44 Comments
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Chuck Scott's avatar

When I heard Bondi say, "all the good things Trump has done" I wanted to scream at my computer!! He has done nothing good for Americans, everything he does is self-serving. He has done more to destroy America than any foreign spy could ever hope to do. On that note and I am not one for conspiracy theories, but the only thing that makes sense is that he is a Russian asset and Melania is his KGB handler.

Nancy's avatar

I actually won't be able to listen on February 24. I'll read about it because I want to be informed, but I can't actually sit (or stand or recline) and listen to him proclaim his toxic nonsense! We are sliding toward the need to clap forever or be charged and thrown into prison. I'm, however, holding on to the idea that too many of us are holding onto the Constitution and not to the coattails of DJT!

Charles's avatar

My recommendation for anyone who plans to watch or listen to the "lie-filled" State of the Union to have a barf bag handy - just in case.

Jennifer Raymond's avatar

You nailed it: "Bondi showed us all the new pledge of allegiance."

Allison Gustavson's avatar

This moment of unstoppable applause is among the most visceral and chilling descriptions of the descent because it is so profoundly relatable. Every single one of us can imagine we are in that room, doing the Good Will Hunting calculations as to if/when to stop clapping. It puts us inside the story, unforgettably.

Nan's avatar

Great observations of the circus.

Charles's avatar

Yeah! But the circus is supposed to be fun. This circus is more like a non-stop horror show!

Cynthia Archer's avatar

Such a simple, but powerful observation, Miles. Bravo! I find their tributes disgusting, but this comparison to praise for Stalin was fire! I won't be able to not see it now, but I'm not sure I can watch the State of the Union. That's why I count on folks like you to give me the highlights.

Dawn's avatar

Here is the straight line progression or regression: Trump & Epstein admire Putin. Putin admires Stalin -- In fact he wants to restore that Soviet Union vision of the world order. Under Stalin, it was not just the political class that had to feign outward admiration of Stalin. Regular people were terrorized by family members or neighbors turned informants on behalf of Stalinism; the targeted were tortured and/or disappeared to gulags in Siberia. Small businesses and farms were confiscated by the state. I recommend this well- documented book by Orlando Fige, "The Whisperers."

Marc Panaye's avatar

Drump is the greatest at cheating all his wives.

Drump is the greatest at bankrupting his own casino's.

Drump is the greatest at having to settle for running a fake university.

Drump is the greatest at stiffing practically all of his contractors.

Drump is the greatest at cheating at golf.

Drump is the greatest at stealing Nobel peace prizes.

Drump is the greatest at stopping imaginary wars.

But organizing and succeeding a coup? Hiding $130K hush money to a porn star? Lowering the price of groceries? Developing a healthcare plan?

Not so great, really not great at all.

Al Keim's avatar

Rather than not attending democrats should walk out during the state of the union address. Each at the particular point of their choosing as to what lie is one more than they will accommodate.

Robot Bender's avatar

What ever happened to shouting "You lie!" as a certain Republican legislator during one of President Obama's SOTU speeches? The entire Democratic delegation should do that and walk out. Decorum be damned.

Jane B's avatar

Thank you, Miles. Excellent piece. Easy easy easy to understand....

Alan Johnston's avatar

Excellent insights today, Miles. You've connected all the dots from Stalin to Bondi to the cabinet to Trump. Your analysis is very believable. And, yes, it's scary as hell.

MUSA💙💙💙USAM's avatar

As I read this, it was more than a little 🤮in my throat. The psychotic maniac’s vile cretins have trashed the 1st amendment. Free speech isn’t kissing someone’s backside because you’re afraid of the bus that is headed right at you if you don’t.

The psychotic maniac’s little speech ‘turning the page’ invited every f’ng pedophile to come to America, if you have the cash we will protect you. What happened to getting rid of the worst criminals. He all but escorted the f’ng Tate brothers to America. Trump’s officially made America a shithole country.

Star Aasved's avatar

Trump's expectation of his minions, that they will praise unreservedly and unceasingly, is bad enough, but that they actually do it is the stuff of nightmares. The hold he has over them has to be deeper than them wanting to keep their jobs. What other "advantage" do they believe they have?

SPW's avatar

She may as well have been trump sitting there excoriating Democrats and otherwise being completely absurd in her responses. Same difference. Interchangeable. Carbon copy of a person with too much power for the brain power needed for the job. The more they both talk, the deeper the hole they dig. I think this country is finally waking up to the mess we are all finding ourselves in. I’m sure the SOTU will show the sycophants still clapping but their numbers leaving tell the real story.

Nancy's avatar

Thank you, Miles. The story of the applause is very chilling and very relatable to the current regime.

Sbara's avatar

Great insight. Thanks Miles!

Daughter of Danu's avatar

This is exactly as you described with the prescribed amount of clapping necessary to show loyalty to trump. He eats it up as the self-proclaimed dictator of the United States. Republican politicians are clapping in unison. How long can the Democrats and Independents hold out against this demand? Long enough to impeach the president is my hope.

Ana warner's avatar

I've watched a couple of the cabinet meetings and its nauseating. He sits there and dozes while they all prostrate themselves and try to outdo one another with their ridiculous praise. It's just ridiculous and so embarrassing to watch...so I quit watching.

Bondi can't talk clearly with trump's thang in her mouth!!