I know this is being framed in the media as being about the 1st Amendment, but that just continues to give the deranged sociopath more oxygen. They should all boycott the WH, and make this about the real amendment in question here: the 25th.
I actually think they should be much more aggressive in their coverage. The oxygen the press gave to Biden's debate far exceeds absolutely ANY coverage ANY of these organizations have published about Trump's behavior and his corruption. The level of the corruption is unprecedented and the responsibility of the 4th estate is to report extensively on it, not be milquetoast to simply keep access. So I do agree with you that they often just give him oxygen with no accountability but I think the press should cover every brutal truth so Americans understand.
Get out the vote would be enhanced if the persuadable non-voters saw focus groups of current and past Trump voters that earnestly believed the world is flat, etc. I would like to see a focus group with such deluded voters that each represented a specific egregious false belief. Democracy requires an informed citizenry.
Roughly 2% to 10% of Americans state that the Earth is flat, while large proportions—often between 20% and 55%—hold significant historical or scientific misconceptions about World War II alliances and basic astronomy. [1, 2, 3]
1. The Flat Earth Belief
Survey numbers depend heavily on how questions are framed:
• Firm Believers (2% to 4%): In a landmark YouGov study on flat earth beliefs, roughly 2% of respondents stated they have always believed the Earth is flat, with another 2% expressing recent leanings or uncertainty.
• Broader Agreement / Disbelief in Science (~10%): In a nationwide survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, approximately 10% of American respondents agreed with the flat-Earth conspiracy claim. [1, 4, 5]
2. World War II Misconceptions (Role of Allies and Axis)
Public memory of World War II frequently diverges from historical fact regarding the scale of contributions and alignments:
• Overlooking the USSR’s Role in Defeating Germany: In international polling reported by YouGov on European and American attitudes, roughly 40% to 52% of Americans believe the United States played the single most important role in defeating Nazi Germany, while only 11% to 17% credited the Soviet Union . By contrast, historians attribute about 75% to 80% of German military casualties to the Eastern Front.
• Confusion Over Alliances and Axis Powers : General knowledge tests often show substantial confusion regarding Italy and Russia. Surveys regularly reveal that 15% to 25% of respondents either incorrectly classify the USSR as an Axis power throughout the entire war (confusing the pre-1941 Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact or the Cold War with WWII alliances) or fail to identify Italy as part of the Axis powers prior to its 1943 armistice.
• National Contribution Overestimation: Cognitive psychology research on historical memory highlights "national narcissism": when Americans are asked to estimate what percentage of the total war effort their country provided, their median estimates collectively sum far above 100%, vastly downplaying British Commonwealth and Soviet casualties and logistics. [6, 7, 8]
3. Other Prevalent Misconceptions and Fringe Beliefs
Scientific and historical misconceptions frequently surpass flat-earth beliefs in overall prevalence:
• Geocentrism (Sun Revolves Around Earth): The National Science Foundation’s biennial Science and Engineering Indicators consistently find that 20% to 26% of Americans incorrectly state that the sun revolves around the Earth rather than the Earth orbiting the sun.
• Orbital Period (Length of a Year): A survey conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion and Cleveland Museum of Natural History found that 29% of Americans could not correctly identify that it takes the Earth one year to orbit the Sun.
• Faked Apollo Moon Landing: Polling shows that between 6% and 10% of Americans believe NASA faked the Apollo Moon landings.
• Human-Dinosaur Coexistence: Multiple national scientific literacy polls, including surveys reviewed by the Pew Research Center, reveal that roughly 35% to 40% of respondents believe early humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs, largely driven by young-Earth creationist views.
• Lizard People / Reptilian Rulers: In polling on fringe conspiracies (such as Public Policy Polling's classic conspiracy surveys), about 4% of registered voters agreed that shape-shifting reptilian beings control global politics. [1, 2, 9, 10]
How is depicting this as being about the 1st Amendment give Trump more oxygen, as you put it? It's a sincere question. I'm not trying to debate. I'm simply trying to understand your comment.
Because he thrives on attention, firstly. And by granting the idea that this is a grave Constitutional threat brings attention, and is at the same time gratuitous and absurd, because he doesn't care about the Constitution. Nor do his enablers and those for whom he effectively runs interference by saying one idiotic, infantile and intentionally outrageous thing after another.
He needs to have the attention that diverts scrutiny torn away from his clownish shucking and jiving, and the press - who have, let's be clear, been largely asleep at the switch - need to stop covering the clown show and begin asking probing and relentless questions about what his toadies are doing, and the misery it's causing around America and the world.
