Languish.org

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

Quote from: HVC on December 22, 2016, 02:31:22 PM
lol. it'd be funny if it wasn't reality

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 22, 2016, 02:19:40 PM
And yeah.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

Quote from: Ed Anger on December 22, 2016, 08:36:16 PM

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 22, 2016, 02:19:40 PM
And yeah.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

I liked that one. Got CNN all hot and frothy. Entertains!

Quote from: Ed Anger on December 22, 2016, 08:36:16 PM

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 22, 2016, 02:19:40 PM
And yeah.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

I liked that one. Got CNN all hot and frothy. Entertains!

QuoteWashington Post
The Fix
A tense new battle over nuclear arms erupts between Donald Trump and his staff
By Philip Bump
December 23

It began, it seems, with a speech from Vladimir Putin on Thursday, during which the Russian president argued that his country's nuclear arsenal needed to be upgraded. In short order a tense two-day stand-off began -- between Donald Trump and the communications staffers on his transition team.

Trump weighs in.

Trump's initial comment about nuclear proliferation was clear in its intent if vague in its boundaries.

    The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

    — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 22, 2016

"The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability" is not subtle, implying that as president Trump aims to match whatever it is that Russia does. That, as we pointed out on Thursday, means a new nuclear arms race, contravening decades of American foreign policy.

His team pushes back.

Not so fast, though. On Thursday afternoon, transition spokesman Jason Miller sent out a statement about Trump's declaration.

"President-elect Trump was referring to the threat of nuclear proliferation and the critical need to prevent it---particularly to and among terrorist organizations and unstable and rogue regimes," Miller wrote in an email to The Post. "He has also emphasized the need to improve and modernize our deterrent capability as a vital way to pursue peace through strength."

"[T]he threat of nuclear proliferation and the critical need to prevent it" is language that comports with existing policy -- but it does not comport with what Trump himself said. The word "expand" is hard to avoid, but in the spirit of generosity one might allow that the president-elect misspoke on Twitter.

Trump suggests he meant what he said.

On MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Friday, co-host Mika Brzezinski reported on a conversation she'd had directly with Trump.

    BREAKING: Trump to #morningjoe on the nukes tweet: 'Let it be an arms race' https://t.co/X9FMNtgKPK

    — Morning Joe (@Morning_Joe) December 23, 2016

    CO-HOST JOE SCARBOROUGH: The president-elect told you what?

    BRZEZINSKI: "Let it be an arms race. We will outmatch them at every pass."

    SCARBOROUGH: "And outlast them all."

    BRZEZINSKI: "And outlast them all."

    SCARBOROUGH: OK. You can put that down as breaking news.

The conversation continued with the question of whether Trump was simply posturing in order to seem unpredictable. The Post's David Ignatius, who was part of that discussion, noted that it was more likely that Trump was reverting to his old pattern: Being criticized for something he'd said and then doubling down on it in response.

The transition team assures us he didn't mean what he said.

The conversation moved to NBC proper, where "Today" show host Matt Lauer spoke with Sean Spicer, recently identified as the incoming White House press secretary.

Lauer quoted Trump's tweet.

    LAUER: "Expand." Explain it.

    SPICER: Well, the tweet continues -- unless other countries come to their senses." And I think the point that he's making is we're not going to sit back as a country and allow other countries to expand their nuclear capability with the U.S. just sitting idly by. This president is going to take action; he's going to make sure that American interests are protected.

Let's interrupt briefly to point out that this is, by definition, an arms race. We will match what others do in terms of developing nuclear arsenals. That's it. Arms race.

This wasn't lost on Lauer.

    LAUER: This president then is going to reverse 40 years of policy in this country where presidents since Ronald Reagan pledged to reduce the number of nuclear weapons and warheads we had.

    SPICER: Right, but we're not going to sit back, Matt, and let other nations threaten our safety. If another country wants to expand their nuclear capability, the U.S. is not going to sit back and idly by. But just to be clear: The president isn't saying we're going to do this. He said unless they come to their senses. It's a warning to them that this president's going to take action.

Lauer then quoted Trump's remarks to Brzezinski.

    SPICER: Other countries need to be put on notice that he's not going to sit back and allow them to undermine our safety, our sovereignty. He is going to match other countries and take action.

    LAUER: Was this a knee-jerk reaction, a shoot-from-the-hip reaction to Vladimir Putin yesterday saying that he plans to fortify the Russian nuclear arsenal?

    SPICER: There's been several countries, Russia among them, that have talked about expanding their nuclear capability. The point that he was making was very clear: Other countries that want to threaten U.S. safety, are not going to sit back and allow this country to not act.

    LAUER: But if there's going to be an arms race ...

    SPICER: There's not going to be! Because he's going to ensure that other countries get the message that he's not going to sit back and allow that. And what's going to happen is, they will come to their senses and we will all be just fine.

It is hard to reconcile "he is going to match other countries and take action" with "there's not going to be [a nuclear arms race]." The hair is too thin to split. Promising to engage in a nuclear arms race is not rejecting the idea of a nuclear arms race. Arms races begin when countries promise to engage in them.

Spicer and Miller are caught in the middle between what Trump is saying and what Trump's team wants him to say. As with all great conflicts, this one defies easy resolution.

Quote from: The Brain on December 23, 2016, 05:09:23 PM
When the last boomers have died off we can launch a first strike.

Quote from: The Brain on December 23, 2016, 05:09:23 PM
When the last boomers have died off we can launch a first strike.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 23, 2016, 05:39:03 PM
The boomers preserve our second strike capability.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 23, 2016, 06:06:56 PM
One clunk only, please.

Quote from: 11B4V on December 23, 2016, 01:23:03 AM

Quote from: Ed Anger on December 22, 2016, 08:36:16 PM

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 22, 2016, 02:19:40 PM
And yeah.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

I liked that one. Got CNN all hot and frothy. Entertains!

Foreign policy via Twitter. Awesome. This ought to cut new ground. Has it been overstated enough that this guy is an idiot.

Quotesome speculated that Trump's tweet may have been a response to a remark that Putin made in the middle of his annual holiday three-hour press conference—namely, that Russia would bolster its nuclear capability to "penetrate" any enemy's missile-defense system.

This was confirmed Friday morning by Mira Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, who reported that she'd spoken on the phone with Trump a while earlier and that he stood by the tweet. If Putin wants to up his nuclear arsenal, Trump told her, "Let it be an arms race because we will outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all."

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 23, 2016, 09:54:02 PM
It actually irks him that the Russians may have a few more warheads.  Seriously.

Quote from: 11B4V on December 24, 2016, 12:09:07 AM
See the new Russky stealth fighter?

Quote from: grumbler on December 24, 2016, 12:55:45 AM

Quote from: 11B4V on December 24, 2016, 12:09:07 AM
See the new Russky stealth fighter?

:huh:  If you can see it, it isn't very stealthy.

QuotePakistan issues nuclear warning to Israel in response to 'fake news' story

Israeli Ministry of Defence forced to point out initial story 'completely fictitious'

The Defence Minister of Pakistan has issued a reminder to Israel of his country's nuclear capability, in apparent response to a false news story.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif said in a tweet: "Israeli [Defence Minister] threatens nuclear retaliation presuming [Pakistani] role in Syria against Daesh. Israel forgets Pakistan is a Nuclear state too."

Pakistan has remained relatively neutral in the Syrian civil war, though they have placed themselves on the side of the Assad regime, with their Foreign Secretary saying the world's sixth-largest country is "against foreign military intervention in Syria."

But a fake story published on the website AWDnews falsely suggested that Pakistan planned to "send ground troops to Syria as part of an international coalition to fight against Islamic State".

The anonymously-authored story then features an apparently invented quote from former Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon, who resigned in May this year, sayig: "If, by misfortune, they arrive in Syria... we will destroy them with a nuclear attack."

It is this story, which also includes a fabricated quote from the Pakistani Foreign Minister, which seemingly prompted Mr Asif's tweet. The Israeli Ministry of Defence replied with a tweet of its own, pointing out the story was "completely fictitious".

Pakistan is one of nine states officially considered to possess nuclear weapons, with its stockpile estimated at around 130 warheads.

Israel, on the other hand, neither confirms nor denies having nuclear weapons. However, it is widely believed to have an unofficial stockpile, with one tally estimating the country has around 80 weapons.

Mr Asif has previously warned he will use his country's nuclear capability to "annihilate" India "if our safety is threatened". He issued that threat in September of this year, during ongoing violence in the disputed Kashmir border region.

Some of the news stories on the AWDnews site are legitimate. Others include "CIA created ISIS", "Foreign minister of Israel revealed that she practised sex with several Arab personalities in order to engage in sex scandals", and a warning from Vladimir Putin that he will "defeat the Illuminati with his bare hands".

Quote from: 11B4V on December 28, 2016, 09:21:33 AM
Did he just thank himself.....

Quote‏@realDonaldTrump  Dec 27
The world was gloomy before I won - there was no hope. Now the market is up nearly 10% and Christmas spending is over a trillion dollars!

Quote@realDonaldTrump  22m
Doing my best to disregard the many inflammatory President O statements and roadblocks.Thought it was going to be a smooth transition - NOT!

Quote from: Valmy on December 28, 2016, 04:54:53 PM
Huh. Never thought I would see the President use catchphrases from Wayne's World.

Quote

Could Trump help unleash nuclear catastrophe with a single tweet?

By Greg Sargent
December 26  

Donald Trump's alarming Tweet about his desire to "greatly strengthen and expand" the "nuclear capability" of the United States unleashed a frenzy of media efforts to try to divine his actual policy intentions. It forced some of his advisers into tortured claims that Trump didn't say what he actually said, even as others simultaneously insisted that Trump did meaningfully put other countries on notice that if he deems them to be challenging our supremacy, they will face an arms race.

But perhaps the most worrisome thing about Trump's nuclear Tweet is not the intention to break with decades of international disarmament efforts that it may have signaled, though that's frightening enough on its own. Rather, it's that he saw fit to Tweet about nuclear weapons at all.

As we prepare for President Trump to take near-unchecked control of our nuclear machinery, his nuclear Tweet is best seen as a window into his temperament. Trump still does not appreciate that every word he utters carries tremendous weight and could have dramatic, untold, far-reaching, unpredictable consequences — something that is especially true in the nuclear arena. Or, perhaps worse, Trump may be entirely indifferent to this fact.

President-elect Donald Trump has called nuclear weapons "the single greatest problem the world has" – but he's also made some controversial statements about them.  (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post)

Arms control experts I spoke with suggested that Trump's willingness to Tweet about nuclear weapons raises the possibility of Trump doing the same as president — and more to the point, the possibility of him doing so amid some species of international crisis or escalation.

Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, points out that in peacetime, any belligerent Trump Tweet about nuclear weapons might not appear as alarming, simply because "confirmation bias" might lead key actors not to interpret it in its most frightening light at that moment. Amid rising international tensions, though, that confirmation bias might work in the other direction, he says.

"Imagine we're in a crisis — if he recklessly Tweets, people could read these things in the worst possible light," Lewis tells me. "The North Koreans have a plan to use nuclear weapons very early in a conflict. They're not going to wait around. If they think we are going, they're going to use nuclear weapons against South Korea and Japan."

