I feel sorry for Rudy that he can’t love this country the way it is. I love America even with assholes like him living in it. In fact, I’m immensely proud of our assholes; I think America has the best assholes in the world. I defy the Belgians or the Japanese to produce something like a Donald Trump. If that makes me an exceptionalist, I plead guilty.
On Belgium: I can only think of Johnny Hallyday and Paul de Man. Neither begins to measure up.
******************
Update: UD thanks Alan, a reader, for reminding her that Leopold II trumps Trump.
February 21st, 2015 at 1:46PM
For Rudy’s own wonderful family background and later accomplishments see:
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/wayne-barrett-rudy-giuliani-love-article-1.2122253
February 21st, 2015 at 1:47PM
I guess I agree that Donald Trump is an example of remarkable something-or-other. But Trump has pretty much always been that way… Rudy, not so much. I’ve known pretty rational people who, once-upon-a-time, supported Rudy’s Presidential ambitions. Now, he’s just an embarassment.
February 21st, 2015 at 2:04PM
MattF: For me, Giuliani always had an unsettling fanatical gleam in his eye. Not the sort of person you want running a country. It’s a pleasure to see him put out to pasture, where he belongs.
February 21st, 2015 at 4:50PM
I read the essay. I hope Taibbi considers expanding it. (I’ve never understood “American exceptionalism”.)
February 22nd, 2015 at 5:10PM
I’m confused. Is this post supposed to be snickering at Giuliani or Taibb? I can’t figure it out. Is there any way to tell?
February 22nd, 2015 at 5:16PM
UD: surely Belgium’s Leopold II has a shot at biggest asshole of the nineteenth century? And that’s in the face of some stiff competition.
February 22nd, 2015 at 7:01PM
Alan: Can’t believe I forgot Leopold II. I’ll add him to the post.