# What to say when told that Donald Trump "gets things done" **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 20, 2018, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250 "2018-10-20T16:45:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/21 "2018-10-21T03:57:52Z")
More information about the context of the poker game, please. Casino/card club situation, or private home? If casino, strangers or buddies? If private home, were you the host or a guest? Most importantly, how did you do for the session? Did you clean them out, get cleaned out, or break even? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_stamos_left_ear/32/3198_2.png) [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/22 "2018-10-21T05:18:50Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > More information about the context of the poker game, please. Casino/card club situation, or private home? If casino, strangers or buddies? If private home, were you the host or a guest? > > Most importantly, how did you do for the session? Did you clean them out, get cleaned out, or break even? I was going to just read responses but this is important. Casino playing $1/2 NLHE. I knew most of the dealers who rotated in and dealt to/played with a few of the players before but I didn’t know anyone super well at the table. I finished up a little over $250 for the session which for a nit like me is pretty good. I did felt one player but he was pretty short and bought back in so I can’t say I cleaned anyone out. But I won almost a buy-in which I’ll take every time. Thanks for asking! ---
**Author:** ![guizot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guizot/32/3636_2.png) [@guizot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guizot)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/23 "2018-10-21T05:31:30Z")
> [@Buck\_Godot](#): > > I guess the question is whether Trump has done anything that any any random person following the compan line couldn’t have done. When I hear from members of his base, it seems that the main thing that they point to is his supreme court nominees. But those were all handed to him. Picking a conservative nominee took as much insight and effort as ordering from a take-out menu. Most of the other things he did were just looking through the list of executive orders that Obama made and putting the word “not” in next to one verb in each sentence. > > The only things that have been really truly his own have tended to be exceedingly bad ideas such as the tariffs and the family separation policy. Everything else is just being a rubber stamp for Congress. Right–because Trump doesn’t really give a shit about making the country better. He just cares about his money, and his image–which is the only thing that gets him money, since he isn’t capable of actually doing anything of any value. But Trump’s base doesn’t know the difference, so they believe his bullshit act as president (just like they believed his bullshit acting on The Apprentice), and they think he “gets things done” because his says so. They’re feeble-minded from watching reality TV, and he knows that, so he just continues doing the same thing in the White House. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 5:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/24 "2018-10-21T05:56:41Z")
> [@JB99](#): > > 1. Where is the wall? > > 2. Where is my great, affordable health care that would cover everybody? Two words: Democrat obstructionism. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/25 "2018-10-21T06:31:57Z")
> [@OttoDaFe](#): > > Two words: Democrat obstructionism. And how, pray, are Democrats obstructing anything when the Republican party holds the majority in both houses of Congress? Stranger ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/26 "2018-10-21T06:58:54Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > I was going to just read responses but this is important. > > Casino playing $1/2 NLHE. I knew most of the dealers who rotated in and dealt to/played with a few of the players before but I didn’t know anyone super well at the table. > > I finished up a little over $250 for the session which for a nit like me is pretty good. I did felt one player but he was pretty short and bought back in so I can’t say I cleaned anyone out. But I won almost a buy-in which I’ll take every time. Then the thing to respond with as you leave the table and flash your winnings is “I got this done.” 😃 ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/27 "2018-10-21T10:24:12Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > They can say "Trump cut taxes, pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, I’d think reopening the door to Iran becoming a nuclear power, after we’d managed to shut it a few years back, would be universally recognized as a negative accomplishment. But maybe that’s just me. Not to mention, it’s a hell of a lot easier to pull out of deals than negotiate deals. If someone reached down and made me President tomorrow, I could pull us out of treaties and other deals. I’d be hard pressed to know where to start with respect to making new ones. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 10:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/28 "2018-10-21T10:28:57Z")
> [@JB99](#): > > 1. Where is my great, affordable health care that would cover everybody? > [@Mango Mussolini](#): > > “Together we’re going to deliver real change that once again puts Americans first. That begins with immediately repealing and replacing the disaster known as Obamacare … You’re going to have such great health care, at a tiny fraction of the cost—and it’s going to be so easy.” — Campaign rally in Florida, October, 2016 [Cite.](https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/07/20/18-confusing-contradictory-and-just-plain-kooky-things-donald-trump-has-said-about-health-care-215402) ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/29 "2018-10-21T11:31:23Z")
You can’t win that argument because Donald Trump “gets things done” that you and people with a shred of decency find offensive. Putting Hispanic children in cages is an example of getting things done; it’s also inhumane. But you can see where I’m going with this. Donald Trump was voted into power because white people wanted to go back to the country they remember, a little whiter and less openly gay. I don’t care how friendly they seem on the surface, that is their bottom line. And you’re not going to debate that or change how they feel about it. They will only change when they get tired of dealing with the rot left behind by conservative policies that help make the rich even richer at everyone else’s expense. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/30 "2018-10-21T11:36:12Z")
