Everybody's Forgetting About Trump's Odd Superpower: Rick Newman, January 5, 2018 President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the...

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018

President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the scandalous new expose by journalist Michael Wolff. More than that, virtually all of Trump’s senior aides supposedly consider him incompetent and view it as their mission to save America from him.

What’s new about Wolff’s account isn’t the discord or strife evident in Trump’s White House, but the disdain Trump’s senior-most attendees apparently feel toward their boss. As the politico-media establishment piles on, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that Trump has a political superpower none of his minions or competitors possesses: A mind-meld with The Alienated American.

As everybody knows, Trump didn’t win the presidency in 2016 because of his policy ideas. And he didn’t win because of James Comey or Russian interference or f**e news on Facebook. T***p w*n because he connected with v**ers who are fed up with political elites who mostly serve their own interests. Many candidates promise change, but Trump’s blunt style and disregard for norms made him seem like he meant it. Judging by his performance in office so far, he did.

If Trump is as obtuse as his many critics and even some supporters seem to think, then how did he outsmart a huge field of experienced and well-funded candidates, including the inheritors of the Bush and Clinton political dynasties? As a reminder, Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton won the lower- and upper-income v**e—but T***p w*n the middle, including v**ers with household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Clinton won v**ers who are satisfied with government; T***p w*n those who are dissatisfied, a group that has swollen in recent years. And v**ers said they trusted Trump slightly more than Clinton on the economy.

Trump appeals to people who are tawdry and crass, as he is. But his appeal goes well beyond that stereotype. Clinton won the college-educated v**e in 2016, but Trump still snagged 44% of the v**e among college grads and 37% of the v**e among those with advanced degrees. That’s hardly nothing.

Business owners also support Trump. Important lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses—which represent big and small companies alike—broadly back Trump’s agenda, especially his push for tax cuts and deregulation. Here at Yahoo Finance, we hear routinely from business owners who feel we’re too harsh on Trump. Many are grateful that a U.S. president, for the first time in decades, is trying to plow aside a never-ending avalanche of government rules that bury many businesses.

Trump is often his own worst enemy, with a poor grasp of limits. He frequently pushes too hard or too far, alienating folks who might otherwise be in his corner. But that’s clearly part of his personality, as well as his political identity, and it underscores the authenticity that helped put him in office. Trump might be a white nationalist or a misogynist (or play one on TV), but to supporters he’s not a hypocrite pretending to be somebody he’s not, like so many other politicians. That’s why they put up with his uglier impulses.

Trump’s actual policies could hamper his appeal. The tax cuts he’s so proud of disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, which could leave the “forgotten men and women” he championed during the campaign feeling abandoned. If he follows through on promises to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports, it would push up prices, hurting working-class v**ers more than most.

Sill, anybody who believes Trump is as thick or unhinged as the Wolff portrait suggests must think he’s an i***t savant who connected with alienated Americans entirely by accident. As if Trump is some kind of Chauncey Gardner who’s not even aware he’s president.

Unlikely. Trump is not an effective political leader, so far, but he did manage to become a real-estate billionaire and a reality-show celebrity—two industries that aren’t exactly kind to dupes or knaves. True, Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy four times, but it’s also true that Trump has hundreds of businesses and most are successful. He is probably the richest president ever.

Wolff, in his book, recounts a moment in which a foreigner unfamiliar with the concept asked Trump what “white trash” is. “They’re people just like me,” Trump supposedly responded. “Only they’re poor.” Does any other politician think that way? Some cross over from the wrong side of the tracks, but that’s not really the point. Trump, who grew up well off, came from the right side of the tracks, yet somehow understands the other side. The buzzards circling around him should never forget that.

mouset783 Loc: Oklahoma

slatten49 wrote:

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018

President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the scandalous new expose by journalist Michael Wolff. More than that, virtually all of Trump’s senior aides supposedly consider him incompetent and view it as their mission to save America from him.

What’s new about Wolff’s account isn’t the discord or strife evident in Trump’s White House, but the disdain Trump’s senior-most attendees apparently feel toward their boss. As the politico-media establishment piles on, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that Trump has a political superpower none of his minions or competitors possesses: A mind-meld with The Alienated American.

