Today, I break down the decision by Donald Trump to skip the Republican debate tomorrow night, instead choosing to sit down with Tucker Carlson. I explain how this is an opportunity for Chris Christie and Tim Scott to prove they are viable contenders for the nomination, as opposed to Ron DeSantis.
Spot on Steve. I agree with you about Christie and you also nailed it on the press. I have turned off cable. They are idiots talking nonsense. The press is broken though some are trying. One thing though. I think the Republican party should now be called the Insurrectionist Party. They defend the insurrection. I think MAGA is dead because Trump can never come back from this. Whatever the outcome he will never come back from 4 indictments and 90 counts. No matter what he says or does, he looks guilty except to the batsh*t crazies. And I thing most Americans, even those who might have voted for him before and like what he did, don't want the liabilities he brings. Think of how people who are indicted become outcasts because nobody wants to get involved with that and they don't want it rubbing off on them. Our world image cannot support an elected criminal because, let's face it, we are too self-righteous. So, stick a fork in him though the toast may take some time to be done. Meanwhile, we have cancer in the House and it needs to be treated.
I’m afraid he could win again in 2024. I agree with everything you are saying here, and I’m not confident he won’t win again if the forces of apathy and gullibility combine with an effort by No Labels to put Trump right back in the WH.
The American people benefit the most from Trump skipping the Republican debate. Donald Trump is a coward and can not back up any of his false bravado. The only policy he had in his 4 years was cruelty. Cruelty doesn't solve problems, it only exacerbates the problem.
I think your being a bit over the top! Of course Trump had policies other than cruelty! Let’s count the ways!
He built a wall that Mexico paid for; in pesos! Not!
He banned Muslims from the country; courts found it unconstitutional.
He betrayed the Kurds in Syria
He signed the “Surrender Agreement,” I mean DOHA agreement that let 5,500 hardened Taliban and Al Qaeda free in Afghanistan; with American blood on their hands.
He defended MbS after his henchmen butchered, killed and mutilated Jamal Khashoggi.
He bent a knee to Putin in Helsinki, believing a sociopath over our intelligence agencies.
He wrote love letters to Kim Yong Un in N. Korea
He tried to pull out of NATO
Refused to give Ukraine military aid allocated and approved by Congress.
He called COVID a democratic hoax or Kong Flu while 1.5 million Americans died.
He tried to overturn a democratic election
He started an insurgency
He monetized the presidency
He weaponized the DOJ and FBI, starting investigation into political rivals.
He started IRS audits against political foes:Comey and McCabe
So stop fooling yourself. He accomplished more than one thinks..:)
tRump is a psychopath with the emotional awareness of an 8 year old. I'm not watching that performance. Those people have NO ideas to move the country forward in a positive way.
I will force myself to watch the debate, for the purpose of cheering on Christie and knowing I'll come better prepared to hear your post-debate video commentary. Hearing disinformation and being lied to is disorienting and bad for my mental health. But with you and Christie---two plain talkers from the Garden State---providing disinfectant, I'll be ok.
I agree. Trump will only turn the debate into a three-ring circus. America will come away even dumber and more confused. The only one on the debate stage I could stand is Christie. Maybe growing up in NY; knowing he was a republican in a blue state, gives me a bit of hope. But make no mistake; Christie can be a know-it-all, authoritarian and vindictive prick, when he wants to. Maybe that’s part of the job description.
Otherwise, I’ll watch the debate for entertainment value. There’s little I could learn, other than reinforcing my current beliefs; it’s a shit show, not meant for human consumption, unless you like a bunch of old, mentally and morally challenged men and a ditzy “right-wing” women, grovel for the misogynist, white nationalist and poorly educated vote....:)
We agree on many things. But I want to push back a little on a couple things. I don’t want Christie for president. But I agree he is better than some of the alternatives. I'm happy he qualified for the debate to take the fight to Trump. But we cannot accept “authoritarian and vindictive prick” as the status quo in leadership. THAT is precisely the problem in politics. As a woman, your characterization of the candidates landed in a way you may not have intended. The men are old and immoral. The women are just silly and scatterbrained. Nikki Haley is not stupid or ditzy. She is playing the same game as the rest of them. And yes, it is immoral.