Starve the clown; insist that the public's attention focus on what matters, the Millers and Voughts and Grenells and grifting dynasties that seem intent on making everyone angrier, dumber, poorer, sicker and less able to suss out truth from bullshit.
I am sure everyone would love a total boycott from all the press, but that will NEVER happen. Most journalists are too self absorbed and chasing a pulitzer. Not one of them has stood up, in the moment, while T verbally abused a fellow journalist (mostly women by the way). They certainly aren’t going to stand up for the first amendment for fear that they’ll be next.
Trump's plunder from Venezuela oil gold and other assets is being moved from bank to bank and the US Secretary of the Treasury knows about it but won't tell congressional oversight where the money is!
Sadly, I am watching the identical behavior in my family member, who has been an effective and highly intelligent lawyer with Alzheimer's. These behaviors include fixating on impossible ideas and projects, rambling, changing his mind, being unable to concentrate, and falling asleep in the most unlikely places; he also loses his temper and becomes defensive at the slightest hint that he is disabled. Masking is the official word for his desire to cover it up. He even closes his eyes and is asleep, but then claims he is trying to concentrate. My relative's driver's license was taken away unless he can prove with a driver's test that he can still drive, and there is no way he can do that. But the leader of our country can bomb a country with no fear of being stopped. We have a process, and we need to use it to remove him from office.
Patricia - we need more relatives, friends of Alzheimers, dementia patients to tell us how your family members are behaving. That is a clear and present danger to the country! Thank you for telling us what doctors and "experts" refuse to say. All live in fear of losing their "licenses" to "practice medicine". That's what the do - "practice" - too scared to print/tell the truth about the dementia addled dingdong pseudo prez.
I have seen doctors and psychiatrists/psychologists talking about this. Bandy X. Lee and 18 peers published a book about it (2015? 2016?) Dr. John Gartner has been loud about T's psychopathy and advanced dementia. The entire Republican Party has ignored the issue. Corporate media ignores the doctors. Professional associations (at least the one for psychiatrists) some 10 years ago changed their rules to make it improper for doctors to speak out. No doubt there were Republicans on the board.
The technofascists and GOP are using Trump in furtherance of their agenda. The fact that he’s morally and mentally incompetent actually makes it easier to manipulate he and his cult members. That is until or unless he drops a nuke on Iran. He’s been cozying up to the axis of evil in broad daylight…doesn’t seem to matter. Where is an actual red line?
I know that many have spoken. But it doesn't get thru to docs who also know how trump has deteriorated! First do no harm - those docs ARE harming US by keeping quiet. Hippocratic oath makes hippocrites of All the liars protecting the sick and mentally deranged trump.
For good or ill I do not want my physicians bringing their politics into the examination room! Why do you put so much fault on doctors? If people refuse to use their eyes and ears, what authority-magic do you think doctors have to break through? Do doctors not routinely tell patients "exercise," "eat healthily," and "avoid sugar," with what result? Very damned little. We have to grow up, stop looking to Authority Figures to solve the problems for us.
It has annoyed me for years that Trump has not been held to the same standard on anything as anybody else, and especially no previous president. How many times have pundits said “if [any previous president’s name, or politicians name] had done this. It would’ve been a career end, or he would’ve been in jail. It should’ve ended with the Hollywood access tape.
But Trump gets graded on a tremendous curve – – “well it’s just Trump so what do you expect“.
We seem to have already forgotten that he is a convicted felon, and is an adjudicated sexual predator. And all that was before he got reelected.
If Biden had slept through as many press conferences and oval office events as Trump does, Maga world’s head would’ve exploded.
But Trump gets by. I don’t think anybody is going to do anything about him until he keels over from a stroke or something. And even then – – they’ll put him a chair and wheel him around like they are Mitch McConnell.
I’ve given up on appealing to patriotism, love of country, dedication to democratic principles. The only way to move the stolid (intended spelling, not solid) block of Americans is by appealing to the thing that matters most to them - themselves. Draw straight, solid lines between tariffs and store prices, between Republican lawmakers and medical insurance rates, between a war of choice and diesel prices. If 1/3 of Americans can’t name all 3 branches of government, why try to speak to lofty ideals? If it’s all about “me, me, me”, then talking about the obvious decline of “him, him, him” gets us nowhere. If you only care about you, fine, this is what he’s doing to you.
I agree with your post and I would add that apathy is one reason we are in the situation we are into today. Remember close to 90 million of our fellow citizens did not even bother to vote in 2024. If we can figure out a way for people to "care" for one another, to build more "community" and "trust" in our institutions; perhaps it might be a start in keeping the foundation of democracy steady and strong.
