The more I listen to Trump, the more his honesty seems not just a breath of fresh air, but oxygen in a room which otherwise has none. The pre-digested pap we hear from afraid-to-offend-anybody politicians who utter only focus group-tested banalities is completely honesty-free -- and therefore suffocating.
Yes, Trump is a narcissistic buffoon. But no one beside him, Republican or Democrat, has spoken about immigration honestly. All we get from Democrats are little homilies about how we're a nation of immigrants, and the usual accusations of racism at the slightest hint of realism. And all we get from the other Republicans is talk of a big tent as well as a need for secure borders. This is nothing but a straddling of the fence their constituents want them to build.
If your main concern is not offending people, that pretty much precludes any sort of straight talk.
Judging from the polls, a lot of people seem to be responding the same way. Trump says something -- for instance, that John McCain is not a war hero -- which would sink any other politician, but then keeps rising in the polls. And it's not because the voters identify with New York real estate tycoons -- it's because Trump actually says what he thinks.
Of course, that same bluntness about immigrants extends pretty much to everything.
Trump's recent comment about Megyn Kelly, "She was bleeding from her eyes, she was bleeding from her wherever," is typical. If he feels you've insulted him in any way, he'll lash out at you with anything he can think of. Anything. (A thin skin may not be an asset for a politician, but it makes for fun spats.)
This morning he backtracked a bit by saying that he wasn't referring to her time of month, and that you'd have to be "sick" to say -- or think -- that. (Well, even Trump's honesty has its limits.)
He also said this morning that if elected, he'll be "phenomenal to women." (Not "fair" or "good," mind you, but phenomenal. Trump only uses superlatives when it comes to himself.)
The comment about Kelly's "wherever" was Trump at his most Trumpish. Eventually, his Trumpishness will be his downfall. But as someone said to me at the gym the other day, "If he got elected, how bad could it be? We do need to secure that border. And look at the alternative -- Hillary."
It could certainly be worse from an entertainment point of view. With his grandiloquence and bombast and inability to tolerate criticism, Trump comes across more like one of the more amusing African dictators. Or maybe Kim Jong-il.
Maybe if Angela Merkel obliquely criticizes President Trump's tactics, he can later explain to the American people, "The bitch was on the rag."
Then, when queried about his statement, instead of apologizing, he'll just shrug and say, "Well, she probably was. And, hey, she's a fat, disgusting little toad as well."
It probably wouldn't do a lot for international relations. But wouldn't you rather hear that than the usual lies and obfuscations you hear from politicians?
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20 comments:
There is no false humility in Trump. Actually, no humility period. I do think I know Donald many warts and all and this transparency I find appealing. One of the annoying things that many politicians do is talk about their humble roots. My dad was a loser but I am awesome, isn't this country great. That is bragging as badly as anything Trump says but those other politicians don't get called on it. Trump has many flaws but when he says he doesn't have time for political correctness, I say Amen.
Mark --
Good points, both about Trump (no humility, false or otherwise), and about other politicians. It's almost as if by definition any humility a Presidential candidate shows is false, since you have to be a narcissistic personality in the first place to think you're the man who should be running the country.
If you add up the braggadocio, the bling, the showboating, the thin skin, the angry temper, the wisecracks, the emotional expressiveness, the multiple bankruptcies, the bad hair, and the string of slinky white models for wives, what do you get? Super Fly.
I guess Donald Trump doesn't see the need to think before he speaks. He say's whatever pops into his head. He's a character.
- Susan
Mark Caplan --
I think Super Fly is a close spiritual (as well as genetic) relative of those African potentates I mentioned.
Susan --
You're exactly right: he has no filter. It'll be his downfall, but it also makes for much better entertainment.
I am reluctant to admit it, but I feel the same way. I almost don't care what an ass he is. They (politicians) are all asses of one stripe or another, aren't they? And if he actually makes something with immigration happen, I'll be thrilled.
I have discussed him amongst my literal friends at diner -- there is universal disgust and a complete lack of understanding about why he would appeal to anyone. Can you say bubble? When I try to explain his appeal, my friends are flabbergasted. Some have actually told me they think HRC is paying to keep Trump around b/c he's so bad for the Republican party! This is a real theory floating around the libs. I truly live in Libtardia.