Some reports have indicated that President Obama privately told Trump that one of the greatest national security predicaments he will face as president is North Korea's escalating nuclear potential. But Trump's Tweet suggests an inability to appreciate that Twitter is far too blunt instrument to handle dangerously sensitive, complex international challenges, and indeed could lead to misunderstandings — and potential catastrophe.

As a potential example, Lewis points out that earlier this year, Trump said he would handle the North Korean nuclear threat by getting China to make North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "disappear." Lewis notes that imprecise language in an errant, bellicose Trump Tweet — particularly amid rising tensions — could conceivably amount to an "accidental assassination threat."

"Imagine if the North Koreans are looking for any signs that we're about to attack as their signal that they have to go," says Lewis, adding that if Trump "says the wrong thing" and "gives the impression that we're about to act," the North Koreans might "decide not to wait around to find out if that's true or not," and might hit "targets throughout South Korea and Japan where U.S. military forces are stationed."

In this telling, Lewis notes, it's possible to envision some kind of ambiguous Tweet — such as, "we've gotta get rid of this guy" — unleashing untold consequences. Alternatively, Lewis argues, it's possible to envision a rash Trump Tweet locking the U.S. into an untenable position by "closing off the president's ability to back down or compromise," rather than preserving maneuvering room, making peaceful resolution harder.

More broadly, journalist Eric Schlosser has a compelling piece in the New Yorker that documents the history of how technological dysfunction, as well as human imperfection and folly, have at times almost led to nuclear catastrophe. Schlosser argues that Trump's Tweet, combined with escalating rhetoric from American politicians towards Vladimir Putin, and Putin's own increasingly bellicose nuclear talk, all combine to boost "the danger of miscalculations and mistakes."

It should be obvious that Trump's use of Twitter would be unlikely to alleviate that danger.

Twitter "is a tool of provocation and belligerence in the hands of Donald Trump," Bruce Blair, a nuclear policy specialist at Princeton University, tells me, adding that it's easy to envision Trump Tweeting a warning to another world leader that "if you do this or that, you'll be sorry."

Blair says the worry isn't necessarily that a single Trump Tweet might alone unleash nuclear catastrophe, but rather that one could very well exacerbate an already-existing situation in far worse ways than otherwise might have happened. Which, when you think about it, isn't a particularly reassuring distinction.

"Almost any threat could be perceived as warranting some sort of response that's not only rhetorical, but operational," Blair tells me. In a reference to Soviet leader Lenoid Brezhnev, Blair added: "Brezhnev in 1973 threatened to intervene in the Arab-Israeli conflict. That triggered the United States under Nixon to respond by going on nuclear alert. We went to Defcon 3. Words and threats have consequences in the nuclear operations world, and can instigate a cycle of escalation that spins out of control."




All this could be made a lot worse if Trump goes through with conducting "nuclear diplomacy by Twitter," Blair said.

And so, whatever Trump's actual intentions for our nuclear arsenal and the future of international disarmament efforts, his willingness to use Twitter to posture and chest-thump around nuclear matters should itself stir urgent concern. This will be particularly true if it holds over into situations involving escalating tensions.

In fact, one thing that Trump and his advisers should be pressed to answer right now is whether Trump will put his Twitter feed on ice in such situations. Given what we've seen from Trump thus far, there's simply no reason to assume that he will be so inclined.

Quote from: 11B4V on December 28, 2016, 07:29:56 PM
Fearmongering.

Quote
MATTHEWS: Where would we drop — where would we drop a nuclear weapon in the Middle East?
TRUMP: Let me explain. Let me explain.  Somebody hits us within ISIS — you wouldn`t fight back with a nuke?

Quote
MATTHEWS: They`re hearing a guy running for president of the United States talking of maybe using nuclear weapons. Nobody wants to hear that about an American president.
TRUMP: Then why are we making them? Why do we make them?

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 28, 2016, 08:06:33 PM

Quote from: 11B4V on December 28, 2016, 07:29:56 PM
Fearmongering.

Quote
MATTHEWS: Where would we drop — where would we drop a nuclear weapon in the Middle East?
TRUMP: Let me explain. Let me explain.  Somebody hits us within ISIS — you wouldn`t fight back with a nuke?

Quote
MATTHEWS: They`re hearing a guy running for president of the United States talking of maybe using nuclear weapons. Nobody wants to hear that about an American president.
TRUMP: Then why are we making them? Why do we make them?

He's a counter puncher, remember.

QuotePinned Tweet
Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  2h2 hours ago
Great move on delay (by V. Putin) - I always knew he was very smart!

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  9m9 minutes ago
Happy New Year to all, including to my many enemies and those who have fought me and lost so badly they just don't know what to do. Love!

Quote from: FunkMonk on December 31, 2016, 08:30:56 AM
:lmfao:

Stuff like that makes Trump mildly amusing, even human. That's the good, entertaining Trump.

Then he goes off about how Putin is the greatest world leader since Hitler and how the blacks will learn to obey him, and you remember why he is such a clueless little shit.  :(

QuoteNorth Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!

Quote from: Syt on January 03, 2017, 07:53:48 AM
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/816260343391514624

QuoteNorth Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!

A dare?

Quote
Tweets    

@realDonaldTrump    7m

The Democrat Governor.of Minnesota said "The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is no longer affordable!" - And, it is lousy healthcare.
View details ·   
   
@realDonaldTrump    11m

People must remember that ObamaCare just doesn't work, and it is not affordable - 116% increases (Arizona). Bill Clinton called it "CRAZY"
View details ·   

@realDonaldTrump    28m

General Motors is sending Mexican made model of Chevy Cruze to U.S. car dealers-tax free across border. Make in U.S.A.or pay big border tax!
View details ·   

@realDonaldTrump    13h

China has been taking out massive amounts of money & wealth from the U.S. in totally one-sided trade, but won't help with North Korea. Nice!
View details ·   

@realDonaldTrump    14h

North Korea just stated that it is in the final stages of developing a nuclear weapon capable of reaching parts of the U.S. It won't happen!
View details ·   

@realDonaldTrump    18h

I thought and felt I would win big, easily over the fabled 270 (306). When they cancelled fireworks, they knew, and so did I.
View details ·   

@realDonaldTrump    18h

Various media outlets and pundits say that I thought I was going to lose the election. Wrong, it all came together in the last week and.....
View details ·   

@realDonaldTrump    18h

@CNN just released a book called "Unprecedented" which explores the 2016 race & victory. Hope it does well but used worst cover photo of me!

Quote from: Liep on January 03, 2017, 08:08:11 AM
Now I have to google that book to see the cover photo. Click-bait-presidency. :(

Quote from: Liep on January 03, 2017, 08:09:52 AM

Quote from: Liep on January 03, 2017, 08:08:11 AM
Now I have to google that book to see the cover photo. Click-bait-presidency. :(

As expected: not the worst cover photo imaginable.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  52m52 minutes ago
Wow, the ratings are in and Arnold Schwarzenegger got "swamped" (or destroyed) by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT. So much for....

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  44m44 minutes ago
being a movie star-and that was season 1 compared to season 14. Now compare him to my season 1. But who cares, he supported Kasich & Hillary

Quote from: Liep on January 06, 2017, 08:28:48 AM
Twitter in Chief finally turns his focus from "intelligence" to something important:

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  52m52 minutes ago
Wow, the ratings are in and Arnold Schwarzenegger got "swamped" (or destroyed) by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT. So much for....

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  44m44 minutes ago
being a movie star-and that was season 1 compared to season 14. Now compare him to my season 1. But who cares, he supported Kasich & Hillary

Who, indeed, cares?  :mellow:

QuoteVicente Fox QuesadaVerified account
‏@VicenteFoxQue
TRUMP,  when will you understand that I am not paying for that fucken wall. Be clear with US tax payers. They will pay for it.

Quote from: Liep on January 06, 2017, 05:31:41 PM
Mexico chimes in on the wall debate:

QuoteVicente Fox QuesadaVerified account
‏@VicenteFoxQue
TRUMP,  when will you understand that I am not paying for that fucken wall. Be clear with US tax payers. They will pay for it.

Quote from: celedhring on January 06, 2017, 07:44:55 PM
Why the world is suddenly so stupid  :bleeding:

Quote

Quotepreußischer König und Deutscher Kaiser Verified account
‏Belgium is stopping Germany from defending herself and is the real invader. Belgium is not even a real country. So sad.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 06, 2017, 05:42:45 PM
LOL
The hell kind of fucked up tweet accent was that

Fock Caspar Gomez and fock the focken Diaz Brudders I kill dose cockaroaches

Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 06, 2017, 05:42:45 PM
LOL
The hell kind of fucked up tweet accent was that

Fock Caspar Gomez and fock the focken Diaz Brudders I kill dose cockaroaches

Quote from: Valmy on January 06, 2017, 07:51:59 PM

Quote from: celedhring on January 06, 2017, 07:44:55 PM
Why the world is suddenly so stupid  :bleeding:

The world would have seemed as stupid if twitter had been around before.

Quote

Quotepreußischer König und Deutscher Kaiser Verified account
‏Belgium is stopping Germany from defending herself and is the real invader. Belgium is not even a real country. So sad.

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    50m

"@drgoodspine: @realDonaldTrump @Ivanka Trump is great, a woman with real character and class."


@realDonaldTrump    1h
At 9:00 P.M. @CNN, of all places, is doing a Special Report on my daughter, Ivanka. Considering it is CNN, can't imagine it will be great!

@realDonaldTrump    1h

"@levisteveholt: @realDonaldTrump I appreciate your use of Twitter to keep us informed and maintain transparency." Very dishonest media!

Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 16, 2017, 10:21:01 PM
He seems to think he's got a conduit direct to his supporters that bypasses fake news. I was thinking he'd give it up after inauguration, but now I'm not so sure.

QuoteDonald J. TrumpVerified account
‏@realDonaldTrump
People are pouring into Washington in record numbers. Bikers for Trump are on their way. It will be a great Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

QuoteThe same people who did the phony election polls, and were so wrong, are now doing approval rating polls. They are rigged just like before.

Quote from: Syt on January 17, 2017, 08:25:14 AM
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821344302651555840

QuoteThe same people who did the phony election polls, and were so wrong, are now doing approval rating polls. They are rigged just like before.

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/21/d8/84/21d8848c86a5a6446cdcaf4935e97e5a.jpg)

Quote from: mongers on January 16, 2017, 09:59:58 PM
Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    50m

"@drgoodspine: @realDonaldTrump @Ivanka Trump is great, a woman with real character and class."

Quote"I came downstairs to check my phone and I had so many notifications," she told the BBC. "It's very unusual to be speaking to both ITV and the BBC 45 minutes into your day."

@realDonaldTrump @drgoodspine And you're a man with great responsibilities. May I suggest more care on Twitter and more time learning about #climatechange. pic.twitter.com/kBMEGZYtig
— Ivanka Majic (@ivanka) January 17, 2017

Naturally the mistake was quickly pointed out...