Some of it is apathy. But much of it is disgust, distrust & frustration. Decisions in DC seem far away from their daily lives. Elections are full of noise. IOW, potential voters who feel no matter how they vote nothing changes. If we look around the country it is not difficult to see states have district after district where there is only one party on the ballot and often without opposition.
I agree with your point of caring for one another, I see that theme in some of the Dem candidates who are doing unexpectedly well in polling. It takes down the noise level and inspires a level of trust & confidence. But it can’t be something that happens only at certain times during election cycles because that creates cynicism & skepticism.
People who disagree aren’t going to be persuaded by what appears to attack them. They resist what feels like accusations they are unpatriotic & don’t love their country.
As for democratic principles, we don’t all share the same definition or perspective. The GOP (some elements more than others) for years “inoculated” themselves from criticism by pushing the idea that we are not a democracy because we are a republic. Even planting fear of democracy. Before he was Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to churches & religious organizations promoting government infused with Christianity. He also was quoted saying that democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb deciding what’s for dinner. You don’t want that.
When people feel they are in survival mode their attention turns inward. After all, why do we want to uphold patriotism, love of country & democratic principles? They benefit us and the country. Why are we angry about this regime? Because it is destroying the country & our lives. 54% of adults in the US read below a 6th grade level. Theories and lofty ideas don’t cut through like practical solutions.
Ann, I agree with what you wrote and I know many people are dissatisfied with both parties, who have over promised and under delivered. I get it, especially when I go door to door campaigning for my chosen candidate, I hear it from those voters who just don't participate in their democracy. Here in California, we have 14 propositions on the November ballot, and I personally feel one needs a law degree to understand some of the proposals. Our current system is not working, so what is the answer? It appears we need one party control, the trifecta to get anything of substance passed in our country. It is my hope in 2028, when the DEMS win both chambers of Congress and the WH, they need to "flood the zone" with shoring up our democracy and passing as much legislation as possible for the highest good of all Americans.
I wonder how Jeff Bezos is feeling now that Benito Milhous Caligula (h/t Bret Stephens) said, out loud, that he might ban the Washington Post, too. As a former member of the White House Press Corps, when Helen Thomas was the first and last voice heard at presidential news conferences, I can tell you that this current cadre of “reporters” has yet to show an ounce of Fourth Estate courage. Their owners, on bended knee, probably have ordered them to behave respectfully even though they are treated disrespectfully by the First Psychotic and his spokesliars.
His cognitive decline and malignant narcissism render him completely unfit for office and a danger to all. His inability to string together a coherent message and his impulsive daily edicts clearly demonstrate his dementia. Beyond time for the 25th amendment. Spineless cabinet is likely to act too late.
Remember that, to remove him under the 25th, it requires not only the majority of the Cabinet, but also two-thirds approval from both Houses. Not happening anytime soon, absent some sea change in the status quo.
Donald Trump has been, and continues to be a narcissistic sociopath. Unfortunately as he ages these traits becomes worse and harder to hide. He is markedly more aggressive, combative and weaker with every passing day. He's sleeping through meetings even with cameras pointed at him, he forgets what he said a day ago, even an hour ago which is a serious sign of dementia. The danger to our country is growing as his behaviors become more dangerous for not only the U.S., but for countries around the globe. The republican party is doing nothing to stop him, they are engulfed by fear of losing their seat if he attacks them. They're being so shortsighted, they'll likely loose their seats anyway when voters oust them in November. The people have the power to do what republicans won't do, which is why I'm doing volunteer work every day and would encourage everyone to get involved now too, there's no time to waste.
Yup. He is also watching much of his power begin to slip from his grasp and is unable to reverse it. His approval polling is at historic lows, courts have defied him (even key SCOTUS decisions) & the GOP is in great danger of losing both chambers in Congress. Desperate GOP House member ads & votes are breaking away from his ‘policies’. GOP Senate candidates have avoided appearing with his surrogates including Vance. The public has connected the war & corruption to its own problems.
Add to that, some media and universities who caved early on have reversed course. WaPo, NYT (and others) who’ve tried to play ‘both sides’ continue to publish searing reports with info the regime tried to hide & continues to deny. The House was sent out to recess rather than risk votes on discharge petitions re: another bill on Epstein files releases and impeachment of Hegseth.
I keep reading about Trump’s weakness and so on. As an organism he’s clearly declining. But his apparatus of repression will outlive him. I don’t think the honest results of the midterms are going to prevail. When January rolls around, then we’ll have a genuine constitutional crisis. Johnson, lapdog that he is will not allow new House members to be sworn in.
