Trump’s Virtues: An Important Speech

 

Very short and very challenging food for thought. I was drawn to read the entire piece and that proved to be a most rewarding exercise as it introduced me to an excellent short talk on the virtues of Donald Trump and why we shouldn’t be turning our backs on him at this early stage of the 2024 Presidential Campaign. Here, before linking to the video itself, is the opening paragraph of the article, which can be found here:

I recently wrote a column about why I believed Trump should not run in 2024. I was wrong. I allowed my distaste for Trump’s personality to override his virtues, which are considerable. Some people want Trump without his vices. I was among them — until yesterday, when I watched and listened to Tom Klingenstein’s speech titled “Trump’s virtues.”  It was masterful and shamed me that I did not make the distinction between Trump’s character and his virtues, the former being deeply flawed, the latter being almost perfect. I need to man up in my defense of the former President’s virtues. The speech was among the most pointed I have heard and deserves some exposure. Klingenstein says:

Other Republicans say some version of “I like Trump policies but I don’t like the rest of him.” This gets it almost backwards. Although Trump advanced many important policies, it is the ‘rest of him’ that contains the virtue that inspires the movement… Trump was born for the current crisis, a life and death struggle against a totalitarian enemy I call woke communism… that control all the cultural and economic powers in America…

[Trump] revealed, not caused, the divide in this country. In war, you must make a stand… Trump is a manly man… traditional manhood, even when flawed, is absolutely essential… Trump plays to win… There are no clean hands in a fistfight…Trump is unreservedly, unquestionably pro-America… Trump is a refreshing break from the guilt and self-loathing that marks our age…

How wonderful it is to hear a speaker in this age of wokeness and cowardly cancellation for saying the “wrong” thing, i.e., something not within the approved narrative of the Ruling Elite come right out and refer to someone as “a manly man”! I must admit I had to go back and rerun that part of the video I enjoyed hearing it so much! I am sending this video along not in the interest of starting any kind of debate about the 2024 election as it is far too early to be joining that battle. I am, however, sending it along as I think it represents a very valuable contribution to that future debate and the decision we will all be required to make in the future. I hope you find it as interesting and illuminating as I did.

God Bless America!

Published in General
This post was promoted to the Main Feed by a Ricochet Editor at the recommendation of Ricochet members. Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 173 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. DrewInWisconsin, Oik Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oik
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Eh, nevermind.

    • #151
  2. navyjag Coolidge
    navyjag
    @navyjag

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    Pete EE (View Comment):

    DeSantis has been excellent in Florida. He has fought smartly. It is entirely reasonable that he would about as good as Trump where Trump is good and better where Trump is not. Entirely reasonable but not certain.

    DeSantis has not yet been tested to the extent that Trump was. Will he stand up under pressure? Is he immune to blackmail? Can the FBI find an angle that would make DeSantis fold? Could DeSantis find funding for a campaign? DeSantis may be all that but it is foolish to act like you are certain. Of Trump, I am certain.

    The problem is that with those doggone NeverTrumpers, Trump is unelectable. With DeSantis, you get a younger Trump with a modicum of self-restraint and a Harvard Law degree. What’s not to like.

    And he was Navy JAG. Extra points from me. And was not on a carrier. In Iraq. 

    • #152
  3. James Lileks Contributor
    James Lileks
    @jameslileks

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    But I know, I know: it’s not enough to vote for Trump. One has to admire him completely as well,

    I never said that.

    Most Trump supporters have never said that. That’s part of the ongoing smear of Trump supporters. It’s part and parcel of saying they were all irrationally entranced by the man and his cult of personality.

    And the argument ultimately shows the contempt many people have for Trump supporters.

     

    Most Trump supporters never said that? No, you’re correct. Some Trump supporters behave that way, though. State that you voted for him, prefer him over the current occupant, believed the whole media was complicit in the Russiagate smear, was impressed by the accomplishments of his tenure – in other words, you are not an NT anymore– and then make a criticism of his character or behavior or past actions, and what’s the response from some? “You got a point, didn’t bother me, to each his own” or  “your NT contempt for Trump is clouding your judgment” and strenuous pushback? The latter, to use your words, ultimately shows the contempt many have for people who do not share their elevated view of the man.

