The unique perspective and provocative opinions of Joe O’Neill
Trumpster Diving
Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott–who is up for re-election next year–appears to be going all out to build a border wall between his state and Mexico. Polls show it has appeal. He’s even soliciting private donations. No word yet, however, on whether naming rights is an option. If so, why not “1-800-Ask-Gary”? Or see if Steve Bannon is still interested. Recall his “We Build the Wall” group that was charged by the DOJ with defrauding donors.
“I would not want to see a former president testifying in such a situation as this, but if that’s what it takes in order to get to the bottom of this—because this is more than one person.”—House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., on the possibility of requiring Donald Trump to testify before the new select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“The fact that Trump is a sociopath, a person without a conscience who is incapable of recognizing the inherent worth of other human beings, makes him the enormous danger he is. Trump has the worst of all worlds—psychotically grandiose and utterly uncaring about the harm he causes others. He is basically psychologically the same as the many infamous, cruel tyrants we know from recent and remote history.” Dr. Lance Dodes, analyst emeritus at the Boston Psychoanalytic Society and Institute.
“(Trump) has animated people around those social and racial, cultural, cleavages. That keeps people enthused. It’s sad, but it is the case that that is going on.”—Faiz Shakir, Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign manager.
Trump is suing Facebook, Twitter and Google over claims that he was wrongfully censored. Legal consensus: Not much chance of success. Political consensus: Another base-pleasing, publicity stunt to keep his name and cause in the news cycle.
The “Biden Depression”: That’s what Trump warned of if he were not re-elected.
“Medical brown shirts”: That’s how Rep(rehensible) Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Congresswoman, has characterized those leading the effort to get more Americans vaccinated.
“Patriots.”—Trump’s ongoing synonym for Capitol rioters.
Toyota has announced that it will stop donating to Republicans who disputed the2020 presidential vote. It was shamed by an ad campaign by the Lincoln Project.
“Trump will never stop talking to reporters, authors, random Mar-a-Lago visitors or anyone else who happens to be in earshot. Talk is who he is. It’s all he is.”—CNN political commentor Chris Cillizza.
“White fright: the sweet spot for manipulating the MAGA multitudes.” Veteran Republican strategist Mac Stipanovich, who’s now a registered NPA.