As everybody knows, Trump didn’t win the presidency in 2016 because of his policy ideas. And he didn’t win because of James Comey or Russian interference or f**e news on Facebook. T***p w*n because he connected with v**ers who are fed up with political elites who mostly serve their own interests. Many candidates promise change, but Trump’s blunt style and disregard for norms made him seem like he meant it. Judging by his performance in office so far, he did.

If Trump is as obtuse as his many critics and even some supporters seem to think, then how did he outsmart a huge field of experienced and well-funded candidates, including the inheritors of the Bush and Clinton political dynasties? As a reminder, Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton won the lower- and upper-income v**e—but T***p w*n the middle, including v**ers with household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Clinton won v**ers who are satisfied with government; T***p w*n those who are dissatisfied, a group that has swollen in recent years. And v**ers said they trusted Trump slightly more than Clinton on the economy.

Trump appeals to people who are tawdry and crass, as he is. But his appeal goes well beyond that stereotype. Clinton won the college-educated v**e in 2016, but Trump still snagged 44% of the v**e among college grads and 37% of the v**e among those with advanced degrees. That’s hardly nothing.

Business owners also support Trump. Important lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses—which represent big and small companies alike—broadly back Trump’s agenda, especially his push for tax cuts and deregulation. Here at Yahoo Finance, we hear routinely from business owners who feel we’re too harsh on Trump. Many are grateful that a U.S. president, for the first time in decades, is trying to plow aside a never-ending avalanche of government rules that bury many businesses.

Trump is often his own worst enemy, with a poor grasp of limits. He frequently pushes too hard or too far, alienating folks who might otherwise be in his corner. But that’s clearly part of his personality, as well as his political identity, and it underscores the authenticity that helped put him in office. Trump might be a white nationalist or a misogynist (or play one on TV), but to supporters he’s not a hypocrite pretending to be somebody he’s not, like so many other politicians. That’s why they put up with his uglier impulses.

Trump’s actual policies could hamper his appeal. The tax cuts he’s so proud of disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, which could leave the “forgotten men and women” he championed during the campaign feeling abandoned. If he follows through on promises to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports, it would push up prices, hurting working-class v**ers more than most.

Sill, anybody who believes Trump is as thick or unhinged as the Wolff portrait suggests must think he’s an i***t savant who connected with alienated Americans entirely by accident. As if Trump is some kind of Chauncey Gardner who’s not even aware he’s president.

Unlikely. Trump is not an effective political leader, so far, but he did manage to become a real-estate billionaire and a reality-show celebrity—two industries that aren’t exactly kind to dupes or knaves. True, Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy four times, but it’s also true that Trump has hundreds of businesses and most are successful. He is probably the richest president ever.

Wolff, in his book, recounts a moment in which a foreigner unfamiliar with the concept asked Trump what “white trash” is. “They’re people just like me,” Trump supposedly responded. “Only they’re poor.” Does any other politician think that way? Some cross over from the wrong side of the tracks, but that’s not really the point. Trump, who grew up well off, came from the right side of the tracks, yet somehow understands the other side. The buzzards circling around him should never forget that.

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018 br br President Trum... (show quote)

I am sure you have a point but you keep it well hidden. Why didn't you just say "I h**e Trump" and skip all your childish jibberish? Like Doldy posts you must be playing to your base of fruit flies.

grace scott

slatten49 wrote:

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018

President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the scandalous new expose by journalist Michael Wolff. More than that, virtually all of Trump’s senior aides supposedly consider him incompetent and view it as their mission to save America from him.

What’s new about Wolff’s account isn’t the discord or strife evident in Trump’s White House, but the disdain Trump’s senior-most attendees apparently feel toward their boss. As the politico-media establishment piles on, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that Trump has a political superpower none of his minions or competitors possesses: A mind-meld with The Alienated American.

As everybody knows, Trump didn’t win the presidency in 2016 because of his policy ideas. And he didn’t win because of James Comey or Russian interference or f**e news on Facebook. T***p w*n because he connected with v**ers who are fed up with political elites who mostly serve their own interests. Many candidates promise change, but Trump’s blunt style and disregard for norms made him seem like he meant it. Judging by his performance in office so far, he did.

If Trump is as obtuse as his many critics and even some supporters seem to think, then how did he outsmart a huge field of experienced and well-funded candidates, including the inheritors of the Bush and Clinton political dynasties? As a reminder, Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton won the lower- and upper-income v**e—but T***p w*n the middle, including v**ers with household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Clinton won v**ers who are satisfied with government; T***p w*n those who are dissatisfied, a group that has swollen in recent years. And v**ers said they trusted Trump slightly more than Clinton on the economy.

