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Trump declares it's 'time to join forces' to fix U.S. problems

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By JULIE PACE

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Maybe he stayed on script this time...

Still, the promises made before Congress were full of holes just like his campaign promises. The president and GoP doesn't have any plans. They only have feelings and catch phrases.

It will take at least a year before the legislature does anything. Probably best because they are setting themselves up to lose the next senate race.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

...skipped the personal insults he so often hurls at his opponents.

That was the sole difference between this and one of his campaign speeches. All unicorn-rainbow, no specifics. The promises he's made tonight are just going to complicate the job of the GOP congress.

I look forward to seeing his budget. Perhaps it will be written in crayon.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Sorry, trump -- you can't unite people with a worse than "my way or the highway" approach, and not even lead by example, but spit on the idea of it. The US has never been more divided than it is under Trump, and it's not the people that need to change. Hell, even GWB is demanding Trump give up and give in on certain issues, like tax returns. We all have to pay taxes, why does Trump get to skip out? If he isn't, why not share that fact? That's just one example.

1 ( +9 / -8 )

The president asks for 'the time for small thinking' to be over, and to 'join forces to finally get the job done and get it done right'.

The problem is that while he says those things in a speech, he contravenes them in his actions outside that speech.

People are not going to follow your words if you do not follow them yourself. What he is asking for is good, but he needs to take action to get those things to happen.

Stop decrying the news. Stop getting hung up on the Oscars. Be a noble man, and people will follow. Be a petty man and people will belittle.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

I'm bored of American politics now.

I prefer watching my kids argue about who wrote on the wall. Much the same thing.

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Nutty performance art. One minute reading the teleprompters line about 'the artificially high price of DRUGS' (Trump's emphasis), then stopping to do an Elvis style finger pointy thing to someone in the audience without any explanation. Who was he signalling to that is so concerned about high drug prices? Don't all these congresspeople already get the best taxpayer provided health care?

Or the little aside about how he refused an offer to ride one of the five hogs that Harley Davidson parked on his lawn. Way to promote US products by refusing to set his butt on one. And he wants customers outside the US to spend their life savings on a Harley why exactly?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Now Trump sounds like just another standard mold politician, how disappointing

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@dcog9065 - I think the reality of the job is finally starting to settle in.

@Strangerland - I agree with your first post above. His speech was not so bad actually (surprisingly enough), but it is the deeds (or misdeeds) that concern me as you pointed out. Many of the things he said were said by President Obama as well (investing in infrastructure, investing in inner cities, etc.). Bill Clinton talked about closing / protecting the southern border. The problem is either the deeds of the leaders do not follow their words or they refuse to work together on issues. The Democrats remained seating during this speech. I believe the same happened to President Obama in the past.

I do not trust President Trump and I am concerned about the way he carries on. The fact that his speech was decent has not changed my opinion. As an American I wanted Obama to succeed (especially related to the promises of fixing the U.S. inner cities) and I want Trump to succeed at this promise as well. I am not confident it will happen however.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

while he says those things in a speech, he contravenes them in his actions outside

Not at all, he has taken action on almost everything he said he would

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Thought that was a well-crafted, even unifying speech that most politicians from either side would have been proud to deliver (for the most part). Problem is Trump wasn't born today and 18 months of DT's tweets, attacks, rants, lies etc have taught us NOT to take him at face value. Let's see if tomorrow's Trump is the same as what we got today.

Still don't get his 'insurance for everybody' healthcare approach though and will always prefer a medicare/ social security system a la Obamacare (but different) i.e. it's govt/nation's responsibility to look after all its members health, no one else's.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Almost coughed up a lung when Trump shed a tear for the poor overregulated coal mines.

@dango bong, by accomplishments, do you mean signing executive orders with an 'electric pen' (another knee slapper phrase from Trump)?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Many of the things he said were said by President Obama as well (investing in infrastructure, investing in inner cities, etc.).

Obama put his reputation on the line by acknowledging such spending would be paid for with a combination of debt and new taxes. Trump has so far made no indications on how he would pay for this (it wouldn't be debt; it wouldn't be new taxes - it's this vague "public/private partnership" that most economists have called BS on).

Bill Clinton talked about closing / protecting the southern border.

Take a look at the budget and staffing figures of the boarder patrol - their rapid increase began during Clinton's presidency. Didn't work. The wall won't work. It is a highly complex issue which, politically, composes intramural factions on each side. To state it can be solved by building a wall is idiotic according to experts.

