2018 SOTU

[Old Dog New Trick]

What media viewpoint will you watch?

The theme is ‘unity’ and ‘common ground’ will the POTUS “blink” again or sell us his vision for the new year?

ETA: Nailed it!

[WarriorDiplomat]

I watched Newsmaxtv

[TWITCHY]

What media viewpoint will you watch?

The theme is ‘unity’ and ‘common ground’ will the POTUS “blink” again or sell us his vision for the new year?

ETA: Nailed it!

I agree, it was awesome. As Box would say, “It gives you a freedom boner!”

[cbtengr]

To listen to the dims you would think a crazed madman with 1/2 a brain was running the country. They way underestimate Trump. He did a great job of highlighting all of the positives that have taken place since his election. His comment about being at war with the Norks may have been a bit of stretch though. Overall I liked it and I liked the theme of America first.

[abc_123]

His comment about being at war with the Norks may have been a bit of stretch though.

That was by far the worst part of the speech. A sour note.

[Golf1echo]

I thought it was a wonderful address, looks like it took many by surprise. The context and perspective covered some complex issues and came full circle to the points that are important, he is correct...in this country we have the opportunity to build an incredible future for our citizens. The divisive, resistant and identity politics that hold us back are shameful and I liked the way he illuminated that.

I had read earlier in some comments that the white costumes represented "Sheep", IMO they revealed their hatred for America in a very clear manner for us all to see... thanks to those outfits...they were more focused on their little clubs decorum and appeared to be the JV marionette team rather than representatives of of our great republic...sad.

More than a few seemed to melt as the address went on. I saw the "Lake House" drain right out of bernie...I'll leave it there as he may be in ICU with a stroke judging by that last shot of him.

Great job President Trump!

[tom kelly]

Good job by President Trump. "The White Out" by the women in the Congress was not very original. Penn State University has been doing this at 1 of their home football games every year.

[Penn]

There is picture circulating that shows all the democrats in white seated. The caption to the photograph is:

I haven't seen this many democrats wearing white since they started the KKK.

[Golf1echo]

There is a great opportunity for Republicans to delineate their priorities compared with the Democrats agenda. Ironically history will show great strides in equality during this presidency... the last presidency was focused on equality for other countries and had the other candidate won I doubt HW and the rest of the celebs now outed for abuse would have come into the light...as long as their donations to that foundation continued.

One of my favorite images of the address, United States Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia ( Democrat). I’ve been following Senator Manchin for years now, he has a lot to offer both parties in his approach to governance. He works very hard for the people of West Virginia and does so with respect. IIRC he was the only Democrat to stand at last years SOTU... this year two others at least stood along with him.

[WarriorDiplomat]

Good job by President Trump. "The White Out" by the women in the Congress was not very original. Penn State University has been doing this at 1 of their home football games every year.

Agreed it was a masterful SOTU

People completely underestimate Trumps people IQ.....you can't teach someone to his level.....unlike the Obama cult of personality Trump can read and adjust his delivery...he walks into a room disliked and wins it...I am going to dig out my copy of The Art of the Deal

I notice the unimaginative Democrats are ramping up their attacks on Trump in the exact same tired old fashion and in doing so it seems they are losing independents and some moderate Dems.....they are really showing the lack of depth in their party

[Badger52]

I notice the unimaginative Democrats are ramping up their attacks on Trump in the exact same tired old fashion and in doing so it seems they are losing independents and some moderate Dems.....they are really showing the lack of depth in their partyI notice the (daily-growing list of) 2020 hopefuls continue gravitating to the proven-to-crash socialist hot-tub, since crazy-eyed bartender floated her "deal." C'mon! All you Dems, and some of you RINOs in blue districts too... Get On Board! Let's see your true colors; more, faster, sing it from the rooftops! Damn, I need a scorecard.
:munchin

[cat in the hat]

"you can't teach someone to his level."

Is that why he doesn't bother with Intel briefings or listening to anything or anyone other than peple who agree with him?

