Et tu, Gail?
"Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. At one point he offered an amendment to raise taxes on high-income individuals, which was basically ignored. He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."
How can you say standing up for his principles isn't playing a role? He is representing and standing up for the people. We need him and many more people like him in elected positions.
HRC is a Republican in (an approximation of) Democrat clothing. Things have shifted so far to the right many can't remember what a Democrat or a Republican used to be.
"Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. At one point he offered an amendment to raise taxes on high-income individuals, which was basically ignored. He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."
How can you say standing up for his principles isn't playing a role? He is representing and standing up for the people. We need him and many more people like him in elected positions.
HRC is a Republican in (an approximation of) Democrat clothing. Things have shifted so far to the right many can't remember what a Democrat or a Republican used to be.
41
Politics is the art of the possible. Al the grand ideas in the worlds add up to nothing more than mental dust bunnies if you cannot get them through the political system you're living in.
Bernie is just the last surviving member of the nitwit liberals of the 60s. Full of grandiose ideas that will never come reality unless America turns into a monarchy and Bernie is king.
Bernie lost me for good when he announced to a group of black voters that white people didn't really know poverty. Nitwit liberal pronouncement straight out of the 60s. Thanks Bernie for perpetuating the liberal myth that white privilege insulates white Americans from poverty and hardship. I guess my father must have not gotten that memo when he was growing up separately poor . I guess most of the white people in rural Maine where jobs are scarce also also failed to realize that because of their skin color they're really not as poor as the dirt floor in their home would seem to indicate.
Hillary will be the next POTUS and she will do a fine job. Even with the Republicans trying to deny her the slightest accomplishment, no matter how beneficial to the country as a whole, just as they did with this president.
If you think they had trouble with a black guy being president, take a wild guess how they're going to react to a woman wearing the pants in the country.
Bernie is just the last surviving member of the nitwit liberals of the 60s. Full of grandiose ideas that will never come reality unless America turns into a monarchy and Bernie is king.
Bernie lost me for good when he announced to a group of black voters that white people didn't really know poverty. Nitwit liberal pronouncement straight out of the 60s. Thanks Bernie for perpetuating the liberal myth that white privilege insulates white Americans from poverty and hardship. I guess my father must have not gotten that memo when he was growing up separately poor . I guess most of the white people in rural Maine where jobs are scarce also also failed to realize that because of their skin color they're really not as poor as the dirt floor in their home would seem to indicate.
Hillary will be the next POTUS and she will do a fine job. Even with the Republicans trying to deny her the slightest accomplishment, no matter how beneficial to the country as a whole, just as they did with this president.
If you think they had trouble with a black guy being president, take a wild guess how they're going to react to a woman wearing the pants in the country.
31
Bernie is at least honest. He wants to give everything to everyone without a good idea on how to pay for it or how it will affect the economy. Hillary on the other hand has no clue about the rule of law on her emails or immigration. She is one slick talker for the low informed but no better than what we have had for the last seven years. Probably worse because she thinks she is above the law.
9
Given the large number of supporters of both Sanders and Trump that is at partially the result of their stances on trade President Obama need to reconsider and withdraw the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.
11
I always have been of the opinion that the voter can not put any reliance on what the candidate says during the election campaign and it is how the acted before the campaign that counts. That is why I am voting for Sanders. As far as I am concerned the rest of the candidates have not acted in a way that is beneficial to the 99%. Some call Clinton practical but that is a euphemism for acting on behalf of the 1% but leaving a little spittle and scraps for the 99% as opposed to the Republicans that act on behalf of the 1% but leave nothing on the table for the rest of us.
If it sounds like I am angry, I am not because I don't blame the politicians who behave like scoundrels but keep getting elected because they are "practical". I am voting for Sanders because he too will be practical but at least he is beholden to the voters. Clinton is beholden to her intelligence her conniving and her moneyed connections. Those in the 99% who vote for her are the ones responsible for the sorry state of our republic.
If it sounds like I am angry, I am not because I don't blame the politicians who behave like scoundrels but keep getting elected because they are "practical". I am voting for Sanders because he too will be practical but at least he is beholden to the voters. Clinton is beholden to her intelligence her conniving and her moneyed connections. Those in the 99% who vote for her are the ones responsible for the sorry state of our republic.
26
The free college is absolutely necessary. Here is why? I worked on the assembly line of Ford Motor company during the summers in 60's, which paid for my college expenses. I studied hard partly because I am spending hard earned money. That sounds well. But, those wages I got are union wages which are excellent. However, Republicans weakened the unions and combined that with trade agreements, such jobs no longer exist. Therefore, students can no longer earn while learn. Therefore, it is imperative to have free college education. Therefore Sanders has my vote!
25
I cannot stand hearing about the immanent revolution anymore. Can somebody please call out Sanders on his revolution? What does he mean? Where is it going to come from? Give us some details! I see lower turnouts for the Democratic Primaries than in 2008; by all accounts the 'revolution' takes place for Trump not Sanders.
And who is to be taken down in this revolution? I hear Wall Street a lot. Who is Wall Street? Banks? A capitalist economy without banks - interesting. I am sorry, revolutions do not happen in the voting booth - they happen on the street and they are bloody and messy. In all of history, the little people do not come out as winners - just look at the Arab Spring.
Does Sanders and his supporters seriously think that this country's tax payers are willing to shoulder a much larger tax burden without resistance? Many of our citizens are heavily armed, most of these are not Democrats and are not with Sanders. I fear a President Sanders will give us a indeed a revolution, an armed and messy one, and certainly not the one he and his supporters are hoping for.
This is deeply divided country - please leave your college towns once in a while - there is little interest outside for more government and more taxes. Revolutions won't change this - we on the left must show that our ideas work in practice...and this is slow and steady doing.
And who is to be taken down in this revolution? I hear Wall Street a lot. Who is Wall Street? Banks? A capitalist economy without banks - interesting. I am sorry, revolutions do not happen in the voting booth - they happen on the street and they are bloody and messy. In all of history, the little people do not come out as winners - just look at the Arab Spring.
Does Sanders and his supporters seriously think that this country's tax payers are willing to shoulder a much larger tax burden without resistance? Many of our citizens are heavily armed, most of these are not Democrats and are not with Sanders. I fear a President Sanders will give us a indeed a revolution, an armed and messy one, and certainly not the one he and his supporters are hoping for.
This is deeply divided country - please leave your college towns once in a while - there is little interest outside for more government and more taxes. Revolutions won't change this - we on the left must show that our ideas work in practice...and this is slow and steady doing.
26
I fail to understand how Clinton is considered the most qualified to be President when she voted for the War in Iraq while Bernie Sanders not only voted against it but gave an eerily prescient speech about all the negative consequences that would flow from that decision.
37
Often not taking a risk (Clinton) is more risky than taking a risk (a vote for Sanders). The average person plays it safe, but winners go for it. Which do you want your country to be?
Republicans take risks and somehow do much better than they should - they own the state houses, state courts, both houses of Congress, and the Supreme Court. They will take the Presidency if we continue act small.
Clinton will Lose against Trump or Cruz due to low Democrat turnout and high Republican turnout. If she wins, no real gain - just more of the same. Her historically poor judgement in matters large and small will hurt the Democrats and the country. She is, after all, Republican-lite.
Progressives who vote small in this election will die slowly, with a whimper. Only bold ideas can reverse the entrenched status quo. If Clinton's boring and dated pragmatism fires up Democrat turnout (this is impossible) and she wins the Presidency, her policy ideas will be blocked and the Democrats will not regain Congress in 2016 or 2018.
Sanders will also be blocked but he'll throw a mighty hammer into the machine - and this will motivate Trump supporters to join the revolution.
The universe loves courageous action, which removes impossible obstacles. We over hype risk to rationalize our inertia, but when we act those apparent risks fade fast.
Without your courage to vote for Sanders and his energizing ideas, the country will continue to be Hoovered up by the special interests.
Republicans take risks and somehow do much better than they should - they own the state houses, state courts, both houses of Congress, and the Supreme Court. They will take the Presidency if we continue act small.
Clinton will Lose against Trump or Cruz due to low Democrat turnout and high Republican turnout. If she wins, no real gain - just more of the same. Her historically poor judgement in matters large and small will hurt the Democrats and the country. She is, after all, Republican-lite.
Progressives who vote small in this election will die slowly, with a whimper. Only bold ideas can reverse the entrenched status quo. If Clinton's boring and dated pragmatism fires up Democrat turnout (this is impossible) and she wins the Presidency, her policy ideas will be blocked and the Democrats will not regain Congress in 2016 or 2018.
Sanders will also be blocked but he'll throw a mighty hammer into the machine - and this will motivate Trump supporters to join the revolution.
The universe loves courageous action, which removes impossible obstacles. We over hype risk to rationalize our inertia, but when we act those apparent risks fade fast.
Without your courage to vote for Sanders and his energizing ideas, the country will continue to be Hoovered up by the special interests.
31
All these thought-provoking comments aside, let's cut to the chase. It's Hillary and Trump in the Fall. Where do you stand in the contest that counts?
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
27
Skill without the will to wield it is useless: Senator Clinton has telegraphed her intention to reach for nothing more than the what the Republicans will let her have, a technique that garnered her husband DOMA, Don't-ask-don't-ell, Three-strikes-you're-out, Welfare "reform", NAFTA, and "Most Favored Nation" status for China.
The middle class has watched its share of power and wealth shrink for decades. We're not going to turn the ship around just fiddling with the knobs.
The middle class has watched its share of power and wealth shrink for decades. We're not going to turn the ship around just fiddling with the knobs.
27
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
This is your conclusion? If her skill is knowing how to perpetuate a corrupt system that has enriched her, how does that qualify her to work against it? I daresay it does not. There is only one guy in this campaign who knows how to "work against the system."
This is your conclusion? If her skill is knowing how to perpetuate a corrupt system that has enriched her, how does that qualify her to work against it? I daresay it does not. There is only one guy in this campaign who knows how to "work against the system."
31
Its a sad indictment of American progressive politics when a candidate can apparently be 'too progressive'..?
Your conservative counterparts have no such qualms about furthering their agenda...when was someone last deemed 'too conservative' by the Right..?
Your conservative counterparts have no such qualms about furthering their agenda...when was someone last deemed 'too conservative' by the Right..?
19
Clinton's Wall Street ties and the murky activities of the Clinton Foundation are far more dangerous than any of socialist Bernie's supposed Marxisms.
25
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
For whom, Gail? For whom?
For whom, Gail? For whom?
33
It took 52 years but finally America has a chance to vote for a Rockefeller Republican: Hillary!
12
Google is a useful tool to readers who wish to check on claims made by opinion writers.
There is absolutely zero evidence that in the end Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work ... unless Ms Collins is referring to William Jefferson Clinton.
Neither Ms Clinton nor Mr Sanders has a track record of passing legislation that bears their name. Both have worked on committees that have passed major legislation under the committee chair's name. That's it.
There is absolutely zero evidence that in the end Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work ... unless Ms Collins is referring to William Jefferson Clinton.
Neither Ms Clinton nor Mr Sanders has a track record of passing legislation that bears their name. Both have worked on committees that have passed major legislation under the committee chair's name. That's it.
8
Dear Ms. Person-People: Thank you so much for your observations. A woman who has been in politics for 40 years and still can't set up an email server without creating a whiff of scandal or forbidden secrets and uses self-same email for 'personal correspondence' because after 30-odd years of investigations, subpoenas, and outright crazy right-wing paranoia which she elicits because she has indulged in her own paranoia her entire life: Yes, this woman is EMINENTLY qualified to be a the CEO of American Inc. while her administration is investigated pretty much non-stop for 8 years. That does seem to be how D.C. works or has since the Clintons showed up, and by gum the press needs their circus. It's not like John and Jane Q. Public are buying paper copies or any copies of this paper because it's not like they're living on food stamps or going from shelter to shelter even as they have to pay off student loans for the rest of their lives. No, it's not as though you're living in some ga-ga bubble in Manhattan with the other Very Serious Person-Peoples. Nope.
while gutting every possible regulation which could stand in front of
while gutting every possible regulation which could stand in front of
11
March 10, 2016
The rules of debating the election contest season doesn't require knowing how to solve the riddles for the many issues that are awesome. Debating the possibles as lived by the core of ones resume reveals making for actions that are deliverable and consistent America's values. My own response is Hillary is the best for the office of the presidency because shows smarts in adjusting to the matters of political necessity and the art of how not to debate the past interpretive in the annals of popular discourse - second, third, guessing that just is erring to faith in the character that we vote to live with.
jja Manhattan, N. Y.
The rules of debating the election contest season doesn't require knowing how to solve the riddles for the many issues that are awesome. Debating the possibles as lived by the core of ones resume reveals making for actions that are deliverable and consistent America's values. My own response is Hillary is the best for the office of the presidency because shows smarts in adjusting to the matters of political necessity and the art of how not to debate the past interpretive in the annals of popular discourse - second, third, guessing that just is erring to faith in the character that we vote to live with.
jja Manhattan, N. Y.
3
You know who gets speaking fees?
Pretty much everyone, including our own beloved Gail Collins. http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Gail+Collins
Actors, musicians, politicians, journalists, commentators and, of course, sports stars and coaches. Financials services firms (i.e. wealthy males) have created an enormous market for guys like Phil Jackson, Coach K, John Madden and so on.
If this is your biggest concern, it's because you have a limited view of the world.
Pretty much everyone, including our own beloved Gail Collins. http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Gail+Collins
Actors, musicians, politicians, journalists, commentators and, of course, sports stars and coaches. Financials services firms (i.e. wealthy males) have created an enormous market for guys like Phil Jackson, Coach K, John Madden and so on.
If this is your biggest concern, it's because you have a limited view of the world.
22
“My dad used to say, If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” Clinton rejoined."
Well it depends on whose hearing, doesn't it. Those with drive and high ideals will go for. Those comfortable with the status quo, with low drive and low ideals, will be pessimists, doubting Thomas's; they won't fail because they won't try.
Who isn't disgusted already with pessimists trying to skewer Sanders for high ideals and few methodological details?
Who doesn't realize POTUS is but one branch of the federal government; and the USA includes 52 others?
HRC isn't exactly the second coming of LBJ--going from ideals to reals isn't easy for anyone.
Better to aim high.
Well it depends on whose hearing, doesn't it. Those with drive and high ideals will go for. Those comfortable with the status quo, with low drive and low ideals, will be pessimists, doubting Thomas's; they won't fail because they won't try.
Who isn't disgusted already with pessimists trying to skewer Sanders for high ideals and few methodological details?
Who doesn't realize POTUS is but one branch of the federal government; and the USA includes 52 others?
HRC isn't exactly the second coming of LBJ--going from ideals to reals isn't easy for anyone.
Better to aim high.
17
The problem with the debate was that one candidate has a target on their back,with media making a mountains out of molehills. The other always says that's a good question BUT...proceeds into a pre-recorded message that they are Moses & was there when the wheel was invented & it was a plot by the 1%. America is something remarkable,it has a Constitution with a Preamble stating our goals, the goal of protection & expansion of rights of the people to live & prosper. A social contract .Demonizing industries such as finance is the equivalent of discharging a weapon into ones foot. It has been one industry that if not regulated ,causes profiteering to an extreme of endangering our nation. But that could be said of anything not in moderation. The videos last night, how a candidate was so protectionist,that he did not realize how it hurts America. Denying tools such as the Import/Export Bank usefulness in maintaining & creating jobs. Throwing the baby out with the bath water on a narrow & very rigid principle. Bernie Sanders (&Donald Trump) are mired in demagogic pandering of simplistic policies unable to engage in complex issues. Donald Trump is full of one liners,simplistic & naive,using language of bigger,better,taller as if describing America were building a condo in Boca Raton or a car with fins & chrome.Bernie wanting to build a system devoid of Capitalism for a medical system the likes of Cuba,with no competition & inability to realize where wealth for all is generated.
15
spellcheck sabotaged me: Drumpf is the "Let them eat steak" candidate.
3
Pandering at its worst by both of them. Nauseating.
All of this was very astute, Gail, as always.
11
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
There is the dilemma for those of us who will be voting for Bernie; if he loses in the primaries I'll vote the ticket while trying to suppress the rising gorge!
There is the dilemma for those of us who will be voting for Bernie; if he loses in the primaries I'll vote the ticket while trying to suppress the rising gorge!
9
My heart is with Bernie but my head is with Hillary.
8
In the half-century-long struggle between democratic capitalism and totalitarian socialism, Bernie Sanders was consistently on the wrong side of history. He chose to honeymoon, not in democratic socialist Sweden, but in the totalitarian socialist Soviet Union. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Communist Sandinista government and an apologist for the repressive Castro regime. His entire campaign for president has been centered on the kind of class warfare that has brought ruin and devastation to so many societies. And yet these facts are hardly mentioned today and do not seem to concern anyone in the Democratic Party or anyone writing letters to the Times. Can someone explain why?
10
Here's the thing. Why does Hillary resonate with older Democrats and Bernie doesn't? Maybe it's because older Democrats were the Hippies and Yippies in the 60's. We've done the revolution bit and it didn't work out. We've seen the McGoverns and McCarthy go down in flames and leave us with Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. I need only point out what Ralph Nader cost us in 2000 and ask, as the Gipper used to, "Are you better off today?"
The Republican party has moved this country so far to the right that it is unrecognizable to me, but they didn't do it in one huge jump. They moved bit by bit, getting ever more conservative election by election and starting at the local level. They learned from the Goldwater debacle.
If you want the next (and deciding) Supreme Court justice to be selected by a Republican, go ahead and keeping supporting Bernie. But the old saw "Politics is the art of the possible" is really, really true. And this is politics. Leave the revolution back on the campus and work to elect Democrats to your State Houses. If you do, we'll get there. If you don't it won't be more of the same; it will be worse than you can imagine.
The Republican party has moved this country so far to the right that it is unrecognizable to me, but they didn't do it in one huge jump. They moved bit by bit, getting ever more conservative election by election and starting at the local level. They learned from the Goldwater debacle.
If you want the next (and deciding) Supreme Court justice to be selected by a Republican, go ahead and keeping supporting Bernie. But the old saw "Politics is the art of the possible" is really, really true. And this is politics. Leave the revolution back on the campus and work to elect Democrats to your State Houses. If you do, we'll get there. If you don't it won't be more of the same; it will be worse than you can imagine.
16
I guess if Ms. Collins was around in 1860 she would have said that Stephen Douglas or John Breckinridge was a more qualified candidate than Abraham Lincoln as both seemed to know better how the system worked and had risen far higher in political office than Lincoln had.
10
Bernie's like the grandfather everybody loved because he always had such exciting ideas. Hillary's like the grandmother who always corrected your grammar and made you stand up straight. The good manners and the discipline are going to get the country farther than the excitement but Hillary does have to stand up straight on the banking issues.
Hillary's discipline and knowledge could show the country Trump's lack of substance by making him come up with specifics like "As Commander in Chief, how would you deal with the Joint Chiefs of Staff?"
Hillary's discipline and knowledge could show the country Trump's lack of substance by making him come up with specifics like "As Commander in Chief, how would you deal with the Joint Chiefs of Staff?"
9
Gail, what are you going to do if your blinkered largely unquestioning support for HRC results in a Trump victory? You have an obligation to push for another candidate rather than one as demonstrably flawed as Hillary. If you believe that, objectively reasoned, Hillary is the better choice so there should be little concern, then you are deluding yourself. Don't underestimate her unpopularity and Nixonian demeanor or Trump's show biz appeal and the anti-establishment passion. Between the dour dishonest, corrupt and defensive candidate and the cheerful corrupt and dishonest candidate, who will appeal more to voters? More to the point, doesn't the country deserve a better choice?
8
I do always look forward to your level-headed and sensible analysis but I am a bit disappointed, after Mitt Romney's sudden re-appearance last week, that we didn't get any discussion about driving to Canada with the dog strapped to the roof of the car.
6
Here's a question for the next debate:
How did you, Hillary Clinton, and your aides, avoid the temptation of sharing State Department information, regardless of classification, from your homebrew email server, with the Clinton Foundation located down the hallway, second bedroom from the left?
How did you, Hillary Clinton, and your aides, avoid the temptation of sharing State Department information, regardless of classification, from your homebrew email server, with the Clinton Foundation located down the hallway, second bedroom from the left?
7
Bernie stands by his principles. When Boeing needs help selling aircraft overseas Bernie says "No Corporate Socialism". When It's time to help the auto industry again after the first failed attempt Bernie says he's all for the auto industry but the bill included bailing out Wall Street. Not for Bernie his principles will not allow it. Not that it needed Bernie's vote but had it failed the economy would have collapsed.
Bernie's principles vs the American worker. Wonder what other principles Bernie has up his sleeve?
Bernie's principles vs the American worker. Wonder what other principles Bernie has up his sleeve?
10
I start to think that Bernie Sanders is the candidate who can bear no criticism. Neither from his supporters (of course!), or from this paper -- and I come to this conclusion just by viewing ALL of the comments that were ALLOWED to be printed.
There's little doubt of the media-bashing backlash the NYT has had to endure from the Sanders' camp; along with accusations of Pro-Clinton bias, pro-establishment corporate greed and the like. But that it can result in a free pass for some of Sanders' policies and statements that are questionable (how to pay for "free-stuff"?, why do only Blacks live in ghettos?, supporting the NRA, etc.) is nothing short of a question in itself. And ignoring it won't make it go away.
There's little doubt of the media-bashing backlash the NYT has had to endure from the Sanders' camp; along with accusations of Pro-Clinton bias, pro-establishment corporate greed and the like. But that it can result in a free pass for some of Sanders' policies and statements that are questionable (how to pay for "free-stuff"?, why do only Blacks live in ghettos?, supporting the NRA, etc.) is nothing short of a question in itself. And ignoring it won't make it go away.
6
You're right Gail, Hillary does know how to make the system work... for her and Bill. Bernie knows how to make the system work for us, the ordinary people.
Last night's debate proved that.
Last night's debate proved that.
14
"..[T]o get a real response one of the candidates would have had to hit the other with a hammer." Thanks, Gail. You caused a classic spit-take here. I thnk you and my monitor needed cleaning anyway.
1
Oh Gail, I used to think your columns were witty and clever and really enjoyed them, but now I see your true colors. #settleforhillary2016!
8
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Nailed it, Gail!
Nailed it, Gail!
3
"Perfect is the enemy of good...." particularly in representative politics.
Given conditions and opposition, Obama has led the most progressive administration in the past 70 years… Here’s to more of the same…
Given conditions and opposition, Obama has led the most progressive administration in the past 70 years… Here’s to more of the same…
8
Gail Collins wrote "But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system...."
More importantly - Hillary Clinton has got to be clearer that she WANTS to work against the system. Would it not be wonderful to have a candidate whose voting record showed such a desire, to legislate for the best interests of people rather than for the best interests of banks?
And we do have such a candidate - Bernie Sanders.
More importantly - Hillary Clinton has got to be clearer that she WANTS to work against the system. Would it not be wonderful to have a candidate whose voting record showed such a desire, to legislate for the best interests of people rather than for the best interests of banks?
And we do have such a candidate - Bernie Sanders.
14
In my opinion, last night Univision Democratic Debate was a failure. Moderators preside over the panel to oversee that rules are followed in order to provide each candidate with the opportunity to give an answer to a “specific question” during the approximate allowable time, but the moderators were negligent in this respect.
Hillary Clinton, as always, took this opportunity to make the debate a “campaign speech.” When she was asked to provide an answer, she extended her time discussing issues that were totally unrelated to the topic being discussed disregarding the moderators’ warning her time was up.
It’s well known that Hillary Clinton is an expert in debates, a presidential candidate who knows how to “run the clock”. She purposely extended her time preventing her opponent, Senator Sanders to clearly express his views and he was “short-changed.”
Hillary Clinton, as always, took this opportunity to make the debate a “campaign speech.” When she was asked to provide an answer, she extended her time discussing issues that were totally unrelated to the topic being discussed disregarding the moderators’ warning her time was up.
It’s well known that Hillary Clinton is an expert in debates, a presidential candidate who knows how to “run the clock”. She purposely extended her time preventing her opponent, Senator Sanders to clearly express his views and he was “short-changed.”
5
Gemli writes: "I’m glad that Sanders was “symbolically marvelous.” The president symbolizes the aspirations of the country. A president who won’t stand for something will sit back and get steamrolled by zealots on the other side who have no principles."
Why the assumption that Hillary has no principles? Or that she can be steamrolled?
Politics is the art of compromise. You give a little to get a little. Bernie gave nothing, and got nothing.
What about, Lyndon Johnson? Did he lack principles? If ever there was a hardened "horse trader" in the White House it was him. Vietnam not withstanding, he accomplished more than most of its occupants. Did he get everything he wanted? NO! But by compromising, he got a lot.
Bernie has not yet shown the ability to accept an advance over a complete victory. Politics requires compromises to achieve advances.
Idealism is admirable, but pragmatism wins.
Why the assumption that Hillary has no principles? Or that she can be steamrolled?
Politics is the art of compromise. You give a little to get a little. Bernie gave nothing, and got nothing.
What about, Lyndon Johnson? Did he lack principles? If ever there was a hardened "horse trader" in the White House it was him. Vietnam not withstanding, he accomplished more than most of its occupants. Did he get everything he wanted? NO! But by compromising, he got a lot.
Bernie has not yet shown the ability to accept an advance over a complete victory. Politics requires compromises to achieve advances.
Idealism is admirable, but pragmatism wins.
15
The sad truth is the following define a majority of the American voters today:
“Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.”
-¬Franklin P. Adams
“In the lack of judgment great harm arises but one vote cast can set right a house.”
- Aeschylus
“I never vote FOR anyone; I always vote AGAINST.”
- W.C. Fields
“Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.”
-¬Franklin P. Adams
“In the lack of judgment great harm arises but one vote cast can set right a house.”
- Aeschylus
“I never vote FOR anyone; I always vote AGAINST.”
- W.C. Fields
1
Yeah, we get it. You're in the bag for Hillary, jostling around in there with all of the thousand dollar bills from Wall Street.
Hillary is so PRACTICAL! Yes, she's practically a Republican.
Free college is a fool's pipe dream! And, yet, in the 1960s many of us got great college educations and graduated with zero debt. How did that work?
Who's on the "free public college" bandwagon this morning, Gail? Why, it's Hillary Clinton! Who's changed her mind about the TPP? Why, it's Hillary Clinton!
That Bernie Sanders guy is just no kind of practical leader! Nobody follows him, do they, Gail?
Hillary is so PRACTICAL! Yes, she's practically a Republican.
Free college is a fool's pipe dream! And, yet, in the 1960s many of us got great college educations and graduated with zero debt. How did that work?
Who's on the "free public college" bandwagon this morning, Gail? Why, it's Hillary Clinton! Who's changed her mind about the TPP? Why, it's Hillary Clinton!
That Bernie Sanders guy is just no kind of practical leader! Nobody follows him, do they, Gail?
13
What's about to happen in Ohio is what happened in Michigan - a lot of former Dems like me are switching parties to vote for Kasich, in the hope that we can slow down Trump. This doesn't mean, contrary to the media spin, that Bernie is overtaking Hillary. It does mean that folks are scared of Trump, and are trying to act rationally to stop him.
4
A key part of Bernie's appeal is his consistency, which is lauded as integrity. So I think it's worth looking at the a) auto-bailout vote, and b) the immunity for gun manufacturers vote.
As Gale points, the auto bailout vote shows how things aren't always an either/or. Some situations aren't black-and-white... if you think the auto bailout was good, but the wall street bail out was bad, how do you vote? Would you let the auto industry fail to punish wall street? Or would you help out the auto industry and grit your teeth and help out Wall Street at the same time? I can see an argument for either course of action, but Sanders' rhetoric doesn't allow for such nuance.
Sanders' gun industry vote is another example of how ideological purity only goes so far. In an early debate, Sanders defended his pro-gun industry votes as necessary when representing a rural state where opposition to gun control is substantial. Which shows, that he DOES understand that sometimes you pick your battles, and give a little on some issues while standing firm on others, it's just that coming from a relatively homogenous, liberal state, he hasn't had to cope with many counter-pressures to his point of view. Where he did (guns) he did not maintain his vaunted integrity.
I don't think these points that run counter to the "Bernie is pure" narrative are going to make or break most voters' decisions, but it's worth considering.
As Gale points, the auto bailout vote shows how things aren't always an either/or. Some situations aren't black-and-white... if you think the auto bailout was good, but the wall street bail out was bad, how do you vote? Would you let the auto industry fail to punish wall street? Or would you help out the auto industry and grit your teeth and help out Wall Street at the same time? I can see an argument for either course of action, but Sanders' rhetoric doesn't allow for such nuance.
Sanders' gun industry vote is another example of how ideological purity only goes so far. In an early debate, Sanders defended his pro-gun industry votes as necessary when representing a rural state where opposition to gun control is substantial. Which shows, that he DOES understand that sometimes you pick your battles, and give a little on some issues while standing firm on others, it's just that coming from a relatively homogenous, liberal state, he hasn't had to cope with many counter-pressures to his point of view. Where he did (guns) he did not maintain his vaunted integrity.
I don't think these points that run counter to the "Bernie is pure" narrative are going to make or break most voters' decisions, but it's worth considering.
8
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
Work how? And for whom? She's been great at making the "system" work on behalf of her bank account and ambitions. Bill was great at using the "system" to get what HE wanted. But how is America better off because of either of them... if you take a moment to understand the long term damage they've done with their trade and financial deregulation work - when you look at the numbers - we can see that America is really not better off because of those policies. So how and in what way does Hillary know how to make the system work?
Also, isn't it an utter fantasy to say that Hillary is going to be able to bring congress together? Isn't it also a complete fantasy to suggest that the Republicans are going to fall in line and vote for her agenda?
Work how? And for whom? She's been great at making the "system" work on behalf of her bank account and ambitions. Bill was great at using the "system" to get what HE wanted. But how is America better off because of either of them... if you take a moment to understand the long term damage they've done with their trade and financial deregulation work - when you look at the numbers - we can see that America is really not better off because of those policies. So how and in what way does Hillary know how to make the system work?
Also, isn't it an utter fantasy to say that Hillary is going to be able to bring congress together? Isn't it also a complete fantasy to suggest that the Republicans are going to fall in line and vote for her agenda?
9
If I understand your thesis Gail, Hillary has to learn how she will conduct business against the system as it now stands; Bernie has to learn how he will conduct business within the system as it now stands.
“Practical” candidate has to show that she can stand up to the machine. ”Grand Vision” candidate has to show that he is more than a balker on principles and can demonstrate skills that move the machine in a progressive direction.
My take, thus far, is that Bernie will have to learn some skills fast if he finds himself in the White House. (And he probably has some cards right now in his pocket).
However, his principles will, without a doubt, move the machine forward, if for no other reason than being a big pain in the neck, back and elsewhere. He can handle that.
A combination of his refusal to be being bought and his earthy honesty, his love of this country, his love of shaking up those in charge, all point so far to his getting stronger and better each time we hear him. Hillary is my second choice, but Bernie is Best.
“Practical” candidate has to show that she can stand up to the machine. ”Grand Vision” candidate has to show that he is more than a balker on principles and can demonstrate skills that move the machine in a progressive direction.
My take, thus far, is that Bernie will have to learn some skills fast if he finds himself in the White House. (And he probably has some cards right now in his pocket).
However, his principles will, without a doubt, move the machine forward, if for no other reason than being a big pain in the neck, back and elsewhere. He can handle that.
A combination of his refusal to be being bought and his earthy honesty, his love of this country, his love of shaking up those in charge, all point so far to his getting stronger and better each time we hear him. Hillary is my second choice, but Bernie is Best.
3
Hillary IS the system. But the system is failing, spectacularly. (GOP GOP -- get Trump, remember?).
I do not trust Hillary -- she voted for Irag war! Bernie has my trust and my vote. Bernie promises us what other countries have, and we should have too! If they can, we can too. Details will come later.
I do not trust Hillary -- she voted for Irag war! Bernie has my trust and my vote. Bernie promises us what other countries have, and we should have too! If they can, we can too. Details will come later.
5
Hillary is not the better candidate, let alone "by far the best qualified candidate."
Hillary's healthcare initiative failed in 1993 and in December of 1997 Hillary pulled the rug out from under Vice President Al Gore while he was overseas at the Kyoto Summit. That was the month of the Lewinsky "bimbo eruption," which began with Lewinsky being sacked from her job at the Pentagon in a cover-up orchestrated by Hillary Clinton.
So three scores: Failed on healthcare. Failed on climate change. Failed on the Lewinsky cover-up.
As the junior Senator for New York, Hillary supported the Bush/Cheney invasion of Iraq. Intelligent people knew Saddam had no hand in 9/11 and preferred to let Hans Blix and his UN inspection team continue monitoring Saddam's weapon program. Millions of us tried to stop that war. Hillary wasn't among us.
As Secretary of State, Hillary was hawkish against Middle Eastern leaders like Qaddafi, which has proven to be another huge mistake. Thankfully President Obama learned his lesson and has ignored Hillary's more recent calls for attacks on Syria and Iran.
Then Hillary raked in millions giving speeches on Wall Street after stepping down as Secretary of State.
So two more scores: Failed on foreign policy. Failed on holding Wall Street accountable.
Now Hillary says that free tuition at state colleges is "too good to be true."
How much did the Iraq War cost?
How much did the Wall Street bailout cost?
Hillary's healthcare initiative failed in 1993 and in December of 1997 Hillary pulled the rug out from under Vice President Al Gore while he was overseas at the Kyoto Summit. That was the month of the Lewinsky "bimbo eruption," which began with Lewinsky being sacked from her job at the Pentagon in a cover-up orchestrated by Hillary Clinton.
So three scores: Failed on healthcare. Failed on climate change. Failed on the Lewinsky cover-up.
As the junior Senator for New York, Hillary supported the Bush/Cheney invasion of Iraq. Intelligent people knew Saddam had no hand in 9/11 and preferred to let Hans Blix and his UN inspection team continue monitoring Saddam's weapon program. Millions of us tried to stop that war. Hillary wasn't among us.
As Secretary of State, Hillary was hawkish against Middle Eastern leaders like Qaddafi, which has proven to be another huge mistake. Thankfully President Obama learned his lesson and has ignored Hillary's more recent calls for attacks on Syria and Iran.
Then Hillary raked in millions giving speeches on Wall Street after stepping down as Secretary of State.
So two more scores: Failed on foreign policy. Failed on holding Wall Street accountable.
Now Hillary says that free tuition at state colleges is "too good to be true."
How much did the Iraq War cost?
How much did the Wall Street bailout cost?
8
I doubt my comment will be a "reader's pick". Support in New York Times comments is overwhelmingly in favor of Bernie Sanders. However, the brilliantly succinct, final two sentences of this Gail Collins Op-Ed perfectly sum up the contest for the Democratic nomination for me.
10
If FDR had any political capital left after passing the New Deal measures, the universal healthcare law he would've passed would not have looked like the ACA, which mirrors what the Republicans proposed in the 90s.
If you prefer New Democrats over the New Deal, then by all means continue to vote for the centrist establishment candidates we're stuck with - I'll stick with Old Bernie. I prefer gridlock over abandoning your ideals for a cheap compromise
If you prefer New Democrats over the New Deal, then by all means continue to vote for the centrist establishment candidates we're stuck with - I'll stick with Old Bernie. I prefer gridlock over abandoning your ideals for a cheap compromise
5
Sitting here in Latin America in a country where the now ending intended socialist government (following a capitalist government) largely failed either to implement anything close to socialism (perhaps in large part because the country and congress were not of a like mind, hmm...) or to lift up much of anything or anyone, and surrounded by failed and collapsing socialistic governments of all degree, from which people are immigrating, perhaps illegally to the US, I am not seeing Sanders as symbolically marvelous. Even less so given his obvious limitations in addressing racial issues that having an African American president and Trump/Cruz have blown open and left in need of someone who can better "get" and represent all Americans (better than Sanders can, not better than Obama can). Sanders is Democratic Trump in that he is running on people's anger and frustration and perhaps Hillary hating without a believable framework to govern or even start to remedy the inequities he can only point to and scream about. Not to mention his prior support for often appalling leftist governments throughout Central and South America will make him dogfood for any Republican contender, and the stunning political malpractice all around that no one brought it up or perhaps has no idea how to.
11
Once again, Gail Collins drives straight through the sturm and drang of the mass media frenzy to the core fact: Sanders would rather blow up everything than "compromise " HIS "principles". That is the essential fact of Sanders' years in congress where he sponsored three successful bills, two of which involved the naming of a post office. Facts: stubborn things.
12
HRC is a chameleon who is now mouthing what Bernie has been saying for 35 years. Was she the lefty that she is now when she spent 6 year on the Walmart Board of Directors? At a time when Walmart was telling their workers to sign up for Medicaid and Food Stamps so Walmart did not have to pay anything approaching a living wage, what was Hilary saying to the 2 million poor people woking for Walmart? Nothing. It is a long time to be silent on gross income disparity. And the TPP? Loved it as Secretary of State, hates it a Presidential candidate. Iraq, Libya, welfare reform in the 90's, criminal justice reform in the 90's, all bad choices. And, we are supposed to be excited about THIS? Bernie, please, maybe we can rouse the nation and clean out what passes for Congress.
6
Again Senator Sanders showed that he does not listen to what is being said; he wants to make talking points A woman from Guatemala, there with her children, asked a question involving her deported husband. Sanders replied that he had the best immigration policy, that it is wrong for a mother to be separated from her children (which she was not.)
Secretary Clinton accurately heard the situation and responded to both immigration policy and to the ways that the children could attain a good future. She looked not only at the facts presented but foresaw good answers to questions not asked, presumably for lack of time.
This shows two different qualities of mind. Sanders comes into a situation with a hardcore set of ideas. He doesn’t seem to be flexible enough to think about a novel situation and propose solutions. He talks about consequences but doesn’t seem to see them when confronted with a new set of facts. Secretary Clinton looks at the information being given her, responds not only on the basis of those facts but sees the ramifications, in this case the possible bright future of these children.
Commander in Chief is the one function that we know the President will exercise. Do we need a person making decisions doing so on the basis of old dogma or prejudice? Or should it be someone with a cool mind, vast knowledge, who listens and can see to the essence of the problem or threat? Has demonstrated that she can look into the future, is not hardwired by the past?
Mind matters
Secretary Clinton accurately heard the situation and responded to both immigration policy and to the ways that the children could attain a good future. She looked not only at the facts presented but foresaw good answers to questions not asked, presumably for lack of time.
This shows two different qualities of mind. Sanders comes into a situation with a hardcore set of ideas. He doesn’t seem to be flexible enough to think about a novel situation and propose solutions. He talks about consequences but doesn’t seem to see them when confronted with a new set of facts. Secretary Clinton looks at the information being given her, responds not only on the basis of those facts but sees the ramifications, in this case the possible bright future of these children.
Commander in Chief is the one function that we know the President will exercise. Do we need a person making decisions doing so on the basis of old dogma or prejudice? Or should it be someone with a cool mind, vast knowledge, who listens and can see to the essence of the problem or threat? Has demonstrated that she can look into the future, is not hardwired by the past?
Mind matters
10
Hillary will be the Democratic nominee but as the debate continues it is obvious that all the years in the bubble of the elite has made her ill equipped to talk to the problems of the vast majority of Americans. The governor's mansion and the White are no substitute for talking to working Americans about real problems.
When Hillary started talking about the Sanders vote against the auto bailout my Michigander wife gave out a loud OH OH. She knew the auto bailout was about everything Bernie had been railing about. It was the workers of Michigan being ransom for the Wall Street rescue.It was the story of Jacob and Esau a birthright of Democracy being exchanged for a bowl of potage.
I do not have many good things to say about Debbie Wasserman Schultz but she knew enough to kerep Hillary away from a man focused like a laser beam on the truth.
All these debates both GOP and Democrats have put to rest any belief that America is a Democracy.
The GOP knows that Rubio and Kasich are the worst nominees for their party because their focus of the USA being the land of opportunity will dissolve with all the evidence saying the USA is the least upwardly mobile Western industrialized society.
When Hillary started talking about the Sanders vote against the auto bailout my Michigander wife gave out a loud OH OH. She knew the auto bailout was about everything Bernie had been railing about. It was the workers of Michigan being ransom for the Wall Street rescue.It was the story of Jacob and Esau a birthright of Democracy being exchanged for a bowl of potage.
I do not have many good things to say about Debbie Wasserman Schultz but she knew enough to kerep Hillary away from a man focused like a laser beam on the truth.
All these debates both GOP and Democrats have put to rest any belief that America is a Democracy.
The GOP knows that Rubio and Kasich are the worst nominees for their party because their focus of the USA being the land of opportunity will dissolve with all the evidence saying the USA is the least upwardly mobile Western industrialized society.
6
Well, well said Gail. Nothing more to add, just props to you. And for the first time in my life, I am going to vote symbolically, and vote for Bernie. I didn't see this coming, but when Monsanto and Wall Street have a candidate's back, then I know that candidate doesn't have mine. And most other people. Which is a shame, b/c she is a smart and capable person; I just wish she was working for those who really need representation.
6
Gail Collins is in a dream world. Her comments about Bernie's role in the Senate could have been said (and was) about Obama, Kennedy, and any number of others ultimately elected President. What DID Bill Clinton ever do as governor of Arkansas?
She glibly excuses Hillary's problems. The fees for her "speeches" are nothing more than a very thinly disguised way to make a tremendous campaign contribution to a very compromised candidate. Why doesn't Gail call her out on this? It's in the same park as her husband getting paid to be a fixer between some of the most authoritarian dictators in the world and the US. She lost Michigan - after having a lead of as much as 50 points in the early polling. Now, why does Gail think this is so? Hillary's beyond redemption as a Presidential candidate.
She glibly excuses Hillary's problems. The fees for her "speeches" are nothing more than a very thinly disguised way to make a tremendous campaign contribution to a very compromised candidate. Why doesn't Gail call her out on this? It's in the same park as her husband getting paid to be a fixer between some of the most authoritarian dictators in the world and the US. She lost Michigan - after having a lead of as much as 50 points in the early polling. Now, why does Gail think this is so? Hillary's beyond redemption as a Presidential candidate.
8
Gail is simply relaying talking points she has collected from other people, nothing original here.
3
"He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."
Thank you, Gail, for this clear-eyed view of Sanders, the treacherous vote it ever there was one.
The President needs to Get Stuff Done. Sanders makes very pretty suggestions, and then is ignored. No, thanks.
Thank you, Gail, for this clear-eyed view of Sanders, the treacherous vote it ever there was one.
The President needs to Get Stuff Done. Sanders makes very pretty suggestions, and then is ignored. No, thanks.
9
Glenn, you won't pay for our children to be educated. It comes from hedge fund transaction fees. Educate yourself on where the money comes from to pay for Bernie's programs, and we'll all be better educated :-) BernieSanders.com
3
Hillary might as well print bumper stickers that say "Business as usual"
7
Clinton says she will share the Wall St speech transcripts when "everybody else does." I don't know who she means by everybody. Everybody on earth perhaps. She should release then when everybody who is running for the Democratic nomination releases theirs. We now have all of Bernie's transcripts, i.e. none, where are hers?
6
If it is too good to be true, it probably is. That sums up Bernie's revolution. It is too good to be true!!
8
Here's the thing. Neither Clinton nor Sanders can get far with this Congress. I happen to believe after the election, calling Sanders a "socialist" or "communist" won't get the capitalist oligarchs who want to cut or privatize Social Security many points with ordinary folks, but their popular slurs against Hillary will work just as well as they always have because they attack her character, not her policies. Sanders will have the bully pulpit to explain his kind of "socialism" and put forth specific legislation and policies that people can judge for themselves. But Hillary, sadly, can never overcome decades of devious, sexist character assassination and that will cripple her.
4
I almost never disagree with you, Ms Collons. But here is an exception: Hillary is not the best qualified candidate. She represents the way things have been done and will continue to be done. We can't afford that any longer.
6
Now that the dust has settled a bit after the debate last night (dust may never settles) does any one think that it was all a bit over the top. I loved the beginning with the famous singer, De La Cruz, who was taunted years ago. That part was really wonderful. However I really would like to say that some questions and insinuations were terrible? Old tapes and videos? These are for show more that anything else? I thought Debbie Wasserman Schultz was orchestrating these events with an iron fist? She doesn't want any more of them I'm sure because she wants everything to be nice and quiet for her candidate. There should be more town hall presentations in the following weeks. We should demand that NOW!!!
4
Hillary as President, the Republican's controlling Congress, our crooked Ponzi scheme of a financial system teetering on another meltdown along with the euro and China. Our endless oil wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria crashing down around our ears and our people drinking poison water because our corrupt and incompetent State Government have become totally dysfunctional.
Let the good times roll!
Let the good times roll!
3
Even during primaries while she ran against Obama eight years ago, she said that universal healthcare was not possible. Critics of her insistence on working with the status quo noted that she should lead, not follow.
Last night she said that she had once fought for "Hillarycare" and lost. It may sound pragmatic to "build on the ACA", but it is not exactly taking on the insurance industry. She doesn't want "contentious battles", like Sanders.
How else do you create "change you can believe in" - so that it isn't just a slogan? Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, we keep hearing. But what if "the good" isn't good enough and shows no sign of budging because it was achieved by too much compromise?
That's the difference between the two candidates.
Last night she said that she had once fought for "Hillarycare" and lost. It may sound pragmatic to "build on the ACA", but it is not exactly taking on the insurance industry. She doesn't want "contentious battles", like Sanders.
How else do you create "change you can believe in" - so that it isn't just a slogan? Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good, we keep hearing. But what if "the good" isn't good enough and shows no sign of budging because it was achieved by too much compromise?
That's the difference between the two candidates.
5
Oddly enough, unlike in 2008, the media has not been commenting about Secretary Clinton's hair, whether she wore a dress or a pants suit, heels or not, etc. Perhaps with Trumpets rag mop top, they're just afraid to offer equal time to both parties.
