The economy was better under Obama by just about every measure. Stock market % increases for Obama’s first 18 months were greater than Trump’s. African American unemployment plummeted under Obama.

Oh and our deficit was cut in 1/2 under Obama and has doubled under Trump.

I love hearing conservatives say we should look at the economy as a way to rate Trump. If so, they should be thrilled at Obama.

Of course my angst here is international, although I did bring up domestic. I won't say anything more about domestic except that I agree generally with tizzy although I disagree that Obama's economy was *better* than Trump's. All measures improved under Obama early and over 8 years but I acknowledge that many measures have improved even at a greater rate over the past 18 months. Jury is out on final verdict on the economy when tariffs, rust industries etc. have whatever effect they ultimately have. Domestic social policies also need the test of history. But again, I'm focusing on international policies that have me embarrassed and angry.

Once again, I agree with you on a lot of what you say about the U.S on the international scene...that much of how we view world politics is through our own lenses, and that much of my embarrassment is because of the clumsy inept (I'd add hostile and bullying) style of the current administration compared to the style and temperament of the last administration and every administration over the past century.

I'll also give you the benefit of the doubt that it's possible that us pulling out of the Iran deal *could* result in something better ultimately. But unilaterally pulling out over objections from our allies (just like the climate accord) had absolutely no rational purpose (unless you consider dismantling another Obama accomplishment rational for that reason alone, which obviously is Trump's reason for most everything he's done). Since we pulled out unilaterally, we are on an island like I mentioned before. We have essentially zero leverage or power without the backing of our allies and foes despite their own economic interests. If we wanted to renegotiate the deal (which indisputably was working), we should have at least lined up a supporter or two at a minimum.

The Saudis and Israel always have been our allies to a lesser and greater extent respectively. Granted, the last administration strained our relationship with Israel somewhat, but always kept them as our best friend in the region. Our support of regimes and factions in the middle east, central america and other areas of the world for political and strategic purposes often has been embarrassing especially in retrospect. I've cringed of actions of every administration from Kennedy all the way through Obama at times but could live with them as rational or necessary on some level. But the constant irrational international embarrassments of the current administration pointedly directed at our friends and allies is more than clumsy or inept. Those actions border on evil which is not how I want to be viewed as an American. I won't disavow my President, ever, because he's our elected leader. But that doesn't stop me from being embarrassed and angry about how he's fucking up this country's stature as a world leader to promote his brand and personal agenda.

I think trump is a failure internationally.  Starting a trade war was a big mistake and I hope the rest of the world forms treaties and agreements with out him.  Globalization is here to stay and trump has shown he really isn't sophisticated enough to make deals - only cry about the ones made like a little 2 year old.  The US will be left behind and lose its stature in the world which is already happening.   Trump could change tone and maybe turn things around but he doesn't seem to listen to anyone.   Good luck !!!

Agreed .Sounds perverse, but I’m almost hoping for a stock market crash as  an October surprise . If that  happens , the midterms will be. Up for grabs.