[WarriorDiplomat]

"you can't teach someone to his level."

Is that why he doesn't bother with Intel briefings or listening to anything or anyone other than peple who agree with him?

Are you a never Trumper?

If Democrats get out of the way and quit blocking everything conservative for the corruption they were party too under the previous administration by attacking Trump.....I don't underestimate the man, I suspect we would have a better understanding of the whole situation and what happened if we could investigate Hillary....and place those directly and indirectly responsible in prison

I think that is ignorant for us to believe he doesn't listen to anyone he gets daily briefings he doesn't agree it doesn't take a intel guy to see that the entire middle east thing is nothing more than a sham that Generals want to keep going, keep funding coming in...I spent my share of time there as well the whole thing was nothing but a exercise in annual CoC's looking for combat command time....nd soldiers dying for something that was never a threat. You think there aren't contract companies as lobbyist or connections to the lobbies? there isn't the military industrial complex companies lobbying? do you know there is absolutely no law that governs lobbying? I think CENTCOM showed its colors when the 50 analysts penned the letter exposing the bureaucracy false and hyperbole or under reporting and golden parachute angle of the entire conflict....it is time to pull the troops out.

We may be looking at Venezuela an actual worthy cause.....a chance to crumble what's left of its socialist regime and install a democratic society with open markets and trade...and then let its success be yet another example of why socialism fails from the peoples own mouths

[Basenshukai]

"you can't teach someone to his level."

Is that why he doesn't bother with Intel briefings or listening to anything or anyone other than peple who agree with him?

It's interesting you write that. I have an E-8 friend who works intel at JSOC and when I asked him about POTUS, he told me, "Brother, we've had no better president when it comes to listening to those who know and allowing us to do our job." That's just one man's point of view, but it was an interesting take.

[Joker]

It's interesting you write that. I have an E-8 friend who works intel at JSOC and when I asked him about POTUS, he told me, "Brother, we've had no better president when it comes to listening to those who know and allowing us to do our job." That's just one man's point of view, but it was an interesting take.

I agree with your friend.

[cat in the hat]

I like some of the things Trump has accomplished but do not think he is exceptionally intelligent. I have heard better public speakers in small town city council meetings. Message aside, his delivery and mannerisms are uninspiring.

And I'll add that a buddy of mine with the NSA says that briefings have to be tailored to support his existing opinion rather than what the intel actually suggests.
Since ALL of the intelligence chiefs disagreed with him on live tv, I tend to believe the reports that he ignores the information he does not like.

I have not read his book so I have to ask, is there a chapter that details the need to pick unnecessary fights with potential allies?
Imagine if Trump had not pissed of Mcain.
Mcain may have voted to repeal obamacare and to fund the wall instead of sticking it to Trump as he died.

It is sad that the best thing I can say about him is that he is better than hillary (who I agree should be locked up)

[abc_123]

I like some of the things Trump has accomplished but do not think he is exceptionally intelligent. I have heard better public speakers in small town city council meetings. Message aside, his delivery and mannerisms are uninspiring.

And I'll add that a buddy of mine with the NSA says that briefings have to be tailored to support his existing opinion rather than what the intel actually suggests.
Since ALL of the intelligence chiefs disagreed with him on live tv, I tend to believe the reports that he ignores the information he does not like.

I have not read his book so I have to ask, is there a chapter that details the need to pick unnecessary fights with potential allies?
Imagine if Trump had not pissed of Mcain.
Mcain may have voted to repeal obamacare and to fund the wall instead of sticking it to Trump as he died.


It is sad that the best thing I can say about him is that he is better than hillary (who I agree should be locked up)

Nobody is perfect. I think that you have to take the bad with the good. And IMHO the good far outweighs the bad.

The country needed Trump. Sure we could have elected Hillary or the Repubs could have nominated a candidate who was more "Presidential" (Demspeak for, "willing to accept Dem double standards, not willing to take on tough problems, willing to compromise as long as the compromise results in a "progressive" solution, or just plain willingness to compromise their integrity by abandoning every promise made on the campaign trail).

