that President Kennedy had been killed. I always said to myself, “Self, I hope I learn the truth about this before I die.” Time may be running out for me now so I’m feeling distraught — Judge Tunheim stated that the CIA knew more about Oswald and had more interactions with him than they initially let on. “In fact the CIA shared nothing with the Warren Commission - nothing at all.”
The Judge went on to state that the Warren Commission/Select Committee (I’m unclear) at the time dealt with the historical records office of the CIA, which utilized the assistance of former CIA agents, and that the CIA placed a certain George Joannides with the Select Committee as merely a simple PR guy, assuring the Committee as such. Therefore, the Select Committee did not order release and review of his personnel file. Then the Committee learned that George’s role was in fact more extensive with active anti-Castro CIA-funded operations that included additional interactions with Oswald. And now in 2023 the CIA is STILL fighting release of all George’s personnel records? What?
I understand that the Judge STILL does not think there is credible evidence of CIA involvement and frankly a coverup. This stinks to high heaven. “Plausible” yet “fanciful”? I think not and I am disgusted. This fellow GJ must have been a plant to keep the CIA apprised of what was being discovered. I don’t know what books are out about this but I intend to find them. 📚 It’s been a bit overwhelming the last 8 years with other current events that are also a bunch of poppycock.
Remember the info that died with Oswald: “I am a patsy.”
Please read, the "devils chessboard: Allen Dulles and the rise of the secret CIA running America." David Talbot practically shows that the CIA was involved in the JFK assassination. The evil Dulles Brothers were also involved in the overthrow of the parliamentarian government in Iran in 1953. Please see "all the Shah's men," written by an investigative journalist.
While it was a travesty that John Weaver turned out to be a pedo, I have no regrets for having supported The Lincoln Project. I feel sure that Steve and the other co-founders were equally horrified when they discovered Weaver’s hidden life but that cannot obscure their message and the good they accomplished enlightening Republican voters. We defeated Trump in 2020 due in no small part to their efforts.
I totally agree with you! Steve has my bottomless gratitude for the work that he has done and continues to do in defeating DT and the predatory evil that is trying to take our democracy down. When it first became clear to me what Steve and Lincoln Project were doing I felt proud and consoled that this amazing group of former Republicans had fully mobilized to defeat Donald Trump and his nefarious cronies and co-conspirators. Please keep up the good work!!!
The gag orders have been appealed and suspended until the appeals are satisfied. So the ghoul Trump is still posting dangerous diatribes about Judge Engeron and his clerk specifically and by name. My question is WTF is the ghoul Trump not in jail when literally ANYONE else would be? The threats and hate directed at Judge Engeron and his clerk fill 275 transcribed pages. So far. The ghoul Trump keeps screaming Adolph style about a rigged court system and the only way it appears to be rigged is in FAVOR of the ghoul Trump
I agree with you completely. I don’t understand why this man is still walking the streets. He has demonstrated nothing but bad faith and a sincere desire to cause specific individuals harm and even death. He is a clear danger to others and he needs to be removed from the public sphere or placed under the “guardian ship” of a neutral party like the ACLU who will monitor his speech and his posts in light of any gag order- as well as the speech and posts of his advisors and inner circle - to make sure they don’t threaten public officials, intimidate witnesses and the jury pool, or call for violence from his supporters.
I would like to remind people that if Donald Trump was a private citizen, standing on a street corner, bitching and moaning about how persecuted he is, talking about leftists and fascists, vermin and thugs, ranting about how he and he alone can save us from ourselves, the police would either make him “move along” or take him into custody. He would be silenced or off the streets for at least 72 (blessed) hours. A strict perimeter needs to be placed around this man as he is a danger to others. It’s time that was recognized.
PREACH! That is exactly right. I don’t understand any of this. And the fools and despots in Congress are yet another example of how this country has did down deep into the absolute swamp of society, especially the ghoul Trump, and has elevated them into positions of power where freaks and zealots get to decide how WE LIVE OUR LIVES. And they spew hate, threats, and intimidation as they drag us down into fascism. I remain totally disgusted and in disbelief at how the US has lost its collective mind and soul.