@realDonaldTrump @drgoodspine @ivanka Ivanka Majic from Brighton, England, is a wonderful woman. You're right. RIP her mentions though.
— Mark Pygas (@MarkPygas) January 17, 2017

So Trump is tagging his daughter on twitter but gets some random stranger by mistake. Funny!

Gets the nuclear codes on Friday, did you say?
— Jonathan Coe (@jonathancoe) January 17, 2017

Still, it could be worse – she could be not-the-shop John Lewis, who not only gets tweets about Christmas adverts – but also gets fun messages from people who think he's the US civil rights campaigner Congressman John Lewis, who Trump has been arguing with recently.

Depressing day. 90% of misdirected tweets today were racist rants, which I did NOT redirect or reply to.
— John Lewis (@johnlewis) January 16, 2017

This almost made my Twitter experience today worth it. Almost. https://t.co/zDBzxhgQyG
— John Lewis (@johnlewis) January 16, 2017

Quote from: MadImmortalMan on January 16, 2017, 10:21:01 PM
He seems to think he's got a conduit direct to his supporters that bypasses fake news. I was thinking he'd give it up after inauguration, but now I'm not so sure.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 17, 2017, 12:46:11 PM
Why do so many people insist on seeing things in Donald Trump that are not there?  The fuck is wrong with you people?

Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 17, 2017, 12:46:11 PM
Why do so many people insist on seeing things in Donald Trump that are not there?  The fuck is wrong with you people?

Quote from: frunk on January 17, 2017, 01:27:20 PM
I think there are two things Trump believes.

Protectionism is a good idea.
Immigrants are bad.

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on January 17, 2017, 01:32:24 PM
He thinks protectionism is a good idea - as long as as he is free to manufacture his branded goods overseas and there is no restriction on capital export.  He thinks immigrants are bad unless they save him money on a construction project or if he wants to marry one.

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on January 17, 2017, 01:22:10 PM

Quote from: CountDeMoney on January 17, 2017, 12:46:11 PM
Why do so many people insist on seeing things in Donald Trump that are not there?  The fuck is wrong with you people?

This morning commute - I overhead a conversation between 2 bien pensant Manhattanites.
One was saying he is now "optimistic " about Trump because he doesn't seem to share the GOP views on healthcare policy and climate change.

Had to stifle a laugh.  They still don't get it.  Trump doesn't have policies on things like healthcare or climate change.  He doesn't have the faintest clue about what those things are.  And if he did know he couldnt care less.  The policies we get will be determined in sweeps week. It's all about what he ends of thinking will make good TV.

Quote from: Liep on January 18, 2017, 05:53:59 PM
So whose desk is it?

https://www.instagram.com/p/-7idBWFZyy/

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821772494864580614

Quote from: Liep on January 18, 2017, 05:53:59 PM
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821772494864580614

Quote from: Liep on January 18, 2017, 11:27:35 AM
Companies are "recycling" old job creation announcements to avoid Trump's twitter attacks:

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/economy/companies-are-recycling-their-old-news-avoid-being-blasted-trump-n707921?cid=sm_tw_nbcnews

Article updated with Trump reaction tweets. :lol:

Quote from: The Larch on January 18, 2017, 06:52:44 PM

Quote from: Liep on January 18, 2017, 05:53:59 PM
So whose desk is it?

https://www.instagram.com/p/-7idBWFZyy/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/-7idBWFZyy/)

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821772494864580614 (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821772494864580614)

He seriously called Mar-a-Lago (my fingers bleed just for having to type that atrocity, btw) "the Winter White House"?

Quote from: citizen k on January 18, 2017, 08:21:46 PM

Quote from: The Larch on January 18, 2017, 06:52:44 PM

Quote from: Liep on January 18, 2017, 05:53:59 PM
So whose desk is it?

https://www.instagram.com/p/-7idBWFZyy/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/-7idBWFZyy/)

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821772494864580614 (https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/821772494864580614)

He seriously called Mar-a-Lago (my fingers bleed just for having to type that atrocity, btw) "the Winter White House"?

Is Italian, Spanish or Esperanto?  :lol:

QuoteThe name Mar-a-Lago is a Portuguese word-for-word translation of "Sea-to-Lake."

QuoteDonald J. TrumpVerified account
‏@realDonaldTrump

My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!

Quote from: Tamas on February 08, 2017, 11:12:00 AM
:huh:

QuoteNordstrom, Neiman Marcus Drop Ivanka Trump's Fashion Collection, Citing Brand's Performance

Quote from: Tamas on February 08, 2017, 11:12:00 AM
:huh:

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    30m

'16 Fake News Stories Reporters Have Run Since Trump Won' thefederalist.com/2017/02/06/16-...

QuotePresident Trump Retweeted
Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  4h4 hours ago

My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person -- always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!

Quote from: Syt on February 08, 2017, 02:27:47 PM
Dafuq :lol:

Quote from: The Larch on February 08, 2017, 11:28:46 AM
The "pushing me to do the right thing" part sounds iffy and/or slightly terryfying.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 08, 2017, 11:43:57 AM
#BeAfraidNordstom

Quote

        THE WHITE HOUSE
        WASHINGTON

          Mr Hume:

          I've just read your lousy review of Margaret's concert. I've come to the conclusion that you are an "eight ulcer man on four ulcer pay."

          It seems to me that you are a frustrated old man who wishes he could have been successful. When you write such poppy-cock as was in the back section of the paper you work for it shows conclusively that you're off the beam and at least four of your ulcers are at work.

          Some day I hope to meet you. When that happens you'll need a new nose, a lot of beefsteak for black eyes, and perhaps a supporter below!

          Pegler, a gutter snipe, is a gentleman alongside you. I hope you'll accept that statement as a worse insult than a reflection on your ancestry.

          H.S.T.

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 03:32:29 PM
Sounds heartening to me since Ivanka and her husband hold the most liberal values among Trump's inner circle.

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 03:32:29 PM
Sounds heartening to me since Ivanka and her husband hold the most liberal values among Trump's inner circle.

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2017, 03:49:05 PM

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 03:32:29 PM
Sounds heartening to me since Ivanka and her husband hold the most liberal values among Trump's inner circle.

I haven't been able to discern any of her husband's values except amassing wealth, gaining power, getting revenge, and social climbing.  What is your source?

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2017, 03:49:05 PM

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 03:32:29 PM
Sounds heartening to me since Ivanka and her husband hold the most liberal values among Trump's inner circle.

I haven't been able to discern any of her husband's values except amassing wealth, gaining power, getting revenge, and social climbing.  What is your source?

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 08, 2017, 04:58:56 PM

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2017, 03:49:05 PM

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 03:32:29 PM
Sounds heartening to me since Ivanka and her husband hold the most liberal values among Trump's inner circle.

I haven't been able to discern any of her husband's values except amassing wealth, gaining power, getting revenge, and social climbing.  What is your source?

Mr. W. Thinking.

Quote
Before that, Mr. Kushner did not have much of a public political identity, but appeared to lean left. He was raised in a Democratic household, and several years ago, he and his wife hosted a fund-raiser in their Park Avenue penthouse for Cory Booker, the Democratic senator from New Jersey and former Newark mayor, who has become a vocal critic of Mr. Trump.

They also once hosted a fund-raising breakfast for another Democrat, Eric T. Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York, who sued Trump University for allegedly defrauding students. (The lawsuit was one of a series brought against the program that were settled on Friday for $25 million.)

The couple moves in a predominantly liberal Manhattan circle. "Their social politics seem more what I would expect from New Yorkers of their generation," said Adam Silver, the National Basketball Association commissioner and a friend of Mr. Kushner's who has frequently contributed to Democrats.

Some New York business leaders, who had recoiled at Mr. Trump's candidacy, say privately that they are hoping Mr. Kushner will be a moderating influence on the new president. But it remains to be seen how receptive he will be to their concerns. Trump officials say that Mr. Kushner underwent an ideological conversion over the course of the campaign, and that he was particularly affected by the experience of wading into the crowds at Trump rallies.

Quote from: Liep on February 08, 2017, 02:25:20 PM
https://twitter.com/RobPulseNews/status/829408051748864003

The WH takes this action from Nordstrom as a direct attack on the President, says Spicer.

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 05:03:58 PM

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 08, 2017, 04:58:56 PM

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 08, 2017, 03:49:05 PM

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 03:32:29 PM
Sounds heartening to me since Ivanka and her husband hold the most liberal values among Trump's inner circle.

I haven't been able to discern any of her husband's values except amassing wealth, gaining power, getting revenge, and social climbing.  What is your source?

Mr. W. Thinking.

from Old Gray Mare:

Quote
Before that, Mr. Kushner did not have much of a public political identity, but appeared to lean left. He was raised in a Democratic household, and several years ago, he and his wife hosted a fund-raiser in their Park Avenue penthouse for Cory Booker, the Democratic senator from New Jersey and former Newark mayor, who has become a vocal critic of Mr. Trump.

They also once hosted a fund-raising breakfast for another Democrat, Eric T. Schneiderman, the attorney general of New York, who sued Trump University for allegedly defrauding students. (The lawsuit was one of a series brought against the program that were settled on Friday for $25 million.)

The couple moves in a predominantly liberal Manhattan circle. "Their social politics seem more what I would expect from New Yorkers of their generation," said Adam Silver, the National Basketball Association commissioner and a friend of Mr. Kushner's who has frequently contributed to Democrats.

Some New York business leaders, who had recoiled at Mr. Trump's candidacy, say privately that they are hoping Mr. Kushner will be a moderating influence on the new president. But it remains to be seen how receptive he will be to their concerns. Trump officials say that Mr. Kushner underwent an ideological conversion over the course of the campaign, and that he was particularly affected by the experience of wading into the crowds at Trump rallies.

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 08, 2017, 05:12:39 PM
Right, wishful thinking.  Basically there is zero evidence that they actually have liberal views. 

Quote from: Barrister on February 08, 2017, 05:16:10 PM

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 08, 2017, 05:12:39 PM
Right, wishful thinking.  Basically there is zero evidence that they actually have liberal views. 

The one piece of evidence for "Liberal Trump/Kushner" is gay rights.  Trump has never said boo about gays, has a few times said he'll protect gay rights, and so far has taken no action to roll back any gay-friendly executive orders.

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 08, 2017, 05:20:41 PM
BB that's because Trump is deep closet.  Decor by Liberace.  "Grab em by the pussy" - what hetero would ever say that?  Everything screams overcompensation.

Quote from: garbon on February 08, 2017, 05:42:59 PM...though I would not be surprised if it was a big 'ol queen who has helped with some of that over the top decorating.

Quote from: citizen k on February 08, 2017, 06:28:17 PM

Quote from: garbon on February 08, 2017, 05:42:59 PM...though I would not be surprised if it was a big 'ol queen who has helped with some of that over the top decorating.

That stereotype is probably the way Trump thinks all gay people are.  :D

QuoteExclusive: In call with Putin, Trump denounced Obama-era nuclear arms treaty - sources


By Jonathan Landay and David Rohde | WASHINGTON

In his first call as president with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump denounced a treaty that caps U.S. and Russian deployment of nuclear warheads as a bad deal for the United States, according to two U.S. officials and one former U.S. official with knowledge of the call.

