Sunday, March 13, 2016

You support Trump? Here's my Reply

Donald Trump. It's not easy being orange.
Recently someone I respect sent me a newsy email in which he casually mentioned that he supported Trump.

It was as if a giant elephant just fell into the room. "How could you possibly support Trump?" I asked, agog.

 I do try to understand; I read articles with quotes from Trumpites, and they say the GOP front-runner expresses their anger, or he says what they're thinking, or he's politically incorrect and will shake everything up, or he's a deal-maker and running the country is about deals.

Few Trumpsters say they support him because they like his policies, or they revere his upstanding character, or for his record in international relations, domestic lawmaking, handling crises or joining together opposing groups.

Far from uniting us, as he claims he'll do, feelings about Trump are polarizing Americans, individually, and in small and large groups. Politics' divisiveness is impinging on our lives and causing depression. And speaking of psychoses,  I cannot understand how Ben Carson endorsed him, after Trump called out Carson's "psychological disease," and suggested he's a "child molester" and a “sick puppy.” (Dr. Carson in his endorsement said there are "two Donald Trumps." Is that the doctor's diagnosis of schizophrenia?)

 I am flummoxed that Chris Christie endorsed him so shortly after asserting Trump "did not have the temperament" for the presidency.

It's true that a president needs tact. Trump demonstrates little understanding of the delicacy of diplomacy in any context. And were he to have access to nuclear bombs and armies, it could mean literally the end of the world. Those stakes are too high.

Trump may be right that he "could shoot someone without losing voters." Thousands of Trump University students and the New York Attorney General are actively suing, claiming enrollees were misled into a fraudulent educational experience. Doesn't matter, Trumpers know it's fine, since Donald shrugged it off on TV.

If he were honest in and about his business dealings, I wouldn't care that some of his endeavors failed. Much more important to presidential success is proven ability to work in the milieu of Washington. The culture and protocol of national politics will not crumble, even if a brazen president wills it. Thousands of people have built careers within a reliable web of agreements and relationships, and will not scrap their investments in Washington's political structure.

Trump can never win the presidency because the majority of voters, even voters and politicos in his own party, disdain him. Not just because he's an arrogant bully (though he is) but mainly because he is dangerously unpredictable. We don’t know what he plans to do, and if he hints at something in response to a journalist's questioning, he’s only too willing to totally change it, even on the same day, if his feelings change.

Every debate and speech Trump makes teaches us how he operates, and that is, Donald Trump wings it. He says what he feels at the time, unplanned. His speeches are off the cuff; his responses to charges are counter-attacks, often ad hominem.

And that teaches us, the American people, that his policies and messages to dignitaries will be winged, too. What Donald feels, Donald says—until he changes his mind and undoes it.
 
NY Times pic of Donald Trump at his University

The one thing to look for in a leader is long-term perspective. Someone who doesn’t wing it, but looks far into the future at potential ramifications of short-term steps, toward a lofty, worthwhile goal. Trump has no aspiration to a virtuous future more moral or dignified than the kind of ambiance he fosters now. He has no affinity for any religion, and suspicious enmity toward Muslims. He only mentions God when trying to win over preachers and congregations.

 When someone peppers his comments with “Believe me,” you know you can’t. When someone criticizes him, Donald automatically goes on the offensive with something more rude and outrageous than what was lobbed at him.

There is one commonality in the responses of Trump admirers--they're based on emotions. If you're angry, if you're resentful, if you feel threatened by immigrants who could take your job, or who change the character of your neighborhood, you're driven by powerful emotions. And seldom can logic dissuade you.

I'm a psychologist, and this principle applies to behavior in every realm, marriages, work, and  friendships: Emotions trump logic. I've been using that phrase for decades before Donald Trump made it so apropos.

Donald Trump fires up emotions, but we should not be led by emotions. The central Jewish prayer "the Shma" warns not to follow your heart, lest you're lured away from duty and nobility. Because emotions are compelling, my logical arguments probably won't sway my emailing friend away from Trump. But we risk severe peril if we collectively succumb to emotion and eschew the calm pursuit of civility in a long-term context.

38 comments:

  1. As you said, Trump won't win. But he will hurt the Republican Party. If he is the nominee, he will forever paint Republicans as ugly supporters of bullies. Their name will be on the level of the KKK. And many will deny ever being a part of the GOP party.

    The MSM and Academia played this beautifully. There was only one way Hillary or a socialist could win after 8 years of Obama; they had to present to the voting public a candidate so terrifyingly unhinged that the voters will have no choice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed. At this point, win or lose, the damage Trump has done will be lasting.