Trump is an independent that co-opted the Repub party election machine by bullying it into submission. Only he could have done it, IMO. Would it be nice if he could change his style, but one can only buck every bit of "conventional wisdom" so many times before it becomes your default.... and a fault. And he has that, IMO, for sure.


I think that the better question to ponder would be, Why do we have career politicians like McCain, and a host on the Repub side who put personal interests and petty animosity in front of what is best for their State and the American people as a whole? Why is it that the left can move in lock step while the Republicans can't do the same when they have the majority? But then again I have to go back the fact that Trump is not an establishment Republican.

I just can't understand why almost half of the American electorate willing to place more weight on Trump's combative style and believe the extreme left's talking points (like Trump is a racist for example) than the fact that Trump is actually trying to move the mountain of self-serving bureaucracy in DC to at least somewhat do things that are in the greater good, imperfectly sure, but more than any President in recent memory (or ever?)?

As far as tailoring briefings... Did Trump order them to do that or is that a symptom of the lack of integrity of the people that make up the Bureaucracy at the NSA?

[Ret10Echo]

Seeing this reported by the Daily Mail...

Rasmussen tracking poll HERE (http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/trump_administration/prez_track_feb11)


Trump's approval rating among likely voters soars to his best in 23 MONTHS at 52 per cent after State of the Union address as border-wall shutdown talks intensify

Rasmussen Reports poll as Trump at 52 per cent approval, his best showing in 23 months and a higher number than his winning edge in 2016
Significant up-swing since government-shutdown low of 43 per cent
New numbers were collected in the three days immediately following State of the Union address
Polling average is just 42.4 per cent, including mostly those surveys that are open to all Americans; Rasmussen polls only 'likely voters'

[Golf1echo]

I have not read his book so I have to ask, is there a chapter that details the need to pick unnecessary fights with potential allies?
Imagine if Trump had not pissed of Mcain.
Mcain may have voted to repeal obamacare and to fund the wall instead of sticking it to Trump as he died.

I've wondered about the same thing regarding picking fights, then I think about George H W Bush's reelection campaign...he was certainly a gentleman politician and he lost that one to the clinton machine...imagine if that one went the other way. Politics isn't a gentleman's sport. My observation is that McCain was who he was and had been for a long while before President Trump came onto the political scene.

I voted for President Trump because he was an outsider, a disruptor, and because he forwarded ideas I believe in. After the performance of recent executives regarding what they promise to get elected and what they actually do in office once they get there... I'm amazed he has stayed on course as much as he has.

[Badger52]

I voted for President Trump because he was an outsider, a disruptor...When the pretty snow globe has been filled too high, you have to shake it to really see what's underneath.

Just think in the past 18 months the scenes we've been able to see. The commies had a brief moment when their own pundits told them "you completely misjudged the electorate in America and THAT's why you lost." Wasn't couched in polite terms so they discarded that notion. Now, instead of "heeding experienced counsel" and actually willing to look for concensus, they have pulled the curtain all the way back to reveal their full-on hatred of America that isn't made in the image of central government control they seek. They keep shaking that globe; it keeps revealing daily what full-retard - politically - looks like. But they are dangerous, make no mistake about that. My sigline I stole from Peregrino applies.

[tonyz]

Tucker Carlson’s book does an pretty good job of explaining how we got Trump. I truly enjoyed reading it - although it can be a bit sobering to read (with simple examples) just how far off course the nation’s political elites have veered.

https://www.amazon.com/Ship-Fools-Selfish-Bringing-Revolution/dp/1501183664

[GratefulCitizen]

Trump isn't afraid to "shake the box" (a term coined by Scott Adams) to change circumstances.
This method is very unsettling to those with a lower risk tolerance (i.e. most everyone in government).

But, it is his way, and he's been reasonably successful using it for nearly a half century.
He knows how to steer through chaos and win.