Which promise would you like Trump to succeed at - infrastructure? the wall? Of course, all people of good will desire success even of rivals, but when you see a person in a position of responsibility that effects you, your family, and your loved ones driving towards a cliff, their intentions are insufficient. Reminds me of what Ohio Governor Kasich said after meeting Trump the other day: "When you're a passenger, you always root for the pilot." True - unless the pilot is someone like Andreas Lubitz.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Owens’ widow sat in the guest box with tears streaming down her face as the crowd stood and applauded at length.

Chicken-in-Chief™ shamelessly exploiting a woman (video)? We are surprised.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/us-navy-seal-ryan-owens-killed-meet-donald-trump-full-investigation-a7604031.html

(Note Bill Owens Sr.'s absence).

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Obama put his reputation on the line by acknowledging such spending would be paid for with a combination of debt and new taxes.

And look where it got us. Trump has started the daunting task of reducing the debt Obama created by accomplishing hardly anything except icon status among Dems. Even that was not enough to get H elected even after fixing the primaries and running against the least liked person in American political history.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

@Laguna - My answer is below but I will ask; would you like President Trump to succeed at any of his promises?

As stated, the one I would like him to succeed at primarily is dealing with the U.S. inner cities and the inequities therein. I am doubtful this will happen but if it does I think it would greatly benefit the U.S.

Regarding the border - it sounds like from your statement the best solution is to do away with it; perhaps a North American Union. I am not in favor of that but if you are I would understand (it would look like the EU I guess).

Regardless, I do not see much of this happening anyway as our political parties, and it seems the American people, have lost the ability to work together and listen to each other.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

succeed at primarily is dealing with the U.S. inner cities

I thought this was what Obama was going to accomplish 8 years ago? No?

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

...would you like President Trump to succeed at any of his promises?

Which promises would those be? Sure, if he could provide "great, great" healthcare to a larger number of people at a lower cost, count me in. Do you see any concrete plans pointing in that direction? All I see is providing worse healthcare to fewer people at greater cost. It is very simple math: unless health care costs are reduced (and neither Trump nor the GOP congress have made any mention of mechanisms to do this), reducing subsidies will necessarily increase costs to those subsidized.

Or the border. Please do not make this a false binary - one can be concerned about the porous border and advocate solutions to alleviate these concerns without going whole-hog for a wall, which even most border patrol agents oppose.

Or infrastructure. This is similar to healthcare. Trump and the GOP congress refuse to spend government money on revitalization. Instead, the idea is to essentially privatize infrastructure. Problems: ownership is complex (local/state/federal and often mixed); profitable targets are few; and those that do exist would then require tolls, which are both regressive and very expensive to collect compared to, say, a tax on gasoline.

So - yes, I hope to see him fail. In fact, I expect to see him fail. He has not even reached agreement with his own party, not to mention the American citizenry as a whole. He makes vague promises which to date have never been filled with concrete legislation. His statements are on a daily basis contradicted by those of his own cabinet members - bad: Who do you believe? What is actually administration policy?

If you have any clue, please let Trump's appointees and the Congress know because they seem to have as little clue as anyone else.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Dango bong - President Obama did make that statement. The U.S. inner cities still have many problems, for whatever reason and not much was accomplished. I will applaud the first President that can provide whatever leadership is required to fix these problems, regardless of political party as inequities still do exist.

The end of last year the New York Times had a good article on what is happening in Chicago (the U.S. 3rd largest city). I would like to see this trend reversed. Although the article primarily addresses crime, I think education and jobs would be a good starting point to fix this issue. These problems are not unique to Chicago.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/28/us/chicago-murder-rate-gun-deaths.html?_r=0

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Not at all, he has taken action on almost everything he said he would

If by action you mean waving his hands around and tweeting, then yes, he has taken action .Budgets and congress are needed to do what he says he would do.

EOs don't really do much and most were platitudes, I want to build a wall, I want to ban Muslims from entering the country, I want to increase border officers, I want to defund planned parenthood funding going to Mexico, ....

Besides, where is the drained swamp? Let me guess, it takes time.... Well, his hiring decisions were very cozy with the swamp monsters. He could have taken action there.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

The guy has barely been in office a month and a half. Half of that time has been taken up by Democrats and their silly #resist movement and name calling. Tonight the American people could really see what the Democrats are doing to the country by not only hoping that Trump fails but actively trying to make that happen.

