All caught up with reading the thread (through top of p.8).
My primary thought as it relates to this specific incident was stated in my previous post. I honestly do not know of many males who aren't at some point piggish. I do know a few, in that I've never heard them be piggish, but there are some that when I was first getting to know them, I would think (then), they are very wholesome. Flash forward and one day (or more often than that) they are expressing things that would make Larry Flynt blush.
This is somewhat how Trump is spinning things (Bill did it, so I'm not that bad). And I do think it legitimate defense. But it takes the campaign (on both sides) down a notch. It's no longer about issues, it's about character.
The reason it is legitimate defense is because it counters the ongoing mythological narrative around "what it means to be presidential." I honestly think that myth works and will continue to work, but also think this election cycle is greatly testing any naive claims that suggest a POTUS (or POTUS candidate) ought to alway be "presidential." I don't think in American history that has ever existed, the mythological POTUS that was consistently moral, professional, honest, taking responsibility to demonstrate character of their leadership. And that's just while they were POTUS. I really don't think that exists, as in none of the 43 to date have been that way while in office in a consistent manner. Then take into account any of those before they got into POTUS and to me, it would be so insanely gullible to think they were alway wholesome individuals, I'm not sure how such a discussion would go from there. Would be like talking to Christian fundie that is sure that from birth to age 30, Jesus was without sin (human errors) and because bible doesn't account for his life, there's no way to disprove that assertion. He was always perfect, and flawless. That's how I imagine that sort of discussion going with regards to anyone thinking we've had POTUS, and/or POTUS candidates, who have throughout their life maintained a consistently presidential demeanor.
With Trump, it is on another level that I've not experienced in my lifetime. For me, he is not the best candidate that ran under the Republican ticket in this election cycle. But he is what we have. And just like Clinton supporters fully realize she is inherently untrustworthy and is plausibly in bed with 1 percenters/Wall Street, all that doesn't matter when it comes to supporting the party, and all the other things POTUS does represent. Likewise, some Trump supporters (like myself) aren't voting for the man, but the party. So, if all these reactionary (and I'd say hypocritical) Pubs can think of something that can be done in next 30 days that will lead to not allowing Hillary / Dems into executive branch, then speak up now. Don't be shy. But if going to blast the leader who is currently 'best shot we have' and that's all you got, I say kindly, F--k off. Please go away. If you feel you have something legitimate to contribute to society come back in 30 days and then voice your thoughts.
And to Dems, I don't think there's a way to address all of them. But I certainly expect you to run with this story and milk the smear for all its worth. And to ignore the Wikileaks email dump yesterday that clearly shows everything aggressive Bernie during the campaign was warning fellow Dems during the primary, about Hillary, is probably spot on. That's lying now to you all to gain votes, and that come the day she gets to be POTUS, you'll all be thrown under the bus. African American inner cities will continue to suck and continue to be a place where people (all of them) fear to go at night. Public schools will continue to have abysmal graduation rates because unions want all public money given to them and to heck with the kids. Unions will continue to screw over all employers who will then seek to go abroad and exploit workers for as little pay as possible, while Dems seek to open doors to trading with those countries. And Dems will continue to cater to a Hollywood that is constantly pushing the envelope on many fronts, except for the conservative ones. To the Dems that think anything Hollywood or say stand up comedy is of any redeeming value to society (as I do), I offer this for your consideration:
The why is immaterial. It's the what that's important, which in this case shows Trump's regard for women, and in turn raises the question: Is this the kind of person you want in the White House? Maybe it is. Yeah, let's elect a President who treats women like sex objects.
Donald J.Trump:
"I moved on her like a b****". . . "She's now got the big phony tits.". . ."I moved on her and I failed. I'll admit it. I did try and **** her. She was married. . . And when you're a star they let you do it. You can do anything. Whatever you want. Grab them by the p****. You can do anything."
(Source:OP video supplied by the Washington Post---The audio edition is now running on MSNBC [7:05 CDT])
At the time, Trump was entrenched in Hollywood, and doing fairly well. Not a pretty boy star like Brad Pitt (how's he doing these days?). But, a star that appeared on shows like Access Hollywood and Howard Stern, while having a hit show. Perhaps you've heard of it?
Frankly, unless you are truly wholesome and it is truly consistent in your life, I find it hard to believe these words by Trump offend you. I don't find it offensive. I'm not aghast by the commentary. I don't see it as "sexual assault" or advocating for that. I see it as typical male bravado when it comes to sexuality. And I imagine that if you are a celebrity, it is semi-easy to make such assertions, to think some women will fall all over themselves to be with you, sexually.
I find the comments naughty and definitely embarrassing IF (emphasize if) you get caught saying them. But not even sure why that is, unless we really are a conservative, puritan country. In that context, I could see them being embarrassing for sure, and offensive to women who would never dare treat their own selves or each other as objects of romantic/sexual desire. Sorry, but I didn't grow up in that America. And other than where Quakers live, or perhaps in highly religious jurisdictions, I honestly don't know of anyone else in America who has.
As familiar as I am with hip hop, the quote above reads like a lyrics to a (rap) song. Put the right funky beats and melodic hook, and hype it up a bit, and I honestly could see people (namely white middle class people) dancing to a song that had these lyrics at a wedding. I could see a hip Aunt mouthing the words as the song blares loudly in the background, "I moved on her like a b****." Could also see "grab them by the p*****" being something that is a gesture done to one's own self during the dancing, by at least some people, or those who are more hip.
But all that is not people running for POTUS. And we expect so much more from such people.
Ya know, to keep the myth alive.