Agencies designed to protect us from Article I (Congressional) dysfunction exist under Article II (Executive): DOJ, FBI, US Marshals, DNI, CIA, DHS, Secret Service, ICE and the military, subject to certain rights reserved to Congress, such as declaring war. In some sense, doesn’t the Jan. 3 outcome turn on whether the military fails to obey orders, if issued, from Article III (Judiciary) and (a) aligns itself with the Executive Branch of which it is part, creating an Article II dictatorship or (b) seizes sole power in a coup d'état?
I ALSO wonder about The little Weasil Mike Johnson. He sent the House Reps on vacation again so they could avoid a vote. Johnson has something up his sleeve and will try something.
Every White House reporter should support their colleagues and walk the hell out. The ban would not last long if they did, because trumpf cannot live without an audience. I think they should give him what he deserves ... absence and silence!
Jim Acosta acknowledged that even as he called for the boycott. I’m not certain what it would accomplish. Especially if as expected the ‘banned’ outlets go to court for access as others are voluntarily giving up access. It is difficult to get leverage when 1 person holds keys to information. (Charging $$ on Truth Social!) Surely the media can come up with a plan, better messaging and some objectives.
More than likely the reporters who push back would also be banned, so that court action for access would only get larger. Pushing back and speaking truth to power is not voluntarily giving up access. (LOL, how many Sharons do we have involved in this post?)
I’ve not heard idea of lawsuit(s) expanding from anyone else. That would spread the financial cost but still skew reporting toward the Breitbart faction. Wouldn’t DJT love to have long battle with diminished coverage o the truth through the mid-terms? The when and what of the results is a crapshoot.
It took Acosta months to get his credentials back (on a technical argument - lack of due process). An AP lawsuit affected untold numbers of news consumers (more than 40 news outlets & organizations signed on in support) was over access to smaller spaces like the WH and AF1 (while retaining access to others). Specifically the AP being punished for not using “Gulf of America”. It could be why DJT stammered & would not say this ban was due to any specific reporting.
• The AP’s case began about February of 2025.
• In April the AP regained access through a preliminary injunction.
• In November the AP the was suing WH officials. I believe it is on-going.
This quote incorrectly is attributed to Albert Einstein but, beyond its source, answers the prompt: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." It would be insanity for us to go along to get along – to endure with some unfounded and ill-conceived expectation that if we do the same things our circumstances will improve. They will not. They will get worse and he will create more chaos. He will not change (except to retrench and expand his tyranny), so this is not a function of whether he is/may be collapsing (he is and will continue), but is about what WE do: resist peacefully, non-cooperation, aggregation, use of the courts, engage, vote, be present
Openly embracing the Goebbels school is a rare moment of intellectual honesty from this chronic liar. He gives false or incoherent answers to questions anyway. The de facto banning of honest media can direct them to offering facts and rare analysis. More substance and less hair and makeup focus.
His cognitive decline and ignorant ramblings are in evidence wherever he speaks, so journalists have opportunities to report the psychiatric vulnerability of the current presidency without providing the audience he craves in the Oval Office. They could also avoid the demeaning and unpresidential insults that often greet them - women in particular, it seems. How can it not be reported on with honesty and rigor, when his actions and behaviours threaten world stability. I watch this unfold as a British friend of America, hoping there’s a strong Blue vote in November 🙏
Quite clearly Trump is and has been collapsing for a long time.
The real question si whether the repubilcant's are ever going to grow a spine and do something about it. Our next problem would be, of course, we would trade one evil demented egomaniac for the next guy who is more evil and a lot smarter, who could well be even worse. At least he would probably stay awake in important meetings. We are in a world of trouble until the R's relocate their integrity and spine. Good luck on that. Democrats need to win November 3, so try to slow down the ongoing disaster, but also have to win in 2028, so they can start to fix the damage.
I know this is being framed in the media as being about the 1st Amendment, but that just continues to give the deranged sociopath more oxygen. They should all boycott the WH, and make this about the real amendment in question here: the 25th.
I actually think they should be much more aggressive in their coverage. The oxygen the press gave to Biden's debate far exceeds absolutely ANY coverage ANY of these organizations have published about Trump's behavior and his corruption. The level of the corruption is unprecedented and the responsibility of the 4th estate is to report extensively on it, not be milquetoast to simply keep access. So I do agree with you that they often just give him oxygen with no accountability but I think the press should cover every brutal truth so Americans understand.
Yes!!!!! All should boycott! It will drive him crazier!!😊
Get out the vote would be enhanced if the persuadable non-voters saw focus groups of current and past Trump voters that earnestly believed the world is flat, etc. I would like to see a focus group with such deluded voters that each represented a specific egregious false belief. Democracy requires an informed citizenry.