It wont be much longer before the Dems will have to start supporting the American people or be replaced in the next election. I noticed that some Dems in states that Trump won were even clapping when Trump entered the Congress. Even CNN is starting to come around with positive reviews of the speech and the direction that Trump is trying to go.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Oh, also, on national security: Even many in the military, delighted as they would be to have greater funding, do not want to see it come at the expense of international aid and the State Department (which, even with massive cuts, would only pay for a portion of his proposed increase). Also, how does he expect to get around the budget caps? Has he provided any guidance to his congressional cohorts?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Trump loves to glorify himself and will take advantage of any opportunity to do so; even going so far as to use the widow of slain soldier Owens to draw applause. He also loves to blame others for his inefficiency and bumblings. For example, he says that the military operation he ordered was put together by Obama, yet, he takes the credit it for being a "successful mission".

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Look at what he does, not what he says.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The dems will never join forces with the repubs. If Trump succeeds the dems are finished, if he fails the dems share the blame.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Every time Trump spoke of bringing jobs to America, improving education, making the streets safe, or anything about trying to make the US better, the Democrats just sat on their thumbs and responded: "No, I'm not into it".

Trump was truly Presidential tonight and I think for the Democrats a very bitter pill to swallow.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

@Laguna - I remember when Rush Limbaugh was spouting out he hoped Obama failed. He explained he hoped for failure based on the fact that there was a philosophical disagreement with the agenda. I am assuming your reason for hoping that Trump fails is the same.

As for me, I hoped Obama would have been able to accomplish some of the things he set out to do and similarly the things Trump said that I agree with I hope he succeeds at accomplishing those.

@SuperLib - You are correct. Let's see what actually gets done (or does not get done) - in the end this is what will actually matter.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Pelosi looked so old and worn out next to Trumps positive and optimistic view of the future of the U.S.A. She really needs to step aside and let some fresh, younger and more hungry Democrats take over, otherwise just say good bye to the Democratic party for awhile.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"the Democrats just sat on their thumbs and responded: "No, I'm not into it""

That was their BS detector working. The know that the streets are actually a lot safer than before, after the crime rate has been on a decline for the past 20 years. The people who applauded to such comments were ignorant or want to incite fear to further their own political ambitions.

http://www.factcheck.org/2016/07/dueling-claims-on-crime-trend/

2 ( +5 / -3 )

if he fails the dems share the blame. ah No if he fails hell be kicked out of the white house, probably by a Democrat POTUS

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/28/politics/trump-speech-fact-check/index.html

CNN says it is true that "The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century,"

Dems basically didnt applaud for anything at all, even the positive things that everyone agrees will be good for America.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I totally agree with the infrastructure rebuilding and fixing Obama uncaring, but not the military buildup.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

I remember when Rush Limbaugh was spouting out he hoped Obama failed. He explained he hoped for failure based on the fact that there was a philosophical disagreement with the agenda. I am assuming your reason for hoping that Trump fails is the same.

Partially. For example, Trump initiated the process yesterday to cancel Obama's EO regarding clean water rules. I certainly hope that fails. I don't agree with his wall shmeel. I vehemently disagree with his plan to gut crucial programs to fund a 10% increase in Pentagon spending that has already risen 45% since 2001. This has nothing to do with who is president; if Obama had proposed the same, I would have also disagreed.

Another poster above had extolled Trump's speech for calling for "bringing jobs to America, improving education, making the streets safe" - naturally, I would be pleased if he were able to do any of these. Respectively, however, reducing trade, reducing income for education, and completely ignoring the gun scourge (notice zero mention of that recently?) are not steps that I believe will help him achieve his goals.

Do not lump Dems in with the recalcitrant Repubs of 2009. The latter were the ones who fought tooth and nail against a healthcare plan based on a plan drawn up and instituted by their very own 2012 nominee. Dems (whether to their advantage or not) tend to be more practical.

Of course, this is very early in his term, but I have seen zero movement towards initiatives that I would support.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

A lot of people liked that Trump moderated his tone/speech

Sources say that's Ivanka influencing

1 ( +1 / -0 )

CNN says it is true that "The murder rate in 2015 experienced its largest single-year increase in nearly half a century,"

Was there a spike between 2015 to 2016? Yup. Are the murder rates still well below historic numbers? Very much so.