[doctom54]

......
I voted for President Trump because he was an outsider, a disruptor, and because he forwarded ideas I believe in. After the performance of recent executives regarding what they promise to get elected and what they actually do in office once they get there... I'm amazed he has stayed on course as much as he has.

That was the reason I voted for him also. NOT a typical politician.

[Old Dog New Trick]

I voted for the courts and the hope that the Republic could survive just a little while longer. I am pleasantly surprised to see that the man I reluctantly voted for and who promised all that he is doing his best to deliver - against all odds - and seemingly against every single political body of Washington D.C. is doing exactly that against his own egotistical self.

Cruz would have buckled long ago and Kaish (sic) is just another Washington swamp creature. None of the others had a chance to beat Killary; the Republic, on life support after the last administration would be finished by now already.

I will happily vote for President Trump in the next election because “2020” is as clear to me as 20/20 and the vision to save the country from fascism and total nihilism the libtards believe in.

To me the SOTU speech was right up there with JFK’s “Moon” speech, Lincoln’s “Emancipation” speech and just a couple others in history to include the Bush’s reason for going to war in Afghanistan and Iraq even though I knew deep down in my heart that is was a very very bad idea to attack an ideology with bullets.

Trump is doing one hell of a job even with all the distractions and personal attacks.

[PSM]

To me the SOTU speech was right up there with JFK’s “Moon” speech, Lincoln’s “Emancipation” speech and just a couple others in history . . . Trump is doing one hell of a job even with all the distractions and personal attacks.

Including tonight's home run over the Rio Grande in El Peso (sic).

[WarriorDiplomat]

I like some of the things Trump has accomplished but do not think he is exceptionally intelligent. I have heard better public speakers in small town city council meetings. Message aside, his delivery and mannerisms are uninspiring.

You are missing the intelligence I speak of....being hyper articulate like an Obama is not intelligent.....personal preference on speaking styles does not signify it....what Trump does is he has a strong instinct and understanding of the spirit of a room and the nation....its the content and simplicity of his message that is genius....million dollar words and trained inflections by speaking experts does not make a great speaker....Trump reads and understands people and IMO when he contradicts people its not because of a lack of strategy.

And I'll add that a buddy of mine with the NSA says that briefings have to be tailored to support his existing opinion rather than what the intel actually suggests.
Since ALL of the intelligence chiefs disagreed with him on live tv, I tend to believe the reports that he ignores the information he does not like.

Obama fired and replaced Chiefs until he got what he wanted...Sycophants....those that support his agenda. I personally don't trust the "intelligence chiefs" either...in my entire SF career I have never seen a raw report make it to the Chiefs...I have seen changed reports and everything below the tear line missing...I don't trust the motives of those at the top the middle east is a prime example of the military industrial complex with plenty of contract subsidiaries being lobbied for in Congress....There is not one single law on the books that prevents the lobbyist firms and elected officials from "colluding".

I have not read his book so I have to ask, is there a chapter that details the need to pick unnecessary fights with potential allies?
Imagine if Trump had not pissed of Mcain.
Mcain may have voted to repeal obamacare and to fund the wall instead of sticking it to Trump as he died.

McCain? a completely self serving power hungry sociopath....I separate his war service from what he did once he got power....McCain's #1 priority was McCain not his constituents. What shocks me about your comment is you believe Trump caused McCain to screw his constituents and not sign to repeal Obamacare and fund the wall??? I would think a rational person would ask where McCain's character was....was this righteous indignation? McCain was part of the swamp!!.

It is sad that the best thing I can say about him is that he is better than hillary (who I agree should be locked up)


Agreed

Trump is still your President

[Box]

hahaha
So - If Trump was an ass kisser, McCain would have been a better senator?

I'm so confused by modern politics

[Badger52]

hahaha
So - If Trump was an ass kisser, McCain would have been a better senator?

I'm so confused by modern politicsSure. Instead McCain took a hot-tip from a staffer about an admittedly questionable document, that was not yet in official channels, let alone a piece of evidence, and did he take it to the campaign of his party's nominee and say, "Hey, there's this thing floating around out there..."? No, he behaved like the vindictive little boy he was.

