I don’t want to be compared to the narcissist in chief, but if I outlive him, I’ll scream in delight from the rooftops about it when he drops and risk seeing him in hell when I arrive.
Will Saletan’s writing here is both courageous and necessary. In a moment when outrage often replaces reflection, he does something far more valuable, he calls attention to the quiet erosion of basic decency in our political culture.
What stands out most is not just the criticism itself, but the clarity and restraint with which it’s delivered. Saletan doesn’t rely on exaggeration; he simply holds a mirror up to what’s happening and trusts the reader to recognize it. That kind of writing takes confidence, and integrity.
More importantly, this piece isn’t just about one moment or one individual. It’s about standards, what we tolerate, what we excuse, and what we’re willing to normalize. Saletan reminds us that leadership is measured not only by power, but by character, and that silence in the face of cruelty is, in itself, a choice.
Thoughtful, incisive, and deeply human, this is exactly the kind of journalism we need more of right now.
No, this is not the behavior of a normal human being. And it isn’t just the silence of the Republicans. It’s the way it’s reported - USA Today’s article talked about Mueller’s “feud” with Trump. Excuse me?
There was no feud. There was Mueller doing the job Trump’s AG appointed him to, never responding to the relentless attacks while Trump lied and disparaged an honorable man.
USA Today had been weakly reporting news in the most both siders manner possible for years. Putting it on the bottom of a bird cage is an insult to the bird.
So he’s a narcissistic victim bully who has coercive control over the Republican party. Thanks Will. Love your writing. This one pissed me off royally. Speaking of royal, attend your local No Kings this weekend!
Voters vote for candidates to whom they can relate. Trump is always speaking to his base, really not anyone else. And the MAGA base? They're just like Trump. When he insults the dead, they laugh. They think it's funny and a sign of Trump's strength: Trump is not restrained by the conventions of civil society, he "speaks his mind." This, they think, is strength. Because for too long, they had to abide by the rules of decency that govern day-to-day affairs, and they found it exhausting. Along comes Trump. He insults troops. He insults prisoners of war. He insults mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, immigrants, historical figures (long dead) - etc. And MAGA is liberated. That is his source of power.
Trump insults the dead because the dead can't fight back. It is what cowards do. he is always quick to insult or be cruel people who cannot or will not fight back, because it is safe--and he is a coward.
This piece made me research the differences between narcissists and sociopaths. There is a lot of overlap between the two, though they are not the same. Shared characteristics:
Lack of empathy and conscience.
Highly charming and manipulative.
Sense of entitlement.
Tendency to gaslight or blame-shift.
Differences:
Motivation: Narcissists crave validation and admiration to feel superior. Sociopaths are driven by thrill, personal gain, or simple pleasure, often without a long-term goal.
Behavioral Approach: Narcissists tend to be more calculated, striving to maintain a polished image. Sociopaths are more reckless, impulsive, and disregard laws or safety.
Reaction to Others: Narcissists care deeply about how they are perceived and can be devastated by perceived insults. Sociopaths often do not care what others think, unless it hinders their immediate goals.
Manipulation: Narcissists use manipulation to enhance their self-image, whereas sociopaths may manipulate or cause harm simply for enjoyment.
Trump really seems to embody both characteristics. Then I came across another term: the narcissistic sociopath. Bingo: that is Trump to a T.
And his party is just about as sociopathic and subhuman as well. God only knows where they end up, when their stint in power is over. Maybe where Trump says John Dingell now is? Sorry, but not sorry.
The first part concerning Trump himself is repeating ad nauseam what we all know for ages now (I would add the mockery of the handicapped journalist, though). The second part is slightly more investigative material, but also becoming ad nauseam each and every time theses things happen. One man and his private life and deeds, ok; but thousands and millions of careers for ever destroyed is really rich.
Will, So glad you didn't let this story sink into the sunset. It is the most depraved thing a human can do when they denigrate the dead. Unfortunately, I think defending someone who does it, is infinitely worse. The Republicans are not running a party, they're running their own funeral procession. The cancer that is Donald Trump is spreading among them and it's incurable. He better have plans to have his grave guarded 24/7, it's gonna need it. Unfortunately, his kids probably have other ideas, like trying to sell tickets. As a side note, I wish Kristen Welker just one f-ing time, calls her guest whether Scott Bessent, Vance or anyone else from this administration the f-ing lying, disgusting assholes they are.
Yes, but.... I had a temporary step parent, on the day of the burial, I showed no dis respect, but had some special good bye for him. He had shoved my mother down a flight of stairs, chased her vehicle once in another vehicle. And my Mom was not young at the time.
bitterness, I know. And I try to get away from it, every year on his former birthday I quietly, just to myself, say. Good, he left ( he outlived her and got a huge ins settlement , by 14 years. I'm surely not a perfect Christian, and I'm not that jerk who is supposed to act like a dignitary.
I don’t want to be compared to the narcissist in chief, but if I outlive him, I’ll scream in delight from the rooftops about it when he drops and risk seeing him in hell when I arrive.
Empathy?? For TRUMP? no
Will Saletan’s writing here is both courageous and necessary. In a moment when outrage often replaces reflection, he does something far more valuable, he calls attention to the quiet erosion of basic decency in our political culture.