Keep in mind, this is a correction from Trump's previous claim that murder rates were higher than they ever have been in nearly half a century. Why is he trying to make America look more dangerous than ever, when the opposite is true?

https://www.statista.com/statistics/191219/reported-violent-crime-rate-in-the-usa-since-1990/

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Specifically, the armed forces.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So the "American Carnage" is all over then?

Okey-dokey.

I'm not sure if it's real or pretend bi-polar disorder.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Trump corrected/clarified his comments with what he said tonight. As I didnt live half a century ago, I dont care what the murder rate was then, I care what it is now and which way it is trending.

What I do know, and what has been proven true, is that there were more murders in 2015 than there were in 2014. And not just a few more, but a LOT more. Once the 2016 numbers are out, I wouldnt be surprised to see that has also increased by about 8% more over 2015.

This increase is expected per the research here: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/u-s-cities-experienced-another-big-rise-in-murder-in-2016/

So we can play around with numbers, and claim it is safer than 50 years ago. Or we can do something about it when the 2015 and 2016 stats will show show murder up 25% or so over the last 2 years.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

It was great. I felt sorry for McCain - there wasn't a hole deep enough for him to crawl into. The democrats looked silly glued to their butts wearing the white garb. Thank you Mr. President for reminding Americans in sharp contrast the difference between leadership and losership!

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

I just read he told people there is going to be a Victims of Immigration Crime Office. Really? He is scaremongering with that and that is all. Yes, I think all sides need to join forces but in order for that to happen he actually needs to start listening.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I have not been around that long but I have been around long enough to know that one thing is true,and that is there are what people say and then there is the truth! Also actions speaks louder than words,and until you execute the actions your words are meaningless. Seems like in the minds of some people a speech is automatically going to make everything magically get better overnight,as if well crafted phrases and keywords or gestures are somehow enough to solve all the problems. TRumpy wants to undo the ACA which many of his supporters are benefiting from ,yet he has no concrete replacement in place,wants to repeal or rescind everything but no alternatives in place. Now he expects everyone to believe he is genuinely concerned about unifying the nation and is somehow willing to work with the people he clearly despises? I am just gonna kick my feet up and enjoy my popcorn.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Oh, sure, join forces.

Join forces with the guy who says he's the least anti-Semitic person, but also that Jews are faking the threats they've been getting from Neo-Nazi Trump supporters.

Join forces with the guy who says he's the least racist person, but who also appointed an education secretary who thinks Jim Crow segregation of schools was a great example of "school choice".

Join forces with the guy who says he supports the troops, but then when an operation goes bad under his watch, it's suddenly the generals' fault.

Join forces with the guy who consistently uses his position as President to enrich himself and his cronies at the expense of the American people.

Join forces with the guy who keeps saying he wants to bring our troops home, but is also trying to get a 9% military budget increase that the military says it doesn't want or need.

Join forces with the guy who labels every news organization that reports something unflattering about him as an enemy of the people.

Yeah. Seems likely. /roll

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

A lot of people liked that Trump moderated his tone/speech

Sources say that's Ivanka influencing

No attacks, no insults

He stuck to the script and didn't deviate from the teleprompter

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@Blacklabel

"So we can play around with numbers, and claim it is safer than 50 years ago"

20 years ago. You're the one playing around with the numbers. And no, we don't need to "claim" anything when the evidence is right there.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

What I do know, and what has been proven true, is that there were more murders in 2015 than there were in 2014. And not just a few more, but a LOT more.

One year does not a trend make. We need a few years to determine whether it's a trend, or an anomaly.

And regardless, the one year is hardly the same as Trump claiming murder rates were the worst in half a century.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Join forces with who ? Russia ?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

When did half a century become 20 years? Also it's going to be 2 years in a row once the numbers are released, that is pretty clear. Also somehow the 49 people killed in the Orlando nightclub are not considered to have been murdered and are not included in the 2016 numbers.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Also it's going to be 2 years in a row once the numbers are released, that is pretty clear.

Um, if the numbers haven't been released, how exactly is it clear?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Because the people who were murdered in 2016 are in fact dead already. The link I posted shows the numbers will most likely be higher when officially released based on confirmed deaths in the larger cities.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Or we can do something about it ...

Blacklable, that kind of thinking makes you an expert on the subject based on the criteria the Trump team has produced thus far. It could all be such a beautiful world if we would only DO something about it! Brilliant! - why has no one else never considered this?!