“All men are created equal” is complete and total bs! If any “regular” folks were using Trump’s threatening language, they’d be investigated at the very least and possibly arrested. He gets a pass Every Single Time.
Not to mention Trump screaming about rigged elections when he tried to rig the 2020 election in so many ways! And most likely did rig the 2016 election with Russia's help. Good grief.
Something I hadn’t noticed before, but Trump’s ravings are starting to remind me of Lyndon LaRouche. I’m hoping his transition from populist firebrand to old man screaming “Get off my lawn.” proceeds quickly.
Nov 24, 2023·edited Nov 25, 2023Liked by Steve Schmidt
When I looked at those posters, I saw 4 men, all younger than me that are each as flawed as I am, who were willing to stand up to the most malevolent human to climb onto our political stage. As a combat vet I know what it's like to be under fire, it separates the men from the boys, you quickly realize who has your back and who only cares about himself. As a former repugnantkin I easily recognized brothers in arms who shared my view of the insipid clown, so I joined cause with them and supported them every month until the election was held. The Lincoln Project ads absolutely played a part in defeating someone I loathe so much I find it very difficult to speak his name. I have friends who shot some of those ads and although retired I would have been happy to help if I had been asked. We are all in this boat together and we are in good company. Those posters are worth framing Steve, they are like a badge of honor, while my photo isn't on any of them I would have been proud if it had been. Years, decades and centuries from now people will be studying what we did to defeat this menace just like we look at what our founders did to defeat a monarchy, I find that thought heartening.
Judge Michael Luttig was correct in his assessment that Donald Trump and his underlings are a clear and present danger to our country and to Democracies around the world. Furthermore, I commend your efforts to prepare us for what DJT is planning if elected to a 2nd term. Your column, "The Warning" has put you and your family in danger from reprisals from deranged Trump supporters because of your criticism of Trump. You are a true patriot and are an example of the best this country has to offer. Thank you for your columns but please continue to write the truth and alert the public. Your diligence is needed because the attacks on our institutions and the rule of law are still under threat and vulnerable from a barrage of attacks by Trump.
I have heard about the Pepfar program, and how the funding may not be renewed. I will be checking out Tim Alberta’s book when it is published,
I plan to talk with my sister about how horrible Trump is as a candidate and human. She is pretty far down the rabbit hole, however I am certain she didn’t really pay attention to any of the debates in 2016 along with all the other coverage. She only cared that he was republican. Wish me luck! I have to start somewhere.
On a happier note, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I everyone else did also.
I have become inured to trump’s diatribes. Mostly I pay little attention to them because they are all out of the same pinch of hate he has for everyone. At the end of your writing today, which, by the way, I enjoyed as much for what you said as how you said it, my conscience spoke. We have the glorious right of free speech in our nation. So free that we have a person in our midst who spews hatred, racism, misogyny, antisemitism at us literally every day and means it. Now he is actually threatening us. Over time trump’s lies have become his Thanksgiving wish to us all. How have we tolerated this man?
Why do we tolerate this man? Except for his toadies and lickspittles he’s a public nuisance and a goddamn disgrace! Is this the new MAGA MAN? Is this whining, puking, lying, thieving, dishonest, disreputable, disrespectful miserable wretched simulacrum of a man the new model of masculinity for a vile and godless age?
Or, will the be-rouged and bespectacled kewpie doll Speaker of the House be a new role model of masculinity our male children should aspire to? A notorious little christo-fascist bullshit artist and professional corporate ass licker?
After a review I’ve concluded that all of the quoted experts pretty much got it right.
That said, what they failed to make completely clear is that sociopaths like Donald Trump have absolutely no sense of morality, ethics or the ability to feel compassion for others or remorse for their actions on any level.
