Inaugural Address

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(01-23-2017, 11:17 AM)Belsnickel Wrote: I think that after a tumultuous election cycle and with him losing the popular vote, he should have come out there with a unifying speech. But that is not what it was. This was a continuation of campaign speeches that we saw, and it had Bannon's fingerprints all over it. It was darker than past inaugural addresses, and it insulted all of the elected officials on the platform with him by blaming them for the darkness.

I don't think he has potential to govern effectively because I don't think he knows how to govern. He is still in campaign mode, and this is because he doesn't have the public service experience to know that once the election is over there is a switch that has to be flipped. He hasn't done that, and he's listening to people that either don't know that themselves or haven't been able to convince him.

Great take, as I have come to expect from you. All I will say is given the gridlock of the last 8 years maybe the tack he is taking is the right one - scolding those on the platform - I am sure much of middle America liked that and felt he was unified with them on that point. To me, this scolding was almost a more in your face version of Obama's constant refrain of Washington doesn't work because Americans aren't engaged - and rather then blaming Americans blaming their leaders for not rising above the apathy and impotence of the masses. And, the marches Saturday suggest he has more Americans willing to engage than Obama did. Most of America, Red or Blue, hates what is inside the beltway and the media that covers it and Trump seems to be striking that chord even as he has his opposition in the street marching against him. Something is happening...

I share your concerns about his lack of knowledge and experience, believe me. But, if he gets away from some of the fascist rhetoric (as this speech seemed to in places) and comes out with policy proposals like a jobs bill/infrastructure bill then no matter how much dems or repubs in DC hate him (and I think he draws contempt in equal parts from both sides of the aisle right now) they may be afraid not to back them and - Ho Le Chit - something positive could actually happen.

Of course, they could unite to impeach and remove him for a number of reasons, or they could unite to pass beneficial legislation, but either way, paradoxically, this seemingly crazy SOB may be a unifying force and DC sure as hell needs that.