I’m on a DTD (Donald Trump Diet)

 

A few weeks ago, following the elections and Trump’s proclamation that he was running again, I declared that I would avoid posts that described anything Trumpian. I even requested that people refrain from bringing him up in my posts, and for the most part, people have been obliging.

I don’t hate Trump, but I don’t like him. And I am tired of having to explain and justify my positions regarding him. I felt like people were centering their worlds around him—conversations, opinions, declarations—and I wanted no part of it.

I realize that this post breaks my vow. But I wanted to share some of my reactions to my decision.

First, I feel so relieved and much more at peace. I’ve stopped pulling out my hair (kidding) and I feel free to focus on other issues of the day: the other crazy political situations, the cultural issues of the Woke agenda, situations in Florida, and just (what I hope are) thought-provoking posts that provide food for thought.

Maybe my posts aren’t as dramatic or passionate or even hysterical as some. Maybe they aren’t clickbait that are so intriguing and fun to read.

But they are honest and, I hope, thoughtful.

And my DT Diet has greatly reduced my angst and frustration. It is low-calorie and definitely good for your health. Will I be able to maintain it over time? I’ve already been tempted by some rich and filling posts, so it’s hard to say. We’ll have to see how much willpower I have.

Anyone want to join me?

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  1. Stad Coolidge
    Stad
    @Stad

    Susan Quinn: I don’t hate Trump, but I don’t like him.

    My wife feels the same way.  However, that didn’t stop her from voting for him twice, as in each case, the Democrat was worse.

    • #1
  2. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Stad (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn: I don’t hate Trump, but I don’t like him.

    My wife feels the same way. However, that didn’t stop her from voting for him twice, as in each case, the Democrat was worse.

    I voted for him twice. And may have to a third time.

    • #2
  3. Ed G. Member
    Ed G.
    @EdG

    Susan I think that’s good advice more generally. Disconnect more, especially from the “news” or punditry. Talk with people you know and care about. Avoid personalities and drama – it’s all fake anyway!

    • #3
  4. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    Susan I think that’s good advice more generally. Disconnect more, especially from the “news” or punditry. Talk with people you know and care about. Avoid personalities and drama – it’s all fake anyway!

    I do pretty well on other issues generally–except when it comes to Israel. Then I get knocked a bit sideways if I disagree with the OP. Or the topic of anti-Semitism. But you state some good advice; it’s good to hear it from another sane person!

    • #4
  5. Ed G. Member
    Ed G.
    @EdG

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    Susan I think that’s good advice more generally. Disconnect more, especially from the “news” or punditry. Talk with people you know and care about. Avoid personalities and drama – it’s all fake anyway!

    I do pretty well on other issues generally–except when it comes to Israel. Then I get knocked a bit sideways if I disagree with the OP. Or the topic of anti-Semitism. But you state some good advice; it’s good to hear it from another sane person!

    Oh yes, much easier said that done. 

    • #5
  6. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    Susan I think that’s good advice more generally. Disconnect more, especially from the “news” or punditry. Talk with people you know and care about. Avoid personalities and drama – it’s all fake anyway!

    I do pretty well on other issues generally–except when it comes to Israel. Then I get knocked a bit sideways if I disagree with the OP. Or the topic of anti-Semitism. But you state some good advice; it’s good to hear it from another sane person!

    Oh yes, much easier said that done.

    And I’m miserable at completely shutting out the media. I once told my old Zen teacher, when I was upset about events and I kept up on them, that I felt an obligation to know what was going on in the world.

    That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!

    • #6
  7. Gossamer Cat Coolidge
    Gossamer Cat
    @GossamerCat

    Really good column by the wonderful Salina Zito today about why many of us are ready to or have moved on:  https://townhall.com/columnists/salenazito/2022/11/22/trump-was-always-the-result-of-the-conservative-populist-coalition-not-the-cause-n2616242

    • #7
  8. EDISONPARKS Member
    EDISONPARKS
    @user_54742

    Fair or unfair,  like it or not, Trump is far too divisive to lead the (R), much less the Country.