      Delete
  2. Beautifully said, Diane. It's scary.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautifully said, Diane. It's scary.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Spot on Diane! You need to step into Medved's radio show for 'Michael the Mensch'. I like the way you make it so simple. Pure simple logic and common sense. I love it! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Yawn. What are you so scared of? Do you think Trump is going to bring us into WWIII? Hes the only GOP canidate thay openly says hes anti war. Let me guess you probably voted for Mitt Romney too? Like he had any shot at winning? You establishment GOP types are really the crazy ones. Just look at the last 2 nominees for president (McCain and Romney). Yawn. Same old same old. Clearly you don't you understand people are tired of same old ahhh different day. People don't like the Republican party as it is that's why it's changing (e.g. remember the Ron Paul movement last cycle?). That's why on both sides Trump and Bernie (the outsiders) are evoking a lot of support. Funny to see establishment republicans freaking out like you and others. It's really pathetic I'm my opinion because the last 3 decades you party establishent type have been voting over and over for politicans that don't do anything for us. Go ahead keep freaking out because it's not changing anytime soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The reason I am indeed worried for our future under Trump is that he has not spelled out policies, especially in international relations (except to make "better deals" with China who presently "kill us" with their deals). He's never been in politics so he has no track record of working with the existing structure in Washington, and while many feel that's a good thing, what it really is, is an unpredictable thing. I love watching Donald; he's really entertaining, but whenever challenged just hits back harder rather than responding with anything concrete. As far as your making "the establishment" into the enemy--I don't uniformly like everyone in Washington, but to become "established" you have to be committed enough to be elected, and through experience learn how to get things done. I've seen Donald alienate a lot of people--women, Moslems, immigrants, the news media--and these groups contain citizens we need to bring closer to the GOP, rather than push them away. We need to convince them of the value of our principles of limited government, getting ahead with hard work, respecting the law and the dignity of humanity. Instead candidate Trump is busy insulting Megyn Kelly and evaluating whether he will pay the legal bills of a fan who punched out a protester. And his Trump University defense will require all his attention during the month before the election. Not good for the country, and not good for the Republican party.

      Delete
    2. If he wins, our allies will turn their backs on us and putin will strike

      Delete
    3. Hillary leans toward hawkishness and if she wins the presidency, being the first women president I think she would feel a need to prove her strength by quicker action against any threats. As a businessman, Trump would likely have a more pragmatic problem solving approach because he doesn't really want to blow things up.

      I think our allies have already poised themselves to turn their backs on us and some have already done so thanks to the weakness of our current administration. Putin is calling his citizens home and getting his military ready getting ready for a Hillary win. That's why they'd prefer to see Trump in the high office.

      Ashley, rethink your position and look at this logically and look at what is happening in the world right now. I don't think Hillary can fix this.

      Arlee Bird
      Tossing It Out

      Delete
  6. I totally support Donald Trump and hope and pray that he wins the next Presidency. He's the kind of guy that I've hoped to see finally run. I think he can really shake things up and this is what scares the old school Republicans. We need real change, not the phony change offered by the Democrats and not the same ol' crap offered by the Republican establishment.

    If the Republican party continues down the road that it's been on, it will dwindle away into the memory of history. The Democrat party is bigger and is destined to become the ruling power if the Republicans don't change to a conservative stance that more people can comprehend. Let's give Donald Trump a chance. He's a brilliant marketer and a professional person though it may not always seem evident to the party pros and the myopic politicos who lack vision.

    Trump is the best choice and some of the current detractors will be one day recognizing this in retrospect. And please ask Michael to tone down his anti-Trump stance. He's divisive in doing this and becoming a one trick pony. I no longer recommend his show to anyone and don't listen as often as I used to. It's kind of sad.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I respectfully disagree. Being a "brilliant marketer" might qualify Donald as press secretary but not the nuances of warfare as Commander in Chief. His adviser is mainly "himself," so that doesn't give me confidence that he understands the complexities of international and constitutional law. And as far as "lacking vision," I would love to know exactly what vision Mr. Trump has for laws and policies that can promote our values. Do you believe Mexico will pay for a 50-foot wall--when a border barrier has been required for ten years already and is mired in lawsuits from property owners? Trump has yet to get 50% of votes in any primary, and so far is therefore not the GOP choice. If he can't get half the GOP votes, he's certainly not going to get enough Democratic votes to win in a general election. That's why we need to offer a candidate that will attract non-Republicans. Trump's 80% negative in every poll, as well as the outcry against him from not only the Dems but his own party demonstrate that should he be our nominee, we can prepare for Hillary in the White House.