Fair enough, it wasn’t my intent. I certainly would vote for women and did vote for Hillary. I’ve just heard her speak several times, and she comes across a bit all over the place. But message received, I do apologize.
And of course, Christie would be my last choice, and only if the democrats put a head of lettuce on the ticket....:)
Steve. My apologies to you and everyone but I am in a I just can’t mode right now. There is exhaustion, frustration and boredom mixed in. Maybe I will feel different tomorrow night, but right now, I just can’t.
I wanted to bring up Nicolle Wallace. I watched her show yesterday and thought it was good. The interview with the NJ Judge whose son was killed was so moving. Since I was negative towards her, wanted to give a congratulations when called for.
I totally understand your mindset. I’m with you, and although I like Nicole, she is part of our cable news media problem. Over and over. Call me when he’s taken away in handcuffs. Until then, nuttin is nuttin. Round and round we go. I want my life back.
This is very insightful - But let me offer a slightly different take - The ultimate danger is not the MAGA's, they are but a distraction to feed the media their red meat. Extreme Capitalists and Hard Right Religious factions both see Democracy and the Constitution as barriers to their goals and want to replace them. I believe the growing financial inequities and the "Handmaid's Tale" folks are in alignment. I'm not a socialist, but revolutions occur when things go to the extreme. They will use the anger of the MAGA's to bring chaos and violence to our democratic process.
Before I read your comments I read the NYT interview with 12 Rs. Interesting juxtaposition. (Matter of timing, not preference— your essay came in later than today’s NYT). None of them mentioned Christie. All looking at DeSantis and at Vivek R. All hoping for Trump. None liked Pence.
Trump decision may be motivated by his lawyers vs his standing in the polls. His legal team may finally be reaching his need for self-preservation. Minimizing unscripted exposure is his best option
Does it make him vulnerable to attacks he cannot answer-yes. If it will be a brick wall DJT runs into remains to be seen.
Hoping Christie can shift the R landscape away from Trump.
Thank you for recognizing the exhaustion factor. Any battle worth fighting has an exhaustion factor. We must and we will win. We are fighting for our democracy, to honor our past and fight for our future.
The debate is one step, just as the surrender on Thursday is another step. Much work ahead but we are ready
Liz, I also think it is because of his attorney’s advice to him. Also think he knows his criminal indictments would be thrown in his face and he can’t face that.
I always enjoy listening to Christie lambast the orange windbag. Like Michael Cohen they speak windbag’s language. No doubt about it they speak “in your face mf!!”
However, I’ve learned our country is not all from Brooklyn or Paterson, and they might not like that talk and runaway, at which point who do they want as their candidate? I don’t know. They want someone who looks like them and makes them feel safe, and apparently that might be someone from 1953.
Vote Blue everyone. Biden rocks! In the meantime, keep Christie around for our listening pleasure.
Makes me chuckle to know that the orange sadist has chosen (or did his attorneys force him?) to do an interview with a man who has said that he "passionately hates" him, rather than go to the debate stage! LOL
Any thoughts on why the only talking head Fox fired was Tucker Carlson, whose show was bringing in the most viewers? Hannity, Ingraham and Bartiromo all spouted lies about the election, but they are all still there.
Trump and Tucker mirroring one another ad actual nauseum; may they get ensnared in the echoes of their pepetual noxious reflection and slip through a wormhole far, far away.
But, barring that improbability, may Trump seethe with unchecked ire in response to the unvarnished Chris Christie truths such that he immediately, irrevocably, incontrovertibly violates his bond and is remanded to custody, compelling him to partake of debate two virtually.
I have an Aussie friend that recently was on a tour with quite a few Americans. He said there were many Trump supporters. So these are people that are fairly well off, interested in history, and still support a racist, narcissist, immoral, Russian sympathizing, insurrectionist. He said talking to them was like a lighting a match. He said, you need to get your election system sorted. Kind of scary.