The level of self-aggrandizement along with the complete absence of anything that resembles a super ego (at its core knowing right from wrong) is the hallmark of this level of sociopathy. If there is any doubt about this I suggest you read his recently deceased sister’s uncensored description of her brother.
It is undisputed that Trump has no qualms about lying, cheating, stealing from others at his whim, nor does he care if his actions physically hurt directly, or indirectly, through his actions or call to action to his violent minions.
He routinely stiffed contractors, stole money from students at Trump University and declared bankruptcy to avoid any liability to the banks of his Atlantic City debacle.
He’s made this way of treating others,since his election in 2016, abundantly clear to the world through his words and actions - and now even more easily seen thanks to his trial in New York on his business dealings.
For any one to think, over the years, that they could have convinced him to act otherwise, or change his behavior in any form is not now just recognized as a fool’s errand but complete idiocy.
Look at how many seemingly smart and rational people (Kelly, Barr, Milley and the like) tried and completely failed. If Judges McAffee, Engouron or Chutkan think for a New Jersey nano-second that any gag order they issue, in any form, will stop Trump, shy of imprisonment and removal of his access to a smart phone or computer, they are delusional.
The other thing that every one of the psychiatrists failed to mention in the article is that there is absolutely NO treatment for this severe a form of primary narcissism and sociopathy.
He will never change. I believe, along with other experts that he will deteriorate as he reacts to the increasing legal stress and cognitive changes from age. He will continue to devolve…and hang on because it’s going to quite a violent scene as he calls on his legions to react to his convictions
If anyone thinks that Trump, if elected directly by the 50,000 or so votes in the toss-up states, or due to the Democrats’ loss of votes to the No Names Party or RFK Jr., will not do exactly what he has promised, then that person lives detached from reality.
To me, the most stunning aspect of all of this is that all of the Republican members of Congress refuse to acknowledge the reality that their chosen leader is a serial rapist, liar, who is convicted of fraud multiple times - and is a racist, antisemite and white nationalist who has vowed to create concentration camps…
“The question isn’t whether there is goodness all around us. There is.
The question is whether the American people will muster the strength to defend it. The hour is growing late”
When facing evil such that has manifested itself within our country, does there not come a time in the defense of the goodness it threatens, that an abhorrent action must be entered into to cripple and crush that evil? Is there not a time when we must allow our actions to speak louder than our words?
I discovered The Sociopath Next Door at a time when one was in my life. It made me realize I was not the problem, they were. Unfortuately, he captured my brother and built a wall between us I still can't breach, like trump is doing to so many families. The book is a must read for anyone looking at politics today. From the moment trump slithered down that escalator, I knew he was one. His speech, his history (I lived in NYC in the early 80s), his ignorance and arrogance, all pointed to sociopath. People were calling him a narcissist but I saw a sociopath BECAUSE OF THAT BOOK. He matches all seven characteristics. I keep screaming the news but it's hard to break through after eight years. Keep up the good work.
Trump is sounding more and more nuts. Im thinking of changing my online name to something with “ vermin” in it. So far “ like a vermin” is the best i can do
Steve, first and foremost I hope your thanksgiving was relaxing and restful and thanks for this article.
I find it interesting you speak of "The Sociopath Next Door", as I bought that book over 15 years ago after spending a lifetime trying to figure out my brother. He and I had a love/hate relationship all our life and more intently in our adult lives when he finally realized he couldn't control me and my path in life, and I was no longer useful to him and his ideals. The book opened my eyes about his personality and how sociopathic people view the world. I have often thought of this book today when I read about our political leaders, not all of them, but certainly there are many in the MAGA party today. I would also recommend to your readers here on Substack to get a copy of the book.
Democracy-loving people must organize an overwhelming Save-Democracy anti-Trump campaign. People who saw him up close such as Barr and Kelly must speak out forcefully to point out the danger The Defendant poses. Several groups are working on this. Let’s support those groups. Then turn out in droves to win this election. The juggernaut must begin on Jan 1 and continue until Election Day. People danced in the streets when Biden’s victory was announced by the news media (Fox is not news). I had never seen such reaction before and I want to see a repeat. I’ll join the dancers!
