Politics

[mdwest]

Interesting spin on Trump’s rhetoric.

Discombobulating - Bill's Weekly Column - Bill O'Reilly

President Trump has two hobbies: golf and creating confusion. The formal name for the latter is 'discombobulate.' The first month of the second Trump term has featured the following in no particular order. Threatening to invade Panama. Musing about taking over Gaza and Greenland. Suggesting...

www.billoreilly.com

I grew tired of Oreilly several years ago… but I have to give him credit… there are some obvious, astute observations here that seem to give people fits, but should also be understood by anyone with even a small bit of intelligence…

His statement that Trump is at his core a deal maker, but is also someone that gets bored easily is spot on in my opinion…

And the bombastic nature of his rhetoric is right in line with his lifelong negotiating/deal making strategy… he wrote about it extensively 35+ years ago in Art of the Deal..

These are traits that have served him well his entire life… we shouldn’t have any expectation of them changing..

All of that said, while he is certainly taking the US on a bit of a wild ride this time around… I think we also have to recognize that he has morphed and changed a good bit in other ways since his last time in office… which tells us he is capable of learning and “fixing” things he believes are broken..

Looking not only at who he’s tapped for key leadership positions this time, how he’s managing relationships in the house and in the senate, how he’s managing relationships with the cabinet, and how he’s “tweeting” now (he still loves social media, and loves going on the attack… but there’s a whole lot less name calling and making fun of people and a lot more direct, clear attacks on actions/activities).. tells me he’s changed at least in the surface quite a bit…

 

[Red Leg]

I grew tired of Oreilly several years ago… but I have to give him credit… there are some obvious, astute observations here that seem to give people fits, but should also be understood by anyone with even a small bit of intelligence…

His statement that Trump is at his core a deal maker, but is also someone that gets bored easily is spot on in my opinion…

And the bombastic nature of his rhetoric is right in line with his lifelong negotiating/deal making strategy… he wrote about it extensively 35+ years ago in Art of the Deal..

These are traits that have served him well his entire life… we shouldn’t have any expectation of them changing..

All of that said, while he is certainly taking the US on a bit of a wild ride this time around… I think we also have to recognize that he has morphed and changed a good bit in other ways since his last time in office… which tells us he is capable of learning and “fixing” things he believes are broken..

Looking not only at who he’s tapped for key leadership positions this time, how he’s managing relationships in the house and in the senate, how he’s managing relationships with the cabinet, and how he’s “tweeting” now (he still loves social media, and loves going on the attack… but there’s a whole lot less name calling and making fun of people and a lot more direct, clear attacks on actions/activities).. tells me he’s changed at least in the surface quite a bit…

Would be interesting to know how accurate "The Art of the Deal" actually is. It was ghost written or coauthored by Tony Schwartz who receives 50% of the royalties for the book. He has also claimed Trump had little actual input. Obviously, Trump disagrees.

From X

"The Art of the Deal" was credited to Donald J. Trump with Tony Schwartz listed as a co-author. Tony Schwartz, a journalist, has claimed he was the primary writer, stating that he crafted the book based on extensive interviews and observations of Trump, with Trump providing minimal direct input beyond some edits. Trump, however, has maintained that he was actively involved in its creation, asserting it as his own work. The book, published in 1987 by Random House, reflects a collaboration where Schwartz did the bulk of the writing, shaping Trump's voice and experiences into the final product. The exact extent of each person's contribution remains a point of contention between the two.

 

[mdwest]

No doubt in my mind someone else wrote it… the way it reads isn’t much like how Trump communicates or talks…

What the book describes in terms of negotiation strategy is pretty close to what Trump does though, whether Trump wrote the words or not.. and the book describes in detail several large scale deals Trump negotiated to demonstrate the execution of those tactics and strategy (MGM, Trump Tower, etc etc)…

So I guess for me, it doesn’t matter if Trump wrote,or if someone else observed his actions and activities, interviewed him, and wrote it… it serves as a very good road map for how Trump has operated historically, with examples dating back to the late 70’s..

Compare and contrast what was written in the book to what’s going on today.. and there’s a whole lot of similarities… someone (whether Trump or Schwartz) seems to have gotten “right” who/what Trump is and how he functions as a negotiator…

 

[Red Leg]

No doubt in my mind someone else wrote it… the way it reads isn’t much like how Trump communicates or talks…

What the book describes in terms of negotiation strategy is pretty close to what Trump does though, whether Trump wrote the words or not.. and the book describes in detail several large scale deals Trump negotiated to demonstrate the execution of those tactics and strategy (MGM, Trump Tower, etc etc)…

So I guess for me, it doesn’t matter if Trump wrote,or if someone else observed his actions and activities, interviewed him, and wrote it… it serves as a very good road map for how Trump has operated historically, with examples dating back to the late 70’s..