1
"Marvelous, but symbolically marvelous" is how I might describe the Reagan years. Now it is becoming clear just how marvelous Reagan et al. were, and for whom. If Bernie Sanders can continue to clear up that history, I will happily support him even if marvelous is all he offers. But I won't say I'm against Clinton. I think she would make a competent, even terrific POTUS, just not a marvelous one.
3
Collins may be right that Hillary "knows how to make the system work." But that's exactly the best argument against Hillary. She will continue the current system, rigged against the working and middle classes and rigged in favor of the rich.
The Republicans will do the same, with greater intensity.
If you are disadvantaged in the current system, if you are poor or in the working and middle classes, then you need someone who will offer a different system. That's Sanders.
The Republicans will do the same, with greater intensity.
If you are disadvantaged in the current system, if you are poor or in the working and middle classes, then you need someone who will offer a different system. That's Sanders.
5
Bernie is a singer with a one note song. I had the TV on mute and when I unmated it, he was ranting about Wall Street.
OK, two notes, if you include free college for everyone.
OK, two notes, if you include free college for everyone.
8
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president." Right ... on paper. Just don't look too closely at the details when you consider her work as First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and foundation partner. Regardless of the "vast right-wing conspiracy" and it's transparent attempts at hobbling her, Hillary manages to aim at her foot with all-too-frequent and alarming accuracy, fomenting political crises when anyone with the ability to look down the road a bit would see such decisions would cause problems.
4
Gail Collins writes that, Bernie Sanders is "a maverick legislator, a man without a party. That’s a way, way different kind of life than being the person who has to run the country."
In fact, Ms Collins, he is a man who has been prescient, a man who has understood what is wrong with America. And now his time has come. Now the American people understand that he knows how to fix the country's problems. And they want him to do it.
Hillary Clinton voted to send young Americans into that horrible mistake that was Iraq; in 2008 she refused to say how or when she would end the Iraq War; she pushed President Obama to bomb Libya, once again a terrible mistake; she supported the TPP, and the pipeline through the country's most important aquifer.
I don't care about her resume; I care about her judgement. Bernie Sanders understands what needs to be done, while Hillary Clinton will preside over more mistakes.
Sending men to die in Iraq is not "knowing how to make the system work." Why can't the Times writers figure that out?
In fact, Ms Collins, he is a man who has been prescient, a man who has understood what is wrong with America. And now his time has come. Now the American people understand that he knows how to fix the country's problems. And they want him to do it.
Hillary Clinton voted to send young Americans into that horrible mistake that was Iraq; in 2008 she refused to say how or when she would end the Iraq War; she pushed President Obama to bomb Libya, once again a terrible mistake; she supported the TPP, and the pipeline through the country's most important aquifer.
I don't care about her resume; I care about her judgement. Bernie Sanders understands what needs to be done, while Hillary Clinton will preside over more mistakes.
Sending men to die in Iraq is not "knowing how to make the system work." Why can't the Times writers figure that out?
7
How about a Hillary, Bernie ticket. Could that happen?
My millennial kids will not vote for Hillary. They will write in Bernie. They will only vote if Bernie's name is on the ticket.
3
My kids are the same. I really think Hillary has gotten a bad wrap she doesn't deserve and I don't quite understand the hostility toward her from Millennials.
7
Hillary is a supporter of Wall Street and basically a war hawk, choosing intervention and toppling dictators—with most unfortunate consequences, as in Iraq and Libya. She is not the President this country needs.
Bernie is the inly presidential candidate who seeks to re-strengthen the middle-class and restore democracy instead of the oligarch we now have.
feelthbern.org
Bernie is the inly presidential candidate who seeks to re-strengthen the middle-class and restore democracy instead of the oligarch we now have.
feelthbern.org
4
With the opening statements it became clear in last night’s debate Sanders is a leader, Hillary a follower.
He is proactive, she is re-active. His thoughts originate with him, Hillary's come from others.
Hillary knows the intricacies of negotiations, because that is how she arrives at her positions. Her positions represent interest groups: Neo-cons, Wall Street, the Insurance Companies, Big Pharma etc. She is skilled at balancing the needs of these sometimes competing interests. How does she weigh their interests? By the amount of money they represent. She is a bundler and a middleman (woman). Like someone at a corporate help desk, she is a knowledgable bureaucrat who can explain why the bureaucracy cannot give you the individual what you ask. Perhaps this is realistic. But it isn’t right. And nothing will change unless we challenge this way of business doing government.
He is proactive, she is re-active. His thoughts originate with him, Hillary's come from others.
Hillary knows the intricacies of negotiations, because that is how she arrives at her positions. Her positions represent interest groups: Neo-cons, Wall Street, the Insurance Companies, Big Pharma etc. She is skilled at balancing the needs of these sometimes competing interests. How does she weigh their interests? By the amount of money they represent. She is a bundler and a middleman (woman). Like someone at a corporate help desk, she is a knowledgable bureaucrat who can explain why the bureaucracy cannot give you the individual what you ask. Perhaps this is realistic. But it isn’t right. And nothing will change unless we challenge this way of business doing government.
4
It never ceases to amaze me the degree of political naivety that defines the Clintonites--I speak as a historian with a Ph.D. and an engaged citizen. All the huff and puff and pretense about being practical and pragmatic actually undermines their argument. Clinton, for example, really has not accomplished anything except to foster greater chaos in various locations around the world. But never mind her underwhelming Senate record or other historical facts. Sidestepping deeper discussions about power, it is clear that announcing your pragmatism or expecting a politician to announce the details of their plans or reveal where they would compromise misses the larger point. The disagreements among economists (pro & con) over Sanders' plans demonstrate how neoliberalism assumptions are faltering (see Piketty or Sacks among many others). We need a politics of hope. The debate needs to move in another direction than the DNC vision. The point about Sanders candidacy is not whether or not he can achieve the goals he as set out, but rather how we can move policy in a different direction than austerity terms (duh, that's politics my friends). Running within the Democratic Party allows him to start a change in the party that has simply not happened. Learn more about his record through the Congressional Record and Hearings. Compare that to Clinton and you will see how his accomplishments are far superior (example Community Health Clinics) .
7
The problem with Clinton is that she wasn't a very good secretary of state, didn't understand the 21st century world, promoted external regime change when such a policy was huge detriment to peace and prosperity--passe now for the most part. I'll support her against whatever soft fascist the Republicans put up but the symbol of Hilary's problem is that no unbiassed observer would disagree with the fact that John Kerry is a far-supieor Secretary of State than Clinton. That's worrisome.
4
What's interesting here is the Times decision to accompany this column (which is about a debate involving two people) with a picture of only Hillary Clinton - an obvious attempt at subtle marketing for the Times candidate. In a medium that is supposed to be impartial and objective, the ongoing dismissal of Bernie Sanders is nothing less than disgraceful.
8
I agree. I'd like to cancel my Times' sub based on their anti-Sanders posture. Alas, it's the only US rag worth getting despite its mediocrity.
2
Thank you, Gail, for a thoughtfully balanced column. Your last sentence was the best - Hillary should be telling us how she will fight against the things we know are wrong. Let's not forget Hillary has been in the trenches far longer than Bernie Sanders. lHe could say whatever he wants, but Hillary has had to deal with far more bullets coming from every direction.
9
No, Hillary does not develop smooth and sensible sounding answers -- every word out of her mouth has been focused grouped at least once and massaged several times by her staff writers. When the public winds change direction, she will follow....with more focused grouped answers. Everything about her is contrived, cautious and calculating. Americans are simply tired of this charade.
4
Well, Gail; it was inevitable that I would disagree with you at some point. And it seems like a lot of your readers disagree with you on this one.
While ordinarily I find your column full of wit and wisdom, this time I think you missed the boat. Clinton is not the "best qualified" candidate...her career isn't close to Sanders's 30+ year record of negotiating his way through the chairs from city hall to Capitol. Clinton may be a policy wonk (though I have my doubts there, too), but she is no leader in the sense of painting a vision that will energize citizens and restore their sense that we can affect our own future. If we're going to save this ship of state, that is what's missing today!
And Sanders has explained how we will pay for these changes; it won't happen in the first two years because it's unlikely we'll flip the House where revenue bills originate. But with adept use of the bully pulpit and good appointments, the House will flip in 2018 and then it will be "Katy, bar the door!" for the Grand Old Prevaricators. Si se puede!
While ordinarily I find your column full of wit and wisdom, this time I think you missed the boat. Clinton is not the "best qualified" candidate...her career isn't close to Sanders's 30+ year record of negotiating his way through the chairs from city hall to Capitol. Clinton may be a policy wonk (though I have my doubts there, too), but she is no leader in the sense of painting a vision that will energize citizens and restore their sense that we can affect our own future. If we're going to save this ship of state, that is what's missing today!
And Sanders has explained how we will pay for these changes; it won't happen in the first two years because it's unlikely we'll flip the House where revenue bills originate. But with adept use of the bully pulpit and good appointments, the House will flip in 2018 and then it will be "Katy, bar the door!" for the Grand Old Prevaricators. Si se puede!
6
Is it possible that America has sunk so low that now the presidential candidates are no better than the kidnappers?
We have Sanders and Clinton on camera promising that they would not send the lost children back to their parents.
Is that the kidnapping or not? Isn’t that the worst child trafficking when the children are stolen from the third countries and sold to the new wealthy families?
If those children have the wealthy relatives here in America, why don’t they send them enough money to relocate to the safe areas in Honduras or Mexico?
The primary job of any honest Administration is to reunite the parents with their children in their native countries or help the locals elect the good, responsible and efficient governments.
That’s how you protect the hundreds thousands children from suffering, not by kidnapping them and keeping in the foreign countries away from their biological parents.
Of course, there is always the best option of establishing the children safe zones in their native countries subsidizes and paid for by the wealthy private corporations like Univision...
We have Sanders and Clinton on camera promising that they would not send the lost children back to their parents.
Is that the kidnapping or not? Isn’t that the worst child trafficking when the children are stolen from the third countries and sold to the new wealthy families?
If those children have the wealthy relatives here in America, why don’t they send them enough money to relocate to the safe areas in Honduras or Mexico?
The primary job of any honest Administration is to reunite the parents with their children in their native countries or help the locals elect the good, responsible and efficient governments.
That’s how you protect the hundreds thousands children from suffering, not by kidnapping them and keeping in the foreign countries away from their biological parents.
Of course, there is always the best option of establishing the children safe zones in their native countries subsidizes and paid for by the wealthy private corporations like Univision...
Perhaps you need a gentle reminder, that some parents willingly sent their children, hoping against the odds, that they would make it and connect with US relatives, or find welcome in this country. To me, this is the greatest sacrifice. One size does not fit all. Kidnapped are the many children snatched to be used as prostitutes and sexually abused. Perhaps focus and energy on that atrocity would be better served.
5
Bernie Sanders saying that "the revolution is just going to happen" without specifics or details sounds an awful lot like Trump's "we are just going to win again"- without the specifics or details.
12
"That pretty much sums up his career in Congress. Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn't play any real role." I think this is actually a false idea. Zaid Jilani wrote a persuasive piece about the long list of significant amendments Sanders pushed through even in the "do-nothing" sessions. http://www.alternet.org/election-2016/bernie-gets-it-done-sanders-record...
4
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Sorry, Gail, that just doesn't match up to your standards.
In the current climate nobody can make the system work because republicans are dead set against it working. The republicans are going to have to be swept out of the way to get anything done and I don't see Hillary Clinton wielding that big of a broom. Republicans have equated her with the anti-christ for so long and convinced enough people that she fits it that she will have trouble leading a revolution.
They have not, for quite some time, had to roll out the old "socialist" label to tar somebody and it doesn't seem to have quite the same cache it used to.
Sorry, Gail, that just doesn't match up to your standards.
In the current climate nobody can make the system work because republicans are dead set against it working. The republicans are going to have to be swept out of the way to get anything done and I don't see Hillary Clinton wielding that big of a broom. Republicans have equated her with the anti-christ for so long and convinced enough people that she fits it that she will have trouble leading a revolution.
They have not, for quite some time, had to roll out the old "socialist" label to tar somebody and it doesn't seem to have quite the same cache it used to.
5
The issue here is solidarity of American Christians. You can call them evangelicals, conservatives, liberals, democrats or republicans....but they will remain American Christians. Deal with that.
First, the word is American Christians...and not evangelicals.
Second, most Americans of Hispanic extraction are not in favor of killing, butchering illegal Mexicans, they are Catholics and will vote for a president who will defend the American Christian churches. Blacks have had no relief with bozo (barack hussein obama) warming his buns in the oval office for eight years and are still looking for someone to help them with their plight of injustice, bigotry and racism. Someone who will change their existence as second class American citizens.
Third, the population of the U.S. is a little over 300 million, population of humans on earth is over 7.4 billion of which 1.2 billion are Catholics opposed to homosexuality. There are also 1.3 billion Chinese which do not recognize same-sex marriage nor homosexual civil unions, Islam religion has 1.62 billion members comprised primarily of Muslim believers who do not condone homosexuality, communist countries also do not condone homosexuality. Power and control over 7.4 billion humans on earth is impossible. Deal with that.
First, the word is American Christians...and not evangelicals.
Second, most Americans of Hispanic extraction are not in favor of killing, butchering illegal Mexicans, they are Catholics and will vote for a president who will defend the American Christian churches. Blacks have had no relief with bozo (barack hussein obama) warming his buns in the oval office for eight years and are still looking for someone to help them with their plight of injustice, bigotry and racism. Someone who will change their existence as second class American citizens.
Third, the population of the U.S. is a little over 300 million, population of humans on earth is over 7.4 billion of which 1.2 billion are Catholics opposed to homosexuality. There are also 1.3 billion Chinese which do not recognize same-sex marriage nor homosexual civil unions, Islam religion has 1.62 billion members comprised primarily of Muslim believers who do not condone homosexuality, communist countries also do not condone homosexuality. Power and control over 7.4 billion humans on earth is impossible. Deal with that.
I love Cervantes. He wrote Don Quixote not Man from La Mancha.
Only in America could tilting at windmills be seen as a good thing.
Those of us making peace with reality are hoping for a Bernie victory.
We are a single species on a finite planet we live in harmony or we die defending abstractions and illusions.
Only in America could tilting at windmills be seen as a good thing.
Those of us making peace with reality are hoping for a Bernie victory.
We are a single species on a finite planet we live in harmony or we die defending abstractions and illusions.
2
Hillary has repeatedly ignored the time limits and shamelessly exploits Senator Sanders' desire to make nice and maintain decorum. Then she talks right over him after he has politely let her speak.
This is not going over well with many voters. Count me among them.
This is not going over well with many voters. Count me among them.
5
Bernie Sanders in Congress was "marvelous, but symbolically marvelous." That is one great line - and one excellent summation.
10
If they Koch Brothers did indeed put up a billboard saying they are feeling the Bern, I suspect it is only part of they're longer game to get Hilary nominated so that she can easily be beaten by Trump in the general.
1
If there was any doubt that the Left has its own equivalent of an evangelical Tea Party built on purist ideas, no need to support theory with any facts, and demonizing one's opponent, then a quick look through the comment section will school them. No POV that is not lockstep is tolerated.
Bernie Sanders is a nice guy- some of us remember similar candidates- he is certainly not the first to offer things he cannot pay for and to say it is up to others to make it happen.
A solution of just voting all of Congress out is not a solution. Mr. Sanders has made deals with the military to boost jobs in his own state. He accepted an endorsement from LaPierre that he could have turned down. He is a politician too. It is OK for a LOT of us to be skeptics.
Bernie Sanders is a nice guy- some of us remember similar candidates- he is certainly not the first to offer things he cannot pay for and to say it is up to others to make it happen.
A solution of just voting all of Congress out is not a solution. Mr. Sanders has made deals with the military to boost jobs in his own state. He accepted an endorsement from LaPierre that he could have turned down. He is a politician too. It is OK for a LOT of us to be skeptics.
11
Cruz is such a lunatic that even Bernie could beat him. Trump, whatever he is, is not perceived as all that dangerous by many, and would decimate Bernie.
4
I have absolutely no problem with Clinton. She'll make a great president. End of story.
14
I fear that a vote for Bernie will simply replicate the disaster of 1972. Despite the fact that George McGovern was WWII war hero, he was crushed by Nixon. National polls do not, I believe, portray an accurate picture of the situation. There is just no way that Bernie will beat Trump.
11
I, for one, am tired of Mr Sanders. He talks down to everyone, especially to Mrs Clinton. I disagree with the Times assessment that he had the edge in the debate. His constant attacks and pious platitudes obscure the fact that he cannot implement anything without Congress. His bluster, and Trump's, underscore white folks' need for a white man to save them from the aberration of a black president. I wish the teeming masses of commentators and pollsters would assess the underlying sexism responsible for the rudeness rampant on both sides.
17
Sanders does not talk down to anyone he is simply yelling the truth at those who are more comfortable with lies.
The auto bailout was ransom to pass the financial rescue everything else is window dressing.
It is a rigged economy and Americans are the least upwardly mobile of all the citizens in Western democracies.
The auto bailout was ransom to pass the financial rescue everything else is window dressing.
It is a rigged economy and Americans are the least upwardly mobile of all the citizens in Western democracies.
7
Bernie's carrots for young Millennials (free tuition) have been working so well. How would he make it work? No idea! He's selling the snake oil medicine day in day out although he would know that he won't be able to deliver the promise. He just doesn't know how, as far as I can tell. Nowhere I see the evidence he has been effective persuading and inspiring his Senate colleagues to convert and team up with him to change policies. Nowhere I see that he was able to reach across the aisles and talk to Republicans (even when caucusing with Democrats) as an Independent. In a nutshell, he was not an effective legislator or communicator. He, however, managed to run for the presidency on a Democratic ticket. He's a shrewd politician; but, he's not ready for becoming the national and international leader. His groupies are mostly young narcissists who want to believe they can change everything at their whim, unaware of the nuts and bolts of governing and other intricacies. Bernie cites his governing experience as the Burlington mayor as part of his credentials. He ran a city of some 50,000 people. Besides, how long ago was it? Let's get serious, NYT. Please help people the most qualified, hard working person, Hillary in this case, to run our country. I'd have considered to cast my vote to him if he were running as an independent third-party candidate. At this point, he seems to me just a poster boy of the anti-Hillary, anti-Clinton machinery, which is despicable.
14
Carrot of free college? Sheesh, so many of these millinnials who are in pain are past college..they are fighting for those who have not started college yet, generations to come. Don't diminish Bernie's supporters.
3
Collins hit the nail on the head. Bernie is an idealogue, and hasn't had much success working with other Senators to pass legislation. He mentions his veteran's bill which is admirable, but he's been a Senator a long time. HRC has been raising alot of money, but also sending alot of money to Democrats who are running down-ballot. Sanders has been raising alot of money, and said he would do the same when he decided to run as a Democrat and not an Independent, but not much has been forthcoming. I guess, for better or worse, I don't see him as a team player. And I think we need a President who can work with people, even those with whom we disagree.
18
Mrs. Clinton does know how to make the system work for her. 400 million dollars worth. An hour's worth of speeches for 675,000 dollars. But does she know how to make the system work for the rest of us? That is the question. A second question comes to mind. Does she even want to make the system work of all of us? Or does she just want to be president?
3
In any event, my critical concern remains of electability. Nominating Bernie to run against Donald Trump would be like a race between George McGovern and Barry Goldwater. There would be two losers in that contest- one politician and the United States of America.
9
Bernie Sanders is actually going to harm the United States of America by assisting Donald Trump or Ted Cruz to become president.
Ralph Nader actually handed the 43 rd presidency to President Bush.
Do college student understand that the likelihood of them fighting wars on the front lines are a billion times more likely when they make a statement to Washington???
Ralph Nader actually handed the 43 rd presidency to President Bush.
Do college student understand that the likelihood of them fighting wars on the front lines are a billion times more likely when they make a statement to Washington???
12
Guilty by media. I am disgusted by the comments here regarding Hillary's history. She is assumed guilty because 1) she is a Democrat, and 2) she is an accomplished woman. Really, did you all notice that all the men all wear pant suits? God, what a crime.
I am a perfect person, really, but the GOP machine might find the mistake I made in 1983. I was a dreamer in the 60's and 70's. They might find a video of me in a march against the Vietnam war. Was that subversive? I want medicare for all and a solid Social Security program. Wow, don't have a clue how to make that happen but what the heck. Just dream with me while the fascists take over.
I am a perfect person, really, but the GOP machine might find the mistake I made in 1983. I was a dreamer in the 60's and 70's. They might find a video of me in a march against the Vietnam war. Was that subversive? I want medicare for all and a solid Social Security program. Wow, don't have a clue how to make that happen but what the heck. Just dream with me while the fascists take over.
9
The Rove/Luntz Swiftboat Tactic is to go for someone's clearest dearest strength. Those who know Hillary will tell you that her loyalty, compassion, and profound trustworthiness are her core qualities. So sowing doubt, tarnishing, besmirching that essential truth about her is the vicious target of their grim bile. It's a very clever, brilliant even, & utterly odious tactic.
They get pundits & interviewers to spread their loathsome smears for them. Every debate or interview is a free slithery ad for the Rove/Luntz Cabal. A Perpetual Motion Smear Machine.
They get pundits & interviewers to spread their loathsome smears for them. Every debate or interview is a free slithery ad for the Rove/Luntz Cabal. A Perpetual Motion Smear Machine.
10
Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president.
In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work.
Well Gail, is this your qualification for a President? Knowing how to manipulate the system. Gosh, I am surprised. The system is the problem,
Gail. H. is an integral part of it. Of course she knows how to "make it work". to make it work for whom is the question? And H's only interest is to make it work for herself or for the system with which she is totally identified.
Her skills, or qualifications if you must, are "a stupendous debater" and smooth and sensible-sounding answers to sticky matters. In other words she is a good liar. She is an accomplished sophist no question there. However, she really cannot discriminate between truth and half way truth. It is what works that matters rather than what is RIGHT. Her self linking to President O is one of the more sophistic tricks she is employing.
On the other hand, "When the only choices were nothing or a big, unappetizing legislative stew, he refused to bite." B. has character. He is telling the truth, and he is fearless, fearless because he is in it for Us rather than for himself. As a President, B. will get as much as is possibly get-able which will be considerably more when the starting point is the whole thing rather than an already compromised away majority of the goal, which BTW is freedom and justice for all.
In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work.
Well Gail, is this your qualification for a President? Knowing how to manipulate the system. Gosh, I am surprised. The system is the problem,
Gail. H. is an integral part of it. Of course she knows how to "make it work". to make it work for whom is the question? And H's only interest is to make it work for herself or for the system with which she is totally identified.
Her skills, or qualifications if you must, are "a stupendous debater" and smooth and sensible-sounding answers to sticky matters. In other words she is a good liar. She is an accomplished sophist no question there. However, she really cannot discriminate between truth and half way truth. It is what works that matters rather than what is RIGHT. Her self linking to President O is one of the more sophistic tricks she is employing.
On the other hand, "When the only choices were nothing or a big, unappetizing legislative stew, he refused to bite." B. has character. He is telling the truth, and he is fearless, fearless because he is in it for Us rather than for himself. As a President, B. will get as much as is possibly get-able which will be considerably more when the starting point is the whole thing rather than an already compromised away majority of the goal, which BTW is freedom and justice for all.
4
A great finish in your column with "Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president. But at this point in the campaign, you can understand why some people feel that voting for her against Bernie Sanders is like rewarding Washington for its worst behavior."
That's it in a nutshell for me. Who couldn't love Sanders' ideas if you are a leftie, but we live in a non-leftie tilt of a world and I have to go for the competent democrat in the end. Clinton has very adult descriptions and explanations of her work and her plans, but sometimes Sanders sounds so pie in the sky that he begins to sound like Trump with his unsupported proclamations of what he will do.
That's it in a nutshell for me. Who couldn't love Sanders' ideas if you are a leftie, but we live in a non-leftie tilt of a world and I have to go for the competent democrat in the end. Clinton has very adult descriptions and explanations of her work and her plans, but sometimes Sanders sounds so pie in the sky that he begins to sound like Trump with his unsupported proclamations of what he will do.
12
Wish I could share Hillary's confidence that she won't be indicted. But, really, investigators don't offer immunity to witnesses unless they have a reasonable target for their suspicions, do they? And how could anyone else, but not Hillary, be guilty of mishandling classified documents?
But guess I'll still vote for her even if she is charged with a crime. Come to think of it, I suppose I'd rather she was president from inside a jail cell than Trump from out on the street.
But guess I'll still vote for her even if she is charged with a crime. Come to think of it, I suppose I'd rather she was president from inside a jail cell than Trump from out on the street.
3
Someone please explain the thought process behind the Bernie supporters that say they would not vote for Clinton if she gets the nomination. Hoe does Donald Trump become your second choice? How is Clinton worse than Trump? No one likes to vote for the lesser of two evils but sometimes we must....
I truly love the things Bernie stands for but I just do not see his proposals as being practical, nor have any chance of getting anywhere in the Senate or House. It would be interesting to what Mitch McConnol and his pals hate more-a black president or a socialist president.
I truly love the things Bernie stands for but I just do not see his proposals as being practical, nor have any chance of getting anywhere in the Senate or House. It would be interesting to what Mitch McConnol and his pals hate more-a black president or a socialist president.
10
Hillary never cast a vote without an eye towards her aspirations for the presidency. Iraq war, gotta look tough, check. Wall street bailout, gonna need some money later, check. Unfortunately, the world shifted on Hillary, everyone recognizes the war for the tragic waste it was and is, and Citizens United pulled the curtain off campaign finance. To disparage Sanders for voting on principle is nearly laughable in this context.
3
We are so deep in the status quo's multiple axes: class inequality, race and gender valences below the conscious, entrenched privileges, gerrymandered local state legislative districts, inadequate infrastructure, open financial-industry greed. What does the talk by Bernie and Hillary mean in this context?
Revolution is bloody and inchoate. So, trying to navigate the morass of human fallibility called Congress-Court-President means we MUST have a realist voyager. I do love Bernie, but he must defer carefully to our slender hope.
Revolution is bloody and inchoate. So, trying to navigate the morass of human fallibility called Congress-Court-President means we MUST have a realist voyager. I do love Bernie, but he must defer carefully to our slender hope.
7
I didn't watch the debate but saw some clips that stunned me
Hillary Clinton stated that they were scrambling to get information together as the attack happened. But if that's the case why did she email Chelsea 3 hours after the attack and tell her it was an act of terrorism? She obviously felt confident enough to send that email as well as a similar one to the Egyptian PM the next day
They also did not press her on why she ignorned the Iraqi PM's comment that they not use the video as the reason for the attack
Next, I think her saying that the parents were lying about what she said shows she will say anything and do anything to get elected. i think it's disgusting that she keeps saying that. How does she refute the diary that Ty Wood's father wrote in real time?
How can Hillary be so sarcastic when it comes to the emails? There are emails that show that Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin conspired to cover it up. Hillary also said that her predecessors like Colin Powell had private accounts The only problem is they did not use them to transmit State Department emails. Hillary set that server up before she assumed her post because she wanted to be able to control what could and would be seen. Why else did she destroy 30,000 emails Where are the wedding emails?
Finally, her response about a possible indictment shows she's terrified. She can't stop it and the grant of immunity is telling. I may not like Sanders but the nomination should be his. She should drop out if indicted
Hillary Clinton stated that they were scrambling to get information together as the attack happened. But if that's the case why did she email Chelsea 3 hours after the attack and tell her it was an act of terrorism? She obviously felt confident enough to send that email as well as a similar one to the Egyptian PM the next day
They also did not press her on why she ignorned the Iraqi PM's comment that they not use the video as the reason for the attack
Next, I think her saying that the parents were lying about what she said shows she will say anything and do anything to get elected. i think it's disgusting that she keeps saying that. How does she refute the diary that Ty Wood's father wrote in real time?
How can Hillary be so sarcastic when it comes to the emails? There are emails that show that Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin conspired to cover it up. Hillary also said that her predecessors like Colin Powell had private accounts The only problem is they did not use them to transmit State Department emails. Hillary set that server up before she assumed her post because she wanted to be able to control what could and would be seen. Why else did she destroy 30,000 emails Where are the wedding emails?
Finally, her response about a possible indictment shows she's terrified. She can't stop it and the grant of immunity is telling. I may not like Sanders but the nomination should be his. She should drop out if indicted
2
Most of the comments think Bernie is too idealistic. I shall refer only to one point; he wants university education free of charges. Countries less rich than USA have it. Then Why is not possible in this country?
7
Because in the Netherlands we pay between 32 and 52% income tax and VAT is at 21%. And college is still around 2000$ a year. Countries ith free college (mostly) have very small population size
5
Most people I know who think it's impossible to, say, get single-payer healthcare in the next presidential term, think so, not for economic or logistical reasons, but for political ones. The congress has voted to repeal the Obamacare SIXTY times! Democrats have been trying to get universal healthcare for decades! Republicans have majorities in the House and Senate, and I haven't seen any indication there is a chance of turning over the House anytime soon. Furthermore, voters who are passionate about a presidential candidate, don't have a history of turning out for the off-year elections for Congress (see Obama's term, 2010). Bernie hasn't taken any visible actions towards that end, anyway; HRC has done a lot for democrats in the legislature, Bernie has not. How will this revolution work? If it's not about a cooperative legislature, is it about demonstrations? What is his plan for coping with the fact that large numbers of Americans (many Republicans) are strongly against "big government?"
5
My father, who was a Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, was the son of poor Jewish parents in Brooklyn, New York. He got his bachelor's degree in Sociology at the City University of New York. He worked in the US Army Psychological unit doing testing during WWII. Afterwards, he went to the University of Pittsburgh on the GI bill and obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology. Free post-secondary education has helped many in this country. I doubt that it could be universal, but it might be more available than it currently is.
8
I've been a Democrat for thirty years, which is thirty years longer than "Bernie." As both Politico and the Post have reported, his decision to run as a Democrat (rather than as the independent he's always been proud to call himself) is exactly the sort of calculated political move that his followers (deliberate use of the word) would disdain in any other candidate. In short, I have an investment in the party--dollars donated, disappointing election nights sat through, good candidates massacred by Republicans and left by the side of the road--that prevents me from feeling the Bern. Plus his policy positions are absurd and wouldn't pass even a Democratic senate and house.
14
Hardly absurd. They are reality in much of the civilized world. The USA should catch up.
3
Hillary Clinton knows precisely what she needs to do to address the skepticism of the voters.
-Cut her ties to Wall Street
-Release the speech transcripts
-Support term limits
-Promise a Constitutional amendment to ban all gifts to lawmakers and their surrogates unless benefits are equally available to every constituent
-Renounce Citizens United
She won't do any of those things.
She and her family have made hundreds of millions of dollars making secret pledges and backroom deals with the very people who have destroyed the prospects for everyone not in the 1%. She will always, always protect those who provide her with money and power, whether it is her cheating husband or corrupt traitors like Marc Rich or the so-generous Wall Streeters. She will equally always resist providing information on her activities, firmly convinced that she is somehow exempt from transparency.
She chooses arrogance, elitism and self-interest, but those are tough characteristics to sell to those she has sold out. So she clothes all criticism as anti-feminist or character assassination.
She can be depended on to put her own interest above every other consideration. The question is whether the country's interest will match hers, not the other way around.
-Cut her ties to Wall Street
-Release the speech transcripts
-Support term limits
-Promise a Constitutional amendment to ban all gifts to lawmakers and their surrogates unless benefits are equally available to every constituent
-Renounce Citizens United
She won't do any of those things.
She and her family have made hundreds of millions of dollars making secret pledges and backroom deals with the very people who have destroyed the prospects for everyone not in the 1%. She will always, always protect those who provide her with money and power, whether it is her cheating husband or corrupt traitors like Marc Rich or the so-generous Wall Streeters. She will equally always resist providing information on her activities, firmly convinced that she is somehow exempt from transparency.
She chooses arrogance, elitism and self-interest, but those are tough characteristics to sell to those she has sold out. So she clothes all criticism as anti-feminist or character assassination.
She can be depended on to put her own interest above every other consideration. The question is whether the country's interest will match hers, not the other way around.
6
Great to energize your followers with promises you cannot possibly fulfill. Free college? Congress has not even moved to reduce the amount of student debt. Single payer? We all know how well the Affordable Care Act was received by Republicans, and Congress will most likely still be controlled by Republicans after the election. Exactly how is Bernie Sanders going to keep Wall Street from influencing Congress with Citizens Untied in place?
I would love to believe a socialist Democrat would really be able to get elected and get the backing of Congress, but if one is ever to have a chance, it is going to have to begin at the grassroots level with the election of liberal Democrats to Congress. Until that happens, Bernie Sanders will not be the person who will change this country.
I would love to believe a socialist Democrat would really be able to get elected and get the backing of Congress, but if one is ever to have a chance, it is going to have to begin at the grassroots level with the election of liberal Democrats to Congress. Until that happens, Bernie Sanders will not be the person who will change this country.
11
Bernie is a nice guy and honest. But he is no President. I don't want a revolution - I want to do is keep Trump and the Republicans out of the Oval Office. Revolutions have lots of unanticipated negative consequences and Bernie hasn't looked at these. Socialist medicine in other countries is substandard compared to the US (I've used it) and free public college is a mistake. Everyone should not go to college and those that do should pay a reasonable price. As far as global warming goes, yes, the fossil fuel industry is a big problem, but so is the fact that everyday people must face giving up their SUV's and many other conveniences. Everything is so simple to Bernie (and to many young people), but it's not.
I think Clinton is terrific. I think the attacks on her character are unjustified. She is an open book with a long, outstanding record. She's the most intelligent candidate in decades. She knows what it's like to be down and out and she knows how to fight back. She knows what it's like to be a woman, a member of a substandard class in our society. She has compassion. She can bury Trump.
I think Clinton is terrific. I think the attacks on her character are unjustified. She is an open book with a long, outstanding record. She's the most intelligent candidate in decades. She knows what it's like to be down and out and she knows how to fight back. She knows what it's like to be a woman, a member of a substandard class in our society. She has compassion. She can bury Trump.
17
I agree that Clinton is a slick debater. It's a great asset for getting elected, but not nearly as important when it comes to running the country. The fact that Sanders isn't so smooth may work against him in the election, but his principles are exactly what we need this time around, and his willingness to stand by those principles in the face of stiff opposition is more important than being a polished debater.
5
Hillary is by far the most qualified candidate running. Bernie makes me feel better. I like him more than I like Hillary. I would probably be more satisfied with Hillary as president. I don't think either of them can do much with an intransigent Republican Congress. The only remedy the US Constitution has for senators who willfully violate the Constitution is facing the voters. The Senate can't be gerrymandered the way the House is. But in some states, the electorate is just fine with their senator's choice to ignore the Constitution's mandate that the Senate provide advise and consent for judiciary nominees. I believe that Hillary might bring in more Democrats to the Senate. I'm rarely enthusiastic about anyone who has run for president in my lifetime. Hillary is smart and knows policy. She is more hawkish than I like. We don't have any evidence that any of our military interventions have done the US much good. However, I have serious doubts that a maverick Senator could lead us anywhere good. I'll go with Hillary.
13
Hillary may be able to work the system, but who does she work it for?
The American people are just waking up to the realization that they've been had; that a massive transfer of wealth, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, has been conducted over the past thirty five years which has seen much of the income and the net worth of the Post War working and middle class flow to the top ten percent, and more crucially the top .01 percent, of the political-economic pyramid.
Not only has this wealth transfer been conducted under the cover of politics as usual, it has left the economy with a chronic shortfall of demand, that without a fairly radical change in policy direction, is not fixable.
And while now acknowledging this; Hillary lies about her role in the great American wealth heist; she lies about what her positions were in the past even as she panders to voters in the present. And as Hillary lies about pretty much everything we really don't know if she stands behind her current—adjusted— policy positions or not. She changes political positions with the wind, and she's not a particularly convincing liar either. Bernie may be a freak but he's a honest broker and everyone knows it.
Hillary cannot beat Trump. Bernie can, and that's the truth.
The American people are just waking up to the realization that they've been had; that a massive transfer of wealth, under both Republican and Democratic administrations, has been conducted over the past thirty five years which has seen much of the income and the net worth of the Post War working and middle class flow to the top ten percent, and more crucially the top .01 percent, of the political-economic pyramid.
Not only has this wealth transfer been conducted under the cover of politics as usual, it has left the economy with a chronic shortfall of demand, that without a fairly radical change in policy direction, is not fixable.
And while now acknowledging this; Hillary lies about her role in the great American wealth heist; she lies about what her positions were in the past even as she panders to voters in the present. And as Hillary lies about pretty much everything we really don't know if she stands behind her current—adjusted— policy positions or not. She changes political positions with the wind, and she's not a particularly convincing liar either. Bernie may be a freak but he's a honest broker and everyone knows it.
Hillary cannot beat Trump. Bernie can, and that's the truth.
7
Bernie's single payer healthcare proposal is not Medicare for all. Medicare covers about 80% of a senior's healthcare, and to be effective, it's necessary to have a supplemental plan from a private insurance company. Bernie's proposal eliminates private insurance, and unlike Medicare, it has no deductibles or co-pays. It also covers long-term and palliative care, vision, hearing and oral health care, which Medicare doesn't cover.
Universal healthcare is not synonymous with a single payer plan like Bernie's. Most countries with universal healthcare do it with either an insurance mandated system or a two tier system, where the government sponsored plan pays for a percentage of a person's healthcare with the remainder paid by the patient or a private insurance plan. The Canadian system for instance does not cover dental services, optometrists, and prescription medications. About three-quarters of all funding for the Canadian system comes from public sources, with the remainder from private sources such as businesses and private insurance. The French public system is more complicated, but it also pays about 75% of the total healthcare costs, with the remainder paid by the patient or private insurance. Bernie's plan goes far beyond the plans of most countries with universal healthcare. Independent analysis shows it will cost far more than he estimates.
Universal healthcare is not synonymous with a single payer plan like Bernie's. Most countries with universal healthcare do it with either an insurance mandated system or a two tier system, where the government sponsored plan pays for a percentage of a person's healthcare with the remainder paid by the patient or a private insurance plan. The Canadian system for instance does not cover dental services, optometrists, and prescription medications. About three-quarters of all funding for the Canadian system comes from public sources, with the remainder from private sources such as businesses and private insurance. The French public system is more complicated, but it also pays about 75% of the total healthcare costs, with the remainder paid by the patient or private insurance. Bernie's plan goes far beyond the plans of most countries with universal healthcare. Independent analysis shows it will cost far more than he estimates.
8
Bernie Sanders is right to emphasize free public college tuition. People who complete college --regardless of major-- typically earn significantly higher salaries afterwards. These higher earners will will thus pay much more in taxes, both federal and state, and they will likely pass on some of their advantages to their own children. Those who are not in a lot of educational debt are more likely to own homes. As an earlier generation of American politicians discovered though implementing the GI Bill after World War II, a better-educated populace is an investment in both people and the broader economy. Everyone wins. This time around, the sectors of the population who would not have been eligible if they been around in 1945 (most women and people of color, as well as non-veterans) will have the opportunity to benefit and then to "pay it forward" through their own taxes and contributions to society.
3
“In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. ” Yes, the very system Sanders invite people to change.
4
Ms Collins
If ever a column suggested the 'putting a square peg in a round hole' it's this one. Somehow, as with many NYTimes columnists, there is a palpable strain in granting credit where credit is due to Mr.Sanders. This MAN is showing the most genteel side of human conduct in his debates with HRC. With the exception of' will you let me finish' ( a reasonable request) he has shown respect for his opponent which is the hallmark of a decent person.
While his policies may sound grandiose, without overreaching dreams even the lesser results will not be achieved. But these dreams are sincere and truly what 21st century America needs. It's not for nothing that the Michgan vote for Sanders was a success. Look at the demographics of the voters he appealed to( including the gradually rising numbers of African-American supporters).
Our citizens may not all be sophisticated policy wonks but they sure know what ails them and who of the candidates has their best interest at heart.
As to governing experience, HRC has the experience of 'being. There' but what did she ever accomplish other than the coattail ride as First Lady. Stories out of the State Department were less than laudatory ,and we all knew her New York senatorial stint was just as a political stepping stone .
If Bernie can't beat whatever the RNC throws at him, we are all in big trouble.
He' our best bet to be what we should be for all.
If ever a column suggested the 'putting a square peg in a round hole' it's this one. Somehow, as with many NYTimes columnists, there is a palpable strain in granting credit where credit is due to Mr.Sanders. This MAN is showing the most genteel side of human conduct in his debates with HRC. With the exception of' will you let me finish' ( a reasonable request) he has shown respect for his opponent which is the hallmark of a decent person.
While his policies may sound grandiose, without overreaching dreams even the lesser results will not be achieved. But these dreams are sincere and truly what 21st century America needs. It's not for nothing that the Michgan vote for Sanders was a success. Look at the demographics of the voters he appealed to( including the gradually rising numbers of African-American supporters).
Our citizens may not all be sophisticated policy wonks but they sure know what ails them and who of the candidates has their best interest at heart.
As to governing experience, HRC has the experience of 'being. There' but what did she ever accomplish other than the coattail ride as First Lady. Stories out of the State Department were less than laudatory ,and we all knew her New York senatorial stint was just as a political stepping stone .
If Bernie can't beat whatever the RNC throws at him, we are all in big trouble.
He' our best bet to be what we should be for all.
3
Hillary was heard singing, "here in the real world."
1
Clinton is like that old and beat-up pair of sneakers that all of us have stashed in our closet....they are worn, they are old, they smell and they don't fit any longer. She is trying to convince the American people that she is something new and current. She is not--she knows it and more importantly the American people know it
Remember, you cant shine a sneaker.
Next topic please.
Remember, you cant shine a sneaker.
Next topic please.
3
She has been a government wanna be bureaucrat her whole life. Let someone look her in the eye and inquire, "Why are you a candidate for president?" Follow that with, "What are you going to do?"
She cannot look you in the eye and she does not have an answer. She has 15 million of her own dollars, a grand daughter to help raise and another kid on the way.
Why pass on doing good works in the world through her slush fund Foundation to instead fight republicans in Congress? There is something missing in the equation.
http://michaelslevinson.com
She cannot look you in the eye and she does not have an answer. She has 15 million of her own dollars, a grand daughter to help raise and another kid on the way.
Why pass on doing good works in the world through her slush fund Foundation to instead fight republicans in Congress? There is something missing in the equation.
http://michaelslevinson.com
2
Everybody loves free stuff. Nobody loves paying for it.
7
Thank you so much for your ability to put the bailout issue in its proper perspective. I have been trying to say what you said for days, with friends family and on comment pages.
"When the only choices were nothing or a big, unappetizing legislative stew, he [Sanders] refused to bite."
"That pretty much sums up his career in Congress. Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."...
"But he’s a maverick legislator, a man without a party. That’s a way, way different kind of life than being the person who has to run the country."
What Hillary Clinton said about his vote against the auto bailout was not a lie, as some disingenuous pundits and Bernie supporters have said. Hillary Clinton made a simple straightforward statement that was absolute truth. Sanders indeed voted against the auto bailout when the real prospect for getting the money to Motown was on the table.
The underlying problem that this vote reveals is that Bernie's desire to remain pure, according to his standards, convinced him to deny money for the auto industry so long as the people on Wall Street did not get any of the money.
Purity in politics belongs to those who will not compromise. It is alright to have that type of person on the fringes or leading the painstaking task of change attitudes, if they can, but that type of person, if given power, will not be able to accomplish much and will just lead to more gridlock due to obstinacy.
"When the only choices were nothing or a big, unappetizing legislative stew, he [Sanders] refused to bite."
"That pretty much sums up his career in Congress. Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."...
"But he’s a maverick legislator, a man without a party. That’s a way, way different kind of life than being the person who has to run the country."
What Hillary Clinton said about his vote against the auto bailout was not a lie, as some disingenuous pundits and Bernie supporters have said. Hillary Clinton made a simple straightforward statement that was absolute truth. Sanders indeed voted against the auto bailout when the real prospect for getting the money to Motown was on the table.
The underlying problem that this vote reveals is that Bernie's desire to remain pure, according to his standards, convinced him to deny money for the auto industry so long as the people on Wall Street did not get any of the money.
Purity in politics belongs to those who will not compromise. It is alright to have that type of person on the fringes or leading the painstaking task of change attitudes, if they can, but that type of person, if given power, will not be able to accomplish much and will just lead to more gridlock due to obstinacy.
9
Calling Clinton the best Presidential candidate is akin to saying broccoli is the favorite vegetable of kids.
Except you have to starve the kids for several days before they will even eat a bite.
Except you have to starve the kids for several days before they will even eat a bite.
2
If HRC is the Democratic nominee, she is going to have to deal with her close ties to Wall Street. So far, she has been ducking the issue. This is analogous to Mitt Romney refusing to release his full tax returns and she will be crucified by the R's in the general on this issue as was Romney on taxes.
I don't know what is in the transcripts, but whatever is there needs to come out now. Waiting for the general election is handing her opponents another trust issue to hammer her with in the Fall.
I don't know what is in the transcripts, but whatever is there needs to come out now. Waiting for the general election is handing her opponents another trust issue to hammer her with in the Fall.
4
If Republicans continue to control both houses of Congress, I fail to see how either Senator Sanders or Secretary Clinton will have any better success in working with Republicans to enact legislation than President Obama has had. Why will no professional opinion writer say that? Clinton’s modest proposals are no more likely to succeed than Sanders’ more grandiose proposals before our do-nothing Congress. Clinton’s experience – particularly her legislative experience – is certainly not greater than Sanders’ experience, and her past positions on foreign policy issues – Iraq War, regime change anywhere and anytime – are open to legitimate criticism. The difference is not only between the grand vision and the practical plan, but real differences on the role of money in controlling government policy, on regulation of Wall Street, and on the role of the US in an unstable world. Yes, Senator Sanders states goals he may not achieve, but he is clearly informing voters what he will work for and what views would control his foreign policy decisions. I fault both candidates last night for failing to say on immigration that the Executive must enforce the deportation laws passed by Congress. I wonder how either could promise not to break up families in deportation proceedings, and I fear their words on this issue will come to haunt one or the other in the general election campaign.