    I have no contempt for Trump supporters; never have. Given my vote,  I could be considered one. I just think that many of the elevated claims made on his behalf, when it comes to character and behavior, are risable, and saying so doesn’t toss me in the Slough of Despond with the  Goldberg-French-Kristol cerebus.

    • #153
  4. navyjag Coolidge
    navyjag
    @navyjag

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    But I know, I know: it’s not enough to vote for Trump. One has to admire him completely as well,

    I never said that.

    Most Trump supporters have never said that. That’s part of the ongoing smear of Trump supporters. It’s part and parcel of saying they were all irrationally entranced by the man and his cult of personality.

    And the argument ultimately shows the contempt many people have for Trump supporters.

     

    Most Trump supporters never said that? No, you’re correct. Some Trump supporters behave that way, though. State that you voted for him, prefer him over the current occupant, believed the whole media was complicit in the Russiagate smear, was impressed by the accomplishments of his tenure – in other words, you are not an NT anymore– and then make a criticism of his character or behavior or past actions, and what’s the response from some? “You got a point, didn’t bother me, to each his own” or “your NT contempt for Trump is clouding your judgment” and strenuous pushback? The latter, to use your words, ultimately shows the contempt many have for people who do not share their elevated view of the man.

    I have no contempt for Trump supporters; never have. Given my vote, I could be considered one. I just think that many of the elevated claims made on his behalf, when it comes to character and behavior, are risable, and saying so doesn’t toss me in the Slough of Despond with the Goldberg-French-Kristol cerebus.

    So the guy’s a narcissist. Know any politicians who aren’t? Like his predecessor in office.  And learned how to send mean tweets.  So what?  What does decorum have to do with making good policy decisions and saving taxpayers money?

    • #154
  5. James Lileks Contributor
    James Lileks
    @jameslileks

    navyjag (View Comment):
    So the guy’s a narcissist. Know any politicians who aren’t?

     

    Comes with the territory, as you said. The best politicians are adept at concealing it. 

    And learned how to send mean tweets.  So what? 

    Maybe we should expect a better level of discourse from the President?  Smashmouth is fun for the dopamine jolt, but it’s a road that leads to debased public discourse.   But that’s just my opinion.

    What does decorum have to do with making good policy decisions and saving taxpayers money?

    If lack of decorum alienates people, it’s poor politics. Maybe Ike wouldn’t have gotten a second term if all his speeches started sounding like Lennie Bruce routine.

    It’s not like basic decorum and good policy decisions stand in opposition, either.

    Decorum is easy, but it’s in disrepute, like those values Stina said the left was always attacking. The current culture celebrates the lack of decorum in its pets, because they are authentic and real and not constrained by old privileged things like manners.  I don’t know why conservatives have to cheer rhetorical crudity on principle.

    • #155
  6. navyjag Coolidge
    navyjag
    @navyjag

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    navyjag (View Comment):
    So the guy’s a narcissist. Know any politicians who aren’t?

     

    Comes with the territory, as you said. The best politicians are adept at concealing it.

    And learned how to send mean tweets. So what?

    Maybe we should expect a better level of discourse from the President? Smashmouth is fun for the dopamine jolt, but it’s a road that leads to debased public discourse. But that’s just my opinion.

    What does decorum have to do with making good policy decisions and saving taxpayers money?

    If lack of decorum alienates people, it’s poor politics. Maybe Ike wouldn’t have gotten a second term if all his speeches started sounding like Lennie Bruce routine.

    It’s not like basic decorum and good policy decisions stand in opposition, either.

    Decorum is easy, but it’s in disrepute, like those values Stina said the left was always attacking. The current culture celebrates the lack of decorum in its pets, because they are authentic and real and not constrained by old privileged things like manners. I don’t know why conservatives have to cheer rhetorical crudity on principle.

    Agree. Don’t know why the guy thinks he has to be more aggressive. Maybe from his N.Y. real estate experiences and broadcast fame.  Too bad. DeSantis a much more calm alternative. Not like the MSM will give him a break. See the great response from his office to the The View invitation to come on for an “interview”.  

    • #156
  7. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    navyjag (View Comment):
    So the guy’s a narcissist. Know any politicians who aren’t?

     

    Comes with the territory, as you said. The best politicians are adept at concealing it.

    And learned how to send mean tweets. So what?

    Maybe we should expect a better level of discourse from the President? Smashmouth is fun for the dopamine jolt, but it’s a road that leads to debased public discourse. But that’s just my opinion.