Trumps poster-sized mailings, and Thanksgiving message confirm the severity of his mental illness.
We didn't even need that to confirm his level of dangerous mental sickness. What I find shocking is that for more than a decade now, nothing has been able to stop the progression of his influence. There is seriously something wrong with a justice system that executes innocent people for crimes they didn't commit, but allows dangerous criminels like TFG to flourish and thumb their noses at justice. As for the 4% being sociopaths, the numbers of his followers certainly would indicate that it is true -
I agree. What I wonder is how writers, journalists, authors, those who get the chance to speak to TFG, on our behalf, too,...and, they allow him to lie to them and not confront him. Jon Karl, Kristen Welker-have the chance to NOT treat him as a part of American culture, history or politics.
I’d say to him:
“Sir, Mr Trump, you and I know that you are lying and I will not broadcast or write anything about - as you now say “your opinion” that there is massive voter fraud in the US. If you want to present evidence, I’d be willing to see it. But, it’s been 8 or 9 years since you’ve been lying-saying Hillary’s 3 Million popular vote win was fraud or illegal...yet, you’ve never given any evidence or explanation for how it happened.”
Not confronting DT about this Big Lie - has damaged America, too much so, to turn back.
There is seriously something wrong with a justice system that executes innocent people for crimes they didn't commit, but allows dangerous criminels like TFG to flourish and thumb their noses at justice. Agree and in my opinion this is a much bigger problem than Trump himself .
I have spoken to about 50 Republicans in the last week who have all said, “there’s no way I’m voting for Trump”. Not in a primary, not in a general.
1 of 4 might being a sociopath; where the hell are these polls coming from? Are these the same polls that said Hillary was winning? Is this a grand ‘get out the vote’ scare tactic? Fear driven campaigns by the media?
Went into Thanksgiving planning to convince small herds to vote💙🥏 -- went better than I thought it would. 💯🦃🍁
Thank you Steve,
Yea Gale 🙌 Everyone needs to hear these testimonies.
Only a few extract the message, which is a lesson . every .time. Most ,I believe , sort the daily onslaught doing their best to weed BS, points which raise flags of need ( research) and fear tactics (not necessarily to go unheeded) ...and still tend their own fires, mind you!
Give feedback please but I didn’t see the trees through this forest until +/- 50.y.o. The importance of paying attention and to what..that is.
I trusted too much, and now trust too few...so trust is fragile and too many given it have no proof they are deserving.
Truth seems to ring clear but matching up the few truths is the hardest puzzle I’ve ever....
Stands out too few want to choose and when that’s done too little thought with critical discernment. I don’t expect many to have Steve’s ability -that’s rubbed shoulders with stuff - but we are woefully negligent as a society in general knowledge what it takes to govern-the basic needed character of principled leadership. Clearly it’s not a person who has never held any office of running the/a ship ...or (more) specifically one who has notably failed/was fired/flouts fame.
Some need told ...don’t make the same mistake again
💙💙VOTE ALL THE COMPLICIT OUT💙💙
Oh thank you. The more he spews his filth and insanity, the more I am certain Americans will put their country first.
Hillary was winning. Hillary won.
Good for you! My close friends and family are Blue, but I would love to speak to those “on the fence” (who could be?) or those in Dumpy’s lane. I have coached friends on how to talk to their trumpy fam/frnds. Given them facts and ways to win in conversation. Keep on going. It’s all we can do. And, I try to share Steve’s The Warning where ever I can.
Not 1 of 4 (that would be 25%) - one out of 25 .(=4%)
Sorry Steve, Grace and decency have abandoned this country the way God abandoned Africa during the colonial age.
While I agree that PEPFAR is a gift to humanity, it does little to negate Bush’s legacy of reinstating the Hyde Amendment that disallowed federal funds to be used for abortions (leading to untold deaths of women), or in the context of foreign aid to African countries. Nor does it excuse the manufactured war that left over 500k innocents dead, or the torture and spy programs that have diminished civil liberties at home and diminished our standing in the world abroad.