1
instead of criticizing sanders for the impossibility of getting his proposals enacted Clinton should focus on the disaster waiting for us if they did get enacted. in the case of free college the often cited example of Denmark never mentions that college applicants have to pass a test to get accepted, and if they don't pass they don't go to college in Denmark period. If they want a college education they usually go to the US. Where are all those young sanders voters who don't pass the test going to go to college?
In England the junior doctors went out on strike for better pay. The government forced them back to work with no pay increase. Sure medical care there is free, but who wants to go to a doctor that is nothing more than a poorly paid government bureaucrat. This and many more disasters are what await us in Bernie Sanders land.
Fortunately if he is the nominee there is no way he will win. Many columns here while they castigate trump point out that Clinton will not have an easy time defeating him, and that she would underestimate him at her peril. if sanders is the nominee then what happened to McGovern will look like a victory party after trump is through with him.
In England the junior doctors went out on strike for better pay. The government forced them back to work with no pay increase. Sure medical care there is free, but who wants to go to a doctor that is nothing more than a poorly paid government bureaucrat. This and many more disasters are what await us in Bernie Sanders land.
Fortunately if he is the nominee there is no way he will win. Many columns here while they castigate trump point out that Clinton will not have an easy time defeating him, and that she would underestimate him at her peril. if sanders is the nominee then what happened to McGovern will look like a victory party after trump is through with him.
7
I appreciate the need to be practical. I know that Clinton starts off practical. Sanders starts off with what he would really want, if he can get everything he wants, which we all know won't happen, not with Republicans in Congress. However, Clinton is unlikely to get what she wants, the practical achievable starting point, because with Republicans in Congress there's nothing either of them can want to achieve that Republicans are *ever* going to allow to happen. While some practical achievements might actually solve problems facing the US, while some practical compromises might actually improve American lives and America's future, the Republicans are just not interested. Their first and main interest is in preserving and expanding the power of Republicans. Not the country, not the quality or security or stability of the entire American people, except to the extent that there's an overlap between them, the people they can convince to vote for them, and the rest of the population. Republicans have proven over and over that they are 'Party first, Constitution and Country Last'. Faced with trying to work with such intransigence, with such stubborn failure of governance, why not ask for what you really want, at least as a starting position?
1
These debates between Hillary and Sanders continues to confirm my belief that it is difficult for a woman to work in any fields. She must work twice as hard just to be recognize for her accomplishments and she must face thrice the put down criticism with quarter of support from her male coworkers. Teach us how you stay calm under those constant and repeated barraging of demeaning and pull down questionings that were asked of you but not anybody else day in and day out. Teach us how to handle the line of attacks, appeared whenever we achieve our goals through our hard work, that plays along the line of: some wrong occurs because you get paid same as others; if are you did something that I cannot do that is because I did not want to do it and you are morally corrupted; your friends destroy this and that and they are your friends because you work with them, ...
Madame Hillary, "Give'em Hill", break down these ceilings and walls for us.
Madame Hillary, "Give'em Hill", break down these ceilings and walls for us.
21
The political reality is that if either Democratic candidate is nominated and elected, and there is no change in the majority of both the Senate and the House, we are headed for another 4-8 years of complete gridlock in Washington.
If any Republican is elected, we will continue down the path to a oligarchical class that owns and runs the country, while a theocracy class keeps it in line.
We do indeed need Bernie's political revolution to move the country forward, but in this polarized, gerrymandered environment that is the American electorate, I don't see anyone with the courage to follow a revolutionary leader.
Time to check out Costa Rica.
If any Republican is elected, we will continue down the path to a oligarchical class that owns and runs the country, while a theocracy class keeps it in line.
We do indeed need Bernie's political revolution to move the country forward, but in this polarized, gerrymandered environment that is the American electorate, I don't see anyone with the courage to follow a revolutionary leader.
Time to check out Costa Rica.
Collins is essentially arguing for Sanders to have gone along to get along. That is how one turns into a Clinton.
I don't know if the good senator from Vermont knows the song, but he has chosen instead to follow Tagore's advice to walk on alone if no one answers your call.
If they answer not to your call walk alone
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open your mind and speak out alone.
If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness,
O thou unlucky one,
trample the thorns under thy tread,
and along the blood-lined track travel alone.
If they shut doors and do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,
O thou unlucky one,
with the thunder flame of pain ignite your own heart,
and let it burn alone.
-- Rabindranath Tagore, 1905.
The song as it is sung:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTXJNMzZbq8
I don't know if the good senator from Vermont knows the song, but he has chosen instead to follow Tagore's advice to walk on alone if no one answers your call.
If they answer not to your call walk alone
If they are afraid and cower mutely facing the wall,
O thou unlucky one,
open your mind and speak out alone.
If they turn away, and desert you when crossing the wilderness,
O thou unlucky one,
trample the thorns under thy tread,
and along the blood-lined track travel alone.
If they shut doors and do not hold up the light when the night is troubled with storm,
O thou unlucky one,
with the thunder flame of pain ignite your own heart,
and let it burn alone.
-- Rabindranath Tagore, 1905.
The song as it is sung:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTXJNMzZbq8
4
Nice! I have been saying this all along :)
Go Bernie, ekla cholo re. "The song exhorts the listener to continue his or her journey, despite abandonment or lack of support from others. The song is often quoted in the context of political or social change movements. Mahatma Gandhi, who was deeply influenced by this song, cited it as one his favorite songs."
Go Bernie, ekla cholo re. "The song exhorts the listener to continue his or her journey, despite abandonment or lack of support from others. The song is often quoted in the context of political or social change movements. Mahatma Gandhi, who was deeply influenced by this song, cited it as one his favorite songs."
1
Just when you think the Bernie folks can't get any more dramatic. I'm sorry but this guy is an old white guy politician who support the F-35 fighter plane debacle, not Jesus in the desert.
4
"Clinton is a stupendous debater" She most certainly is not. She is slick. "You can fool some of the people all the time."
"She shrugs and says she’ll release the transcripts when 'everybody else does,'” Translation: I'll never release them. Natural conclusion: She has something serious to hide.
"She shrugs and says she’ll release the transcripts when 'everybody else does,'” Translation: I'll never release them. Natural conclusion: She has something serious to hide.
8
"We should be practical." "All that change just isn't possible." "What makes him think we could pull that off?" "Others have tried and failed." "We need change. But too much will just create chaos."
All of those things could have been said in 1776 about our nation's then-unprecedented experiment in democratic government. And according to de Tocqueville, they WERE said by many. Perhaps we should have just gone on being another kingdom. General Washington should have just accepted his coronation, speaking of coronations. Because change is too hard. And our nation's people just aren't smart or strong enough to pull it off.
Are we?
All of those things could have been said in 1776 about our nation's then-unprecedented experiment in democratic government. And according to de Tocqueville, they WERE said by many. Perhaps we should have just gone on being another kingdom. General Washington should have just accepted his coronation, speaking of coronations. Because change is too hard. And our nation's people just aren't smart or strong enough to pull it off.
Are we?
3
Gail hits the nail on the head: Mavericks are interesting individuals to observe, and sometimes they have a good idea or two, but they rarely get anything done. Remember Ron Paul?
9
One hundred and fifty three million dollars! That is what the Democratic front runner and her spouse got paid by corporate America. Why does anyone believe her?
7
Concealing those transcripts keeps Bernie perplexed,
But what firm would pay Hillary’s fees to get vexed?
Cordial words that she said
Could mean plenty to dread
As wingnuts take quotes out of trivial context.
But what firm would pay Hillary’s fees to get vexed?
Cordial words that she said
Could mean plenty to dread
As wingnuts take quotes out of trivial context.
Bernie and Hillary are a dream ticket. Bernie could take top billing the first four years, Hillary the second. An age before beauty kind of deal. Appoint a progressive constitutional lawyer to the Supreme Court. Barack Obama might be interested..
3
Hillary is not going to work against the system.
She is the system.
She is the system.
8
At least, that's what the system says.
Obama debated well in 2008 and won a great and historic victory. In 2010, however, many of those who voted for him got in a snit (he hadn’t saved the world!) and stayed away from the polls, thus handing the gavel to John Boehner. That's a long-standing characteristic of American voters, not just a fault of today's fleeting enthusiasts. The party of the POTUS often loses in the midterms, and loses bigger in the second midterm of a two-term POTUS. Bill Clinton's presidency was an exception to this iron rule of history: in American politics ADD is not new.
Americans rarely elect as POTUS two members of the same party in a row. LBJ succeeded JFK because of an assassination. Ford succeeded Nixon because of a resignation. But in recent memory, the Bush succession to Reagan is the only exception to switch-voting of Americans. Martin Van Buren (Rip Van Winkle?) is the last "Democrat" to succeed another “D” in open election.
All Democrats need to see the dangers to any D candidate in Nov. S/he faces not only a Trump tsunami but an electorate whose only regularity is that of a pendulum. If Sanders is the nominee, I’ll support him wholeheartedly. What do his supporters think they are doing, those of them who say they will not vote for HRC? Is this a popularity contest or an election for the commander in chief and the nominator of justices to the Supreme Court? Get some spine, take a deep breath, and resolve to fight on the White House.
Americans rarely elect as POTUS two members of the same party in a row. LBJ succeeded JFK because of an assassination. Ford succeeded Nixon because of a resignation. But in recent memory, the Bush succession to Reagan is the only exception to switch-voting of Americans. Martin Van Buren (Rip Van Winkle?) is the last "Democrat" to succeed another “D” in open election.
All Democrats need to see the dangers to any D candidate in Nov. S/he faces not only a Trump tsunami but an electorate whose only regularity is that of a pendulum. If Sanders is the nominee, I’ll support him wholeheartedly. What do his supporters think they are doing, those of them who say they will not vote for HRC? Is this a popularity contest or an election for the commander in chief and the nominator of justices to the Supreme Court? Get some spine, take a deep breath, and resolve to fight on the White House.
7
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Therein lies the problem. Hillary knows how to make the "wall street" system work and because of that she cannot and will not work against that system. Wall street, big pharma, and the other .1%'ers want anyone but Bernie. They own the system and want Hillary (republican light) or one of the GOP puppets (increasingly looking like Cruz) as the president.
Therein lies the problem. Hillary knows how to make the "wall street" system work and because of that she cannot and will not work against that system. Wall street, big pharma, and the other .1%'ers want anyone but Bernie. They own the system and want Hillary (republican light) or one of the GOP puppets (increasingly looking like Cruz) as the president.
4
I am growing tired of Bernie Sanders' attack on "Wall Street" and "Corporations", as if they are to blame for all that is wrong in this country. Healthy markets play a vital role in our economy. State and local governments, Universities, private citizens, large and small businesses all have money invested in corporate america. We need a stable and dynamic financial sector for our current capitalist society to work. Are further regulations required? Absolutely, but I am not confident Bernie Sanders is positioned to achieve his goals. His remarks about Hillary's "friends" on Wall Street are ridiculous. So what is she has friends that work on Wall Street? Banks and people who work on wall street are not all evil and corrupt, in the same way not all Muslims are terrorists.
Bernie is a man who has been employed by the government since age 30. First as Mayor, then as a US Representative, and now Senator. He has not worked in the private sector where most of us reside. Yes, let us rein in abuses on Wall Street, create incentives for business to stay in the US, and raise the minimum wage. But I want a President who doesn't vilify the financial sector and understands the complexity involved in achieving our goals. The private and public sector need to work together to solve the problems we face, from clean energy to infrastructure, job creation, and education. Bernie Sanders is not the leader to do that. I believe Hillary is.
Bernie is a man who has been employed by the government since age 30. First as Mayor, then as a US Representative, and now Senator. He has not worked in the private sector where most of us reside. Yes, let us rein in abuses on Wall Street, create incentives for business to stay in the US, and raise the minimum wage. But I want a President who doesn't vilify the financial sector and understands the complexity involved in achieving our goals. The private and public sector need to work together to solve the problems we face, from clean energy to infrastructure, job creation, and education. Bernie Sanders is not the leader to do that. I believe Hillary is.
16
Symbolically marvelous?!! Have you looked at his actual voting record?? It's mostly been just marvelous. Nice try. Bernie hasn't been a maverick in practice, he's gotten an awful lot of legislation through (check his voting record and the bills he has sponsored) much of it by working across the aisle..... Hillary's record can't hold a candle and I haven't been impressed with her as secretary of state. Are we to vote for her because, basically, she can play the "game" really well. I think everyone on both sides is fed up with the "game".
4
I ask all of the progressives out there one question.
1. What would your ideal candidate be like?
Alright… 2 questions.
2. When would be the right time to run your ideal candidate? In an election against a Romney or against the current crop of GOP nuts?
Now is the time, if ever there was one.
1. What would your ideal candidate be like?
Alright… 2 questions.
2. When would be the right time to run your ideal candidate? In an election against a Romney or against the current crop of GOP nuts?
Now is the time, if ever there was one.
5
Sorry, Ms. Collins, but I much prefer your gentle sarcasm to your straight lines at the end of this piece:
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Isn't Sen.Sanders' point the fact that the 'System' Ms. Clinton knows does work, just not to the benefit of the middle class, the employment future, the environment, energy, health care. Asking her to work against the system is like asking the head cheerleader to start a petition to defund the football team and turn the field into an organic garden.
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Isn't Sen.Sanders' point the fact that the 'System' Ms. Clinton knows does work, just not to the benefit of the middle class, the employment future, the environment, energy, health care. Asking her to work against the system is like asking the head cheerleader to start a petition to defund the football team and turn the field into an organic garden.
4
Did anyone read the NYT article regarding Clintons vast experience in Libya? Is that the kind of experience and expertise needed? If Sanders is not a Democrats why are Democrats allowing him to run on their ticket? Has anybody asked Clinton a serious question regarding the plan for Libya, what the end game is or was supposed to be and how exactly are we going to fund this new complicated war and what is the exit plan? Obama, the greatest president of all time, had less actual experience than Sanders but suddenly experience is a deciding factor? Clinton really is going to rein in Wall Street (?) do you guys really believe that?
Sadly the truth is that the debates are a joke, no relevent questions asked and no real answers pursued or proffered. Forget about what a candidate promises, look at what they have already delivered or lied about. This applies to any and all candidates and all parties. Hopefully the Trump debacle will destroy the GOP and someone will follow suit with the Democrats since both parties are only concerned with promotion of a party, consolidation of power, and abuse of the citizens. Your party, my party, they both need to go.
Sadly the truth is that the debates are a joke, no relevent questions asked and no real answers pursued or proffered. Forget about what a candidate promises, look at what they have already delivered or lied about. This applies to any and all candidates and all parties. Hopefully the Trump debacle will destroy the GOP and someone will follow suit with the Democrats since both parties are only concerned with promotion of a party, consolidation of power, and abuse of the citizens. Your party, my party, they both need to go.
1
had hillary instead of obama been elected in 2008, i suspect a lot more could have gotten done legislatively, because she had no illusions about the republicans wanting to work together. this time around, i still think hillary is the better choice to accomplish some of her stated goals. i do think it is time women and children were important aspects of every evaluation a president has to make on the job.
4
The radical left swallows wholesale any nasty innuendo or accusation hurled in Sec. Clinton's general direction in order to make Sen. Sanders look more viable in a general election. This is CHICKENFEED compared to what the right will serve up in the fall. Sec. Clinton is just the MUCH better candidate, not only based on her positions and proposals, but also on temperament and style. I love Bernie too, but his plans cannot be accomplished within the scope of a 4- or even 8-yr term, and certainly not within the first two vastly critical years required for miracle achievements these days. THINK about it- the right has gone after Democratic presidents tooth-and-nail since Nixon resigned. They can't STAND that Pres. Clinton faced impeachment rather than resign- this proves his lack of dignity, right? And that Sec. Clinton stood by him through that whole mess just adds to their rancor. They will throw the kitchen sink at her, and my bet is she will come out even more resilient because that's how she rolls. I'll vote for Bernie if I can't vote for Hillary- but that day will never come.
8
Let's examine the "real roles" that Clinton has played- being mainly a tool of the Third Way coalition, which is a sellout to the rich if there ever was one. Her qualifications don't really exceed Sanders, even though everyone likes to say they do. Let's face it, her record in the senate was not great shakes, her term as Secretary of State nothing to brag about. She was the one who pushed for the Libyan mess- she's not that savvy. She's done a lot of stuff, but hasn't really done that well frankly. But you are right, she surely knows how to work the system.
4
The comments section is very irritating. It is like the Sanders trolls know when a column gets posted and start their self-righteous propaganda in favor of Bernie the saint. He has zero accomplishments other than standing up for his principles knowing full well that his "principled stands" probably did nothing other than get him reelected by his constituents. All his claims are just balderdash. The man has never negotiated anything meaningful and he hasn't actually had any kind of fundamental influence on anyone or anything, but all these doe-eyed kids are willing to troth their undying affection to pure fantasy that this man spouts. As a highly educated man of color I will use my well-honed common sense and vote for the apparently untrustworthy one who currently goes by Madam Secretary. And to all of you Bernie acolytes: Don't shush me and stop with the Bernie-splaining. It is insulting.
13
The debates are stupid. Republican or Democrat, they are a poor way to help voters become informed about the candidates. They require pettiness, point to misstated counterpoint, factual errors and even...bathroom breaks. We want our presidents never to have to visit the bathroom. What happens if there were to be a nuclear war? "Can't fire now, General, the president is...indisposed." (LBJ took his bathroom breaks in full view of staffers and visitors, a way of humiliating them: look here, you have to put up with this because I am a great man and can do what I want.)
No wonder the public is grossly misinformed about the issues, the debates often center around topics like corporate inversions that the public doesn't grasp, evoking promises that will never be realized.
This is a purely personal comment and has nothing to do with big, serious matters, but it is hard for me to imagine four years of listening to Mrs. Clinton. Sorry, I'm worn out. I was dragged into Clinton fascination in 1992, I know their story, I know lots more about them than I ever wanted to know and I am dying to go around shouting, Free at last! Free at last! (All the while, I believe Mrs. Clinton is very hard working, smart and moves with good intentions, most of the time.)
I know this is petty. We are talking about democracy, economic justice, racial and social harmony and all that stuff. But still...
2
It occurs to me that Hillary Clinton has an opportunity to join the ranks of such Presidents as Lincoln and Roosevelt. How? She should admit that Bernie Sanders is right and return all of her corporate donations and reject her Super Pac. She, and she alone, is uniquely positioned to loosen the stranglehold corporations have on politics. She's at the right place at the right time. imagine if she possessed the vision and courage.
3
I left the Democratic party when it went for W's Iraq war and it became all too clear that major corruption had seeped in (I do live in Massachusetts). I can't say how many nights I have fallen asleep wishing the party went back to understanding and serving its base. Could create some visions and enthusiasm. So here's the rub, I am retired and living comfortably in my dotage. What I find fascinating is that virtually all my friends -- engineers, businessmen and women, retired bankers, healthcare professionals -- of my age are avid Bernie fans. Most of us may end up voting for Ms. Clinton, but some will stay home because smart and experienced as she is, it is really hard to think that she is going to lead us out of our malaise. She can't even run a good campaign. As for the debates, there have been interesting moments and they are far less demoralizing than the Republican fiascos. But there is jus too little specific info on what actually the president will do to meet some of their objectives. New departments, etc. ? Finally, I do wish they would be more thoughtful and remind us about their subjects. Though I think NAFTA was a big mistake, 75% of viewers probably don't have a clue as to what it is. And holy cow, did I get lost in all the immigration stuff. Oh, and the Detroit ball out.................
Whenever anyone points out that Hillary collected over $21 million in speaking fees between 2013 and 2015 from over 75 financial institutions, insurers, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and other corporations and monied interests, she disingenuously claims that Obama accepted campaign donations from Wall Street and other business interests.
There is a YUGE difference between a candidate accepting donations to a political campaign committee, and Hillary's rapacious pursuit of millions of dollars in personal income from scores of the nation's largest, most powerful businesses just as she is starting her campaign for the presidency. What Hillary is asking all of us to do is to condone and accept the blatant, outright bribery of our Nation's highest elected official. Do we really choose to turn to a blind eye to what she and her husband are asking us to accept?
There is a YUGE difference between a candidate accepting donations to a political campaign committee, and Hillary's rapacious pursuit of millions of dollars in personal income from scores of the nation's largest, most powerful businesses just as she is starting her campaign for the presidency. What Hillary is asking all of us to do is to condone and accept the blatant, outright bribery of our Nation's highest elected official. Do we really choose to turn to a blind eye to what she and her husband are asking us to accept?
3
So true, Gail, I love your writing. Methinks, however, the Lady doth protesteth too little. Hillary is essentially talking about applying bandaids to a country shot to pieces...by her friends. She won't disarm her friends. She is no good at implementing grand visions and sweeping campaigns that requires she confront evil in her own home...she's in bed with that devil. And she's actually accompllished very little in her career...I think I would match Bernies' accomplishments against hers any day, exactly opposite your assessment. Obama had to essentially get rid of her to implement his two signature foreign affairs revolutions...detente with Cuba, and a nuclear disarmament treaty with Iran. She only oversaw disaster as in Libya and Syria. Oh...let's not forget she was still supporting the Iraq invasion after no WMD's were found, declaring it was good [Neo-con] policy, WMD's notwithstanding.
5
Ms. Collins, I enjoy your columns, but after reading this one, I would advise you to stick to humor! I'm voting for Bernie in the Primary. I'll vote for Mrs. Clinton if she wins the nomination, but I won't be joyful about it!
P.S. I'm not a young college student either - 82 and counting!
P.S. I'm not a young college student either - 82 and counting!
4
My own suggestion for the immigration problem is this. Deport them all BUT support the indigent among them for a year after they go back. Help Mexico, (the usual home country) to create opportunities for them. Having lived in an open society, they may even be an asset to Mexico.
So I disagree with Trump who is more motivated by anger than by a problem solving mentality.
But the Clinton-Sanders solution of condoning law breaking is not wise. If you are encouraging 11 million non-citizens to break the law, can you still expect the numerous members of the NRA to obey it? What happens if they say, "If the undocumented immigrants do not have to obey the law, then neither do WE."
We really cannot have a country where "it is OK to break the law as long as you vote Democratic."
Has anyone thought about how sleazy (and unworkable) this is?
So I disagree with Trump who is more motivated by anger than by a problem solving mentality.
But the Clinton-Sanders solution of condoning law breaking is not wise. If you are encouraging 11 million non-citizens to break the law, can you still expect the numerous members of the NRA to obey it? What happens if they say, "If the undocumented immigrants do not have to obey the law, then neither do WE."
We really cannot have a country where "it is OK to break the law as long as you vote Democratic."
Has anyone thought about how sleazy (and unworkable) this is?
2
Let's face it y'all Bernie's not that bright. He has simplistic answers to complex questions. He starting to look like a clown.
5
Not to plenty of us. Hillary's complex thinking is more conniving than anything else
1
Hillary may know how to work the system, but the system needs to be changed. Maybe it doesn't happen this election and we kick the can down the road. Sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. Lucky us.
1
It's so fatiguing to try to figure out why we really don't like Hillary all that much. True, Barack is a hard act to follow in so many ways, not least is his attractive, poised demeanor, appropriate behavior, and silver tongue, none of which Hillary always shows, in all truth.
But she really is a perfect candidate, smart and smarter, specially up against the boys on the right. If she just weren't Clinton. Her heart seems to be in the right place, and she means well. If you just don't count the Iraq war vote, Wall Street cozy whatever, her insertion of herself into Bill's administration, and sense of entitlement, wide-eyed obliviousness to criticism.
Is it because we envy her? Is she just slick, gotten away with stuff we might not have? Seemingly effortlessly climbed to dizzying political height in tandem with her husband? Could it be simply that the nerve-buckling cackle, the rough around the edges edge to her voice, the forced, stiff yell?
Yes, well, some of the above. Maybe it's because a guy like Bernie comes along and shows us aspiration and a vision of a better country. But Bernie is whistling down a well; he cannot bring his dreams and promises to reality in this climate with this congress. So, it's Hillary or Ted or whatsis name and there is no more reason to question Hillary anymore.
But she really is a perfect candidate, smart and smarter, specially up against the boys on the right. If she just weren't Clinton. Her heart seems to be in the right place, and she means well. If you just don't count the Iraq war vote, Wall Street cozy whatever, her insertion of herself into Bill's administration, and sense of entitlement, wide-eyed obliviousness to criticism.
Is it because we envy her? Is she just slick, gotten away with stuff we might not have? Seemingly effortlessly climbed to dizzying political height in tandem with her husband? Could it be simply that the nerve-buckling cackle, the rough around the edges edge to her voice, the forced, stiff yell?
Yes, well, some of the above. Maybe it's because a guy like Bernie comes along and shows us aspiration and a vision of a better country. But Bernie is whistling down a well; he cannot bring his dreams and promises to reality in this climate with this congress. So, it's Hillary or Ted or whatsis name and there is no more reason to question Hillary anymore.
5
Sorry, Gail, but I respectfully take issue with your pronouncement that Hillary is "by far the the best qualified candidate for president." Her resume, upon careful scrutiny, reveals someone who habitually fails to prepare for important tasks. Her eight year tenure in the Senate is a complete blank from the standpoint of any meaningful legislative bills. Never mind her Wall Street "speaking" fees (read: deferred influence peddling). Objective evidence of her intellectual deficits were revealed when she flunked the bar examination in the District of Columbia. As one who has taken two bar exams in California and Nevada, and passed each on the first try, I speak with some authority. The bar exam is most serious "case" a lawyer will ever take on, and preparation is everything. Luminaries besides Mrs. Clinton have flunked the bar exam, including Kathleen Sullivan, the former Dean of Stanford University School of Law, Governor Jerry Brown, former governor Pete Wilson, and JFK, Jr. Mrs. Clinton evidently feels that she is somehow exempt from the sound preparation needed for difficult tasks and decisions. Witness her failure to even bother to read the 130 page CIA Intelligence Estimate written for congress members before she cast her vote in favor of the Iraq debacle. She later rationalized her failure to do her homework by stating that she "was briefed" on the memorandum's contents. The military has a term for those with resumes like Mrs. Clinton: "Ticket-puncher."
4
I have to go with Hillary on this one. I like others here agree with much of what Bernie has to say but things like Free College, Free Healthcare are pipe dreams. When pressed about how he is going to achieve those things he just says that the people will have to vote out the current congress and vote in a new one. Well Bernie, what is your back up plan if that fails? While I certainly think we should do more to make college affordable for those who wish to attend, I don't agree that it should be free. These are things that make me think that Hillary is much more the realist. As far as her e-mails, if the FBI indicts her, they would have to do the same to every secretary of state back to Albright, as all of them did the same thing.
10
Oh dear me, Gail. I'm surprised at you for seemingly concluding that Hillary is the one who can lead our country. Or run our government. She isn't a leader, she's an ambitious panderer, a risk-avoiding moral coward, a the-end-justified-the-means kinda gal. (Didn't your Catholic background teach you about that old ends-doesn't-justify-the-means stuff? It's very important, Gail.)
What America needs is someone who can recall for us what we once were about as a nation and which we still should be about: government of, by, FOR the people. Equality of access and opportunity. Hilary went after status, money and power as a young adult) and has never looked back. She's been all about her ambition for her self, her daughter, her husband. Bernie has been about public service and the common good for all his adult life. Who will make the better president? The one who can galvanize people to go for the noblest goals. Yes, he will sometimes fail, and we will too. But so have other presidents often failed to achieve goals. This is better than just abandoning them.
Thomas Jefferson said a nation needs a revolution every twenty years. It's time. Bernie knows that, and Hillary doesn't have a clue.
What America needs is someone who can recall for us what we once were about as a nation and which we still should be about: government of, by, FOR the people. Equality of access and opportunity. Hilary went after status, money and power as a young adult) and has never looked back. She's been all about her ambition for her self, her daughter, her husband. Bernie has been about public service and the common good for all his adult life. Who will make the better president? The one who can galvanize people to go for the noblest goals. Yes, he will sometimes fail, and we will too. But so have other presidents often failed to achieve goals. This is better than just abandoning them.
Thomas Jefferson said a nation needs a revolution every twenty years. It's time. Bernie knows that, and Hillary doesn't have a clue.
5
Hillary doesn't know "how to make the system work" so much as she knows how to work the system- to the tune of (for example) $675,000 for the pearls of wisdom she dispenses to Goldman Sachs, but won't share with the rest of us.
Like every other triangulating neo-liberal, she wants to give usl the best government money can buy.
Like every other triangulating neo-liberal, she wants to give usl the best government money can buy.
6
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
That's exactly the problem. Clinton works the system - a system that is entirely rigged to favor elites like her.
WHY in the world would she ever work against the system? She won't.
Her measured words of "pragmatism", "incremental" changes, piecemeal "improvements" to already substandard and wholly inadequate programs and policies are simply code for entrenching the STATUS QUO.
Hillary's not about the kill the golden goose who presents her with endless shiny golden eggs.
That's exactly the problem. Clinton works the system - a system that is entirely rigged to favor elites like her.
WHY in the world would she ever work against the system? She won't.
Her measured words of "pragmatism", "incremental" changes, piecemeal "improvements" to already substandard and wholly inadequate programs and policies are simply code for entrenching the STATUS QUO.
Hillary's not about the kill the golden goose who presents her with endless shiny golden eggs.
6
Gail Collins, marvelous pitch for Hillary. The NY Times used to be about calling attention to hazardous social systems, not pitching how best to sustain them. Deporting children back to violence and possible death in Honduras just to"send a message", as Hillary mentioned before, is cruel.
So, it's o.k. to bail out company and banks for unscrupulous and illegal practices, but still have everyday people pay them twice: their debt to banks and their tax payer money. For Hillary it is. If it was about jobs and the workers, then they would have been "bailed out", not investors and CEOs.
You're reasons call into question your opinion.
So, it's o.k. to bail out company and banks for unscrupulous and illegal practices, but still have everyday people pay them twice: their debt to banks and their tax payer money. For Hillary it is. If it was about jobs and the workers, then they would have been "bailed out", not investors and CEOs.
You're reasons call into question your opinion.
3
I may be slow, but I am still processing her original fairy tale explanation OF the email. That the humongous time, expense, and trouble of setting up her private server was all because she was too lazy to carry two smartphones.
If that is true, she is too dumb to be president.
If that is not true, she thinks we're all idiots and as such, should not be president.
If that is true, she is too dumb to be president.
If that is not true, she thinks we're all idiots and as such, should not be president.
3
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president."—Gail Collins
One must be careful not to confuse wonky with competent, wonky with brilliant, professional pol with leader, and perhaps most important, corruption with success and failure with experience.
6
Are Sanders supporters really "against" Wall Street? Do they understand how the world economy works? Aren't many of them depending on Wall Street for their retirement funds? I prefer a president who wants to reign in Wall Street shenanigans to one who just spouts about how he is against the big banks. Go Hillary! (and no, it does not bother me that she was asked to give speeches "to Wall Street" and that she was paid a lot to do it. Good for her.)
11
Unbelievable how all of the New York Times is for Hillary! All of all Media in NY is for her. We forget that they are part of big business. Hillary is not the better choice for president because she is too compromised by her alliances with all big businesses. More experience at giving in to these people does not equate with more truly presidential experience!
2
Thank you, Gail. You pretty much hit the nail on the head, IMHO.
6
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
Yes, this is the myth. I'd like to have some real examples of how she makes it work for people other than herself.
Yes, this is the myth. I'd like to have some real examples of how she makes it work for people other than herself.
4
Bernie Sanders is as big a problem as Donald Trump for the USA. We've got problems now, but if either of these two end up in the White House we'll have much bigger problems.
7
If my vote can still make a difference in a California primary, I'll vote for Sanders. Once I was reminded that Hillary was winning because of super delegates I got off the fence. Hillary is far ahead with the votes of super delegates. And super delegates are up for grabs and free for the buying. Just give me a little quid pro quo and I'll vote for you. I don't understand why the Democrats don't abolish this slimy way of getting votes and let the candidates win with the votes of real people.
4
Gail: you know how you can really help? Just write in your own inimitable way why Clinton has to release the transcripts of her speeches to Goldman Sachs and others, oozing with lackey-like praise for her sponsors as of course is expected when you are collecting 225K per hour on a repeated basis. Bernie says it in his way: Wall Street leaders are many things but not stupid. Au contraire, they are among the highest IQ'd individuals in the country with superb educational credentials from the best schools. Why would such people, repeatedly, pay someone to bash them? OK, there are masochists in every segment of society, but I somehow think that is not a good explanation. So, please do us all a favor in this wonderful country and try to ask for the immediate release of the transcripts. After all, even the overtly pro-Hillary (they endorsed her) editorial board asks for such an action!
4
At this point, anything that Mr. Sanders and his band of virulent supporters have to say about "revolution" and "the people" gives me cause to wonder. Sure it sounds good. No. It sounds great! -- and everybody with half a grey cell working knows the 1%ers have gotten away with more dirt, and more wealth than the law allows. But that still doesn't take away from the rather dim view he apparently holds about African-Americans (they only live in ghettos and need social welfare) and "Minorities"(everyone else who's not Black or White). And the fact that Mr. Sanders and his supporters think they know what's better for these (poor) people, than these people do for themselves, only underlies a disturbingly patronizing attitude disguised as altruism. No surprise he lost South Carolina and Mississippi. No surprise he's not getting the Black vote. Thing is. You don't even have to be Black to notice this. And judging by all appearances, it seems they haven't.
7
But tonight, claiming that Sanders stood with Minutemen and was a favorite of the Koch brothers and then came up with this twisted gem, totally disconnected from reality as if Sanders had ever advocated anything even close to this. The moderators should have called her out or at least invited her to elaborate. Sanders not throwing it back in her face was a big mistake.
“I just couldn’t disagree more,” she said. “If the values are that you oppress people, you disappear people, you imprison people, even kill people for expressing their opinions, for expressing freedom of speech, that is not the kind of revolution of values that I ever want to see anywhere.”
Hillary is just another politician all talk and no action if you who support her look at her record she's made it to a lot of photo ops, expressed sympathy for the unfortunate but when has she put herself on the line fighting for those with no one to speak up for them? After her self propelled healthcare debacle she returned to the fold and has remained there ever since.
I'm disappointed Gail, I thought you might be the lone holdout among the columnist who did not support the same old, same old. Clinton fully supports the corporatist hedge fund hegemony as she see the one percent as the distributers of mana from their personal heaven. There's really little difference between trickle down and corptroid Clinton economics.
Bernie Sanders is the bridge to the future, Clinton is the bridge to nowhere.
“I just couldn’t disagree more,” she said. “If the values are that you oppress people, you disappear people, you imprison people, even kill people for expressing their opinions, for expressing freedom of speech, that is not the kind of revolution of values that I ever want to see anywhere.”
Hillary is just another politician all talk and no action if you who support her look at her record she's made it to a lot of photo ops, expressed sympathy for the unfortunate but when has she put herself on the line fighting for those with no one to speak up for them? After her self propelled healthcare debacle she returned to the fold and has remained there ever since.
I'm disappointed Gail, I thought you might be the lone holdout among the columnist who did not support the same old, same old. Clinton fully supports the corporatist hedge fund hegemony as she see the one percent as the distributers of mana from their personal heaven. There's really little difference between trickle down and corptroid Clinton economics.
Bernie Sanders is the bridge to the future, Clinton is the bridge to nowhere.
4
If Hillary Clinton were to release transcripts of those speeches, I don't doubt that Bernie Sanders would respond, positively oir negatively, to what is actually in them. But can the same be said of the Republicans during the general election? Or would we see the kind of selective editing, cutting-and-pasting, distortion and dishonesty that we have seen with regard to Planned Parenthood, Acorn, and Shirley Sherrod. The way the candidates for the Republican nomination toward each other gives a pretty good clue how low they are willing to go.
1
And, while we're at it, let's give a hand to Ms. Collins for her column today on a topic she typically eschews: her own progressive, liberal party.
After her typical, careful scrutiny, Gail endorses Clinton for being a stupendous debater, an artful dodger and dismisser of questions she deigns not to answer on emails, Benghazi, campaign donations, and...I could go on, but you get the idea.
How a pundit can pounce from those pregnant premises to the conclusion that Hillary is the best candidate is a stretch that would make a logicist shake her head. At the end, she simply does not know how to make the system work, she is unclear on most everything, and lastly she has the vote of all who know who butters their bread. Debate has nothing to do with it.
After her typical, careful scrutiny, Gail endorses Clinton for being a stupendous debater, an artful dodger and dismisser of questions she deigns not to answer on emails, Benghazi, campaign donations, and...I could go on, but you get the idea.
How a pundit can pounce from those pregnant premises to the conclusion that Hillary is the best candidate is a stretch that would make a logicist shake her head. At the end, she simply does not know how to make the system work, she is unclear on most everything, and lastly she has the vote of all who know who butters their bread. Debate has nothing to do with it.
4
hillary always gets held to a stricter standard than her opponent. could it be because (gasp!) she's a woman?
7
Relying on "political revolution" to advance your governing agenda (Sanders) is about as fruitless and unproductive as bringing the government to a screeching stop (Cruz) when you don't get your way. Neither works and it ticks off a lot of people who you eventually have to work with to get anything done. Cruz's situation in Washington where no one even wants to be seen with him is Sanders' fate if political revolution is his modus operandi.
6
Your democracy is disintegrating, going forward, Sanders is your only real option.
In his desperation, Rubio went on MSNBC last night. When asked about campaign contributions, his answer was pretty cleaver. People contribute to his campaign because they believe in his leadership, they support the direction he wants to take the country. He is not beholden to anyone. Hillary would do well to steal that meme.
When one checks a little deeper, one of, if not Rubios largest donor has been the Koch Brothers. Based on their history, of course, they are strictly giving him the money out of the goodness of their heart.
2
Well she has stolen a lot of Bernie's lines so she very well might steal from Rubio.
I always enjoy Gail Collins's columns, but I can't say I endorse her wishful thinking that Hillary Clinton will somehow learn to take on the system.
More specifically, I quibble with Collins's generous assessment of the former Secretary of State: "Clinton is a stupendous debater, and she’s developed smooth and sensible-sounding answers to sticky matters like the State Department emails and Benghazi." She has command of facts, but falls far short of "stupendous." Her answers about Benghazi make sense, but her evasions over her private email server and handling of classified documents ring false. And her unwillingness to disclose her speeches to Wall Street firms suggests that she knows that her fawning remarks to investors would likely doom her reeling campaign. $9.7 million dollars for 41 speeches in 2013?! Can anyone tell me how on earth this is any less sleazy than Donald Trump hawking steaks? I will not vote for either of these hucksters.
More specifically, I quibble with Collins's generous assessment of the former Secretary of State: "Clinton is a stupendous debater, and she’s developed smooth and sensible-sounding answers to sticky matters like the State Department emails and Benghazi." She has command of facts, but falls far short of "stupendous." Her answers about Benghazi make sense, but her evasions over her private email server and handling of classified documents ring false. And her unwillingness to disclose her speeches to Wall Street firms suggests that she knows that her fawning remarks to investors would likely doom her reeling campaign. $9.7 million dollars for 41 speeches in 2013?! Can anyone tell me how on earth this is any less sleazy than Donald Trump hawking steaks? I will not vote for either of these hucksters.
4
These endless Democratic debates, and indeed all press coverage of the Democratic candidates, has been hobbled by the apparent conclusion of moderators and editors that it is politically incorrect to vet the Sanders background even while obsessing over every detail of the Clinton background.
For example, a recent NY Times article noted that "until July, Mr. Sanders did not publicly acknowledge [former girlfriend Deborah Shiling] as [his son] Levi’s biological mother, having never corrected reporters who had previously described Levi as a product of his first marriage.” Regardless of how one feels about illegitimate progeny of presidential candidates, it should be troubling that he dealt with an unflattering situation by covering it up, essentially throwing his son’s birth mother under the bus.
Yet all we get is interminable coverage of Clinton emails. Trump will not be so constrained about trumpeting this or any other of the many skeletons still lurking in Sanders' closet.
For example, a recent NY Times article noted that "until July, Mr. Sanders did not publicly acknowledge [former girlfriend Deborah Shiling] as [his son] Levi’s biological mother, having never corrected reporters who had previously described Levi as a product of his first marriage.” Regardless of how one feels about illegitimate progeny of presidential candidates, it should be troubling that he dealt with an unflattering situation by covering it up, essentially throwing his son’s birth mother under the bus.
Yet all we get is interminable coverage of Clinton emails. Trump will not be so constrained about trumpeting this or any other of the many skeletons still lurking in Sanders' closet.
6
It is probably too late, but it's about time that the media voluntarily limits Trump coverage. Covering Trump's culinary presentation of steaks, wine and water, while relegating Clinton's coverage to a taped delay was just one example of the biased way in which the media has covered this election. When the disaster of a Trump presidency becomes a reality, MSNBC and CNN will be responsible, while FOX News enjoys the joke.
2
Gail, you have it backwards! Bernie is not a man without a party, he's the only person running who represents what was one the Democratic Party! We have been the socialist party since FDR and it has been watered down ever since the Republican Party lost it's soul and moved to the right and trickle down economy!
2
edit
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president."—Gail Collins
A bright woman like Ms. Collins cannot possibly believe that hooey; she must be responding in kind, i.e., in ClintonSpeak. (It all depends on what the meaning of the word "qualified" is.
“Intelligence is not to be confused w/ intelligence."–Moynihan
While not quite the quip, Collins must be careful not to confuse politesse w/ democracy, compliant w/ democratic, wonky w/ competent, wonky w/ brilliant, professional pol w/ leader, & perhaps most important, corruption w/ success & failure w/ experience.
NB:
Mrs. Clinton rode to notoriety on the backs of her predatory husband & the women they abused.
She abused the IRS and the FBI to quash women, opponents & enemies.
Clinton's fascistic, power-abusing impulses flourish when she is in power. Her recent LA Laugh Factory threats provide a glimpse into a Clinton presidency. (Laugh-less, at best.)
Her malfeasance compromised our national security & endangers us all. She is still running free—& worse—for prez.
She engineered the global Armageddon Abdullah/Pope/generals call WWIII.
She set the stage for the king's de facto nuclear arming of an entire apocalyptic region not constrained by MAD–& worse–propelled by it, which implies 1st-strike intention.
To be fair, a mitigating factor: The king assured us we don't have to worry for 10 mos. He said to T.Friedman: “I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president."—Gail Collins
A bright woman like Ms. Collins cannot possibly believe that hooey; she must be responding in kind, i.e., in ClintonSpeak. (It all depends on what the meaning of the word "qualified" is.
“Intelligence is not to be confused w/ intelligence."–Moynihan
While not quite the quip, Collins must be careful not to confuse politesse w/ democracy, compliant w/ democratic, wonky w/ competent, wonky w/ brilliant, professional pol w/ leader, & perhaps most important, corruption w/ success & failure w/ experience.
NB:
Mrs. Clinton rode to notoriety on the backs of her predatory husband & the women they abused.
She abused the IRS and the FBI to quash women, opponents & enemies.
Clinton's fascistic, power-abusing impulses flourish when she is in power. Her recent LA Laugh Factory threats provide a glimpse into a Clinton presidency. (Laugh-less, at best.)
Her malfeasance compromised our national security & endangers us all. She is still running free—& worse—for prez.
She engineered the global Armageddon Abdullah/Pope/generals call WWIII.
She set the stage for the king's de facto nuclear arming of an entire apocalyptic region not constrained by MAD–& worse–propelled by it, which implies 1st-strike intention.
To be fair, a mitigating factor: The king assured us we don't have to worry for 10 mos. He said to T.Friedman: “I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”
2
"Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role." What nonsense! He voted! That's his role as senator! He proposed a sensible bill! That's his job! What planet are you from?
3
A man without a party indeed. If he had one, he could not be an independent thinker. He would have to kow-tow to the party line! Sanders is not your usual transactional quid pro quo politician. Just look at Hillary's long-winded answers to ANY of last night's questions. You can literally see the machinery in her head buying time to work out how she can avoid offending some donor.
3
Clinton sure does knows how to make the system work - for her and her wealthy donors. She can't work against the system - she IS the system.
2
Too bad nobody in the debate was asked what the two candidates feelings were about the upcoming "fiscal crisis" (C'mon, you don't think Wall Street could survive without another government handout, do you?) and if the saps, excuse me, TAXPAYERS will be asked, once more, to "bail out" banks/lending institutions/thieves "Too Big To Fail/Jail"?
Right now, the United States doesn't have an "economy" just a giant "Ponzi Scheme" benefitting the usual players, a very exclusive 1% club.
It seems the only candidate who has, at least, railed against the new, SCOTUS approved "peoplerations" is Mr. Sanders.
Ms. Clinton's hands are quite "dirty" with corporate money and the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE is drowning in the same.
She knows how to "make the system work" because, frankly, she is PART of the "system" and proud of it.
Right now, the United States doesn't have an "economy" just a giant "Ponzi Scheme" benefitting the usual players, a very exclusive 1% club.
It seems the only candidate who has, at least, railed against the new, SCOTUS approved "peoplerations" is Mr. Sanders.
Ms. Clinton's hands are quite "dirty" with corporate money and the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE is drowning in the same.
She knows how to "make the system work" because, frankly, she is PART of the "system" and proud of it.
1
Better for you. Not better for me. I'm going with Bernie.
4
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president."—Gail Collins
A bright woman like Ms. Collins cannot possibly believe that hooey; she must be responding in kind, i.e., in ClintonSpeak. (It all depends on what the meaning of the word "qualified" is.
NB:
Mrs. Clinton rode to notoriety on the backs of her predatory husband and the women they abused.
She abused the IRS and the FBI to quash women, opponents and enemies.
Clinton's fascistic, power-abusing impulses flourish when she is in power. Her recent LA Laugh Factory threats provide a glimpse into a Clinton presidency. (Laugh-less, at best.)