    …. And after the last election it is apparent Trump a lousy kingmaker as well.

    • #8
  9. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    I have had my own diet.  I had bought about a dozen books about the evils of President Trump from Maggie Haggerman on down.  Now that almost all Trump Endorsed Candidates have lost in Battleground States, I have no interest in reading these books.  I am on to the novels which have been stacking up!

    • #9
  10. Ed G. Member
    Ed G.
    @EdG

    EDISONPARKS (View Comment):

    Fair or unfair, like it or not, Trump is far to divisive to lead the (R), much less the Country.

    …. And after the last election it is apparent Trump a lousy kingmaker as well.

    I disagree that that is apparent. I seem to recall seeing something like a 93% success rate.

    Anyway, there’s also a real hazard to ditching the lightning rod because people are afraid of the lightning, which is why I’m not ready to move on. I think some semblance of justice for the radical weaponization of intelligence and law enforcement for political purposes we saw the last 10-20 years is needed or this only gets worse. This is a pretty good hill to die on, and no I don’t mean for President Trump, I mean for basic civics and justice.

    • #10
  11. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    EDISONPARKS (View Comment):

    Fair or unfair, like it or not, Trump is far to divisive to lead the (R), much less the Country.

    …. And after the last election it is apparent Trump a lousy kingmaker as well.

    I disagree that that is apparent. I seem to recall seeing something like a 93% success rate.

    Anyway, there’s also a real hazard to ditching the lightning rod because people are afraid of the lightning, which is why I’m not ready to move on. I think some semblance of justice for the radical weaponization of intelligence and law enforcement for political purposes we saw the last 10-20 years is needed or this only gets worse. This is a pretty good hill to die on, and no I don’t mean for President Trump, I mean for basic civics and justice.

    I refuse to move on because I refuse to let the Dems be rewarded for their evil coup and know that success encourages them to continue and grow their coup-like behavior. Know you enemy. You can push back against Trump, if you wish, but I will push back against the Dems and their enablers.

    • #11
  12. Flicker Coolidge
    Flicker
    @Flicker

    Very amusing post.  I really thought it was about diet.  Carnivore or Vegan or something.  But it was about Trump.

    I handle it differently.  This may help you all.  I don’t use the words trump, rump, or turnip anymore.

    I gave up bridge because of Trump.

    I gave up the trumpet because of Trump

    I don’t like elephants anymore, because they, you know, they trumpet.  (Like Trump does when he speaks from the stage to crowds of ten thousands.)

    I can’t use trump as a verb anymore.

    And I don’t even look at rump roast in the supermarket anymore, because, you know, it’s just too close.

    And now I find myself living with peace and tranquility.  That’s my secret.

     

    • #12
  13. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Very amusing post. I really thought it was about diet. Carnivore or Vegan or something. But it was about Trump.

    I handle it differently. This may help you all. I don’t use the words trump, rump, or turnip anymore.

    I gave up bridge because of Trump.

    I gave up the trumpet because of Trump

    I don’t like elephants anymore, because they, you know, they trumpet. (Like Trump does when he speaks from the stage to crowds of ten thousands.)

    I can’t use trump as a verb anymore.

    And I don’t even look at rump roast in the supermarket anymore, because, you know, it’s just too close.

    And now I find myself living with peace and tranquility. That’s my secret.

     

    I love this, Flicker! Brilliant! I just wish I’d thought of some of it. Thanks for injecting some humor. 

    • #13
  14. Ed G. Member
    Ed G.
    @EdG

    I’d say you should build a wall between you and the media, but then “build the wall” is verboten too if you value your sanity.

    • #14
  15. Bishop Wash Member
    Bishop Wash
    @BishopWash

    Flicker (View Comment):

    Very amusing post. I really thought it was about diet. Carnivore or Vegan or something. But it was about Trump.

    I handle it differently. This may help you all. I don’t use the words trump, rump, or turnip anymore.

    I gave up bridge because of Trump.