Trump didn’t metastasize in a vacuum. He is the result of a deliberate and arrogant viewpoint of your former party that has fomented for decades, and resulting in the destruction and erosion of democracy and the rise of a false idol and fascist kleptocratic dictator.
That said, Trump must be defeated, but it’s looking less likely by the day as RFK Jr., No Labels, Stein and a slew of right-wing media personalities and organizations organize in support of authoritarianism.
Have a great weekend all. And please let me know when you have a strategy to defeat the spoilers. That’s where our attention needs to be focused at this point.
Yup! We’ll said. Thanks.
I agree wholeheartedly. The spoilers turned the tide in 2000 and in 2016.
I have been reading about the JFK assassination and realizing that the country's plunge into darkness and cynicism might not have started then, but it certainly sparked a new era of same. And today we are spiraling ever downward, thanks to Trump, who took the lid wholly off Pandora's box of evil, and those evils have infected authoritarians and desperados everywhere. You always provide us a tough read, Steve, but you remain a shining light in this darkness.
I wrote this yesterday after listening to Carville/Hunt’s War Room podcast episode #214.
I was in 6th grade when the announcement came over the class intercom that President Kennedy had been killed. I always said to myself, “Self, I hope I learn the truth about this before I die.” Time may be running out for me now so I’m feeling distraught — Judge Tunheim stated that the CIA knew more about Oswald and had more interactions with him than they initially let on. “In fact the CIA shared nothing with the Warren Commission - nothing at all.”
The Judge went on to state that the Warren Commission/Select Committee (I’m unclear) at the time dealt with the historical records office of the CIA, which utilized the assistance of former CIA agents, and that the CIA placed a certain George Joannides with the Select Committee as merely a simple PR guy, assuring the Committee as such. Therefore, the Select Committee did not order release and review of his personnel file. Then the Committee learned that George’s role was in fact more extensive with active anti-Castro CIA-funded operations that included additional interactions with Oswald. And now in 2023 the CIA is STILL fighting release of all George’s personnel records? What?
I understand that the Judge STILL does not think there is credible evidence of CIA involvement and frankly a coverup. This stinks to high heaven. “Plausible” yet “fanciful”? I think not and I am disgusted. This fellow GJ must have been a plant to keep the CIA apprised of what was being discovered. I don’t know what books are out about this but I intend to find them. 📚 It’s been a bit overwhelming the last 8 years with other current events that are also a bunch of poppycock.
Remember the info that died with Oswald: “I am a patsy.”
Please read, the "devils chessboard: Allen Dulles and the rise of the secret CIA running America." David Talbot practically shows that the CIA was involved in the JFK assassination. The evil Dulles Brothers were also involved in the overthrow of the parliamentarian government in Iran in 1953. Please see "all the Shah's men," written by an investigative journalist.
While it was a travesty that John Weaver turned out to be a pedo, I have no regrets for having supported The Lincoln Project. I feel sure that Steve and the other co-founders were equally horrified when they discovered Weaver’s hidden life but that cannot obscure their message and the good they accomplished enlightening Republican voters. We defeated Trump in 2020 due in no small part to their efforts.
I totally agree with you! Steve has my bottomless gratitude for the work that he has done and continues to do in defeating DT and the predatory evil that is trying to take our democracy down. When it first became clear to me what Steve and Lincoln Project were doing I felt proud and consoled that this amazing group of former Republicans had fully mobilized to defeat Donald Trump and his nefarious cronies and co-conspirators. Please keep up the good work!!!
The gag orders have been appealed and suspended until the appeals are satisfied. So the ghoul Trump is still posting dangerous diatribes about Judge Engeron and his clerk specifically and by name. My question is WTF is the ghoul Trump not in jail when literally ANYONE else would be? The threats and hate directed at Judge Engeron and his clerk fill 275 transcribed pages. So far. The ghoul Trump keeps screaming Adolph style about a rigged court system and the only way it appears to be rigged is in FAVOR of the ghoul Trump
I am just disgusted.
