For as long as I can remember (and I'm probably one of the oldest fully-cognitive people here) the US Presidency has, in a sense, been an office above politics in one respect.
And that is, when a President is in his final year - either not running again, as Lyndon Johnson, or having served two terms - he remains aloof from the battle to become his successor.

Sure, he might have private talks with one or other of the contenders, but they remain private.
He doesn't during that period enter into the political party debate.

Not this unworthy piece of work called Obama.
He is out there dishing it out to the Republicans, in particular Trump, at every opportunity he gets.
Not only that, he is seen to be clearly favouring Clinton in the nomination process.

This can only serve to undermine the standing of the office, bit by bit, as he is seen to be acting just as another politician and not as a Head of State.

If Trump wins in November, my advice to him would be to refuse to walk up Pennsylvania Ave with this unworthy office holder.

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/12/us/reagan-endorses-bush-as-successor.html

http://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/01/us/the-1992-campaign-ronald-reagan-vintage-reagan-stumps-in-south.html

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/world/middleeast/16prexy.html


Lets face it, they all do it.

Selective amnesia seems to be the common characteristic of those in the anti-Obama cult.

bogarde73 wrote on May 2^nd, 2016 at 3:38pm:

For as long as I can remember (and I'm probably one of the oldest fully-cognitive people here) the US Presidency has, in a sense, been an office above politics in one respect. And that is, when a President is in his final year - either not running again, as Lyndon Johnson, or having served two terms - he remains aloof from the battle to become his successor. Sure, he might have private talks with one or other of the contenders, but they remain private. He doesn't during that period enter into the political party debate. Not this unworthy piece of work called Obama. He is out there dishing it out to the Republicans, in particular Trump, at every opportunity he gets. Not only that, he is seen to be clearly favouring Clinton in the nomination process. This can only serve to undermine the standing of the office, bit by bit, as he is seen to be acting just as another politician and not as a Head of State. If Trump wins in November, my advice to him would be to refuse to walk up Pennsylvania Ave with this unworthy office holder.

If Trump wins in November, my advice would be to go home and enjoy his Trump lifestyle.

Moving into the White House would be a step down.

bogarde73 wrote on May 2^nd, 2016 at 3:38pm:

If Trump wins in November, my advice to him would be to refuse to walk up Pennsylvania Ave with this unworthy office holder.

The odds of that are currently running at about 18% .

The odds don't start until the nominations are done
The odds on Trump being the nominee six months ago would have been minimal.

This would be one of those conventions that was only ever followed to the extent that the party considered it beneficial to the chances of their next candidate.

Obama is a lucky loser with a natural dislike for born winners like Trump.  He is a small, petty man and as such, is letting his emotions toward Trump cloud his judgment. 

Lightning struck once when this this nobody was anointed as the next president, but Obama can't cheat fate twice, and President Trump will not let his insolence go unpunished.  It won't be a traditionally cruel or brutal vengeance, but it will be as personally devastating to Obama as a shiv straight to the soul, and on that day, he will know the better man won.

So you think Trump will defeat Obama in the next election?

Well I know Obama won't win. 

How do you know that?

Just a lucky feeling.  I'll give good odds if you want to bet he will.  Better than any bookie.

I'll pass thanks.

Oh well, the offers still open if you change your mind.

There's some animosity between those two.  There's not many who don't want to see a Trump presidency as viscerally as Obama. 

It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Out least Bush jnr waited till after the election to churn out the gaffes.

freediver wrote on May 3^rd, 2016 at 6:53pm:

It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout.

Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support. 

He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump.

But she is a woman, apparently.

It was Trump that I said will spur the democrat turnout, not Hillary.

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2016 at 6:56pm:

freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump.

And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic.

John_Taverner wrote on May 3^rd, 2016 at 11:59am:

bogarde73 wrote on May 2nd, 2016 at 3:38pm: If Trump wins in November, my advice to him would be to refuse to walk up Pennsylvania Ave with this unworthy office holder. The odds of that are currently running at about 18% .

I'm surprised the odds are that high  :P

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3^rd, 2016 at 10:51pm:

... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic.

The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him.

... wrote on May 3^rd, 2016 at 11:22pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him.

Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4^th, 2016 at 8:35am:

... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it.

He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does.

But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit.