What stands out most is not just the criticism itself, but the clarity and restraint with which it’s delivered. Saletan doesn’t rely on exaggeration; he simply holds a mirror up to what’s happening and trusts the reader to recognize it. That kind of writing takes confidence, and integrity.
More importantly, this piece isn’t just about one moment or one individual. It’s about standards, what we tolerate, what we excuse, and what we’re willing to normalize. Saletan reminds us that leadership is measured not only by power, but by character, and that silence in the face of cruelty is, in itself, a choice.
Thoughtful, incisive, and deeply human, this is exactly the kind of journalism we need more of right now.
One word for me describes him: indecent.
No, this is not the behavior of a normal human being. And it isn’t just the silence of the Republicans. It’s the way it’s reported - USA Today’s article talked about Mueller’s “feud” with Trump. Excuse me?
There was no feud. There was Mueller doing the job Trump’s AG appointed him to, never responding to the relentless attacks while Trump lied and disparaged an honorable man.
USA Today had been weakly reporting news in the most both siders manner possible for years. Putting it on the bottom of a bird cage is an insult to the bird.
So he’s a narcissistic victim bully who has coercive control over the Republican party. Thanks Will. Love your writing. This one pissed me off royally. Speaking of royal, attend your local No Kings this weekend!
Voters vote for candidates to whom they can relate. Trump is always speaking to his base, really not anyone else. And the MAGA base? They're just like Trump. When he insults the dead, they laugh. They think it's funny and a sign of Trump's strength: Trump is not restrained by the conventions of civil society, he "speaks his mind." This, they think, is strength. Because for too long, they had to abide by the rules of decency that govern day-to-day affairs, and they found it exhausting. Along comes Trump. He insults troops. He insults prisoners of war. He insults mothers, fathers, sons and daughters, immigrants, historical figures (long dead) - etc. And MAGA is liberated. That is his source of power.
Trump insults the dead because the dead can't fight back. It is what cowards do. he is always quick to insult or be cruel people who cannot or will not fight back, because it is safe--and he is a coward.
This piece made me research the differences between narcissists and sociopaths. There is a lot of overlap between the two, though they are not the same. Shared characteristics:
Lack of empathy and conscience.
Highly charming and manipulative.
Sense of entitlement.
Tendency to gaslight or blame-shift.
Differences:
Motivation: Narcissists crave validation and admiration to feel superior. Sociopaths are driven by thrill, personal gain, or simple pleasure, often without a long-term goal.
Behavioral Approach: Narcissists tend to be more calculated, striving to maintain a polished image. Sociopaths are more reckless, impulsive, and disregard laws or safety.
Reaction to Others: Narcissists care deeply about how they are perceived and can be devastated by perceived insults. Sociopaths often do not care what others think, unless it hinders their immediate goals.
Manipulation: Narcissists use manipulation to enhance their self-image, whereas sociopaths may manipulate or cause harm simply for enjoyment.
Trump really seems to embody both characteristics. Then I came across another term: the narcissistic sociopath. Bingo: that is Trump to a T.
And his party is just about as sociopathic and subhuman as well. God only knows where they end up, when their stint in power is over. Maybe where Trump says John Dingell now is? Sorry, but not sorry.
This is a guy who no is in denial regarding his own mortality
The first part concerning Trump himself is repeating ad nauseam what we all know for ages now (I would add the mockery of the handicapped journalist, though). The second part is slightly more investigative material, but also becoming ad nauseam each and every time theses things happen. One man and his private life and deeds, ok; but thousands and millions of careers for ever destroyed is really rich.
boy the list is growing, had not realized one of those sicko remarks was made
not surprised. Thanks for writing this up Will S.
he's cowardly
A TRULY DISGUSTING PERSON, FOR SURE!!!
🏴☠️ Will the Black takes down another piece of worthless scum, arrrh!
Will, So glad you didn't let this story sink into the sunset. It is the most depraved thing a human can do when they denigrate the dead. Unfortunately, I think defending someone who does it, is infinitely worse. The Republicans are not running a party, they're running their own funeral procession. The cancer that is Donald Trump is spreading among them and it's incurable. He better have plans to have his grave guarded 24/7, it's gonna need it. Unfortunately, his kids probably have other ideas, like trying to sell tickets. As a side note, I wish Kristen Welker just one f-ing time, calls her guest whether Scott Bessent, Vance or anyone else from this administration the f-ing lying, disgusting assholes they are.
Walker is out of her league.
welker is failing more and more all the time
stupid parenthethes
Yes, but.... I had a temporary step parent, on the day of the burial, I showed no dis respect, but had some special good bye for him. He had shoved my mother down a flight of stairs, chased her vehicle once in another vehicle. And my Mom was not young at the time.
bitterness, I know. And I try to get away from it, every year on his former birthday I quietly, just to myself, say. Good, he left ( he outlived her and got a huge ins settlement , by 14 years. I'm surely not a perfect Christian, and I'm not that jerk who is supposed to act like a dignitary.
Oh come on. When Trump dies I will be holding a massive celebration AND I will insult him until my final breath.