    I gave up the trumpet because of Trump

    I don’t like elephants anymore, because they, you know, they trumpet. (Like Trump does when he speaks from the stage to crowds of ten thousands.)

    I can’t use trump as a verb anymore.

    And I don’t even look at rump roast in the supermarket anymore, because, you know, it’s just too close.

    And now I find myself living with peace and tranquility. That’s my secret.

     

    There was a lady on Twitter saying that her husband refuses to microwave things for 45 seconds because it’s too traumatic. Instead he uses 44 to honor Obama. 

    • #15
  16. HeavyWater Inactive
    HeavyWater
    @HeavyWater

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    I have had my own diet. I had bought about a dozen books about the evils of President Trump from Maggie Haggerman on down. Now that almost all Trump Endorsed Candidates have lost in Battleground States, I have no interest in reading these books. I am on to the novels which have been stacking up!

    I look forward to defeating Trump in 2024, either in the primary by nominating Ron DeSantis or in the general.  But one way or another, I hope to see Trump defeated.  

    • #16
  17. Quickz Member
    Quickz
    @Quickz

    I’m on that diet….

    .

    .

    . (drumroll)

    .

    ..

    .

    … becuase I’M YUGE!

    hahahahahaha – get it?

    • #17
  18. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Quickz (View Comment):

    I’m on that diet….

    .

    .

    . (drumroll)

    .

    ..

    .

    … becuase I’M YUGE!

    hahahahahaha – get it?

    Well done! ;-)

    • #18
  19. Goldwaterwoman Thatcher
    Goldwaterwoman
    @goldwaterwoman

    I like Trump’s policies and know he’s so very good at plain common sense for this country’s business. My only objection to him is his  lack of diplomacy and rudeness in his conversation with others, because in my heart I know that down deep there is someone extremely capable of being a charming and kind individual. Why oh why, I ask myself, didn’t his mother teach him better manners? She must have been one tough old lady. Or, maybe not. Could it have been his father was an uncouth character who didn’t care what people thought, and his mother was too  weak to fight him when it came to the kids? 

    • #19
  20. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    HeavyWater (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    I have had my own diet. I had bought about a dozen books about the evils of President Trump from Maggie Haggerman on down. Now that almost all Trump Endorsed Candidates have lost in Battleground States, I have no interest in reading these books. I am on to the novels which have been stacking up!

    I look forward to defeating Trump in 2024, either in the primary by nominating Ron DeSantis or in the general. But one way or another, I hope to see Trump defeated.

    I really don’t want to have to vote for a Democrat again which is what I will do if Trump is nominated.  The Republican Party has had below average results in 2017, 2018, 2020 and now 2022, and we will have below average results if Trump is on the ticket in 2024.  I really want Trump to not get the nomination.  DeSantis is fine by me.  Christie, who helped Trump get the nomination and then practice for the 2020 is also great; he broke with Trump only on Election Night 2020.  But I will never be on Bryan’s Christmas Card list again until I vote for the Republican for President in 2024, so I hope we nominate someone else than Trump.

    • #20
  21. Southern Pessimist Member
    Southern Pessimist
    @SouthernPessimist

    The Donald Trump detoxification syndrome, or DT -DTS. That is what you are enjoying. We will see how long that lasts but as always, Susan, you have your finger on the pulse.

    • #21
  22. Susan Quinn Contributor
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):
    But I will never be on Bryan’s Christmas Card list again until I vote for the Republican for President in 2024, so I hope we nominate someone else than Trump.

    There are already people who are showing up besides DeSantis. It’s going to be an interesting ride!

    • #22
  23. W Bob Member
    W Bob
    @WBob

    Trump’s mind is combination of egomania and Norman Vincent Peale positive thinking. It’s a nasty combination. 

    • #23
  24. Fake John/Jane Galt Coolidge
    Fake John/Jane Galt
    @FakeJohnJaneGalt

    Good luck with that but Trump fans and especially his enemies will not allow it.  