Her malfeasance compromised our national security & endangers us all. She is still running free—& worse—for prez.
She engineered the global Armageddon Abdullah/Pope/generals call WWIII.
She set the stage for the king's de facto nuclear arming of an entire apocalyptic region not constrained by MAD–& worse–propelled by it, which implies 1st-strike intention.
(To be fair, a mitigating factor: The king assured us we don't have to worry for 10 mos. He said to T.Friedman: “I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”
“Intelligence is not to be confused with intelligence."–Moynihan
While not quite the quip, Collins must be careful not to confuse politesse w/ democracy, compliant w/ democratic, wonky w/ competent, wonky w/ brilliant, professional pol w/ leader, & perhaps most important, corruption w/ success & failure w/ experience.
A bright woman like Ms. Collins cannot possibly believe that hooey; she must be responding in kind, i.e., in ClintonSpeak. (It all depends on what the meaning of the word "qualified" is.
NB:
Mrs. Clinton rode to notoriety on the backs of her predatory husband and the women they abused.
She abused the IRS and the FBI to quash women, opponents and enemies.
Clinton's fascistic, power-abusing impulses flourish when she is in power. Her recent LA Laugh Factory threats provide a glimpse into a Clinton presidency. (Laugh-less, at best.)
Her malfeasance compromised our national security & endangers us all. She is still running free—& worse—for prez.
She engineered the global Armageddon Abdullah/Pope/generals call WWIII.
She set the stage for the king's de facto nuclear arming of an entire apocalyptic region not constrained by MAD–& worse–propelled by it, which implies 1st-strike intention.
(To be fair, a mitigating factor: The king assured us we don't have to worry for 10 mos. He said to T.Friedman: “I’ve been very clear that Iran will not get a nuclear weapon on my watch.”
“Intelligence is not to be confused with intelligence."–Moynihan
While not quite the quip, Collins must be careful not to confuse politesse w/ democracy, compliant w/ democratic, wonky w/ competent, wonky w/ brilliant, professional pol w/ leader, & perhaps most important, corruption w/ success & failure w/ experience.
So, "Hillary has to be clear about how she will work against the system?" Perhaps someday pigs will fly but for the here and now of 2016, Hillary IS the system.
The system sustains her and the political world she represents. She knows this better than anyone. What is the value of "getting things done" when those things miss the overarching point of what needs to get done?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
The system sustains her and the political world she represents. She knows this better than anyone. What is the value of "getting things done" when those things miss the overarching point of what needs to get done?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that when Bernie refers to a revolution, that is less about particular stances (free college education and health care for all, for example) than about a call for the revolution that will stop money from blocking progress in Congress that actually addresses the needs of those who are not "millionaires and billionaires" or special interests. Hilary does little or nothing to indicate she would take that on.
I was hoping to hear a lot about climate change in the Florida debate. I was at work during the debate and have yet to view it, but news coverage suggests nothing major happened there. That's a huge topic I want to hear about. What I know is that until we have that revolution, special interests will continue to call the shots as beaches disappear, the ocean grows more acidic, and "weird weather" is felt most everywhere. We need to get money out of politics NOW.
You'd think Congress would see that intransigence must end now. Anger levels displayed at Trump rallies are high. Large swathes of the electorate have critical unmet needs. But Republicans in the Senate have indicated they won't even do what the venerated Constitution says they must - advise and consent on a nominee to the Supreme Court. A spending bill stalled when an amendment to address the crisis in Flint, Michigan derailed it.
Let's keep having those debates. Meanwhile, I urge Bernie to more clearly articulate what the revolution addresses and entails.
I was hoping to hear a lot about climate change in the Florida debate. I was at work during the debate and have yet to view it, but news coverage suggests nothing major happened there. That's a huge topic I want to hear about. What I know is that until we have that revolution, special interests will continue to call the shots as beaches disappear, the ocean grows more acidic, and "weird weather" is felt most everywhere. We need to get money out of politics NOW.
You'd think Congress would see that intransigence must end now. Anger levels displayed at Trump rallies are high. Large swathes of the electorate have critical unmet needs. But Republicans in the Senate have indicated they won't even do what the venerated Constitution says they must - advise and consent on a nominee to the Supreme Court. A spending bill stalled when an amendment to address the crisis in Flint, Michigan derailed it.
Let's keep having those debates. Meanwhile, I urge Bernie to more clearly articulate what the revolution addresses and entails.
2
We owe it to Sanders that anyone is following the Democratic primaries and caucases at all. That he's managed to inspire his followers to participate and feel that exercising one's right to an opinion and vote matters. Remember plodding programs and incremental improvements ... ?
2
You hit the nail on the head, Ms. Collins. I think she'd be the far better president but should release the speech, tho now that it's catnip, maybe too late. Bernie meanwhile has a lot in common with Cruz. He is a man of complete integrity always. So maybe the rough, messy game of compromise is beyond him.
7
Clinton committed a crime with her email debacle and any unprotected person would be in jail by now. Even a great man like General Petraeus was prosecuted for less of a crime. This is a shame and a sham. If somehow Trump wins you will see her prosecuted with fairness like any other citizen as she should be.
Bernie Sanders is a principled man who is authentic and honest. For that he earned respect from many people include myself.
His voting records show one consistent pattern. If a bill contains anything he does not like, he would vote against it even if there are a lot of good things in it as well. Call it either principled or “my way or high way” depends on one’s perspective. This is perfect fine for an activist promoting a course. It is impossible for a president to get 100% he want in any legislation in a democratic country we live in.
Giving the fact Bernie Sanders’ view is in the far left from mainstream, President Sanders would not get any legislation he would not veto if he continues his uncompromised posture. Witnessed how much damage the Do Nothing Congress has done to our country, what concrete benefits people will get under 4 years Cannot Get Anything Done presidency?
His voting records show one consistent pattern. If a bill contains anything he does not like, he would vote against it even if there are a lot of good things in it as well. Call it either principled or “my way or high way” depends on one’s perspective. This is perfect fine for an activist promoting a course. It is impossible for a president to get 100% he want in any legislation in a democratic country we live in.
Giving the fact Bernie Sanders’ view is in the far left from mainstream, President Sanders would not get any legislation he would not veto if he continues his uncompromised posture. Witnessed how much damage the Do Nothing Congress has done to our country, what concrete benefits people will get under 4 years Cannot Get Anything Done presidency?
10
A MOMENT OF TRUTH If you look at the debates between Hillary and Bernie in terms of traditional marriage (i.e., where women are expected to submit to their men), Bernie makes a lot of noise and wants a lot of attention for it, while Hillary has been doing tons of grunt work in the kitchen, or during her nearly 1 million miles of jaunts as Secretary of State, where she gets far less credit for the extraordinary job she's done. If people ask, the most prominent feminists in the world, Hillary would be near the top of the list if not #1. My impression is that Bernie discounts much of the work that Clinton does for his own political gain. Grunt work and the Presidency? You can bet your buttons on that one! Obama pointed out that if problems get to his desk it's because his team cannot solve them without his input, because he's the Commander in Chief. That involves a great deal of grunt work in the form of wrestling with the hardest problems in the world. Bernie is a good guy to have at a rally to crank things up--to get people excited. But Hillary already knows how the job is done and how she's going to do it if elected, with a depth of understanding second to none in the US and perhaps in the entire world.
10
Ms. Collins - your vote goes for the candidate of screeching evasions. Everyone can see Mrs. Clinton squirm when the question of those speaking fees to Wall Street comes up, and her refusal to release the transcripts of them tells me all I need to know. This column is just one more in the sad litany of The New York Times as the paper of corporate America, the 1 %, and more of the same. No thanks, no sale.
I'm for the honest candidate, and that is Bernie Sanders.
I'm for the honest candidate, and that is Bernie Sanders.
3
Am not a Hillary Clinton fan, but need to acknowledge one thing. She is the best fund raiser Bernie Sanders could have.
3
Gail, don't be naïve. Yes, Hillary knows how to work the system. It's called triangulation. She and her husband simply adopt slightly less immoderate Republican stances like: "The era of big government is over". On welfare: "Mend it. Don't end it." Their mutual support for and from Wall Street is shameless. Her ambition is mainly vainglorious. Bernie's motivation is devoid of vanity, and because of that Hillary may actually be the candidate who runs in vein.
2
Why do you continue to paint free tuition at state colleges and medicare for all as such an impractical grand visionary plan? Surely you realize this has already been accomplished in most of the civilized world. Then you criticize Sanders for having high principles. Really? Clinton's corrupt insider coziness are what we need more of? Oh, she'll get things done alright - like TPP, preserve the hedge fund loophole, XL pipeline, bomb the middle east... and maybe propose raising the minimum wage by a nickel, starting in 2025 (A Victory!! Given by Me, Hillary Clinton, to the American Workers!!)
2
When Wall Street needs a huge, no-strings-attached bailout or there's another unwinnable, never-ending war to fight, it's "doable, realistic, we have the money to do it!" But free college and Medicare-for-all?? "That's unrealistic!, we haven't got the money!"
5
Hillary Clinton, in a corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch conspiracy with her husband and daughter, knows how to make the elective office public service system work. By making millions off the system the new fashioned way Hillary has become the latest political Machiavelli Midas. Making the system work is what Vito Corleone and his son Michael attempted to do for themselves and their "family."
Hillary's political genius husband managed to get impeached by the system. And one leg of the American democratic republic system is controlled by the Republicans. Until Scalia's death SCOTUS had been under Republican control for decades.
Wallowing in an amoral immoral inhuman inhumane system should be shameful sorry sorrow. Instead of an honored accomplishment. Wrecking their system is what the Founding Fathers, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Martin Luther King and Ronald Reagan accomplished. John Brown tried and failed.
As a career politician 74 year old Brooklyn Bernie Sanders is an insider who has eschewed the lure of wealth and fame in mostly modest public service. That is a system worth expanding and extolling. You don't have to be a firemen to feel the "Bern."
Hillary's political genius husband managed to get impeached by the system. And one leg of the American democratic republic system is controlled by the Republicans. Until Scalia's death SCOTUS had been under Republican control for decades.
Wallowing in an amoral immoral inhuman inhumane system should be shameful sorry sorrow. Instead of an honored accomplishment. Wrecking their system is what the Founding Fathers, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Martin Luther King and Ronald Reagan accomplished. John Brown tried and failed.
As a career politician 74 year old Brooklyn Bernie Sanders is an insider who has eschewed the lure of wealth and fame in mostly modest public service. That is a system worth expanding and extolling. You don't have to be a firemen to feel the "Bern."
6
Between Sanders and Clinton there is one issue that seems to be the major one. Which of them sees the world as it is and which one sees the world as they would like for it to be.
3
They are both highly intelligent human beings with keen perception. They have very similar hopes for this country but different approaches on how to get there.
Both are realists. Can't you see that?
Both are realists. Can't you see that?
Collins may or may not be correct about Clinton being the one who knows how to make things work. But please - provide some evidence. What, exactly, has she made work?
3
Making lots of money by selling books and giving speeches.
1
You've hit the nail on the head, Gail Collins, as usual this campaign season, as you are the only Times Op-Ed person who seems to see the candidates clearly, with the "words" to express yourself. Hillary Clinton is stupendous, as you say, but may need to be more transparent to win over sluggish hearts and minds at this point. That said, she is stupendous and the best candidate overall. Yes, it is ok to give a woman her due, even at the Times! It's a lot of debates, but always worth listening to those two slug it out in high political tennis-match form, especially after the cannibalistic red-meat atavistic brawl the mud-wrestling crazies in the Republican refugee camp have put on. The Watson commercials from IBM are good, too!
5
Wrong! the real issue that separates Hillary from Bernie is trade agreements. The word is out and elitist liberals can not stop the spread of a very simply concept. Most everything you own was made in China. That is the result of free trade agreements. Hillary and Bill started it all under his Presidency. Everything you have that says made in China is a symbol of lost American jobs.
3
"That pretty much sums up his career in Congress. Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. At one point he offered an amendment to raise taxes on high-income individuals, which was basically ignored. He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."
A little disingenuous Mrs. Collins. Bernie is the "amendment king" (no serving member of Congress has passed more roll-call amendments, amendments that actually went to a vote on the floor, than Bernie Sanders).
There are so many reasons that a thinking person would choose Sanders over HRC, but one has really hit home this past week for me. Sanders voted NO to GWB's folly to invade Iraq (which your paper supported) and HRC voted YES. HRC convinced Obama to support regime change by military force in Libya (corroborated by an article in your paper last week). HRC laughs that "we came, we saw, he's dead". ISIS now controls a huge swath of Libya. ISIS has made incursions into Tunisia in the last few days. Do you realize that Tunise is only 1000 miles from where I live Mrs. Collins? Do you realize that ISIS also has a presence in all of the Maghreb? How would Americans feel about having ISIS literally on their borders? We already understand that Americans don't give 2 hoots that we are dealing with a refugee crisis that the USA helped create. So yeah, I'd like the next US President to be a person that has ALWAYS questioned the wisdom of the USA implementing regime change (nice try WP) & it isn't HRC.
A little disingenuous Mrs. Collins. Bernie is the "amendment king" (no serving member of Congress has passed more roll-call amendments, amendments that actually went to a vote on the floor, than Bernie Sanders).
There are so many reasons that a thinking person would choose Sanders over HRC, but one has really hit home this past week for me. Sanders voted NO to GWB's folly to invade Iraq (which your paper supported) and HRC voted YES. HRC convinced Obama to support regime change by military force in Libya (corroborated by an article in your paper last week). HRC laughs that "we came, we saw, he's dead". ISIS now controls a huge swath of Libya. ISIS has made incursions into Tunisia in the last few days. Do you realize that Tunise is only 1000 miles from where I live Mrs. Collins? Do you realize that ISIS also has a presence in all of the Maghreb? How would Americans feel about having ISIS literally on their borders? We already understand that Americans don't give 2 hoots that we are dealing with a refugee crisis that the USA helped create. So yeah, I'd like the next US President to be a person that has ALWAYS questioned the wisdom of the USA implementing regime change (nice try WP) & it isn't HRC.
3
Your last sentence says it all.
2
Gail astutely lays out the dilemma facing Democratic voters: a choice between a man who campaigns in poetry but can't understand the prose of governing and a woman who campaigns in prose and governs in cash. I was hoping last year that Joe Biden would step up--a man who knows both the poetry and prose of politics and government.
If Biden endorses Hillary would you trust his his judgement and accept that he must know more about how this government works than you?
2
I can't watch them anymore, either Democratic or Republican debates. I know what is going to be said and how it's going to be said. If something surprising or new is said I'll hear about it the next day. I used to think the R debates were fun entertainment, but they're not anymore.
It just all goes on tooooooo long. These two year campaigns by all these candidates (who basically stop working for the people while they run the Forever Campaigns) and coverage by Big Media is too much. It needs a yuuuuugggeee makeover!
It just all goes on tooooooo long. These two year campaigns by all these candidates (who basically stop working for the people while they run the Forever Campaigns) and coverage by Big Media is too much. It needs a yuuuuugggeee makeover!
3
Gail, Your insights into Hillary are spot on and you have summed Bernie up as well. Bernie and his campaign are hitting hard with character assassination that is unfounded and unproved. That is what women historically deal with and there is a double standard. When HRC responds with equal force and fact she is seen as harsh and mean spirited. When you state that Hillary knows how to make the system work, but can she work against the system you also seem to be stating that Bernie's harshness looks better on him, than her preparedness and knowledge works for her. That defies logic and is nonsensical. Since she can take a broken system and fix it and make it work, there is no need to work against it but use it work through it and simply improve it for the better. That she can and will do. No doubt about it she will be the best President ever.
11
Clinton should proclaim
"I am not a crook".
"I am not a crook".
4
How do we know that Hillary Clinton knows how to make the system work?
There is no evidence from her terms as Senator from New York or her term as Secretary of State that she knows how to work the system? She knows how to work it for herself and accrue millions. If she has nothing to hide, why won't she release the texts of her speeches to Goldman. Holding back only supports concerns about her integrity.
There is no evidence from her terms as Senator from New York or her term as Secretary of State that she knows how to work the system? She knows how to work it for herself and accrue millions. If she has nothing to hide, why won't she release the texts of her speeches to Goldman. Holding back only supports concerns about her integrity.
6
Why do people want her e-mails exposed? Really why?
Are they concerned she sold the country to the Chinese or the Russians? Or that she patronized moneyed interests with elections in mind. If it is the latter and is true- well think that is true, get over with it AND dont vote for her. I think it is an insane obsession to get to her e-mails. Those who do not trust her will not change their mind and i believe she understands that.
Are they concerned she sold the country to the Chinese or the Russians? Or that she patronized moneyed interests with elections in mind. If it is the latter and is true- well think that is true, get over with it AND dont vote for her. I think it is an insane obsession to get to her e-mails. Those who do not trust her will not change their mind and i believe she understands that.
3
I for one don't care about Hillary's Wall Street money. They stole it from us, let one of "us" (i.e. one who when elected will serve the people's interests) have some back. Yes it's "business as usual in Washington", but Washington DOES need to function and Sec'y Clinton is the only one on the scene who gets that.
5
Yes! I was just thinking that there's a pattern emerging: Sanders didn't like something in the Ted Kennedy immigration bill, so there's no immigration bill. He didn't like the compromise in the bill that provided the money for the auto bailout, so no auto bail out money.
But the problem is, how do you campaign on the idea that the government only accomplishes things through compromise. That no matter how correct you think you are, there are other voters who thing they are equally correct, and a functioning Congress needs to reflect the voting choices of all Americans, not just the most progressive or the most conservative.
If you say that to Bernie voters, they think you're caving in to the Wall Street-Corporate narrative that needs to be completely taken down. Because that's what Bernie has told them, and they don't understand how government actually works.
But the problem is, how do you campaign on the idea that the government only accomplishes things through compromise. That no matter how correct you think you are, there are other voters who thing they are equally correct, and a functioning Congress needs to reflect the voting choices of all Americans, not just the most progressive or the most conservative.
If you say that to Bernie voters, they think you're caving in to the Wall Street-Corporate narrative that needs to be completely taken down. Because that's what Bernie has told them, and they don't understand how government actually works.
9
First, let me say that I will happily vote for whomever is the Democratic Party's nominee. Sen. Sanders has many great ideas and solutions to America's ills, Sec. Clinton has practical, and do-able solutions as well. Sec. Clinton's real problem is that the Republicans have spent over 20 years vilifying her and many of those accusations, and mis-characterizations are now accepted as fact by many in the public, ( I was surprised that she wasn't accused of murdering Justice Scalia). The country needs one or these two to be in the White House, if only to protect us from the baser instincts of the Rebublicans.
2
"Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
Indeed she does: Massive giveaways to corporate, financial and telecommunications giants, like her husband's, to get their common masters to bring Republicans to the table. Unfortunately, the American people are tired of bribing the powerful so that they might do a wee bit better. Clinton often cites the rise in middle class and poor incomes during her husband's administration, but the fact is that those gains occurred at the same time as a massive spike in the income share of the top 1% of the population. Except for recession dips, rapidly rising inequality is the American story since 1980. The Reagan administration got the label, but it was the Bill Clinton administration that practiced "trickle down economics" with a vengeance.
Indeed she does: Massive giveaways to corporate, financial and telecommunications giants, like her husband's, to get their common masters to bring Republicans to the table. Unfortunately, the American people are tired of bribing the powerful so that they might do a wee bit better. Clinton often cites the rise in middle class and poor incomes during her husband's administration, but the fact is that those gains occurred at the same time as a massive spike in the income share of the top 1% of the population. Except for recession dips, rapidly rising inequality is the American story since 1980. The Reagan administration got the label, but it was the Bill Clinton administration that practiced "trickle down economics" with a vengeance.
5
I have been struggling whether to vote for Bernie or Hilary during next week's Illinois primary but I think I am going with HRC. Bernie feels to me like the idealist who sure sounds good but hasn't accomplished much. While HRC has been fighting and scrapping at the center of our national politics, Bernie has been ensconced in his safe senate seat in Vermont. She is tagged with past votes and decisions some of which inevitably worked out while others didn't, while he throws stones from a position of ideological purity but let's face it irrelevancy for those outside of Vermont these past 30 years. I do admire him for restoring the Northern liberal tradition of the Democratic Party though.
9
Gail says, "...Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
At the same time, Sanders knows how to work against the system (voting against the bailout that involved Wall Street AND the auto industry loan), but needs to be clearer on how he can make the system work. If Congress sent him a funding bill to provide Medicare for all, would he veto it because it also included tax breaks to Wall Street bankers?
Our government works only when people know how to negotiate and when to compromise. Those with rigid principles cannot get much done.
At the same time, Sanders knows how to work against the system (voting against the bailout that involved Wall Street AND the auto industry loan), but needs to be clearer on how he can make the system work. If Congress sent him a funding bill to provide Medicare for all, would he veto it because it also included tax breaks to Wall Street bankers?
Our government works only when people know how to negotiate and when to compromise. Those with rigid principles cannot get much done.
3
Oh really, even you, Gail Collins, on the NYT Clinton bandwagon. Since when is being a party rubber stamp more presidential than a man who thinks for himself and stands for his principles, and who, by the way, really does speak for the people, not the special interest donors who support their bought and paid for party members/ legislators. I'm proud of Michigan for supporting Bernie and sent in my second donation yesterday.
3
Whatever happened to the Gail Collins who promised a long slog against gun violence? I'd like to see her return and evaluate Sanders on his lifelong support of the NRA.
4
More support and advice for Hillary from the NYT...I"m stunned.
Well, Hillary does know how to get things done, she helped slow down gay marriage as a Senator (it worked), strongly supported NAFTA (done), was hawkish on the move to war in Iraq (done), supported TPP (not done, thanks Bernie), supported regime change in Lybia (done), headed health care reform for her husband (oops, undone).
If you're alone in your principled stances, according to Gail's musing, you're not really qualified for President...just a lonely maverick.
Well, Bernie is not alone...we're ALL here, people lead then the 'leaders' follow.
Well, Hillary does know how to get things done, she helped slow down gay marriage as a Senator (it worked), strongly supported NAFTA (done), was hawkish on the move to war in Iraq (done), supported TPP (not done, thanks Bernie), supported regime change in Lybia (done), headed health care reform for her husband (oops, undone).
If you're alone in your principled stances, according to Gail's musing, you're not really qualified for President...just a lonely maverick.
Well, Bernie is not alone...we're ALL here, people lead then the 'leaders' follow.
3
people just like Bernie and despite her accomplishments???? people just do not like Hilary. she is the reverse of Sally Field - they really don t like her. The attraction of Bernie is not really his views but that he is a likeable alternative ti Hilary . I d still like to see Pres. Obama resign and either cite ill- health or to become a supreme court justice. Then Pres. Biden would run as an incumbent and the republicans;' heads would explode
I just don't get it, Gail!
You and many of us have been critical of the lack of progress made, in spite of President Obama's intelligence and his thoughtful and reasonable policy initiatives. It is clear then, the Hillary, a mini-Obama, will be even less successful in getting things through the legislative process. Bernie is saying we need to make a leap -- not some fantastical dreamy leap -- a push beyond the legislative ceiling as it now stands, to move to the next phase of our country's history. It most likely will not happen in a year or two or maybe not even 8. But if you don't begin the push to break this barrier it will not collapse on its own until its too late. So, why all the doubts about health care and education for all (and if you don't aim for the goal you will never get there).
You and many of us have been critical of the lack of progress made, in spite of President Obama's intelligence and his thoughtful and reasonable policy initiatives. It is clear then, the Hillary, a mini-Obama, will be even less successful in getting things through the legislative process. Bernie is saying we need to make a leap -- not some fantastical dreamy leap -- a push beyond the legislative ceiling as it now stands, to move to the next phase of our country's history. It most likely will not happen in a year or two or maybe not even 8. But if you don't begin the push to break this barrier it will not collapse on its own until its too late. So, why all the doubts about health care and education for all (and if you don't aim for the goal you will never get there).
4
One of the life lessons I learned in my 80 years is that the most rare and valuable human value one can posses is what is loosely defined as character. It is best summed up in Polonius' charge to his son, Laertes: "...This above all, to thine own self be true...". I will not vote again, as I have in the past, for the lesser of evils in hopes of a victory. Go, Bernie, keep the dream alive.
3
I am disappointed in this naked endorsement of the Clinton machine. Just following the company line, Gail?
4
Sorry, quoting Krugman here:
"In this [globalization], as in many other things, Sanders currently benefits from the luxury of irresponsibility: he’s never been anywhere close to the levers of power, so he could take principled-sounding but arguably feckless stances in a way that Clinton couldn’t and can’t."
This give Sanders an incredible advantage in debates or town halls. He can make promises that we love but "where's the beef?" We need someone who actually understands the job and who can and will stand up to the corrupt bullies she will be faced with. A campaign against a ruthless Cruz or Trump will strip Sanders of any pretense of being capable of handling the most difficult job in the world. Wall Street is with us whether we like it or not. I would hope that Hillary will use Warren as her weapon against the abuses that make us think of Wall Street as a casino.
@ Carolyn Egli: Look around Carolyn, the "best" candidate is starring you in the face. If you give it Cruz or Trump you will escalate the march to fascism or a theocracy, or both at the same time. Your "crooks" will seem mild in comparison. Sanders is no match for the machine that will crucify him.
"In this [globalization], as in many other things, Sanders currently benefits from the luxury of irresponsibility: he’s never been anywhere close to the levers of power, so he could take principled-sounding but arguably feckless stances in a way that Clinton couldn’t and can’t."
This give Sanders an incredible advantage in debates or town halls. He can make promises that we love but "where's the beef?" We need someone who actually understands the job and who can and will stand up to the corrupt bullies she will be faced with. A campaign against a ruthless Cruz or Trump will strip Sanders of any pretense of being capable of handling the most difficult job in the world. Wall Street is with us whether we like it or not. I would hope that Hillary will use Warren as her weapon against the abuses that make us think of Wall Street as a casino.
@ Carolyn Egli: Look around Carolyn, the "best" candidate is starring you in the face. If you give it Cruz or Trump you will escalate the march to fascism or a theocracy, or both at the same time. Your "crooks" will seem mild in comparison. Sanders is no match for the machine that will crucify him.
9
"best qualified candidate for president"?
She worked for Wall Street and the 1% in the Senate and voted for the Blood for Oil invasion of Iraq.
As Secretary of State she helped start the mess in Libya and continued our pointless oil wars.
Is that what you mean by "qualified"?
She worked for Wall Street and the 1% in the Senate and voted for the Blood for Oil invasion of Iraq.
As Secretary of State she helped start the mess in Libya and continued our pointless oil wars.
Is that what you mean by "qualified"?
3
So here is our country's new battle line. Donald Trump loves the uneducated, he says, and Bernie Sanders says he is going to give everyone a free college education.
Who 's going to vote for who?
Is it going to come down to the rednecks or the bookworms?
Who 's going to vote for who?
Is it going to come down to the rednecks or the bookworms?
1
"Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role." This is a very cynical interpretation of Sanders' career in congress. Not only does it erase some actual legislative impacts through amendments and his major Veterans legislation, it ignores the context in which Sanders served. His years were dominated by a legislative race to the bottom. Bernie's role was as a warning siren to all of the ill-effects of those 30 years. If only we had listened.
I also see scant evidence to support that Hillary is any great achiever as First Lady (Hillarycare?), as Senator (post offices names?) or as Secretary of State ( Lybia? - I would take John Kerry any day). The only system she knows how to work really well is the crony system that that has enabled she and Bill Clinton to amass a vast fortune through political power - exactly the system we need to destroy.
I also see scant evidence to support that Hillary is any great achiever as First Lady (Hillarycare?), as Senator (post offices names?) or as Secretary of State ( Lybia? - I would take John Kerry any day). The only system she knows how to work really well is the crony system that that has enabled she and Bill Clinton to amass a vast fortune through political power - exactly the system we need to destroy.
5
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
as shown by her accomplishments on.... wait, you didn't offer any evidence for that bold, endorsing statement.
Please, someone write an article on what Hillary has done to deserve this "knows how the system works" reputation. Further, explain why that is a qualification for being President.
Hilary knows that the system works by accepting large donations from wealthy donors and then passing legislation that is favorable to their interests, let's make her President!
Hilary knows that war and drone strikes that take countless innocent lives and give money to the military industry, even in the absence of any actual attack on Americans by the targets occurring is the way the system works, let's make her President!
Hilary won't even verbally suggest legislation that may benefit the nation but will require taxing and be difficult to pass, not because it's not in the interest of her donors or friends, but because that's the way the system works, let's make her President!
I've voted Democrat in every election since I could vote (last three). My wife and I are in the top tax bracket and I don't like Bernie's proposals. If Hilary is the nominee, I will not vote for her. Like Bernie, I have principles. Hilary is a DINO.
That's the way I work, I will not make her President.
as shown by her accomplishments on.... wait, you didn't offer any evidence for that bold, endorsing statement.
Please, someone write an article on what Hillary has done to deserve this "knows how the system works" reputation. Further, explain why that is a qualification for being President.
Hilary knows that the system works by accepting large donations from wealthy donors and then passing legislation that is favorable to their interests, let's make her President!
Hilary knows that war and drone strikes that take countless innocent lives and give money to the military industry, even in the absence of any actual attack on Americans by the targets occurring is the way the system works, let's make her President!
Hilary won't even verbally suggest legislation that may benefit the nation but will require taxing and be difficult to pass, not because it's not in the interest of her donors or friends, but because that's the way the system works, let's make her President!
I've voted Democrat in every election since I could vote (last three). My wife and I are in the top tax bracket and I don't like Bernie's proposals. If Hilary is the nominee, I will not vote for her. Like Bernie, I have principles. Hilary is a DINO.
That's the way I work, I will not make her President.
3
One possible benefit of having so many debates is that there comes a point where the candidates need to move beyond their canned remarks and we voters can get an actual glimpse of their thought process, or in the case of Republicans their lack thereof.
It would be nice if there was a method of cutting to the chase somewhat sooner. My ideal version of debates would be to have different ones dedicated to one subject, moderated by journalists, perhaps, but including experts in the fields who would be able to ask questions in response to the answers provided by the candidates. Maybe the candidates should be able to see and respond to the questions beforehand, so that the debate becomes about the specifics of the response, rather than about how they reacted to the question in real time.
It would be nice if there was a method of cutting to the chase somewhat sooner. My ideal version of debates would be to have different ones dedicated to one subject, moderated by journalists, perhaps, but including experts in the fields who would be able to ask questions in response to the answers provided by the candidates. Maybe the candidates should be able to see and respond to the questions beforehand, so that the debate becomes about the specifics of the response, rather than about how they reacted to the question in real time.
The voting public wants lots of debates, never any doubt about it. And, surprise, those debates produce results. Very few voters want any decrease in the number of debates. Non-voters are a different story, altogether. They simply don't care.
There is nothing marvelous about praising the Communist dictatorship of Fidel Castro.
3
Gail and the Times are obviously Republican Lite, just like Wall St.'s hand puppet Hillary, on the economy. How else could Gail support Hillary? The Republican con game for hapless voters, to distract them from our "rigged economy," has been to wave guns, God, and bloody fetuses in front of them. Up to this year that trick has worked like a charm. The parallel Democratic trick the fat cats have used to distract their own hapless voters with has been using abortion rights, "Civil Rights" (with no real attention to poverty and the "rigged economy," of course, and LGBT rights as a smokescreen to pretend to be "liberal" while the same old, same old economy keeps right on making the rich richer and those below poorer. Just the way Gail and the Times apparently like it. Now both Trump and Bernie are blowing the Times' cover, since the formerly hapless masses have awakened to the fact that the economy is a MUCH more important issue than any of these clever distractions the fat cats have used to con the gullible into voting against their own economic self-interest. Anyway, it's great to see Gail exposing herself as a Republican Lite "feminist" who uses "feminism" as an excuse for backing a woman who serves only the fat cats economically, just exactly as any normal Mitt Romney Republican would do.
4
The winner of last night's debate: Adulthood. It is possible to have a hard hitting discussion of real issues and still behave like grownups!
1
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president." Does pocketing bribes inside the beltway qualify a candidate?
3
It isn't just the young people who like Bernie. I am a 66 year old white woman in the Midwest, and while I would enjoy seeing a woman elected to the presidency, I'm just not sure Hillary is the one. I much prefer Bernie, the rogue candidate, who is saying what I feel is the best hope for the future, and inspiring me to want to give it a try.
7
Human dignity consists of personal unwillingness to be pushed back or around or treated unfairly.
It’s the human dignity that gives us the power to confront the entire society that is on the wrong course,
If you don’t have it, you will never confront the entire political establishment.
You either have it or not.
Dignity is something that instantly tells you who is wrong and who is right.
You later use your intellect to figure exactly what the problem is, but it’s dignity that initiate the entire process.
The last night I was stunned with inability of Sanders and Clinton to resist the pressure from the Univision mediator Jorge Ramos. If you cannot push a single journalists back when he is wrong, how can you successfully cope with the entire Congress?
If you cannot explain Jorge what’s wrong with his thinking, how can you change the entire nation?
How can you lead if you don’t have it in you?
Being a naturally born leader and being the elected president are two very different categories.
T
he true leaders never give the promises they cannot fulfill. They believe in the truth and train the people around them to accept the truth in order to be able to choose the best course of action...
It’s the human dignity that gives us the power to confront the entire society that is on the wrong course,
If you don’t have it, you will never confront the entire political establishment.
You either have it or not.
Dignity is something that instantly tells you who is wrong and who is right.
You later use your intellect to figure exactly what the problem is, but it’s dignity that initiate the entire process.
The last night I was stunned with inability of Sanders and Clinton to resist the pressure from the Univision mediator Jorge Ramos. If you cannot push a single journalists back when he is wrong, how can you successfully cope with the entire Congress?
If you cannot explain Jorge what’s wrong with his thinking, how can you change the entire nation?
How can you lead if you don’t have it in you?
Being a naturally born leader and being the elected president are two very different categories.
T
he true leaders never give the promises they cannot fulfill. They believe in the truth and train the people around them to accept the truth in order to be able to choose the best course of action...
Kenan must be having fits over the lawless way Mr. Obama changes laws on the fly or simply ignores them. Why is an American president at war with American workers, demanding they compete with illegal aliens? And why does a president ignore people getting killed here by terrorists?
"in the end Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work........."
I weep today. Krugman, Bruni, Blow, and now you. No need to come to the Times when I already know what it'll say.
I weep today. Krugman, Bruni, Blow, and now you. No need to come to the Times when I already know what it'll say.
4
One thing that Bernie has perfected is the look of incredulity when Hillary makes an accusation of something that is somewhere between a lie and a total misrepresentation of the facts. It is always an indication of Hillary will do and say anything to get elected. Take the Auto Bailout. Sanders did vote for the bill the first time (I checked). He did not vote for the larger bill that included the bank bailout. He he had, she would have been pointing that finger of hers saying that he too voted to bail out the banks so is a hypocrite.
Last night it was Bernie Sanders in league with right wing militants, the minutemen. She might as well accuse him of being a member of the Klu Klux Klan ( who disliked Jews as much as African American) . Seriously, can we believe anything she says.
Last night it was Bernie Sanders in league with right wing militants, the minutemen. She might as well accuse him of being a member of the Klu Klux Klan ( who disliked Jews as much as African American) . Seriously, can we believe anything she says.
4
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system." Yes, she has to be clearer. She needs to be a little less aggressive & "expose" her feminine side. People notice a lot more of her facial expressions than what she says. Demeanor for a woman is more important than for a man.
If Hillary Clinton comes across anywhere near as Trump, she would be booed off the stage. But for Trump that's the "selling part," unlike the pundits thought. Nevertheless, in the general election, when Trump has to impress a whole lot more "non-traditional" voters, he may lose out. And many traditional Republicans would not vote for him, hence the party elders want an acceptable conservative Republican. The one, John Kasich, is no match for Trump or Cruz, the latter is a horrible Republican, nay human, much like Rush Limbaugh to the point that he isn't a Republican.
Mrs. Clinton should realize that Bernie sanders is a beloved figure for the progressives. Trying to tarnish him wouldn't sell among the Democratic voters, the reason why she lost Michigan. Saying she not a "natural politician" won't cut it. True, she's the most competent candidate among the whole bunch, but she is also unlikable, unfortunately. If she becomes less aggressive, more feminine & more deferential to Bernie, Bernie-voters would vote for her concluding that only she can win in November.
If Hillary Clinton comes across anywhere near as Trump, she would be booed off the stage. But for Trump that's the "selling part," unlike the pundits thought. Nevertheless, in the general election, when Trump has to impress a whole lot more "non-traditional" voters, he may lose out. And many traditional Republicans would not vote for him, hence the party elders want an acceptable conservative Republican. The one, John Kasich, is no match for Trump or Cruz, the latter is a horrible Republican, nay human, much like Rush Limbaugh to the point that he isn't a Republican.
Mrs. Clinton should realize that Bernie sanders is a beloved figure for the progressives. Trying to tarnish him wouldn't sell among the Democratic voters, the reason why she lost Michigan. Saying she not a "natural politician" won't cut it. True, she's the most competent candidate among the whole bunch, but she is also unlikable, unfortunately. If she becomes less aggressive, more feminine & more deferential to Bernie, Bernie-voters would vote for her concluding that only she can win in November.
3
According to Hillary last night, Bernie supports vigilantes on the border, sides with Republicans against immigration reform, and is backed by the Koch brothers. Enough said regarding her mean and low tactics.
5
As anyone who has ever been involved in public speaking or debate knows, you need to leave the audience with a zinger at the end...save your best for last, as it were. Ms. Collins nailed it here; her insightful comments regarding Hillary Clinton at the end of the article are incisive and direct, and spot on.
2
So it comes down to, "Both of us have cleaner hands than anybody else around here"?
Foolishly, I was hoping for more.
Foolishly, I was hoping for more.
Gail, I admire you, and I laugh with you. But today's piece contained little to laugh at and sounds like you didn't read Mr Blow's column yesterday. You completely dismissed Sen Sanders which I suppose is your right to do, but it's a huge (Huuuuuuuuge!) disappointment.
8
"Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president."
Obviously, not, or she would have the trust of the country, which she doesn't. She sat on the board of anti-union, slave labor Wal-Mart, voted for the Iraq War - Bernie didn't - took millions of dollars from Wall Street and won't release her speech transcripts, looted the White House of furniture and had to return it; illegally obtained FBI records on her husband's "conquests" in an effort to smear them, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. We still don't know much about the e-mail mess and what she knew about Benghazi, but we do know that she practically spearheaded the destruction of Libya, now a failed state, and almost got us in a war with Syria, which President Obama - at that point recognizing her poor judgment - thought the better of it. Thank God.
Nope, Clinton certainly not "the best qualified candidate." Sorry Gail. Not even close. Feel the Bern.
Obviously, not, or she would have the trust of the country, which she doesn't. She sat on the board of anti-union, slave labor Wal-Mart, voted for the Iraq War - Bernie didn't - took millions of dollars from Wall Street and won't release her speech transcripts, looted the White House of furniture and had to return it; illegally obtained FBI records on her husband's "conquests" in an effort to smear them, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. We still don't know much about the e-mail mess and what she knew about Benghazi, but we do know that she practically spearheaded the destruction of Libya, now a failed state, and almost got us in a war with Syria, which President Obama - at that point recognizing her poor judgment - thought the better of it. Thank God.
Nope, Clinton certainly not "the best qualified candidate." Sorry Gail. Not even close. Feel the Bern.
9
The hard questions were not asked of Hillary, but skirted around them.
Why did Secretary Clinton ignore the warnings and object lessons that were present from the 2012 terrorist attacks on the Red Cross, the assassination attempt on the British Ambassador to Libya and the attacks that occurred at the American Diplomatic Outpost in Benghazi, all before September 11, 2012?
Most importantly, why did she refuse the Ambassador’s repeated requests for additional security at the diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.
In January 2013, during her testimony on Capitol Hill concerning Benghazi, Secretary of State Clinton famously stated to Senator Ron Johnson, when testifying about the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and my nephew Sean Smith, “...what difference does it make?” Wall Street money and Super delegates from the power brokers are behind Clinton and that is good enough reason for Americans not to vote for her.
Let's give a hand to Donald Trump... If you watched the Republican debates, who wants to watch the boring Democrat debates of two over-the-hill politicians. However, I thought that Sanders held up better than slippery Hillary, but I guess we need someone in the media to tell us what we saw and heard.
Why did Secretary Clinton ignore the warnings and object lessons that were present from the 2012 terrorist attacks on the Red Cross, the assassination attempt on the British Ambassador to Libya and the attacks that occurred at the American Diplomatic Outpost in Benghazi, all before September 11, 2012?
Most importantly, why did she refuse the Ambassador’s repeated requests for additional security at the diplomatic outpost in Benghazi, Libya.
In January 2013, during her testimony on Capitol Hill concerning Benghazi, Secretary of State Clinton famously stated to Senator Ron Johnson, when testifying about the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Tyrone Woods, and my nephew Sean Smith, “...what difference does it make?” Wall Street money and Super delegates from the power brokers are behind Clinton and that is good enough reason for Americans not to vote for her.
Let's give a hand to Donald Trump... If you watched the Republican debates, who wants to watch the boring Democrat debates of two over-the-hill politicians. However, I thought that Sanders held up better than slippery Hillary, but I guess we need someone in the media to tell us what we saw and heard.
3
I love the tone of Collin's pieces, and as a Bernie supporter I can almost stomach it considering the transparent "War on Bernie" position The Times has taken. Can you imagine how Gail might write this if it wasn't a smokescreen for getting Hillary elected?
3
Hillary is a supporter of Wall Street and basically a war hawk, choosing intervention and to topple dictators—with most unfortunate consequences, as in Iraq and Libya. She is not the President this country needs.
Bernie is the inly presidential candidate who seeks to re-strengthen the middle-class and restore democracy instead of the oligarch we now have.
feelthbern.org
Bernie is the inly presidential candidate who seeks to re-strengthen the middle-class and restore democracy instead of the oligarch we now have.
feelthbern.org
7
Let me just say that the bailout of the big banks everyone is still so angry about had to be done. It was not HRC's decision to make and guess what- it had to be done. You just cannot let your major institutions die in the middle of an economic catastrophe and collapse. Yes, they did it to themselves and all the CEOs should have gone to jail- but that is a different matter for the Justice Dept. Just like we bailed out GM- you need to look at the big picture dispassionately and decide what is best for the whole economy and the ability to recover and not just act on punitive actions that may feel good for a minute but would have devastating consequences.
We needed to bail out the banks because we had nothing to replace them. We need to figure out now if we should break up the big banks that are too big to fail now in 2016- not in 2008.
Either way, HRC didn't bail out the banks and she did not run the Justice Dept which failed to prosecute. That is on Holder and Lynch- not HRC.
We needed to bail out the banks because we had nothing to replace them. We need to figure out now if we should break up the big banks that are too big to fail now in 2016- not in 2008.
Either way, HRC didn't bail out the banks and she did not run the Justice Dept which failed to prosecute. That is on Holder and Lynch- not HRC.
5
Yes and Hillary Clinton voted for the Iraq war. Isn't that what the Senate does votes on issues ? Is she not to be held accountable for her votes?
1
Show us the transcripts.
NOW!
Cut the non-sense.
Each day that you continue to play your verbal games designed to avoid doing so, you add to your veracity problem.
Republicans will release them two weeks before the general election and sink any chance Hillary has of winning.
Rooms full of Republican donors and no one thought to tape her remarks?
If Hillary does not realize this she is not smart enough to be the President of the United States.
NOW!
Cut the non-sense.
Each day that you continue to play your verbal games designed to avoid doing so, you add to your veracity problem.
Republicans will release them two weeks before the general election and sink any chance Hillary has of winning.
Rooms full of Republican donors and no one thought to tape her remarks?
If Hillary does not realize this she is not smart enough to be the President of the United States.
7
Gail is willing to stoop to the HillBilly sleaze that defines the Clintons on the off chance that congress might do something decent.
I think she is stooping too low and hoping way to high.
The Clintons had their chance and left the middle class behind as they went for the gold. And the got it by the multiple millions.
She is also underestimating the chance of a political revolt advocated by Sanders. see Michigan.
It is not too late for Gail to raise her standards to something more becoming of a great journalist.
I think she is stooping too low and hoping way to high.
The Clintons had their chance and left the middle class behind as they went for the gold. And the got it by the multiple millions.
She is also underestimating the chance of a political revolt advocated by Sanders. see Michigan.
It is not too late for Gail to raise her standards to something more becoming of a great journalist.
7
Ms Collins states, "In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work." More accurately stated, "In the end, Clinton is the one who know how to work the system." And the current system is rotten to the core. There is an increasing tone of panic in Collins's and the Times editorials.
9
Having worked in systems that need reform, the lesson I have learned is you must in the system, first, then you can reform it. Outsiders are appealing, from both parties, but at the end of the day, reform is an inside job.
3
You mean like Bernie managed to stay independent thanks for promoting Bernie! Oh yeah
Independent end not corrupt !
Independent end not corrupt !
1
Usually Gail Collins is spot on in her analysis. Her dubious support of Hillary is clearly a miss for the majority. It makes one wonder why there is such strong support for the status quo? If one's job is to sell headlines, supporting the status quo would seem to be counterproductive...unless the real job here is to support the status quo?
5
Jeff ,
It's not about the headlines .
It's about protecting the empire.
It's not about the headlines .
It's about protecting the empire.
1
Gail, don't forget that after those first three questions, they quickly pivoted to ask Clinton about why "people don't trust her," then to ask Bernie if he'd like to discuss her paid speeches, and then to Benghazi. It was more than a little front loaded to bring up anything at all that they could throw at Clinton.
THIS is the stuff that makes this particular Democrat cringe. At least she didn't have to answer why she "has trouble with young people" tonight. Perhaps they took that one out after asking her the other set of questions that she's had to answer 100 times. When will someone ask Bernie why nobody over 30 likes him? See the difference? It's all in the spin.