I don't personally care about that at this point, just goes to McCain's character, which has been on display for all to see. The final coffin-nail for me was the way he treated some family members of MIAs. Screw him and his self-absorbed ass.

[exhale] Now back to the snow shovel-based cardio program.
:cool:

[cat in the hat]

I have never said mcain was a good senator or that his final votes were a good thing. I pointed out that trump did not have to attack him on a personal level (eg, i like people who weren't shot down) some people are capable of having civilized disagreements without resorting to mud slinging or ad hominem attacks.

I am not missing the intelligence you speak of, I am saying I do not think he highly intelligent. Yes he is a salesman and can convince people who are predisposed to agreeing with him.
His learned and studied speech patterns are designed to gain trust among his target audience. If he were targeting intellectuals he would use a larger vocabulary and present arguments differently or at least more coherently. Employing a salesman trick is not a sign of intelligence. Sometimes it helps to read transcripts of speaches.

Not sure how or why obama enters into this discussion. I have never and will never defend him.

Yes I think that it is possible that trumps personal attack against mcain may have played a part in mcains decision to scew us all in the obama care repeal vote. Not sure why you choose to infer that i say it was a good thing or that mcain was justified. I did say on another thread that his political career does not justify disparaging his military career.

I will say it is simple to separate trumps military service from everything else because his bone spurs would not really get in the way of real estate deals or reality TV shows. Especially if you are "like, really smart"

I don't believe that politicians care for anyone or anything more than they do about getting re elected and staying in power.

Yes he is the president, the same as obama was and bush and clinton. I refuse buy into a cult of personality.

Since I seem to have stirred up the hornets nest why not go for the whole thing.
When is mexico going to pay for the reinforced concrete wall he promised?
I'm working off of my phone so hard to look up exactly how many close advisors have plead guilty? Or been indicted?
How much is he worth? Where are his tax returns?
What is the name of the only bank that will still do business with him?
How many bankruptcies has he filed? How many people/contactors has he refused to pay for services rendered?
How many illegals does he still employ at his resorts?
What is the definition of executive time? How many rounds of golf has he played since his inauguration?

Feel free to answer any of those or simply ask yourself why is it so important that I (or anyone else) agree with you?

[Old Dog New Trick]

You’ve stirred up nothing but an opposing viewpoint and that’s perfectly fine, there are many things I don’t like about Trump and he was never my first, second, or third choice he became my only choice and so I support him in his endeavors.

I think you an WD ultimately would agree to more than the amount you disagree to but the debate is healthy.

As for the intelligence chiefs saying one thing (counter reaction) in public what are they saying in private “classified” briefings to the POTUS? I can think (correctly) that all of the three letter alphabet intelligence agencies of the last thirty plus years have been led by incompetent partisans who don’t understand real intelligence and how best to use it. Better than 90% of all the things that have gone wrong in the world could have been averted in the first place if people acted on the raw data collected on a daily basis through all available sources. WWI and II, Korean War, Vietnam, Iranian Revolution, Golf War I, the bombings of numerous American targets from the USS Cole to Kobar Tower and two Embassies in Africa and the aftermath of 9/11 didn’t have to happen if our intelligence apparatus worked without playing politics and sugar coating the data down to meaningless bullet points on a PowerPoint slide.

What I believe is the president is saying he’s not for permawar and his right hand man (was General John Kelly) said, “Sir, it’s time to draw down the troops in Syria before we get stuck rebuilding that country too. The Generals in the JCOS, the CIA and NSC are going to publicly denounce you but the alternative is fighting a long lasting war with the Soviet Union and there are no winners!”

There is a right way and a wrong way to de-escalate war and combat engagement but there is no really good way to withdraw without fighting in reverse. The CIA and the Generals I’m sure would like to see their budgets based on numerical data of successes around the world and not how do we train a peacetime military at home. (Anecdotally based on the actions of Niger and some other people we know caught up in the politics of war (crimes) how the Generals and intelligence agencies deal with failure. Blame the lowest responsible party regardless of fault!)