Trump appeals to people who are tawdry and crass, as he is. But his appeal goes well beyond that stereotype. Clinton won the college-educated v**e in 2016, but Trump still snagged 44% of the v**e among college grads and 37% of the v**e among those with advanced degrees. That’s hardly nothing.

Business owners also support Trump. Important lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses—which represent big and small companies alike—broadly back Trump’s agenda, especially his push for tax cuts and deregulation. Here at Yahoo Finance, we hear routinely from business owners who feel we’re too harsh on Trump. Many are grateful that a U.S. president, for the first time in decades, is trying to plow aside a never-ending avalanche of government rules that bury many businesses.

Trump is often his own worst enemy, with a poor grasp of limits. He frequently pushes too hard or too far, alienating folks who might otherwise be in his corner. But that’s clearly part of his personality, as well as his political identity, and it underscores the authenticity that helped put him in office. Trump might be a white nationalist or a misogynist (or play one on TV), but to supporters he’s not a hypocrite pretending to be somebody he’s not, like so many other politicians. That’s why they put up with his uglier impulses.

Trump’s actual policies could hamper his appeal. The tax cuts he’s so proud of disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, which could leave the “forgotten men and women” he championed during the campaign feeling abandoned. If he follows through on promises to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports, it would push up prices, hurting working-class v**ers more than most.

Sill, anybody who believes Trump is as thick or unhinged as the Wolff portrait suggests must think he’s an i***t savant who connected with alienated Americans entirely by accident. As if Trump is some kind of Chauncey Gardner who’s not even aware he’s president.

Unlikely. Trump is not an effective political leader, so far, but he did manage to become a real-estate billionaire and a reality-show celebrity—two industries that aren’t exactly kind to dupes or knaves. True, Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy four times, but it’s also true that Trump has hundreds of businesses and most are successful. He is probably the richest president ever.

Wolff, in his book, recounts a moment in which a foreigner unfamiliar with the concept asked Trump what “white trash” is. “They’re people just like me,” Trump supposedly responded. “Only they’re poor.” Does any other politician think that way? Some cross over from the wrong side of the tracks, but that’s not really the point. Trump, who grew up well off, came from the right side of the tracks, yet somehow understands the other side. The buzzards circling around him should never forget that.

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018 br br President Trum... (show quote)

Thank you, Slatten, for this post. Amid all the turmoil, I sometimes wonder why I v**ed for him. You answered that question.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

mouset783 wrote:

I am sure you have a point but you keep it well hidden. Why didn't you just say "I h**e Trump" and skip all your childish jibberish? Like Doldy posts you must be playing to your base of fruit flies.

Well, since the article was not written by me, I will somehow get word to the author of his "childish jibberish." I actually thought Rick Newman wrote the article in somewhat begrudging praise of President Trump.

Oh...BTW, who the heck is "Doldy?"

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

grace scott wrote:

Thank you, Slatten, for this post. Amid all the turmoil, I sometimes wonder why I v**ed for him. You answered that question.

Mr. Newman deserves all the praise, lovely Grace. I just forwarded his well-written piece out of admiration for his "childish jibberish."*

*See Mouset783's post above.

mouset783 Loc: Oklahoma

slatten49 wrote:

Well, since the article was not written by me, I will somehow get word to the author of his "childish jibberish." I actually thought Rick Newman wrote the article in somewhat begrudging praise of President Trump.

Oh...BTW, who the heck is "Doldy?"

?
hing
How can you not know Moldy Doldy? Just like you he cuts and pastes everything and has never had an original thought. I did not see any praise of Trump either begrudging or otherwise. Besides since when would you copy anything that gave Trump the least little credit? You are still an anti Trump Lib aren't you?

Gatsby

President Trump often brings to mind the old adage, "crazy like a fox".

slatten49 wrote:

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018

President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the scandalous new expose by journalist Michael Wolff. More than that, virtually all of Trump’s senior aides supposedly consider him incompetent and view it as their mission to save America from him.

What’s new about Wolff’s account isn’t the discord or strife evident in Trump’s White House, but the disdain Trump’s senior-most attendees apparently feel toward their boss. As the politico-media establishment piles on, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that Trump has a political superpower none of his minions or competitors possesses: A mind-meld with The Alienated American.

