I think USAmericans are understandably tired of criticism from abroad and justifiably uninterested sometimes. However, there is a difference this time.

The noisy, emotional and ignorant may rant against the USA but I hope people like me are not entirely dismissed as Eurotrash or socialist, (socialist is apparently even worse). Most moderate, thinking people capable of empathetic listening have always respected the power of the USA to make the world better through their democracy and respect for human rights. Now it should be admitted by all that they have elected an egotist for a president.

The consequences might appear from Homeland USA not to be severe. After all, the economy is stimulated a little, even though the timing and nature of the stimulus is probably wrongheaded. Checks and balances may have mitigated many of the worst effects of bad executive decisions. What has chiefly saved us all is the fact that an egotist, by definition, only really cares about himself and how he is received and perceived. So it is important to get the perspective right - there are far worse people than egotists who might be POTUS. It is entirely up to the US electorate.

Under this POTUS, more than under the much criticised Bush (and his bushisms), the USA is fast losing its soft power, diplomatic and professional influence and moral authority. It is also losing its leadership in the world of international law and trade organisations such as TPP. Western influence in such soft power areas is now left to countries like Japan, Canada and Germany who simply do not have the financial power and lack things like reserve currency with which to guide international relations and international law.

I think an egotist was chosen over a professional lawyer partly through fake news (Clinton "the criminal" and the idea the economy was doing badly under Obama) and partly through a feeling that 'Tea Party' concerns weren't being listened to by mainstream politicians. Other factors were ideas such as 'draining the swamp' and a dislike for career politicians but an egotist, criminal or ideologue are not people who put things right, especially someone who admires the likes of Putin, Erdogan and Al-Sisi while disparaging elements of the free press.

After Iraq it is understandable that USAmericans demand their country take a lower profile, a more isolationist stance and demand more of other democracies but losing international prestige and influence will probably not prove good for the USA and may prove bad for human rights, climate control and international law and trade. It may prove better for China (investing in new technologies, the One Belt One Road and institutions like the AIIB) and for demagogues.

Sorry if that is rambling. It is off the cuff, but I am trying to analyse what people think is so wrong that an egotist would help.

Yikes! Definately feeling the Trump hate! All Apologies @mycob.
Jeebus! It is shitty to be going after ssi and we don't do nearly enough for our military. Trump hasn't drained the swamp as promised. In some ways he reminds me of Denny Crane from Boston Legal... I'm 40, i pay into ssi won't see a dollar of it. Shit happens, life sucks, get a helmet.
We don't even need Congress, in 2018. If we can go online and pay taxes, and vote for American idol, we should be able to vote on any pressing matters online when we pay taxes. Quarterly. No more letting government officials vote themselves raises and pensions and health care ect.

Well I support my President Donald Trump if you look at the possible shut down you would have to admit that the Schumer Shutdown came at the expense of 2 very important factors one is the child insurance and then Doca, And the military. How does it look democrat liberal to as a servicemen that you were being push aside and ignored over illegal aliens. Who are actually have the nerve to dictate to shut down the government. Your watching to much of fake news and don`t understand Schumer and the senate Democrats at all. Beware of CNN news.