Spot on Steve. I agree with you about Christie and you also nailed it on the press. I have turned off cable. They are idiots talking nonsense. The press is broken though some are trying. One thing though. I think the Republican party should now be called the Insurrectionist Party. They defend the insurrection. I think MAGA is dead because Trump can never come back from this. Whatever the outcome he will never come back from 4 indictments and 90 counts. No matter what he says or does, he looks guilty except to the batsh*t crazies. And I thing most Americans, even those who might have voted for him before and like what he did, don't want the liabilities he brings. Think of how people who are indicted become outcasts because nobody wants to get involved with that and they don't want it rubbing off on them. Our world image cannot support an elected criminal because, let's face it, we are too self-righteous. So, stick a fork in him though the toast may take some time to be done. Meanwhile, we have cancer in the House and it needs to be treated.
I agree. As usual, he nailed it.
I’m afraid he could win again in 2024. I agree with everything you are saying here, and I’m not confident he won’t win again if the forces of apathy and gullibility combine with an effort by No Labels to put Trump right back in the WH.
The American people benefit the most from Trump skipping the Republican debate. Donald Trump is a coward and can not back up any of his false bravado. The only policy he had in his 4 years was cruelty. Cruelty doesn't solve problems, it only exacerbates the problem.
I think your being a bit over the top! Of course Trump had policies other than cruelty! Let’s count the ways!
He built a wall that Mexico paid for; in pesos! Not!
He banned Muslims from the country; courts found it unconstitutional.
He betrayed the Kurds in Syria
He signed the “Surrender Agreement,” I mean DOHA agreement that let 5,500 hardened Taliban and Al Qaeda free in Afghanistan; with American blood on their hands.
He defended MbS after his henchmen butchered, killed and mutilated Jamal Khashoggi.
He bent a knee to Putin in Helsinki, believing a sociopath over our intelligence agencies.
He wrote love letters to Kim Yong Un in N. Korea
He tried to pull out of NATO
Refused to give Ukraine military aid allocated and approved by Congress.
He called COVID a democratic hoax or Kong Flu while 1.5 million Americans died.
He tried to overturn a democratic election
He started an insurgency
He monetized the presidency
He weaponized the DOJ and FBI, starting investigation into political rivals.
He started IRS audits against political foes:Comey and McCabe
So stop fooling yourself. He accomplished more than one thinks..:)
Thank you, when you are right, you are right.
Thanks for this succinct checklist. I’m keeping a copy in case I meet any MAGAs that try to lecture me on the TFG’s “accomplishments.”
tRump is a psychopath with the emotional awareness of an 8 year old. I'm not watching that performance. Those people have NO ideas to move the country forward in a positive way.
He took babies and kids from their lost and disoriented parents. He attacked two innocent public servants and endangered their lives.
What a guy!
And you're just getting started.
True, it would take me a week, at least...:)
I will force myself to watch the debate, for the purpose of cheering on Christie and knowing I'll come better prepared to hear your post-debate video commentary. Hearing disinformation and being lied to is disorienting and bad for my mental health. But with you and Christie---two plain talkers from the Garden State---providing disinfectant, I'll be ok.
Every time I don’t have to see that orange face, I benefit!
Wow! Steve! Great coaching for those of us who are exhausted with you know who. Thanks! I’ll be watching the debate and thinking of what you’ve said.
I agree. Trump will only turn the debate into a three-ring circus. America will come away even dumber and more confused. The only one on the debate stage I could stand is Christie. Maybe growing up in NY; knowing he was a republican in a blue state, gives me a bit of hope. But make no mistake; Christie can be a know-it-all, authoritarian and vindictive prick, when he wants to. Maybe that’s part of the job description.
Otherwise, I’ll watch the debate for entertainment value. There’s little I could learn, other than reinforcing my current beliefs; it’s a shit show, not meant for human consumption, unless you like a bunch of old, mentally and morally challenged men and a ditzy “right-wing” women, grovel for the misogynist, white nationalist and poorly educated vote....:)
We agree on many things. But I want to push back a little on a couple things. I don’t want Christie for president. But I agree he is better than some of the alternatives. I'm happy he qualified for the debate to take the fight to Trump. But we cannot accept “authoritarian and vindictive prick” as the status quo in leadership. THAT is precisely the problem in politics. As a woman, your characterization of the candidates landed in a way you may not have intended. The men are old and immoral. The women are just silly and scatterbrained. Nikki Haley is not stupid or ditzy. She is playing the same game as the rest of them. And yes, it is immoral.
