Trump

mrussel1 said:

PJ_Soul said:

mrussel1 said:

PJ_Soul said:

mrussel1 said:

It is a mistake for Obama not to be down there. I don't understand it and can't defend it. This statement has nothing to do with Trump

I guess I just don't see what good some figurehead who draws all the media attention actually helps anything. I suppose I'm not that sympathetic to those who actually care about this kind of shit. What they should be solely concerned about is actual useful aid for themselves and their neighbors, not someone showing up and creating a media storm and kissing some babies and shaking some hands. It's kind of pathetic that such things make any difference to people under such dire circumstances.

He is our national leader so it's important that he is there in times of trial. Plus the media, at least over last weekend was woefully indifferent to the plight. Obama going would have drawn more attention to the issue and maybe more charity. Where are the concerts, fundraisers, etc to help rebuild? I haven't heard about them.

I just read that he is going next week but he should have been there this week IMO.

Why do you think Obama going would do any of those things? Do you have any example of where just him or any president showing up at a disaster zone had that kind of impact? Looks good on paper, but I don't think those are real life results. The bigger issue for me, though, is that Trump is actually being praised for showing up as though he really gives a shit and isn't using these people for his own gain. I think it's rather despicable that he went there, but some I guess are big pushovers.

There is nothing that can be proved or disproved when someone shows, or when they don't. I don't think there is any empirical evidence that it does or does not make a difference. However, both Hillary and Obama should have been more politically astute and closed that opening. They both should have been in LA early this week, together. So regardless of whether you think it makes a humanitarian difference, it makes a political one. Trump,spent the weekend tweeting about himself and never once mentioned the flood. It was an opportunity to further widen the 'presidential' gap between Trump and the Democratic team, but they missed it.

You are completely right about Hillary and Obama not being politically astute here. I wasn't thinking along those lines. I maintain that presidents should stay away from these sorts of disasters because all they do is fuck up logistics of anyone trying to navigate through these areas. I hate it when a president comes to visit my city. It always pisses me off, since they can do absolutely nothing tangible and it is strictly for show. But if we're only talking about outward appearances, then Trump seemed to have one-upped both the front runner and the sitting president, both of whom should be infinitely more politically astute than Trump.

Obama probably should have stepped off the links, changed out of his golf shirt and addressed the residents of LA on national TV right away, letting them know that he is with them in spirit and is mobilizing all available resources to help. But I don't think he should have cancelled his vacation, dropped everything, and jumped on Air Force One.

I certainly don't use Trump as a measuring stick for anything positive! I was just referring to MRussel's observations of political expediency. No real, tangible relief can come from any political stunt like Trump's visit to LA. But unfortunately, many people are far more emotional than rational, and will use this against Obama and/or Hillary. Perhaps America really is beyond hope. I know I don't have the same degree of hope and positivity for our future that I did when I was younger. Maybe because I see that superficial bullshit seems to be more impactful than real action. I think the point is, if you are playing the game of politics (and it is just a big fucking numbers game, afterall), you better play it the best way you can and neither Hillary nor Obama did that in this case.

PJfanwillneverleave1 said:

Trump is pounding pavement.
A lost skill.

He's looking for a job, no doubt.

jeffbr said:

I certainly don't use Trump as a measuring stick for anything positive! I was just referring to MRussel's observations of political expediency. No real, tangible relief can come from any political stunt like Trump's visit to LA. But unfortunately, many people are far more emotional than rational, and will use this against Obama and/or Hillary. Perhaps America really is beyond hope. I know I don't have the same degree of hope and positivity for our future that I did when I was younger. Maybe because I see that superficial bullshit seems to be more impactful than real action. I think the point is, if you are playing the game of politics (and it is just a big fucking numbers game, afterall), you better play it the best way you can and neither Hillary nor Obama did that in this case.

You bring up the good point of emotion in this election. I feel like people are much more emotional about this election compared to usual, and that is definitely not a good thing right now.
I also feel much less positive about the future than I used to (about the world in general, not just the US), though that is mostly to do with the death grip that corporations have on us all... which leads back to politics and money/greed.

InHiding80 said:

Anyone who thinks Trump isn't doing this for publicity, I got a Hollywood sign 50 miles west of me to sell you.

And, yes, Bingo!

pjalive21 said:

Not a Trump fan but what he did for Louisiana today made Obama look like a fool...enough to criticize him on but he became the leader Obama and Clinton could not

The Governor specifically asked him not to come, just to send money if he wanted to help.

Precious resources are diverted from where they are needed in rescue and relief efforts when big-time officials visit disaster areas for photo-ops.