      Delete
    2. Firstly a campaign as well as a presidency is all about marketing. Life is marketing is what I've always maintained. It's extremely important to have a flexible marketing mind to face the diverse world that we live in. The problem that you and so many others are having is that you are seeing the campaigning Donald Trump and not the man who would sit in office. If you truly think Trump would continue in the same way when he is sitting in the highest office of the land then you are as absurd as Michael (who has apparently gone of the deep end as far as I can see).

      The Wall? I see it being done in many ways and with extraordinary results. We need a person with vision to get this done and I think Trump has that vision. I can certainly see it. If you shucked your bias and used some imagination then you and Michael would see it too (if you already haven't).

      Less than 50%? He's been running in a big field facing a lot of negativity from the idiots in the Republican establishment. He can get the votes. People have short memories and are easily swayed by celebrity and personality. Those poll numbers would vanish quickly if the garbage from the party and negative dead weight like Michael has been would take a turn toward extreme positivity.

      Donald Trump is the best chance the Republicans have to put their party in the White House. The Democrat tent is far bigger and will beat the Republicans every time unless the Republican mindset opens up to see the light. The people like Graham, the Bushes, Romney, Ryan, and all of the neigh-saying talking heads need to move over to bow to the people they are supposed to be serving rather then expecting us to kowtow to them.

      I firmly believe Donald Trump can win this year. If the Republicans go with anyone else waiting in the wings at the present time, they will lose in one of the biggest trouncings they've ever experienced in history We'd also likely see the end of the Republican party. I for one will be voting for someone else than the Republican nominee if Trump is not their pick.

      Arlee Bird
      A to Z Challenge Co-host
      Tossing It Out

      Delete
  7. Trump will kill common core, bring fairer trade, build the wall, rationalize immigration, the only one who might tackle deficit spending, and reasonably overhaul income tax. Trump University? Jerry Lewis was sued over the Jerry Lewis Cinemas and the Fred Astaire Dance Studios had similar problems. Christie support? What do you say about his Ben Carson endorsement?

    Ted Cruz wants to introduce a VAT -- a terribly regressive tax -- and bring back the gold standard. (Such positions with a wife who is a VP at Goldman Sachs, a promotion she obtained due to her husband's poltical status.) He doesn't mention building a wall. Why didn't Romney go after Obama with the zeal he attacks Trump?

    Hillary, the most corrupt person ever to seek the presidency.

    Trump is the best candidate.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Not VAT, a flat tax. And gold standard? I know cruz's platform and pretty sure that's not part of it. And why shouldn't Heidi Cruz work as an investment banker (although now she's a full time mom and spouse) for GSachs, Morgan Stanley, or any of the other ones? Diane is absolutely correct and justifiably fearful of Trump. He's unpredictable and shallow. He has zero historical perspective. He's already caused more division and damage than anyone except Obama.

    ReplyDelete
  9. If you want to understand Donald Trump:

    Read several of his books, especially "the art of the deal". Watch these videos: that analyzed Donald Trump's speaking techniques and Trump’s audience appeal. These tapes are not political. They are analytical.They are also interesting, informative and enjoyable.

    Lnks to some of the individual tapes…..{ If this does not work then go to “charisma on demand-trump “on YouTube.}

    Donald Trump's Debates: 5 Mental Tricks You Didn't Notice
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LR6EA91zLo...

    Donald Trump's Covert Powers Of Persuasion
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvVfj0ov8k8...

    How Donald Trump Answers A Question
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFo_BV-UzI...

    Dilbert Creator Scott Adams on Donald Trump's "Linguistic Kill Shots"
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NxKENplG4...