I agree with you completely. I don’t understand why this man is still walking the streets. He has demonstrated nothing but bad faith and a sincere desire to cause specific individuals harm and even death. He is a clear danger to others and he needs to be removed from the public sphere or placed under the “guardian ship” of a neutral party like the ACLU who will monitor his speech and his posts in light of any gag order- as well as the speech and posts of his advisors and inner circle - to make sure they don’t threaten public officials, intimidate witnesses and the jury pool, or call for violence from his supporters.
I would like to remind people that if Donald Trump was a private citizen, standing on a street corner, bitching and moaning about how persecuted he is, talking about leftists and fascists, vermin and thugs, ranting about how he and he alone can save us from ourselves, the police would either make him “move along” or take him into custody. He would be silenced or off the streets for at least 72 (blessed) hours. A strict perimeter needs to be placed around this man as he is a danger to others. It’s time that was recognized.
PREACH! That is exactly right. I don’t understand any of this. And the fools and despots in Congress are yet another example of how this country has did down deep into the absolute swamp of society, especially the ghoul Trump, and has elevated them into positions of power where freaks and zealots get to decide how WE LIVE OUR LIVES. And they spew hate, threats, and intimidation as they drag us down into fascism. I remain totally disgusted and in disbelief at how the US has lost its collective mind and soul.
“All men are created equal” is complete and total bs! If any “regular” folks were using Trump’s threatening language, they’d be investigated at the very least and possibly arrested. He gets a pass Every Single Time.
I still can't believe they didn't slap the cuffs on him when he came off the helicopter on 1/20/21. What is going on?
Not to mention Trump screaming about rigged elections when he tried to rig the 2020 election in so many ways! And most likely did rig the 2016 election with Russia's help. Good grief.
Something I hadn’t noticed before, but Trump’s ravings are starting to remind me of Lyndon LaRouche. I’m hoping his transition from populist firebrand to old man screaming “Get off my lawn.” proceeds quickly.
When I looked at those posters, I saw 4 men, all younger than me that are each as flawed as I am, who were willing to stand up to the most malevolent human to climb onto our political stage. As a combat vet I know what it's like to be under fire, it separates the men from the boys, you quickly realize who has your back and who only cares about himself. As a former repugnantkin I easily recognized brothers in arms who shared my view of the insipid clown, so I joined cause with them and supported them every month until the election was held. The Lincoln Project ads absolutely played a part in defeating someone I loathe so much I find it very difficult to speak his name. I have friends who shot some of those ads and although retired I would have been happy to help if I had been asked. We are all in this boat together and we are in good company. Those posters are worth framing Steve, they are like a badge of honor, while my photo isn't on any of them I would have been proud if it had been. Years, decades and centuries from now people will be studying what we did to defeat this menace just like we look at what our founders did to defeat a monarchy, I find that thought heartening.
I still contribute monthly to the Lincoln Project.
Judge Michael Luttig was correct in his assessment that Donald Trump and his underlings are a clear and present danger to our country and to Democracies around the world. Furthermore, I commend your efforts to prepare us for what DJT is planning if elected to a 2nd term. Your column, "The Warning" has put you and your family in danger from reprisals from deranged Trump supporters because of your criticism of Trump. You are a true patriot and are an example of the best this country has to offer. Thank you for your columns but please continue to write the truth and alert the public. Your diligence is needed because the attacks on our institutions and the rule of law are still under threat and vulnerable from a barrage of attacks by Trump.
I have heard about the Pepfar program, and how the funding may not be renewed. I will be checking out Tim Alberta’s book when it is published,
I plan to talk with my sister about how horrible Trump is as a candidate and human. She is pretty far down the rabbit hole, however I am certain she didn’t really pay attention to any of the debates in 2016 along with all the other coverage. She only cared that he was republican. Wish me luck! I have to start somewhere.
On a happier note, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I everyone else did also.