Fair enough, it wasn’t my intent. I certainly would vote for women and did vote for Hillary. I’ve just heard her speak several times, and she comes across a bit all over the place. But message received, I do apologize.
And of course, Christie would be my last choice, and only if the democrats put a head of lettuce on the ticket....:)
Ha ha! Playing the game of Trump appeasement has a way of making anyone sound ridiculous to people with our world views.
Steve. My apologies to you and everyone but I am in a I just can’t mode right now. There is exhaustion, frustration and boredom mixed in. Maybe I will feel different tomorrow night, but right now, I just can’t.
I wanted to bring up Nicolle Wallace. I watched her show yesterday and thought it was good. The interview with the NJ Judge whose son was killed was so moving. Since I was negative towards her, wanted to give a congratulations when called for.
I totally understand your mindset. I’m with you, and although I like Nicole, she is part of our cable news media problem. Over and over. Call me when he’s taken away in handcuffs. Until then, nuttin is nuttin. Round and round we go. I want my life back.
This is very insightful - But let me offer a slightly different take - The ultimate danger is not the MAGA's, they are but a distraction to feed the media their red meat. Extreme Capitalists and Hard Right Religious factions both see Democracy and the Constitution as barriers to their goals and want to replace them. I believe the growing financial inequities and the "Handmaid's Tale" folks are in alignment. I'm not a socialist, but revolutions occur when things go to the extreme. They will use the anger of the MAGA's to bring chaos and violence to our democratic process.
Bravo
Before I read your comments I read the NYT interview with 12 Rs. Interesting juxtaposition. (Matter of timing, not preference— your essay came in later than today’s NYT). None of them mentioned Christie. All looking at DeSantis and at Vivek R. All hoping for Trump. None liked Pence.
Trump decision may be motivated by his lawyers vs his standing in the polls. His legal team may finally be reaching his need for self-preservation. Minimizing unscripted exposure is his best option
Does it make him vulnerable to attacks he cannot answer-yes. If it will be a brick wall DJT runs into remains to be seen.
Hoping Christie can shift the R landscape away from Trump.
Thank you for recognizing the exhaustion factor. Any battle worth fighting has an exhaustion factor. We must and we will win. We are fighting for our democracy, to honor our past and fight for our future.
The debate is one step, just as the surrender on Thursday is another step. Much work ahead but we are ready
Liz, I also think it is because of his attorney’s advice to him. Also think he knows his criminal indictments would be thrown in his face and he can’t face that.
Thank you, Steve. I appreciate your watching the debate and giving me your thoughts and opinions in your commentary. I can't watch it.
Thank you.
I always enjoy listening to Christie lambast the orange windbag. Like Michael Cohen they speak windbag’s language. No doubt about it they speak “in your face mf!!”
However, I’ve learned our country is not all from Brooklyn or Paterson, and they might not like that talk and runaway, at which point who do they want as their candidate? I don’t know. They want someone who looks like them and makes them feel safe, and apparently that might be someone from 1953.
Vote Blue everyone. Biden rocks! In the meantime, keep Christie around for our listening pleasure.
Makes me chuckle to know that the orange sadist has chosen (or did his attorneys force him?) to do an interview with a man who has said that he "passionately hates" him, rather than go to the debate stage! LOL
Any thoughts on why the only talking head Fox fired was Tucker Carlson, whose show was bringing in the most viewers? Hannity, Ingraham and Bartiromo all spouted lies about the election, but they are all still there.
Trump and Tucker mirroring one another ad actual nauseum; may they get ensnared in the echoes of their pepetual noxious reflection and slip through a wormhole far, far away.
But, barring that improbability, may Trump seethe with unchecked ire in response to the unvarnished Chris Christie truths such that he immediately, irrevocably, incontrovertibly violates his bond and is remanded to custody, compelling him to partake of debate two virtually.
I have an Aussie friend that recently was on a tour with quite a few Americans. He said there were many Trump supporters. So these are people that are fairly well off, interested in history, and still support a racist, narcissist, immoral, Russian sympathizing, insurrectionist. He said talking to them was like a lighting a match. He said, you need to get your election system sorted. Kind of scary.