Roughly 2% to 10% of Americans state that the Earth is flat, while large proportions—often between 20% and 55%—hold significant historical or scientific misconceptions about World War II alliances and basic astronomy. [1, 2, 3]
1. The Flat Earth Belief
Survey numbers depend heavily on how questions are framed:
• Firm Believers (2% to 4%): In a landmark YouGov study on flat earth beliefs, roughly 2% of respondents stated they have always believed the Earth is flat, with another 2% expressing recent leanings or uncertainty.
• Broader Agreement / Disbelief in Science (~10%): In a nationwide survey conducted by the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, approximately 10% of American respondents agreed with the flat-Earth conspiracy claim. [1, 4, 5]
2. World War II Misconceptions (Role of Allies and Axis)
Public memory of World War II frequently diverges from historical fact regarding the scale of contributions and alignments:
• Overlooking the USSR’s Role in Defeating Germany: In international polling reported by YouGov on European and American attitudes, roughly 40% to 52% of Americans believe the United States played the single most important role in defeating Nazi Germany, while only 11% to 17% credited the Soviet Union . By contrast, historians attribute about 75% to 80% of German military casualties to the Eastern Front.
• Confusion Over Alliances and Axis Powers : General knowledge tests often show substantial confusion regarding Italy and Russia. Surveys regularly reveal that 15% to 25% of respondents either incorrectly classify the USSR as an Axis power throughout the entire war (confusing the pre-1941 Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact or the Cold War with WWII alliances) or fail to identify Italy as part of the Axis powers prior to its 1943 armistice.
• National Contribution Overestimation: Cognitive psychology research on historical memory highlights "national narcissism": when Americans are asked to estimate what percentage of the total war effort their country provided, their median estimates collectively sum far above 100%, vastly downplaying British Commonwealth and Soviet casualties and logistics. [6, 7, 8]
3. Other Prevalent Misconceptions and Fringe Beliefs
Scientific and historical misconceptions frequently surpass flat-earth beliefs in overall prevalence:
• Geocentrism (Sun Revolves Around Earth): The National Science Foundation’s biennial Science and Engineering Indicators consistently find that 20% to 26% of Americans incorrectly state that the sun revolves around the Earth rather than the Earth orbiting the sun.
• Orbital Period (Length of a Year): A survey conducted by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion and Cleveland Museum of Natural History found that 29% of Americans could not correctly identify that it takes the Earth one year to orbit the Sun.
• Faked Apollo Moon Landing: Polling shows that between 6% and 10% of Americans believe NASA faked the Apollo Moon landings.
• Human-Dinosaur Coexistence: Multiple national scientific literacy polls, including surveys reviewed by the Pew Research Center, reveal that roughly 35% to 40% of respondents believe early humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs, largely driven by young-Earth creationist views.
• Lizard People / Reptilian Rulers: In polling on fringe conspiracies (such as Public Policy Polling's classic conspiracy surveys), about 4% of registered voters agreed that shape-shifting reptilian beings control global politics. [1, 2, 9, 10]
How is depicting this as being about the 1st Amendment give Trump more oxygen, as you put it? It's a sincere question. I'm not trying to debate. I'm simply trying to understand your comment.
Because he thrives on attention, firstly. And by granting the idea that this is a grave Constitutional threat brings attention, and is at the same time gratuitous and absurd, because he doesn't care about the Constitution. Nor do his enablers and those for whom he effectively runs interference by saying one idiotic, infantile and intentionally outrageous thing after another.
He needs to have the attention that diverts scrutiny torn away from his clownish shucking and jiving, and the press - who have, let's be clear, been largely asleep at the switch - need to stop covering the clown show and begin asking probing and relentless questions about what his toadies are doing, and the misery it's causing around America and the world.
Starve the clown; insist that the public's attention focus on what matters, the Millers and Voughts and Grenells and grifting dynasties that seem intent on making everyone angrier, dumber, poorer, sicker and less able to suss out truth from bullshit.
Everything you state is true. None of it has to exclude framing this as a 1st Ammendment issue.
I am sure everyone would love a total boycott from all the press, but that will NEVER happen. Most journalists are too self absorbed and chasing a pulitzer. Not one of them has stood up, in the moment, while T verbally abused a fellow journalist (mostly women by the way). They certainly aren’t going to stand up for the first amendment for fear that they’ll be next.
Couldn't have said it better. Thank you for the spot on commentary.
@Christopher W
VIDEOS 🔊January 3rd:
The final battle for our democracy ?
https://2026oo.substack.com/p/videos-january-3rd-the-final-battle
Well said!