I really have no idea who briefed the POTUS or suggested he pull conventional troops out of Syria or western Iraq but someone did, I doubt Trump just woke up and “tweeted” today I’m announcing the withdrawal of all American forces from Syria because this isn’t our problem anymore let our allies in Europe continue to press the flesh.

The man is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. I just hope he does do it for the right reason and not political efficiency as a campaign promise like that guy before him with the express consent of the Democratic Congress and Secretary of State.

P.S. If everyone always agreed with each other the world would be a boring place!

[Basenshukai]

Yes he is a salesman and can convince people who are predisposed to agreeing with him.

I have always maintained that Bill Clinton and Barack Obama where two of the most intelligent men to gain access to the Oval Office in recent years. By that I mean, their academic achievements and their resulting ability to communicate to eloquently has always been impressive to me. But, I do not think they were good presidents. They were good salesmen who could consistently "convince people who are predisposed to agreeing with" them as well as those who are easily impressed by an academic resume, or by oratory skill enough to forgo considering the damage they cause to the country via their liberal policies. I'm not so easily impressed.

When I voted for Trump, I was not in the market for a scholar. I wanted someone to truly shake the foundations of the political system and I wanted someone who will re-balance the Supreme Court, or at least tilt it slightly right for a long while. I think I've gotten what my vote purchased. Trump will never be the masterful political animal we are used to seeing in that office. But, that's why I voted for him.

[JimP]

Disagree, Obama was an idiot. he walked his color into Harvard and onto the Harvard Law Review. He's one of the few that never had to write a law review article as a member of the Law review. The guy really isn't that bright. There's a reason they sealed all his grades and transcripts.

A couple of his tests leaked out in the early years when he was an adjunct at Occidental (?), full of grammar mistakes, ebonics, etc.

Dude could read one hell of a speech though, I'll give him that.

[WarriorDiplomat]

I have never said mcain was a good senator or that his final votes were a good thing. I pointed out that trump did not have to attack him on a personal level (eg, i like people who weren't shot down) some people are capable of having civilized disagreements without resorting to mud slinging or ad hominem attacks.

You are taking the comment out of the context of why it was said....McCain was a RINO and it was a response to McCains appointment as a War Hero by lefties and other RINO's which he absolutely was not he was shot down and was captured and was a POW for 5 yrs....in what in that event makes him a hero? he was correcting the narrative that was created.....you really should study McCain before he is placed into the status of untouchable.....none of the real heros of Vietnam ever achieved the cult status of such a narcissistic asshole as he was...when I was a SERE instructor and went to multiple JPRA schools I learned to dislike him more.

I am not missing the intelligence you speak of, I am saying I do not think he highly intelligent. Yes he is a salesman and can convince people who are predisposed to agreeing with him.

You apparently do miss the high people IQ that he has that simply cannot be taught in a speech, debate and or body language reading course and training....I have gone to several courses and even bought the book the game....you cannot train yourself to match someone's natural instincts...just like scientific or Mathematical or Philosophical it is a recognized genius....proven by how many smart people not put off by the surface drive by impression but an understanding of how he masters social interactions as needed...more importantly than all of it...results and effort.

His learned and studied speech patterns are designed to gain trust among his target audience. If he were targeting intellectuals he would use a larger vocabulary and present arguments differently or at least more coherently. Employing a salesman trick is not a sign of intelligence. Sometimes it helps to read transcripts of speaches.

Again you are missing it apparently out of contempt...I had contempt for Obama no doubt because he was a manipulator with a great presence, vocabulary etc...but he said very little but it sounded so eloquently...ironically enough in SF we have the same gullibility where the presence and articulation impresses everyone more than the actual content....

Not sure how or why obama enters into this discussion. I have never and will never defend him.

No one said you mentioned him however he is a prime example of a preconceived Presidential type...articulate and good presence....everything people expect from Presidential behavior....but then look at what he actually did, listen to what he actually said.....he was destroying this country catering to the 1-5% in the name of social justice....he used divisive language and policies but damn he sounded so Presidential.