My only policy beef with him -- and all these stupid Republicans -- is his new anti-abortion stance. As Lion of the Blogosphere puts it so well, abortion is the only eugenic program we have in this country. And I, for one, am grateful every day for it. Although you can bet your bottom dollar I would never utter that in public. I stick with the more politically palatable "pro-choice!" and "womyn's rights!"
Meanwhile, the migrant crisis has come to Paris! C'est super! Abut 300 "migrants" have taken over, and are squatting in, a school in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. The (socialist) mayor has decided NOT to kick them out.
-Gardner
Gardner --
Merci beaucoup for that comment, and hope you're enjoying your Parisian vacation. It's always good to get outside the Beltway bubble, as you just alluded to, even if the City of Lights has turned into the City of Blights. (Or maybe I'm reading too much into the fact that you said the migrant crisis has "come to" rather than "gone to" Paris.)
You've described the liberal mentality perfectly. And the fact that it's so intolerant in nature -- while preaching tolerance -- is perfectly illustrated by you having to stay in the closet.
I too have reservations about Trump but I do agree with him on political correctness, illegal immigration, and the so-called trade deals.
My ideal candidate would have the combination of the best aspects of Ron Paul and Trump, that is neither is putting us on.
Allan --
Yes -- Donald Trump's ability to finance his own campaign, nerve, brashness, and attitude towards political correctness and immigration. And Ron Paul's asceticism and desire for small government.
But we're probably asking too much.
"But we're probably asking too much."
John, I'm you're right.
My son attended a Trump rally (he's not a Trump supporter, sad to say, having attended the rally for historical reasons) and brought home two buttons. He gave me a, Trump, Make America Great Again, button and the one that he kept for himself, said, Bomb the _hit out of ISIS. I was surprised to see this button, especially the message that was on it (approved by the Trump campaign).
- Susan
Susan --
I'm a little surprised that Trump has gotten more hawkish. At the first debate he said that our current policy was insane, trying to defeat Assad (who is fighting ISIS) and trying to defeat ISIS at the same time. What he said back then was, let's let them fight it out and then pick up the pieces. That made sense to me. Since then the situation has shifted a bit with Putin coming down on Assad's side. But still, one of the things I liked about Trump was that he was not a warmonger like, say, McCain or Graham.
Since Muslim terrorists are spreading their jihad attacks to all countries, we do need to recognize that they are a real threat and be willing to bomb the hell out of them (although I don't like murdering people). Unfortunately, PC speak tries to convince us that Muslims are peaceful people. I disagree with this theory, believing that Mohammed was a violent prophet, his followers following suit. Our President, obviously, is a Muslin sympathizer, a radical socialist, etc. What a MESS our world is in. God help us.
- Susan
I'm am beyond thrilled for Trump, having won New Hampshire. May Trump (with God's help) continue to be a solid winner, letting the establishment politicians realize that Americans are fed up with their b.s.
-birdie
Birdie --
I was happy to se that result too.
Trump is doing well. Last night, I watched the national news and saw where the liberal media is trying to stir up trouble for Trump - apparently, years ago, Trump had illegal aliens working for him. Also, Rubio is getting a little more feisty when he talks about his main opponent, Trump. Interestingly, Chris Christie has endorsed Trump. I pray for Trump, that no harm comes to him.
-birdie
Birdie --
You've touched on a lot of interesting points. It's not only the national media, but also the Republican establishment that's got the knives out for Trump….Yes, I heard about the Polish workers who worked on one of his construction sites….And there's been some talk about killing Trump, some of it metaphorical, but you never know when some idiot is going to take that literally.
What I don't understand is why the Republican establishment is not behind Trump, more supportive of him. Trump is concerned about the well-being of our country, hopefully, being able to get into office and make definite improvements to this country. The Republican party should do what's best for the country, support Trump. I personally don't trust or care for some of the big wigs in the Republican establishment. I guess Trump is shaking things up, for the better (which is threatening to some folks).
-birdie
Birdie --
You just gave me an idea for a post: why is the Republican establishment afraid of Donald Trump? I'll put it up in the next few days, that'll be my reply to you. Thank you.
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