Top Republican Says President Is Debasing The Nation
The ongoing public feud between Sen. Bob Corker and President Donald Trump exploded Tuesday ahead of the President's high-stakes visit to Capitol Hill for tax negotiations, with the Tennessee Republican telling CNN's Manu Raju he wouldn't support Trump for president if given the opportunity again.
The President had earlier accused Corker, who is retiring, of blocking his party's efforts on tax cuts.
The exchange between the two men escalates a rift that has highlighted divisions between Trump and several Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill, threatening to send the President off-message at a critical time for his agenda.
Corker, asked in the interview if he should have backed Trump's presidential campaign, said he "would not do that again." He also said Trump has "great difficulty with the truth" and that "debasing" the US would be his prime legacy as President.
"You wouldn't support him again?" Raju asked.
"No, no way," Corker said.
Corker said Trump has "proven himself unable to rise to the occasion."
"I think many of us, me included, have tried to, you know, intervene, and I have had a private dinner and have been with him on multiple occasions to try and create some kind of aspirational approach, if you will, to the way that he conducts himself," Corker said. "I don't think that that's possible. He's obviously not going to rise to the occasion as president."
Asked if he thought the President was a role model for children, Corker, the chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, said, "No, absolutely not."
"I think the things that are happening right now that are harmful to our nation, whether it's the breaking down of -- we are going to be doing hearings on some of the things that he purposely is breaking down -- relationships we have around the world that have been useful to our nation," he said. "But I think at the end of the day, when his term is over, I think the debasing of our nation, the constant non-truth telling, just the name-calling ... I think the debasement of our nation will be what he'll be remembered most for, and that's regretful."
Corker also declined to answer if he trusts Trump to handle the nuclear codes, and later told reporters "I've seen no evolution" from Trump.
After the CNN interview aired, Trump on Twitter called Corker "the incompetent head of the foreign relations committee." Corker later said "everybody sees through" Trump's "bullying."
Trump is set to attend lunch with lawmakers he spent much of the summer blasting for failing to enshrine his political agenda. Some have been critical over his chaotic, unpredictable method of governing, but Trump hopes to woo them to finally rack up a key legislative win on tax reform.
The atmosphere will be especially charged because a number of Trump's hosts fear a 2018 primary challenge from populist, nationalist candidates in his own image, being recruited by his former top political adviser, Stephen Bannon.
Tags
Who is online
93 visitors
It is incredible that the nation is made to suffer through this insanity.
do you need a fainting couch?
The COC prevents me from replying to you appropriately.
never has stopped you before
how the hell would you know?
We have seen you comments
Maybe a punching bag.
(no offense to JR) (we all need a punching bag right now)
"I don't think that that's possible. He's obviously not going to rise to the occasion as president."
It must be painfully embarrassing to be a Republican congressman who is not in the position of retiring. Every single one of them knew that the above would be absolutely true no matter what, but they went ahead and pulled the flush valve on their party anyways.
Corker is a "name" Republican, retiring or not. He was under consideration for Secretary Of State and is the head of the Foreign Relations Committee in the senate.
I don't think there has ever been a situation like this, since, maybe the Civil War era.
A high placed member of the President's own party says point blank that he is harming and debasing the nation.
Maybe the floodgates will open.
I doubt it. Has Corker mentioned Congress's approval rating?
They have..the swamp is getting drained as we speak - on both sides of the aisle.
Unfortunately there are few on Capital Hill that are willing to do the right thing for the Country. They would prefer to save themselves. It will be an interesting account in our history books.
They can all retire tomorrow if they want to, but one has to complete one term if they want to be paid 175k a year for the rest of their lives!
What is embarrassing is that these Congressmen are abandoning ship and then coming out acting like the man they say they are embarrassed by. (especially Corker) ... Flakes words would serve a greater purpose if not for the fact he is only saying them because he has decided to retire.
I do not support this President, or his actions, nor did I support the agenda of or the childish displays from former President Obama ... Yet the left loved Obama, and a part of the right loves Trump. I think these Congressman (especially Corker that supported Trump from the beginning) are being wusses, if they have such strong feeling towards the damage Trump may cause - stay and fight for the Nation, but they cannot, because they might not be reelected - and it looks far better in the history books to do what they are doing now? .. being the lil piggy that cries all the way home!!!
just my thoughts!
