Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

tblue37

(67,753 posts)
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 05:11 AM Nov 14

Remember when elected officials and their spokespersons wouldn't dare talk like this in public?

Remember the shock when GHW Bush called Clinton & Gore Bozos? Or when the Nixon tapes revealed he said "hell" & "damn" in private conversations in the Oval office? Now Trump uses the F word and says "sh-t " frequently in public speeches, and his press secretary and one of his aides respond to press questions with "your mom" insults. Talk about lowering the level of discourse!

Do political science profs have to explain to their students that, for most of American history, it was actually borderline unthinkable that elected officials and their spokespersons would constantly talk like trashy reality show contestants?

Julian Sanchez (@normative.bsky.social) 2025-11-14T01:29:16.395Z
8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Remember when elected officials and their spokespersons wouldn't dare talk like this in public? (Original Post) tblue37 Nov 14 OP
Maga. Take away their insults and they have nothing left Walleye Nov 14 #1
That's the truth! 2naSalit Nov 14 #3
"Talk about lowering the level of discourse!" J_William_Ryan Nov 14 #2
And the "Grab them by the p..." MyOwnPeace Nov 14 #4
Decency used to be an American value. Irish_Dem Nov 14 #5
NO! Decency used to be a "majority" in America maxrandb Nov 14 #6
Americans now adore psychopaths with no moral core. Irish_Dem Nov 14 #7
Swearing in public demonstrates a weak and feeble mind PJMcK Nov 14 #8

J_William_Ryan

(3,167 posts)
2. "Talk about lowering the level of discourse!"
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 05:43 AM
Nov 14

There was a time in American political culture when Trump ridiculing a disabled journalist would be the end of his political career.

The Trump Cult has dragged American political culture into the sewer.

MyOwnPeace

(17,419 posts)
4. And the "Grab them by the p..."
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 05:51 AM
Nov 14

would have had you kicked out of BOTH political parties and ‘never-to-be-seen’ on any television!

Now they’re Republican big shots or stars on Faux Spews………

maxrandb

(17,034 posts)
6. NO! Decency used to be a "majority" in America
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 06:20 AM
Nov 14

Asshats like Donnie Dipshit and his ilk have always existed. Society just rarely gave them political power and a platform.

I blame social media. It makes us all behave like we are in our safe, steel reinforced cars when someone cuts us off, or goes slow in the fast lane.

Irish_Dem

(78,121 posts)
7. Americans now adore psychopaths with no moral core.
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 06:32 AM
Nov 14

And yes there have always been narcissists and psychopaths who have no decency.
No moral core.

But today Americans elect these criminals.

It is the greatest moral collapse in US history.

It all goes back to the American people who have lost their way.

PJMcK

(24,480 posts)
8. Swearing in public demonstrates a weak and feeble mind
Fri Nov 14, 2025, 08:31 AM
Nov 14

Is anyone surprised that Trump and his administration speak the way they do? The lot of them are ignorant, closed-minded people who are incapable of critical thinking and are unable to accept the facts of life. They live in a bubble of stupidity, denial and self-righteous privilege. They are clearly unable or unwilling to accept reality. And they are just dumb.

Whenever I hear Trump speak, it is stunning how he is so foolish and idiotic. His words rarely make any sense and this NYer recognizes his stupid lies immediately. Yet millions of Americans-- many of whom think they're smart (Dunning-Kruger anyone?)-- think Trump is a brilliant businessman. (He bankrupted three casinos and was repeatedly convicted of fraud. That's some special "brilliance".)

On the one hand, it will be a glorious day when he is no longer polluting our nation and the world. On the other hand, unfortunately his millions of supporters will still be around.

While I could swear with the "best" of them, I would not want to spend two minutes with any of those degenerates.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Remember when elected off...