Trump Roller Graphic By FReeper Smoothsailing.
May He Rest In Peace
Posted on 01/29/2017 4:49:06 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
We can't stress this enough: Watch closely the specific, substantive moves of the Trump White House. Try to block out the white noise of outlandish statements and unforced errors, and the hyperventilating they provoke.
Otherwise, you miss the big — and in some cases, radical — changes coming our way. In fact, White House officials tell us they welcome what seem like needless distractions, because it allows them to jam through transformative, disruptive ideas and orders without focused public scrutiny of any particular item. (Remember the justified conflict-of-interest hysteria?)
Read the weekend papers, and flick through cable, and the unambiguous conclusion is that Trump's debut was pretty much a debacle. But was it?
If you examine what he did based on what he wants to do and ignore much of what he says for show, this was actually a remarkably productive start. By the White House's count, 13 presidential actions in first week tied to specific campaign promises.
No doubt, the fears of his critics are real and could easily be realized. We could see a trade war with Mexico, or retaliation for his ban on people coming from seven Muslim nations, or other leaders exploiting Trump's inward focus and impulses.
But from the point of view of the president's brain trust, he's getting his way, and, with each passing day, more Republicans and outside leaders seem to be falling in line, even as critics rage. This is more a bulldozer than a runaway train.
Political, business and even union leaders buckled... The CEOs and labor leaders who met with Trump walked away mainly impressed with the new president's economic plan and willingness to play ball. Inside the room, Trump was in full deal mode. Several of the attendees — most of whom were not supporters of Trump — said they found his approach refreshing compared with President Obama's more rigid, frustrating style. These visitors all have a vested interest in having their dealings with the White House being as normal as they can, so everyone seemed to accept the new reality. Like members of Congress, the business leaders all fear the tweet or taunt that could hurt their professional interests. So they succumb.
... taking the global stage... For all the talk of Putin love, the diplomatic highlight of this week was the White House visit by British Prime Minister Theresa May, a fellow beneficiary of the global populist wave. Their press conference and working luncheon went off without a gaffe, and now Trump plans to visit the U.K. later this year. He talked via phone with Putin, but did the same with more traditional allies. They all need the United States, so like CEOs or union bosses they have huge incentive to behave like all is normal.
...securing the base... He locked down some of his most fervent backers by exceeding their expectations with policies and promises. Case in point: He won strong, loyal support of Christian conservatives by sending Vice President Pence to the March for Life rally, restricting U.S. funds for abortion-related services overseas and telling the Christian Broadcasting Network that Syrian Christian refugees should get preference in coming to America. Hard to imagine these voters turning on Trump anytime soon.
...Republicans fell silent — and in line. All those who ridiculed the Muslim ban during the campaign — from Speaker Paul Ryan on down — stayed largely silent as it took effect and left some refugees literally stranded at airports. Ryan and others refuse to comment when Trump says things that makes them uneasy, brushing it off as Trump being Trump. This pattern has broken what was once a very credible wall of critique and opposition. A senior Republican member told us that Trump holds real power over congressional Republicans (especially the House) — the likes of which he's never seen. Nobody wants to be the first to cross him. Hence, the nothing-to-see-here-folks silence.
So far, Trump is owning the policy debate: There is broad agreement now to fund his wall (even if U.S. taxpayers foot the bill), repeal Obamacare and replace it with something that protects coverage for the sick and poor, and pursue the tax reform and infrastructure plans Trump has promised. He banned Syrian refugees and suspended those from specific Muslim countries, just as promised during the campaign, and started his crackdown on illegal immigration. He withdrew from a major overseas trade deal and made plain NAFTA is headed for serious renegotiation. And he ordered a housecleaning of federal regulations, and paved the way for two big pipeline projects to resume.
As the next week begins, never forget how effortlessly people in power can normalize, rationalize and bargain away their core beliefs in pursuit of the bottom line. It's one of the most captivating story-lines of the Trump era.
The down side is, I now firmly believe the RATs are willing to forgo any SCJ during DJT’s time in office. Hope I’m wrong, but they are going into delay-delay-delay. It’s the only card they have left.
Saudi arabia is financing syria safe zones...trump cant ban their people when they are cooperating with us. Take that libtards
No, I do not.
I remember a bunch of morons having tiny fisted tantrums over things that they did not give a flip about before.
One thing I have noticed, what Candidate Trump would have the press talking about for a few days is now President Trump have them talking on one subject for an hour, then President Trump comes out with something else for an hour...the media, lolol, doesn’t know what to report on!!!
Heads are exploding everywhere! They literally can’t keep up. This is better than July 4th, I’m in West LA behind enemy lines, I wake up every morning excited about what will tick them off today!
Trump Roller Graphic By FReeper Smoothsailing.
May He Rest In Peace
Yep, a bulldozer and the press can lay down in front of it like Rachel Corrie
Operating inside the LSM OODA loop.
I hope there is more change. A Lot more change.
This is one of those sneaky hit pieces disguised as clear-eyed analysis. The nothing-to-see-here shtick was the last 8 years. People aren’t bulldozed or afraid of Trump. They’re getting in line behind a LEADER.
What we have here...is a Paradigm Shift.
Damn! Getting low on popcorn.....Heading for the grocery store...
Trump has made ZERO errors since starting this campaign.
I’m sick of this “unforced errors” garbage by people that don’t understand anything about how he got elected . . . and what they thing they know is WRONG.
I think he needs to be careful. Hoffa was on tonight and he had a really sleepy smile on his face. I think rather than give a $hit about the American worker I think the first thing he will do is try to hold industry hostage again.
That’s one of the reasons they moved out of the country
#MoveRepublicansMove
We demand other Republicans meet Trump’s performance.
Start demanding Republicans get moving or ridicule them.
I am starting to see a method in this mayhem — DJT wants to assure a safe America without illegals before he can start the big program of infrastructure improvement. Why refurbish the country when there are still so many unwanted living here?
A simple majority is required, unless filibustered. Then, nuclear option.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.