I just had the worst night of my life due to pain (was in hospital last weekend). Plus I’m a big baby. ☹️ I wish you luck with your sister.
Be sure to read all of Tim Alberta’s books! Watch his interviews on YT!
I hope you get to feeling better. I will definitely read his books.
Please feel better Lizanne
I have become inured to trump’s diatribes. Mostly I pay little attention to them because they are all out of the same pinch of hate he has for everyone. At the end of your writing today, which, by the way, I enjoyed as much for what you said as how you said it, my conscience spoke. We have the glorious right of free speech in our nation. So free that we have a person in our midst who spews hatred, racism, misogyny, antisemitism at us literally every day and means it. Now he is actually threatening us. Over time trump’s lies have become his Thanksgiving wish to us all. How have we tolerated this man?
Why do we tolerate this man? Except for his toadies and lickspittles he’s a public nuisance and a goddamn disgrace! Is this the new MAGA MAN? Is this whining, puking, lying, thieving, dishonest, disreputable, disrespectful miserable wretched simulacrum of a man the new model of masculinity for a vile and godless age?
Or, will the be-rouged and bespectacled kewpie doll Speaker of the House be a new role model of masculinity our male children should aspire to? A notorious little christo-fascist bullshit artist and professional corporate ass licker?
Steve - I am so thankful for all you do to hold the line in the battle to save our republic.
As a former, now retired, psychiatrist, a friend sent this link the other day and asked me for my thoughts/opinions about it.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/22/opinion/trump-danger-rage-psychology.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
After a review I’ve concluded that all of the quoted experts pretty much got it right.
That said, what they failed to make completely clear is that sociopaths like Donald Trump have absolutely no sense of morality, ethics or the ability to feel compassion for others or remorse for their actions on any level.
The level of self-aggrandizement along with the complete absence of anything that resembles a super ego (at its core knowing right from wrong) is the hallmark of this level of sociopathy. If there is any doubt about this I suggest you read his recently deceased sister’s uncensored description of her brother.
It is undisputed that Trump has no qualms about lying, cheating, stealing from others at his whim, nor does he care if his actions physically hurt directly, or indirectly, through his actions or call to action to his violent minions.
He routinely stiffed contractors, stole money from students at Trump University and declared bankruptcy to avoid any liability to the banks of his Atlantic City debacle.
He’s made this way of treating others,since his election in 2016, abundantly clear to the world through his words and actions - and now even more easily seen thanks to his trial in New York on his business dealings.
For any one to think, over the years, that they could have convinced him to act otherwise, or change his behavior in any form is not now just recognized as a fool’s errand but complete idiocy.
Look at how many seemingly smart and rational people (Kelly, Barr, Milley and the like) tried and completely failed. If Judges McAffee, Engouron or Chutkan think for a New Jersey nano-second that any gag order they issue, in any form, will stop Trump, shy of imprisonment and removal of his access to a smart phone or computer, they are delusional.
The other thing that every one of the psychiatrists failed to mention in the article is that there is absolutely NO treatment for this severe a form of primary narcissism and sociopathy.
He will never change. I believe, along with other experts that he will deteriorate as he reacts to the increasing legal stress and cognitive changes from age. He will continue to devolve…and hang on because it’s going to quite a violent scene as he calls on his legions to react to his convictions
If anyone thinks that Trump, if elected directly by the 50,000 or so votes in the toss-up states, or due to the Democrats’ loss of votes to the No Names Party or RFK Jr., will not do exactly what he has promised, then that person lives detached from reality.
To me, the most stunning aspect of all of this is that all of the Republican members of Congress refuse to acknowledge the reality that their chosen leader is a serial rapist, liar, who is convicted of fraud multiple times - and is a racist, antisemite and white nationalist who has vowed to create concentration camps…
And if he wins with those 50k votes you describe do the rest of us sit idle and let him fulfill his threats? I think not..
What bothers me the most is the military sector has been very mute on the subject..you just KNOW there is talk among the ranks
No Goddamned way!!