When Putin raised the possibility of extending the 2010 treaty, known as New START, Trump paused to ask his aides in an aside what the treaty was, these sources said.

Trump then told Putin the treaty was one of several bad deals negotiated by the Obama administration, saying that New START favored Russia. Trump also talked about his own popularity, the sources said.

"The president's conversation with President Putin is a private call between the two of them, and I'm going to leave it at that," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said when asked about the accounts of the call.

It has not been previously reported that Trump had conveyed his doubt about New START to Putin in the hour-long call.

New START gives both countries until February 2018 to reduce their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to no more than 1,550, the lowest level in decades. It also limits deployed land- and submarine-based missiles and nuclear-capable bombers.

During a debate in the 2016 presidential election, Trump said Russia had "outsmarted" the United States with the treaty, which he called "START-Up." He asserted incorrectly then that it had allowed Russia to continue to produce nuclear warheads while the United States could not.

Two Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, senators Jeanne Shaheen and Edward J. Markey, criticized Trump for deriding what they called a key nuclear arms control accord.

"It's impossible to overstate the negligence of the president of the United States not knowing basic facts about nuclear policy and arms control," Shaheen said in a statement. "New START has unquestionably made our country safer, an opinion widely shared by national security experts on both sides of the aisle."

Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, a Washington-based advocacy group, said: "Unfortunately, Mr. Trump appears to be clueless about the value of this key nuclear risk reduction treaty and the unique dangers of nuclear weapons."

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he supported the treaty during his Senate confirmation hearings.

During the hearings Tillerson said it was important for the United States to "stay engaged with Russia, hold them accountable to commitments made under the New START and also ensure our accountability as well."

Two of the people who described the conversation were briefed by current administration officials who read detailed notes taken during the call. One of the two was shown portions of the notes. A third source was also briefed on the call.

Reuters has not reviewed the notes taken of the call, which are classified.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.


CONCERNS OVER PHONE CALLS

The phone call with Putin has added to concerns that Trump is not adequately prepared for discussions with foreign leaders.

Typically, before a telephone call with a foreign leader, a president receives a written in-depth briefing paper drafted by National Security Council staff after consultations with the relevant agencies, including the State Department, Pentagon and intelligence agencies, two former senior officials said.

Just before the call, the president also usually receives an oral "pre-briefing" from his national security adviser and top subject-matter aide, they said.

Trump did not receive a briefing from Russia experts with the NSC and intelligence agencies before the Putin call, two of the sources said. Reuters was unable to determine if Trump received a briefing from his national security adviser Michael Flynn.

In the phone call, the Russian leader raised the possibility of reviving talks on a range of disputes and suggested extending New START, the sources said.

   New START can be extended for another five years, beyond 2021, by mutual agreement. Unless they agree to do that or negotiate new cuts, the world's two biggest nuclear powers would be freed from the treaty's limits, potentially setting the stage for a new arms race.

New START was ratified by the U.S. Senate in December 2010 by a vote of 71 to 26. Thirteen Republican senators joined all of the Senate's Democrats in voting for the treaty, although Republican opponents derided it as naive.

The call with Putin was one of several with foreign leaders where Trump has turned to denounce deals negotiated by previous administrations on trade, acceptance of refugees and arms control.

In a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Trump questioned an agreement reached by the Obama administration to accept 1,250 refugees now being held by Australia in offshore detention centers.


(Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammad and John Walcott; Editing by John Walcott, Kevin Krolicki and Ross Colvin)

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 23, 2016, 09:54:02 PM
It actually irks him that the Russians may have a few more warheads.  Seriously.

Quote from: Liep on February 09, 2017, 06:41:26 PM
I feel "BITCHES" is missing from that tweet.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  4m4 minutes ago

SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!

Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 09, 2017, 06:48:32 PM
I think Putin may be starting to have buyers remorse.  :lol:

Money is right, we're probably all going up in nuclear fire. :bleeding:

QuoteThe secretary of defense reportedly distrusts China and is willing to challenge it if necessary.

During his recent visit to Tokyo, Secretary of Defense James Mattis publicly emphasized "diplomacy" over "dramatic military moves" in the South China Sea, but he allegedly made much more forceful comments in private, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Japanese counterpart Defense Minister Tomomi Inada, Mattis said that the U.S. should use diplomacy to contribute to the resolution of regional disputes.

"What we have to do is exhaust all efforts, diplomatic efforts to try and resolve this properly, and maintain open lines of communication. Certainly, our military stance should be one that reinforces our diplomats in this regard," Mattis explained, "At this time, we do not see any need for dramatic military moves at all."

His comments on the South China Sea appeared designed to walk back those of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, who advocated militarily restricting China's access to its artificial islands and said that the U.S. would prevent China from dominating the region.

Mattis' public criticisms of China were limited. "China has shredded the trust of nations in the region, apparently trying to have a veto authority over the diplomatic and security and economic conditions of neighboring states," he argued, adding that China is "increasingly confrontational."

In private, Mattis reportedly expressed stronger anti-China sentiments, inside sources told reporters.

The defense secretary apparently compared China's assertive behavior and quest to control the region to imperial China's subjugation of its neighbors through the tributary system during the Ming Dynasty.

Mattis told Japanese officials that such activities will not be accepted in today's world.

He is reported to have said that the U.S. will no longer tolerate provocative Chinese behavior in the South China Sea. Mattis indicated that not only will the U.S. take an active role in protecting freedom of navigation, but it will also adopt a more aggressive stance than that of the Obama administration to curb the Chinese military buildup in the region.

The previous administration began conducting freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea in October, 2015. While the operations were expected to be occur regularly, former President Barack Obama only carried out four, and some observers suggest that those were not true freedom of navigation operations.

Mattis reportedly said that the frequency of freedom of navigation operations will be stepped up under the new U.S. administration. During the press conference, he stated that "freedom of navigation is absolute, and whether it be commercial shipping or our U.S. Navy, we will practice in international waters and transit international waters as appropriate."

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    7m

LAWFARE: "Remarkably, in the entire opinion, the panel did not bother even to cite this (the) statute." A disgraceful decision!
View details ·   

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    50m

The failing @nytimes does major FAKE NEWS China story saying "Mr.Xi has not spoken to Mr. Trump since Nov.14." We spoke at length yesterday!

Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2017, 09:27:31 AM
And now back to that old standby, the New York Times:

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    50m

The failing @nytimes does major FAKE NEWS China story saying "Mr.Xi has not spoken to Mr. Trump since Nov.14." We spoke at length yesterday!

Quote from: DontSayBanana on February 10, 2017, 10:22:30 AM

Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2017, 09:27:31 AM
And now back to that old standby, the New York Times:

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    50m

The failing @nytimes does major FAKE NEWS China story saying "Mr.Xi has not spoken to Mr. Trump since Nov.14." We spoke at length yesterday!

lulz; Getting through an editor isn't instantaneous.  Apparently, they need to go back to stamping "at the time of this writing" on everything.

Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2017, 08:25:58 AM
And he's back after a 14 hour hiatus:

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    7m

LAWFARE: "Remarkably, in the entire opinion, the panel did not bother even to cite this (the) statute." A disgraceful decision!
View details ·   

:hmm:

Quote

Trump's China Cave-in Sends a Terrible Message
The president learns that global politics are harder than a business deal.

By Fred Kaplan

President Trump's sudden cave-in to China on Thursday reveals that, despite his reputation as a master of the deal, he knows little about bargaining with major foreign powers..

Soon after he won the election, but before he took office, Trump said that he might scuttle America's longstanding acceptance of the "One China" policy—the recognition of the People's Republic of China, with its capital in Beijing, as the only state to be called China. (Taiwan, which calls itself the Republic of China, could still receive defensive weapons but not otherwise be treated as an independent state.

That was Trump's first mistake. Any expert in the region could have told him that the Beijing government views "One China" as an existential matter, not open to discussion. When told this after the fact, Trump said—publicly—that he would use his threat as a "bargaining chip" to get better terms on trade or other issues.

This was Trump's second mistake. If his best-seller The Art of the Deal doesn't include a chapter titled "If You Want to Use Something as a Bargaining Chip, Don't Say It's a Bargaining Chip," it's a pretty worthless book. If the Chinese had been worried before that Trump might carry out his threat, they no longer had cause for concern. He'd pretty much winked and nudged that he was bluffing. They could stand their ground with no risk.

Get Slate in your inbox.

And so, this week, when Trump was wrapping up his phone calls with foreign leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that he would not even speak with Trump until he explicitly reaffirmed the One China policy. In response, on Thursday, Trump reaffirmed it.

It's good that, on this point, Trump reconciled with reality. But it's bad that, after so avidly embracing an alternative reality and making it part of a tough stance toward China generally, he dropped it so swiftly, in exchange for nothing but a presidential phone call.

Our Asia-Pacific allies were already nervous about several of Trump's remarks, which raised doubts about his commitment to their security. Their fears were so serious—and so justified—that Secretary of Defense James Mattis flew to the region and reassured them face to face. Now Trump's 180 on China must make them leerier still of any promises he makes or beliefs he claims to hold. It's likely that some of these allies will soon seek separate deals with China, another large power, or among themselves: some sort of arrangement that doesn't depend on—or, as it will turn out, benefit—the United States.

Trump campaigned on the premise that, because he'd made great deals for his real estate empire, he could also make great deals for his country. Previous presidents made "terrible" deals, he scoffed, because they didn't understand the game; he would make great deals because he practically invented the game. A deal is a deal is a deal—that was his assumption, regardless of whether the deal is made with New York City's Department of Buildings, some vendor on a construction project, or the People's Republic of China. What he didn't understand was that the game of international relations is very different: In global power politics, no outside arbiter can settle disputes, and you can't avoid a loss by declaring bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, on Friday, as was already scheduled, Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House, then flew with him to Florida for a weekend of golf and talks. Abe played their joint press conference shrewdly: congratulating Trump for his election victory, complimenting Trump's golf game (and deprecating his own), and touting the many jobs created by Japanese car factories in American territory. Abe has learned what many foreign leaders have learned—that the way to deal with Trump is to act like a grateful, admiring friend. Trump wears his buttons—his need for devotion and respect—so visibly on his sleeve that almost anyone can gain favor, at least for a while, by simply pushing them ever so gently. Vladimir Putin has done this; so has Theresa May (on Barack Obama's advice); so, in a recent phone call, did Czech President Milos Zeman—lavishing praise, telling jokes, and talking about golf so amiably that Trump pronounced him "my type of guy" and invited him to the White House. Many more leaders can be expected to emulate these tactics.

But good personal relations alone aren't the basis of sound foreign policy. Good relations grow out of common interests, not the other way around. Words and actions have consequences, and these consequences can intensify when a leader's ultimate interests and intentions are as nebulous as Trump's are. Politico reported this week that Trump is surprised that the presidency is so much harder than he thought it would be—and so much different from running a business. Yet it's been only three weeks. He's had to face no crises, other than those of his own making; he's made only one life-or-death decision—involving the raid on Yemen—and he seems incapable of facing the possibility that it might have been a failure. Everyone who thinks seriously about these matters is nerve-racked wondering what he will do if he's tested by a genuine threat. And it's all the more worrisome to note that, at some point, every president is.

Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 10, 2017, 05:41:02 PM
....
snip, long boring slate item.
.....

Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 10, 2017, 05:41:02 PM
The worst part about this is he could flip flop back to recognizing Taiwan next month.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/war_stories/2017/02/caving_on_one_china_shows_that_trump_is_a_terrible_deal_maker.html

Quote

Trump's China Cave-in Sends a Terrible Message
The president learns that global politics are harder than a business deal.

By Fred Kaplan

President Trump's sudden cave-in to China on Thursday reveals that, despite his reputation as a master of the deal, he knows little about bargaining with major foreign powers..

Soon after he won the election, but before he took office, Trump said that he might scuttle America's longstanding acceptance of the "One China" policy—the recognition of the People's Republic of China, with its capital in Beijing, as the only state to be called China. (Taiwan, which calls itself the Republic of China, could still receive defensive weapons but not otherwise be treated as an independent state.

That was Trump's first mistake. Any expert in the region could have told him that the Beijing government views "One China" as an existential matter, not open to discussion. When told this after the fact, Trump said—publicly—that he would use his threat as a "bargaining chip" to get better terms on trade or other issues.

This was Trump's second mistake. If his best-seller The Art of the Deal doesn't include a chapter titled "If You Want to Use Something as a Bargaining Chip, Don't Say It's a Bargaining Chip," it's a pretty worthless book. If the Chinese had been worried before that Trump might carry out his threat, they no longer had cause for concern. He'd pretty much winked and nudged that he was bluffing. They could stand their ground with no risk.

Get Slate in your inbox.

And so, this week, when Trump was wrapping up his phone calls with foreign leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that he would not even speak with Trump until he explicitly reaffirmed the One China policy. In response, on Thursday, Trump reaffirmed it.

It's good that, on this point, Trump reconciled with reality. But it's bad that, after so avidly embracing an alternative reality and making it part of a tough stance toward China generally, he dropped it so swiftly, in exchange for nothing but a presidential phone call.

Our Asia-Pacific allies were already nervous about several of Trump's remarks, which raised doubts about his commitment to their security. Their fears were so serious—and so justified—that Secretary of Defense James Mattis flew to the region and reassured them face to face. Now Trump's 180 on China must make them leerier still of any promises he makes or beliefs he claims to hold. It's likely that some of these allies will soon seek separate deals with China, another large power, or among themselves: some sort of arrangement that doesn't depend on—or, as it will turn out, benefit—the United States.

Trump campaigned on the premise that, because he'd made great deals for his real estate empire, he could also make great deals for his country. Previous presidents made "terrible" deals, he scoffed, because they didn't understand the game; he would make great deals because he practically invented the game. A deal is a deal is a deal—that was his assumption, regardless of whether the deal is made with New York City's Department of Buildings, some vendor on a construction project, or the People's Republic of China. What he didn't understand was that the game of international relations is very different: In global power politics, no outside arbiter can settle disputes, and you can't avoid a loss by declaring bankruptcy.

Meanwhile, on Friday, as was already scheduled, Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the White House, then flew with him to Florida for a weekend of golf and talks. Abe played their joint press conference shrewdly: congratulating Trump for his election victory, complimenting Trump's golf game (and deprecating his own), and touting the many jobs created by Japanese car factories in American territory. Abe has learned what many foreign leaders have learned—that the way to deal with Trump is to act like a grateful, admiring friend. Trump wears his buttons—his need for devotion and respect—so visibly on his sleeve that almost anyone can gain favor, at least for a while, by simply pushing them ever so gently. Vladimir Putin has done this; so has Theresa May (on Barack Obama's advice); so, in a recent phone call, did Czech President Milos Zeman—lavishing praise, telling jokes, and talking about golf so amiably that Trump pronounced him "my type of guy" and invited him to the White House. Many more leaders can be expected to emulate these tactics.

But good personal relations alone aren't the basis of sound foreign policy. Good relations grow out of common interests, not the other way around. Words and actions have consequences, and these consequences can intensify when a leader's ultimate interests and intentions are as nebulous as Trump's are. Politico reported this week that Trump is surprised that the presidency is so much harder than he thought it would be—and so much different from running a business. Yet it's been only three weeks. He's had to face no crises, other than those of his own making; he's made only one life-or-death decision—involving the raid on Yemen—and he seems incapable of facing the possibility that it might have been a failure. Everyone who thinks seriously about these matters is nerve-racked wondering what he will do if he's tested by a genuine threat. And it's all the more worrisome to note that, at some point, every president is.

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2017, 06:55:40 PM
mongers, terrific cropping!

Before, you are a miscreant.  So sad!

Quote from: 11B4V on February 10, 2017, 06:59:04 PM

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2017, 06:55:40 PM
mongers, terrific cropping!

Before, you are a miscreant.  So sad!

TWEET THREAD   :mad:

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2017, 06:06:59 PM
Donald is not even that good a con man.  He's a mark.  :(

Quote from: 11B4V on February 10, 2017, 06:59:04 PM

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 10, 2017, 06:55:40 PM
mongers, terrific cropping!

Before, you are a miscreant.  So sad!

TWEET THREAD   :mad:

Quote from: LaCroix on February 10, 2017, 08:24:25 PM
trump clearly got some deal from the chinese

also, this is probably not going to be the only time trump is criticized for going the peaceful route

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 10, 2017, 11:46:00 AMIt looking more and more like there really is something seriously wrong mentally here.

Quote from: bogh on February 10, 2017, 08:25:01 PM

Quote from: LaCroix on February 10, 2017, 08:24:25 PM
trump clearly got some deal from the chinese

also, this is probably not going to be the only time trump is criticized for going the peaceful route

:lol:

Yeah, clearly.

Quote from: LaCroix on February 10, 2017, 08:26:28 PM

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 10, 2017, 11:46:00 AMIt looking more and more like there really is something seriously wrong mentally here.

there is nothing mentally wrong with misreading something online

Quote from: FunkMonk on February 10, 2017, 08:29:10 PM
I am sad that my President got owned by the Chicoms  :Embarrass:

Quote from: FunkMonk on February 10, 2017, 08:29:10 PM
I am sad that my President got owned by the Chicoms  :Embarrass:

Quote from: LaCroix on January 30, 2017, 06:27:06 PM
china won't mess with trump's america in any substantial way, because why risk him throwing america at them? they'll probably test the waters in unsubstantial ways to see how committed he is, and when he uses a sledgehammer to swat them away, they'll know he's the Real Deal not to be messed with

Quote from: LaCroix on February 11, 2017, 12:52:12 AM
I can't and won't pretend to have all the answers. trump is playing some serious 3D chess here -- high risk, high reward.

btw fyi chantix awoke me

Quote from: LaCroix on February 11, 2017, 12:52:12 AM
I can't and won't pretend to have all the answers. trump is playing some serious 3D chess here -- high risk, high reward.

Quote from: LaCroix on February 11, 2017, 12:52:12 AM
I can't and won't pretend to have all the answers. trump is playing some serious 3D chess here -- high risk, high reward.

btw fyi chantix awoke me

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 11, 2017, 12:56:24 AM
PRC has figured out what corporate America figured out - Trump can be played as long as you don't publically humiliate him.  Nordstrom stock actually traded up on the tweet day.  The market has already priced in that the bark has no bite.

Quote from: Camerus on February 11, 2017, 01:02:10 AM:lmfao: I pity anyone who takes your posts in anything other than a Lettowian vein - albeit without his poetry and originality.

Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2017, 06:47:20 PM

Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 10, 2017, 05:41:02 PM
....
snip, long boring slate item.
.....

Tim can't you post this sort of item in the Trump Presidency thread and keep this one for tweets and reaction to them?

Quote from: LaCroix on February 11, 2017, 12:52:12 AM
btw fyi chantix awoke me

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  25m

Melania and I are hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. They are a wonderful couple!

Quote from: Liep on February 11, 2017, 09:01:10 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  25m

Melania and I are hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. They are a wonderful couple!

How is this legal?

Quote from: The Brain on February 11, 2017, 09:27:56 AM

Quote from: Liep on February 11, 2017, 09:01:10 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  25m

Melania and I are hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. They are a wonderful couple!

How is this legal?

:rolleyes: The war is over.

Quote from: Liep on February 11, 2017, 09:01:10 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  25m

Melania and I are hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. They are a wonderful couple!

How is this legal?

Quote from: Tonitrus on February 11, 2017, 09:42:39 AM

Quote from: Liep on February 11, 2017, 09:01:10 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  25m

Melania and I are hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Mrs. Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. They are a wonderful couple!

How is this legal?

Not unprecedented...foreign leaders would visit George W at his Texas ranch. 

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 11, 2017, 01:40:55 AM
Yeah.  And problem is that the Party would probably consider a few hundred million dead an acceptable price to maintain its grip on power.  Unfortunately a few hundred million dead in the US is the whole population.

Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 11, 2017, 05:58:38 AM

Quote from: mongers on February 10, 2017, 06:47:20 PM

Quote from: jimmy olsen on February 10, 2017, 05:41:02 PM
....
snip, long boring slate item.
.....

Tim can't you post this sort of item in the Trump Presidency thread and keep this one for tweets and reaction to them?

This thread is for foreign policy news in which Trump puts us in danger.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on December 22, 2016, 02:19:40 PM
And yeah.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes

Quote from: mongers on February 11, 2017, 09:58:42 AM
Tim, you should go back to spamming the forum with a new thread for each new piece of Trump studity instead.  :P

Quote
   Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    2h

I am reading that the great border WALL will cost more than the government originally thought, but I have not gotten involved in the.....

@realDonaldTrump    2h

...design or negotiations yet. When I do, just like with the F-35 FighterJet or the Air Force One Program, price will come WAY DOWN!
View details ·   

Quote from: mongers on February 11, 2017, 11:50:48 AM
Two of the latest ones:

Quote
   Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    2h

I am reading that the great border WALL will cost more than the government originally thought, but I have not gotten involved in the.....

@realDonaldTrump    2h

...design or negotiations yet. When I do, just like with the F-35 FighterJet or the Air Force One Program, price will come WAY DOWN!
View details ·   

So the established Alternative Facts are now that Boeing and the F35 contract prices were slashed by Trump?


NB tweet posting order reversed for ease of reading.

QuoteHaving a great time hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the United States! ‬

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 11, 2017, 02:48:21 PM
Abe's high five is not as bad as Barry's bows, but pretty fucking feeb.  You'd think someone on his staff could have coached him up.

Quote from: Tyr on February 11, 2017, 04:35:25 PM
Is golf at all popular with normals in the US or is it just for the rich (as is the impression I get).

Quote from: Tyr on February 11, 2017, 04:35:25 PM
Is golf at all popular with normals in the US or is it just for the rich (as is the impression I get).

Quote from: Tyr on February 11, 2017, 04:35:25 PM
Is golf at all popular with normals in the US or is it just for the rich (as is the impression I get).