As everybody knows, Trump didn’t win the presidency in 2016 because of his policy ideas. And he didn’t win because of James Comey or Russian interference or f**e news on Facebook. T***p w*n because he connected with v**ers who are fed up with political elites who mostly serve their own interests. Many candidates promise change, but Trump’s blunt style and disregard for norms made him seem like he meant it. Judging by his performance in office so far, he did.

If Trump is as obtuse as his many critics and even some supporters seem to think, then how did he outsmart a huge field of experienced and well-funded candidates, including the inheritors of the Bush and Clinton political dynasties? As a reminder, Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton won the lower- and upper-income v**e—but T***p w*n the middle, including v**ers with household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Clinton won v**ers who are satisfied with government; T***p w*n those who are dissatisfied, a group that has swollen in recent years. And v**ers said they trusted Trump slightly more than Clinton on the economy.

Trump appeals to people who are tawdry and crass, as he is. But his appeal goes well beyond that stereotype. Clinton won the college-educated v**e in 2016, but Trump still snagged 44% of the v**e among college grads and 37% of the v**e among those with advanced degrees. That’s hardly nothing.

Business owners also support Trump. Important lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses—which represent big and small companies alike—broadly back Trump’s agenda, especially his push for tax cuts and deregulation. Here at Yahoo Finance, we hear routinely from business owners who feel we’re too harsh on Trump. Many are grateful that a U.S. president, for the first time in decades, is trying to plow aside a never-ending avalanche of government rules that bury many businesses.

Trump is often his own worst enemy, with a poor grasp of limits. He frequently pushes too hard or too far, alienating folks who might otherwise be in his corner. But that’s clearly part of his personality, as well as his political identity, and it underscores the authenticity that helped put him in office. Trump might be a white nationalist or a misogynist (or play one on TV), but to supporters he’s not a hypocrite pretending to be somebody he’s not, like so many other politicians. That’s why they put up with his uglier impulses.

Trump’s actual policies could hamper his appeal. The tax cuts he’s so proud of disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, which could leave the “forgotten men and women” he championed during the campaign feeling abandoned. If he follows through on promises to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports, it would push up prices, hurting working-class v**ers more than most.

Sill, anybody who believes Trump is as thick or unhinged as the Wolff portrait suggests must think he’s an i***t savant who connected with alienated Americans entirely by accident. As if Trump is some kind of Chauncey Gardner who’s not even aware he’s president.

Unlikely. Trump is not an effective political leader, so far, but he did manage to become a real-estate billionaire and a reality-show celebrity—two industries that aren’t exactly kind to dupes or knaves. True, Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy four times, but it’s also true that Trump has hundreds of businesses and most are successful. He is probably the richest president ever.

Wolff, in his book, recounts a moment in which a foreigner unfamiliar with the concept asked Trump what “white trash” is. “They’re people just like me,” Trump supposedly responded. “Only they’re poor.” Does any other politician think that way? Some cross over from the wrong side of the tracks, but that’s not really the point. Trump, who grew up well off, came from the right side of the tracks, yet somehow understands the other side. The buzzards circling around him should never forget that.

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018 br br President Trum... (show quote)

oldroy Loc: Western Kansas (No longer in hiding)

mouset783 wrote:

?
hing
How can you not know Moldy Doldy? Just like you he cuts and pastes everything and has never had an original thought. I did not see any praise of Trump either begrudging or otherwise. Besides since when would you copy anything that gave Trump the least little credit? You are still an anti Trump Lib aren't you?

I used to converse with MoldyOldy all the time. Is that who you are referring to?

oldroy Loc: Western Kansas (No longer in hiding)

Gatsby wrote:

President Trump often brings to mind the old adage, "crazy like a fox".

Someone in the White House surely is that kind of crazy and I think it is surely Donald Trump.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

mouset783 wrote:

?
hing
How can you not know Moldy Doldy? Just like you he cuts and pastes everything and has never had an original thought. I did not see any praise of Trump either begrudging or otherwise. Besides since when would you copy anything that gave Trump the least little credit? You are still an anti Trump Lib aren't you?

Yes, I know of Moldyoldy, but have never read of him being referred to as 'Doldy.' Apparently, what you know of me could be written on the point of a sewing needle.