When I see that I know everything else you say is suspect.
Why? Do you feel that saying anything bad about your "dear leader" is blasphemy or heresy?
Should I be upset by this? Should I now go back an apologize for feeling that the former President acted like a child on occasion - will this change your opinion of my opinion, if I change my opinion to be in lock step with your opinion?
No. It tells me someone is able to ignore the orange cockwomble in the room so they can try to deflect to something so asinine it defies reality.
I couldn't care less.
Good deal... this way we know where we stand regarding each others opinion - no need for further comment between us.
Take care .. so sorry to have upset you
Perhaps if you gave us an example we could better understand your posit.
Which childish displays are you referring to?
"they bring a knife, we bring a gun"
"we will reward our friends and punish our enemies"
just a couple off the top of my head.
Who gives a shit about Corker. In case you haven't noticed, the establishment is the problem.
I know little of Corker but he nailed it calling the WH an adult day care center.
As a constituent of Bob Corker, I agree. The President's lying and name calling is indicative of childhood bullies in desperate need of a time out!
As a constituent, I don't...and the only reason is this...for years the Pubs have rolled over and played dead and done whatever the Democrats wanted...they said they would do a number of things, and they have wimped out on their promises (Corker is one of them)...Trump fights back and dishes it out right back at them...that said, I do wish Trump would stop some of his twitter battles...it is not particularly helpful.
The beauty of this country is we can disagree even if from the same state
Personally I tire of hearing our President is a counter puncher. His twitter comments portray the nastiest of bullies. The example to his son is most disturbing for me. Having taught our children to stand up for themselves, it never involved the belittlement of others. Gutter fighting never sends the right message...not ever.
100% agree Bruce.
WE had a liberal talking head on the radio this morning saying that Corker is the kind of republican that all republicans should strive to be like?
What, another Democrat in drag?
NM, Trump is debasing the nation. They just finally found a conservative willing to say it. The rest of you are all afraid that the fun car will fall off the train if the truth gets spoke too much from the right.
You of all people know where I stand John.
Corker is retiring, GREAT! the faster we get rid of the old school democrats-cum-republicans the better! Many of them are retireing cause they are reading the handwriting on the wall.
The citizenry want new blood, the olde garde has to go!
NWM, I'm curious. Are their specific policy stances Corker has taken or advocated for that you don't view as conservative?
Lynne, I will try to answer this cause it is you.
I liked Corker when he first came into the Senate, he was a solid conservative voice so desperately needed. Over time his positions have shifted into a more go along to get along type of conservatism the classic establishment republican.
Much like Patty Murray on the democrat side. She was elected as a classic moderate Democrat in fact I voted for her. But over time she has become the classic hard leftist liberal as her power grew in congress and the democrat party. Both have shifted left in their positions, to the point I cannot support either of them.
The only way to get congress off its collective butt is to have the issues laid out and vigorously debated in the open. Today way too much of the lawmaking takes place behind closed doors and all the people see are the faux debates on the pressing issues of the day cause the positions are staked out in private and agreed upon....
Specifically about Corker, I'll illustrate the point I am making if you wish me too, but it will take a bit of time to gather the data....
Appreciate your response. There is no light between us regarding the imperative to move legislation into the pubic view. Closed doors and obstruction is tearing at the fabric of our nation.
While I respect your opinions of Corker and Murray, I see it differently. They took their "seats", ideologically conservative and liberal, yet view compromise as the way to move the country forward. Thought Murray did a good job with Alexander trying to shore up healthcare, wanting to bring an intermediate solution to people and market.
I'm thoroughly disgusted with the new normal many seem to embrace. The vitriol, lying and name calling is not befitting our institutions, only serve to further divide our nation.
OH MY...PUBLIC, not pubic!! For some reason I'm not able to edit my posting.
100% Agreement. If we cannot separate ourselves from the ideology that got us elected to actually do the nations business, then the ideologues have won.
I thought that was a very interesting proposal for a short term fix to the funding issue on the way to a full fledged single payer implementation. But the establishment that is beholden to the insurance lobby (on both sides) couldn't allow that to pass. The FIRST thing we need to do is get rid of the lobbyist's, outside money is destroying our republic, turning it into a corporate monarchy.