I think they should honestly report on a psychiatric emergency.
Trump's plunder from Venezuela oil gold and other assets is being moved from bank to bank and the US Secretary of the Treasury knows about it but won't tell congressional oversight where the money is!
https://youtu.be/0Z38FV-bLT4?t=20m10s
Sadly, I am watching the identical behavior in my family member, who has been an effective and highly intelligent lawyer with Alzheimer's. These behaviors include fixating on impossible ideas and projects, rambling, changing his mind, being unable to concentrate, and falling asleep in the most unlikely places; he also loses his temper and becomes defensive at the slightest hint that he is disabled. Masking is the official word for his desire to cover it up. He even closes his eyes and is asleep, but then claims he is trying to concentrate. My relative's driver's license was taken away unless he can prove with a driver's test that he can still drive, and there is no way he can do that. But the leader of our country can bomb a country with no fear of being stopped. We have a process, and we need to use it to remove him from office.
Patricia - we need more relatives, friends of Alzheimers, dementia patients to tell us how your family members are behaving. That is a clear and present danger to the country! Thank you for telling us what doctors and "experts" refuse to say. All live in fear of losing their "licenses" to "practice medicine". That's what the do - "practice" - too scared to print/tell the truth about the dementia addled dingdong pseudo prez.
I have seen doctors and psychiatrists/psychologists talking about this. Bandy X. Lee and 18 peers published a book about it (2015? 2016?) Dr. John Gartner has been loud about T's psychopathy and advanced dementia. The entire Republican Party has ignored the issue. Corporate media ignores the doctors. Professional associations (at least the one for psychiatrists) some 10 years ago changed their rules to make it improper for doctors to speak out. No doubt there were Republicans on the board.
The technofascists and GOP are using Trump in furtherance of their agenda. The fact that he’s morally and mentally incompetent actually makes it easier to manipulate he and his cult members. That is until or unless he drops a nuke on Iran. He’s been cozying up to the axis of evil in broad daylight…doesn’t seem to matter. Where is an actual red line?
And look how President Biden was treated after one poor debate? The press went wild.
I know that many have spoken. But it doesn't get thru to docs who also know how trump has deteriorated! First do no harm - those docs ARE harming US by keeping quiet. Hippocratic oath makes hippocrites of All the liars protecting the sick and mentally deranged trump.
For good or ill I do not want my physicians bringing their politics into the examination room! Why do you put so much fault on doctors? If people refuse to use their eyes and ears, what authority-magic do you think doctors have to break through? Do doctors not routinely tell patients "exercise," "eat healthily," and "avoid sugar," with what result? Very damned little. We have to grow up, stop looking to Authority Figures to solve the problems for us.
It has annoyed me for years that Trump has not been held to the same standard on anything as anybody else, and especially no previous president. How many times have pundits said “if [any previous president’s name, or politicians name] had done this. It would’ve been a career end, or he would’ve been in jail. It should’ve ended with the Hollywood access tape.
But Trump gets graded on a tremendous curve – – “well it’s just Trump so what do you expect“.
We seem to have already forgotten that he is a convicted felon, and is an adjudicated sexual predator. And all that was before he got reelected.
If Biden had slept through as many press conferences and oval office events as Trump does, Maga world’s head would’ve exploded.
But Trump gets by. I don’t think anybody is going to do anything about him until he keels over from a stroke or something. And even then – – they’ll put him a chair and wheel him around like they are Mitch McConnell.
Sounds like “Dr. Strangelove”?
I’ve given up on appealing to patriotism, love of country, dedication to democratic principles. The only way to move the stolid (intended spelling, not solid) block of Americans is by appealing to the thing that matters most to them - themselves. Draw straight, solid lines between tariffs and store prices, between Republican lawmakers and medical insurance rates, between a war of choice and diesel prices. If 1/3 of Americans can’t name all 3 branches of government, why try to speak to lofty ideals? If it’s all about “me, me, me”, then talking about the obvious decline of “him, him, him” gets us nowhere. If you only care about you, fine, this is what he’s doing to you.
I agree with your post and I would add that apathy is one reason we are in the situation we are into today. Remember close to 90 million of our fellow citizens did not even bother to vote in 2024. If we can figure out a way for people to "care" for one another, to build more "community" and "trust" in our institutions; perhaps it might be a start in keeping the foundation of democracy steady and strong.
Some of it is apathy. But much of it is disgust, distrust & frustration. Decisions in DC seem far away from their daily lives. Elections are full of noise. IOW, potential voters who feel no matter how they vote nothing changes. If we look around the country it is not difficult to see states have district after district where there is only one party on the ballot and often without opposition.