    Oprah Winfrey Interviews Donald Trump in 1988
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZpMJeynBeg&ab_channel=AndrewPhilbrick

    ReplyDelete
  10. Those of us who are shocked at Trump's enduring, and arguably growing popularity as the race for the Republican nomination continues to unfold now have good reason to be alarmed by the looming certainty of his nomination. Yet, what is more perplexing and troublesome to me is how many of those of us who view a Trump nomination or presidency as cataclysmic are willing to turn our back on our conservative principles by openly advocating what amount to political, back-door maneuvers to avoid such an outcome, while being fully conscious of the fact that these tactics may ultimately undermine the will of those who ardently support and are voting for Trump, and who up this point in the process happen to be the majority. In my view, if Trump arrives at the Convention with a solid delegate majority, even though shy of the 1237 to secure the nomination, and we choose to pursue any course of action, permissible or otherwise, to hand the nomination to another candidate we will have done far more lasting damage to our cause than anything Trump could do if he were to be elected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am confident that Speaker Ryan will conduct the GOP Convention strictly by the rules. If it goes to an Open Convention, the delegates will vote as prescribed under those rules. Trump is dangerous because he responds first through the filter of emotion, rather than logic. He is thin-skinned and holds grudges (look at this silly Megyn Kelly thing) when a President must be thoughtful and foresee potential consequences of every statement. You cannot insult world leaders (e.g. Angela Merkel) with whom we must maintain cordial alliances. If Trump were predictable, he wouldn't be so scary--but instead his emotionality and unwillingness to temper rude comments even after the fact portend difficult relations at best, with war and destruction all too possible.

      Delete
  11. Trump is also a buyer and user, and to me he seems likely to grow the size of government. On the one hand, Trump claims he's flexible but on the other hand he will not settle a case in court. He's a mixed bag, and I do not trust his judgment in executing the laws of this country because of his well known and high level of self interest.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Michael and Diane, You are the ones that are truly scary. Though Trump has a lot to be desired he is by far the best of the lot. No question, an outsider is needed. Could have been Christi or Fiorino but they are gone. Surely not Cruz (but I would vote for him vs. Hillary. You far righters are even more scarier than the far lefties which I never could imagine. The people are speaking and they are of ALL demographics not just the "uneducated" at Mr. Cruz states. Yes, you guys are very scary. Jeff in Scottsdale, AZ

    ReplyDelete
  13. Trump is any day better than the extremist Cruz. Cruz is the one who is scary. He is extreme right on policies, religion, fiscal, and immigrants. Extremists make dangerous leaders. Cruz's thinking stems from a belief system rather than the reality around him. World has enough extremists (eg. ISIS ), we do not need to add to that. Trump on the other hand does not tie himself up with any idealogy, political affiliations, religion, etc. He seems to be result driven. He makes and breaks rules as he goes towards achieving those results. That's why he does not have any clear policies. He will make it up as he goes. Why should that be scary as long as he delivers what people want. I am an independent. If god forbid, Cruz wins the nomination, my vote will definitely go to the Dems. And there are many more who are thinking this way.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Trump is running to insure Hillary's presidency. She's his friend, afterall

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How's that crow tasting, Susan? I got ketchup if you need it.

      Delete
  15. Trump is running to insure Hillary's presidency. She's his friend, afterall

    ReplyDelete
  16. The only way Mr. Trump has a chance to win the general election is to win over women and minority voters. As it currently stands it will be virtually impossible for him to win over these important groups. Winning the Republican nomination, while important to Mr. Trump's supporters, is far less important than winning the general election. Another 4 years, possibly 8 years, of a Democrat presidency will push the country so much further left it's frightening. We need to support a candidate who can represent a Republican party with conservative values. The candidate needs to convince voters that conservitism is at the core of our country's founding and how conservative values are relevant to solving today's problems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's fun to see these old predictions. Hopefully, you've changed your mind considering all the good Trump has done for our nation. Making NATO pay their back payments for our protection is a good thing. It's not "disrespectful" to our allies to make them live up to their promises.

      Delete
  17. Ms. Diane - your analysis is a little too intelligent, reasonable, constructed as if there aren't nearly 200 Million people in this country that suspect this traitor in the WH has ruined our country already -- and none of them care about losers like preibus, romney, et al. They want blood, many of them quite literally.
    Barry is trying to slide Islam into the driver's seat, the economy sucks, jobs are a joke, foreign policy is the worst it's been since, well, a very long time: we're the laughingstock of the world.
    You think Trump waffles, flipflops: I want the sumbitch on my side for the next 8 years. You may watch. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Diane, you da Mensch (sort of)! As is Michael. Thank God Trump lost in WI last nite and we are heading for a contested convention. According to our mutual acquaintance John Carlson, Trumpie is currently projected to come up short on a first ballot by approx. 150-200 votes. And the consensus seems to be that if The Only Republican Hillary Can Beat loses the first ballot, then he's gone for good on the second, third, etc. What are your thoughts on this?
    (BTW, other than the fact that Trump doesn't have the character, temperament, experience, ideology, mindset, attitude, integrity, maturity, humility or anything else to be President, HE'S JUST FINE).