Ban all political contributions and go to a government funded election system. Everybody has the same amount of money to run a campaign, eliminate all the demagoguery to raise funding.
I think we see more eye to eye than is apparent on the surface.....
This is what we need in this country, open dialogue without the hyperbole....
Thank you for the great response....
My My, flyin' fingers strikes again! That is happening a lot more it seems.
As far as not being able to edit, that has happened to me a couple of time now since the last update, maybe we aught to tell Perrie about it....
Indeed. Discussion leads way to understanding that ultimately gives way to respect. Respect of people and ideas are the bases for governing...actually, all aspects of life!
It seems there is a certain amount of time to edit, then that option closes.
Seems like it's about ten minutes.
I've never had a problem and i usually need to edit a lot.
Me being lexicdys and all ....
The citizenry don't want neo-Nazi and nu-klan racists in power, so you'd better be prepared for a battle for the soul of the country. Don't forget, Trump won without a majority of Americans and his popularity is lower than ever. I believe a majority of Americans will kick that racist ignorance out in the end, hopefully sooner than later.
What's not conservative about this voting record? Please pull it up and, tell us.
You think Corker is a liberal? Take a look at his votes.
What does that have to do with a majority of Americans DISLIKING Trump? I didn't say jack about the electoral college.
That is Trump's favorite view don't ya know?
We can thank John Roberts for that and it seems that the RW wants more of the same.
That is NEVER going to happen. The oligarchy won't let it.
At this point, the GOP controlled Congress isn't even holding committee hearings on any of it's legislation. So far, all GOP voters seem to be doing is patting the GOP on the back for passing undebated legislation with a 50+1 majority. It will take GOP voters in GOP districts and states to get on the freaking phone and tell their representatives that they want them to at LEAST follow 'regular order'.
Poor Lynne. She's a lady through and through and was absolutely mortified with that gaffe.
But your comment was pretty funny
Amen to that.
We have been in a battle for the soul of the nation for the last nine years, you just catching on?
Or better put, did it take the establishment screwing Bernie this last cycle for you guys to finally realize it?
Psst: Hillary didn't get a majority either.....
the pubic view
On second thought, if legislation were in this vicinity more time would be spent looking at it
Sometimes having a little fun with a gaffe can make the gaffer smile and know that it is all good.
Trump IS debasing the nation. It is a sad shame that y'all are more devoted to 'Trumpist' ideology than you are to the nation.
We're more devoted to burning it down. Unleash the dogs of war. Drain the swamp of the Corkers and the rest of the establishment. MAGA!!!!!
It must be thrilling to have a moron leading your charge.
What you don't realize John, is that every time he does something that makes you mad, that spins you into the stratosphere, that gives you an aneurysm and makes you gnash your teeth and pull your hair out and cry about how bad and nasty he is, we cheer. Not because of what he did, but because of what it does to you and all the liberals.
Bruce, you are 30% of the people, at most.
In the end you will have supported this asshole inexplicably and then lost it all anyway.
Wow Bruce, you guys should be really proud of yourselves. You took the reaction you had to anything the black President did and turned it back on liberals. Bravo.
John, only 3% of the colonists defeated the most powerful army in the world. I'm comfortable with my odds. Besides, if it makes the dumbacrates nominate someone other than a lying criminal c**t next time, all the better.
Not in an election.
Glad you like it, Sweet Cheeks!
30% of what?
OK so after going through this.. here is my assessment:
Tessylo took the first shot at a public figure with "shit stain in the White House."
Then Bruce returns fire with " nominate someone other than a lying criminal c**t next time, all the better."
Ummm.. I see the whole thing as classless in the adjective department.
As for Bruce having an in with me, please read the above. But also remember who threw the first bomb and finishes it with Mr. Big C**ks. I'm letting that stand since I don't think there is a guy alive who wouldn't mind being called that (btw.. I am kidding here.. but then again....)
And for the record, none of this are violations, since you all are talking about public people
Where?
It's Sugar Britches. And you should really accept my friend request. I'm a really nice guy. Just ask John. He and I are buds. Besides, when the Zombie Apocalypse happens, you're gonna want a friend who's a gun humper.
Brainpower?
I ask for no more war...please
Do you have a better adjective? Shitpile? Shitbrain?
I think if you are waiting for people to be genteel in descriptions of D Trump you have a long long wait coming.