Quote

Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    40m

I know Mark Cuban well. He backed me big-time but I wasn't interested in taking all of his calls.He's not smart enough to run for president!

Quote from: Berkut on February 11, 2017, 09:53:30 AM
Chinese nuclear strength is rather moderate, and their weapons are limited to hitting the western US at most.

So there is that to think about - for Trump, most of the damage of a nuclear war would be on people who didn't vote for him anyway.

Quote from: The Minsky Moment on February 12, 2017, 01:28:17 PM

Quote from: Berkut on February 11, 2017, 09:53:30 AM
Chinese nuclear strength is rather moderate, and their weapons are limited to hitting the western US at most.

So there is that to think about - for Trump, most of the damage of a nuclear war would be on people who didn't vote for him anyway.

DF-31?  http://www.military-today.com/missiles/df31a.htm

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump

Just leaving Florida. Big crowds of enthusiastic supporters lining the road that the FAKE NEWS media refuses to mention. Very dishonest!

QuoteTrump rips 'FAKE NEWS media' for not covering hundreds of FL protesters as 'crowds of supporters'

Pres. Donald Trump took another pot shot at the media on Sunday as he left his Florida resort, claiming that the hundreds of protesters who greeted his motorcade were "big crowds of enthusiastic supporters" that the press won't cover, TheHill.com reported.

"Just leaving Florida. Big crowds of enthusiastic supporters lining the road that the FAKE NEWS media refuses to mention. Very dishonest!" he said on Twitter.

However, The Hill's Mallory Shelbourne wrote, "Trump didn't offer evidence of crowds seen 'lining the roads.'"

Palm Beach Post reporter George Bennett said there were "a few" Trump supporters along the road from Mar-a-Lago, but that they were vastly outnumbered by the hundreds of protesters.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump  56m

The real story here is why are there so many illegal leaks coming out of Washington? Will these leaks be happening as I deal on N.Korea etc?

Quote from: Valmy on February 14, 2017, 02:10:54 PM
Or don't like each other. Lots of backstabbing going on.

It is like some kind of medieval court over there.

Quote from: Kleves on February 14, 2017, 02:43:19 PM
Trump has the same management style as Hitler. Constant uncertainty, overlapping responsibilities, and feuding for the master's favor.

Quote from: Kleves on February 14, 2017, 02:43:19 PM
Trump has the same management style as Hitler. Constant uncertainty, overlapping responsibilities, and feuding for the master's favor.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
Crimea was TAKEN by Russia during the Obama Administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?

Quote from: frunk on February 15, 2017, 12:42:28 PM
It sounds like someone desperately trying to distance himself from Flynn.

Quote from: Syt on February 15, 2017, 10:26:08 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
Crimea was TAKEN by Russia during the Obama Administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?

:blink:

Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 15, 2017, 12:50:06 PM
It sounds like a 7th grader trying to bullshit his way through explaining how the lamp in the living room managed to break itself, and failing.

Quote from: Syt on February 15, 2017, 10:34:06 AM
It's one of those flip-flops that's giving me serious whiplash. From "Russia has no troops in Ukraine," and "We'll look into that" when asked about lifting sanctions and recognizing Crimea as belonging to Russia to "Evil Russia, Obama was too soft."

Quote from: alfred russel on February 15, 2017, 01:19:49 PM

Quote from: Syt on February 15, 2017, 10:34:06 AM
It's one of those flip-flops that's giving me serious whiplash. From "Russia has no troops in Ukraine," and "We'll look into that" when asked about lifting sanctions and recognizing Crimea as belonging to Russia to "Evil Russia, Obama was too soft."

I dont' see any real flip flop.

The takeaway is that obama is weak, he is stronger, and the criticism he gets regarding russia is baseless and biased against him.

I doubt Putin will have his feelings hurt by hearing Trump say he took Crimea. Putin is probably proud of it and appreciates the credit.

Quote from: alfred russel on February 15, 2017, 01:19:49 PM
Putin is probably proud of it and appreciates the credit.

Quote from: Syt on February 15, 2017, 01:20:40 PM

Spicer claims that Trump has been incredibly tough on Russia. Do you agree with that assessment?

Quote from: alfred russel on February 15, 2017, 01:29:21 PM

Quote from: Syt on February 15, 2017, 01:20:40 PM

Spicer claims that Trump has been incredibly tough on Russia. Do you agree with that assessment?

I assume the administration will be rather weak and conciliatory toward Russia, but I think at this point it is too early to say they have been weak or strong. That would imply a coherent strategy, which does not seem to have yet emerged.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
Information is being illegally given to the failing @nytimes & @washingtonpost by the intelligence community (NSA and FBI?).Just like Russia

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
This Russian connection non-sense is merely an attempt to cover-up the many mistakes made in Hillary Clinton's losing campaign.

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
The fake news media is going crazy with their conspiracy theories and blind hatred. @MSNBC & @CNN are unwatchable. @foxandfriends is great!

Quote from: Berkut on February 15, 2017, 01:32:45 PM
That is inane.

A incoherent strategy, not having a strategy, is by definition weak since it allows the other side to act with impunity.

So now we are going to defend Trump by claiming his incompetence insulates him from responsibility? He gets a "C" for not having any strategy at all beyond saying nice things about Putin as long as Putin says nice things about him?

Quote from: Valmy on February 15, 2017, 10:31:35 AM
See Putin? No reset button for you.

I wonder if Russia is going to respond somehow.

Quote from: Solmyr on February 15, 2017, 05:27:58 PM

Quote from: Valmy on February 15, 2017, 10:31:35 AM
See Putin? No reset button for you.

I wonder if Russia is going to respond somehow.

Kremlin said that they aren't giving it back and won't be discussing it. Also btw, claiming that Crimea is not part of Russia is illegal under Russian law. That's gonna be awkward when Trump visits Moscow.

Quote from: Syt on February 15, 2017, 01:20:10 PM
So, it seems Trump was briefed on Flynn's talking to the Russians and the possibility of a situation weeks ago, yet last week he denied he knew about it but said "he'd look into that." :hmm:

With everything happening in the Trump "Administration", imagine this was happening under a Democrat president. The GOP would be losing their collective shits and call to arms.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
The Democrats had to come up with a story as to why they lost the election, and so badly (306), so they made up a story - RUSSIA. Fake news!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
FAKE NEWS media, which makes up stories and "sources," is far more effective than the discredited Democrats - but they are fading fast!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
The spotlight has finally been put on the low-life leakers! They will be caught!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
Leaking, and even illegal classified leaking, has been a big problem in Washington for years. Failing @nytimes (and others) must apologize!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
Stock market hits new high with longest winning streak in decades. Great level of confidence and optimism - even before tax plan rollout!

Quote from: garbon on February 16, 2017, 11:03:58 AM
Feels like he's the only one interested in talking about the election...

Quote from: Tamas on February 16, 2017, 11:31:06 AM
I mean, he just threw the Palestinians under the bus so that people would stop talking about his court being full of Russian spies.

Quote from: Tamas on February 16, 2017, 11:31:06 AM
I mean, he just threw the Palestinians under the bus so that people would stop talking about his court being full of Russian spies.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 16, 2017, 12:52:02 PM
I think it's apparent to everyone--Jew, Arab, Miscellaneous--that he doesn't have the slightest fucking idea about the Israeli-Palestinian issue, and he is just talking out of his ass.

QuoteDonald J. Trump  @realDonaldTrump
'Trump signs bill undoing Obama coal mining rule'

QuotePresident Trump on Thursday signed legislation ending a key Obama administration coal mining rule.

The bill quashes the Office of Surface Mining's Stream Protection Rule, a regulation to protect waterways from coal mining waste that officials finalized in December.

The legislation is the second Trump has signed into law ending an Obama-era environmental regulation. On Tuesday, he signed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution undoing a financial disclosure requirement for energy companies.

Both the mining and financial disclosure bills are the tip of a GOP push to undo a slate of regulations instituted in the closing days of the Obama administration. The House has passed several CRA resolutions, and the Senate has so far sent three of them to President Trump for his signature.

Regulators finalized the stream protection rule in December, but they spent most of Obama's tenure writing it.

The rule is among the most controversial environment regulations the former administration put together. The coal mining industry said it would be costly to implement and lead to job losses across the sector, which is already suffering from a market-driven downturn in demand for its product.

At the signing, Trump called the regulation "another terrible job killing rule" and said ending it would save "many thousands American jobs, especially in the mines, which, I have been promising you — the mines are a big deal."

"This is a major threat to your jobs and we're going to get rid of this threat," he added. "We're going to fight for you."

Republicans on Congress, especially from Appalachia, supported that argument and sought to block the rule several times before finally passing the CRA resolution this month.

"In my home state of Kentucky and others across the nation, the stream buffer rule will cause major damage to communities and threaten coal jobs," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said before the bill passed. "We should heed their call now and begin bringing relief to coal country."

Environmentalists supported the administration rule, saying it would protect waterways from pollution and preserve public health. They have criticized the GOP for repealing environmental rules in the name of supporting coal mining jobs, but doing little else to help displaced workers in mining areas.

"If you want to help miners, then come address their health and safety and their pension program," Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), the ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said during floor debate on the measure.

"You can protect the coal industry here with special interests and the amount of lobbying they do, or you can step up in a process and have a regulation that works for the United States of America so the outdoor industry and sportsman and fishermen can continue to thrive."

The Senate this week sent Trump a CRA resolution blocking a gun sales regulation. Members could soon take up a measure undoing a methane rule for natural gas drilling operations on public land.

Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2017, 07:18:50 AM
It seems weird that the GOP seems intent on turning public health and environment protection laws back to at least the 1970s.

Quote from: The Larch on February 17, 2017, 07:43:40 AM

Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2017, 07:18:50 AM
It seems weird that the GOP seems intent on turning public health and environment protection laws back to at least the 1970s.

To think that it was Nixon who created the EPA...

Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2017, 07:18:50 AM
It seems weird that the GOP seems intent on turning public health and environment protection laws back to at least the 1970s.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
General Keith Kellogg, who I have known for a long time, is very much in play for NSA - as are three others.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
Thank you for all of the nice statements on the Press Conference yesterday. Rush Limbaugh said one of greatest ever. Fake media not happy!

QuoteBut on Thursday, he seemed to be in his element, the TV showman jousting with reporters, dissecting individual questions, telling reporters to hush and asking for a friendly reporter in the room. "I love this. I'm having a good time doing it," the president said as he found his groove.

Quote
Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    1h

The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!

Quote from: mongers on February 17, 2017, 05:52:30 PM
He's back on track:

Quote
Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    1h

The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!

Seems when when he finds what he thinks is a winning formula, he'll stick to it through thick and thin.

Quote from: Valmy on February 17, 2017, 07:00:08 PM

Quote from: mongers on February 17, 2017, 05:52:30 PM
He's back on track:

Quote
Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    1h

The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!

Seems when when he finds what he thinks is a winning formula, he'll stick to it through thick and thin.

Wait the President is calling the press the enemy of the American people? How much more like Orban and company can he get?