    What does decorum have to do with making good policy decisions and saving taxpayers money?

    If lack of decorum alienates people, it’s poor politics. Maybe Ike wouldn’t have gotten a second term if all his speeches started sounding like Lennie Bruce routine.

    It’s not like basic decorum and good policy decisions stand in opposition, either.

    Decorum is easy, but it’s in disrepute, like those values Stina said the left was always attacking. The current culture celebrates the lack of decorum in its pets, because they are authentic and real and not constrained by old privileged things like manners. I don’t know why conservatives have to cheer rhetorical crudity on principle.

    If you want to see documentation of how much things have changed, search youtube for WFB, Jr.’s Firing Line episodes. Serious discussion of issues and not the “gotcha” versions we see today with 140- or 280-character exchanges. I’m not smart enough to figure out the root cause of the changes. 

    • #157
  8. Bryan G. Stephens Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens
    @BryanGStephens

    James Lileks (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens (View Comment):

    Stina (View Comment):

    But I know, I know: it’s not enough to vote for Trump. One has to admire him completely as well,

    I never said that.

    Most Trump supporters have never said that. That’s part of the ongoing smear of Trump supporters. It’s part and parcel of saying they were all irrationally entranced by the man and his cult of personality.

    And the argument ultimately shows the contempt many people have for Trump supporters.

     

    Most Trump supporters never said that? No, you’re correct. Some Trump supporters behave that way, though. State that you voted for him, prefer him over the current occupant, believed the whole media was complicit in the Russiagate smear, was impressed by the accomplishments of his tenure – in other words, you are not an NT anymore– and then make a criticism of his character or behavior or past actions, and what’s the response from some? “You got a point, didn’t bother me, to each his own” or “your NT contempt for Trump is clouding your judgment” and strenuous pushback? The latter, to use your words, ultimately shows the contempt many have for people who do not share their elevated view of the man.

    I have no contempt for Trump supporters; never have. Given my vote, I could be considered one. I just think that many of the elevated claims made on his behalf, when it comes to character and behavior, are risable, and saying so doesn’t toss me in the Slough of Despond with the Goldberg-French-Kristol cerebus.

    Interesting. You made a comment implying Stina was demanding worship, and let’s be honest, you were sneering. 

    What I did was make a point, using the same sort of overbroad brush you did. Doesn’t seem fair, does it? You and I both know this is exactly how NT has acted towards supporters. And you used their line against Stina. It is akin to using leftist talking points even when you are not a leftist.

    Mostly I think you two are talking past each other and busy being offended by each other. Which bothers me, as I like you both. I don’t like seeing friends fight. 

     

     

    • #158
  9. Western Chauvinist Member
    Western Chauvinist
    @WesternChauvinist

    The problem with repeating that Trump is impolitic is it feeds the “he’s a fascist! he’s an authoritarian!! he’s a threat to democracy!!!” hysteria. We may never have another outsider who breaks with the oligarchy again with that reaction.

    I’ve often thought the problem wasn’t that President Trump is impolitic. It’s the REACTION to him being impolitic. The only thing any of us can control in politics (and often in life) is our reactions. The hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is juvenile, at best. Grow up. Get over it. He’s usually saying things that need to be said, even if his presentation is a little rough. Lefties and NTers can’t handle rough truth, but that doesn’t mean we should stop speaking it.

    He did a lot of good for the country and would have done more (if the election had been fair and honest). Heck, he did a lot for the world with the Abraham Accords and confronting NATO with reality, for example. 

    • #159
  10. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):

    The problem with repeating that Trump is impolitic is it feeds the “he’s a fascist! he’s an authoritarian!! he’s a threat to democracy!!!” hysteria. We may never have another outsider who breaks with the oligarchy again with that reaction.

    I’ve often thought the problem wasn’t that President Trump is impolitic. It’s the REACTION to him being impolitic. The only thing any of us can control in politics (and often in life) is our reactions. The hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is juvenile, at best. Grow up. Get over it. He’s usually saying things that need to be said, even if his presentation is a little rough. Lefties and NTers can’t handle rough truth, but that doesn’t mean we should stop speaking it.

    He did a lot of good for the country and would have done more (if the election had been fair and honest). Heck, he did a lot for the world with the Abraham Accords and confronting NATO with reality, for example.