...uh - any suggestions about what to do? (Don't go after restricting access to firearms - that's a non-starter.)

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sorry, trump -- you can't unite people with a worse than "my way or the highway" approach,

Ok, so either Trump just bypasses those people, because the people that don't like him will never like him so why try, just do your job and ignore the idiots, very simple. He's the president.

and not even lead by example, but spit on the idea of it. The US has never been more divided than it is under Trump,

Well, it started under Clinton and has been getting worse, but for the life of my, I just don't know what the Dems expect out of this. The man is not going to get impeached, so y'all just need to chill for a bit.

and it's not the people that need to change.

The haters, they don't need to change and neither the Democratic party, unless they ever hope to win anything again.

Hell, even GWB is demanding Trump give up and give in on certain issues, like tax returns.

Bush didn't DEMAND anything, why do you guys exaggerate like that?

We all have to pay taxes, why does Trump get to skip out? If he isn't, why not share that fact? That's just one example.

Just because he didn't show his taxes doesn't mean he didn't pay them, now if the left wants to throw out baseless accusations, fine, but it is irresponsible of them to do so without having ANY evidence, just pure speculation.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

This is the problem with Trump's statements. We should be talking about how to tackle crime but instead the debate is about whether he lied a lot or lied a little in his statistics. Its a useless distraction from a man who should be expected to know what he's talking about.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Ok, so either Trump just bypasses those people, because the people that don't like him will never like him so why try, just do your job and ignore the idiots, very simple. He's the president.

The problem, as we'll soon see, is that "the people" who hate him are actually to an important extent congressional members of his own party, and he cannot "do his job" if he ignores them. It is not simple at all, contrary to what he'd thought coming into the job.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

This is the problem with Trump's statements. We should be talking about how to tackle crime

Oh, really, so what do you suggest as to how to tackle crime?

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

The link I posted shows the numbers will most likely be higher when officially released based on confirmed deaths in the larger cities.

That link does seem to point in that direction. But I'll wait to see the numbers before agreeing it to be true.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Oh, really, so what do you suggest as to how to tackle crime?

Didn't you listen to Trump's speech? In a nutshell, we have to DO something about it, and then all will be glorious.

It is that simple.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

No one has considered doing anything about it. Ohama sure didn't do anything at all in his home of chicago. Most of the people here haven't seen enough people murdered yet to decide that the rate is actually going up since 2014.

So what to do? 1. Admit there is a murder problem 2. Identify who is doing the murdering without being afraid to name by group name, religion or race 3. Provide resources to law enforcement to enforce the laws 4. Pass legislation that actually punishes violent crime 5. Work with community leaders of same race/group/religion to implement anti gang anti drug programs for youth 6. Eliminate illegal alien violent criminals by deportation 7. Provide work training to violent criminals not on life sentence while in jail to give them a skill set other than criminal or thug.

But instead people just want put head in the sand and say it's safer now or that it's too soon to see a trend.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

so either Trump just bypasses those people, because the people that don't like him will never like him so why try, just do your job and ignore the idiots, very simple.

Seems Trump agrees with you, seeing as he said Why not join forces to finally get the job done and get it done right?

Oh, really, so what do you suggest as to how to tackle crime?

Well continuing on Trump's comments above, to tackle the issues, the two sides need to come together. And you know what the biggest barrier is to that? Demonizing the other side and spouting stuff like 'The XXX always does YYY' and 'Give me a break, when have XXX ever cared about YYY?' and 'XXX have never cared about YYY'.

As long as the two teams see each other as the enemy, they will never come together. And as long as they aren't working together, they can never properly tackle big issues like crime.

Admit there is a murder problem

When has anyone ever said that murder isn't a problem?

instead people just want put head in the sand and say it's safer now

The world is safer now than it has ever been. Ever.

That doesn't mean it can't get better. But it does mean that we shouldn't give into hysteria and start acting irrational as a result.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

In an appeal to American optimism, Trump declared, “The time for small thinking is over.” Still, he employed dark language to describe the threat posed by “radical Islamic terrorism”

Yes, lets use rosy, feel-good language to describe the animals

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Didn't you listen to Trump's speech? In a nutshell, we have to DO something about it, and then all will be glorious.

Sounds like his approach to health care as well. We'll ensure everyone, and do it for cheaper, with better service, and not raising taxes to do so. It's a winning situation all around!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Laguna MAR. 01, 2017 - 09:10PM JST Didn't you listen to Trump's speech? In a nutshell, we have to DO something about it, and then all will be glorious. It is that simple.