I agree with your point of caring for one another, I see that theme in some of the Dem candidates who are doing unexpectedly well in polling. It takes down the noise level and inspires a level of trust & confidence. But it can’t be something that happens only at certain times during election cycles because that creates cynicism & skepticism.
People who disagree aren’t going to be persuaded by what appears to attack them. They resist what feels like accusations they are unpatriotic & don’t love their country.
As for democratic principles, we don’t all share the same definition or perspective. The GOP (some elements more than others) for years “inoculated” themselves from criticism by pushing the idea that we are not a democracy because we are a republic. Even planting fear of democracy. Before he was Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to churches & religious organizations promoting government infused with Christianity. He also was quoted saying that democracy is 2 wolves and a lamb deciding what’s for dinner. You don’t want that.
When people feel they are in survival mode their attention turns inward. After all, why do we want to uphold patriotism, love of country & democratic principles? They benefit us and the country. Why are we angry about this regime? Because it is destroying the country & our lives. 54% of adults in the US read below a 6th grade level. Theories and lofty ideas don’t cut through like practical solutions.
Ann, I agree with what you wrote and I know many people are dissatisfied with both parties, who have over promised and under delivered. I get it, especially when I go door to door campaigning for my chosen candidate, I hear it from those voters who just don't participate in their democracy. Here in California, we have 14 propositions on the November ballot, and I personally feel one needs a law degree to understand some of the proposals. Our current system is not working, so what is the answer? It appears we need one party control, the trifecta to get anything of substance passed in our country. It is my hope in 2028, when the DEMS win both chambers of Congress and the WH, they need to "flood the zone" with shoring up our democracy and passing as much legislation as possible for the highest good of all Americans.
I agree Americans only see the crime when it affects them.
That is unlikely to be only an "American" thing.
Trump’s demise is like bankruptcy per Hemingway, “slowly then all at once”. I believe we are well into the slowly part.
Sadly, I think he’s taking us all down with him if Congress and the courts can’t act any faster.
I wonder how Jeff Bezos is feeling now that Benito Milhous Caligula (h/t Bret Stephens) said, out loud, that he might ban the Washington Post, too. As a former member of the White House Press Corps, when Helen Thomas was the first and last voice heard at presidential news conferences, I can tell you that this current cadre of “reporters” has yet to show an ounce of Fourth Estate courage. Their owners, on bended knee, probably have ordered them to behave respectfully even though they are treated disrespectfully by the First Psychotic and his spokesliars.
Ah, Helen Thomas! Thank you for the memory.
His cognitive decline and malignant narcissism render him completely unfit for office and a danger to all. His inability to string together a coherent message and his impulsive daily edicts clearly demonstrate his dementia. Beyond time for the 25th amendment. Spineless cabinet is likely to act too late.
Remember that, to remove him under the 25th, it requires not only the majority of the Cabinet, but also two-thirds approval from both Houses. Not happening anytime soon, absent some sea change in the status quo.
Donald Trump has been, and continues to be a narcissistic sociopath. Unfortunately as he ages these traits becomes worse and harder to hide. He is markedly more aggressive, combative and weaker with every passing day. He's sleeping through meetings even with cameras pointed at him, he forgets what he said a day ago, even an hour ago which is a serious sign of dementia. The danger to our country is growing as his behaviors become more dangerous for not only the U.S., but for countries around the globe. The republican party is doing nothing to stop him, they are engulfed by fear of losing their seat if he attacks them. They're being so shortsighted, they'll likely loose their seats anyway when voters oust them in November. The people have the power to do what republicans won't do, which is why I'm doing volunteer work every day and would encourage everyone to get involved now too, there's no time to waste.
Yup. He is also watching much of his power begin to slip from his grasp and is unable to reverse it. His approval polling is at historic lows, courts have defied him (even key SCOTUS decisions) & the GOP is in great danger of losing both chambers in Congress. Desperate GOP House member ads & votes are breaking away from his ‘policies’. GOP Senate candidates have avoided appearing with his surrogates including Vance. The public has connected the war & corruption to its own problems.
Add to that, some media and universities who caved early on have reversed course. WaPo, NYT (and others) who’ve tried to play ‘both sides’ continue to publish searing reports with info the regime tried to hide & continues to deny. The House was sent out to recess rather than risk votes on discharge petitions re: another bill on Epstein files releases and impeachment of Hegseth.
I keep reading about Trump’s weakness and so on. As an organism he’s clearly declining. But his apparatus of repression will outlive him. I don’t think the honest results of the midterms are going to prevail. When January rolls around, then we’ll have a genuine constitutional crisis. Johnson, lapdog that he is will not allow new House members to be sworn in.
