643 Comments

You have explained this so well. Now, what can be done about these weasley men?

Expand full comment

My column last week on the same theme: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-09-12/donald-trump-unfit-hr-mcmaster-adam-kinzinger

It even mentions Tim's podcast with Adam Kinzinger at the end, on what's keeping the ex-Trump officials & other Republican poobahs on the sidelines.

Me: "Imagine the pre-election power of a news conference in which a phalanx of senior Trump advisors stood shoulder to shoulder to deliver that message, each providing first-hand examples of his derelictions of duty. What could better tip the few undecided voters against Trump than former military leaders, on national TV, giving witness to his disregard for the Constitution, the rule of law and America’s national interests? President George W. Bush, 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, among others, should join, too. We know what they think about Trump. It’s time to endorse Kamala Harris....

"Kinzinger held out hope for 11th hour surprises. So should we all."

Expand full comment

It will probably take another one hundred years before the majority of white men and some white women become honest enough with themselves and with integrity to stop the currently more permanent denial syndrome of their inherent racial bias to level critical decisions, whether on political or cultural issues for other developed democratic nations to recognize an American society worthy of praise for accepting and respecting each other as true equals.

Coming from a more genuine advanced, developed pluralistic society with citizen mutual respect and fairness, it is difficult to digest the collapse of comity and feelings of personal safety in USA, just over the past four days as result of the sickening lies told by Donald Trump and J.D Vance against blacks from Haiti of eating pets of residents in Springfield Ohio.

Even more disturbing and sinister is absence of 'public' denouncement by all State- Governor on down, local officials and a significant proportion of Ohio populace in forcefully railing against these hateful threats on 'legal' immigrants, as well as cowardice of major News media to outright condemn Trump and his sick minded MAGA cult of being ant-American and virulently racist, undeserving of leading this nation.

Such abject failure of civic responsibility is notable only in singular nation that arrogantly claims to represent "Freedom and Justice for All" (sic). I find the mediocrity of what I am witnessing hard to believe is true.

Expand full comment

I am flummoxed by these people. Only a handful have a future in politics. Many if not most of them are retired. They are intelligent and competent. They know how to look at history. Many have risked their very lives to protect us. I'm sure most think staying out of politics is the right thing to do, as it was when they were in non political positions. It is beyond comprehension that any might actually support Trump.

Maybe they are waiting for the right time. The right time has come, early voting has started.

They know the truth. They won't speak the truth. Shame on them

Expand full comment
founding

What do you expect of some old white men? They lack the courage that Liz Cheney has in her pinky finger.

Expand full comment

On the money. Speaking of which Goldman Sachs went public today with their statement that the economy under KH would get a bigger boost than with Trump’s, really no surprise.

And on your list two standouts who have already shamed themselves as far as the rights of women are concerned, Collins and Murkowski. The entire roster have allowed themselves to be bullied by someone they have no respect for. Reprehensible.

Expand full comment

I expect nothing good from Susan Collins. But I am truly disappointed by Lisa Murkowski. I believe she is an honorable person.

I do think she would end her political career in Alaska by endorsing Harris. So it's not a trivial move. And she could put her family and herself at risk of physical harm.

But I thought she had the integrity and patriotism to protect our country, even at great personal cost. Perhaps she will still step up. I'd love to see it.

Expand full comment

Liz Cheney did the right thing now. Challenge others to follow.

Expand full comment

What a total Asshole Gen. McMaster is. To take sides now would only point how wrong he was all along to support Trump. What more does this man have to say. His time and importance have passed. - Move On.

Expand full comment

So my sister and I are doing a visibility this am for a local dem, who is running against a MAGA republican. They might be out there too holding their signs. I told her do not let them push you around. Hold your own space on the street corner! Eff them, right? They are just pushy and in your face, and I’m not putting up with it. Love the podcast! I listen every day there’s a new one that drops!

Expand full comment
founding

I’m going with 3D chess. Shortly after Labor Day, these folks will start dropping Harris endorsements. A couple a day, every day for weeks. Sucks up oxygen in the news cycle. Makes Trump mad. Keeps him off message. I think that would be way more effective than a whole bunch at once that is forgotten after a news cycle or two. Think water boarding . . . Drip, drip, drip

Expand full comment

From your words to God's ear. I have been hoping that the failure of these former Trump officials would come out against him. I hope that they may have been waiting till closer to the election. I hope they start that before the first early voting ballots are in.

Expand full comment

To you, the Bullwark patriots, Thank you for your service. We so appreciate everything you do.

Expand full comment

HR McMasters is particularly guilty. He is currently on an apology tour promoting his book. He praised DJT on PBS News Hour last night. Several of his opinions were questionable and went largely unquestioned. That is worse than staying silent and apolitical as a retired service member.

Expand full comment

Perfectly said. It echoes what I’ve been thinking. My respect in dwindling for each & everyone of them. Don’t wait support her now or you’ll become the morons!

Expand full comment

Tim, I’m as avidly anti-Trump and pro-Harris as can be. I read you and listen to you and enjoy your commentary all the time. I have another and recent impression to share.

My husband is a serious historian, I am an amateur. On visit to Gettysburg in early August, we walked Pickett’s Charge with a favorite guide.

Then we decided to visit the Eisenhower home. I learned that Eisenhower’s first vote ever was when he ran for president. I know I don’t have to review this man’s phenomenal story with you. But it made me think.

It is important that our military leaders support a nonpartisan position. War is bad enough, but to add partisan concerns to leadership decision making would be a very troubling development. (Full disclosure. I am a Quaker and a longtime member of League of Women Voters.)

I would love to consider other positions. Thank you for all you do.

Expand full comment

I’m hoping that President Bush, General Kelly, Mitt Romney, Mike Gallagher, and other prominent Republicans will join Adam Kinzinger, Olivia Troye, Geoff Duncan, and others in endorsing Harris, only doing it during the last 2-3 weeks before the election, maybe the most impactful time! Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger were among the earliest Republicans to put their country before party, thus becoming forever heroes!

Democracy will only survive with at least 2 functioning parties, but for now the Trumpians must be defeated so the legitimate Republican Party which believes in the peaceful transfer of power can return in 2028!

Expand full comment
founding

Started reading the HR McMaster article in the Atlantic last night and was just shocked! I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I guess you can take him off your list. We know where he stands.

Expand full comment