Well, simpletons voted for remedial answers to complex problems. But even simpletons will expect to see the unicorns they've been promised at some point. But much like Trump's tax returns, they'll never materialise....

After an 8 year absence we're back to "deficits don't matter". Republican "arithmetic" live from the Asylum. Massive spending and tax cuts. Expect the deficit to balloon like never before....

1 ( +2 / -1 )

As long as the two teams see each other as the enemy, they will never come together. And as long as they aren't working together, they can never properly tackle big issues like crime.

That is very true but when the Democrats can't even applaud unifying principles like putting Americans first it takes their little protest too damn far and they will get negative optics from it. The murder rate is increasing primarily in inner cities, which is where the help needs to be concentrated. The problem with Chicago is that although more police are being hired the number of stops and arrests is going down dramatically. So there is definitely room for more effective action on both sides.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

That is very true but when the Democrats can't even applaud unifying principles like putting Americans first

This is an exact example of the rhetoric I'm speaking of. I would bet that the large majority of Americans do believe in putting Americans first, they just don't agree with the methods by which Trump is trying to do so. Yet your statement pigeonholes the entire democratic side into a one-dimensional group, which you then demonize for not following the keywords that you've chosen the way you choose.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It is fascinating, Madverts. Trump seems to have confused pretending to be president to actually being president - you know, making tough policy choices, packaging them in at least minimally bipartisan ways, and helping to strategize how to move them through congress. To date, Trump has signed a few EOs - and that is about it. He hasn't staffed his departments, he hasn't fleshed out any plans, he's been more a hindrance to his congressional colleagues than anything else - hell, even the go for the Yemen raid was apparently made from his dinner table at Mar-a-Lago.

It's only been six weeks, but Trump's merry-go-round of tweets, rallies, exorbitant promises often mutually exclusive proclamations (most later undercut by "clarification" from his underlings), and campaign speeches gussied up as policy addresses is getting stale. Already stale - at six weeks.

Seriously: What is next? Well, congress will be back in session, and at least the substance of their work will provide a welcome distraction from the White House circus. But I doubt Trump has anything other than a rehashing of the above to offer.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

"We all have to pay taxes, why does Trump get to skip out? If he isn't, why not share that fact? That's just one example."

"Just because he didn't show his taxes doesn't mean he didn't pay them, now if the left wants to throw out baseless accusations, fine, but it is irresponsible of them to do so without having ANY evidence, just pure speculation"

Speculation and irresponsibility? As speculative and irresponsible as birtherism, the belief Obama is a Muslim or the anti-Christ?

Next to that barking mad and sinIster nonsense, I think asking for proof that someone paid their taxes is a very reasonable request. In fact, outside of the lunatic fringe, it is seen as a reasonable request.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

This is an exact example of the rhetoric I'm speaking of. I would bet that the large majority of Americans do believe in putting Americans first, they just don't agree with the methods by which Trump is trying to do so.

I'm talking about the lack of visual support of members of Congress during those portions of the speech that called on them to perform what is arguably their most fundamental duty which is looking out for their interests of their own countryman and constituents above all else. But it is nice that the one giving a response at least temporarily appeared to forget what party he was representing -- "I’m a proud Democrat, but first and foremost, I’m a proud Republican, and Democrat, and mostly, American,"

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I'm talking about the lack of visual support of members of Congress during those portions of the speech that called on them to perform what is arguably their most fundamental duty which is looking out for their interests of their own countryman and constituents above all else.

Don't forget, there is still a lot of latent anger, from things like calling Obama a "liar" during one of his speeches. It's not a one-way street. Republicans did a lot of really nasty stuff over the past eight years, and to just expect that to go away without making an effort to atone for it, well, it's not going to happen. You speak of looking out for their countrymen above all else, well that goes for the Republicans as well. If they want to repair things and do the best for their countrymen, they need to make some amends for the past eight years, same as the Democrats need to both be open to such atonement, and to show willingness to support the new president if he does a good job, and keep criticisms to his actions rather than outright disrespect moving forward.

To be honest, I'm not hopeful of it happening from either way. But nothing will change if it doesn't.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I'm talking about the lack of visual support of members of Congress during those portions of the speech that called on them to perform what is arguably their most fundamental duty which is looking out for their interests of their own countryman and constituents above all else.