Compare and contrast what was written in the book to what’s going on today.. and there’s a whole lot of similarities… someone (whether Trump or Schwartz) seems to have gotten “right” who/what Trump is and how he functions as a negotiator…

We'll find out. For the moment I am going to continue to go by what comes out of his mouth and what actually happens. O'Reilly reads like rationalization and many other comments around the web as a form of hopium.

He again made his prediction that he, Xi, and Putin would get together and cut defense spending in half. Utilizing a truly astounding negotiating tactic, he has unilaterally begun that process with DOD. Someone will have to explain how that particular form of chaos theory works.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

We'll find out. For the moment I am going to continue to go by what comes out of his mouth and what actually happens. O'Reilly reads like rationalization and many other comments around the web as a form of hopium.

He again made his prediction that he, Xi, and Putin would get together and cut defense spending in half. Utilizing a truly astounding negotiating tactic, he has unilaterally begun that process with DOD. Someone will have to explain how that particular form of chaos theory works.

The whole decrease in defense spending deal is utterly baffling. No less baffling than the climate people wanting China to decrease emissions thinking they actually will

 

[Doubleplay]

If Trump continuous on the same path with Ukraine and DOGE we might start seeing some resentment from the Republicans in the house and the senate imho.
Some of them up for election in strongly contested districts.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

If Trump continuous on the same path with Ukraine and DOGE we might start seeing some resentment from the Republicans in the house and the senate imho.
Some of them up for election in strongly contested districts.

Yea in two years.. The American people have short term memories. A week is forever these days. I’m guessing there will be significant progress on that front soon.

 

[mdwest]

If Trump continuous on the same path with Ukraine and DOGE we might start seeing some resentment from the Republicans in the house and the senate imho.
Some of them up for election in strongly contested districts.

Maybe… but… maybe not…

We’re already seeing several red states implementing a state level DOGE…

Most of Trumps base is not just on board with what’s going on, they are ecstatic about it…

Centrists are showing some concern… but most appear to still be incredibly grateful we’re not dealing with the first 30 days of Kamala…

The D’s continue to double down on what lost the last election.. they just made David Hogg the vice chair of the DNC… that tells you everything you need to know…

D contributions are down… many polls and studies are showing youth becoming more right leaning than they have been in generations…

The mid terms won’t just be about Trump satisfaction.. they will also be about D dissatisfaction..

If the D’s can’t get their shit in order over the next 12 months, the mid terms won’t go well for them..

Right now they appear to be far from getting their shit together…

 

[Red Leg]

If Trump continuous on the same path with Ukraine and DOGE we might start seeing some resentment from the Republicans in the house and the senate imho.
Some of them up for election in strongly contested districts.

It is already starting a bit in the senate where the federal cuts are expected to hit certain states harder than others. Cutting defense is another issue entirely as Clinton discovered attempting to take the "Peace Dividend" following the Cold War. Many congressional districts could see real economic impacts. For instance, Texas would inevitably be a major bill payer. Then again, it was republicans standing up for defense in those days against democrats trying to gut it.

All of this is happening right now, so there will be time for the actual impacts to be felt prior to the midterms. We'll see if MAGA enthusiasm has that sort of sustained momentum.

I would simply note that many traditional conservatives went along with MAGA and Trump wholly or in part because of Trump's promise to revitalize defense. Should he instead gut it by nearly 50% those voters could stay home.

 

[Ed Lally]

There’s never any guarantees… but Musk IMO is about as corruption proofed as anyone can be…

What’s going to motivate the corruption?

He’s already the wealthiest man on earth… he doesn’t need the money..

He’s already one of the most recognizable people on the planet… he doesn’t need the fame…

He’s already one of the most powerful and influential people on the planet… there’s not much more power or influence for him to obtain..

And he has m

There’s never any guarantees… but Musk IMO is about as corruption proofed as anyone can be…

What’s going to motivate the corruption?

He’s already the wealthiest man on earth… he doesn’t need the money..

He’s already one of the most recognizable people on the planet… he doesn’t need the fame…

He’s already one of the most powerful and influential people on the planet… there’s not much more power or influence for him to obtain..

The easiest way for the postal service to save money would be suspend Saturday mail delivery but the union won’t go for that.
Closing some of the smaller offices would help to. Within 5 miles of my house I have 3 post offices. That’s a little overkill.

Residential delivery could be 3 times a week. Most important business “mail” is FedEx or UPS. Except for a few bills that still come in the mail, 80% is soon recycled trash. We don’t need the current level of service.

 

[lwaters]

I been asking some Maga people who work civil service at Ft Riley if they will be able to tell Musk what they did in the last 5 days. I hear they all will get a letter. Get rid of all these small town post offices and cut that snap and Medicaid that all these small town people are on and send me that check for 5000.