So that is the only reason you support trump?
Sounds like a dandy of a reason...wanting people to be hurt
Real Bruce? At least you don't sound like the "Bruce" I think of, If you will pardon the pun, you sound like a Bruce with more realness to start with.
Anyway, you are a mod so you shouldn't be automatically inclined to take anything I say personal. I wanted to join this convo. without breaking the thread or immediately having to deal with a troll.
What I find amazing about this article and the comments that have followed is how easily and willingly people are to scream at each other like school kids over matters of no real material importance.
Senator Corker is just another establishment politician butt hurt because the empire he is a part of is being dismantled.
Approval ratings? Polls? How stupid is it to use these propaganda tools to base judgment on? It takes a troll mentality to try and convince people that poll numbers are anywhere near accurate and trustworthy.
Up above it was mentioned that people want issues to be aired and solutions found.
What issues? Korean nuclear threat? Disaster relief? Healthcare? Taxes? All of those and other very important issues are the problems government is supposed to solve. They are the ones that do the voting, make the laws and control the economy.
The real issue that we on the internet should be dealing with is a government that has failed us. How did we reach this fractured stage? Why do we have a Congress that only acts in it's own political interests if they act at all?
What do we do to get Congress back in line? What do we do to prevent our current situation from occurring again? Would we benefit from developing solutions that affect the way our government operates and then finding people who will push for those solutions and sending them to Washington?
We do have the power if we use it. It can't be done on a partisan or ideological basis. We need doers not preachers with fancy rhetoric.
The problem we have with Washington is not the hot button issues. The fight we have is with the way government is running itself. Hoot ! Hoot !
The president represents the nation, both domestically and internationally.
Trump is the worst representative in this regard that we have ever had. He isnt moral, he isnt honest, by all present indications he isnt even very smart.
People who support him have turned their back on their own better natures.
That would place him above you.
If you are talking about being conservative, you wiuld be wrong ( gee image that). According to a poll taken by Gallup ( I am sure you will say it is not valud because it goes against your position) 36% of the people identify themselves as conservative whilr only 25% identify as liberal.
If it is concerning Republican, you are wrong there also as another poll say 44% of Americans are Republican versus 48% are democrat
And where have I done that?
Seriously? You refer to the sitting President as a shit stain, and get bent when I refer to the criminal loser as a c**t? We have a term to describe that. It's called hypocrisy.
Pure bullshit. At least 90% of all that negative rhetoric we keep hearing about Trump has nothing to do with his ideas and ambitions. 'Oh, he is such a vile degenerative jerk.'
My better nature led me to support and campaign for Trump rather than turning my back on my country and supporting a political establishment that has led us to the brink of failure.
Maybe it is just me, but I find it ironic that not only the way you speak about Trump, but in the way you often communicate with others that the personality you are projecting is very similar to that which you complain about Trump having.
Like what for example??
Google 'Hillary Clinton accomplishments.' She's been a public servant for a long time and has fought for the good of the American people many times. Trump has done nothing but lie, cheat, and steal his entire life.
that's rather rude
You go about saying Trump is debasing the nation, then you start doing the very thing you accuse him of doing. Those who go out screaming "Trumpist", that he should be impeached because they don't like him, that he has a mental disorder and the 25th Amendment should be invoked, rip him because he doesn't follow what the Establishment Republicans and Establishment Democrats want him to do on every single issue, and accuse him of debasing the country because of his hyperbolic comments are the ones that are truly debasing the country. As they have never once given him a chance. For the past year, this has been all that has been written and talked about regarding Trump and it started on November 9, 2016.
I find that incredibly revealing. And not in a good way, bruce.
Something like this??
So, you want this.
There was a black president? Really? Never niticed or cared
That is too funny!
Excellent.! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
OK, I keep getting this comment flagged and I would like to tell the community that Bruce and Tessylo have an understanding and he is fine with the comment.
So y'all cheer when he lies, when he puts our troops in danger, when he disgraces our country, and when he makes a war widow cry. Noted...
Therein lies the rub. Trump is NOT the nation. Criticizing Trump for his ACTIONS and words is NOT equivalent to debasing the nation.
If your standard were true, any and every criticism of President Obama should be viewed in the same light and I know for a fact that you do not agree with that form of mutual respect.
hahaha, that was...hilarious!
