That is a major reason I think people looking for some sort of grand strategy behind Trump's actions are wrong. He's simply a lazy, impulsive, ignorant man who believes the worst right-wing news sources.

Thanks, that was very helpful.

Is she better than expected or have other people just been much, much worse?

White House Backs Trump's Assertion That Stairs are Afraid of Him.

Is that what you call batteries?

Just as there are many incorrect interpretations, there can also be many correct interpretations. The same is true with any work of literature.

Yup! Just moved back. Should be working on my dissertation but progress is slow. Recent events have also made it hard to concentrate. Yourself?

I was really struck by her speech at the Women's March. She gave a much more vigorous, unapologetically women-centered—both with issues and, importantly, getting more female politicians—speech than I expected. It was heartening.

I like her because of my friend (and she's from around my hometown) but I honestly don't know much about her as a senator. What do you like about her?

"There being an obviously incorrect interpretation is not the same thing as there being a correct interpretation, as fiction is subjective."

Gillibrand was the one vote against. So far, she's voted against all his picks except Nikki Haley for the UN.

Gillibrand has voted against all of Trump's appointments, except Nikki Haley to the UN. I think that's the right, and smart, thing to do.

Don't forget our Iraqi Arabic translators.

Eh, they've also gone full-blown anti-Semitic within the last year. If Wikileaks was ever principled, it isn't any longer.

Here is the Guardian's article.

They're more likely than not non-existent. From my interactions they're really upset with Black Lives Matter and PC culture. Many are pro-forced birth.

"a lot of them voted with their heart, not their head"

Arguing that we are unsafe and therefore need to use violence to keep us safe seems to be the new Republican Party strategy. Emblematic of that, the White House no longer has a page on Civil Rights. In its place is one on "Standing Up For Our Law Enforcement Community."

It doesn't matter much what is going on in his head—George Wallace famously embraced segregation and racism so he wouldn't be "outniggered."

"All those damn racists probably pulled some tricky shit"