Yes I think that it is possible that trumps personal attack against mcain may have played a part in mcains decision to scew us all in the obama care repeal vote. Not sure why you choose to infer that i say it was a good thing or that mcain was justified. I did say on another thread that his political career does not justify disparaging his military career.

This absolutely blows my mind that McCain cannot be held accountable for his own bad decisions....cause and effect should not apply here....but this is exactly the same mindset that is wrecking Special Forces today...lack of personal accountability...hmmmm

I will say it is simple to separate trumps military service from everything else because his bone spurs would not really get in the way of real estate deals or reality TV shows. Especially if you are "like, really smart"

???? Again I suggest you really do some study on McCain before you put him on that pedestal....he served out of tradition but not with distinction except for being the spoiled arrogant self serving son of a top Admiral...what has he done for this nation as a man with the power to stand for the higher principles of this country and the people that elected him??? Trump is actually trying to save this nation from the tyranny that was dragging us into socialism at combat speed.

I don't believe that politicians care for anyone or anything more than they do about getting re elected and staying in power.

I agree politicians seem to be I the business of government and not in the spirit of service.....thank God Trump wasn't a politician and it shows he is shaking up the corruption while the entire USG machine has targeted and tried to wreck the man from everything from the false collusion to jaywalking and he stands like an oak

Yes he is the president, the same as obama was and bush and clinton. I refuse buy into a cult of personality.

You can see it anyway you want I would say Obama was the cult of personality that should have sent shivers down your spine....it isn't about his personality it is about his actions.....most of us don't buy a pretty car without looking at how it runs

Since I seem to have stirred up the hornets nest why not go for the whole thing.
When is Mexico going to pay for the reinforced concrete wall he promised? Sooner or Later Mexico will pay for it whether it be through economic hardship or some other means they will pay for it and in fact their is a proposal from senators to seize Chapo Guzmans accumulated drug money and pay for the wall....
[/COLOR]I'm working off of my phone so hard to look up exactly how many close advisors have plead guilty? Or been indicted? Plead guilty for what? as I read and understand it Mueller (an agent of the deep state) has bankrupted, squeezed and intimidated everyone in Trumps circle and they are cutting deals to avoid jail time and some insiders are saying the deals are capitulations and unsubstantiated hyperbole to say anything they want to hear about Trump to avoid losing everything post sentence.
How much is he worth? Where are his tax returns? 3-4 Billion and what business it of ours hw he pays taxes or what his worth is? which is exactly what we needed a POTUS who did not need special interest money to get elected....they could not buy the POTUS like they do with every other one.
What is the name of the only bank that will still do business with him? ?? Would your bank be reluctant if you were the target of the might of the Obama DOJ and Democrat Congressmen who are fairly transparent in their desire to oust Trump....apparently Trump is not as corruptible in their schemes as others and is really hurting the swmps profit margins.
How many bankruptcies has he filed? How many people/contactors has he refused to pay for services rendered? His business dealings pre public servant are none of our business...I never heard of a business that did not have contract issues and issues with the work vs agreement.
How many illegals does he still employ at his resorts? I doubt Trump had visibility of every employee given the sheer amount of management between himself and the ground
What is the definition of executive time? How many rounds of golf has he played since his inauguration? Trump is considered to be a working machine unlike many previous Presidents and when he is working is said to sleep about 4 hrs a night....if he is playing some Golf that's fine with me at least he isn't wrecking the nation with SJW policies.

Feel free to answer any of those or simply ask yourself why is it so important that I (or anyone else) agree with you? I really don't care if you agree with me at all....what is concerning is how subjective your rationale is...objectivity is the only way to fairly and honestly assess public servants.......you seem to have some personal issues with Trump OK fine.....or me

[Basenshukai]

Disagree, Obama was an idiot. he walked his color into Harvard and onto the Harvard Law Review. He's one of the few that never had to write a law review article as a member of the Law review. The guy really isn't that bright. There's a reason they sealed all his grades and transcripts.