THIS!!
Nowhere during the Obama Administration did anyone say that he should have been impeached as soon as he won the 2008 election. Trump, on the other hand, has had Congressmen and Congresswomen calling for his impeachment before he even took the OATH OF OFFICE! That is what is debasing about this entire thing. Not once during the past year has a day gone past that there wasn't a call for impeaching Trump or to invoke the 25th Amendment by some member of Congress or the press. And, it is that behavior of not even giving the person that was elected any time to do anything before calling for an impeachment or a declaration of incapacity to replace them that is the real debasing of the country.
Again, Trump isn't the country.
Oh and BTW, no other POTUS has ever been accused of colluding with a foreign power to gain election.
Yet the actual reported evidence shows ZERO collusion between Trump and the Russians and a lot of collusion on the parts of the DNC and Hillary Clinton with the Russians. But, you focus on Trump while ignoring the evidence. That also debases the nation as you are not interested in justice but continuing a witch hunt.
I guess you forgot about Bill Clinton and the Chinese huh? Link
The sooner a few more Big R Republicans find their balls, or ovaries, and stand up to the manchild known as The King of Vulgaria the sooner the shitstain known as Trumpism will be wiped from the world's collective behind. The once Grand Old Party of Abe Lincoln is rightfully now known far and wide as merely "the gop". The small g gop has devolved from what was a great American political party. Now it is a pejorative to be called a republican (small r). Trump is a disgrace and everyone who is not a part of the dead end crowd on the far far far right wing fringe of lunatic whackjobs politically knows this. It was not the Democrats who brought down the mentally ill Dick Nixon. No, it was the Big R Republicans who loved this nation and the rule of law more than their political idealogy that finally brought an end to Nixon's madness. Likewise it will be Republicans as opposed to the damn small g gop republicans who finally pull the plug on the huge failure in our White House.
History will not be kind to The Donald who is nothing but a half baked reality TV goofball who had the resources to purchase our sacred Republic with the help of greedy deep pocked gazillionaire backers, Vlad Putin and a few thousand internet trolls. Stand Up! Resist! Put your nation and your children's future ahead of lame olde bassackwardsness, hate and willful obstinance. So, feel free to blah blah blah. "Hoot". History and posterity are taking notes. Forevermore shame and ignominity await the misanthropic Trumpites. When the final roll is called which side of the ledger will you be listed upon? Will you have been with the fetid mentally diseased rats feasting upon the descicated corpse of our Republic or with the People of The United States of America at their time of political crisis?
JBB
Hi guy. How are you? Well, I already know how you are. At least I thought I did.
You disappoint me. Still using insults to Trump as a way to try and shame us. LOL! When are you going to realize that the more you attack his character and stand by those politicians, big Ds, little ds, big Rs little Rs, that are abandoning the people as fast as they can, the better we feel about our choice in supporting Trump.
I have a couple of real "DUHS" for you.
Republican Party is fractured, long time Party leaders are abandoning the President. Just what the doctor/people ordered. "Drain the Swamp" was not just a campaign catch phrase, it was a directive given by the people. Make that a non-partisan directive. We would be disappointed if the rats weren't fleeing in panic.
Meanwhile, though being cautious in how they speak about Flake and the other Trump detractors, Republicans in Congress are somehow becoming less divisive and starting to work together. The Budget. The current work on tax reform. Whether you agree with what they are doing or not, the fact is, they are doing something. It's about damn time too. Blame Trump. I do.
Trump's mannerisms are damaging our position in the world putting both our economic and national security at risk. At least that's what the media and establishment politicians say. When Trump speaks world leaders listen closely. They are not used to dealing with a world leader that steps outside of trappings of political correctness and pomp and circumstance and speak directly.
Does his directness work? I seem to remember a lot of hysteria getting stirred up about how he was going to destroy NATO. NATO seems to be as strong as ever. Heck, some of those countries are even starting to pay their share. Blame Trump. I do.
Many took a gamble on Trump. Not sure if he was the real deal or not. Could have just put on a good show and then reverted right back to same old politics as usual. So far he has been better than many hoped and hasn't shown any inclination to back down. Good, nothing worse than picking someone who only does half the job.
Noise, bitterness and resentment. I doubt that any of us expect things to really change in Washington quietly.