... wrote on May 4^th, 2016 at 8:41am:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:35am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it. He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does. But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit.

He can do it by altering his behaviour. Thats all it would take, instead of the random statement he usually comes out with.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4^th, 2016 at 8:50am:

... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:41am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:35am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it. He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does. But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit. He can do it by altering his behaviour. Thats all it would take, instead of the random statement he usually comes out with.

No, that's ridiculous.  His behaviour is what appeals to people.  Becoming another phony in a sea of phonies will only lose support.  Luckily, he hires the best people to guide his campaign, not rubes from internet forums.

freediver wrote on May 3^rd, 2016 at 6:53pm:

It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Out least Bush jnr waited till after the election to churn out the gaffes.

Don't know about that.
"who's the leader of Pakistan?"
"President"
"General"

... wrote on May 4^th, 2016 at 8:56am:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:50am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:41am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:35am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it. He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does. But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit. He can do it by altering his behaviour. Thats all it would take, instead of the random statement he usually comes out with. No, that's ridiculous.  His behaviour is what appeals to people.  Becoming another phony in a sea of phonies will only lose support.  Luckily, he hires the best people to guide his campaign, not rubes from internet forums.

Then people are idiots. Essentially its all style no substance.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4^th, 2016 at 10:55am:

... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:56am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:50am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:41am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:35am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it. He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does. But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit. He can do it by altering his behaviour. Thats all it would take, instead of the random statement he usually comes out with. No, that's ridiculous.  His behaviour is what appeals to people.  Becoming another phony in a sea of phonies will only lose support.  Luckily, he hires the best people to guide his campaign, not rubes from internet forums. Then people are idiots. Essentially its all style no substance.

Fine - people are idiots. 

But you're a person, and therefore by your own admission, an idiot, so why should anyone listen to you?

... wrote on May 5^th, 2016 at 1:24pm:

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 10:55am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:56am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:50am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:41am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:35am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it. He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does. But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit. He can do it by altering his behaviour. Thats all it would take, instead of the random statement he usually comes out with. No, that's ridiculous.  His behaviour is what appeals to people.  Becoming another phony in a sea of phonies will only lose support.  Luckily, he hires the best people to guide his campaign, not rubes from internet forums. Then people are idiots. Essentially its all style no substance. Fine - people are idiots.  But you're a person, and therefore by your own admission, an idiot, so why should anyone listen to you?

Because someone has to stand out from the crowd. Besides, you being an idiot, I have to get you to listen.

Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 5^th, 2016 at 1:58pm:

... wrote on May 5th, 2016 at 1:24pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 10:55am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:56am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:50am: ... wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:41am: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 4th, 2016 at 8:35am: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 11:22pm: Prime Minister for Canyons wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 10:51pm: ... wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:56pm: freediver wrote on May 3rd, 2016 at 6:53pm: It's not just Obama. Trump will do wonders for the Democrat turnout. Nah, democrats turnout will be well down on Obamas energising campaign.  Hilary has no hope of that level of support.  He was black jesus, the second coming of the messiah - Clinton is just not Trump. And the fact shes not Trump will be enough. Thats the problem with Trump, you either think he's the second coming or he's a lunatic. The problem with trump is his enemies characterisation of him. Not like he does a hell of a lot to dissuade people of it. He does a bit, not that you'd know what he does if you didn't seek it out.  "reasonable trump" doesn't generate clicks like "outrageous trump" does. But you're right, he doesn't do that much to dissuade them.  He'd need 48 hours in every day to address every stupid slur or allegation by no-name typists.  Winners don't waste their time defending themselves against silly attacks from losers - to even acknowledge them gives them validity that they don't merit. He can do it by altering his behaviour. Thats all it would take, instead of the random statement he usually comes out with. No, that's ridiculous.  His behaviour is what appeals to people.  Becoming another phony in a sea of phonies will only lose support.  Luckily, he hires the best people to guide his campaign, not rubes from internet forums. Then people are idiots. Essentially its all style no substance. Fine - people are idiots.  But you're a person, and therefore by your own admission, an idiot, so why should anyone listen to you? Because someone has to stand out from the crowd. Besides, you being an idiot, I have to get you to listen.

Stand out from the crowd? 

You?

Really?

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I've had houseplants with more personality than you.