    For me, if my gut reaction is to take offense, my question has to be “but is it TRUE?” That has to be the starting point.

    If it is true, then was there a politic way of saying it? In this day and age, no. Truth IS impolitic. That’s no reason not to speak it.

    My sister in law we’re going on about that concerning religion. I’d ask if something is true and her reaction was “we need to be careful with that.” No, I just want to know if it is true.

    • #160
  11. namlliT noD Member
    namlliT noD
    @DonTillman

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    I’ve often thought the problem wasn’t that President Trump is impolitic. It’s the REACTION to him being impolitic. The only thing any of us can control in politics (and often in life) is our reactions. The hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is juvenile, at best.

    ‘Solid point.

    And… today’s news media has been using reactions as a way to lie.

    For instance:

            Reality: President Trump renegotiates a trade deal.

            Reaction: “OH MY GOD!  THIS IS A THREAT TO OUR DEMOCRACY!”

    The casual viewer or listener mostly hears the reaction.  And even if they see or hear the reality, they can’t help but think there must be *something* that got those news reporters so upset.

    So yeah, the hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is propaganda.

    • #161
  12. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    namlliT noD (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    I’ve often thought the problem wasn’t that President Trump is impolitic. It’s the REACTION to him being impolitic. The only thing any of us can control in politics (and often in life) is our reactions. The hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is juvenile, at best.

    ‘Solid point.

    And… today’s news media has been using reactions as a way to lie.

    For instance:

    Reality: President Trump renegotiates a trade deal.

    Reaction: “OH MY GOD! THIS IS A THREAT TO OUR DEMOCRACY!”

    The casual viewer or listener mostly hears the reaction. And even if they see or hear the reality, they can’t help but think there must be *something* that got those news reporters so upset.

    So yeah, the hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is propaganda.

    Which is it? Are Trump’s critics stupid or do they believe enough voters are stupid enough to believe them? Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server. Trump was clearly ridiculing the lame-stream media’s refusal to report on the issue; that’s all. Still, those SFBs are using that Trump joke to claim he was colluding with the Russians. What percentage of those likely to vote buy it? 

    • #162
  13. DrewInWisconsin, Oik Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oik
    @DrewInWisconsin

    namlliT noD (View Comment):

    So yeah, the hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is propaganda.

    And so many otherwise smart people fall for it 👏 every 👏 single 👏 time.

    • #163
  14. DrewInWisconsin, Oik Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oik
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Django (View Comment):
    Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server.

    He’s still repeating that lie!?

    I suppose there are still people stupid enough to believe it, too.

    You know, we need to hire someone to follow members of Congress around with a cattle prod, and every time they lie, they get zapped.

     

    • #164
  15. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):
    Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server.

    He’s still repeating that lie!?

    I suppose there are still people stupid enough to believe it, too.

    You know, we need to hire someone to follow members of Congress around with a cattle prod, and every time they lie, they get zapped.

     

    I guess it’s all they have. 

    • #165
  16. Stina Inactive
    Stina
    @CM

    Django (View Comment):

    namlliT noD (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    I’ve often thought the problem wasn’t that President Trump is impolitic. It’s the REACTION to him being impolitic. The only thing any of us can control in politics (and often in life) is our reactions. The hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is juvenile, at best.

    ‘Solid point.

    And… today’s news media has been using reactions as a way to lie.

    For instance:

    Reality: President Trump renegotiates a trade deal.

    Reaction: “OH MY GOD! THIS IS A THREAT TO OUR DEMOCRACY!”

    The casual viewer or listener mostly hears the reaction. And even if they see or hear the reality, they can’t help but think there must be *something* that got those news reporters so upset.

    So yeah, the hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is propaganda.

    Which is it? Are Trump’s critics stupid or do they believe enough voters are stupid enough to believe them? Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server. Trump was clearly ridiculing the lame-stream media’s refusal to report on the issue; that’s all. Still, those SFBs are using that Trump joke to claim he was colluding with the Russians. What percentage of those likely to vote buy it?

    Clearly, some people believe it. Heck, even people here believe Trump was divisive. I don’t really know what exactly it is that they think made Trump divisive while the left is NOT divisive. My current understanding of “divisive” is “refuses to submit to leftist totalitarianism.”

    • #166
  17. namlliT noD Member
    namlliT noD
    @DonTillman

    Django (View Comment):

    namlliT noD (View Comment):

    The casual viewer or listener mostly hears the reaction. And even if they see or hear the reality, they can’t help but think there must be *something* that got those news reporters so upset.