THIS is the stuff that makes this particular Democrat cringe. At least she didn't have to answer why she "has trouble with young people" tonight. Perhaps they took that one out after asking her the other set of questions that she's had to answer 100 times. When will someone ask Bernie why nobody over 30 likes him? See the difference? It's all in the spin.
5
??? The Sanders supporters in my family range in age from 38 to 94 - the others are too young to vote...
3
And you believe no one over 30 likes Bernie? Believe me, you are quite wrong.
4
Of course it's not accurate - that's my point! Those questions are based on the demographics of exit polls. Guess what? Plenty of people under 30 also love Hillary. It's about the double standard. She crushes him in those demographic age categories but he's never asked the reverse question to her "youth vote" problem. But I love how appalled you both were at the question. That's what if feels like to be a Clinton supporter every single day.
3
After Sanders' Michigan primary victory, his supporters perhaps are feeling more respected. They can point to Michigan and argue that they have a candidate who could be the nominee. Paradoxically, some of the comments here by Sanders supporters are more cognizant than recently of the fact that he may very well not be. That is a good thing for all people of good will. One result seems to be more comments than in previous weeks in which Sanders supporters clearly state that they will vote for Hillary if she is the nominee.
Hillary supporters, as I am, have also had to ask themselves whether they will support the Democratic nominee if it is Sanders. I certainly will and there are other HRC supporters who have also said so today.
This could be a wave year for Democrats of all stripes. Trump places all of Congress in play. But a divided Democratic party could lose to Donald Trump and lose the opportunities down ballot. We CANNOT be at each others' throats.
Hillary supporters, as I am, have also had to ask themselves whether they will support the Democratic nominee if it is Sanders. I certainly will and there are other HRC supporters who have also said so today.
This could be a wave year for Democrats of all stripes. Trump places all of Congress in play. But a divided Democratic party could lose to Donald Trump and lose the opportunities down ballot. We CANNOT be at each others' throats.
4
No not all of us. We want change, real change.
1
I will vote for Trump if Hillary is the nominee, and so will many, many others.
1
My goodness. Some have become obsessed that somehow the narrow MI victory for Bernie means that much. I am disappointed that no one seems to present the internals of that victory. According to the Detroit News exit poll, 69% of those voting in the primary were Democrats. 31% (!) were independents and Republicans who crossed over. What does that mean? Does that say that those people will then vote for him in the general? All the quoting of key demographics in the MI that support Bernie has to have that asterisk at the bottom. Those indies and Repubs made the difference in his victory. I certainly don't know how to project that going forward but to suddenly conclude that he is now any different is incorrect. Lucky?
8
What the Michigan results say, along with many of the other states that have already voted, is that Independents don't like HRC, and won't vote for her.
If HRC can't bring in the Independents, she can't win the general election.
THAT'S what Michigan says.
If HRC can't bring in the Independents, she can't win the general election.
THAT'S what Michigan says.
1
At one point in our history, people couldn't get their heads around the idea of free high school education, yet the choice was made to provide K-12 free education and America profited immensely from that decision. Free college is the next step that is needed to meet the educational challenges presented by the new tech age. Although it now seems a visionary idea as high school education once did, free college is really a practical idea. The fear that students will not respond responsibly could be easily addressed by insisting that students maintain decent levels of performance. I think Bernie Sanders understands this, and it is one of the reasons I am supporting him.
3
I support HIllary and always will. Sanders plans to raise our taxes and raise them very high is not something I want. I live in Calif and Calif and New York have high taxes already. We pay high property taxes, sales tax of 9%, State income taxes and federal taxes along with very high gas prices (for our clean air). I can't vote for a man who wants to raise our taxes sky high to give freebies to Sanders supporters. I also don't like Sanders praising Fidel Castro who murdered and tortured thousands of Cubans and also imprisoned them. I wonder how many Cubans will vote for this man who claims he's a socialist but in fact seems more communist in his actions.
6
It's time for Bernie to round up his young followers and tell them that
winning the presidency is more important than social shock and awe.
He's a refreshing fellow; he is wonderfully intelligent and articulate;
he speaks many truths. But electable in the main event? Up a very
steep political hill.
As for Mrs. Clinton, how do all those pricey consultants, and, Ol' Bill
himself, not realize that with the thrown-back head and appearing to
speak to the lights, she does not let us 'see her'? She really needs to put
some intimacy, you know, ( maybe like the doting grandmother, etc., that
she is in real life) in to talking to folks, with a little camera eye contact.
Lean on the podium. Don't get shrill when The Bern stings.
In all, the lady has the chops to be an especially good president
for her gender and her country.
winning the presidency is more important than social shock and awe.
He's a refreshing fellow; he is wonderfully intelligent and articulate;
he speaks many truths. But electable in the main event? Up a very
steep political hill.
As for Mrs. Clinton, how do all those pricey consultants, and, Ol' Bill
himself, not realize that with the thrown-back head and appearing to
speak to the lights, she does not let us 'see her'? She really needs to put
some intimacy, you know, ( maybe like the doting grandmother, etc., that
she is in real life) in to talking to folks, with a little camera eye contact.
Lean on the podium. Don't get shrill when The Bern stings.
In all, the lady has the chops to be an especially good president
for her gender and her country.
4
Bernie has been climbing the steep hill for decades .
He's reaching the summit and we are going there with him.
He's reaching the summit and we are going there with him.
1
I don't know if Bernie is aware of the time a few years back when the Minutemen came to protest against illegal immigration at our northern border at Derby Line, Vermont. The local story tells about a contingent coming to protest at that border, but were not allowed to hold their protest at the large and often busy crossing in Derby Line. Problem was that, although the border is closely guarded with cameras and patrols, it is not easily identified. Sometimes just by a farm fence, sometimes in the woods by no visible markers. So when the Minutemen set out to fund a congenial border site, they asked a local, who evidently pointed them south along the Lake trail, sending them away from the border. It would not have mattered anyway, because, even if they had located the border, only few cows or deer would have noticed their protest. Eventually they held an anti-immigrant protest on the Derby Green. Then they went home, southward.
1
"The bar is so high on the Republican side that to get a real response one of the candidates would have had to hit the other with a hammer."
I always enjoy a veiled Rip Tron/Norman Mailer reference!
I always enjoy a veiled Rip Tron/Norman Mailer reference!
1
Gail, Clinton's biggest problem is never going to go away until she addresses it head-on with something besides a stone wall. At this point in time the idea that there is no "there" there in her Goldman-Sachs speeches has become nothing less than ludicrous. This is not a YSL clutch or Louis Vuitton carry on. Even without this piece of luggage, Hillary's baggage requires its own transport ship.
5
The question asking her if she would drop out was so fundamentally inappropriate, it's depressing. Deeply skewed, deeply biased moderators. So where does one go to get news? Collins, thankfully. Her skewing is done fair and square to all parties.
Thank you for the best summary of Sanders yet - a symbol. Sure, let's keep him and make posters and remember his 40 year old issue (can't add an "s" there). But let's elect Clinton who has actually acted on her ideas (note it's plural), and takes responsibility for all of it. I'd rather build a real nation, with all of it's flaws, than talk about an imaginary one.
Thank you for the best summary of Sanders yet - a symbol. Sure, let's keep him and make posters and remember his 40 year old issue (can't add an "s" there). But let's elect Clinton who has actually acted on her ideas (note it's plural), and takes responsibility for all of it. I'd rather build a real nation, with all of it's flaws, than talk about an imaginary one.
6
Bernie Sanders and his youthful supporters are alike. Sanders' years in Congress have been spent playing the principled voice that refuses to compromise on anything; he was standing on his principles. His youthful supporters think and act similarly. There are no complex and hard choices. Everything is good vs. evil. It's easy to say no when others make the hard choices for you that you can criticize in retrospect.
In that sense they are all alike with Nancy Reagan..."just say no!"
Except, of course, when you say to those youth to give up their pot smoking and opioid pills. For that too they just say no and lead themselves into disintegration.
So it will be for the nation if Sanders ever became the Democrat candidate for President!
In that sense they are all alike with Nancy Reagan..."just say no!"
Except, of course, when you say to those youth to give up their pot smoking and opioid pills. For that too they just say no and lead themselves into disintegration.
So it will be for the nation if Sanders ever became the Democrat candidate for President!
3
'Nobody hates Bernie Sanders.'
He does, however, bring to mind Oscar Wilde's quip about George Bernard Shaw: 'he has no enemies, but none of his friends like him.'
Even aside from his platform - and I'm with Clinton on that; sounds great, won't work - he's the guy you hate to see coming in your direction at a party, the uncle you wish you didn't have to invite for Thanksgiving.
He does, however, bring to mind Oscar Wilde's quip about George Bernard Shaw: 'he has no enemies, but none of his friends like him.'
Even aside from his platform - and I'm with Clinton on that; sounds great, won't work - he's the guy you hate to see coming in your direction at a party, the uncle you wish you didn't have to invite for Thanksgiving.
5
The Sanders phenomenon is testimony to the fact tha people want change. It's understandable: the world has grown too big, too complicated, and somehow out of whack. Wouldn't it be nice if the US could go back to the road not taken in the 1930s, when there was a real socialist movement in America, and escape the messy realities of globalization? Unfortunately there is no time machine, and Bernie's rhetoric of back to the future is as dated as the movie with the same title. Recycled ideologies and wishful alternative histories are not going to save the American Dream. Hillary is a realist, not a visionary. But perhaps the most visionary thing a politician can do today is to look at the world as it is, not as we would like it to be.
2
Very nice ending. That's the rub. Sanders says "We need a revolution!" Guess what; he's right. Being reasonable and practical isn't enough. If we were like that..., we'd still be British and worrying about the Brexit!
She says, that's nice. But what are you talking about? What revolution? She doesn't see it. She can't see it! Fascinating. But there's an answer. Sweep Congress! That's actually what he's talking about, and he has to start the sweeping action by getting the movement going. It's a big lift; but I like it.
She says, that's nice. But what are you talking about? What revolution? She doesn't see it. She can't see it! Fascinating. But there's an answer. Sweep Congress! That's actually what he's talking about, and he has to start the sweeping action by getting the movement going. It's a big lift; but I like it.
3
Calling Clinton the best Presidential candidate is akin to saying broccoli is the favorite vegetable of kids.
You just have to starve the kids for a while and eventually they will eat it..
You just have to starve the kids for a while and eventually they will eat it..
1
Yes, "In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
Both Hillary and Bill have ALREADY "Cashed-In" from holding public office.
This should disqualify both from any position of future industry influence.
Hillary took $9.4 million from special interests, much from Finance, in her first year after leaving the Secretary of State office.
She is worth $30 million per google.
Bill Clinton is worth $80 million per google.
They are in the top 1/10 of 1% of net worth people.
Our planet is currently being run by Central Bankers who are concerned with stock markets and not with citizen/workers of low net worth.
The appeal of Bernie is that he is "Not for Sale" and never has been.
Both Hillary and Bill have ALREADY "Cashed-In" from holding public office.
This should disqualify both from any position of future industry influence.
Hillary took $9.4 million from special interests, much from Finance, in her first year after leaving the Secretary of State office.
She is worth $30 million per google.
Bill Clinton is worth $80 million per google.
They are in the top 1/10 of 1% of net worth people.
Our planet is currently being run by Central Bankers who are concerned with stock markets and not with citizen/workers of low net worth.
The appeal of Bernie is that he is "Not for Sale" and never has been.
4
"Not for sale" and not effective after 30 years in elected office either.
2
SpeakingFeeGate is the most ridiculous, fake controversy of all of them. Virtually every prominent politician joins the Washington Speakers Bureau once they are out of office and the WSB books speeches and takes a cut. The former politicians show up at a company event, give some version of a canned stump speech, and pocket the fees.
Who else besides Hillary is represented by the WSB? Colin Powell, Condaleeza Rice, George W. Bush, Newt Gingrich. Next year Barack Obama will probably be on their rolls.
Why doesn't Hillary want to release the transcripts? She probably doesn't want everybody to see that she's giving the same speech to the banks, consulting firms, and holding companies that hire her.
Why do these companies pay $225,000 for Hillary to come give a canned speech to their employees during a luncheon or other event? Because it makes their employees feel special and privileged and less bad about working 16 hours a day staring at spreadsheets and trying to unload bad debts on their friends.
Fake, ginned-up, silly controversy. And Bernie knows it.
Who else besides Hillary is represented by the WSB? Colin Powell, Condaleeza Rice, George W. Bush, Newt Gingrich. Next year Barack Obama will probably be on their rolls.
Why doesn't Hillary want to release the transcripts? She probably doesn't want everybody to see that she's giving the same speech to the banks, consulting firms, and holding companies that hire her.
Why do these companies pay $225,000 for Hillary to come give a canned speech to their employees during a luncheon or other event? Because it makes their employees feel special and privileged and less bad about working 16 hours a day staring at spreadsheets and trying to unload bad debts on their friends.
Fake, ginned-up, silly controversy. And Bernie knows it.
8
Yes, as you have clearly stated "former politicians show up at a company event" not FUTURE presidential candidates who PERSONALLY pocket 9.4 million in fees in their first year after leaving office.
Hillary and Bill have together cleared $110 million since leaving office, much from the Financial industry. That is after taxes were paid.
That should disqualify anyone from seeking a public office which has tremendous influence over these same industries.
Hillary and Bill have together cleared $110 million since leaving office, much from the Financial industry. That is after taxes were paid.
That should disqualify anyone from seeking a public office which has tremendous influence over these same industries.
1
For a truly insightful look into what is wrong in our so called, two party, but in actual fact, one party system, read what Salon has to say:
Excerpt and link.
"When she tries to distract the base or paper over its differences with elites, voters see through her, even if, in their hearts, they don’t want to. In Michigan she tried to smear Sanders as a foe of the auto bailout. Before that she sent Chelsea and Bill out to say Bernie would kill Medicare. Each time she ended up only hurting herself. She has tried to co-opt Sanders’ positions on global trade, climate change, military adventurism, a living wage and universal health care"
http://www.salon.com/2016/03/09/it_should_be_over_for_hillary_party_elit...
Excerpt and link.
"When she tries to distract the base or paper over its differences with elites, voters see through her, even if, in their hearts, they don’t want to. In Michigan she tried to smear Sanders as a foe of the auto bailout. Before that she sent Chelsea and Bill out to say Bernie would kill Medicare. Each time she ended up only hurting herself. She has tried to co-opt Sanders’ positions on global trade, climate change, military adventurism, a living wage and universal health care"
http://www.salon.com/2016/03/09/it_should_be_over_for_hillary_party_elit...
3
Actually, Sanders swiped the message of Senator Elizabeth Warren. - who has not endorsed him by the way.
2
Other great quotes from the terrific Salon article are: 1) re: Hillary "In the end, thinking only tactically makes you a bad tactician." 2)re: journalists "Their employers put horse race journalism above all else, so nothing ever gets illuminated." and 3) re: Hillary moving the conversation beyond the primaries "The voters aren't done deciding yet. When they are, they'll let the candidates know."
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system." The problem is that, best I and many people can discern, she will not and does not intend to 'work against the system'. To protect her left flank against Bernie's supporters, she's talking like she's found religion in liberal politics - New Deal, Great Society ideals - but she's ultimately working on behalf of the moneyed interests as has Obama. Although I agree with her basic ideological premises, when it comes to the economy, things will continue under her as they have. Unfortunately for her, a day of reckoning is fast approaching. People really have had it, hence Trump's and Sanders' popularity.
4
"Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
Yes, we all see how well she's worked the system. And that is what our principled and “symbolically marvelous” Bernie is saying: when you compromise by stretching the truth and lining your pockets with money, power and influence, you become compromised.
Yes, we all see how well she's worked the system. And that is what our principled and “symbolically marvelous” Bernie is saying: when you compromise by stretching the truth and lining your pockets with money, power and influence, you become compromised.
8
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Actually, we should spin that wheel around:
In the end, Sanders is the one who knows how to work against the system. But he’s just got to be clearer on how he can work within the system... because he probably can't.
In my gradebook, he gets a failing grade for "plays well with others".
Actually, we should spin that wheel around:
In the end, Sanders is the one who knows how to work against the system. But he’s just got to be clearer on how he can work within the system... because he probably can't.
In my gradebook, he gets a failing grade for "plays well with others".
4
Why do you conclude that Clinton is "by far the best candidate? You haven't supported this argument.
Sanders does not think universal health care will pass. But he thinks we can try. If we stick in there long enough, maybe we will get it. And maybe on Sanders' coat tails we will get a Democratic senate. Hillary's coat tails are dragging all kinds of (Wall Street and other) baggage and would only encourage voters to stay home because she is so roundly despised.
Sanders does not think universal health care will pass. But he thinks we can try. If we stick in there long enough, maybe we will get it. And maybe on Sanders' coat tails we will get a Democratic senate. Hillary's coat tails are dragging all kinds of (Wall Street and other) baggage and would only encourage voters to stay home because she is so roundly despised.
7
I guess I just don't really get that comment. He is talking about wasting time and money fighting for things he know won't pass by we should vote him in to spend time and waste money? You are a very smart person so I think you must have either mistakenly written that or not thought it though. We pay for government and I want mine to focus on what we can actually accomplish. Don't you?
1
"Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
'...make the system work'
'...work against the system'
and therein lies the rub:
The passive and default acceptance of the 'system'.
The system beats you down and the only protest you think you can make is by how much.
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."....Margaret Mead
'...make the system work'
'...work against the system'
and therein lies the rub:
The passive and default acceptance of the 'system'.
The system beats you down and the only protest you think you can make is by how much.
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."....Margaret Mead
5
It will be tragic, given the choice on both sides, if Hillary is not elected. As Collins states, she is the one who knows how to make things work. Sanders is a decent man with good intentions, but I believe his chances of being elected president, let alone fulfilling any of his big promises, is zilch. And, if he says "millionaires and billionaires" one more time . . . As for the debates, they have become unbearable. It's a mystery that any of the candidates can still bring energy to them.
12
Watch Ivory Tower http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3263520/
about university administrative bloat and then tell us college for all is not doable. The US has fallen so far that now it is hard for many to envision how different things could be if "we took back our country."
about university administrative bloat and then tell us college for all is not doable. The US has fallen so far that now it is hard for many to envision how different things could be if "we took back our country."
3
No kidding get rid of the frat parties and all the frills sports stadium funding etc bring back inexpensive true education of the young we could afford that, extend public schools from grades 1 to 12 out 2 to 4 years, it's absolutely doable.
Think differently, think big...stop paying for wars and overturning governments,stop spending blood and treasure abroad, spend it at home rebuilding America and her people.
Does this make me a communist or a moral human being? I think the latter.
Think differently, think big...stop paying for wars and overturning governments,stop spending blood and treasure abroad, spend it at home rebuilding America and her people.
Does this make me a communist or a moral human being? I think the latter.
Teach them to read instead of a an ipad for every student-great idea.
Teach them to think and not accept everything they read or mouth platitudes.
Teach them to think and not accept everything they read or mouth platitudes.
Seems like the tough choices for Hillary have always been how it will be what effect it will have on her presidential aspirations. Utah war, gotta look tough, check. Wall Street bailout, gonna need that money later, check. Denigrating Sander's for making principled votes that he later has to defend seems a bit specious.
1
I'm resisting Clinton because I don't see how anything will change. The gridlock will continue; the Tea Party will thrive. While I can't guarantee that a Sanders administration would be any better, it's worth trying because 1) the GOP's obstructionist tactics that worked on Bill Clinton and Obama might have a harder time sticking to Sanders, precisely because he's an independent with crossover appeal that many Republican voters may support; and 2) Sanders may be correct when he says that his candidacy would generate excitement and greater participation among voters, which may increase the likelihood that the Democrats could retake Congress. (And it's possible that the fact that Sanders has scored a couple of points with the NRA might make him more able to take them on.)
Perhaps none of that will work, but I feel like I already know exactly what to expect from a Hillary Clinton administration: more misbegotten military adventures, more genuflecting to Wall Street and Big Oil, more feeble gestures toward addressing climate change, more homelessness, increased health insurance premiums, no attempt at reforming the campaign finance and criminal justice systems, more GOP shutdowns, and, in a 90s flashback, more special prosecutors.
Yes, all that is still better than Trump or Cruz, and I'll vote for her if she's the nominee. But Clinton supporters need to know that we Sanders supporters are no more naive than they are. We're also looking for a government that works.
Perhaps none of that will work, but I feel like I already know exactly what to expect from a Hillary Clinton administration: more misbegotten military adventures, more genuflecting to Wall Street and Big Oil, more feeble gestures toward addressing climate change, more homelessness, increased health insurance premiums, no attempt at reforming the campaign finance and criminal justice systems, more GOP shutdowns, and, in a 90s flashback, more special prosecutors.
Yes, all that is still better than Trump or Cruz, and I'll vote for her if she's the nominee. But Clinton supporters need to know that we Sanders supporters are no more naive than they are. We're also looking for a government that works.
11
Gail, I wish you would do a column on how HRC is not only the best currently qualified candidate for President, but the best qualified, ever. My 9 year old daughter can see that she is more qualified than "George Washington or Abraham Lincoln". She is not a perfect person, but she is not getting enough press for being extremely qualified. I realize that reference to her experience raises some old stories, but it still counts, or should count. Thanks.
11
Bernie Sanders continues to impress & inspire while Hillary seems likable enough. My wife & I waited 8 years to vote for Hillary, someone we've been watching up close since 1978, but Bernie's message hijacked our plans. We look forward to our first woman President, but the big big changes Bernie rightly says must happen before America becomes a better country seem much more urgently needed than a sex change in the White House.
It's no wonder a person with less than a million dollars of personal wealth would care more about my struggling family than a person worth over 110 million dollars. I met Bill in 1974 when he was getting rides, borrowing cars & sleeping on supporter's sofas at night. I'm glad the Clintons became rich! But all that money & privilege seems to have changed Hillary.
I believe Bernie is more interested in changing the country for the better than he is in becoming the next President. He may have a bigger chance at bringing change from his seat in the Senate. So we have no qualms about voting for Hillary in November if she squeaks past Bernie in the end.
But if Hillary really wants to be the next President, she needs to listen to & adopt as much of Bernie's message as she can. So far she's been serviceable as a candidate but far from inspiring. Bernie ain't winning votes cause he's pretty. If her Goldman Sachs speeches are toxic, we better know it now.
We want a better America for our kids! The GOP won't lead us there. Absorb the Bern, Mrs. Clinton!
It's no wonder a person with less than a million dollars of personal wealth would care more about my struggling family than a person worth over 110 million dollars. I met Bill in 1974 when he was getting rides, borrowing cars & sleeping on supporter's sofas at night. I'm glad the Clintons became rich! But all that money & privilege seems to have changed Hillary.
I believe Bernie is more interested in changing the country for the better than he is in becoming the next President. He may have a bigger chance at bringing change from his seat in the Senate. So we have no qualms about voting for Hillary in November if she squeaks past Bernie in the end.
But if Hillary really wants to be the next President, she needs to listen to & adopt as much of Bernie's message as she can. So far she's been serviceable as a candidate but far from inspiring. Bernie ain't winning votes cause he's pretty. If her Goldman Sachs speeches are toxic, we better know it now.
We want a better America for our kids! The GOP won't lead us there. Absorb the Bern, Mrs. Clinton!
10
"But if Hillary really wants to be the next President, she needs to listen to & adopt as much of Bernie's message as she can." I have a feeing that Hillary is more into fostering than adoption. She'll echo Bernie on whatever suits her to win the nomination/election. Don't hold your breath for her to keep any truly progressive promises.
1
People say Bernie won't get any of his proposals passed.
If all Bernie does as President is veto the "trickle down", "all boats rise with rising tide" , steal from social security and medicare to cut taxes for rich proposals, he will I think have achieved plenty.
I can be happy with that. Who knows, this will set the stage for future candidates who want to serve the people instead of billionaires.
If all Bernie does as President is veto the "trickle down", "all boats rise with rising tide" , steal from social security and medicare to cut taxes for rich proposals, he will I think have achieved plenty.
I can be happy with that. Who knows, this will set the stage for future candidates who want to serve the people instead of billionaires.
8
Hold the coronation. The voters have not yet decided. Google an excellent article in Salon March 9th by Bill Curry. It explains the pronounced disconnect this election cycle between journalists and voters.
10
Yes! Let all the states have their say! Please
1
There is only one group of people Hillary is being groomed to represent and serve, and that group is the .01%ters, the Plutocratic Oligarchy which owns our government, and consequently the people.
Hillary is in it for her masters, and for herself; the American people factor nowhere in her calculation, except as fodder for whatever economic plan they develop to further enrich themselves.
Hillary is in it for her masters, and for herself; the American people factor nowhere in her calculation, except as fodder for whatever economic plan they develop to further enrich themselves.
11
Hillary will represent me and my family just fine. We are far, far from the 1%. But we've worked all our lives, we put 2 kids through school, we've saved for retirement and we hope to live one day in retirement on what we have put aside. I do not want whatever is left when I'm gone to go to 'free tuition' and 'free healthcare' for everybody. There's nothing free in this world, someone has to pay the bill. But my children's inheritance is left to them, not to whoever needs it to fulfill these pipedreams of 'free everything'.
Sure Hillary knows how to run the system, and that's exactly what worries me. I am looking for someone who does not run the system we currently have: I am looking for someone who will attack it from inside to replace it with something much much fairer. And Bernie is no pie-in-the-sky dreamer: he is a smart politician who knows he needs the active support of the movement to succeed. His call is for us to work with him, not, like Hillary, that she will work 'for us.'
6
Can we please make sure one of these two is elected president next November? Right now I am a single issue voter, and that issue is to make sure a Democrat nominates the next Justice of the Supreme Court.
9
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work."
I have to agree. Unfortunately the system is what needs changing.
I have to agree. Unfortunately the system is what needs changing.
4
Ms. Collins offers us a choice between a principled man and the queen of back-room deals. Inexplicably, she chooses the dealmaker.
Sorry Gail, but I'll take Bernie's principles any day. Especially since Hil's only real principle is she never met a dollar she didn't like. Hey, if you like dealmakers, why not go all the way and support Donald Trump?
Besides, despite her skill in smoke-filled rooms, there is no evidence Hil can get anything done either as long as the GOP has congress. They hate her as much as they hate Obama. Might as well have a guy who tells the truth.
And what we're learning in this election so far is that back-room skills do not result in votes. Ask Jeb! about this one. Bern, baby Bern!
Sorry Gail, but I'll take Bernie's principles any day. Especially since Hil's only real principle is she never met a dollar she didn't like. Hey, if you like dealmakers, why not go all the way and support Donald Trump?
Besides, despite her skill in smoke-filled rooms, there is no evidence Hil can get anything done either as long as the GOP has congress. They hate her as much as they hate Obama. Might as well have a guy who tells the truth.
And what we're learning in this election so far is that back-room skills do not result in votes. Ask Jeb! about this one. Bern, baby Bern!
7
As a choice between a grand vision and practicality, as it is framed today, how could anyone accept Clinton's so-called practicality? As an executive, Sanders will have the opportunity to challenge this, um, practicality, calling it what it is: social welfare for the rich and powerful.
Since the Clinton machine and establishment Democrats talk about being so proud of Obama-care, let's consider that. The ACA was a wink to the insurers, and their investors, big banks, to provide affordable care if everyone had to be enrolled. In the end, it worked out that the insurers kept the premiums as high as possible, pocketing efficiency improvements, while the Federal government scratches back taxes for penalties for those who cannot afford coverage. How is that the system Obama, and Hillary promised? Sanders sees that fault and wants a single-provider expansion to force insurers to compete for these current victims of the Un-Affordable Care Act.
Since the Clinton machine and establishment Democrats talk about being so proud of Obama-care, let's consider that. The ACA was a wink to the insurers, and their investors, big banks, to provide affordable care if everyone had to be enrolled. In the end, it worked out that the insurers kept the premiums as high as possible, pocketing efficiency improvements, while the Federal government scratches back taxes for penalties for those who cannot afford coverage. How is that the system Obama, and Hillary promised? Sanders sees that fault and wants a single-provider expansion to force insurers to compete for these current victims of the Un-Affordable Care Act.
5
When Bernie declared for president I was excited. How cool to vote for a VT socialist for president who, when a Brooklyn teen, went to my high school (well before me). I figured he had no chance but if he made it to April I'd vote Bernie in the NY primary & vote Hilary in November. Now that he's got a real chance to win I have to take a much harder look. And I find myself moving much closer to Hilary. When I watch the debates, I hear her espouse policies that can really work, while Sanders has grand-sounding but impractical plans & an unrealistic vision that we can have our economy from decades past if we just shut out the rest of the world. OK, I'm wonky but what may be a tipping point for me is Bernie's opposition to the Export-Import Bank. It's vital for our exporting companies to finance projects in places commercial banks won't & all our competing countries provide such financing. In Sunday's debate Sanders conflated Ex-Im with subsidizing companies that export jobs. Hilary missed her chance to rebuff him by saying Ex-Im does the opposite--it helps companies export products made by American workers. And she failed to say Ex-Im does not cost taxpayers a dime--it consistently makes a profit from its loan portfolio. I'm not in a business that needs loans & I love Bernie's instincts to fight corporate greed. But the real world is too complex to let every presidential decision be governed by well-meaning instinct. However, Hilary needs more than the wonk vote to get elected.
9
I do not listen to the Democratic debates. I am not interested in watching someone bellow while he waves his arms. I am uninterested in watching someone else deliver stiff, circuitous talking points. I just want to read a list of policy bullet points and then make up my mind.
1
In a revealing moment last night Hillary admitted she's not much of a politician. That's a candid statement and true. The problem is her answer to every question sounds like a lot of hedging, dissembling, political mumbo jumbo and her attacks on Sanders smack of the worst kind of negative politics.
I understand and appreciate that she and her peeps have PTSD over what happened in 2008 with Obama. And, if she's nominated I'll gladly vote for her. But she'd sure make it a lot easier if she could master the simple, straightforward answer to a question and lay off the negative half truths about Bernie.
I understand and appreciate that she and her peeps have PTSD over what happened in 2008 with Obama. And, if she's nominated I'll gladly vote for her. But she'd sure make it a lot easier if she could master the simple, straightforward answer to a question and lay off the negative half truths about Bernie.
5
Sometimes there are no simple answers, especially on national policy. I like it when she talks policy and is open about the trade-offs necessary.
1
Gail, you're right on the money in your analysis!
I will almost certainly end up voting for Hillary in the general, but what I find most problematic is her demeanor.
Clinton certainly has a heart, and a big one -- probably as big as the one her husband wears on his sleeve. But she keeps her heart protected within thick wraps, and the wrapping is all that wonky policy stuff. This is natural for her, because she is very smart and detail oriented, and thinks things through with care. But let's remember that it was, in part, her wonky approach that doomed Hillarycare.
As much as I love Sanders, and I do, I'm not sure he could get a program through Congress. Hillary probably can, but it would help if she unwrapped some of the policy wrapping and let her empathic core shine through. Leave most of the details to the bill writers.
I will almost certainly end up voting for Hillary in the general, but what I find most problematic is her demeanor.
Clinton certainly has a heart, and a big one -- probably as big as the one her husband wears on his sleeve. But she keeps her heart protected within thick wraps, and the wrapping is all that wonky policy stuff. This is natural for her, because she is very smart and detail oriented, and thinks things through with care. But let's remember that it was, in part, her wonky approach that doomed Hillarycare.
As much as I love Sanders, and I do, I'm not sure he could get a program through Congress. Hillary probably can, but it would help if she unwrapped some of the policy wrapping and let her empathic core shine through. Leave most of the details to the bill writers.
4
I keep reading that as President Bernie Sanders won't be able to fulfill any of his campaign promises; that the contentious Republicans in Congress will stop him. This is likely true.....just as this same Congress is refusing to even consider President Obama's Supreme Court nominee. However, it's just as true that Hillary Clinton would meet the same obstructionism. The difference is that Bernie acknowledges this, saying that no one person, even the President, can do it alone. This is why he is calling for a political revolution, asking Americans to stand up for what they believe in and vote the obstructionists out of office. It won't happen overnight, but if enough people stand with him, it will happen eventually. If not, we deserve the closed-minded, bible-thumping, freedom-bashing government we'll get. My point is that if you don't try, you will never succeed....and Bernie will most definitely try. If Hillary wins the nomination, I will likely vote for her. She is certainly preferable to any of the choices offered by the Republicans. But I will do so with a heavy heart. Do we want REAL change? If so, Bernie Sanders is our best hope.
5
In a country that put the GOP in charge of both houses of Congress, any progress is going to come only incrementally. Some of my very red state's independents and republicans would vote for Hillary, but most would vote against Sanders.
Gail has put it perfectly in her last two sentences. Hillary does know how the system works, in Washington and on Wall Street, and what we need is her CLEAR explanation of how she will make that system start working for us ordinary Americans again.
As for Sanders, I'm still waiting to see his "revolution" start putting up candidates who can win Congressional races. If he doesn't have a single vote in Congress, how could he be anything other than a symbolic president? He'd be a lame duck from the very first day.
Gail has put it perfectly in her last two sentences. Hillary does know how the system works, in Washington and on Wall Street, and what we need is her CLEAR explanation of how she will make that system start working for us ordinary Americans again.
As for Sanders, I'm still waiting to see his "revolution" start putting up candidates who can win Congressional races. If he doesn't have a single vote in Congress, how could he be anything other than a symbolic president? He'd be a lame duck from the very first day.
3
Bernie knows how this system works he's been calling out truth to power for decades.
Lol
And now the downtrodden in their masses are ready for his message.
They both face a similar problem with Congress to Bernie actually accomplished more with the most difficult Congress than Hillary Clinton ever did .
Further she has a bigger problem they will impeach her nothing will get done
Lol
And now the downtrodden in their masses are ready for his message.
They both face a similar problem with Congress to Bernie actually accomplished more with the most difficult Congress than Hillary Clinton ever did .
Further she has a bigger problem they will impeach her nothing will get done
1
"...work against the system." There is no working against the system; there is nothing outside the system. The only place outside the system is not taking part in government, not running, not voting.
The only issue, the one and only issue, is that Bernie Sanders could throw the election to the Republicans. "Feel" that.
The only issue, the one and only issue, is that Bernie Sanders could throw the election to the Republicans. "Feel" that.
7
The really tough questions for Hillary were about trust and those speech transcripts. And, the two issues goes hand in hand: if she wants to be trusted (sniff sniff, little tear) she could start by releasing those transcripts.
Too bad Bernie didn't make the obvious connection during the debate. It would have been KO.
Too bad Bernie didn't make the obvious connection during the debate. It would have been KO.
5
Bernie Sanders represents the strength of America, the courage to pursue ideals of a just world. To encourage people to accept less, is self-limiting. Since the inception of this great country, power-hungry fear mongers have been trying to kill the American dream of a country by, for and of the people. Tories told Patriotic Americans that their dream was foolish, too, but those foolish dreamers' foresight and courage gave us this beautiful country. Bernie is the only candidate worthy of standing in their shoes.
8
Remember they were also slave holders who denied women and many others the right to vote. Nobody is perfect
1
When you write that Hillary knows how to make the system work, I think what you really mean is that Hillary was around while the system was working. Hillary's accomplishments to date, in fact her place in history, have everything to do with the positions she has held, not what she has actually done. First Lady, check. U.S. Senator, check. Secretary of State, check again. But where are the great victories? Yes, Mr. Clinton reminds us has been on the right side of history for many, many decades, but all she really seems to have succeeded at is keeping a hold on the position of presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party.
2
I will post this again. Bernie is not just a socialist. Bernie is a communist - he is far, far, far left of left. And yes I do know the difference between socialism and communism. He is as extreme as Trump and quite frankly that debate and the pressure from the moderators about immigration, especially illegal immigration, was very disturbing. Why doesn't Bernie just say hey our borders are open to anyone wanting to come here legally/illegally. Once you are here we will ensure you benefit from the hard earned tax dollars of those who came here legally and other citizens.
Governing is messy. It is not black and white. Hillary hasn't really hammered him on is to challenge him on the hundreds of thousands of jobs saved through the auto bill and TARP.
By the way the Government was repaid every cent that was loaned under that TARP bill.
I get being aspirational. However when I dig deeper into Bernie's aspirations it is sounding really, really similar to Trump's blanket "I will make America great again."
Governing is messy. It is not black and white. Hillary hasn't really hammered him on is to challenge him on the hundreds of thousands of jobs saved through the auto bill and TARP.
By the way the Government was repaid every cent that was loaned under that TARP bill.
I get being aspirational. However when I dig deeper into Bernie's aspirations it is sounding really, really similar to Trump's blanket "I will make America great again."
2
Lol your hysteria is hilarious.
3
Bernie is no communist. He's a combination of FDR (New Deal Democrat) and Teddy Roosevelt (Trust-Buster Republican). Those two worked out exceedingly well for Americans.
4
We once had a president who kept marginal taxes on the wealthy at 70% and used it to pay for free college education and a huge government jobs program.
That President was Eisenhower, a moderate Republican. The jobs program was the federal highway system, the free college was the GI Bill.
If you're going to say Sanders is a communist, then you have to say we were communist in 1952. Sanders only looks far-left when you see how much we have ceded to the far right.
That President was Eisenhower, a moderate Republican. The jobs program was the federal highway system, the free college was the GI Bill.
If you're going to say Sanders is a communist, then you have to say we were communist in 1952. Sanders only looks far-left when you see how much we have ceded to the far right.
2
These are adults. Hillary will get things done, while Bernie has really good ideas and no actual steps to making them reality. But they are adults in the real world, and they know the country has real needs that must be met.
3
Stick with the jaunty fun-poking Gail, and please stay away from endorsements. Your bosses have botched that one up well enough, as evidenced by today's editorial. Between you and Krugman on the "levers of power" you'd think Clinton was a major legislative leader in the Senate. Far from it. Yes she utilized the bully pulpit as first lady (far past the point of over-reaching) but there's a big difference between using unfettered influence and actually slogging through the legislative process which both she and Sanders executed dutifully and without great distinction. The one big exception: Iraq.
2
Unless the control of the Congress passes from the Republicans, not much will get done by any Democratic President. Presidents can't make policy, as a general rule.
I will vote for whatever Democrat is nominated. I will work for whichever candidate is nominated. But right about now I'm just so tired of the campaign histrionics.
It's like we're stuck in a terrible 'fun house', and not only can't we get out, but we are sucked further and further into places and events we don't recognize and don't want.
I will vote for whatever Democrat is nominated. I will work for whichever candidate is nominated. But right about now I'm just so tired of the campaign histrionics.
It's like we're stuck in a terrible 'fun house', and not only can't we get out, but we are sucked further and further into places and events we don't recognize and don't want.
3
Raise your hand if you already know what each candidate is going to say to a debate question before they answer. We not only hear their repetitive remarks during debates but also at town halls and individual interviews. It's overdone and the campaign season lasts much too long for anyone's good. Maybe that's why we watch Trump, except for his insults and loser remarks, he's unpredictable. We can talk about the outrageous things he says at the water cooler the next day.
Also, bringing up and condemning someone's choices and decisions from the past brings up my ire. Being in the helping people cognitively change business, I know how important it can be to oneself and others to modify one's problematic attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. So using the past against someone makes it appear that people don't change. It makes it seem that people don't learn and grow. We all do. Most of us anyway. That's at the roots of any and all improvement in all facets of life including self-improvement. How many of us are more cautious about energy use because we now understand climate change. If we didn't change and improve, we would still have slavery. As Maya Angelou wisely stated: "When you know better you do better." That's the basis for change; positive change. And that's a good thing.
Also, bringing up and condemning someone's choices and decisions from the past brings up my ire. Being in the helping people cognitively change business, I know how important it can be to oneself and others to modify one's problematic attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. So using the past against someone makes it appear that people don't change. It makes it seem that people don't learn and grow. We all do. Most of us anyway. That's at the roots of any and all improvement in all facets of life including self-improvement. How many of us are more cautious about energy use because we now understand climate change. If we didn't change and improve, we would still have slavery. As Maya Angelou wisely stated: "When you know better you do better." That's the basis for change; positive change. And that's a good thing.
2
I am happy to have heard Clinton and Sanders last night. My favorite moment was when Clinton got real and said hey she was not a great politician and didn't in effect have the presence or communication like her husband or Obama. It was a moment of being real. Far too much of current politics is about show.
2
She used the 675k from the bank to hire some advisors that told her the phrase worked most on people under the influence of Hillary Schillary.
1
Please, please, please stop calling the financial services segment of the economy an "industry". Using that term for a service sector business is so misleading it only belongs in a republican presidential debate, not a serious international newspaper.
2
The financial services industry distributes ownership of the means of production, and debt instruments issued by producers. You'll need these services unless you propose to do it through central planning.
"A man without a party" is perfect for a nation where so many people are without a party, where so many feel abandoned by the self-serving establishment, where so many can't help but see what little difference there really is between the Republicans and the Democrats. Bernie is the right choice for our times.
3
Between Sanders, who has done little practically and whose ideas are grand, but hard to imagine implemented, and Clinton, who has accomplished much, but who has yielded to the mess of compromise, I ask this question:
Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders, how are you planning to handle the firehose of bad ideas that will be aimed at the American public from a Congress that is listening to this debate and laughing at the concept that EITHER of you will have any say in government?
Both have to recognize that they have a Congress, and it is hard to imagine that it will change, that is Republican, supporting Governors who are largely Republican, and State Houses that are Republican. We will see more religious freedom bills, more abortion clinic closings. We will see no new efforts on immigration. We will see tax cuts and a total lack of effort to improve jobs and wages. We will see no action that helps people pay off college loans, funding the government with interest payments.
So how will the grand ideas fit into that scenario? Discuss.
Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders, how are you planning to handle the firehose of bad ideas that will be aimed at the American public from a Congress that is listening to this debate and laughing at the concept that EITHER of you will have any say in government?
Both have to recognize that they have a Congress, and it is hard to imagine that it will change, that is Republican, supporting Governors who are largely Republican, and State Houses that are Republican. We will see more religious freedom bills, more abortion clinic closings. We will see no new efforts on immigration. We will see tax cuts and a total lack of effort to improve jobs and wages. We will see no action that helps people pay off college loans, funding the government with interest payments.
So how will the grand ideas fit into that scenario? Discuss.
"That pretty much sums up his career in Congress. Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. At one point he offered an amendment to raise taxes on high-income individuals, which was basically ignored. He was marvelous, but symbolically marvelous."
And that pretty much sums up his candidacy.
And that pretty much sums up his candidacy.
3
Because the oligarchy has been growing over 25 years it's taking a long time for the people to feel the pain from this oligarchy to finally hear the message he's been standing up to these people for years! They're not gonna just fold we the people have to throw them out office if they do not represent majority of job us.
1
Mort Sahl used to tell a joke about Wernher von Braun, the German rocket scientist who worked for Hitler and later worked for us. Sahl said of Braun that he aimed for the stars, but often hit London.
That, to me, is also an apt description
of our present roster of presidential candidates, perhaps excluding Clinton. As president, they will aim for the stars, but frequently hit us.
That, to me, is also an apt description
of our present roster of presidential candidates, perhaps excluding Clinton. As president, they will aim for the stars, but frequently hit us.
3
I adore Bernie. But we need a functional Democratic party at State, and all federal levels to make the oligarch shrink its power. Bernie does not appear be helping the folks down ticket but Hillary is. The oligarch has been feeding upon our pensions, our wages, our housing, our savings and our hopes and dreams for 36 long years. We need all hands on deck and that includes ship's captain, navigator, builder and crew .
2
Read read your own comment it is so illogical the captain of a corrupt is not going is not going to throw itself overboard.
They will impeach her nothing will get done.
They will impeach her nothing will get done.
The captain is corrupt he's not gonna overthrow his own ship right?
The talking will stop when Hillary releases the transcripts of her speeches to Goldman. There will be nothing more to say. No one will listen to her anymore, and the debate the country deserves between Trump, the billionaire racist xenophobe and Sanders, the principled, uncorrupted, old-fashioned populist Democrat can begin.
5
Hillary Clinton is NOT by far the best qualified candidate for president. She is a status quo insider, she and her husband brought the Dem's to the center right and that drove the republicans off the right edge into the abyss that we find ourselves today. So thanks for nothing Billary. The best qualified candidate would be someone who sees what needs to be addressed and is willing to fix it, that someone would be Bernie Sanders.
8
Firstly, it is naive to believe that Hillary is more equipped to "get things done" in Washington than Bernie, by virtue of her pragmatism and her centrist philosophy. The last seven years should be evidence enough to conclude that the opposite side of the aisle has moved so far to the right as to make the most modest accomplishments out of reach for any democratic president. My goodness, the president can't even propose a budget or a supreme court nominee without a compete stonewalling by Republicans!
Lastly, it is sad to hear the argument that Hillary is more qualified to be president because she does not stand on principles like Bernie, but instead will "get things done." It seems that a healthy segment of the electorate are looking outside the political establishment for presidential candidates due to their distaste for what is being settled on as accomplishments in Washington.
Lastly, it is sad to hear the argument that Hillary is more qualified to be president because she does not stand on principles like Bernie, but instead will "get things done." It seems that a healthy segment of the electorate are looking outside the political establishment for presidential candidates due to their distaste for what is being settled on as accomplishments in Washington.
1
At a time when the Republicans are self-destructing and offering an opportunity to the Democrats to regain the White House, possibly the Senate, and maybe even swing the Supreme Court away from its far-right agenda, it would be a historic mistake to serve up a self described democratic socialist who has been an almost cuddly, avuncular non-entity in the senate. Bernie strikes me as well meaning and earnest, but a bit adrift in a wider world dominated by very hostile and complex issues. He is a creature of domestic policy, that is his bailiwick. But the big picture issues of the day are threats from perverted and radicalized Islamic militants in failed states from the middle east to Africa. Besides that Russia is on the march, while China, Iran and North Korea look for regional dominance. Is Bernie up to speed on these issues? Does he have a plan to deal with them?