    ReplyDelete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Where was your outrage over a radical Marxist in the white house over the course of theservice past 7 years? At least we know that D Trump will put America and Americans first which is a very far cry from where HRC will lead the country. HRC will simply decide in favor of the direction from which she receives the largest bribes.

    ReplyDelete
  21. So you believe him. There is no factual evidence he well do what he says do. You want to believe because you are mad as hell and you're not gonna take it anymore.
    A salesmen's job is to say whatever itwell take to get you agree
    to buy the goods. It's like the guy where a beautiful and charming Narcissistic type of woman takes a interest in him but it's a self serving act and he falls for it cause he wants a woman so bad. objectivity, known facts about a person's actions in the past show one a person's true character.

    ReplyDelete
  22. What's really funny about this "blog post" is it keeps getting updated ad time goes on. I visited this 3 months ago and the article is even longer than when initially posted. You can tell they are backtracking and trying anything to make themselves look smart andIke they know what they are talking about (bring the trump haters they are). How about if you have new ideas to Bring you should write a new blog post l, not edit something yoive already published. Looks like micharl medved ans his wife (who wrote the post) are in denial. They will continue editing the post to rebuff others every they see they are proven wrong. Don't trust these guys they are the snake salesman thay will do anything to try and be right.

    ReplyDelete
  23. What's really funny about this "blog post" is it keeps getting updated ad time goes on. I visited this 3 months ago and the article is even longer than when initially posted. You can tell they are backtracking and trying anything to make themselves look smart andIke they know what they are talking about (bring the trump haters they are). How about if you have new ideas to Bring you should write a new blog post l, not edit something yoive already published. Looks like micharl medved ans his wife (who wrote the post) are in denial. They will continue editing the post to rebuff others every they see they are proven wrong. Don't trust these guys they are the snake salesman thay will do anything to try and be right.

    ReplyDelete
  24. We had total losers like that disgusting John McCain and almost as bad Mitt Romney. Most Americans want legal immigration greatly curtailed. Yet Medved on his program keeps telling us how we need more even though we have a 31 year loan and labor participation rate. That's why I am glad there is the H-1B visa because now the white color Bratz are going to be getting threatened now. I do heating ac service work so uneducated third worlders can't do my work but I have to pay for them. I live in Southern California for 3 years I know all about immigration and no it doesn't help not one bit. It's the new slavery. It's a good thing Michael has a show that he can step on people who disagree with him because in the debate he can get his ass completely kicked. Shouldn't be too surprising most American Jews vote against America and Israel's best interest anyway. Most of them are communists at least they sure about that way 80% will go for Hillary

    ReplyDelete
  25. We had total losers like that disgusting John McCain and almost as bad Mitt Romney. Most Americans want legal immigration greatly curtailed. Yet Medved on his program keeps telling us how we need more even though we have a 31 year loan and labor participation rate. That's why I am glad there is the H-1B visa because now the white color Bratz are going to be getting threatened now. I do heating ac service work so uneducated third worlders can't do my work but I have to pay for them. I live in Southern California for 3 years I know all about immigration and no it doesn't help not one bit. It's the new slavery. It's a good thing Michael has a show that he can step on people who disagree with him because in the debate he can get his ass completely kicked. Shouldn't be too surprising most American Jews vote against America and Israel's best interest anyway. Most of them are communists at least they sure about that way 80% will go for Hillary