    • #24
  25. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    HeavyWater (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    I have had my own diet. I had bought about a dozen books about the evils of President Trump from Maggie Haggerman on down. Now that almost all Trump Endorsed Candidates have lost in Battleground States, I have no interest in reading these books. I am on to the novels which have been stacking up!

    I look forward to defeating Trump in 2024, either in the primary by nominating Ron DeSantis or in the general. But one way or another, I hope to see Trump defeated.

    Pretty hefty level of hatred you have there. That is nothing to brag about

    • #25
  26. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    HeavyWater (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    I have had my own diet. I had bought about a dozen books about the evils of President Trump from Maggie Haggerman on down. Now that almost all Trump Endorsed Candidates have lost in Battleground States, I have no interest in reading these books. I am on to the novels which have been stacking up!

    I look forward to defeating Trump in 2024, either in the primary by nominating Ron DeSantis or in the general. But one way or another, I hope to see Trump defeated.

    I really don’t want to have to vote for a Democrat again which is what I will do if Trump is nominated. The Republican Party has had below average results in 2017, 2018, 2020 and now 2022, and we will have below average results if Trump is on the ticket in 2024. I really want Trump to not get the nomination. DeSantis is fine by me. Christie, who helped Trump get the nomination and then practice for the 2020 is also great; he broke with Trump only on Election Night 2020. But I will never be on Bryan’s Christmas Card list again until I vote for the Republican for President in 2024, so I hope we nominate someone else than Trump.

    It will be fun just watching you vote for Democrats while still trying to tell us you are a Republican.

    • #26
  27. Steven Seward Member
    Steven Seward
    @StevenSeward

    I don’t think it is worth it to dwell on any people or politicians per se.  They are human and all humans have faults.  Trump is neither Hitler nor the savior of democracy.   He’s more of an eccentric and sensationalistic celebrity, therefore he garners the most news coverage by both those who hate him and those who adore him.   Unfortunately, that’s a big part of “entertainment”  in the modern era.  Conservative issues are much more important to discuss and disseminate. 

    • #27
  28. Painter Jean Moderator
    Painter Jean
    @PainterJean

    Ed G. (View Comment):

    EDISONPARKS (View Comment):

    Fair or unfair, like it or not, Trump is far to divisive to lead the (R), much less the Country.

    …. And after the last election it is apparent Trump a lousy kingmaker as well.

    I disagree that that is apparent. I seem to recall seeing something like a 93% success rate.

    Anyway, there’s also a real hazard to ditching the lightning rod because people are afraid of the lightning, which is why I’m not ready to move on. I think some semblance of justice for the radical weaponization of intelligence and law enforcement for political purposes we saw the last 10-20 years is needed or this only gets worse. This is a pretty good hill to die on, and no I don’t mean for President Trump, I mean for basic civics and justice.

    It is true that Trump endorsements were, in the majority, successful but that figure does not take into account those endorsements in areas where it was uncontested or not competitive. In those races where it was competitive, Trump candidates did very poorly. The electorate has moved on, even if die-hard supporters have not. 

    I’m with Susan in wishing for less Trump in my life. There are good writers here, with interesting subjects to explore. I for one would like to hear more about other subjects – hobbies, history, music, films – than politics. 

    • #28
  29. Painter Jean Moderator
    Painter Jean
    @PainterJean

    Steven Seward (View Comment):

    I don’t think it is worth it to dwell on any people or politicians per se. They are human and all humans have faults. Trump is neither Hitler nor the savior of democracy. He’s more of an eccentric and sensationalistic celebrity, therefore he garners the most news coverage by both those who hate him and those who adore him. Unfortunately, that’s a big part of “entertainment” in the modern era. Conservative issues are much more important to discuss and disseminate.

    Well said – thank you!

    • #29
  30. GlennAmurgis Coolidge
    GlennAmurgis
    @GlennAmurgis

    Corporate media, the Never Trump professionals (e.g., Lincoln Project, Bulwark, Dispath ….) are going to keep talking about him – their business models are based on it. DeSantis is a much better version of Trump. He is a very competent governor, and he doesn’t crave the corporate media like Trump does.  

    • #30
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