Sanders's candidacy has served a wonderful purpose. Matters of great importance have been substantively and responsively debated, mostly domestic, in a manner that it wouldn't have if Hillary had run essentially unopposed. He has forced Clinton out of her comfort zone and further to the left. But to nominate him as the party's Presidential candidate would be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Even though Hillary is flawed, I think she is by far the more widely experienced and ready to govern. And most important, she is electable- Bernie strikes fear in my heart he would be the second coming of McGoven.
Sanders's candidacy has served a wonderful purpose. Matters of great importance have been substantively and responsively debated, mostly domestic, in a manner that it wouldn't have if Hillary had run essentially unopposed. He has forced Clinton out of her comfort zone and further to the left. But to nominate him as the party's Presidential candidate would be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Even though Hillary is flawed, I think she is by far the more widely experienced and ready to govern. And most important, she is electable- Bernie strikes fear in my heart he would be the second coming of McGoven.
4
Somehow no one bats an eyelash at the fact that the US outspends most of the developed world put together on the military, but educating citizens and providing basic healthcare coverage is "too good to be true".
204
It galls me every time Hilary makes Sanders' plan out to be some pie-in-the-sky unattainable vision. We spent trillions of dollars on meaningless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We indebted ourselves tremendously in the 80s to fight the Cold War. So when she says that what I hear is "no price is too big to pay to defend our (fast waning) global hegemony, but any price is too big to provide our citizens with basic needs like college education, healthcare, basic infrastructure services." Sanders is right. If every other industrialized country on Earth can do it, why can't the "greatest country on Earth?" People think it's impossible because they've been fed the line that it's not while their politicians approve massive amounts of defense funding.
The irony of all of this is that we were moving in the right direction at one point in history. All of the social welfare programs that FDR started are politically sacred. We were almost on the path to universal healthcare when the (once-powerful) unions squelched it. Many public colleges were tuition free.
Once people wrap their head around the fact that there's no glory in sacrificing your citizens at the altar of capitalist ideals, there's no pride in leading a miserable existence so a few people can be billionaires and control everything and there's no shame in saying, maybe it would be better if everyone had a decent quality of life even if you couldn't buy a 2 dollar toaster on a Sunday at 12 AM at Walmart, things will change.
The irony of all of this is that we were moving in the right direction at one point in history. All of the social welfare programs that FDR started are politically sacred. We were almost on the path to universal healthcare when the (once-powerful) unions squelched it. Many public colleges were tuition free.
Once people wrap their head around the fact that there's no glory in sacrificing your citizens at the altar of capitalist ideals, there's no pride in leading a miserable existence so a few people can be billionaires and control everything and there's no shame in saying, maybe it would be better if everyone had a decent quality of life even if you couldn't buy a 2 dollar toaster on a Sunday at 12 AM at Walmart, things will change.
9
Yes and Reagan's trickle-down politics was the beginning of the end of the middle class in this country thanks in big part to the Koch brothers efforts .
By today's standards Hillary Rodham Clinton is more Republican than Reagan was. I know because I have lived through it all .
By today's standards Hillary Rodham Clinton is more Republican than Reagan was. I know because I have lived through it all .
1
Your standards perhaps. I was there too. Guess what? I'm still here.
Free college and healthcare for all. Not with my money. I am and have been a liberal democrat all my life. But I will not vote for Mr. Sanders. Besides, he's way, way, way too old. Funny how that never comes up with men. Only women are deemed to be to old for whatever they decide to do. That choleric old geezer should retire into the sunset already.
We have heard over and over about how the Republicans will shut Bernie Sanders and his socialist ideas down if he becomes president. (So our vote for Sanders will be wasted?)
On the other hand, we have heard little or nothing about what will prevent the lockstep right from giving Hilary Clinton the same contemptuous disrespectful treatment they have forced on President Obama. I'm more than a little afraid that Clinton will go along to get along and just prolong our national identity crisis. Who are we as a people? Who do we want to be?
On the other hand, we have heard little or nothing about what will prevent the lockstep right from giving Hilary Clinton the same contemptuous disrespectful treatment they have forced on President Obama. I'm more than a little afraid that Clinton will go along to get along and just prolong our national identity crisis. Who are we as a people? Who do we want to be?
4
I agree with all your points .
It will be worse than with Obama they have a long-standing hate for Hillary Clinton and they will try to impeach her if she becomes the president and they will try to undo her nomination before she even becomes president.
It will be worse than with Obama they have a long-standing hate for Hillary Clinton and they will try to impeach her if she becomes the president and they will try to undo her nomination before she even becomes president.
3
The Democratic debates area healthy exercise in democracy. There are 2 very very qualified candidates, who essentially voted identically on over 90% of matters in the Senate, trying to distinguish themselves based on governing styles and their own perception about how America works.
You have the idealist vs. the pragmatist. No matter which of the two you prefer, you will feel safe if either becomes President.
Let the process play out and see who is left standing come convention time. Whoever it is will have been battle tested and well vetted.
Just make sure you get out there to support and vote for whichever of the two is the candidate. Do not let ideology get in the way of democracy in November. Failure to support the democratic candidate will give us America's Hitler.
Remember that before you decide to hold a grudge either way.
You have the idealist vs. the pragmatist. No matter which of the two you prefer, you will feel safe if either becomes President.
Let the process play out and see who is left standing come convention time. Whoever it is will have been battle tested and well vetted.
Just make sure you get out there to support and vote for whichever of the two is the candidate. Do not let ideology get in the way of democracy in November. Failure to support the democratic candidate will give us America's Hitler.
Remember that before you decide to hold a grudge either way.
4
First off, I'm a democrat and will vote for the democratic nominee but I have to admit that the democratic choice of candidates is much less fun than the republicans. I don't look forward to Bernie and Hillary duking it out in debates . Between the two of them, they have about as much humor as a the back of an old tombstone. The republicans remind me of the old professional wrestling "matches" that used to come to our school gymnasium on a regular basis back in the middle 50's. Gorgeous George and Argentina Rocco were the stars of the show but they had a talented undercard of lesser known wrestlers with names like Johnson and Smith who dutifully collapsed on time. I was stunned one night when I saw the contestants all get off of the same bus. The republican candidates don't travel on the same bus but you won't have to guess who Gorgeous George is. Looking back on the Obama years, it was a time of quiet progress and few wars that we actually participated in. For the most part, peace and prosperity. Any scandals have been low grade and virtually unclear as to what the republicans have been yammering about. Looking forward to a Trump presidency, it will be quite different complete with flying step over toe holds and fat men being thrown out of ring. I think we'll all yearn for the good old days with Barack Obama.
1
While I agree with much of Senator Sanders' views, such as single payer healthcare his bashing of free trade pacts smacks of protectionism which has been shown again and again to have deleterious effects not just on the U.S. economy but the world's economy. Riddle me this, if NAFTA was so bad why did the U.S. economy boom through the Clinton administration?
3
The internet. Pure luck.
1
I admire transparency and consistency.
There is only one candidate untarnished by association with Wall Street and superPAC millions, who can be believed to tackle their corrupt influence over democracy: Bernie Sanders.
He isn't pie-in-the-sky. To do great things, you have to think big, not small.
Small things get small results. Big things are transformative. They require collective effort. Remember JFK's inspirational 'Moon' speech? It worked.
Go Bernie!
There is only one candidate untarnished by association with Wall Street and superPAC millions, who can be believed to tackle their corrupt influence over democracy: Bernie Sanders.
He isn't pie-in-the-sky. To do great things, you have to think big, not small.
Small things get small results. Big things are transformative. They require collective effort. Remember JFK's inspirational 'Moon' speech? It worked.
Go Bernie!
11
"Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president."
If living and leading by principles are some the most valued attributes of presidency, as they should be, Hillary by far is NOT the best qualified candidate for president.
If living and leading by principles are some the most valued attributes of presidency, as they should be, Hillary by far is NOT the best qualified candidate for president.
1
Obviously we will all (except Richard) vote for her when push comes to shove. But there is no getting around the fact that the human brain responds to money the same way it responds to cocaine. You can see it on an FMRI. Hillary Clinton can simply not credibly claim that her perception of Wall Street is not corrupted by them "paying" her $250K to pontificate for an hour. Full stop. Their interests become her interests no matter what she tries to tell herself or us. And more to the point - she couldn't be satisfied with millions in dollars in book revenue? She needed to pander for millions? Ick.
1
For Hillary to "work against the system" is asking a dog to turn around and bite the hand that feeds her. Does the term "conflict of interest" mean anything anymore? Until we can elect politicians who are not bought and paid for, the whole idea that they will do anything to represent the interests of the ordinary people is absurd, if not an outright fraud.
This is not limited to Hillary and the Democrats - there is also a popular perception that since Mr. Trump is financing his own campaign that he "can't be bought" by the 1%. Of course not, he already IS a part of that selfsame 1%.
This is not limited to Hillary and the Democrats - there is also a popular perception that since Mr. Trump is financing his own campaign that he "can't be bought" by the 1%. Of course not, he already IS a part of that selfsame 1%.
2
It takes a Bernie Sanders and a Trump to wake people up in this country. Life is hard for most and it is time to change the priorities of our government. People come first. Profit for profit's sake has ruined to many lives.
2
Life is hard? Compared to what?
Just FYI - if there's no profit, there's no money for anything.
It has been easy for Bernie Sanders to hold onto his liberal positions because he knew the voters of Vermont would reelect him and he knew the Democrats in Congress would have more nuanced positions to hold the line against the Republicans. Not hard to be a maverick when everyone has your back. And I understand his appeal to young people. His message sounds so perfect. But I also remember being an idealistic youth and watching George McGovern get slaughtered by Nixon. We cannot give this election to the Republicans. Everything is at stake. I used to think one president couldn't do that much harm to our country not even Nixon but George W. Bush proved me wrong. It is time to get behind the only adult in the race. The pragmatic, experienced and smart as hell Hillary Clinton.
5
Sanders says that taxing the rich will pay for single payer health insurance and free college. Most economists say taxes would have to go up a lot for everyone. Sanders disputes this, saying that if other countries can do it, we can too. Fun facts: The average personal income tax rate in Sweden is 57% and in Denmark, over 60%. Do you really wonder what the American voting public will do with this after Trump starts shouting about it? If you believe Bernie's promises, then next January President Trump will have a really beautiful bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
1
Fun fact: in Sweden and Denmark you don't loose your house and have to live in your car with your family because you can't pay your rigged, overpriced medical bills.
1
When I was a child I was taught that it is not whether you win or lose but how you play the game that is important. For some reason the competing ethic that the winning isn't everything, it is the only thing never took root.
For many of us regardless of age, to stand by our principles is the sine qua non of a well-lived life. However, we are not naive; we know realpolitik is a necessity in the real world. We also know that a dynamic balance must be struck between principles and realpolitik.
At our tiny Democratic caucus this past Sunday the two most outspoken critics of Clinton were young women. I paraphrase one's rejoinder to a Clinton supporter: "I agree she has plenty of experience but she has no principles."
For many, that about sums it up.
For many of us regardless of age, to stand by our principles is the sine qua non of a well-lived life. However, we are not naive; we know realpolitik is a necessity in the real world. We also know that a dynamic balance must be struck between principles and realpolitik.
At our tiny Democratic caucus this past Sunday the two most outspoken critics of Clinton were young women. I paraphrase one's rejoinder to a Clinton supporter: "I agree she has plenty of experience but she has no principles."
For many, that about sums it up.
2
My sincere thanks for your honesty, bless your heart. I will never lose hope in the integrity of most Americans outside of the Hillary Shillary bubble.
To date, Sanders has been given a free pass on his biography. His relationships with Marxists and Communists, his frequent praise of Manuel Ortega, his honeymooning in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and on and on. My greatest fear is that if he wins the nomination, the Republicans will destroy him and many down ballot Democratic races will be lost, as will the Supreme Court, Obamacare, the recent gains made in gay rights, and much more, setting the liberal cause back many years. There is so much at stake.
2
It's about time we have more debates so people can also get to know Sanders. The surely have heard enough of Clinton over the past decades! My prediction: the more people hear Sanders the better he will do based on his ideas, more authentic talking style and wit.
2
I agree, but feel the debates should be available over normal network TV, not cable/online, so as many people can access them as possible.
This election cycle has become like two TV series going sour. You know what I mean. The show starts with fireworks and lot's of novelty. A few folks say outrageous things to get our attention. The ratings sky rocket.
Then after a while, it all just gets old, tiresome and we begin to get election fatigue. The show has lost it's mojo because it fails to excite us. Isn't that what the contest to be leader of the most important country on earth is supposed to be about? Entertainment? I for one, am beginning to change channels. Netflix seems to offer more excitement. House of Cards shows us how to really be horrible. No contest. Oooops, I just envisioned Donald in office. Truth be told, I would prefer Frank.
Then after a while, it all just gets old, tiresome and we begin to get election fatigue. The show has lost it's mojo because it fails to excite us. Isn't that what the contest to be leader of the most important country on earth is supposed to be about? Entertainment? I for one, am beginning to change channels. Netflix seems to offer more excitement. House of Cards shows us how to really be horrible. No contest. Oooops, I just envisioned Donald in office. Truth be told, I would prefer Frank.
11
Frank Underwood would get my vote any day ahead of The Donald. At least he has southern grace!
I'm still waiting for proof that Hillary Clinton has either the legislative prowess, record of legislative achievement and power of personality in the face of outright hostility to her from the Republicans to make our dysfunctional system of government work.
4
Frankly, I'm sick of the whole thing. Arguments over shreds of differences on one side, macho (frightening) one-upmanship on the other.
Right now, my greatest wish is to limit the presidential campaign to no more than 6 months, and for all candidates to stay home and keep their mouths shut until then.
Right now, my greatest wish is to limit the presidential campaign to no more than 6 months, and for all candidates to stay home and keep their mouths shut until then.
8
I'm not sure that Clinton "knows how to make the system work," but she definitely knows how to work the system!
Which gets us to the question of why exactly would we want this particular corrupt and inequitable system to keep on working the way it does? Bernie understands precisely how the system is not working for many millions of Americans, and he has the guts, the motivation, and the inspiration to change it.
Which gets us to the question of why exactly would we want this particular corrupt and inequitable system to keep on working the way it does? Bernie understands precisely how the system is not working for many millions of Americans, and he has the guts, the motivation, and the inspiration to change it.
7
where is the "like" button for this piece. I would agree that Clinton seems to be "by far the best qualified candidate for president." My concern is that unless congress and the senate go democrat, the repubs will not allow her to use her governing skills.
2
Asked whether she had any role in why people don't view her as honest, the response was that people view her as dishonest because she is not a professional politician. A non-professional politician would have no problem releasing her transcripts. Her refusal is not that her opponent won't release his (he has none) but that the Republicans won't release theirs; and she says look at the record. Non-professionalism like this will get us more gridlock, more shutdowns, and no new congress.
3
She's not a professional politician? Is this a joke or more Hillary Schillary?
Excellent: pragmatism vs idealism.
You've put into punditry reason what I've thought perhaps since adulthood.
It's certainly not pretty to acknowledge compromise, and if the Democrats reject Hillary, then we've/they've made a rational choice.
I am not about to herein argue against morality and goodness.
If commenters don't agree what GC is plainly imparting, then choose Bernie our nominee in the tradition of nominee George McGovern.
Politics is an art of the possible, or exactly whatever that pertinent quote by RMN.
You've put into punditry reason what I've thought perhaps since adulthood.
It's certainly not pretty to acknowledge compromise, and if the Democrats reject Hillary, then we've/they've made a rational choice.
I am not about to herein argue against morality and goodness.
If commenters don't agree what GC is plainly imparting, then choose Bernie our nominee in the tradition of nominee George McGovern.
Politics is an art of the possible, or exactly whatever that pertinent quote by RMN.
3
I remember when the candidates had to answer the questions. I remember when they turned off the viewers when they attacked other candidates, and when we all cared when they lied.
What candidates should be saying is that we have a lot of issues on all fronts right now, what their top 3 priorities would be, and what and how they propose to fix them.
Example: NYTimes has a couple of articles on the escalating cost of drugs, under Medicare, but for everyone. The fix is to let HHS play around with 'ideas' and Obama has made that their role. But even the NYTimes stated that the cause for the rise is unknown. So, how can anything be fixed without unintended consequences, when the root cause is not known? That is our government today and also reflects our candidates - lots of sound bites, no real intelligence, and even less analysis. Frightening.
What candidates should be saying is that we have a lot of issues on all fronts right now, what their top 3 priorities would be, and what and how they propose to fix them.
Example: NYTimes has a couple of articles on the escalating cost of drugs, under Medicare, but for everyone. The fix is to let HHS play around with 'ideas' and Obama has made that their role. But even the NYTimes stated that the cause for the rise is unknown. So, how can anything be fixed without unintended consequences, when the root cause is not known? That is our government today and also reflects our candidates - lots of sound bites, no real intelligence, and even less analysis. Frightening.
5
Normally I love Gail Collins, but I have no patience for this type of arch, semi-humorous, deconstruction-approach, insider-look askance commentary, in the midst of the most immensely serious political upheaval under way on the opposite side of the aisle. 2016 is a very, very serious year in the annals of our great Democratic Republic. It is time for thoughtful voices on both left and right to contemplate the potential disasters awaiting our Nation if the voters get this thing wrong.
3
What perplexes me is that Bernie Sanders is the farthest left candidate to make a serious run at the presidency in my lifetime and yet the media is simply discussing him as though he was just an interesting maverick. No wonder so many young people believe America is ready for a candidate who openly endorses a European style of socialism.
The nightmare will begin when the power establishment unleashes their barrage on Sander's, the selected nominee of the Democratic party. If you think Nader's candidacy had harmful repercussions when he inadvertently helped Bush beat Gore, wait till you see the effects of Bernie making it possible for Trump to become president.
The nightmare will begin when the power establishment unleashes their barrage on Sander's, the selected nominee of the Democratic party. If you think Nader's candidacy had harmful repercussions when he inadvertently helped Bush beat Gore, wait till you see the effects of Bernie making it possible for Trump to become president.
4
This is a disturbing column. Hillary is more qualified to be president? If self- serving and entitled are the criteria then you are correct. Look at the Clinton's 2014 tax return where they declare a whopping 28 million dollars in income. In her campaign's separate written explanation, she brags about an 11% gift to charity but look more deeply into her tax return and one sees there was a donation of three million dollars to The Clinton Foundation, representing approximately 11% of their income. Her idea of charity is to give her money to herself.
6
There is one, and only one, overriding issue in this election, and that is what will happen to the composition of the Supreme Court. A win by either Cruz or Trump means a permanent disaster for the country. This election MUST elect either Clinton or Sanders, and it doesn't make any difference which one. My money is on Clinton as having the better chance for winning, period.
4
I have election fatigue. I have debate fatigue. I have vitriol fatigue.
I can only imagine the "worse than torture" envisioned by trump. Something akin to nonstop never-ending debates, especially of the GOP type, with Dem debates as a kind of recess. Just an endless loop replaying at a high decibel. I fear I might admit to things I never did or even imagined doing. Just to get it to Stop!
When will it ever end? When will it e v e r end?
I can only imagine the "worse than torture" envisioned by trump. Something akin to nonstop never-ending debates, especially of the GOP type, with Dem debates as a kind of recess. Just an endless loop replaying at a high decibel. I fear I might admit to things I never did or even imagined doing. Just to get it to Stop!
When will it ever end? When will it e v e r end?
4
In the contest against the Republican nominee - which will be Donald Trump, even though the Republicans still haven't come to terms with that yet, only Bernie has the ability to pull over the ex-middle class people who fill out the ranks of the Trump voters. Only Bernie would be able to beat Donald Trump.
1
Great debate, both did well, but Bernie did better in my opinion.
Yes, his ideas are lofty and for many people unattainable, but his ideas on health and education are worth considering and pursuing.
Yes, his ideas are lofty and for many people unattainable, but his ideas on health and education are worth considering and pursuing.
4
Come on, Medicare for all is not something too good to be true. It's the standard for developed countries - every European country I'm familiar with has it, and it exists in Japan, where the right has governed virtually uncontested since World War 2. Same goes for tuition 0 and Germany, where people seem not to have gone irresponsible because of it.
3
Everybody loves Bernie - I bet Hillary does too. But we need an experienced politician to deal with congress - a collective body who has their individual constituents' needs to meet (at least around election time). Bernie couldn't cajole the Congress to do the right thing any more than Ralph Nader could, had the naive among us placed him in office. He's all alone on this. Hillary can do this effectively - she has excellent political cred and foreign policy experience and she has clout. I wanted her to win in 2008. Her time didn't pass. Of necessity, she had to wait 8 years as the country moved to elect the first African-American president. If anyone's time has passed, it is Bernie's. Where was he all of these years? At 73 I don't think Bernie is too old to run for office - but I think his ideas are too old. A worn out Socialist from the picket lines with dreams whose likelihood of realization are long passed.
5
Actually her time did pass. Bernie's a Socialist who doesn't play well with others but at least he's honest. End Hillary Schillary.
She is 68...so too close in age to make this an issue.
She dyes her hair like most women.
So what.
They will impeach her.
She dyes her hair like most women.
So what.
They will impeach her.
2
I would like to say a thing or two about the candidates' speaking style and stage presence. Bernie hunches over the lectern and jabs his fingers at the audience in a preachy, rasping eastern? accent like he was lecturing a teenager who had been caught stealing egg money from the cookie jar. Clinton stands poised and erect, asking and answering questions about pertinent problems facing a leader of the free world in a confident voice and civil manner. She has been criticized for her speaking voice, her hair, her attire by the "liberal" press with no complaining. No such criticism has been aimed at Bernie who exhibits a far more disheveled appearance. She is blamed for the philandering of her husband and ignores it. No comments are made about Mrs. Sanders whom the press virtually ignores and rarely even photographs. Hillary will represent the US on the international stage with the same kind of measured calmness needed in dealing with allies and adversaries alike. Can you see Bernie in the role of world leader? I certainly cannot. Arise Hillary supporters! Let's get in there and fight for her.
11
Bernie will make a brilliant world leader.
2
Nice point on speaking styles and presentation of the self , tho it isn't fair to hold Bernie's Brooklyn accent against him . Probably speaks go his authenticity. HRC is clearly a capable politician. tho I wouldn't call her a statesman. Her ambition is surpassed by her cool self possession. Bernie could bankrupt us.But is Hillary authentic? Is what we see what we get? Both Dems and Republicans can take the blame for ignoring the working class people who back Trump.
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I certainly believe that this country does not need a person in the oval office who is presenting "somewhere over the rainbow " promises that are not practical nor attainable in our environment. Bernie also provides fuzzy and remote proposals on other major problems that a president must deal with. Hilliary by far has the experience, poise and knowledge to meet the challenges of the presidency.
7
The real choice in this election is less Democrat vs Republican than Status Quo vs Transformation.
If Trump or Sanders were to win, even for a single term, Washington could never return to 'business as usual' as we understand it now, the break with the past would be irreconcilable.
In actuality the power of the presidency is so restrained by other branches that little lasting damage can be done that can't be undone so whether their influence was positive or negative or created a lasting legacy would be of far less importance than the instigation of the break itself.
A vote for Clinton, Cruz, Kasich, or Rubio is vote for a Democratic or Republican candidate but more importantly it's a vote for business as usual and more of the same.
If Trump or Sanders were to win, even for a single term, Washington could never return to 'business as usual' as we understand it now, the break with the past would be irreconcilable.
In actuality the power of the presidency is so restrained by other branches that little lasting damage can be done that can't be undone so whether their influence was positive or negative or created a lasting legacy would be of far less importance than the instigation of the break itself.
A vote for Clinton, Cruz, Kasich, or Rubio is vote for a Democratic or Republican candidate but more importantly it's a vote for business as usual and more of the same.
4
Slow, steady change vs disruption.
Sounds like one of the justifications for the Iraq War - destabilize the Status Quo in the Middle East and let's see what happens. Whee!
Sounds like one of the justifications for the Iraq War - destabilize the Status Quo in the Middle East and let's see what happens. Whee!
1
Rita....If you equate the American electorate with the tribal clannism and the savage sectarianism of the Middle East you may have a point.
Personally I think the relatively homogenous US electorate, especially in the absence of Saudi and Iranian style actors competing to exert undue influence, would rebound in a more cohesive and meaningful fashion than the fractious kingdoms and states of the Middle East could muster
Personally I think the relatively homogenous US electorate, especially in the absence of Saudi and Iranian style actors competing to exert undue influence, would rebound in a more cohesive and meaningful fashion than the fractious kingdoms and states of the Middle East could muster
The worst least appealing part of all these debates is the moderators. While it is practical for the GOP-debate moderators to ride strict herd on the Republicans' frenzied-mob candidates, the Democratic debates feature two people, who exercised decorum and for the most part did not scream over each other. But to hear the moderators interrupt, interrupt, interrupt the answers ("Senator/Secretary, your time is up. Senator, senator, senator, your time is up") was extremely annoying. We're listening for their answers, not the egocentric moderators' questions. CNN/Univision was the worst, followed by CNN. With so many debates, why not limit each debate to two or three subjects?
5
This bears repeating in all the "bern" noise:
Apparently some people do not understand what being Secretary of State of the United States entails and have the gall to say "so what" regarding Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton's service in that position. 68 people in the HIStory of the United States have been Secretary of State. According to Wikipedia, “As the highest-ranking member of the cabinet, the Secretary of State is the third-highest official of the executive branch of the Federal Government of the United States”. Three of those people have been women; Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ms. Rodham-Clinton was MOST successful. Stop trying to demean her accomplishments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_State
Apparently some people do not understand what being Secretary of State of the United States entails and have the gall to say "so what" regarding Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton's service in that position. 68 people in the HIStory of the United States have been Secretary of State. According to Wikipedia, “As the highest-ranking member of the cabinet, the Secretary of State is the third-highest official of the executive branch of the Federal Government of the United States”. Three of those people have been women; Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ms. Rodham-Clinton was MOST successful. Stop trying to demean her accomplishments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_State
8
What we need is Hillary Sanders - a combination of motivating idealism (without the scolding finger) and Midwestern pragmatism.
3
Midwestern pragmatism would tell HCR to stay at home, but she won't because her motivation is still strong after decades of being slimed by conservatives and misogynists.
2
Hillary Clinton supported the war in Iraq and the destabilization of Libya. Bernie Sanders voted no on the Iraq war. I wonder how much money that was wasted could go to a decent universal health care policy and College education if we hadn't spent well over a Trillion dollars on those wars not to mention the continuing cost of refugee resettlement around the world and continuing costs of the secret war the US continues to be involved in.
President Obama won the Democratic nomination largely because of Mrs. Clinton's vote on the Iraq war.
I know Mrs. Clinton is a very smart women and knows how to legislate and compromise. I also know she has terrible judgement. When it came time to lead she followed and the cost to this country in lives treasure and future growth has been a disaster.
Bernie Sanders may not be a great legislature but he will provide something this country sorely needs. Sound leadership and someone who is willing to tell the truth to the American public and lead. You can't change the country without leading the country.
President Obama won the Democratic nomination largely because of Mrs. Clinton's vote on the Iraq war.
I know Mrs. Clinton is a very smart women and knows how to legislate and compromise. I also know she has terrible judgement. When it came time to lead she followed and the cost to this country in lives treasure and future growth has been a disaster.
Bernie Sanders may not be a great legislature but he will provide something this country sorely needs. Sound leadership and someone who is willing to tell the truth to the American public and lead. You can't change the country without leading the country.
3
Hillary is not a stupendous debater. She admitted it in the debate last night when she stated the truth that she is not a natural politician. She is knowledgable but not incisive. Sanders has better political skill.
You give an example in your column. Hillary should not have made the obviously misleading charge that Bernie was against the auto company bailout in 2008. She should have explained, as you did, that he voted against the messy bill that combined auto bailout with Wall Street bailout, and that is the kind of failure to compromise that will make him ineffective as President. it would be a much stronger argument. It might not persuade idealistic voters who want to bring down the system but it would ring true to many more who understand compromise is necessary to govern. It would also give her a chance to attack the uncompromising Republicans.
She could and should level with people about Wall Street. The US cannot live without the financial sector. She should get specific about how she will rein them in--not say "I have a lot of proposals". People are angry at Wall Street and how they got away with it in 2008. She has not responded to the anger.
You give an example in your column. Hillary should not have made the obviously misleading charge that Bernie was against the auto company bailout in 2008. She should have explained, as you did, that he voted against the messy bill that combined auto bailout with Wall Street bailout, and that is the kind of failure to compromise that will make him ineffective as President. it would be a much stronger argument. It might not persuade idealistic voters who want to bring down the system but it would ring true to many more who understand compromise is necessary to govern. It would also give her a chance to attack the uncompromising Republicans.
She could and should level with people about Wall Street. The US cannot live without the financial sector. She should get specific about how she will rein them in--not say "I have a lot of proposals". People are angry at Wall Street and how they got away with it in 2008. She has not responded to the anger.
7
Gail's portrayal of Sanders as someone who stands by his values and refuses to settle has a very negative and condescending tone. And maybe if we had a functioning government, I might agree with her. But our government is severely broken. The battle we, as Democrats and as progressives, are fighting is the moneyed ignorance of the Republican party. We have tried, over and over again (was Ms. Collins around for the last 8 years?) the sad game of "bipartisanship" which has only led to a.) the growth of the far right and b.) a series of terrible "deals" for the American people.
I don't think it should matter wether Sanders can or can't get anything done. Nothing of value gets done through our embarrassment of a congress. We need a stubborn progressive in the White House if for no other reason than we haven't ever tried it before.
I am a young woman, and when I hear older generations talk about incrementalism, it infuriates me. Our country is literally sinking into the ocean. I'm sorry you are happy with your 401K and your nice piece of property, but for us younger folks the stakes are much more real. How can older generations so easily deny us any hope for the future?
I don't think it should matter wether Sanders can or can't get anything done. Nothing of value gets done through our embarrassment of a congress. We need a stubborn progressive in the White House if for no other reason than we haven't ever tried it before.
I am a young woman, and when I hear older generations talk about incrementalism, it infuriates me. Our country is literally sinking into the ocean. I'm sorry you are happy with your 401K and your nice piece of property, but for us younger folks the stakes are much more real. How can older generations so easily deny us any hope for the future?
2
Incrementalism is usually progress that lasts. Unfortunately, in the last 25 years the Dems have pretty much given away the store and called it incrementalism.
1
Norma, please don't assume all older people are comfortably set with homes and retirement incomes. That may be true of the ones you know, but there are plenty of us who worry about ending up as bag ladies.
I'm 55 and have no children and little financial security, but I care as deeply as you do about what happens to our planet, our country and to your generation, and the generations to come. So do the older people and Democratic supporters I know on both sides of the candidate divide. Neither selfishness nor altruism is a group trait.
We are individuals sharing the same hopes --we just disagree on who can best fulfill them. I don't want to deny you hope, For myself, I am just afraid that Bernie can't win in November with a large angry but right-wing electorate. I wouldn't mind trying something new, but the downside is what a loss would mean: a right-wing Supreme Court, President and Congress that could undo the last 75 years of progress for you, your children, and their children.
I'm 55 and have no children and little financial security, but I care as deeply as you do about what happens to our planet, our country and to your generation, and the generations to come. So do the older people and Democratic supporters I know on both sides of the candidate divide. Neither selfishness nor altruism is a group trait.
We are individuals sharing the same hopes --we just disagree on who can best fulfill them. I don't want to deny you hope, For myself, I am just afraid that Bernie can't win in November with a large angry but right-wing electorate. I wouldn't mind trying something new, but the downside is what a loss would mean: a right-wing Supreme Court, President and Congress that could undo the last 75 years of progress for you, your children, and their children.
Not work against the system, but make the system work for the people. Hillary is best qualified to do that as she understands that the best. History is littered with politicians like Sanders, but it's the LBJ's that actually accomplish and enact meaningful policy goals.
7
Gail, you stated the single-most important reason to support Hillary for president: During his 30 years in Congress,"Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role. At one point he offered an amendment to raise taxes on high-income individuals, which was basically ignored."
Suddenly, this 75-year-old man is going to lead a revolution? What Sanders is busy doing right now is strengthening the hands of Trump. Should Sanders win the nomination, Trump and all the Republican elites who are falling in lockstep with him, will destroy Sanders in short order.
The one person in America who can defeat Trump and teach all the little Trumpets a lesson in citizenship is Hillary Clinton. I shudder to think about a possible Trump-Sanders contest.
Suddenly, this 75-year-old man is going to lead a revolution? What Sanders is busy doing right now is strengthening the hands of Trump. Should Sanders win the nomination, Trump and all the Republican elites who are falling in lockstep with him, will destroy Sanders in short order.
The one person in America who can defeat Trump and teach all the little Trumpets a lesson in citizenship is Hillary Clinton. I shudder to think about a possible Trump-Sanders contest.
14
Whenever someone says that Bernie's healthcare and education plans are impossible and impractical for Americans to have, I'm reminded of our greatest Presidents who also aspired to achieve the impossible and succeeded.
Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Sanders
Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Sanders
1
War of independence, Civil War, WWII, ?
1
They had Congressional support. Most members of Congress embarrass themselves while they embarrass the country.
Leave it to the Democratic party to fumble the gift of public humiliation of the crazies on the right and end up extending of the right wing pillory Hillary campaign through, of all people the nicest man in Congress. At some point we need to get this straight: the charge of our children lies not in rhetoric but in hard nosed management of the levers of power which include all the beasts that roam our global society. Hillary's quest is just as worthy as Bernie's, and may have a traction borne of scars to go with her intellect and sense of public service- but Democrats better stand together soon or we will certainly hang separately.
7
Day after day I read Sanders supporters claim that the NYT is biased against him and that he is the great hope for our country. I don't see it, and they really seem to be acting exactly like the Hillary Clinton supporters in 2008. I am a very left of center Democrat and I can never forgive Bill Clinton for cravenly signing the welfare reform legislation or DOMA, but I am supporting Hillary Clinton with many of the same sentiments that Ms. Collins sets forth. Bernie has been in the role of agitator from the left for a very long time -- so it's not so much his lack of experience, but that what he has experience doing has little relevance to being president. In 2008 I really was bothered by the idea that being the First Lady was relevant, but upon reflection and with maturity it is so clear that it is. She was court side to the presidency for 8 years, and then she was a Senator and then she was in the cabinet. No one in this race is better prepared, and given that whomever is elected will mostly be in the role of blocking horrible republican ideas and making super incremental progress, why wouldn't we choose the most prepared person and then get the extra benefit of having a woman president finally?
11
Either Hillary or Bernie would be preferable over any of the vulgar GOP frat boys. As for Hillary's "baggage," she's been subject to intense scrutiny for all her years in the public eye, including vicious rumors and innuendo, and for the most part has stood strong and shaken them off. I only wish all the little GOP candidates were subject to the same scrutiny, but I know they never will be. Bernie has overcome the media's reluctance to give him an equal platform, but voters are hearing his message. At this point in America, only the Democratic party wants to govern, the other wants to rule, and to obstruct.
3
I haven't made up my mind yet about Bernie or Hillary. See, there recently was a study to determine the most bi-partisan to most partisan senators. McConnell and Reid were omitted, leaving 98. The two LEAST bi-partisan, that is most partisan senators were...Ted Cruz at 97, and Bernie Sanders at 98! Yes, likeable Uncle Bernie beat out class snitch Ted Cruz for most partisan.
So both Dems leave me a bit uncomfortable. However, once the nomination is decided I will, without reservation, support either one against the horrendous choices the GOP has to offer. I cannot think of one Republican, even if there's an open convention which can pick ANYONE, whom I would prefer to either Dem.
While the mods were tougher, they also were, at times, rather clumsy with their questions, especially Jorge Ramos with his leading "Yes or No" questions. Also, the ham-handed attempts to cut the speakers off before the candidate had actually made his or her point showed an insensitivity to what the debates are supposed to do. I didn't mind it being bilingual--that's America's future, but talking over in two languages was tough. The one anomaly: The one young woman who wanted to study for her PhD clearly spoke English, yet she easily could have done her own translation rather than letting the clumsier translator do it.
When asked what they would do for Latinos, both missed the obvious answer: Start by encouraging folks to register and vote, especially in states with restrictive voter ID laws!
So both Dems leave me a bit uncomfortable. However, once the nomination is decided I will, without reservation, support either one against the horrendous choices the GOP has to offer. I cannot think of one Republican, even if there's an open convention which can pick ANYONE, whom I would prefer to either Dem.
While the mods were tougher, they also were, at times, rather clumsy with their questions, especially Jorge Ramos with his leading "Yes or No" questions. Also, the ham-handed attempts to cut the speakers off before the candidate had actually made his or her point showed an insensitivity to what the debates are supposed to do. I didn't mind it being bilingual--that's America's future, but talking over in two languages was tough. The one anomaly: The one young woman who wanted to study for her PhD clearly spoke English, yet she easily could have done her own translation rather than letting the clumsier translator do it.
When asked what they would do for Latinos, both missed the obvious answer: Start by encouraging folks to register and vote, especially in states with restrictive voter ID laws!
3
Good job, Gail, fair to both Bernie and Hillary! They both have the chops, nous and viability to be our President. Bernie Sanders has the hope and visionary action words that appeal to young people who want an anti-establishment movement - all those who have not received a fair slice of the American money pie in jobs and wages and who stand on the lowest step of the American Dream Ladder. Hillary Clinton a fine example of public service her whole life, a Democrat who lived large in our public eyes (two terms as First Lady, Senator from NY, and Secretary of State), appeals to the rest. She is not President Barack Obama's legacy. The Gray Lady endorsed Hillary too soon; the new media swept mentions of Bernie Sander's chances under the rug like dust kitties. Though hopefully he will continue to run till the DNC convention in Philadelphia in July. PS, the Republican Party today is amok, with you know who, the fluff-haired blabbermouth businessman, carny- barker who has won the hearts and minds of his followers, low-info bread and circus red hat people, and could win most of the GOP primaries and caucuses, having stomped his competitors into toast and Rhinoceros Dance dust. The campaign so far has devolved into Bernie Sanders and Hillary on the Democratic side of the angels, and The Donald and a few zealots whose chances are nil for the Presidency on the Right. Let's enjoy Florida's big tent excitement next Tuesday. There will be something for everyone at that State Fair!
1
Like many, I'll support Sanders now, then hold my nose and vote Clinton in the general election. Clinton will win the presidency because since California, Illinois and New Jersey became uncontested blue states, the GOP has too narrow a path to the presidency, needing to hold their states and win nine of nine open and contested states. This is not likely with their extreme candidates and far right positions. In fact, it is near impossible.
Then, if you think that the GOP went out of its way to block a young and popular Obama--you have seen nothing yet. We will have four to eight years of acrimony and nothing being accomplished.
This all seems to be pre-ordained and an exercise in futility. How in the world will we ever change the way things are being run? We cannot long continue this way.
Then, if you think that the GOP went out of its way to block a young and popular Obama--you have seen nothing yet. We will have four to eight years of acrimony and nothing being accomplished.
This all seems to be pre-ordained and an exercise in futility. How in the world will we ever change the way things are being run? We cannot long continue this way.
2
How will we ever change the way things are run? Get involved in every election as a candidate, canvasser and/or voter, not just in the big national contests, but in every tiny, boring, seemingly insignificant local election. That's how the Kochs did it, and it seems to have been a slow, incremental, and astoundingly effective method of taking over government. Took them 30 years, but here we are.
1
Progressives need to vote in the off year elections. Know who is running for your state legislature. A Republican sate legislature will draw Republican Congressional districts. Conservative state legislators pretty much legislate whatever is written for them by Alec. They are ignorant, lazy and narrow minded. Alec is funded by corporations. Alec knows that many state legislators are poor quality. The Michigan State legislature censored a Representative who uttered the word "vagina" while speaking about a bill. They are a sorry lot from legislators of 1970s.
There really is so much misogyny in the remarks about HRC here. For Sanders supporters, if you want women to pass up the chance to finally see one of their own break through the glass ceiling to the Oval Office, focus on Sanders' record of accomplishments and experience rather than indulging in mean-spirited attacks on HRC. It also would not hurt to address the plight of women's rights, which is ignored by male candidates who have so miserably failed to represent their female constituency. I can assure you that every time I read a Bernie Bro rant or view the candidate himself waving his hand in HRC's face to shush her, I am reminded of every obnoxious frat boy and chauvinistic boss I have experienced over the years. This only strengthens my resolve to vote for HRC. If that is your goal, by all means continue with your tone deaf behavior.
187
Please, cite an example of misogyny. Most (all?) of the criticisms I've seen have to do with policy or history. I think you can as easily make a claim about anti-semitism directed at Bernie. I see (and share) the feeling that Hillary is more of a centrist than I think the country needs, but there is no question I would support her candidacy. Get a grip.
As a man who considers "bro" to be both a vile slur and something no one should aspire to be, I find the cavalier way "Bernie bro" is flung about by HRC loyalists disheartening. Yes, it's alliterative, but no, I have not yet met anyone who fits the description. Maybe I'm just in a bubble, but all the bros I have the misfortune to know are Trump bros.
1
Give me a break, Sis. I've been a feminist for 65 years but it galls me to hear HRC supporters spout this nonsense about Sanders. If he's giving you grief, just wait for the real misogyny of the GOP.
1
Even though I don't especially like Hillary, I will certainly vote for her since she is unquestionably the most qualified person to be our next president.
7
Last sentence it pretty much sums up why there are so many of us tilting at windmills. We know in a probabilistic sense Bernie won't win. We crave the change, we envision it, but realistically know it is a pipe dream. But that doesn't stop the Sanders supporters from wanting to send the message we are sick of how the system smells these days. And if anyone is a creature of the system it is Hillary Clinton, not with standing her status as the best candidate for the job.
4
I listen to how the media treats Sanders and believe they would also have railed against using light bulbs because candles have always worked. They would have been the ones naming the Erie Canal "Clinton's Ditch." (not the current Clinton).
Bernie has thoughtful plans and what he is proposing is highly successful in multiple other countries. It is just different, so everyone is running scared.
I did not think you would fall into this camp, Ms. Collins...
Bernie has thoughtful plans and what he is proposing is highly successful in multiple other countries. It is just different, so everyone is running scared.
I did not think you would fall into this camp, Ms. Collins...
6
Yes, I've stopped watching the debates. There is not a lot of daylight between the two on most topics, and I'm sick of seeing them turn niggling differences into (non)issues. As far as Wall Street goes, Ms. Clinton could use some of Bernie's candor, bluster, and directness: "Yes, I spoke to Wall Street and a hundred other organizations. You know what? They want to hear what a former Secretary of State has to say about the world. There's a reason they don't want to talk to Mr. Sanders and it's not because of his message. It's because he has said much but done little. And in the end, our financial institutions want to be engaged with doers not talkers since what they do impacts global markets every single day. Why did I get paid so much? Because I'm worth it. And I'll fight to do the same for women across this country who are also worth it." That she doesn't do this suggests she either thinks too much, has something to hide, or both.
11
Business Week did an article on Senator Sanders which substantiates your premise about the communication between Wall Street and Senator Sanders. In addition when Senator Sanders states that he will match his government career with Hillary's any day. Hillary should look at him directly and relate where her resume with her lengthy support for women of this country and worldwide, her international experience and her experience as a senator representing the diversity of New York is definitely a plus plus.
2
If we wind up with a GOP president, senate, and Supreme Court, Sanders will bear a large part of the blame. His candidacy is all ego, and he's having the time of his life.
His ideas are not the problem. How he intends to get a GOP congress to approve is. It's pie in the sky politics, a child's dream.
His ideas are not the problem. How he intends to get a GOP congress to approve is. It's pie in the sky politics, a child's dream.
8
Sorry. I'm voting for Bernie. Although Secretary Clinton has paid her dues, she is really no better than the worst Republican, when it comes to being a shill for Wall Street. I will vote for her if I have to. But, I have zero enthusiasm for her and can barely stand her tone of voice.
Bernie Sanders is the only honest person, it seems, in this race.
Bernie Sanders is the only honest person, it seems, in this race.
7
A senator's vote in support of a war that has cost tens of thousands of lives and trillions of dollars does not make her the most qualified person to be president. It's disqualifies her. That decision should haunt her for the rest of her life, and if you believe in god, will haunt her after that.
7
When Hillary Clinton was being coronated, she only wanted a few debates and her enabler, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, complied. But now that Bernie Sanders is beating her, she wants to have a lot of debates. Curious!
If you don’t count the Super-delegates or the delegates from Republican states (e.g., the Confederate states), then Sanders is way ahead of Hillary.
If you don’t count the Super-delegates or the delegates from Republican states (e.g., the Confederate states), then Sanders is way ahead of Hillary.
3
Yes! And if you count only those who write with their left hand, comb their hair with a wire bristle brush and drive blue cars with a wonky left wheel, Sanders is a shoo-in!!!
About the hammer part . . . perhaps not such a bad idea!
1
“He voted against the money that ended up saving the auto industry,” Clinton claimed while Sanders looked stunned."
He looked surprised that she would so blatantly lie in the debate. Gail, I strongly suggest you read todays editorial in your own paper. Here's a quote from it: "Mrs. Clinton’s FALSELY parsing Mr. Sanders’s Senate vote on a 2008 recession-related bailout bill as abandoning the auto industry rescue hurt her credibility." (Caps mine.)
And here's a link incase you'd care to read the whole thing: http://nyti.ms/1XdORHx
He looked surprised that she would so blatantly lie in the debate. Gail, I strongly suggest you read todays editorial in your own paper. Here's a quote from it: "Mrs. Clinton’s FALSELY parsing Mr. Sanders’s Senate vote on a 2008 recession-related bailout bill as abandoning the auto industry rescue hurt her credibility." (Caps mine.)
And here's a link incase you'd care to read the whole thing: http://nyti.ms/1XdORHx
4
Perhaps if he would stop waving his hand in her face and cutting her off ("I'm talking!"), she might have laid off the parsing the 2008 Bailout Bill. Cut the macho posturing, Bern. And I don't think he realizes it either.
Lets remember that the New York Times pontificated that Hillary had won the debate just prior to Michigan. All the polls were wrong and they were wrong too.