    ReplyDelete
  26. The biggest thing missing is what happened on your husbands show today. A caller said show me the the last two elections where we Republicans have made a difference, in typical Medved style your husband pointed to 2014 and 2012. He harped on how we need to focus on the down ticket ie. the Republicrats. These people are the same people who have done nothing about illegal immigration, nothing to control spending and nothing to fight men trying to sneak into womens restrooms under the guise they feel like a woman today. Like Democrats many who are saying their voting for Hillary Clinton challenge not only the wall but enforced immigration law. If your not for either aren't you backdoor saying your for open borders? Many suggest we can't even vet new immigrants basically this results in acceptable losses policy of our leaders. We are willing to loss X amount of Americans to accept new citizens. The basis is policy and character on your side. You say nothing of her character or lack there of... many on your side say she has the resume based on what sleeping next to the President for 8 years? A part time Senator? A failed Secretary of State that allowed 4 Americans to die when she could have done something long before? Maybe its the lies? Maybe its her phony charity? Maybe its her total disregard for national security? Right I know were angry. Does anyone think of another 2-3 justices controlling law in America for 40 years? Sadly it seems the establishment Republicans seem to have no problem adapting Democrat laws, programs and ideas and tweak them and call them Republican. We rank and file Republicans are supposed to be ok with moral decline, ok with decades of no raises, ok with phony anti-capitalist environmental law which bilks are already depleted pockets. When the caller regained his stance he said you know I meant the 2008 & 2012 Republican establishment candidates who lacked the intestinal fortitude to challenge the Democrat candidates and the main reason why was because they held several Democrat ideas they couldn't talk their way out of immigration-McCain and healthcare law-Romney. Now despite your anger yes your anger you can't come to grips with so many more Republicans who disagree with you. Trump seems to be doing what you state we can do with Mexicans tell them how we can address their issues and win them over by the democrats failures. Instead you want to challenge us to a challenge we can't win, trying to beat the party who offers goodies with ideas. Tell me what are our ideas? Can you name one? Have you kept the military funded, no. Have you cut off funds to Planned Parenthood, no. Have you stopped, Obamacare, no. Have you offered a real solution to the border that protects natural citizens and our soviegnty? no. Republicans and Americans alike have figured out you establishment types. Cheap on the dollar, especially personally, and little else. All you offer is a lighter version of the democrat party. Your finding out when people have a choice they choose the real version, not the diet version. Its you who have changed not us. You take us for granted and now your going where you have the most in common, either the democrats or taking your ball and going home. We were told to stick with you and we did in 2010,2012,2014 now its your time to stick around and your telling us your too smart. Boy does that sound familar who is the party that tells people who don't agree with them are uneducated.

    ReplyDelete
  27. For some reason being a psychiatrist qualifies you as an expert on every humans activities and beliefs. Thank you for reminded the Deplorable's just how unwanted we really are - in your world.

    Forget your thoughts on warmongering and inability of someone, other than yourself, to make a reasonable decision. Think instead that your conclusion is that to be governed by a criminal that has no code other than enriching herself is somehow better than electing Trump. Being Jewish I would think you would not support a candidate who wants to being in more "refugees" who espouse eliminating every Jew in the world. My thought is you're more suicidal than a reasoned voter who want diplomacy above safety.

    The Elite just can't help being elite in every word and action they produce. Thank you. I take you are with you husband now since he is making a left turn, after his right turn from being left. Another Kerry flip-flopper.

    ReplyDelete
  28. There is no evidence supporting the argument that only a tiny fraction of Trump supporters is anti-semitic. Self-reporting of traits that the general population perceive as unacceptable are under reported. If Medved supports Trump, he is supporting a candidate with a base of supporters who are eight times as likely to be anti-semitic as those of the other major party candidate. Jews are free to support any candidate they wish. However, to display overwhelming anger at the candidate they reject without evidence--ironic since Jewish culture has traditionally had a great interest in the law--is pathetic. 'refugees who espouse eliminating every Jew' (please present your evidence). Calling someone a "criminal" without a legal determination of criminal status gainsays American democracy. Using terms like "elite" as derogatory applellations is ironic, since Jews have been accused of being "elite" by insinuating a negative valence to the term, which does not exist except among the poorly educated. the people who have the most wealth and status in a society :

    Merriam-Webster definition, elite: the most successful or powerful group of people, a person who is a member of an elite : a successful and powerful person

    EVIDENCE of anti-semitism among Trump supporters:

    The had seen her face superimposed on the body of a concentration camp inmate. She had been called “a slimy Jewess.” She had been told she “deserved the oven.” One anonymous individual had electronically harassed her for 19 hours straight.

    Things got so bad that Bethany Mandel, a 30-year-old freelance writer in Highland Park, N.J., decided one afternoon last spring to drive to a nearby gun shop. A mother of two small children, she now keeps a .22 in her home.

    What had she done to provoke so much vitriol? She posted some messages on Twitter drawing attention to the fact that Donald J. Trump seemed to have a lot of anti-Semitic supporters.

    In some respects, Mrs. Mandel’s story has become a familiar one. She is among hundreds of Jewish journalists who have been the target of anti-Semitic attacks on Twitter during the 2016 presidential campaign, according to a new report by the Anti-Defamation League.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm curious how you feel now. You and Michael are so transparent in your arrogance and faux intellectual superiority but are truly blind to reality. I stopped listening to Michael even before Trump came on the scene but I'm sure his audience is next to nothing now. Conservatives don't need another source for the establishment perspective which is why you and Michael are now dinosaurs.

    ReplyDelete