What the hell does he think he is doing? You can't say shit like that. I guess it is all just for the LOLZ and the big entertaining reality TV show. I hope anyway.

Quote from: FunkMonk on February 17, 2017, 06:48:50 PM
Countdown to murderous idiots who take Donald literally barging into the offices of CNN and killing dozens of people starts........ now

Quote from: FunkMonk on February 17, 2017, 06:48:50 PM
Countdown to murderous idiots who take Donald literally barging into the offices of CNN and killing dozens of people starts........ now

Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2017, 07:18:50 AM
It seems weird that the GOP seems intent on turning public health and environment protection laws back to at least the 1970s.

Quote from: grumbler on February 18, 2017, 07:00:48 PM

Quote from: Syt on February 17, 2017, 07:18:50 AM
It seems weird that the GOP seems intent on turning public health and environment protection laws back to at least the 1970s.

And the wing pushing the destruction of the environment at the mining sites are the people who live there!

They'd apparently rather be employed for the ten years remaining in coal's economic lifespan, and sick forever after, than unemployed for the ten years remaining in coal's economic lifespan, and well forever after.

Truth is, they don't have any good choices, and hope for the unicorn solution.

Quote
Donaeld The Unready
@ donaeldunready
Lichfield

The best medieval King out there. I'm the bretwalda. The bestwalda. I've got great swords, everyone says so. Make Mercia Great Again. Great thoughts, all my own

Donaeld The Unready
@donaeldunready    46m

King Arthur, who I've apparently known for a long time, really great guy and totally in the running to be new best Ally. Helping to #mmga!
   
@donaeldunready    3h
Totally biased Bernie-cian Barding Collective report on Leaky dyke but not massacre by Grendel's Mother (not a looker) at Boston! Total lie!

@donaeldunready    4h
Lame-stream bards asking about location of next Witan. Doesn't matter guys, it's a moot point. Move on losers. No inviting you anyway! #mmga

@donaeldunready    6h
Longship Ban totally necessary until we can find out where the hell all these DANES are coming from! We've got no idea now. Bad dudes! #mmga

@donaeldunready    17h
Totally behind call for a post-Wessex world order. Alfraid the Worst couldn't keep order anyway. Move over West Saxons, it's Mercia time!

@donaeldunready    20h
To all the haters, I've only just started. Mercia has serious problems. I'm going to fix everything. When I'm done everything will be fixed!
View details ·   
   Donaeld The Unready
@donaeldunready    22h
. @kevinmousley Typical fake chronicle. Bald Aethel (no hair) total loser. Beaten by Cuthred of Wessex! Couldn't keep hair or kingdom! Bad!

@donaeldunready    22h
@richardf @Department_ASNC Total fake chronicle from typical fenny soggy monks in so called kingdom of East Anglia! Sad! #Drainthefens
 
@donaeldunready    22h
Paulanus of Nuttall best bishop of Lichfield EV ER! Should be Saint Paulanus! Bet mainstream bards scribe him out of their chronicles! BAD!

@donaeldunready    22h
Asked twitty monks to increase messages to 280 characters to reflect role as Bretwalda and greatest king ever. They responded in Anglo-Saxon

@donaeldunready    22h
Only chronicles you can trust scribed by @BreitbartChron and great guy Piers ap Moron. Rest of mainstream bards total failing losers. FACT!

@donaeldunready    Feb 18
Self important supposed kingdom Deira says it's Anglish but main vill actually CENTRE FOR VIKINGS! Total front! Time to #buildtheshieldwall twitter.com/JorvikViking/s...

@donaeldunready    Feb 18
Hwicce leaks against Crooked Aethelflaed totally right. Mercians had a right to know. But cowardly hater monks fake leaks bad for Mercia!

Quote from: mongers on February 19, 2017, 09:19:56 AM
OMG he's not tweeted for 18 hours. :gasp:

Maybe he's getting some?

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 19, 2017, 01:31:18 PM

Quote from: mongers on February 19, 2017, 09:19:56 AM
OMG he's not tweeted for 18 hours. :gasp:

Maybe he's getting some?

He has been pretty consistent about leaving the "job" for the weekends.

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
Give the public a break - The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!

Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump
HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY - MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

QuoteLast year there were app 50% more murders only in Orlando/Orange in Florida, where Trump spoke the other day, than in all of Sweden. Bad.
— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) February 20, 2017

Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2017, 11:02:45 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
Give the public a break - The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!

Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2017, 12:19:20 PM

Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2017, 11:02:45 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
Give the public a break - The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!

Got to love the dignity and solemnity of the highest office in the land when the President uses language like "NOT!" as if he's a tweenaged girl stuck in a 1992 constant rerun Wayne's World.

What's next, "Shaaa....and monkeys might fly out of my butt!"

Quote from: CountDeMoney on February 20, 2017, 12:19:20 PM

Quote from: Syt on February 20, 2017, 11:02:45 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 
Give the public a break - The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!

Got to love the dignity and solemnity of the highest office in the land when the President uses language like "NOT!" as if he's a tweenaged girl stuck in a 1992 constant rerun Wayne's World.

What's next, "Shaaa....and monkeys might fly out of my butt!"

QuoteDonald J. TrumpVerified account‏@realDonaldTrump  7h
More
The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!

Quote from: Syt on February 22, 2017, 01:15:46 AM

QuoteDonald J. TrumpVerified account‏@realDonaldTrump  7h
More
The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!

Quote from: Syt on February 22, 2017, 01:38:41 AM
I hear that some Reps refuse to have town halls because they don't want to give a podium to loudmouths and dissenters.

QuoteHow Trump's campaign staffers tried to keep him off Twitter

The trick? Making sure his media diet included a healthy dose of praise.

President Donald Trump's former campaign staffers claim they cracked the code for tamping down his most inflammatory tweets, and they say the current West Wing staff would do well to take note.

The key to keeping Trump's Twitter habit under control, according to six former campaign officials, is to ensure that his personal media consumption includes a steady stream of praise. And when no such praise was to be found, staff would turn to friendly outlets to drum some up — and make sure it made its way to Trump's desk.

"If candidate Trump was upset about unfair coverage, it was productive to show him that he was getting fair coverage from outlets that were persuadable," said former communications director Sam Nunberg. "The same media that our base digests and prefers is going to be the base for his support. I would assume the president would like see positive and preferential treatment from those outlets and that would help the operation overall."

The staff had one advantage as they aimed to manage candidate Trump's media diet: He rarely reads anything online, instead preferring print newspapers — especially his go-to, The New York Times — and reading material his staff brought to his desk. Indeed, his media consumption habits were on full display during his roller-coaster news conference this past Thursday, when he continually remarked on what the media would write "tomorrow," even as print outlets' websites already had posted stories about his remarks.

The White House did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

Trump is also, however, a near-nonstop consumer of cable news, and his staff's efforts were not always enough to keep Trump from tweeting on topics that were far from his campaign's core message. Throughout the campaign, whatever messaging the candidate's staff had planned was continually accompanied — and often overshadowed — by a string of feuds that played out both on and off Twitter.

But his team believed that their strategies would keep Trump from taking to his preferred social media outlet to escalate his personal or political conflicts.

For example, when Trump engaged in a Twitter war with the father of a slain Muslim U.S. soldier in Iraq, Khizr Khan, the team set up a meeting with Gold Star Mothers of Florida and made sure to plant the story in conservative media. Breitbart also wrote stories about Khan's relationships with the Democratic Party. "We made sure that conservative media was aware of it, they connected the echo chamber," the former official said.

During another damage-control mission, when former Miss Universe Alicia Machado took to the airwaves to call out Trump for calling her "Miss Piggy" and "Miss Housekeeping," the communications team scrambled to place a story in conservative friendly outlets like Fox News, the Washington Examiner, the Daily Caller and Breitbart.

A former senior campaign official said Nunberg and his successor, former communications director Jason Miller, were particularly skilled at using alternative media like Breitbart, Washington Examiner, Fox News, Infowars and the Daily Caller to show Trump positive coverage.

And once they got the stories published, campaign officials with large numbers of Twitter followers would tweet them out.

They would also go to media amplifiers like Fox News hosts and conservative columnists to encourage them to tweet out the story so that they could print out and show a two-page list of tweets :lol: that show that they were steering the message. While Trump still couldn't contain his Twitter-rage with Machado, and ended up tweeting about a mystery sex-tape of the Hillary Clinton surrogate, aides say they dialed back even more posts.

"He saw there was activity so he didn't feel like he had to respond," the former campaign official said. "He sends out these tweets when he feels like people aren't responding enough for him."

The in-person touch is also important to keeping Trump from running too hot. One Trump associate said it's important to show Trump deference and offer him praise and respect, as that will lead him to more often listen. And If Trump becomes obsessed with a grudge, aides need to try and change the subject, friends say. Leaving him alone for several hours can prove damaging, because he consumes too much television and gripes to people outside the White House.

Part of the current problem is Trump is still adjusting to his new circumstances and has plenty of time to stew over negative reviews as he spends time alone in the evenings and early mornings as his wife, Melania Trump, continues living in New York as his youngest son, Barron, finishes the school year.

That alone time played a factor in Trump's response to revelations that his Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, had — days after Trump attacked whom he labeled a "so-called" judge for blocking his administration's travel ban — criticized attacks on the judiciary.

White House officials anticipated that Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch would distance himself from Trump's attack and thought the planned comments would help the nominee's bid, said a person with knowledge of the conversations.

The problem: Trump himself didn't like Gorsuch's "disheartening" and "demoralizing" critique. He fired off a tweet criticizing Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Democrat who repeated the comments, digging up a controversy over the senator's military record and accusing him of incorrectly characterizing Gorsuch's comments. Afterward, Blumenthal and other Democrats criticized Trump and said the president's comments would hurt his nominee's chances.

Asked whether aides and advisers liked the tweet, one White House official said sarcastically: "What do you think?"

Quote from: The Larch on February 22, 2017, 03:53:18 PM
I'm sure he's the kind of boss who have employees printing out his emails for him.

Quote from: David S Bernstein on Twitter on Feb 25On FOX & Friends Herman Cain just said that the media isn't telling you that Trump reduced the debt $12b in his 1st month.

...& compared that w/Obama increasing debt $200b in his 1st month. Turns out that's from a post circulating on wacky-right sites.

...but if Trump tweets that stat this morning, you know where he got it.

Quote from: Trump on Twitter, about an hour later
The media has not reported that the National Debt in my first month went down by $12 billion vs a $200 billion increase in Obama first mo.

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 26, 2017, 11:02:04 PM
I'm wondering if that might possibly be true on a cash basis.

Quote from: Admiral Yi on February 26, 2017, 11:02:04 PM
I'm wondering if that might possibly be true on a cash basis.

Quote from: Berkut on February 27, 2017, 09:04:29 AM
...hence my point about this being stupid on multiple levels.

It is stupid that is tweeting anything.
It is stupid that he is tweeting about this at all.
It is stupid that he is re-tweeting crap he heard on some alt-right site.
It is stupid that anyone would think it has anything to do with him to begin with, even if it is true.

Whether it is true or not is really the least stupid part of all of this. It is ridiculous whether it is factually correct or not.

