# The Trump Administration: A Clusterfuck in the Making **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 7, 2016, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070 "2016-12-07T00:25:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1148
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22945 "2018-07-16T22:38:03Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Someone please explain the Nate Silver scale to me (like I’m age 5) WRT “how much trouble Trump is in.” So the fact that Paul Ryan is at 5.0 means what? It’s basically sorting ship rats by size. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22946 "2018-07-16T22:47:08Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > Nate is measuring Trump’s trouble on a scale of 1 to 10 based on the leanings of the critic. If John Kasich criticizes Trump…that and $5 will get you a latte. If Hannity criticizes Trump, then they must be counting the votes in an impeachment trial. > > So Trump is currently at 6.1, based on what this Walsh guy just said. Or 6.8, if you count Gingrich’s furrowed brow as “criticism”. > [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > It’s basically sorting ship rats by size. K. So the point is that Congressional Pubs aren’t really all that upset at all? I guess the fact that some are not at zero is good. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22947 "2018-07-16T22:53:44Z")
The Republicans are finger-in-the-wind right now, waiting to see if this will just become part of the ‘normalization’ process. ‘Ho-hum, Trump says odd stuff sometimes, no biggie.’ If they think it’s going that way, they’ll offer a few words of “concern” and move on. But if this looks like real election-changing stuff–a groundswell of disgust so massive that even the Russians won’t be able to change enough November votes to keep the GOP safe–then they might start making some motions toward “doing something.” At the very least, they might come up with something relating to sanctions—something they’ve done in the past without riling up the Base too severely. > [@](#): > > Democrats, Schumer said, have four demands of their GOP colleagues: Ratchet up sanctions against Russia, demand administration officials on the trip testify before Congress, stop attacking special counsel Robert Mueller and demand that the 12 Russians indicted last week be sent to the United States for trial. > > “I am asking Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan … make sure these four things are done,” he said. “It’s time for the Republican Party to walk the walk.” [http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/397277-schumer-gop-must-push-back-against-trump-on-russia](http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/397277-schumer-gop-must-push-back-against-trump-on-russia) ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22948 "2018-07-16T22:56:03Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > It’s basically sorting ship rats by size. Just measure the size of the splash when they go overboard. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22949 "2018-07-16T23:33:33Z")
> [@mistymage](#): > > What the hell is that noise? No, not Rump talking nor the Russian words … but the sounds of clutter and clatter in the background. [https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/16/politics/donald-trump-putin-helsinki-summit/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/16/politics/donald-trump-putin-helsinki-summit/index.html) > [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Camera shutters. Or Ronald Reagan spinning in his grave. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22950 "2018-07-16T23:48:32Z")
I’ve been reading about this all morning/afternoon and every thread on here, of course. 😉 I have a sinking feeling that Capt. Bone Spurs says, “That’s not what I meant!” and the GOP goes back to business as usual. Actually, is there any chance that Pence makes a comment on the Russian summit? I think he would embarrass us even more with all his ass-kissing. ---
**Author:** ![Gollu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/2acd7d/32.png) [@Gollu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gollu)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2018, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22951 "2018-07-16T23:57:47Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > Actually, is there any chance that Pence makes a comment on the Russian summit? I think he would embarrass us even more with all his ass-kissing. [Vice Pres. Pence praises Trump-Putin summit: “Disagreements between our countries were discussed at length, but what the world saw, what the American people saw, is that Pres. Donald Trump will always put the prosperity and security of America first.”](https://www.mediaite.com/online/vp-mike-pence-on-putin-summit-trumps-putting-prosperity-and-security-of-america-first/) ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22952 "2018-07-17T00:06:29Z")
> [@Gollu](#): > > [Vice Pres. Pence praises Trump-Putin summit: “Disagreements between our countries were discussed at length, but what the world saw, what the American people saw, is that Pres. Donald Trump will always put the prosperity and security of America first.”](https://www.mediaite.com/online/vp-mike-pence-on-putin-summit-trumps-putting-prosperity-and-security-of-america-first/) :eek: We’re in trouble, folks. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22953 "2018-07-17T00:09:05Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > K. > > So the point is that Congressional Pubs aren’t really all that upset at all? I guess the fact that some are not at zero is good. No, they aren’t. Not even concerned. If they were concerned, they would conduct routine oversight like subpoenaing Trump’s tax returns, and defend Mueller, a Republican who has run a rather leak-free investigation relative to Starr’s clique. ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22954 "2018-07-17T00:12:39Z")