> [@JB99](#): > > 1. Where is the wall? > > 2. Where is my great, affordable health care that would cover everybody? They don’t really care about either of those things. The wall is symbolic, and they know that. Of course if he does build a giant wall, then it strengthens his street cred even more. But Trump’s getting mileage out of being inhumane: putting migrant children in cages and threatening to send the military to the border. What next? A full-on invasion and occupation of Ciudad Juarez? I woudln’t rule that out, actually. They don’t need a wall; a lot of jackassery will suffice, and there’s an endless supply of that on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Healthcare? Hospitals and doctors are for pussies. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/31 "2018-10-21T11:46:52Z")
You can’t win. Anybody who starts a conversation with “he gets things done” is the kind of person who will respond to anything, **anything** contrary with either: A) The Swamp B) The Deep State C) Democrat Obstructionism To them, Trump is an embattled hero waging a desperate war against forces never before arrayed against any politician. Virtue in winning, virtue in losing. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/32 "2018-10-21T12:02:02Z")
> [@Johnny\_Bravo](#): > > To them, Trump is an embattled hero waging a desperate war against forces never before arrayed against any politician. Tru dat. It’s impressive, the way they can maintain this belief in the face of the Republicans controlling all three branches of government, but maintain it they do. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/33 "2018-10-21T12:10:42Z")
Oh, and: 1. Soros. Can’t forget Soros. Basically, there’s a whole contingent of Trump’s base who have spent years with the belief that there are Powerful People who are Out To Get Them. Now here’s this politician, wealthy and successful and not afraid to Say The Things We’re All Thinking, and there are people who are also Out To Get Him! But he doesn’t care! He’s so brave in the face of it! And he’s validating my long-held beliefs at the same time! It’s got to be a dream come true and they’ll defend him to their dying breath. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/34 "2018-10-21T12:42:21Z")
While I was electioneering yesterday, there was one woman out there electioneering for the Republican candidates. She was very friendly, and at one point I heard her asking the Sierra Club electioneer about the Clean Oceans Act (actually the [Save Our Seas Act](https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2018/10/11/save-seas-act-signed-law/)) that Trump just signed into law. Why, she asked very friendly-like, hadn’t we heard about it, and why wasn’t Trump being given credit for it? I looked it up. On the one hand, sure: this is an actually bipartisan piece of legislation, and it does something good, and Trump did sign it. But on the other hand, think how low the bar is, here: Trump didn’t actually veto a piece of bipartisan, uncontroversial legislation, and we’re supposed to give him credit for that? The Republican sponsor in the senate, sure: credit to Dan Sullivan. The Democrats who decided not to pull a Mitch McConnell and reflexively block any bill that Republicans put up, sure: credit to them. But Trump? Talk about a participation trophy. He did literally the barest minimum he could do to not fuck things up. I will refrain from criticizing him for this, because he doesn’t deserve criticism–but there’s no praise in it for him either. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/35 "2018-10-21T13:39:36Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Then the thing to respond with as you leave the table and flash your winnings is “I got this done.” ”Are you satisfied now, Teddy? Because I can keep busting you up all night if you like.” > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > But on the other hand, think how low the bar is, here: Trump didn’t actually veto a piece of bipartisan, uncontroversial legislation, and we’re supposed to give him credit for that? You made a doodie and managed not to get shit all over hou and everyone standing near you! What a good boy, little Donnie! Such a grown up! Stranger ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/36 "2018-10-21T13:45:48Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > > [@OttoDaFe](#): > > > > Two words: Democrat obstructionism. > > And how, pray, are Democrats obstructing anything when the Republican party holds the majority in both houses of Congress? > > Stranger Damn. Since we lack the legendary “puking smiley,” probably should’a added a 😕. Or maybe a :smack:. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 2:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/37 "2018-10-21T14:45:31Z")
> [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](#): > > Essentially they were taking the position that people who complained about Donald Trump were missing the point that he was the “get things done” president… > > How do people here handle this kind of thing? Trump has a [puff piece here](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trumps-500-days-american-greatness/) is full of things he’s done, so you could try starting there, but I’m struggling to see actual achievements. His economic achievements are Obama’s legacy, and I fear for them once Trump’s trade war gets going. And much of what he’s done isn’t exactly earthshaking. Compare that with [Obama’s achievements](https://www.good.is/articles/obamas-achievements-in-office). There’s no comparison, is there? ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2018, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/38 "2018-10-21T14:59:48Z")
Oh he’s done a lot all right, rolled back environmental regulations, opened up public lands to the highest bidder, bullies and demeans people, praises dictators, shall I go on? ---
**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:** [October 22, 2018, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250/39 "2018-10-22T02:33:56Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > While I was electioneering yesterday, there was one woman out there electioneering for the Republican candidates. She was very friendly, and at one point I heard her asking the Sierra Club electioneer about the Clean Oceans Act (actually the [Save Our Seas Act](https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2018/10/11/save-seas-act-signed-law/)) that Trump just signed into law. Why, she asked very friendly-like, hadn’t we heard about it, and why wasn’t Trump being given credit for it? > > I looked it up. On the one hand, sure: this is an actually bipartisan piece of legislation, and it does something good, and Trump did sign it. > > But on the other hand, think how low the bar is, here: Trump didn’t actually veto a piece of bipartisan, uncontroversial legislation, and we’re supposed to give him credit for that? > > The Republican sponsor in the senate, sure: credit to Dan Sullivan. The Democrats who decided not to pull a Mitch McConnell and reflexively block any bill that Republicans put up, sure: credit to them. > > But Trump? Talk about a participation trophy. He did literally the barest minimum he could do to not fuck things up. I will refrain from criticizing him for this, because he doesn’t deserve criticism–but there’s no praise in it for him either. But did you tell her all that? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-say-when-told-that-donald-trump-gets-things-done/823250.md?page=1)