Don't forget, there is still a lot of latent anger, from things like calling Obama a "liar" during one of his speeches. It's not a one-way street. Republicans did a lot of really nasty stuff over the past eight years, and to just expect that to go away without making an effort to atone for it, well, it's not going to happen. You speak of looking out for their countrymen above all else, well that goes for the Republicans as well. If they want to repair things and do the best for their countrymen, they need to make some amends for the past eight years, same as the Democrats need to both be open to such atonement, and to show willingness to support the new president if he does a good job, and keep criticisms to his actions rather than outright disrespect moving forward.

To be honest, I'm not hopeful of it happening from either way. But nothing will change if it doesn't.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Many posters here are very passionate. Very Nice! Me? Snook season has opened on the Space Coast, I need to get a $2 tag for Snook fishing. Trump gave a speech? Why? Anyway, time to go. Have a great evening Japan! We love you!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

heralding a "new chapter of American greatness" This is starting to sound more like North Korean rhetoric unlike Obama's position of a rational debate and cool-headed politics.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

...perform what is arguably their most fundamental duty which is looking out for their interests of their own countryman ....

Oh, puh-leeze. Aside from the "You lie!" smear from a GOP congressman exactly eight years ago and GOP Senate McConnell's vow to "do everything possible toe ensure Obama is a one-term president," we have fresher wounds. Trump inviting Scalia's widow was one. How 'bout the Dems follow that "most fundamental duty which is looking out for their interests of their own countryman" by emulating the GOP and inventing a procedural rule out of thin air: Let's say that no president can appoint a Supreme Court member if he/she were not elected with a plurality.

Sounds like looking out for their interests of their own countryman, doesn't it?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Yeah Trump, let's all hold hands and be friends. Let's forget about the little things like you not showing whether your business dealings and tax info are legal or not. He should write a sequel to his book, 'The Art of the Deal' titled, 'The Art of the Steal.'

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Laguna : How 'bout the Dems follow that "most fundamental duty which is looking out for their interests of their own countryman" by emulating the GOP

Perhaps with some relentless investigations into Trump's ties to the Russian dictator and his involvement in the election?

How quickly "they" forgot Benghazi....

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Who wants to join me and raise a glass in support of the great speech President Donald Trump gave to Congress? To Donald !

Oh my...

A New Chapter: Trump's Epic Address to Congress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc0PTPQZFh8

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

"There is long historical precedent for a Supreme Court with fewer justices" said Ted Cruz a scant few months ago. Running on eight - an even number - would be a bit unwieldly, but if another justice retires, I'm sure they could motor on smoothly with seven until 2020, when we will most hopefully have a president elected with at least a plurality.

Seriously - why not? Even Reid didn't go so far as to invoke the "nuclear option" (prohibiting filibusters) for SCOTUS nominees. The Repubs doing so would underline their mendacity.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Didn't you listen to Trump's speech? In a nutshell, we have to DO something about it, and then all will be glorious.

libs enjoy stretching the truth like silly putty, but still quite amusing.

"We all have to pay taxes, why does Trump get to skip out? If he isn't, why not share that fact? That's just one example."

Do you have verifiable proof he didn't? If so, please show us.

Speculation and irresponsibility? As speculative and irresponsible as birtherism, the belief Obama is a Muslim or the anti-Christ?

Ok.... has nothing to do with the question I asked you, I don't fall under that category, I never did. So please answer the question if you can.

If you can't, it wouldn't surprise me in the least.

That is very true but when the Democrats can't even applaud unifying principles like putting Americans first it takes their little protest too damn far and they will get negative optics from it. The murder rate is increasing primarily in inner cities, which is where the help needs to be concentrated. The problem with Chicago is that although more police are being hired the number of stops and arrests is going down dramatically. So there is definitely room for more effective action on both sides.

I agree, but so far, the liberal policies of Chicago in over 40 years has not changed a single thing and the violence has only worsened and as long as the people of Chicago keep voting for these liberal politicians, just like in California, nothing will ever change and the Black murder rate will go on and on and on.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

it's govt/nation's responsibility to look after all its members health, no one else's.

No. You are wrong. In the USA, individuals are responsible for their own health. Nowhere does it say in the Constitution that health care is to be provided by the federal govt. Nowhere. If that is what citizens want, then they need to amend the Constitution. Otherwise, it is the federal govt overreaching into our lives and the US Supreme Court should have killed that law already.