A couple of his tests leaked out in the early years when he was an adjunct at Occidental (?), full of grammar mistakes, ebonics, etc.

Dude could read one hell of a speech though, I'll give him that.

I'd love to see those tests. Link?

[PSM]

I have never said mcain was a good senator or that his final votes were a good thing. I pointed out that trump did not have to attack him on a personal level (eg, i like people who weren't shot down) some people are capable of having civilized disagreements without resorting to mud slinging or ad hominem attacks.



I don't think that Trump was exactly wrong in his statement, but I don't think that he had the facts in mind when he said it. McCain essentially got himself shot down that day. Not only had he been hurriedly transferred to the USS Oriskany, he had not been fully integrated into the squadron but bullied his way onto the mission anyway. (Remember, his dad had just become CINCPAC.) The AO and missions were different than he had flown from the Forrestal and they had TTPs for handling the A/A fire that brought him down. He did not follow procedures regarding the A/A or the proper procedure for ejecting . . . he caused his own injuries. Had he not been shot down and captured I doubt that we would have ever heard of him. He was one disaster after another.

[cat in the hat]

I really don't care if you agree with me at all....what is concerning is how subjective your rationale is...objectivity is the only way to fairly and honestly assess public servants.......you seem to have some personal issues with Trump OK fine.....or me


I do not have personal issues with trump.
We just disagree about his intelligence and a spirited debate is always enjoyable.

I emphatically do NOT have personal issues with you and will not insult you by thinking I need to offer an apology because am equally emphatically sure you are NOT a snowflake who's feelings have been hurt.

We have spilled some of the same blood in some of the same mud brother. Our differences make us stronger. Maybe one day we can argue over a beer or some good bourbon.

[cat in the hat]

I don't think that Trump was exactly wrong in his statement, but I don't think that he had the facts in mind when he said it. McCain essentially got himself shot down that day. Not only had he been hurriedly transferred to the USS Oriskany, he had not been fully integrated into the squadron but bullied his way onto the mission anyway. (Remember, his dad had just become CINCPAC.) The AO and missions were different than he had flown from the Forrestal and they had TTPs for handling the A/A fire that brought him down. He did not follow procedures regarding the A/A or the proper procedure for ejecting . . . he caused his own injuries. Had he not been shot down and captured I doubt that we would have ever heard of him. He was one disaster after another.

I have heard that I formation and some other less flattering stories about mcain.
I do not beleive he was an ideal officer OR senator. I also don't think that one necessarily makes you better at the other.
I do reserve a level of respect for anyone who serves and recieved and honorable discharge.
When they pass, I prefer to respect their service and move on
I also do not care for politicians who base their campaign on being a veteran. Being a veteran does not give anyone all the answers and solutions to every issue

Where I think trump made a mistake was he could have made the same point by saying being a veteran (specifically not using the term hero) does not make him right about the issues at hand.

I remember that interview and when initially said "he lost, i don't like losers" I laughed out loud and thought he was headed in the right direction. Had trump made the choice to serve he might have a leg to stand on with the comment about liking people who did not get shot down. I personally don't think getting shot down (essentially a mistake) is worth celebrating either. Arguably he did perform heroically while a POW, especially by refusing parole. I know it is a double standard, like a black man using the N word, but a non veteran should be careful when disparaging combat service.

[PSM]

Arguably he did perform heroically while a POW, especially by refusing parole.

His father was CINCPAC. What else could he do?

[WarriorDiplomat]

I do not have personal issues with trump.
We just disagree about his intelligence and a spirited debate is always enjoyable.

I emphatically do NOT have personal issues with you and will not insult you by thinking I need to offer an apology because am equally emphatically sure you are NOT a snowflake who's feelings have been hurt.

We have spilled some of the same blood in some of the same mud brother. Our differences make us stronger. Maybe one day we can argue over a beer or some good bourbon.

Its all good brother