Nice seeing you again. Thanks for the reassurances
Hoot ! Hoot !
So Corker and Flake are 'the rats'?
Did you watch his UN speech? Is that what you consider an example of speaking 'directly'? Trump has abdicated our standing in the world and y'all cheer.
Grabbing your balls and pushing people around isn't a foreign policy. Ironically, Trump isn't near as good at it as he idol Putin.
It wasn't hysteria. It was the nightmare of Trump actually following up on his hyperbole. Luckily, as with his campaign promises, he's too inept to follow through.
Au contraire. His job is to pass legislation based on his agenda. If you are one of his supporters, one would assume you'd want him to do ANY of his job. So far he is an abject failure.
Yet noise, bitterness and resentment are the base reasons that Trump was elected and he needs to perpetuate those feelings to keep his base angry. Anger keeps them warm.
To use your phrase, "Au contraire." The presidents job is to run the nation's government in accordance with the law, as passed by Congress and leave the lawmaking to congress and the legal interpretations to the Supreme Court.
Something the previous two presidents seem to have forgotten..... And at least half the nations citizens....
That at least is something that T-Rump IS doing right....
Really? Then WHY did the GOP start calling the ACA 'Obamacare'?
Oh, and BTFW, I seem to remember someone proclaim that 'Only I can fix it!' Oh ya, that was Trump.
I would agree that such a statement is a bit hyperbolic, and he does tend to be on the hyperbolic side and fire from the hip too much.
But I've been there, and I look past what they say to what they are actually doing. And what he is doing with his hyperbolic public reactions is keeping the naysayers in their hyperbolic stupor giving them exactly what they want while he gradually undoes all the illegal legislating the previous administration was doing without the consent of congress... He is even undoing some of the illegal legislating the Bush Administration did....
He is actually functioning as a President should.
Even if he isn't acting presidential. He is doing a very presidential job.
That my friend, is the exact opposite of what we have had the last eight years.....
Well i gotta tell ya, that Senator from Tennessee, you know, Bob?
He's a real Corker! /s
"The exchange between the two men escalates a rift that has highlighted divisions between Trump and several Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill"
Good !
"threatening to send the President off-message at a critical time for his agenda."
Nope ! Seems the President is doing GREAT at getting everyone else in the swamp to go off-message, as he does his thing.
Reports stay on.....Trump is mean.
Meanwhile.......Trump......Get's rid of shit that didn't help American CITIZENS !
But Trump being mean is MORE IMPORTANT to report on.
A top Republican? not a chance. Corker sucks leftwing balls.
try this one instead...
Trump is going to be president for another 7yrs... get over it already.
Trump (and the Republicans) top priority now ias to pass tax reform.
After this recent kerfuffle (Trump attacks on several Republican senators )-- what do people here think are the chances of any tax reform bill passing the Senate before the end of this term of Congress?
With three of the Senators needed pissed off at Rump and, the other Republicans in Congress hiding like Ostrich's? Not a chance of getting to 50, I'd say they will reach 47.
Without details I'm giving it a 50% chance of passing. If what we're hearing becomes provisions of the bill, along with a few unknowns (i.e. medical deductions), it's DOA. If middle class American's traditional deductions exceed the provision of double exemptions, Congressional offices won't have enough people to answer the phone calls!
The shiny dime doesn't entice me, don't need or want it...especially if it cost me a quarter
I hear you, loud and clear. Dimwits indeed when the language has been dumbed down to "tax cuts" as opposed to "reform".
Funny how the simplification or postcard talking points, fails to mention the decimation of an entire industry of (like H&R, etc.) tax preparers? Those middle-income earners that provide a service to other middle-income earners who use multiple schedules (just like the rich people)...truly laughable. Don't imagine many that file 1040EZ are paying for tax prep
Wondering out loud...Does corporate America need to be in a lower tax bracket than I am, how about pass through income? If we get any "fairer" there will be no middle or upper middle class.
"with the Tennessee Republican telling CNN's Manu Raju he wouldn't support Trump for president if given the opportunity again"
So......Bob was okay with how Trump was against other Republicans when he was running for President (Lying Ted, Small hands Rubio, Low Energy Jeb, etc...), but now, when it's directed towards him, He doesn't like it.
Interesting !