> [@Gollu](#): > > [Vice Pres. Pence praises Trump-Putin summit: “Disagreements between our countries were discussed at length, but what the world saw, what the American people saw, is that Pres. Donald Trump will always put the prosperity and security of America first.”](https://www.mediaite.com/online/vp-mike-pence-on-putin-summit-trumps-putting-prosperity-and-security-of-america-first/) Sorry I asked… ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22955 "2018-07-17T00:16:20Z")
You guys still pissing yourselves over stuff Trump says? What he says is meaningless. Why don’t you worry about things that are actually done? ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22956 "2018-07-17T00:18:03Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > You guys still pissing yourselves over stuff Trump says? What he says is meaningless. Why don’t you worry about things that are actually done? Because in this case, it’s a distinction without a difference. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22957 "2018-07-17T00:24:40Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > Because in this case, it’s a distinction without a difference. Is it? How are we worse off now then we were last night? ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22958 "2018-07-17T00:25:24Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > You guys still pissing yourselves over stuff Trump says? What he says is meaningless. Why don’t you worry about things that are actually done? Like siding with an enemy and calling his own investigation team stupid? ---
**Author:** ![Defensive\_Indifference](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/defensive_indifference/32/6502_2.png) [@Defensive\_Indifference](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Defensive_Indifference)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22959 "2018-07-17T00:25:41Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > You guys still pissing yourselves over stuff Trump says? What he says is meaningless. Why don’t you worry about things that are actually done? I can be worried and pissed about more than one thing at a time. Also, probably 95% of what the President does is setting policy priorities, making commitments, delegating tasks, representing the interests of the country… In other words: talking. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22960 "2018-07-17T00:27:47Z")
> [@Locrian](#): > > Like siding with an enemy and calling his own investigation team stupid? Still just talk. He did nothing today besides say stupid stuff. Same as he’s been doing since Jan 20, 2017. You are going to run out of outrage. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22961 "2018-07-17T00:29:08Z")
> [@Defensive\_Indifference](#): > > I can be worried and pissed about more than one thing at a time. Also, probably 95% of what the President does is setting policy priorities, making commitments, delegating tasks, representing the interests of the country… In other words: talking. Yeah, a normal President. Not one who everyone knows is just blabbering. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22962 "2018-07-17T00:30:03Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > :eek: > > We’re in trouble, folks. Nah, it just means Nate was right when he assigned Pence a 9.9 on the Trump Trouble Scale. The fact that Pence is continuing his ass-kissing unabated means that Trump’s Trouble is \< 9.9. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22963 "2018-07-17T00:32:22Z")
> [@Slash1972](#): > > Still just talk. He did nothing today besides say stupid stuff. Same as he’s been doing since Jan 20, 2017. > > You are going to run out of outrage. First: there’s plenty of outrage to go around, and appropriately directed at Trump’s outrageous actions. But second: what you call “words” and “talk” is what others call “international diplomacy”. Trump is either very bad at it, or is very good at doing exactly what the Russians want. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070/22964 "2018-07-17T00:33:19Z")
> [@jsc1953](#): > > First: there’s plenty of outrage to go around, and appropriately directed at Trump’s outrageous actions. > > But second: what you call “words” and “talk” is what others call “international diplomacy”. Trump is either very bad at it, or is very good at doing exactly what the Russians want. Yeah, he’s really bad at it. Did anyone expect anything different? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=1147) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trump-administration-a-clusterfuck-in-the-making/774070.md?page=1149)