Jeffrey, it’s hard to “like” what you have written but I appreciate your professional perspective and thank you for sharing it.
“The question isn’t whether there is goodness all around us. There is.
The question is whether the American people will muster the strength to defend it. The hour is growing late”
When facing evil such that has manifested itself within our country, does there not come a time in the defense of the goodness it threatens, that an abhorrent action must be entered into to cripple and crush that evil? Is there not a time when we must allow our actions to speak louder than our words?
DJT/MAGA need to be hammered into oblivion.
It’s the $64,000 question!
Indeed..
I discovered The Sociopath Next Door at a time when one was in my life. It made me realize I was not the problem, they were. Unfortuately, he captured my brother and built a wall between us I still can't breach, like trump is doing to so many families. The book is a must read for anyone looking at politics today. From the moment trump slithered down that escalator, I knew he was one. His speech, his history (I lived in NYC in the early 80s), his ignorance and arrogance, all pointed to sociopath. People were calling him a narcissist but I saw a sociopath BECAUSE OF THAT BOOK. He matches all seven characteristics. I keep screaming the news but it's hard to break through after eight years. Keep up the good work.
Trump is sounding more and more nuts. Im thinking of changing my online name to something with “ vermin” in it. So far “ like a vermin” is the best i can do
I like your idea. I'll think on it. Titles are fun to play with. I asked Chat GPT and that aren't great but can get things started:
"Vermin Urgin' for a Surgeon"
"Tales of a Vermin"
"Vermin's Version"
"Vermin's Virginity"
"Vermin's Emergin'"
First time it thought I meant as a tagline for pest control so it gave me
"Vermin-Proofing Excellence, One Step Ahead."
"Vermin Vanishers: Your Pest Predicament Solution."
"Vermin Vigilantes: Nixing Pests, Protecting Homes."
"Vermin Victors: Eradicating Pests, Restoring Peace."
"Vermin? Not on Our Watch."
"Vermin-Free Zones, Guaranteed."
"Vermin Eviction Specialists."
"Vermin: Extinguished, Exiled, Extinct."
"Vermin's Nemesis: Our Expertise."
"Vermin Woes? We're the Cure, Guaranteed."
I like “vermin’s version. “. The pest control nameds are good too-- don’t show them to Tfg though. He might pick vermin’s nemesis.
Tale of Two Vermin
Of Vermin and Men, or Of Mice and Vermin
The Vermin of Wrath
The Merry Wives of Vermin
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry Vermin
The Scarlet Vermin
Giovermin’s Room
Where Vermin Dare
On the Origin of Vermin
The Vermin in the Willows
Winnie the Vermin
The Importance of Being Vermin
Etc., all done without the use of AI.
Hilarious.
Making good use of your knowledge of literature!!
The Reluctant Vermin. ?
Steve, first and foremost I hope your thanksgiving was relaxing and restful and thanks for this article.
I find it interesting you speak of "The Sociopath Next Door", as I bought that book over 15 years ago after spending a lifetime trying to figure out my brother. He and I had a love/hate relationship all our life and more intently in our adult lives when he finally realized he couldn't control me and my path in life, and I was no longer useful to him and his ideals. The book opened my eyes about his personality and how sociopathic people view the world. I have often thought of this book today when I read about our political leaders, not all of them, but certainly there are many in the MAGA party today. I would also recommend to your readers here on Substack to get a copy of the book.
It pays to know your enemy.
Democracy-loving people must organize an overwhelming Save-Democracy anti-Trump campaign. People who saw him up close such as Barr and Kelly must speak out forcefully to point out the danger The Defendant poses. Several groups are working on this. Let’s support those groups. Then turn out in droves to win this election. The juggernaut must begin on Jan 1 and continue until Election Day. People danced in the streets when Biden’s victory was announced by the news media (Fox is not news). I had never seen such reaction before and I want to see a repeat. I’ll join the dancers!
Bring on the dancing girls! 💃🏻💃💃🏽