PaulPisces Loc: San Francisco

slatten49 wrote:

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018

President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the scandalous new expose by journalist Michael Wolff. More than that, virtually all of Trump’s senior aides supposedly consider him incompetent and view it as their mission to save America from him.

What’s new about Wolff’s account isn’t the discord or strife evident in Trump’s White House, but the disdain Trump’s senior-most attendees apparently feel toward their boss. As the politico-media establishment piles on, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that Trump has a political superpower none of his minions or competitors possesses: A mind-meld with The Alienated American.

As everybody knows, Trump didn’t win the presidency in 2016 because of his policy ideas. And he didn’t win because of James Comey or Russian interference or f**e news on Facebook. T***p w*n because he connected with v**ers who are fed up with political elites who mostly serve their own interests. Many candidates promise change, but Trump’s blunt style and disregard for norms made him seem like he meant it. Judging by his performance in office so far, he did.

If Trump is as obtuse as his many critics and even some supporters seem to think, then how did he outsmart a huge field of experienced and well-funded candidates, including the inheritors of the Bush and Clinton political dynasties? As a reminder, Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton won the lower- and upper-income v**e—but T***p w*n the middle, including v**ers with household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Clinton won v**ers who are satisfied with government; T***p w*n those who are dissatisfied, a group that has swollen in recent years. And v**ers said they trusted Trump slightly more than Clinton on the economy.

Trump appeals to people who are tawdry and crass, as he is. But his appeal goes well beyond that stereotype. Clinton won the college-educated v**e in 2016, but Trump still snagged 44% of the v**e among college grads and 37% of the v**e among those with advanced degrees. That’s hardly nothing.

Business owners also support Trump. Important lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses—which represent big and small companies alike—broadly back Trump’s agenda, especially his push for tax cuts and deregulation. Here at Yahoo Finance, we hear routinely from business owners who feel we’re too harsh on Trump. Many are grateful that a U.S. president, for the first time in decades, is trying to plow aside a never-ending avalanche of government rules that bury many businesses.

Trump is often his own worst enemy, with a poor grasp of limits. He frequently pushes too hard or too far, alienating folks who might otherwise be in his corner. But that’s clearly part of his personality, as well as his political identity, and it underscores the authenticity that helped put him in office. Trump might be a white nationalist or a misogynist (or play one on TV), but to supporters he’s not a hypocrite pretending to be somebody he’s not, like so many other politicians. That’s why they put up with his uglier impulses.

Trump’s actual policies could hamper his appeal. The tax cuts he’s so proud of disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, which could leave the “forgotten men and women” he championed during the campaign feeling abandoned. If he follows through on promises to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports, it would push up prices, hurting working-class v**ers more than most.

Sill, anybody who believes Trump is as thick or unhinged as the Wolff portrait suggests must think he’s an i***t savant who connected with alienated Americans entirely by accident. As if Trump is some kind of Chauncey Gardner who’s not even aware he’s president.

Unlikely. Trump is not an effective political leader, so far, but he did manage to become a real-estate billionaire and a reality-show celebrity—two industries that aren’t exactly kind to dupes or knaves. True, Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy four times, but it’s also true that Trump has hundreds of businesses and most are successful. He is probably the richest president ever.

Wolff, in his book, recounts a moment in which a foreigner unfamiliar with the concept asked Trump what “white trash” is. “They’re people just like me,” Trump supposedly responded. “Only they’re poor.” Does any other politician think that way? Some cross over from the wrong side of the tracks, but that’s not really the point. Trump, who grew up well off, came from the right side of the tracks, yet somehow understands the other side. The buzzards circling around him should never forget that.

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018 br br President Trum... (show quote)

An interesting article, Slatts, and it makes a very important point.
Hillary herself has indicated that part of the reason she lost the e******n is because she, like many politicians, did not adequately address the issues of the "Alienated Americans".

But I do think it is simplistic to assign Trump's win to that alone.
I believe Russian interference and f**e news on Facebook (and other media outlets) played a role as well.
E******n outcomes are rarely due to a single factor, and I think the Trump presidency is no exception.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

PaulPisces wrote:

An interesting article, Slatts, and it makes a ver... (show quote)

All valid points, Paul, and I generally agree. President Trump positioned himself to be in the right place at the right time and made the most of a turbulent and tumultuous political atmosphere. As Gatsby and OldRoy alluded, he was "crazy like a fox."