2
The editorial starts off sounding as though the American people are getting tired of hearing too many debates. Hardly! How else do you get to understand the position and qualifications of the next leader of the free world. And to the point that Hillary is most qualified. While Hillary has been raising oodles of cash from special interests, Bernie has spent 30 years sitting on multiple legislative committees, listened to the testimony of thousands of experts, and over the decades considered and voted on the bills that affects the course of all Americas. I wish the Times was more balanced in its coverage of Bernie.
2
What is increasingly clear, and present in these comments, is how little people actually know about how Washington and Wall Street work. Sure, they are too close in some areas and we need reform. But this full demonization and hatred of democracy and capitalism is rather frightening. It's so easy to just blame "them" rather than try to understand the complexities of the problems we face in a time of globalization. Americans keep saying they want better leaders but they seem utterly clueless what a good leader looks like. They are addicted to entertainment, rhetoric, and rallies. Look at the history of this country. The best leaders are often boring and shrewd. George Washington and Abe Lincoln wouldn't stand a chance!
5
I remember when we idealists nominated Eugen
McCarthy for the Democratic candidate. We didn't realize he wouldn't be acceptable to such a large segment of the American public. Love Bernie but fear we're in a similar place - we also need votes from the middle. I personally know Repubs who are willing to cross over for a vote for Hillary but they cringe when you mention Sanders.
McCarthy for the Democratic candidate. We didn't realize he wouldn't be acceptable to such a large segment of the American public. Love Bernie but fear we're in a similar place - we also need votes from the middle. I personally know Repubs who are willing to cross over for a vote for Hillary but they cringe when you mention Sanders.
151
Yes, we campaigned for Clean Gene, but he did not win. That was the year Humphrey eventually got the nomination, at the convention, and lost, of course, to Nixon.
Please take a look at polls and stop repeating the party line. Bernie fairs far better among both Independents and Republicans. Seriously. He also performs far better in all theoretical matchups against republican opponents than Hillary does. Call it the successful result of a long smear campaign against her, but she fairs far, far worse among Republicans than you think.
As for my own anecdotal experience it's been the opposite. Lots of republicans who would never vote for Trump UNLESS he faced Hillary, who they loathe even more. They would be fine voting for Bernie.
As for my own anecdotal experience it's been the opposite. Lots of republicans who would never vote for Trump UNLESS he faced Hillary, who they loathe even more. They would be fine voting for Bernie.
The electibility issue is summed up nicely by net favorability ratings. Hillary is disliked by 12% more of the populous than likes her. Bernie, on the other hand, is liked by 12% more of the populous than dislikes him.
It is very hard to win a general election when you are widely disliked by the public. The only thing she has going for her is that Donald Trump is even more (by a lot actually) reviled.
While there are undoubtedly many socially moderate and wealthy republicans that would cross over for Clinton versus Trump, there are many many more socially conservative/moderate working class people who will crossover (or become engaged at all) and vote for Sanders.
The subtext of this is as follow:
If you are an upper income/ upper wealth person, a successful Sanders administration will mean you will have to sacrifice. You will pay more taxes, you will find it harder to shelter your income, and to pocket all your capital gains, and especially if you are a doctor, you will probably take a pay cut. But, your lifestyle won't fundamentally change. Instead of having an extra $100,000 to do whatever you want with after you've paid for private school, a a nanny, bought a Lexus, gone on a European vacation, and dined at fancy restaurants regularly, you'll have $85,0000. So what?
It is very hard to win a general election when you are widely disliked by the public. The only thing she has going for her is that Donald Trump is even more (by a lot actually) reviled.
While there are undoubtedly many socially moderate and wealthy republicans that would cross over for Clinton versus Trump, there are many many more socially conservative/moderate working class people who will crossover (or become engaged at all) and vote for Sanders.
The subtext of this is as follow:
If you are an upper income/ upper wealth person, a successful Sanders administration will mean you will have to sacrifice. You will pay more taxes, you will find it harder to shelter your income, and to pocket all your capital gains, and especially if you are a doctor, you will probably take a pay cut. But, your lifestyle won't fundamentally change. Instead of having an extra $100,000 to do whatever you want with after you've paid for private school, a a nanny, bought a Lexus, gone on a European vacation, and dined at fancy restaurants regularly, you'll have $85,0000. So what?
1
As a former Secretary of State, Hillary ought to know that the policies which she suggests are "too good to be true" are in place in all other developed countries. I struggle to think of accomplishments during her time as Secretary. She flew a million miles, brought us into the disaster in Libya, has been an interventionist hawk, and did nothing I can think of to calm the Middle East or any other part of the world. Clinton may know, theoretically, how to "make the system" work, but what has she done? Clinton's health care initiative failed in large part because of her ham-handedness. She has a patchy record on the environment and immigration. The CHIP program which she fought for has been a success. Given her influence and experience, her senatorial record should be replete with victories and transformational legislation, and it is not. This Op Ed ignores Bernie's success as mayor of a city, transforming it with the ultimate support of Vermonters of all stripes. You chide Bernie for not doing much in the Senate, though, as an independent, he was fighting all the time against the tide. Now the tide has turned in his favor. This Op Ed is so loathe to accept the political revolution. Young voters will not turn out for Clinton. I may not myself. I don't think she has the chops to lead me and the overwhelming majority of younger voters.
2
Annabellina Do you really think Sanders has "the chops" to get things done with Republicans in the majority in Congress. You yourself acknowledge that he as an Independent couldn't get much done.
Time for a reality check for all of you young people. There are miracles in religion, not in politics.
Time for a reality check for all of you young people. There are miracles in religion, not in politics.
1
When I went to college, a long time ago, I paid $48 in student fees each term, bought my own textbooks and paid lab fees. That was it.
I also had a job that was willing to work with my hours at school.
The country could afford it then and can now.
They collected taxes from corporations and taxed wealth (and taxed obscene wealth with high rates).
The result of a poorly educated populace are the Republican candidates.
I also had a job that was willing to work with my hours at school.
The country could afford it then and can now.
They collected taxes from corporations and taxed wealth (and taxed obscene wealth with high rates).
The result of a poorly educated populace are the Republican candidates.
15
Has it not occurred to anyone that the young people supporting Sanders aren't naive suckers? That perhaps they have simply been paying attention to how our government operates?
In the last 15 years, the most effective force in Congress was the Tea Party. A well-organized group with strong principles (terrible principles, but strong ones) who came into Congress with a list of demands and stuck to them.
By contrast, the people who were willing to play to the middle (Obama and Boehner, for example) got no traction and lost ground.
The reason it makes no sense to play for the middle is that in Congress, there is no sensible middle anymore. If you're 25, you've never even seen a sensible middle in action! That Hillary Clinton -- who just spent two years being investigated for Benghazi, a literal nothing -- can pretend that there still is a sensible middle is fundamentally dishonest. If Congress was willing to do that to her when she was Secretary of State, they are ready to do it when she is President.
The young people aren't fools for seeing the world as it is. They understand that the Congress we have now is so polarized that only strong, clear movement with high demands can make any progress at all. They are not being idealists. They are being cynical. And they are reading the lay of the land pretty much exactly as it is.
In the last 15 years, the most effective force in Congress was the Tea Party. A well-organized group with strong principles (terrible principles, but strong ones) who came into Congress with a list of demands and stuck to them.
By contrast, the people who were willing to play to the middle (Obama and Boehner, for example) got no traction and lost ground.
The reason it makes no sense to play for the middle is that in Congress, there is no sensible middle anymore. If you're 25, you've never even seen a sensible middle in action! That Hillary Clinton -- who just spent two years being investigated for Benghazi, a literal nothing -- can pretend that there still is a sensible middle is fundamentally dishonest. If Congress was willing to do that to her when she was Secretary of State, they are ready to do it when she is President.
The young people aren't fools for seeing the world as it is. They understand that the Congress we have now is so polarized that only strong, clear movement with high demands can make any progress at all. They are not being idealists. They are being cynical. And they are reading the lay of the land pretty much exactly as it is.
5
Sander's proposal for free public college education in this country is not pie in the sky or, "too good to be true," as Clinton cited. Several other well developed countries provide it realizing the benefits to the society as a whole.
The more highly educated our young people are, the more we all benefit. That means more employed people in well paying occupations, more entrepreneurs. That translates to more employment as those starting businesses hire other people.
And consider what it costs to train and equip a soldier in Afghanistan for one year. This from a Senate hearing in 2012
Keeping one American service member in Afghanistan costs between $850,000 and $1.4 million a year, depending on who you ask. But one matter is clear, that cost is going up.
During a budget hearing today on Capitol Hill, Sen. Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, asked Department of Defense leaders, "What is the cost per soldier, to maintain a soldier for a year in Afghanistan?" Under Secretary Robert Hale, the Pentagon comptroller, responded "Right now about $850,000 per soldier."
Conrad seemed shocked at the number.
"That kind of takes my breath away, when you tell me it's $850,000," Conrad said
A Pentagon spokesman later said a more accurate figure is $815,000 a year.
So we should all ask ourselves how do we want to spend our money.
The more highly educated our young people are, the more we all benefit. That means more employed people in well paying occupations, more entrepreneurs. That translates to more employment as those starting businesses hire other people.
And consider what it costs to train and equip a soldier in Afghanistan for one year. This from a Senate hearing in 2012
Keeping one American service member in Afghanistan costs between $850,000 and $1.4 million a year, depending on who you ask. But one matter is clear, that cost is going up.
During a budget hearing today on Capitol Hill, Sen. Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota, asked Department of Defense leaders, "What is the cost per soldier, to maintain a soldier for a year in Afghanistan?" Under Secretary Robert Hale, the Pentagon comptroller, responded "Right now about $850,000 per soldier."
Conrad seemed shocked at the number.
"That kind of takes my breath away, when you tell me it's $850,000," Conrad said
A Pentagon spokesman later said a more accurate figure is $815,000 a year.
So we should all ask ourselves how do we want to spend our money.
11
Sanders may not be hated in the Senate like Cruz is, but he isn't respected either like Clinton was (and still is). When Sanders does offer legislation, he has a hard time finding co-sponsors. And when that happens, and it rarely does, he can't muster the votes to move it forward. Most of his Big Plans never make it past the Great Idea stage.
So, really, as a career politician, Sanders is mainly successful in collecting a nice paycheck (with generous health benefits and a solid pension) off the backs of the taxpayers from the same Big Government he claims to hate.
And he calls Clinton hypocritical?
So, really, as a career politician, Sanders is mainly successful in collecting a nice paycheck (with generous health benefits and a solid pension) off the backs of the taxpayers from the same Big Government he claims to hate.
And he calls Clinton hypocritical?
5
Can you please give some specifics when you make what seem to be baseless accusations?
1
Yes, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. The question is: What policies will she make the system work FOR? She started her political life as a flaming liberal, got co-opted by her husband's drive to succeed as a politician in a conservative Southern state, and after failing, as a new First Lady, to reform the U.S. medical system, she turned herself into a Washington apparatchik. What will she be as President - will she revert to her liberal roots, or remain an inside-the-beltway establishment figure, cosy with the lobbyists, and the bankers? Some of each, no doubt, but I'm betting she'll be at least as liberal as Obama. And it's high time we had a woman President. Still, I have a sneaking desire to see what Bernie could do - not much on his own, no doubt, but as the leader of a political revolution?
2
So here's a question- since Mr. Sanders is running on a purity platform and has made a big to-do about his anti-war vote, can someone from Vermont can speak to The Daily Beast Feb.9 article by Tim Mak about Mr. Sander's incongruous relationship/courtship of military contractors in your neighborhood?
The article points out Bernie's support of the F-35, considered a trillion dollar boondoggle, even by the Pentagon, and said this thing is basically put together with string and chewing gum and will be obsolete when built but it has Bernie's support because it would be advantageous to the locals- his locals. Why isnt this considered a "cozy relationship" with the military if he criticizes Clinton for "being cozy with Wall St"?? Sanders courted a Lockheed Martin research center, got the thumbs-up in his last election from old Wayne LaPierre himself against his opponent for his last Senate race, so how is all that congruous with the maple syrup/ grandad/"Vison Thing"?
It does sound like Sanders has a pragmatic streak himself if Vt makes money on it. If you vote against the Iraq War and then get busy building a local economy based on military projects how does that square with the purity stance that is being showcased? I haven't heard anyone address the article-maybe it has been talked about and I missed it.
The article points out Bernie's support of the F-35, considered a trillion dollar boondoggle, even by the Pentagon, and said this thing is basically put together with string and chewing gum and will be obsolete when built but it has Bernie's support because it would be advantageous to the locals- his locals. Why isnt this considered a "cozy relationship" with the military if he criticizes Clinton for "being cozy with Wall St"?? Sanders courted a Lockheed Martin research center, got the thumbs-up in his last election from old Wayne LaPierre himself against his opponent for his last Senate race, so how is all that congruous with the maple syrup/ grandad/"Vison Thing"?
It does sound like Sanders has a pragmatic streak himself if Vt makes money on it. If you vote against the Iraq War and then get busy building a local economy based on military projects how does that square with the purity stance that is being showcased? I haven't heard anyone address the article-maybe it has been talked about and I missed it.
4
Please stop this Orwellian narrative about how Clinton is "qualified" to be President, presumably because she was Secretary of State and First Lady.
On the biggest foreign policy issue of recent times--the Iraq war--she was WRONG! And Bernie was eloquently, forcefully and presciently right.
As far as this idea that she knows how to work the system and get things done, have we forgotten the debacle of her health system reform effort when she was First Lady? This is the biggest domestic policy effort she was ever in charge of and it went absolutely nowhere.
What is the evidence of what she has accomplished for the American people, let alone the hundreds of thousands of dead people in Iraq and other countries?
Gail, if your underlying issue is that we have to have a woman, then let's talk about Elizabeth Warren. Sanders/Warren 2016!
On the biggest foreign policy issue of recent times--the Iraq war--she was WRONG! And Bernie was eloquently, forcefully and presciently right.
As far as this idea that she knows how to work the system and get things done, have we forgotten the debacle of her health system reform effort when she was First Lady? This is the biggest domestic policy effort she was ever in charge of and it went absolutely nowhere.
What is the evidence of what she has accomplished for the American people, let alone the hundreds of thousands of dead people in Iraq and other countries?
Gail, if your underlying issue is that we have to have a woman, then let's talk about Elizabeth Warren. Sanders/Warren 2016!
5
what is really surprising -(to say the least) - how uniform this: 'We are for the practical plan' has become with the columnists of the NYT - even with ones we once thought had some kind of 'vision' - like Gail Collins?
And if this comment doesn't get posted - can moderation- please - at least forward it to Mr. Collins from a big -(and young) fan of hers who aks: 'What is wrong with you guys'?
And if this comment doesn't get posted - can moderation- please - at least forward it to Mr. Collins from a big -(and young) fan of hers who aks: 'What is wrong with you guys'?
3
Golly gosh, Bernie Sanders voted against the massive Wall St. bailout, or the "big unappetizing stew" out of a sense principle and integrity. And, as Gail points out, Sanders didn't shut government down, or even try to, out of some narcissistic, sociopathic hissy-fit. He just voted NO.
Turns out, much to the surprise and amazement of political experts and pundits everywhere, that a rather substantial number of 'mericans respect decency and honesty. Who knew ?
Turns out, much to the surprise and amazement of political experts and pundits everywhere, that a rather substantial number of 'mericans respect decency and honesty. Who knew ?
5
Gail,
Why do you and everyone else ignore Sanders moniker as the Amendment King!
He implicitly understand negotiations and compromise. He has made a living doing just so. But, he has always looked out for the less of us. He has always asked first whether it was right and just. This! This is a man I would want to be in charge of the largest military the world has ever known. This is a man who is trying to bring the Gov. back to the Republic. ( Not one who will continue giving away the store. But hey heres a coupon for cat food.) This is a man whos judgment has proved unerring correct.
A maverick you say? Perfect! Someone not bought and enthralled by the current Corp. and 1% that are now in control of our, OUR Republic.
Why continue with the lesser evil?! How about we vote in a greater good?!!
Lets set him up to oversee the ballgame. Balls and Strikes! I trust the mans judgment. Making sausage is not pretty. But it is mighty tasty when one knows the ingrediants are wholesome and made with integrity and honor.
The man knows how Congress works. Geez he's been there forever.
Why do you and everyone else ignore Sanders moniker as the Amendment King!
He implicitly understand negotiations and compromise. He has made a living doing just so. But, he has always looked out for the less of us. He has always asked first whether it was right and just. This! This is a man I would want to be in charge of the largest military the world has ever known. This is a man who is trying to bring the Gov. back to the Republic. ( Not one who will continue giving away the store. But hey heres a coupon for cat food.) This is a man whos judgment has proved unerring correct.
A maverick you say? Perfect! Someone not bought and enthralled by the current Corp. and 1% that are now in control of our, OUR Republic.
Why continue with the lesser evil?! How about we vote in a greater good?!!
Lets set him up to oversee the ballgame. Balls and Strikes! I trust the mans judgment. Making sausage is not pretty. But it is mighty tasty when one knows the ingrediants are wholesome and made with integrity and honor.
The man knows how Congress works. Geez he's been there forever.
6
Dobby, the facts are Bernie has been admirably vocal, but in actuality accomplished no legislation (one recent VA bill)helping his causes. He is too rigid and will not go for reasonable compromise - his way or the highway. Not the way to accomplish needed legislation righting many wrongs.
It seems to me that there are two groups with pitchforks here, the haters and the purists. Both are black and white people. In my humble opinion we need someone who can see the gray areas and work with that. When everyone in the room says it is my way or the highway there can't be compromise, which is how the wheels and cogs actually turn forward. Is Hillary perfect? No. But she has weathered more scrutiny than all of the other candidates combined and shown nothing but intelligence and backbone.
6
It seems to me that you need something to draw the Democratic candidates together. Perhaps it's time that an alien spaceship arrived over Washington. If that were to happen I'd sooner see the US arsenal and negotiating team under the control of a Sanders/Clinton alliance than any of the other possibilities. Wouldn't you?
2
At this point I do not care who is president for the next 4 years as long as they are not from the GOP.
151
It would have been interesting to see this first question in the debate, to Sanders: "Clinton won 70% of democratic voters in Mississippi. What are you doing or not doing to turn all those voters off so much?" I'd really like an answer to this. Instead, Clinton is constantly put on the defense. I'd also like to see some international affairs questions, beyond immigration.
4
People ask how could we pay for Bernie's health care plan.
We already are paying for it and we are overpaying for it.
We would pay all the private insurance premiums to a single payer system instead of the insurance companies. And we would probably save money.
Likewise, we are already paying for the uninsured every time they go to the emergency room because they don't have a doctor. Those costs get passed on to the rest of us as hospital overhead.
And for all we pay many surveys rank the US around number 10 in terms of health care quality.
On another note, Forbes ranks Denmark the number 1 country for business and ranks the US as number 22.
http://www.forbes.com/best-countries-for-business/list/
Supposedly when a supporter told Adlai Stevenson that Stevenson had the support of all thinking voters, Stevenson replied, “I need more than that, I need a majority.”
I think that is Bernie Sanders’ problem.
(And our country's problem.)
We already are paying for it and we are overpaying for it.
We would pay all the private insurance premiums to a single payer system instead of the insurance companies. And we would probably save money.
Likewise, we are already paying for the uninsured every time they go to the emergency room because they don't have a doctor. Those costs get passed on to the rest of us as hospital overhead.
And for all we pay many surveys rank the US around number 10 in terms of health care quality.
On another note, Forbes ranks Denmark the number 1 country for business and ranks the US as number 22.
http://www.forbes.com/best-countries-for-business/list/
Supposedly when a supporter told Adlai Stevenson that Stevenson had the support of all thinking voters, Stevenson replied, “I need more than that, I need a majority.”
I think that is Bernie Sanders’ problem.
(And our country's problem.)
7
Gail for President Hillary's Press Secretary.
6
The RNC should provide foam-rubber mallets to the remaining contenders so they really COULD hit one another with hammers.
2
The Iraq war was the defining issue for the current generation of politicians. Bernie (and Obama) got it right and Hillary got it wrong. No amount of slickness on Hillary's part in terms of knowing how to play the game of politics can make up for her lack of judgment.
You're worried about the cost of free college tuition? The Iraq war cost a billion dollars a day for years, if I remember correctly. That's a lot of tuition. And a better educated electorate would have saved us from the T-person. Plus a better educated worker earns more money and pays more taxes--in the course of their lifetime surely enough to pay back society for their free tuition.
Hillary is not "by far the best qualified candidate". Rather, she is the candidate who uses bad judgment in matters small (emails and questionable speeches) and large (Iraq and Libya), and then sticks to her mistakes like glue.
She may get things done, but it's the wrong things.
You're worried about the cost of free college tuition? The Iraq war cost a billion dollars a day for years, if I remember correctly. That's a lot of tuition. And a better educated electorate would have saved us from the T-person. Plus a better educated worker earns more money and pays more taxes--in the course of their lifetime surely enough to pay back society for their free tuition.
Hillary is not "by far the best qualified candidate". Rather, she is the candidate who uses bad judgment in matters small (emails and questionable speeches) and large (Iraq and Libya), and then sticks to her mistakes like glue.
She may get things done, but it's the wrong things.
6
'Dear Evelina, have been meaning to write for ever so long and hope this finds you well in Paris with Spring in the air, while we 'Spring forward' this weekend. Politics in America? We have gone from 'The Sublime to the Slime' and the Republican Party is about to vote in the big rich Trump, whom the French interpreted as the stereotype 'Dumb American' back in the 50s.
It is easy to be in a state of moral outrage over this state of affairs, but money is more important in the long run. Many kind house builders here where I am staying are voting for him and bringing me 'free coffee and muffins' for breakfast, while I listen. Madame Clinton is regarded as a crook and a criminal, if not a cook, by both Parties, except for women who want a female President. You will not be surprised to hear that she is the smartest, most seasoned and experienced of our Politicians, and we have another, a scholarly academic figure, 'Bernie', who is getting a message to our young Generation that the future is in their hands.
A volatile friend had a heated exchange with another on FB about why Mrs. Clinton is a better choice than the other Democrat, these exchanges are a waste of time. Our journalists are hard at work and it is not all bunnies and crumpets. Mrs. Clinton wants to rebuild America, create manufacturing jobs and get us educated, and unfortunately, mentioned that this will take 'Work'. In summary, we are in a muddle and your friend here is none the wiser.
It is easy to be in a state of moral outrage over this state of affairs, but money is more important in the long run. Many kind house builders here where I am staying are voting for him and bringing me 'free coffee and muffins' for breakfast, while I listen. Madame Clinton is regarded as a crook and a criminal, if not a cook, by both Parties, except for women who want a female President. You will not be surprised to hear that she is the smartest, most seasoned and experienced of our Politicians, and we have another, a scholarly academic figure, 'Bernie', who is getting a message to our young Generation that the future is in their hands.
A volatile friend had a heated exchange with another on FB about why Mrs. Clinton is a better choice than the other Democrat, these exchanges are a waste of time. Our journalists are hard at work and it is not all bunnies and crumpets. Mrs. Clinton wants to rebuild America, create manufacturing jobs and get us educated, and unfortunately, mentioned that this will take 'Work'. In summary, we are in a muddle and your friend here is none the wiser.
2
Ms Collins, thank you for your well-reasoned column. It was refreshing to read after enduring the endlessly misinformed Bernie Bros commentaary going on in a different NYT article about last night's debate.
Bernie will NEVER be president. The only viable Democrat is Hillary and if the Bernie Bros don't stop their shocking misogyny and get behind her, we will lose the election to the Orange Monkey named Drumpf and lose again the Supreme Court for several more decades.
Bernie will NEVER be president. The only viable Democrat is Hillary and if the Bernie Bros don't stop their shocking misogyny and get behind her, we will lose the election to the Orange Monkey named Drumpf and lose again the Supreme Court for several more decades.
6
"The real gulf is between the grand vision and the practical plan."
No. The gulf is between the grand vision and no vision.
The gulf is between an ambitious plan to help the middle class, and a plan for another four years of sliding into oligarchy.
"...at this point in the campaign, you can understand why some people feel that voting for her against Bernie Sanders is like rewarding Washington for its worst behavior."
That is because it *would* be rewarding the worst Washington behavior.
"[Clinton's] got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Clinton *is* the system.
The gulf is wide between Sanders and Clinton. It was very clear on the stage last night that Clinton does have a "practical" plan...to get herself elected. Sanders has a plan to make our lives better.
04:25 EST
No. The gulf is between the grand vision and no vision.
The gulf is between an ambitious plan to help the middle class, and a plan for another four years of sliding into oligarchy.
"...at this point in the campaign, you can understand why some people feel that voting for her against Bernie Sanders is like rewarding Washington for its worst behavior."
That is because it *would* be rewarding the worst Washington behavior.
"[Clinton's] got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Clinton *is* the system.
The gulf is wide between Sanders and Clinton. It was very clear on the stage last night that Clinton does have a "practical" plan...to get herself elected. Sanders has a plan to make our lives better.
04:25 EST
7
The Clintonian dark side emerged once again in last nights debate, when toward the end,she attempted to link Bernie Sanders to,of all people, the Koch brothers.She referenced an alleged bill board put up by infamous brothers praising Sanders. Attempting to associate Bernie Sanders with the Koch brothers is not only disingenuous, it's insidious. I immediately flashed back to Bill Clinton's unfortunate remarks in South Carolina in 2008, when he attempted to link the candidacy of Barack Obama to that of Jesse Jackson. Both instances were ephemeral flashes of the Clinton's sense of Hillary's entitlement to the presidency, and their deep, subconscious resentment of of anyone who "dares" to oppose her. Hillary Clinton's lamentable linkage was the antithesis of "grace under pressure", and illuminated the "Id"of presidential ambition, which may fuel the perception of her as "dishonest".
5
The debates are causing such a wastage of time that it is time that Net works stop this process.They are damaging the country for their own fame and the fame of their reporters. In my 45 years in this country this is the first time I notice that such a major change has taken place. They should cover the candidates but not get involved in organizing to question them on selected topics which are poorly chosen
1
The revolution will not be televised. While Hillary Clinton continues to lie, on national television no less, about Bernie's auto bailout votes, the people are wising up to the antics of not only Hillary Clinton but politicians on both sides of the aisle. I'll take the candidate who is honest, trustworthy, consistent and cares about the middle class for $800, Alex. That is Bernie Sanders.
4
Check the facts. It is NOT a lie.
there are a lot of people that should have been president based on their qualifications, Mrs. maybe one of them. Bernie's qualifications are certainly equal to or better than president Obama's at the time of his election. LBJ Hubert Humphery, and many others come to mind. Hubby Clinton who was not a well qualified as Bernie is today.
LBJ managed to get The Civll Rights Act way before he was of Bernie's dotage.
"Clinton held up well," they warmed her up, threw her hard balls, let her repeatedly dominate beyond her time limits (your madam, please stop talking), gave her extra time to let us see and hear how dominant and authoritative she can present herself, and then fed her a wrenching, immigrant woman's agony (for justice) for herself and her children to be reconnected, here, with her deported husband: gifts from the Sunshine state. A soft, succulent peach for Hillary to bite into. Reminds me of that plant, "Feed me."
[Then they gave Sanders the "knuckle ball" at the end...huh.]
Sanders, "symbolically marvelous." Wait a minute: aren't "flag wavers" "symbols" of "something(s)?"
I have to admit my own prejudices towards a Bernie symbol of government, like a "representative" system--not "symbolically," but material, functional, relational, with and among the citizens.
I know there is no Santa Claus, but I'm still trying to forget that my fellow citizens in 1980 elected the guy who performed the "20 Mule Team" Borax commercials.
Let's consider our most important "hiring processes" for more than "a minute," and let's actually try to see if any of the applicants are actually willing to give any direct answers to any questions. Maybe then, we might begin to "know" something. And let's hope that in the sparse returns I make to reading this column, the author will consider that we might benefit more from true issue and needs-related discourse, rather than stylistics of snarky humor.
[Then they gave Sanders the "knuckle ball" at the end...huh.]
Sanders, "symbolically marvelous." Wait a minute: aren't "flag wavers" "symbols" of "something(s)?"
I have to admit my own prejudices towards a Bernie symbol of government, like a "representative" system--not "symbolically," but material, functional, relational, with and among the citizens.
I know there is no Santa Claus, but I'm still trying to forget that my fellow citizens in 1980 elected the guy who performed the "20 Mule Team" Borax commercials.
Let's consider our most important "hiring processes" for more than "a minute," and let's actually try to see if any of the applicants are actually willing to give any direct answers to any questions. Maybe then, we might begin to "know" something. And let's hope that in the sparse returns I make to reading this column, the author will consider that we might benefit more from true issue and needs-related discourse, rather than stylistics of snarky humor.
I am a fan of Gail. She and Krugman are the reason I subscribe to nyt, but her mussing as to weather Hillary " can work against the system" strike me as absurd; Hillary is the system. . . Hillary panders, Bernie does not!
Yes, in the end I will vote for her, but Bernie has my hart and soul. . .
Yes, in the end I will vote for her, but Bernie has my hart and soul. . .
1
'...you can understand why some people feel that voting for her against Bernie Sanders is like rewarding Washington for its worst behavior.'
Actually I can't.
To me it seems that we can vote for Sanders, who'll keep making empty speeches and refusing to answer mean questions about how he'd actually get anything done, or we can vote for Hillary, who in spite of her flaws means well and knows how to get things done.
If Sanders winds up as the nominee, the Republicans will absolutely massacre him and we'll be left to the tender mercies of President Trump/Cruz/Rubio.
But Sanders will retire to the Senate where he'll hold forth at length about his purity and his love for guns, particularly automatic weapons.
Sheesh!
Actually I can't.
To me it seems that we can vote for Sanders, who'll keep making empty speeches and refusing to answer mean questions about how he'd actually get anything done, or we can vote for Hillary, who in spite of her flaws means well and knows how to get things done.
If Sanders winds up as the nominee, the Republicans will absolutely massacre him and we'll be left to the tender mercies of President Trump/Cruz/Rubio.
But Sanders will retire to the Senate where he'll hold forth at length about his purity and his love for guns, particularly automatic weapons.
Sheesh!
2
Secretary Clinton is the person the Times wants as our next president, and for good reason. She strongly supported Bush, jr who brought peace, prosperity, freedom, and democracy to Iraq, and punished Iraq for sending many of those terrorists who were responsible for the attack on 9/11/'01.
And she pushed the wimp Obama to bring that same peace, prosperity, freedom, and democracy to Libya. Friedman and Cohen assure us that Iraq and Libya are now paradises, thanks to Secretary Clinton, and all Iraqis and Libyans are very grateful to the US.
And, once elected, we can be sure that President Clinton will immediately bring the same peace, prosperity, freedom and democracy to Syria, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China, and their citizens will all be eternally grateful to the US and President Clinton.
After which, I'm sure the entire world will be VERY peaceful.
I'm also certain that the the US per capita GDP will rise strongly, even as the median income falls under President Clinton. (So be careful to stay off the median after she's elected.)
And she pushed the wimp Obama to bring that same peace, prosperity, freedom, and democracy to Libya. Friedman and Cohen assure us that Iraq and Libya are now paradises, thanks to Secretary Clinton, and all Iraqis and Libyans are very grateful to the US.
And, once elected, we can be sure that President Clinton will immediately bring the same peace, prosperity, freedom and democracy to Syria, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and China, and their citizens will all be eternally grateful to the US and President Clinton.
After which, I'm sure the entire world will be VERY peaceful.
I'm also certain that the the US per capita GDP will rise strongly, even as the median income falls under President Clinton. (So be careful to stay off the median after she's elected.)
1
Yet another NYT column chock full of Clinton talking points cliches that happen to be dead wrong.
Clinton talking point #1) "The real gulf is between the grand vision and the practical plan".
There is nothing practical about a neocon foreign policy that simultaneously squanders American wealth and creates power-vacuums in the middle-east that spawn Isis and lead to the refugee crisis. There is nothing practical about trade agreements that lead to off-shoring of American jobs and threaten American sovereignty by instituting supra-governmental, corporate-adjudicated dispute resolution processes. In short, there is nothing practical about Hillary Clinton.
Clinton talking point #2: "Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president".
Where on earth does this come from? Pardon me, but Clinton is something of a dilettante with only 12 years of actual job experience, much of it disastrous.
Clinton talking point #3: "In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work".
Perhaps, if you mean work for Hillary Clinton.
Yes, Sanders accused Clinton of cruelty to Honduran children. And if you know anything about Hillary's facilitation of the illegal Honduran coup, you would agree. I would also accuse Clinton of cruelty to Libyan children, cruelty to Syrian children and cruelty to Haitian children whose parents she worked to deprive of a 61 cent minimum wage -- and cruelty to central American children she wants to deport.
Clinton talking point #1) "The real gulf is between the grand vision and the practical plan".
There is nothing practical about a neocon foreign policy that simultaneously squanders American wealth and creates power-vacuums in the middle-east that spawn Isis and lead to the refugee crisis. There is nothing practical about trade agreements that lead to off-shoring of American jobs and threaten American sovereignty by instituting supra-governmental, corporate-adjudicated dispute resolution processes. In short, there is nothing practical about Hillary Clinton.
Clinton talking point #2: "Hillary Clinton is by far the best qualified candidate for president".
Where on earth does this come from? Pardon me, but Clinton is something of a dilettante with only 12 years of actual job experience, much of it disastrous.
Clinton talking point #3: "In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work".
Perhaps, if you mean work for Hillary Clinton.
Yes, Sanders accused Clinton of cruelty to Honduran children. And if you know anything about Hillary's facilitation of the illegal Honduran coup, you would agree. I would also accuse Clinton of cruelty to Libyan children, cruelty to Syrian children and cruelty to Haitian children whose parents she worked to deprive of a 61 cent minimum wage -- and cruelty to central American children she wants to deport.
2
I think Sanders is a great candidate but it is really hard to decide what to make of him because of his very scant record despite a very long career in Congress. If he was unable to move anything while a legislator, how will he move anything as the Chief Executive? Apart from his call for a revolution, the rest of the details seem a little murky.
5
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
Since the political system is basically a set of interlocking relationships, you're saying that Clinton has the right friends and Sanders has the wrong friends.
But Clinton's "right friends" won't let her do anything that will take America off the trajectory it's on -- the one that leads at least 50 percent of us off a cliff. She'll "get things done;" and nothing will change.
Silly Sanders and his "wrong" friends: they're serious about _changing_ the system; something that Clinton, and apparently Ms. Collins, don't have the stomach for.
Since the political system is basically a set of interlocking relationships, you're saying that Clinton has the right friends and Sanders has the wrong friends.
But Clinton's "right friends" won't let her do anything that will take America off the trajectory it's on -- the one that leads at least 50 percent of us off a cliff. She'll "get things done;" and nothing will change.
Silly Sanders and his "wrong" friends: they're serious about _changing_ the system; something that Clinton, and apparently Ms. Collins, don't have the stomach for.
1
The system really is broken. Bernie is transformation, Hillary is more of the same. He has the vision, she has the talking points. She will deliver nothing. He will toss a spanner into the works, and nothing will ever be the same. The American Dream is all about Bernie. Every other candidate is a sleeping pill.
5
"The American Dream is all about Bernie"
Whaaattt"??
He has been around for 30 years. He has a pedestrian area in Burlington, some cozy deals with the military for Vermont, an NRA endorsement. Come on.
Whaaattt"??
He has been around for 30 years. He has a pedestrian area in Burlington, some cozy deals with the military for Vermont, an NRA endorsement. Come on.
Ms Collins, where do you get the idea that Sanders thinks he can provide free college tuition and universal health care without a lot of help long term? What does he actually say? No one is so naive after years of Republican obstruction to think any one person alone can turn things around. It will take more than just a vote for Sanders to accomplish his goals, as he well knows. (But he does have those goals.)
You say without evidence that Clinton is "by far the best qualified candidate". Saying this does not make it so. What about the long history of bad judgment, including Iraq, Libya, the emails, the gunfire in Bosnia claim, dumping on Bill's sexual victims, &c. Lots of experience showing faulty judgment is not much of a recommendation.
If she is such a stupendous debater why can't she handle obvious questions about her Wall Street speeches? (I'd really like to see those transcripts before she's nominated and the Republicans start pulling them out. Does she really think she can keep them secret when she was speaking to Republican Banksters? It will be their choice to use as best suits their interests. More bad judgment!)
We are all (well, perhaps not everyone, but many) waiting for a woman President, but that is no reason to throw away good judgment. I fear you are spending too much time hanging out with Friedman and the Brooks brothers. (I hate to see those joint columns, and I refuse to read them. It's one thing to get along, quite another to go along.)
You say without evidence that Clinton is "by far the best qualified candidate". Saying this does not make it so. What about the long history of bad judgment, including Iraq, Libya, the emails, the gunfire in Bosnia claim, dumping on Bill's sexual victims, &c. Lots of experience showing faulty judgment is not much of a recommendation.
If she is such a stupendous debater why can't she handle obvious questions about her Wall Street speeches? (I'd really like to see those transcripts before she's nominated and the Republicans start pulling them out. Does she really think she can keep them secret when she was speaking to Republican Banksters? It will be their choice to use as best suits their interests. More bad judgment!)
We are all (well, perhaps not everyone, but many) waiting for a woman President, but that is no reason to throw away good judgment. I fear you are spending too much time hanging out with Friedman and the Brooks brothers. (I hate to see those joint columns, and I refuse to read them. It's one thing to get along, quite another to go along.)
1
What makes this election different is that a majority of the voters hate the way the system works. You are saying they should vote for Clinton so they can have more of what they hate.
Better get some sleep. Maybe your mind will be clearer in the morning.
Better get some sleep. Maybe your mind will be clearer in the morning.
3
Bernie Sanders is a good man, and I admire his policy goals. But I did not know his name prior to 2012. Any non-New Englander who says they did is in the minority.
Hillary Clinton is vulnerable precisely because she DOES have a decades-spanning record, and that record supports liberal causes. Senator Sanders lost me when he started tossing around the R-Word - "Revolution". I'm not stupid enough to take a page from the Atwater/Gingrich view of the imperial presidency - - it's a lie. Furthermore, the results have been fairly conclusive - - support for the New England Senator are not necessarily INCLUSIVE. White Nader supporters (oops, I mean liberals) need to tone down the condescension.
Hillary Clinton is vulnerable precisely because she DOES have a decades-spanning record, and that record supports liberal causes. Senator Sanders lost me when he started tossing around the R-Word - "Revolution". I'm not stupid enough to take a page from the Atwater/Gingrich view of the imperial presidency - - it's a lie. Furthermore, the results have been fairly conclusive - - support for the New England Senator are not necessarily INCLUSIVE. White Nader supporters (oops, I mean liberals) need to tone down the condescension.
4
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. ". she sure does. and she has the personal wealth to prove it.
3
The most important question that both Sanders and Clinton have to answer is if elected how do they plan to get their progressive policies and proposals enacted by a rabid, obstructionist Republican controlled Congress?
When the GOP only controlled the House, they completely stymied Obama. He didn't get one GOP vote for Obamacare, and only moderates Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, and Arlen Spector cast GOP votes for his stimulus package. They've been purged and now the GOP controls both houses.
Harry Truman couldn't do it, so how will they? That's what I want to hear.
I think if either is elected, they'll spend all their time vetoing the ridiculous policies that the GOP Congress will surely pass. The repeal of Obamacare will probably be the first cab off the rank.
When the GOP only controlled the House, they completely stymied Obama. He didn't get one GOP vote for Obamacare, and only moderates Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, and Arlen Spector cast GOP votes for his stimulus package. They've been purged and now the GOP controls both houses.
Harry Truman couldn't do it, so how will they? That's what I want to hear.
I think if either is elected, they'll spend all their time vetoing the ridiculous policies that the GOP Congress will surely pass. The repeal of Obamacare will probably be the first cab off the rank.
1
Collins has not been purged. She is still a Senator representing Maine.
People are sick of how money has corrupted our politics.
HRC is just the wrong person to take on the #1 issue this year, she's too compromised and is what used to be Republican progressive.
This year we need a sharp contrast, and neither party is showing they understand the people whatsoever. Let alone DC.
Let the people speak. A revolt is def going on, in both parties.
HRC is just the wrong person to take on the #1 issue this year, she's too compromised and is what used to be Republican progressive.
This year we need a sharp contrast, and neither party is showing they understand the people whatsoever. Let alone DC.
Let the people speak. A revolt is def going on, in both parties.
3
'In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system.' Yup.
1
Accurate reporting would have the headline read:
BERNIE! BERNIE! BERNIE!
That is what actually happened at the end of the debate.
BERNIE! BERNIE! BERNIE!
That is what actually happened at the end of the debate.
2
Sorry, Gail, but Hillary Clinton cannot "be clearer on how she can work against the system" -- because she does not want to work against the system. She can tack to the left and parrot Sanders' ideas now, but once in office, it is clear that she will not try for any significant changes. Maybe she'll get us involved in a war or two, but I wouldn't expect much else.
173
"it is clear she will not try for significant change" How do you know this? Do remember her when she took on all of Washington for the first attempt at getting universal health care? Do remember the vitriol and hatred spewed at her (and Bill Clinton) for doing so? I'm amazed she still has the stomach for it 15 years later. She is far braver and so much more resilient than you give her credit for. She's been forging forward for years and years, pushing the boundry of what is "expected" from woman in politics in this country, especially women who wield substantive power. She has been a game changer and you don't even recognize it.
1
I am a Sander's supporter and find him much more honest than Hillary Clinton who continues to lie about her emails when sec. of state. She says others did what she did. No - no one else had a private email server in their home. And as far as her expensive lectures to Wall Street it is pretty obvious to me that Wall Street expects payback once she enters the White House. Otherwise why continue to take money from them and why not tell us what she told them.
3
Univision host Jorge Ramos asked, "Ms. Clinton, yes or no, would you deport children?" HRC tried to explain, she went into details how she attempted to change the law, supported Obama's executive order not to deport children, but only criminals...... But that was not sufficient, Once again, Ramos said, "Yes or No?"
Clinton had to respond considering that this was being views by the one in three who had family who were not legal immigrants. Eventually, she succumbed with a "Yes." Sanders did not equivocate, did not state that all presidents are contained by existing law. and simply said, "No, I will not deport children"
These debates are a continual presentation of a a country not of laws, but of the will of the President, those who seem to get votes supporting the illusion to an uninformed electorate of their ability to rule by decree. So, of course the one who seems willing to use this authority is seen as having courage.
It's not the candidates who are the problem, but the electorate whose ignorance they are forced to descend to -- if they want to win the nomination, and sadly, the general election.
AlRodbell.com
Clinton had to respond considering that this was being views by the one in three who had family who were not legal immigrants. Eventually, she succumbed with a "Yes." Sanders did not equivocate, did not state that all presidents are contained by existing law. and simply said, "No, I will not deport children"
These debates are a continual presentation of a a country not of laws, but of the will of the President, those who seem to get votes supporting the illusion to an uninformed electorate of their ability to rule by decree. So, of course the one who seems willing to use this authority is seen as having courage.
It's not the candidates who are the problem, but the electorate whose ignorance they are forced to descend to -- if they want to win the nomination, and sadly, the general election.
AlRodbell.com
3
Bernie is a nice guy, but what, exactly, has he accomplished during his years in Washington? His ideas are appealing: single-payer health care, free tuition at public colleges and universities - but who is going to pay for it all?
One can just imagine what the Republican opposition ads against him would say: "This Socialist is going to double your taxes," etc.
He's already doing something valuable by running, focusing people's attention on injustice in our country, the gross disparity in incomes, the mayhem caused by deregulation of the banks. But - President? No thanks.
One can just imagine what the Republican opposition ads against him would say: "This Socialist is going to double your taxes," etc.
He's already doing something valuable by running, focusing people's attention on injustice in our country, the gross disparity in incomes, the mayhem caused by deregulation of the banks. But - President? No thanks.
5
I hear so much talk about the most qualified candidate to be president. But lets remember that the most qualified candidate in 2008 was not Obama, it was allegedly Hillary then, as now. It is absurd to believe that anyone can be the most qualified for a position that is unique. That is why character matters, we must trust and be inspired by the vision of our next leader. Which is what Barak did with his message in "The audacity of Hope", which is what Bernie does...And Hillary doesn't. And then there is the trust issue, how many polls does one have to see to acknowledge that the majority of us don't trust Hillary? Do you really want to vote for the best worst choice? Out of fear, fear of losing. I'm sick of that kind of choice, I'm voting for the best choice. Yes, I'm voting for the chance to educate tomorrows kids yes I'm voting to provide health care to tomorrows elders yes I'm voting for a return of the middle class and I hope you are as well!
2
Apparently some people do not understand what being Secretary of State of the United States entails and have the gall to say "so what" regarding Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton's service in that position. 68 people in the HIStory of the United States have been Secretary of State. According to Wikipedia, “As the highest-ranking member of the cabinet, the Secretary of State is the third-highest official of the executive branch of the Federal Government of the United States”. Three of those people have been women; Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice and Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Ms. Rodham-Clinton was MOST successful. Stop trying to demean her accomplishments.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_State
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_State
8
As my five year old son would say: 'baloney alert!'
1
Senator Sanders brings to the table an important list of items, most of which deal in repair of the US infrastructure, something that has been long neglected. If he can turn the conversation in that direction, if he can create serious recognition of that basic, fundamental need in this nation, then he has done this country a service for which there are not enough accolades. Senator Sanders may not get to be president, but he may have changed the course of this ship of state....
That's assuming the other parts of this country come to their sense and _not_ elect Donald Trump to even dog catcher.
Yes, it's true Secretary Clinton is by far and away the most qualified candidate to be president, and if she wins this election, I hope to heaven she does not forget the closeness of this race to the nomination, and does not ignore that which Senator Sanders advocates as a primary priority if this nation is to survive.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
That's assuming the other parts of this country come to their sense and _not_ elect Donald Trump to even dog catcher.