Let's be clear, the affordable care act is not care and not affordable. If we think things are screwed up now, just let the govt get MORE involved.

If a state wants to provide health care for it's citizens , fine. Go for it.

The US is a country of laws, not "feelings." Perhaps there is a moral requirement to care for each other, but there isn't a federal govt requirement to do so.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Perhaps there is a moral requirement to care for each other, but there isn't a federal govt requirement to do so.

No. Just make the world's yuuugest military budget 9% biglier.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

As the cameras panned across the Democrat seats, the looks of the faces of Pelosi and the rest of the left said it all. They were caught in a cage and could not get out as Trump gave such a wonderful patriotic speech and put them in their place.

This man has the makings of a truly great president and I believe he will prove to be all of it.

Oh my...

Krauthammer: This should have been Trump's inaugural address

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4G0XUeJYS9o>

A New Chapter: Trump's Epic Address to Congress

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc0PTPQZFh8

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Krauthammer: This should have been Trump's inaugural address

Totally agree. His inaugural address was a disaster, all black and bleak. This would have been much more suitable - at least it was slightly uplifting. He was graded on a very easy curve, though, given his history: all he had to do was stick to the TelePrompter and restrain off-the-cuff remarks and he'd get passing marks.

For the purpose at hand, though, it was worse than nothing. A quick look at Politico shows GOP factions already squaring off against each other trying to parse Trump's obliqueness. Was going to quote some but too numerous. The WTF look on Pelosi and other Dem faces didn't come out of nowhere - it was a response to 70 minutes of words devoid of content. Brings back memories of Kremlinology from the '70s - except back then, the Politburo probably had a policy.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I just think we'd all save a lot of time if we didn't have the exhausting task of correcting all of Trump's misstatements and flat out lies. And it would be helpful if Trump supporters stepped up and challenged him rather than enabling that kind of behavior.

What's it in for you?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

What is "great" about America? Absolutely nuthin' -- say it again.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I just didn't get the THUNDEROUS standing ovation when Trump announced the "First Lady" to the Congress. I mean, what does she ever do that's so impressive, and important for the country?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

He knows how to speak like liberal. He family was best friend of Clinton family. When Melanie slowly walked inside, camera moved to liberals and Democrats area. Both siide were giving kindly loud ovation. Standing ovation. UuS congress membefs know etiquette.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Totally agree. His inaugural address was a disaster, all black and bleak.

Ok, that's a typical left response, anything new?

This would have been much more suitable - at least it was slightly uplifting. He was graded on a very easy curve, though, given his history: all he had to do was stick to the TelePrompter and restrain off-the-cuff remarks and he'd get passing marks.

The left would NEVER give him passing marks. Come on now! LOL

For the purpose at hand, though, it was worse than nothing. A quick look at Politico shows GOP factions already squaring off against each other trying to parse Trump's obliqueness.

Quoating Poltico? How about using quotes from msnbc or the NYT at least they have a bit of a better reputation.

Was going to quote some but too numerous. The WTF look on Pelosi and other Dem faces didn't come out of nowhere - it was a response to 70 minutes of words devoid of content. Brings back memories of Kremlinology from the '70s - except back then, the Politburo probably had a policy.

Pelosi? We all gave the WTF look when she said, we have to sign the ACA to know what's in it. At this point, Pelosi should do the same thing Harry Reid did, retire and leave the rest of us alone.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Making a direct appeal for bipartisanship, Trump turned to Democrats and said, “Why not join forces to finally get the job done and get it done right?”

Democrats, now firmly ensconced in the minority, sat silently while Republicans stood and cheered. Some wore blue, pro-health care buttons that read “Protect our care,” and dozens of Democratic women wore white in honor of the suffrage movement.

LOL. "Now firmly ensconced in the minority". That must be a nice way of saying, "2nd Place". Or maybe "last place"?

It must now be obvious that the Democrats will never work with the Republicans. Not the current crop of elected Democrats, anyway. Their constant whining will be heard for at least the next two years. Welcome to the future. The Republicans will just have to move upward, and onward, without the Dems.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

The problem is obvious. The resolution is obvious. The U S A is the maker of it`s own misfortune. Let them flounder in their own misery. For every action, there is a equal and opposite reaction. As a nation of substance the USA now has no global value R I P (not)

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Trump declares it's 'time to join forces' to fix U.S. problems

He is right, only he does not realize that..US problem is Trump now.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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