BigMike Loc: yerington nv

slatten49 wrote:

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018

President Trump is uninformed, gullible, mentally faltering and dangerous, if you believe the scandalous new expose by journalist Michael Wolff. More than that, virtually all of Trump’s senior aides supposedly consider him incompetent and view it as their mission to save America from him.

What’s new about Wolff’s account isn’t the discord or strife evident in Trump’s White House, but the disdain Trump’s senior-most attendees apparently feel toward their boss. As the politico-media establishment piles on, however, it’s worth keeping in mind that Trump has a political superpower none of his minions or competitors possesses: A mind-meld with The Alienated American.

As everybody knows, Trump didn’t win the presidency in 2016 because of his policy ideas. And he didn’t win because of James Comey or Russian interference or f**e news on Facebook. T***p w*n because he connected with v**ers who are fed up with political elites who mostly serve their own interests. Many candidates promise change, but Trump’s blunt style and disregard for norms made him seem like he meant it. Judging by his performance in office so far, he did.

If Trump is as obtuse as his many critics and even some supporters seem to think, then how did he outsmart a huge field of experienced and well-funded candidates, including the inheritors of the Bush and Clinton political dynasties? As a reminder, Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton won the lower- and upper-income v**e—but T***p w*n the middle, including v**ers with household income between $50,000 and $200,000. Clinton won v**ers who are satisfied with government; T***p w*n those who are dissatisfied, a group that has swollen in recent years. And v**ers said they trusted Trump slightly more than Clinton on the economy.

Trump appeals to people who are tawdry and crass, as he is. But his appeal goes well beyond that stereotype. Clinton won the college-educated v**e in 2016, but Trump still snagged 44% of the v**e among college grads and 37% of the v**e among those with advanced degrees. That’s hardly nothing.

Business owners also support Trump. Important lobbying groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses—which represent big and small companies alike—broadly back Trump’s agenda, especially his push for tax cuts and deregulation. Here at Yahoo Finance, we hear routinely from business owners who feel we’re too harsh on Trump. Many are grateful that a U.S. president, for the first time in decades, is trying to plow aside a never-ending avalanche of government rules that bury many businesses.

Trump is often his own worst enemy, with a poor grasp of limits. He frequently pushes too hard or too far, alienating folks who might otherwise be in his corner. But that’s clearly part of his personality, as well as his political identity, and it underscores the authenticity that helped put him in office. Trump might be a white nationalist or a misogynist (or play one on TV), but to supporters he’s not a hypocrite pretending to be somebody he’s not, like so many other politicians. That’s why they put up with his uglier impulses.

Trump’s actual policies could hamper his appeal. The tax cuts he’s so proud of disproportionately benefit businesses and the wealthy, which could leave the “forgotten men and women” he championed during the campaign feeling abandoned. If he follows through on promises to slap tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports, it would push up prices, hurting working-class v**ers more than most.

Sill, anybody who believes Trump is as thick or unhinged as the Wolff portrait suggests must think he’s an i***t savant who connected with alienated Americans entirely by accident. As if Trump is some kind of Chauncey Gardner who’s not even aware he’s president.

Unlikely. Trump is not an effective political leader, so far, but he did manage to become a real-estate billionaire and a reality-show celebrity—two industries that aren’t exactly kind to dupes or knaves. True, Trump’s businesses filed for bankruptcy four times, but it’s also true that Trump has hundreds of businesses and most are successful. He is probably the richest president ever.

Wolff, in his book, recounts a moment in which a foreigner unfamiliar with the concept asked Trump what “white trash” is. “They’re people just like me,” Trump supposedly responded. “Only they’re poor.” Does any other politician think that way? Some cross over from the wrong side of the tracks, but that’s not really the point. Trump, who grew up well off, came from the right side of the tracks, yet somehow understands the other side. The buzzards circling around him should never forget that.

Rick Newman, January 5, 2018 br br President Trum... (show quote)

I guess I fall into the "tawdry and crass" crowd.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

BigMike wrote:

I guess I fall into the "tawdry and crass" crowd.

Nah, Mike, you deserve a better assessment than that. How 'bout just another "alienated American

"

Lonewolf

Dumb as a stump comes to mind

Gatsby wrote:

President Trump often brings to mind the old adage, "crazy like a fox".