 

[Tanks]

If Trump continuous on the same path with Ukraine and DOGE we might start seeing some resentment from the Republicans in the house and the senate imho.
Some of them up for election in strongly contested districts.

Bannon and some senators are already up in arms about Medicaid cuts.

 

[lwaters]

And he has m



Residential delivery could be 3 times a week. Most important business “mail” is FedEx or UPS. Except for a few bills that still come in the mail, 80% is soon recycled trash. We don’t need the current level of service.

That is true we definitely don't need Saturday delivery. Also what the heck does the post office have to support the postal inspection service. Does UPS or FEDEX have to have their own police force? There is a lot of cutting that could be down in the postal service and it isn't the guy with a mail bag on his shoulder or a windows clerk.

 

[Red Leg]

Bannon and some senators are already up in arms about Medicaid cuts.

Yep, the Freedom Caucus strikes again. Lots of Republicans are balking at this, and obviously it would offer a clear roadmap for the Dems to resurrect their champions of the working poor role. Moreover, Trump has signaled with a bunch of his usual bold caps his support of it and disdain for the Senate version that leaves the program largely alone leaving little ambiguity behind which to hide.

The question is whether he is really this duplicitous about a campaign promise (made over and over again) or he simply doesn't know what is actually happening? Again, someone will have to explain this "strategy" to me.

Senator Hawley among others is not entirely happy.

Trump Just Endorsed Sweeping Medicaid Cuts

Remember when Donald Trump promised not to touch Medicaid? He’s already flipped.

www.yahoo.com

GOP Sen. Josh Hawley Warns Against 'Massive' Medicaid Cuts: 'I Don't Like The Idea'

The Missouri Republican said large cuts to Medicaid would harm many people who voted for President Donald Trump.

www.yahoo.com

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

Given entitlements are our main drivers of debt they need to be drastically cut

 

[lwaters]

Bannon and some senators are already up in arms about Medicaid cuts.

Bannon knows that a large amount of Trump supporters are rural white snap and Medicaid people. The biggest welfare receptacles in the nation. It's a well kept secret

 

[mdwest]

That is true we definitely don't need Saturday delivery. Also what the heck does the post office have to support the postal inspection service. Does UPS or FEDEX have to have their own police force? There is a lot of cutting that could be down in the postal service and it isn't the guy with a mail bag on his shoulder or a windows clerk.

FedX actually does have a HUGE security department that includes investigative units among other things… the chief security officer for FedX has historically been a retired FBI SES, and the chief of each of its various security units are typically retired senior law enforcement administrators (deputy chiefs, etc) from the Memphis metro area…

Many of its various “security” units are comprised of either retired law enforcement officers or currently serving reserve law enforcement officers that have the authority to work under the “color of the badge” and retain law enforcement privilege and jurisdiction while working at FedX…

One of their investigative units in particular is truly a best of class organization… I’d put the quality of their work and their capabilities up against the Postal Inspectors Service any day (many of them are former postal inspectors)…

 

[Red Leg]

Given entitlements are our main drivers of debt they need to be drastically cut

Clearly. But a lot of his rural voters, many in red states, will not agree.

 

[lwaters]

FedX actually does have a HUGE security department that includes investigative units among other things… the chief security officer for FedX has historically been a retired FBI SES, and the chief of each of its various security units are typically retired senior law enforcement administrators (deputy chiefs, etc) from the Memphis metro area…

Many of its various “security” units are comprised of either retired law enforcement officers or currently serving reserve law enforcement officers that have the authority to work under the “color of the badge” and retain law enforcement privilege and jurisdiction while working at FedX…

One of their investigative units in particular is truly a best of class organization… I’d put the quality of their work and their capabilities up against the Postal Inspectors Service any day (many of them are former postal inspectors)…

I never really knew FEDEX had a security force . I wonder if UPS does. One thing they both don't have is an office in about every small town in America. Actually they both would hate to see the post office downsize as the post office delivers all the advertisements that benefits them both.

 

[mdwest]

I never really knew FEDEX had a security force . I wonder if UPS does. One thing they both don't have is an office in about every small town in America. Actually they both would hate to see the post office downsize as the post office delivers all the advertisements that benefits them both.

Absolutely true…

The FedX model is incredibly efficient… whereas the USPS is bloated and poorly designed…

The govt could learn a lot by taking a deep dive into FedX and seeing how they do what they do…

Their hub (Memphis), and spoke and wheel model for domestic service is definitely much, much better than the discombobulated mess that is the USPS..

They also outsource a LOT of their requirements, which not only helps small/mid sized businesses.. but also makes FedX much more efficient..

They stick to doing what they do well (getting packages where they belong in a timely manner).. any support they need to do that, that isn’t directly tied to the mission, often gets outsourced.. where someone that is better at “it” and more efficient at “it”, etc can typically do it cheaper/faster/better…

They’re not a perfect business… but they are definitely a well oiled machine…