Quote from: Tamas on February 27, 2017, 09:43:12 AM

Quote from: Berkut on February 27, 2017, 09:04:29 AM
...hence my point about this being stupid on multiple levels.

It is stupid that is tweeting anything.
It is stupid that he is tweeting about this at all.
It is stupid that he is re-tweeting crap he heard on some alt-right site.
It is stupid that anyone would think it has anything to do with him to begin with, even if it is true.

Whether it is true or not is really the least stupid part of all of this. It is ridiculous whether it is factually correct or not.

:yes: Trump is a dumb narcissistic senile old man.

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump
I feel sure that my friend @RandPaul will come along with the new and great health care program because he knows Obamacare is a disaster!

Donald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump
Don't let the FAKE NEWS tell you that there is big infighting in the Trump Admin. We are getting along great, and getting major things done!

Donald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump 
I am working on a new system where there will be competition in the Drug Industry. Pricing for the American people will come way down!

Donald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump
Don't worry, getting rid of state lines, which will promote competition, will be in phase 2 & 3 of healthcare rollout. @foxandfriends

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
For eight years Russia "ran over" President Obama, got stronger and stronger, picked-off Crimea and added missiles. Weak! @foxandfriends

Donald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump 
Our wonderful new Healthcare Bill is now out for review and negotiation. ObamaCare is a complete and total disaster - is imploding fast!

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump 
I am working on a new system where there will be competition in the Drug Industry. Pricing for the American people will come way down!

Quote from: Archy on March 08, 2017, 07:15:31 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump 
I am working on a new system where there will be competition in the Drug Industry. Pricing for the American people will come way down!

He's going to abolish patients?  :ph34r:

Quote from: Archy on March 08, 2017, 07:15:31 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump 
I am working on a new system where there will be competition in the Drug Industry. Pricing for the American people will come way down!

He's going to abolish patents?  :ph34r:

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump
Don't let the FAKE NEWS tell you that there is big infighting in the Trump Admin. We are getting along great, and getting major things done!

Quote
Donald J. Trump

@realDonaldTrump    2h

Does anyone notice how the Montana Congressional race was such a big deal to Dems & Fake News until the Republican won? V was poorly covered


@realDonaldTrump    2h

....it is very possible that those sources don't exist but are made up by fake news writers. #FakeNews is the enemy!


@realDonaldTrump    2h

Whenever you see the words 'sources say' in the fake news media, and they don't mention names....


@realDonaldTrump    2h

It is my opinion that many of the leaks coming out of the White House are fabricated lies made up by the #FakeNews media.   


@realDonaldTrump    3h

Just returned from Europe. Trip was a great success for America. Hard work but big results!


@realDonaldTrump    3h

Big win in Montana for Republicans!

QuoteBritish Prime Minister May was very angry that the info the U.K. gave to U.S. about Manchester was leaked. Gave me full details!

QuoteI suggest that we add more dollars to Healthcare and make it the best anywhere. ObamaCare is dead - the Republicans will do much better!

QuoteThe massive TAX CUTS/REFORM that I have submitted is moving along in the process very well, actually ahead of schedule. Big benefits to all!

QuoteThe Fake News Media works hard at disparaging & demeaning my use of social media because they don't want America to hear the real story!

QuoteI suggest that we add more dollars to Healthcare and make it the best anywhere.

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

Quote from: Valmy on May 29, 2017, 10:47:43 AM
Bear in mind they did not even treat anything just did a few tests. Yeah...I will take my chances in the future.

Quote from: Valmy on May 29, 2017, 10:47:43 AM

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

I just don't use medical care much anymore because it is too expensive and I have health insurance. I went to go check something out 4 years ago, it was a half hour appointment and it turned out everything was cool. Then I was billed over $1,000.00 dollars for it once my insurance paid what they agreed to pay. Bear in mind they did not even treat anything just did a few tests. Yeah...I will take my chances in the future.

Quote from: Grey Fox on May 29, 2017, 12:52:45 PM
I had a check-up in May.

My cholesterol is still too [spoiler]low.[/spoiler]

Damn annoying.

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

Quote from: Zanza on May 29, 2017, 12:20:35 PM
My health insurance called me the day after my last birthday to tell me that I am now old enough to get a free comprehensive health check once a year. I am getting old.  :cry:

QuoteDonald J. Trump ✔ @realDonaldTrump
Russian officials must be laughing at the U.S. & how a lame excuse for why the Dems lost the election has taken over the Fake News.
12:04 PM - 30 May 2017

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump
We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for U.S. This will change

Quote from: Grey Fox on May 30, 2017, 07:27:17 AM
I don't understand why or even who is pumping Trump tires on this NATO spending thing. What's their end game?

Quote from: Syt on May 30, 2017, 07:11:22 AM

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏ @realDonaldTrump
We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for U.S. This will change

Quote from: Tamas on May 30, 2017, 07:33:42 AM

Quote from: Grey Fox on May 30, 2017, 07:27:17 AM
I don't understand why or even who is pumping Trump tires on this NATO spending thing. What's their end game?

You mean, beside Russian agents using this to drive wedges in the major alliance opposing Russian expansion?

Quote from: Syt on May 30, 2017, 08:10:56 AM
Well, I think Merkel & Co. over here will mostly wait till an adult becomes available to talk to in the White House.

Quote from: Tamas on May 30, 2017, 07:33:42 AM

Quote from: Grey Fox on May 30, 2017, 07:27:17 AM
I don't understand why or even who is pumping Trump tires on this NATO spending thing. What's their end game?

You mean, beside Russian agents using this to drive wedges in the major alliance opposing Russian expansion?

QuoteDonald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

The U.S. Senate should switch to 51 votes, immediately, and get Healthcare and TAX CUTS approved, fast and easy. Dems would do it, no doubt!

Quote from: Barrister on May 29, 2017, 11:07:18 AM
Valmy, that's a dangerous attitude to take.  You and I are reaching an age where things can start going wrong.  Often they can be fixed if caught early enough.  Make sure you keep getting regular check-ups. :hug:

Quote from: Grey Fox on May 30, 2017, 07:27:17 AM
I don't understand why or even who is pumping Trump tires on this NATO spending thing. What's their end game?

Quote from: CountDeMoney on May 30, 2017, 10:38:53 AM

Quote from: Grey Fox on May 30, 2017, 07:27:17 AM
I don't understand why or even who is pumping Trump tires on this NATO spending thing. What's their end game?

You can't understand, nobody can understand what's going on in that meatloaf of a brain.  He possesses a complete inability to grasp these sorts of concepts, reducing them all to comparable concepts that he is familiar with, as a child does. He is ignorant, uneducated and functionally illiterate.

To him, NATO is a membership-driven club, complete with dues. Like Mar-a-Lago, or the New York Athletic Club.

Quote from: Valmy on May 30, 2017, 11:36:13 AM
My only question is does all this make him unpopular at home? Ultimately if that is achieved, at least to a greater extent than it already is, then the damage could be minimal.

Quote from: Zanza on May 30, 2017, 12:53:34 PM
Nordic head of governments trolling Trump's orb:
https://twitter.com/mattbpete/status/869550850368262145/photo/1

QuoteDonald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

Despite the constant negative press covfefe

Quote from: Syt on May 31, 2017, 02:10:11 AM
3 hours ago:

QuoteDonald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump

Despite the constant negative press covfefe

:unsure:

QuoteDonald J. Trump‏Verified account @realDonaldTrump  3h3 hours ago

Who can figure out the true meaning of "covfefe" ???  Enjoy!

Quote from: Barrister on May 29, 2017, 11:07:18 AM

Quote from: Valmy on May 29, 2017, 10:47:43 AM

Quote from: Liep on May 29, 2017, 04:20:19 AM
I'm confused about the US healthcare system, it's twice as expensive as european average healthcare and yet citizens have to pay of it themselves as well? How is that possible?

I just don't use medical care much anymore because it is too expensive and I have health insurance. I went to go check something out 4 years ago, it was a half hour appointment and it turned out everything was cool. Then I was billed over $1,000.00 dollars for it once my insurance paid what they agreed to pay. Bear in mind they did not even treat anything just did a few tests. Yeah...I will take my chances in the future.

Valmy, that's a dangerous attitude to take.  You and I are reaching an age where things can start going wrong.  Often they can be fixed if caught early enough.  Make sure you keep getting regular check-ups. :hug:

Quote from: Valmy on May 30, 2017, 10:25:31 AM

Quote from: Barrister on May 29, 2017, 11:07:18 AM
Valmy, that's a dangerous attitude to take.  You and I are reaching an age where things can start going wrong.  Often they can be fixed if caught early enough.  Make sure you keep getting regular check-ups. :hug:

Regular checkups? Sure. Going in to get something checked out again? No. My stupid life insurance then freaked out that I had had a test and started bugging me about it as well and threatened to drop me even though everything turned out fine. Fuck you insurance companies.

At least if I do nothing the life insurance will pay my family if I die.

QuoteWhite House press secretary Sean Spicer on Wednesday offered a cryptic explanation for President Trump's incomplete, misspelled tweet that went viral overnight.

"The president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant," Spicer told reporters.

The spokesman's refusal to admit Trump made a mistake prompted laughter from members of the media at the White House.

Quote from: Barrister on May 31, 2017, 03:50:44 PM
How the hell else is Spicer supposed to do his job?  He's under orders to admit no mistake, make no apology.

Quote from: Barrister on May 31, 2017, 03:50:44 PM
How the hell else is Spicer supposed to do his job?  He's under orders to admit no mistake, make no apology.

Quote from: Crazy_Ivan80 on June 01, 2017, 01:38:36 PM

Quote from: Barrister on May 31, 2017, 03:50:44 PM
How the hell else is Spicer supposed to do his job?  He's under orders to admit no mistake, make no apology.

Even Paulus surrendered eventually

Quote from: Zanza on June 01, 2017, 01:58:48 PM
He could just have said "It was a typo. Next question."

Quote from: garbon on May 31, 2017, 04:10:24 PM

Quote from: Barrister on May 31, 2017, 03:50:44 PM
How the hell else is Spicer supposed to do his job?  He's under orders to admit no mistake, make no apology.

I don't know. In this instance, Trump actually made a joke about it via tweet.

QuoteAlso, he could always go with his conscience and quit.

Quote from: Zanza on June 01, 2017, 01:58:48 PM
He could just have said "It was a typo. Next question."

Quote from: alfred russel on June 01, 2017, 04:10:03 PM

Quote from: Zanza on June 01, 2017, 01:58:48 PM
He could just have said "It was a typo. Next question."

Had he done that, some of the coverage of the typo might have been diverted to other more serious matters, such as the complete clusterfuck of the trump presidency and his policies.

Look at Sav's post of the stories about this tweet on CNN. Stuff like this makes it obvious what a joke "reputable" outlets like CNN. The coverage may seem negative regarding Trump on its face, but I think it benefits him in the end.

Quote from: CountDeMoney on June 01, 2017, 02:11:48 PM
The only thing stopping him is that he doesn't know enough about what's going on.