If you're right, then we'll really see if Americans are willing to save their country.
Of course we will! We hit the streets with a nonviolent nationwide protest IF things go sideways.
Agencies designed to protect us from Article I (Congressional) dysfunction exist under Article II (Executive): DOJ, FBI, US Marshals, DNI, CIA, DHS, Secret Service, ICE and the military, subject to certain rights reserved to Congress, such as declaring war. In some sense, doesn’t the Jan. 3 outcome turn on whether the military fails to obey orders, if issued, from Article III (Judiciary) and (a) aligns itself with the Executive Branch of which it is part, creating an Article II dictatorship or (b) seizes sole power in a coup d'état?
I just checked and Mike Johnson’s term is ending soon. But yes Trump is acting demented. 😢😡
All House members’ terms end at the same time - the same date and hour.
The sooner-the better .
I ALSO wonder about The little Weasil Mike Johnson. He sent the House Reps on vacation again so they could avoid a vote. Johnson has something up his sleeve and will try something.
Every White House reporter should support their colleagues and walk the hell out. The ban would not last long if they did, because trumpf cannot live without an audience. I think they should give him what he deserves ... absence and silence!
Unfortunately, the right wing “news” would never boycott him.
Jim Acosta acknowledged that even as he called for the boycott. I’m not certain what it would accomplish. Especially if as expected the ‘banned’ outlets go to court for access as others are voluntarily giving up access. It is difficult to get leverage when 1 person holds keys to information. (Charging $$ on Truth Social!) Surely the media can come up with a plan, better messaging and some objectives.
More than likely the reporters who push back would also be banned, so that court action for access would only get larger. Pushing back and speaking truth to power is not voluntarily giving up access. (LOL, how many Sharons do we have involved in this post?)
I guess Sharons are very engaged voters : )
I’ve not heard idea of lawsuit(s) expanding from anyone else. That would spread the financial cost but still skew reporting toward the Breitbart faction. Wouldn’t DJT love to have long battle with diminished coverage o the truth through the mid-terms? The when and what of the results is a crapshoot.
It took Acosta months to get his credentials back (on a technical argument - lack of due process). An AP lawsuit affected untold numbers of news consumers (more than 40 news outlets & organizations signed on in support) was over access to smaller spaces like the WH and AF1 (while retaining access to others). Specifically the AP being punished for not using “Gulf of America”. It could be why DJT stammered & would not say this ban was due to any specific reporting.
• The AP’s case began about February of 2025.
• In April the AP regained access through a preliminary injunction.
• In November the AP the was suing WH officials. I believe it is on-going.
https://apnews.com/article/ap-trump-media-access-pool-gulf-mexico-america-9a6667aae9743032c51c42c5e4f7dedc
This quote incorrectly is attributed to Albert Einstein but, beyond its source, answers the prompt: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." It would be insanity for us to go along to get along – to endure with some unfounded and ill-conceived expectation that if we do the same things our circumstances will improve. They will not. They will get worse and he will create more chaos. He will not change (except to retrench and expand his tyranny), so this is not a function of whether he is/may be collapsing (he is and will continue), but is about what WE do: resist peacefully, non-cooperation, aggregation, use of the courts, engage, vote, be present
Openly embracing the Goebbels school is a rare moment of intellectual honesty from this chronic liar. He gives false or incoherent answers to questions anyway. The de facto banning of honest media can direct them to offering facts and rare analysis. More substance and less hair and makeup focus.
His cognitive decline and ignorant ramblings are in evidence wherever he speaks, so journalists have opportunities to report the psychiatric vulnerability of the current presidency without providing the audience he craves in the Oval Office. They could also avoid the demeaning and unpresidential insults that often greet them - women in particular, it seems. How can it not be reported on with honesty and rigor, when his actions and behaviours threaten world stability. I watch this unfold as a British friend of America, hoping there’s a strong Blue vote in November 🙏
Quite clearly Trump is and has been collapsing for a long time.
The real question si whether the repubilcant's are ever going to grow a spine and do something about it. Our next problem would be, of course, we would trade one evil demented egomaniac for the next guy who is more evil and a lot smarter, who could well be even worse. At least he would probably stay awake in important meetings. We are in a world of trouble until the R's relocate their integrity and spine. Good luck on that. Democrats need to win November 3, so try to slow down the ongoing disaster, but also have to win in 2028, so they can start to fix the damage.
Should increase motivation to get out the vote.
I favor a full journalistic boycott. Report the “news” however and wherever you want, just not in the White House