    So yeah, the hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is propaganda.

    Which is it? Are Trump’s critics stupid or do they believe enough voters are stupid enough to believe them?

    The reaction is juvenile behavior, but it is effective as propaganda.   

    • #167
  18. Bishop Wash Member
    Bishop Wash
    @BishopWash

    Django (View Comment):
    Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server. Trump was clearly ridiculing the lame-stream media’s refusal to report on the issue; that’s all.

    Yes. The context was since you’ve probably already hacked her unsecure server, go ahead and post her messages. Not break into it now.

    • #168
  19. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):
    Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server.

    He’s still repeating that lie!?

    I suppose there are still people stupid enough to believe it, too.

    You know, we need to hire someone to follow members of Congress around with a cattle prod, and every time they lie, they get zapped.

    And tell them it’s just a lie detector.

    • #169
  20. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    Stina (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    namlliT noD (View Comment):

    Western Chauvinist (View Comment):
    I’ve often thought the problem wasn’t that President Trump is impolitic. It’s the REACTION to him being impolitic. The only thing any of us can control in politics (and often in life) is our reactions. The hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is juvenile, at best.

    ‘Solid point.

    And… today’s news media has been using reactions as a way to lie.

    For instance:

    Reality: President Trump renegotiates a trade deal.

    Reaction: “OH MY GOD! THIS IS A THREAT TO OUR DEMOCRACY!”

    The casual viewer or listener mostly hears the reaction. And even if they see or hear the reality, they can’t help but think there must be *something* that got those news reporters so upset.

    So yeah, the hysteria surrounding Trump’s mean tweets is propaganda.

    Which is it? Are Trump’s critics stupid or do they believe enough voters are stupid enough to believe them? Last week I heard that moon-faced, pencil-necked geek Schiff say again that Trump had openly encouraged the Russians to hack Hillary’s server. Trump was clearly ridiculing the lame-stream media’s refusal to report on the issue; that’s all. Still, those SFBs are using that Trump joke to claim he was colluding with the Russians. What percentage of those likely to vote buy it?

    Clearly, some people believe it. Heck, even people here believe Trump was divisive. I don’t really know what exactly it is that they think made Trump divisive while the left is NOT divisive. My current understanding of “divisive” is “refuses to submit to leftist totalitarianism.”

    Trump brought it all into focus. NTs will never forgive him for that. 

    • #170
  21. DrewInWisconsin, Oik Member
    DrewInWisconsin, Oik
    @DrewInWisconsin

    Django (View Comment):

    Trump brought it all into focus. NTs will never forgive him for that.

    I think what he brought into focus was just how little Washington cares about the citizen class, and how dramatically out of touch they are. Even the so-called “conservatives.”

    • #171
  22. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):

    Trump brought it all into focus. NTs will never forgive him for that.

    I think what he brought into focus was just how little Washington cares about the citizen class, and how dramatically out of touch they are. Even the so-called “conservatives.”

    He brought a lot into focus, but the main thing that makes NTs hate him is that he showed us all that RINOs were happy being in the minority and fund-raising off fears of what the Demo-rats would do if not restrained by the GOPe. They never had any intention of doing what they promised. It’s in the open now and we know who the enemies are. 

    Well, some of us do. There are still hopeless cases at ricochet who make every excuse they can for the GOPe Some swear it doesn’t even exist. 

    • #172
  23. TempTime Member
    TempTime
    @TempTime

    DrewInWisconsin, Oik (View Comment):

    Why do people want to take DeSantis out of Florida? I think he needs to be there a few more years to show the rest of the wobbly GOP governors how it’s done. Governors can do things that Presidents cannot. While he’d be a good President, Florida would likely suffer without him. As it stands, Florida is now acting as a haven from the Oppressive States of America.

    Agree.  And, true about the ‘too many folks’ coming here.  I worry about being invaded.  It’s why I pray that Gov. DeSantis will build us a wall on our northern border.  “No Progressive Useful Idiots” Allowed.   And no RINOs either; we already have Schumer’s boy Marco, as well as Others, to deal with. 

     I keep wanting to shout to the DemProgs/RINOs running down here to escape all their bad decisions:  No! Go Back!   Stay home and clean up your mess!    

    • #173
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.