Yes, it's true Secretary Clinton is by far and away the most qualified candidate to be president, and if she wins this election, I hope to heaven she does not forget the closeness of this race to the nomination, and does not ignore that which Senator Sanders advocates as a primary priority if this nation is to survive.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
7
WHEN she wins, Wifely person. WHEN - not if.
2
I am a Sander's supporter and find him much more honest than Hillary Clinton who continues to lie about her emails when sec. of state. She says others did what she did. No - no one else had a private email server in their home. And as far as her expensive lectures to Wall Street it is pretty obvious to me that Wall Street expects payback once she enters the White House. Otherwise why not tell us what she told them.
5
All politicians lie, Barb - all PEOPLE lie. I lie, you lie, Bernie and Hillary both lie. The problem with Hillary is what she told the bankers, not the fact that she now lies about it, as she must if she said things that would be damaging to her campaign if they were now revealed. What if what she told the bankers were lies, meant to curry their support for her projected presidential bid? What if she really intends to rein them in once she is elected? Those lies wouldn't be so bad!
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work "
I know how to make the system work. Just, grease the right palms, and twist the right words. Donations, speeches of gold, double entendres and a degree from Trump University. Sorry cross out the last point. Neither democrat has yellow hair.
All joking aside, after one watches the elephant crowd stomp for votes, (or is that, insult for support) on their debate night, it's difficult to be disparaged by either democratic candidate.
Opinion polls have indicated that whoever gets that party's electoral nod, the other candidate's supporters would simply switch. Anything but an elephant! Too, one must remember, Hill and Bernie both talk substance. Whether they can deliver or not is almost irrelevant, their intentions are good!
I know how to make the system work. Just, grease the right palms, and twist the right words. Donations, speeches of gold, double entendres and a degree from Trump University. Sorry cross out the last point. Neither democrat has yellow hair.
All joking aside, after one watches the elephant crowd stomp for votes, (or is that, insult for support) on their debate night, it's difficult to be disparaged by either democratic candidate.
Opinion polls have indicated that whoever gets that party's electoral nod, the other candidate's supporters would simply switch. Anything but an elephant! Too, one must remember, Hill and Bernie both talk substance. Whether they can deliver or not is almost irrelevant, their intentions are good!
4
Right, Gail. The decisive difference between Hillary and Bernie is that she is a pragmatist who can get things done, he is an idealist who has a clear vision but hasn't told us exactly how it will be realized. He says only that when lots of people stand up and say "enough!", a "political revolution" will happen. Easy to say, but not persuasive given our system of checks and balances, the cynical remnants of the Republican Party, and their obtusely gerrymandered districts. Hillary and Bernie are not far apart on goals; their difference is in how to get there. She plans, he only aspires.
7
I find her attacks today with Sanders ironic given her statement at the town hall with Fox that she was proud of the campaign that she and Sanders were running. She has a funny way of showing it
I think Hillary is vulnerable on jobs. When she was Senator Clinton she promised 20,000 jobs to the northern part of the state that never came. She also sat on the board of Wal Mart from 1987-1992 and I can find no evidence that she advanced woman's or minorities rights or increased wages
I also think she is vulnerable on immigration based on her 2003 and 2014 comments
But what I don't understand is why Sanders doesn't pivot on the emails. The fact is Hillary says she' s not under investigation but that is not true. She also stands by the assertion that they were not marked classified. By law they don't have to be. She has yet to address why Huma Abedin blocked every attempt by State to get Hillary to set up an account nor has she addressed the 22 ASP top secret emails
The thing I believe is damninng is the grant of immunity to Bryan Pagliano, the IT guy who set up her server. My understanding is a grant of immunity is given when the gov't feels they have significant information. Mills and Abedin are being called to testity
Even as a Republican I was embarrassed at that childish display by Rubio and Trump. I finally turned it off. Despite Hillary's attacks this was better but Sanders is too much a gentleman to hammer her. Not me I'd blow her doors off in a second and enjoy doing it
I think Hillary is vulnerable on jobs. When she was Senator Clinton she promised 20,000 jobs to the northern part of the state that never came. She also sat on the board of Wal Mart from 1987-1992 and I can find no evidence that she advanced woman's or minorities rights or increased wages
I also think she is vulnerable on immigration based on her 2003 and 2014 comments
But what I don't understand is why Sanders doesn't pivot on the emails. The fact is Hillary says she' s not under investigation but that is not true. She also stands by the assertion that they were not marked classified. By law they don't have to be. She has yet to address why Huma Abedin blocked every attempt by State to get Hillary to set up an account nor has she addressed the 22 ASP top secret emails
The thing I believe is damninng is the grant of immunity to Bryan Pagliano, the IT guy who set up her server. My understanding is a grant of immunity is given when the gov't feels they have significant information. Mills and Abedin are being called to testity
Even as a Republican I was embarrassed at that childish display by Rubio and Trump. I finally turned it off. Despite Hillary's attacks this was better but Sanders is too much a gentleman to hammer her. Not me I'd blow her doors off in a second and enjoy doing it
1
The assertion by Gail Collins that Hallery Clinton is easily the most qualified candidate can be debated.I don't think anyone considers being First Lady a qualifier for President and her 4 years as Secretary of State and 7 years as Senator from N.Y.,are her only credits and she only won elections.Sanders on the other hand does have some executive experience as Mayor of Burlinton for 3 terms and was a Member of Congress for years before moving becoming a member of the U.S. Senate as well,winning several more elections along the way.Clinton definetly has more foreign policy experience,however the one policy she's most remembered for wasn't necessarily an advantageous move in Libya.I think Sanders experience everywhere else matches up fine with Clinton's.I just don't think winning two Senate races marks her as the best qualified candidate.
2
Too bad John Kasich isn't doing better in the polls. He's the only candidate in either party (other than a 74-year-old socialist) with dignity and a regard for the truth. Hillary is simply a pathological liar with no regard for what's truthful at all. She's simply concerned with what's expedient; what she can sell, what she thinks people will believe, and what will put her in the best position politically. I guess these are qualities that make her qualified for president according to Gail Collins!
Kasich continues to play the GOP ugly ugly Lie Card against Planned Parenthood in his state. A deal breaker.
Thank you Gail. Just for balance let me say that I supported Obama over Clinton in 2008 and have no regrets. Today I support Clinton over Sanders. Why one might ask. Because she is the most qualified for the job. She is smarter, more experienced and work s harder than 10 people put together. She has flaws so does Sanders. He is a good person and the Democratic party should be proud to have them both as candidates. Hillary Clinton is presidential material. Clinton is the better of the two and right now we need the best. We owe Bernie for bringing certain issues to the forefront but we do not owe him the presidency.
9
Hillary is the most qualified person to continue the status quo: periodic regime change and other military adventures, tinkering with the byzantine Affordable Care Act, the odd scolding of Wall St. It's just that many people don't want the status quo to continue.
1
I don't understand why Clinton doesn't just say yes, Wall St supported me, not because they loved everything I did but because they recognized that even as I could be tough, I do fundamentally want Wall St as well as Main St to do well. I understand how people say if there's one thing worse than a country with bankers, it's a country without them. I have shown I'm willing to tax and regulate them, but at the same time I don't have a specific desire to see them fail. I think I can help the middle class more effectively when all aspects of our economy including the financial sector are succeeding. We are not going to boost the general public by throwing the financial sector into turmoil. I think the American public would be largely receptive to that message.
5
If Collins' conclusion is logically correct, that Clinton is the only one who can "make the system work," then it also points to the moral wrong that is rotting the core of our democracy that Sanders and his campaign are fighting against. This election is showing that the current system is 'broken,' which is to say, only working for an elite class and those, like Clinton, who 'make it work' for a privileged few to the exclusion of the majority. That's a perverse form of 'democracy', and the citizens of the US know and feel it, and are now in the process of righting that wrong.
5
Being a good leader also means being able to adapt and adjust on the fly. A quality Clinton has repeatedly demonstrated to lack. You don't always have 6 months to a year to hone and craft a position before presenting it to the public. Which, Clinton has yet to present any immigration policy in the current race by the way. She's has yet to present much in the way of anything concrete at all.
Presumably, Clinton's favored candidacy grants the privilege of not committing oneself before the general election solidifies. Makes you wonder when the position ever solidifies though. Her evasive and fluid rhetoric, while politically advantageous, gives credence to the doubts about her authenticity and credibility. You can trust she'll stick to Democratic doctrine but that's about it. Everything else seems to be for sale for the right price.
I understand. Wheeling and dealing is part of politician's job. However, let's not confuse "making the system work" with working the system.
Presumably, Clinton's favored candidacy grants the privilege of not committing oneself before the general election solidifies. Makes you wonder when the position ever solidifies though. Her evasive and fluid rhetoric, while politically advantageous, gives credence to the doubts about her authenticity and credibility. You can trust she'll stick to Democratic doctrine but that's about it. Everything else seems to be for sale for the right price.
I understand. Wheeling and dealing is part of politician's job. However, let's not confuse "making the system work" with working the system.
4
So Bernie has what to show for 30 years of wheeling and dealing?
Let's not confuse "nothing" with "something" either.
Let's not confuse "nothing" with "something" either.
Someone who writes for the Times finally got this right. How Bernie Sanders gets nominated by bragging about endless pure positions that went nowhere is beyond me. I'm a social democrat and have been all my political life and I emphatically oppose his holier than thou pompous promises that can stir the radical souls of the under 35's, while at the same time deceiving them about the possibilities American politics. Clinton was right to vote for the imperfect auto bail out cum Wall Street bail out. Bernie's votes brought the auto industry nothing. I don't think Clinton should be so defensive about reassuring Wall Street in speeches either. I live off my IRA, which depends on a healthy stock market. One can curb the abuses or market capitalism in social democratic ways without making a major source of economic growth the enemy.
11
Bernie needs to start explaining what a political revolution looks like, and what it will take in these debates. Unlike Clinton who parachuted into her political career from the top, Bernie's started off from the grassroots - as a civil rights activist and later mayor of Burlington. He knows what it takes to win progressive ideas in local government. and that's what progressive democrats need to do now to take back both houses, win control of states, cities, school boards etc.
6
Clinton's "just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system". That is excellent advice, and I hope that it can be implemented. In the Times editorial on this page it is said that "If she hopes to convince skeptical rust-belt voters that she’s in their corner, she needs to explain why she once believed that trade pacts would help American workers." In the meantime, however difficult these pieces of advice may be to follow, one thing she definitely can do is "avoid the type of negative tactics that could damage her in the long haul." "trying to tarnish Mr. Sanders as she did in Michigan this week is not the way to go".
Hillary's deceitful accusations against Sanders simply call into question not only her honesty, but her judgment, amplifying widely shared dim views of her character. A poor strategy indeed.
Hillary's deceitful accusations against Sanders simply call into question not only her honesty, but her judgment, amplifying widely shared dim views of her character. A poor strategy indeed.
6
They were not deceitful allegations, John. The bill to rescue the auto industry failed both Sanders and Hillary were for it. It was then included in the larger bill also bailing out Wall St. Bernie voted "no", because it was not ideologically "pure". No bills are. His stance would have meant the demise of the auto industry. His rigidity will accomplish nothing.
1
Ms. Collins, no matter how much I like her, believes that free college and medicare-type healthcare are "too good to be true". the other side of that story is that this is just like California colleges before Reagan--yes, it was "true"-- they were free (no tuition--no one is speaking of free room and board). Almost all of the wealthy countries on the planet have medicare-type healthcare for all--and would cost less than half of ours with our bloated insurance and pharm. companies. This is also very good and very "true".
9
having a for profit health care and education system shops how morally bankrupt america has become
there are ample opportunities in America to make lots of money
education is th best and cheapest investment a nation can make in its future, and America is allowing its future to swirl into th toilet bowl by gouging college students loans
as far as health care goes, making money on human misery is despicable as it gets
there are ample opportunities in America to make lots of money
education is th best and cheapest investment a nation can make in its future, and America is allowing its future to swirl into th toilet bowl by gouging college students loans
as far as health care goes, making money on human misery is despicable as it gets
Great column, but how do you know Hillary Clinton is "the one who knows how to make the system work?" It's not like she has some hidden knowledge that isn't available to Sanders, who has a legislative record and decades in DC. I think the reverse is true: Hillary is so tied to the current lame politics that she has no idea how to motivate people to change the game. History tells us: activism works. Movements make politicians act.
Bernie's campaign and presidency would be premised on that solid proposition. In that sense, he has a far more realistic theory: force republicans (and democrats) in swing districts and states to face an angry public if they don't support his agenda. That's a real plan that works a lot better than the usual mix of beltway messaging and insider lobbying.
Bernie's campaign and presidency would be premised on that solid proposition. In that sense, he has a far more realistic theory: force republicans (and democrats) in swing districts and states to face an angry public if they don't support his agenda. That's a real plan that works a lot better than the usual mix of beltway messaging and insider lobbying.
6
What is Sen. Sanders' legislative record?
How many bills has he sponsored and pushed through to passage and enactment that have furthered his ideals?
How many bills has he sponsored and pushed through to passage and enactment that have furthered his ideals?
2
"In the end, Clinton is the one who knows how to make the system work. But she’s just got to be clearer on how she can work against the system."
One of the best, most succinct summaries of Hillary versus Bernie I've read or heard anywhere so far.
I will gladly vote for either versus whoever the Republicans nominate.
If Hillary does win the nomination, hopefully all these debates with Bernie will help/force her to clarify the last issue.
And if Bernie prevails, I hope Clinton's questions and challenges to him will help/force him to clarify how in the world he can make his promises come true.
Because either one will have to make their case under withering attacks from the Republicans in the general. That's why these debates now are such essential preparation.
One of the best, most succinct summaries of Hillary versus Bernie I've read or heard anywhere so far.
I will gladly vote for either versus whoever the Republicans nominate.
If Hillary does win the nomination, hopefully all these debates with Bernie will help/force her to clarify the last issue.
And if Bernie prevails, I hope Clinton's questions and challenges to him will help/force him to clarify how in the world he can make his promises come true.
Because either one will have to make their case under withering attacks from the Republicans in the general. That's why these debates now are such essential preparation.
7
Yes to most of this. However, the biggest question now is "who has the best chance to beat Donald Trump?" I think this has to be Ms. Clinton, though my heart is with Mr. Sanders.
Trump banks on overt hatred and bigotry while Mr. Sanders wants to invest in the overall goodness of Americans with more equality and opportunity for all. Sadly, I believe that Trump's pitch is more appealing to more Americans. I'm afraid Mr. Sanders' idealistic platform, however it speaks to me, can't float.
As for Ms. Clinton: I don't completely trust her and she's clearly a politician to the core. However, she seems to offer the best chance at some kind of country we can recognize as our own.
Trump banks on overt hatred and bigotry while Mr. Sanders wants to invest in the overall goodness of Americans with more equality and opportunity for all. Sadly, I believe that Trump's pitch is more appealing to more Americans. I'm afraid Mr. Sanders' idealistic platform, however it speaks to me, can't float.
As for Ms. Clinton: I don't completely trust her and she's clearly a politician to the core. However, she seems to offer the best chance at some kind of country we can recognize as our own.
1
Clinton's problem is that she has worked the system perfectly. She's very smart and experienced. She know how our corrupt political system operates, and where the levers are. She has, somewhat understandably, used the existing mechanisms to advance her political career. One might fault her for being too smart, and knowing too well how to maximize her political positions using the existing financial power structure. The problem is, a majority of the American people have finally caught on the the fact and the depth of the political corruption in Washington, and they don't like it.
138
She did what she needed to do to get much good work done.
I am supporting Sanders because I believe in economic justice. I do not believe it is fair for the tax system to explicitly favor capital over labor.
Unlike many of his other supporters, I am the direct beneficiary of the current system which is rigged in favor of the holders of capital.
My wife and I pay basically no federal income tax. We have a fair amount income but it almost all comes from investments.
Even though Obama rolled back some of the Bush-era tax cuts, he kept the zero percent rate of tax applicable to the first $75,000 of dividends and capital gains. When Clinton proclaims that she will stay the Obama course, you can bet she isn’t thinking of correcting this grotesque inequality in tax rates.
Zero percent tax on income coming from American and foreign multinationals with international operations.
Remember how the favorable treatment of dividends and capital gains was justified by saying it would fuel the job creators to invest and increase employment? Just ask the people of Ohio or Illinois how that worked out. This is part of the doublespeak of supply side economics.
Supply side economics was a Trojan Horse used to justify the redistribution of income to the richest people in our society. Sanders promises demand side economics instead: giving working people a better chance to be able to afford to live a middle class life.
It is wrong for working folks to pay a higher amount of tax than the coupon clipping oligarchs on the same amount of income.
Unlike many of his other supporters, I am the direct beneficiary of the current system which is rigged in favor of the holders of capital.
My wife and I pay basically no federal income tax. We have a fair amount income but it almost all comes from investments.
Even though Obama rolled back some of the Bush-era tax cuts, he kept the zero percent rate of tax applicable to the first $75,000 of dividends and capital gains. When Clinton proclaims that she will stay the Obama course, you can bet she isn’t thinking of correcting this grotesque inequality in tax rates.
Zero percent tax on income coming from American and foreign multinationals with international operations.
Remember how the favorable treatment of dividends and capital gains was justified by saying it would fuel the job creators to invest and increase employment? Just ask the people of Ohio or Illinois how that worked out. This is part of the doublespeak of supply side economics.
Supply side economics was a Trojan Horse used to justify the redistribution of income to the richest people in our society. Sanders promises demand side economics instead: giving working people a better chance to be able to afford to live a middle class life.
It is wrong for working folks to pay a higher amount of tax than the coupon clipping oligarchs on the same amount of income.
9
"That pretty much sums up his career in Congress. Sanders stood up for his principles, but he didn’t play any real role."
If only FDR had this insight and didn't fight against the status quo and tried to play nice with the powerful. Instead he said - I welcome their hatred - not very pragmatic but he was extremely successful and brought real change for working Americans.
FDR realized the real power in a democracy is the people and their vote. He achieved and got what Bernie Sanders is calling for - a political revolution. He was so successful that Republicans had to pass term limits to stop him winning a fourth term.
If only FDR had this insight and didn't fight against the status quo and tried to play nice with the powerful. Instead he said - I welcome their hatred - not very pragmatic but he was extremely successful and brought real change for working Americans.
FDR realized the real power in a democracy is the people and their vote. He achieved and got what Bernie Sanders is calling for - a political revolution. He was so successful that Republicans had to pass term limits to stop him winning a fourth term.
4
Bernie has been around for 30 years - if he were an FDR it would be showing before now.
Yes, if the topic sentence for this year's campaign is the "Year of the Outsider", Sanders is a better opponent to Trump than Hillary who is just as vulnerable to the "Insider" label as any of the GOP choices.
If the major problem of our nation is the disparities in income caused by holding on to the tax and fiscal policies used to dispel 1970's era stagflation for a generation too long, Bernie should also be your choice.
The last 1%er who acted to correct the excesses of the 1% was FDR, Hillary is no FDR.
If the major problem of our nation is the disparities in income caused by holding on to the tax and fiscal policies used to dispel 1970's era stagflation for a generation too long, Bernie should also be your choice.
The last 1%er who acted to correct the excesses of the 1% was FDR, Hillary is no FDR.
11
Hey Gail, remember those old Burger beer ads back in the 50's
"Vas You Efer in Zinzinnati?" It doesn't happen too often, but methinks in this thin effort, your roots are showing. Occasionally a memory of that entrenched midwestern provincialism bubbles up to the top of your glass.
Personally, I'm feeling the Bern. I don't find implausible a scenario in which Senator Sanders wins the general, sweats out the first two years with the present Neanderthal congress, then the revolution continues with a major get-out-the-vote effort in communities of color. (Here in California, voter registration will be automatic when people renew their license). Flip the congressional balance in the mid-term election and Voila, a new and far better America than I, a contemporary of the Senator have ever known.
"Vas You Efer in Zinzinnati?" It doesn't happen too often, but methinks in this thin effort, your roots are showing. Occasionally a memory of that entrenched midwestern provincialism bubbles up to the top of your glass.
Personally, I'm feeling the Bern. I don't find implausible a scenario in which Senator Sanders wins the general, sweats out the first two years with the present Neanderthal congress, then the revolution continues with a major get-out-the-vote effort in communities of color. (Here in California, voter registration will be automatic when people renew their license). Flip the congressional balance in the mid-term election and Voila, a new and far better America than I, a contemporary of the Senator have ever known.
18
It's always a relief when Presidential candidates focus on matters of importance that are above the waist.
4
I see Bernie Sanders as a visionary ahead of his time. Bill Clinton tried to implement healthcare reform in the 90s, and while it didn't work, it was vaulted to national attention, and finally implemented by Obama twenty years later. The same will happen with free education and universal healthcare. It's going to take time. Meanwhile, I support Hillary as the most capable and experienced candidate. As one reviewer here said, I think Bernie is more interested in having his ideas be taken seriously than actually being President. Hillary however has proved she has more grit and experience going into the job than any president to date. For that she has my vote.
6
This is the first Gail Collins article I've read that makes me angry with her. Why is Hillary the "best qualified" candidate to be president? Certainly Bernie Sanders has excellent qualifications as well. The problem with Hillary is that she really is tied to the elite establishment and therefore is unable to make the sweeping changes this country needs! One more thing, if we made college tuition free (like other advanced democracies have done) we will raise the level of the American voter so that the presidency could not possibly be won by incompetents such as George W. Bush and Donald Trump.
12
Bernie Sanders reminds me of Paul Wellstone. Wellstone did wonders in the Senate, just by being there and being the conscience of the Senate. Unfortunately, his early demise has left us with a dearth of such people. Sanders would do well to take on the same persona of Wellstone. His best position is to be a burr under the saddle of whomever winds up as president.
7
I didn't even notice there was another one last night, because their frequency has almost become like a weekly TV series. Maybe they should be because at least I could plan to see it if I wished because it's always at the same time and channel. Of course, these debates are beginning to get a repetitive as old Seinfeld reruns - where Kramer always appears more insane each time, Hillary's strident style of delivery now is starting to get under my skin.
1
Ah, Hillary's "strident style of delivery". This had NOT been said about Bernie.
Notice Iver isn't making a comment about her policies, but just about her voice. Sexism--alive and well.
Notice Iver isn't making a comment about her policies, but just about her voice. Sexism--alive and well.
Bernie Sanders Core Values of Honesty, Integrity and Accountability were once again on full display while Hillary Clinton presented Elitist Stance and Belligerence to provide Concise and Honest Responses to the straight forward questions provided by the debate panel illuminated her lack of character! Hillary's Complete Lack of Authenticity and Accountability epitomizes the Self-Evident Defiant Arrogance of a Blessed and Anointed American 1% Oligarchy Billionaire Ruling Classes Candidate but also her "Puppeteer Benefactors"--the American 1% Oligarchy Billionaire Ruling Classes general Disdain for America's vast Slave Classes did not go unnoticed by those citizens in attendance which is why they swarmed and called out "Bernie, Bernie" at the conclusion of the Miami debate or the multitude of citizens who watched the debate on television who cheered for Bernie's continued drive to secure the Democratic Presidential Nomination. A Vote for Bernie is a Vote to Restore the American Democracy while a Vote for Hillary, and the Republican Candidates is a Vote for America’s 1% Billionaire Oligarchy Ruling Class!
4
This trope that Sanders is a starry eyed idealist and Clinton a pragmatist who gets things done is a matter of perspective, not fact.
A friend who works at the VA has met Sanders multiple times when the senator swings by the clinic. According to my friend, Sanders doesn't glad hand and schmooze, but rather asks many practical questions and is consumed with little details. I've heard this from others around Vermont who have dealt with him in similar capacities.
Read the Times Magazine article about him from 2007 when he first was elected to the Senate. It's called "The Socialist Senator." The biggest takeaway for me is a portrait of a man who is obsessed with the justice, the rationale, and the practical details of dental clinics for the poor. You could make the argument that a person obsessed with such details isn't suited to be president, but this is exactly the opposite argument of what is being made here. The erroneous claim that Collins and other establishment Democrats make is that Sanders is a dreamer. The exact opposite is true. He latches on to practical solutions to real problems that real people face. I think its a sad reflection of the state of our political climate that actually caring in this manner is considered to be John Lennon "Imagine" territory.
It just so happens that Sanders and his supporters believe that the best practical solutions to our problems are revolutionary in the context of todays acceptable discourse.
A friend who works at the VA has met Sanders multiple times when the senator swings by the clinic. According to my friend, Sanders doesn't glad hand and schmooze, but rather asks many practical questions and is consumed with little details. I've heard this from others around Vermont who have dealt with him in similar capacities.
Read the Times Magazine article about him from 2007 when he first was elected to the Senate. It's called "The Socialist Senator." The biggest takeaway for me is a portrait of a man who is obsessed with the justice, the rationale, and the practical details of dental clinics for the poor. You could make the argument that a person obsessed with such details isn't suited to be president, but this is exactly the opposite argument of what is being made here. The erroneous claim that Collins and other establishment Democrats make is that Sanders is a dreamer. The exact opposite is true. He latches on to practical solutions to real problems that real people face. I think its a sad reflection of the state of our political climate that actually caring in this manner is considered to be John Lennon "Imagine" territory.
It just so happens that Sanders and his supporters believe that the best practical solutions to our problems are revolutionary in the context of todays acceptable discourse.
436
Talk is cheap, Amir, and that is ALL Senator Sanders has. I would vote for him to be mayor of a town in Vermont - even governor of Vermont. President of the United States? No.
7
Maybe he should stop by the methodone clinics in Vermont (which is a teeny, tiny, mostly white state) and gain detailed insight into the increase in the drug addicted population.
In other words, Americans CAN'T have what citizens of every other major nation on earth have: free health care and free college education. Keep coughing up the money, folks, hand it over to the 1%.
Bernie is doing well for the same reason Trump is doing well. The whole country is in a "tear it down" mood. The primary voters who are metaphorically storming the Bastille are not thinking about the chaos that would ensue after a revolution.
We have very real, very serious problems that need very real, very serious solutions. Our government has ground to a halt at the precise moment that Europe has fallen into disfunction, the Middle East has erupted in flames, climate change has passed the tipping point, Putin has stepped over his borders. . .
I can only envision Bernie saying to Putin "Excuse me, I'm talking". "Oooooh!"
We have very real, very serious problems that need very real, very serious solutions. Our government has ground to a halt at the precise moment that Europe has fallen into disfunction, the Middle East has erupted in flames, climate change has passed the tipping point, Putin has stepped over his borders. . .
I can only envision Bernie saying to Putin "Excuse me, I'm talking". "Oooooh!"
7
Don't worry. Bernie Sanders can handle himself.
How is Hillary Clinton the one who knows how to make the system work? She seems to be the person who inflames (not fairly) the opposition to the point that the gridlock we've experienced is likely to continue. the impossible McCconnell is likely not only to want to make her a one term president but through impeachment I to the mix to keep the first term short. congress will be still be investigating her mails and Benghazi plus whatever else crops up during the next few years.
The slam against Bernie is what has he accomplished. But I Ask the same question about Hillary Clinton? She has held various positions and has an excellent resume as a result but what exactly has she accomplished?
The slam against Bernie is what has he accomplished. But I Ask the same question about Hillary Clinton? She has held various positions and has an excellent resume as a result but what exactly has she accomplished?
7
A democratic presidential nominee Sanders in his 70s, a self declared socialist and soon to be labelled a fervent communist (a lethal dog whistle for sure) will be pummelled by Trump mercilessly. At least Clinton knows well how to fight such aggressive right wing attacks. Sanders will be a sitting duck unfortunately, and his bid is likely to fail given a fickle low information electorate that put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power on two separate situations since 2010.
2
I agree that Bernie's big ideas would take a revolution that extends to a Dem congress to pass, but I don't understand why free college tuition should seem unattainable. State colleges and universities used to offer free or very nominal tuition rates to students from their states. Why shouldnt we get that benefit of paying taxes back?
7
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
But it is broke.
So, it needs fixing
The extreme mal-distribution of wealth and its concomitant effects on health , education, mass incarceration and general well being, needs radical restructuring.
The "practical plans" have played a major part in enabling that gross economic inequality.
But it is broke.
So, it needs fixing
The extreme mal-distribution of wealth and its concomitant effects on health , education, mass incarceration and general well being, needs radical restructuring.
The "practical plans" have played a major part in enabling that gross economic inequality.
7
Yes, as some readers note, European countries provide college to all, but they do not push college for all before that happens. They have a tough curricula for those who take the college track; other students either apprentice trades or other professions via other schools. I think this is quite practical. This could work for football players and other athletes, and other students who do not want to do the academic path. Insurance for all in a huge country complicated, but the ACA sets off to correct the fact there are many not insured. Bernie is a good guy, but the reality of the Congress is a deplorable fact that President Obama has had many difficulties w/the GOP party and their lock on both houses. Clinton is a smart and tough cookie who has been around the block and knows the world, the whole voyald, and further has the chops to make things happen in office. There is no such thing as a perfect candidate or world. The Democratic Party has two superb candidates. Remember the country!
2
The Bosnia bullets flying comment should be questioned in one of these debates or town halls, much as I hate to say it, as I am most definitely voting for Hilary Clinton - for the reasons Gail Collins has indirectly and somewhat humorously outlined. Pete Seeger was a marvel, but he made his poor wife and kids live in an unheated cabin that was barely functional, because he was principled. I want practical. She's made big mistakes, but I'm not convinced any other candidate comes near her in terms of qualifications and caring. She has a harsh, Midwestern female voice - Bernie speaks like Caesar from Flatbush; it's not that she isn't a natural politician - Obama certainly was NOT - she just has been told for so often her persona is unattractive she is trying to change to something people will accept. And the truth is most people don't want to hear that all politicians, all people - except Pete Seeger! - bend their principles to get along in life, with people, with nations.
2
A democratic presidential nominee Sanders in his 70s, a self declared socialist and soon to be labelled a fervent communist (a lethal dog whistle for sure) will be pummelled by Trump mercilessly. At least Clinton knows well how to fight such aggressive no holds barred right wing attacks. Sanders will be a sitting duck unfortunately, and his bid is likely to fail given a fickle low information electorate that put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010.
3
Bernie can defend himself. The people like his message -- and that is what counts.
To sum up my thoughts on the Democratic primaries:
1. I support Bernie.
2. The thought of the Clintons in the White House again repulses me.
3. The thought of a Republican President, whether Trump or someone else, repulses me more.
4. If Hillary Clinton is nominated, I will vote for her.
5. For now, I continue to support Bernie monetarily and in spirit.
1. I support Bernie.
2. The thought of the Clintons in the White House again repulses me.
3. The thought of a Republican President, whether Trump or someone else, repulses me more.
4. If Hillary Clinton is nominated, I will vote for her.
5. For now, I continue to support Bernie monetarily and in spirit.
20
Hillary! Gail! That was so disappointing!
Please. Both are quite well qualified. In fact Sanders has been in elected office much longer than Clinton, by a long shot. Elected. Not appointed. Elected.
Clinton is the Ur-hated-politician for the GOP. On some levels that's great on an enemy of my enemy level. But to imagine that the GOP and congress will be any nicer to HRC than BHO is craziness.
I am baffled by this "get things done" meme that has grown on the side of Clinton. Remind me what she's gotten done? Health care when she had the reins (appointed reins) went nowhere fast. She has spoken up for various good causes and is usually on the right side of an issue... but am I missing something else?
Getting things done is a fantasy in a GOP dominated Congress and Senate. Simple as that. We're watching it right now. The only way to move left is to move left. HRC is just moving with the flow... which is currently towards the right. With Sanders the people may consider electing other real progressives. His election will open minds. Imagine electing a self-described democratic socialist? Imagine what that does to a brainwashed population suffering from 50 years of Stockholm Syndrome. Now imagine electing another Clinton.
Please. Both are quite well qualified. In fact Sanders has been in elected office much longer than Clinton, by a long shot. Elected. Not appointed. Elected.
Clinton is the Ur-hated-politician for the GOP. On some levels that's great on an enemy of my enemy level. But to imagine that the GOP and congress will be any nicer to HRC than BHO is craziness.
I am baffled by this "get things done" meme that has grown on the side of Clinton. Remind me what she's gotten done? Health care when she had the reins (appointed reins) went nowhere fast. She has spoken up for various good causes and is usually on the right side of an issue... but am I missing something else?
Getting things done is a fantasy in a GOP dominated Congress and Senate. Simple as that. We're watching it right now. The only way to move left is to move left. HRC is just moving with the flow... which is currently towards the right. With Sanders the people may consider electing other real progressives. His election will open minds. Imagine electing a self-described democratic socialist? Imagine what that does to a brainwashed population suffering from 50 years of Stockholm Syndrome. Now imagine electing another Clinton.
9
The only reason we cannot and do not provide Medicare for all and free tuition at public universities, is because we spend trillions destroying and destabilizing other country's. We do this because, as Mr. Trump would say, "it's very simple", we have a military industrial complex that needs to be constantly fed.
We pay the highest drug prices in the world and by law, Medicare is not permitted to negotiate because again, as Mr. Trump would say, "It's simple", the Medicare bill, passed by a Republican congress in the middle of the night, was a gift to Big Pharma.
We pay the highest drug prices in the world and by law, Medicare is not permitted to negotiate because again, as Mr. Trump would say, "It's simple", the Medicare bill, passed by a Republican congress in the middle of the night, was a gift to Big Pharma.
11
Ms. Collins, I beg to differ.
Can we agree that Hillary and her ilk are part of the reason both Trump and Bernie have gained so much support in this race? People on both sides of the partisan divide are angry with their respective parties.
The problem is that disdain for Hillary crosses party lines to such an extent that the “anyone but Hillary” and the “anyone but Trump” votes will likely end up cancelling out a huge number of voters. The one ray of hope for Democrats is that people alienated from establishment politicians like Hillary, and wary of Trump or Cruz, have a legitimate and electable alternative in Bernie. You may disagree with Bernie on some issues but it is hard to question his ethics or his sincerity. Unfortunately for Hillary, she has been tarnished, rightly or wrongly, with the label of being insincere and opportunistic.
Voting for President often comes down to issues of trust and perceived sincerity. We can never know the issues, challenges, or life and death decisions a President might have to face. Both Hillary and Bernie have the requisite qualifications for the job. But all the experience in the world often matters less than a clear head and a true moral compass. Was Bernie often a lone voice in the wilderness calling out for justice? Yes, but that voice is a trusted one that is now being joined by that of millions of Americans, red and blue alike, who say they are truly and finally fed up with establishment politicians.
Can we agree that Hillary and her ilk are part of the reason both Trump and Bernie have gained so much support in this race? People on both sides of the partisan divide are angry with their respective parties.
The problem is that disdain for Hillary crosses party lines to such an extent that the “anyone but Hillary” and the “anyone but Trump” votes will likely end up cancelling out a huge number of voters. The one ray of hope for Democrats is that people alienated from establishment politicians like Hillary, and wary of Trump or Cruz, have a legitimate and electable alternative in Bernie. You may disagree with Bernie on some issues but it is hard to question his ethics or his sincerity. Unfortunately for Hillary, she has been tarnished, rightly or wrongly, with the label of being insincere and opportunistic.
Voting for President often comes down to issues of trust and perceived sincerity. We can never know the issues, challenges, or life and death decisions a President might have to face. Both Hillary and Bernie have the requisite qualifications for the job. But all the experience in the world often matters less than a clear head and a true moral compass. Was Bernie often a lone voice in the wilderness calling out for justice? Yes, but that voice is a trusted one that is now being joined by that of millions of Americans, red and blue alike, who say they are truly and finally fed up with establishment politicians.
9
Where does the fact of Sander's support for the money wasting F-35 come into this "lone voice in the wilderness" scenario?? It serves Vermont and costs the rest of us. So how is that not an "establishment" move?
I was stunned last night with the personal incompetence of Sanders, Clinton and Jorge Ramos to understand, define and solve the problems.
The mediator repeated many times a single stupid question: “Are you going to send the children back?”
The president does not create the laws. He just implements them. The president has no authority to overturn or ignore the laws!
Allegedly, there is a lot of violence in Honduras that the children are running away.
There are several more important problems than a personal destiny of several thousand children.
What about several hundred thousand children left behind in Honduras?
What kind of parents would let their underage children travel alone over several countries without any protection? If the local conditions were unbearable, shouldn’t the parents travel with them? If the conditions were bad in Honduras, what’s wrong with staying in Mexico? Mexico could take care of such a small problem.
Should not Jorge Ramos display some self-criticism instead of blaming America for everything?
Should not Sanders and Clinton be able to push him back?
How come that we are responsible for the problems in the Latin America?
If they asked us, we could send the troops, defeat the gangs, provide the locals with the arms to defend themselves and be back home within thirty days.
But, nobody can expect that America should take care of all the problems in the world.
When the Latinos are going to accept the responsibility for the quality of their lives?
The mediator repeated many times a single stupid question: “Are you going to send the children back?”
The president does not create the laws. He just implements them. The president has no authority to overturn or ignore the laws!
Allegedly, there is a lot of violence in Honduras that the children are running away.
There are several more important problems than a personal destiny of several thousand children.
What about several hundred thousand children left behind in Honduras?
What kind of parents would let their underage children travel alone over several countries without any protection? If the local conditions were unbearable, shouldn’t the parents travel with them? If the conditions were bad in Honduras, what’s wrong with staying in Mexico? Mexico could take care of such a small problem.
Should not Jorge Ramos display some self-criticism instead of blaming America for everything?
Should not Sanders and Clinton be able to push him back?
How come that we are responsible for the problems in the Latin America?
If they asked us, we could send the troops, defeat the gangs, provide the locals with the arms to defend themselves and be back home within thirty days.
But, nobody can expect that America should take care of all the problems in the world.
When the Latinos are going to accept the responsibility for the quality of their lives?
2
Clinton, like Obama, confuses Wall Street with Business. Sanders does not and can honestly say that he supports business success (to benefit workers) while opposing Wall Street.
This country is disgusted by Wall Street excess. Trump will be able to exploit that disgust against Clinton. Against Sanders he won't.
However, I do wish Bernie would understand that business people and entrepreneurs in particular, need to keep at least 51% of their earnings (regardless of how great those earnings are) to remain motivated to create and build.
This country is disgusted by Wall Street excess. Trump will be able to exploit that disgust against Clinton. Against Sanders he won't.
However, I do wish Bernie would understand that business people and entrepreneurs in particular, need to keep at least 51% of their earnings (regardless of how great those earnings are) to remain motivated to create and build.
2
I'm glad you pointed out the distinction between business and Wall Street. Bernie might be leaving himself some wiggle room so as President he can present a friendly face to business even as he reins in the investment and banking industries.
Hillary's limited responses should be interpreted as the place where she draws the line with respect to what she can expect to face against her Republican opponent in the general election. She recognizes the timeframe within which she will need to maneuver and be prepared as they relate to appealing to a more centrist voter. Smart politics for a person seeking the world's toughest political job. The presidency requires a great politician, and Hillary fills the bill. I look forward to casting my vote for her.
2
Sanders disastrous tenure as head of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is a revealing glimpse of what his Presidency would be like. So blinded by his ideology he was the last to realize the actual disastrous reality of the VA. We already have one political party that puts highly partisan belief above facts - it would be nice to leave it at one.
6
My basic problem with Bernie Sanders is with his voters, not right now but in the future if he were to win in November. Bruce Rozenblit says below that voters, my fellow Democratic voters at least, fall in love. They don't want a strategist like Clinton.
To continue the metaphor, I fell in love with Obama after decades of feeling only like. My affection has remained, warts and all. Too many of my fellow Democrats, however, have treated him like a one night stand. Sure, they could get dressed up for a super date night in 2016, but couldn't be bothered to just go for coffee in 2010 and 2014. They wouldn't help reseed the lawn and replant the flowers after the Republicans insisted on cutting doughnuts in the yard. It was his fault, not theirs, when little new grass and few new flowers grew and Republicans continued to drive over the lawn.
They say differently, but I don't believe Sanders' voters will be there. As soon as Bernie is clearly not able to fulfill many of his promises, his voters will treat him like a bad date. They don't really love him so much as they are in lust with him. Love takes real work.
To twist the metaphor, we are not attempting a marriage. We are at war. Our Republican neighbors want to take all our property (read principles) and crush them in the dirt. Our very way of life is threatened by some of our fellow Americans who hate us. In war, you need a strategist. BTW, I don't even like Clinton that much. But she will save us some semblance of a yard.
To continue the metaphor, I fell in love with Obama after decades of feeling only like. My affection has remained, warts and all. Too many of my fellow Democrats, however, have treated him like a one night stand. Sure, they could get dressed up for a super date night in 2016, but couldn't be bothered to just go for coffee in 2010 and 2014. They wouldn't help reseed the lawn and replant the flowers after the Republicans insisted on cutting doughnuts in the yard. It was his fault, not theirs, when little new grass and few new flowers grew and Republicans continued to drive over the lawn.
They say differently, but I don't believe Sanders' voters will be there. As soon as Bernie is clearly not able to fulfill many of his promises, his voters will treat him like a bad date. They don't really love him so much as they are in lust with him. Love takes real work.
To twist the metaphor, we are not attempting a marriage. We are at war. Our Republican neighbors want to take all our property (read principles) and crush them in the dirt. Our very way of life is threatened by some of our fellow Americans who hate us. In war, you need a strategist. BTW, I don't even like Clinton that much. But she will save us some semblance of a yard.
12
The same is true of Trump. Once his followers realize that he can't build the wall and deport the Muslims and in fact he can't do anything but tell them how great he is, they'll be one disillusioned bunch. He is so totally unprepared and ill-equipped to handle the presidency that I am willing to bet he'd quit and go back to his online university and real estate swindles, all the while insisting he's a winner.
As a high school student, I supported Adlai Stevenson, but I also argued that a woman could and should be president. Now, many years later when a woman is moving toward the presidency, I do not support Hillary Clinton. She reminds me of what I never liked about the so-called New Democrats. Her interests, unlike those of Bernie Sanders, are too much of the same old halfway measures so beloved of politicians. Gail Collins and others complain that the Sanders ideas, hopes and ideals won't be realized, and therefore they should not be given the chance to be tried. Neither Clinton nor Sanders can succeed if the House and Senate remain in road-blocking Republican hands, but it would be far more exciting to have the national debate revolving around the Sanders programs than the more risk-averse proposals of a woman president unwilling to really smash that old glass ceiling. As some may be thinking: Hillary Clinton is no Elizabeth Warren.
For this time around, Bernie's the closest thing we have.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
For this time around, Bernie's the closest thing we have.
Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Montana
19
Take a hard look at the issues in the election. We are arguing about race, gender, and Mexicans. Sanders natters about free college and Medicare for all which everyone should know is impossible without fundamental changes to our economics and politics, changes that aren’t going to happen. Clinton talks about diversity and breaking barriers as if we can have more employment for the people who are left out when we don’t have enough employment for the people who are left in.
It is all superficial, nonsensical, pie in the sky blather. No one is talking about the only issue that matters, how corporate capitalism is creating inequality, and destroying our planet. The relationship between the state and the corporation is the essential problem that has to be solved. What should it be? How does the state exert control over corporations? How much influence on the state should the corporation have? Does the corporation have responsibilities other than creating profit for shareholders? There is more to it than corporations paying taxes and bringing back jobs. We must admit that these are global questions and will require global governance. The nation state is obsolete.
Politicians’ pandering to interest groups is nothing new, but if we are going to have a habitable planet into the next century, we are going to have to start looking at our real problems. I think the way we ultimately govern ourselves in the future, hasn’t been thought of yet and it is about time we start thinking.
It is all superficial, nonsensical, pie in the sky blather. No one is talking about the only issue that matters, how corporate capitalism is creating inequality, and destroying our planet. The relationship between the state and the corporation is the essential problem that has to be solved. What should it be? How does the state exert control over corporations? How much influence on the state should the corporation have? Does the corporation have responsibilities other than creating profit for shareholders? There is more to it than corporations paying taxes and bringing back jobs. We must admit that these are global questions and will require global governance. The nation state is obsolete.
Politicians’ pandering to interest groups is nothing new, but if we are going to have a habitable planet into the next century, we are going to have to start looking at our real problems. I think the way we ultimately govern ourselves in the future, hasn’t been thought of yet and it is about time we start thinking.
3
Since there is no way of knowing the identity of every person who ever gave a speech to a Wall Street firm, lets narrow the field.
Everybody who made more than $200,000 for making a Wall Street speech while exploring running for President should have to release their transcripts.
I think that is only one person.
As Clinton refuses to provide the evidence that her loyalties, vis a vis Wall street, are not divided, I must rule out voting for her in the general election.
Everybody who made more than $200,000 for making a Wall Street speech while exploring running for President should have to release their transcripts.
I think that is only one person.
As Clinton refuses to provide the evidence that her loyalties, vis a vis Wall street, are not divided, I must rule out voting for her in the general election.
15
Anyone not uniting behind the democratic nominee is risking the Supreme Court never ending Citizens United and the end of Social Security. There are issues way more important than the personalities of these candidates. I will support either in the final.
3
I am so with Sanders in terms of single payer health care and campaign financing. I have sent him money twice to keep the anti Citizens United fervor alive, and had intended to register for March 26 caucus in my state to speak for him. But I just cannot warm up to his trade policy and think it will ultimately hurt the poor. The more he speaks to it, the harder it is for me to feel I could promote his candidacy. Because I could not vote for Sec. Clinton or any Republican, I will start reviewing the third party candidates.
1
Sanders is changing the whole political discourse in the United States. He's an unapologetic Leftist. A socialist. His plans for universal healthcare and free tuition at public colleges and universities would transform the country. Yes, they would expand the role of government and increase taxes. This is how things are in Western Europe, where income taxes are progressive and people who earn more pay a higher percentage to government, which then redistributes it. The goal is not for people to get super rich, but for everyone to have a good quality of life. This has not been the goal in America. Ever. America was founded as a capitalist adventure, where people risked all to get super rich and cared little about those whose backs they broke in the process. Bernie is thinking about the broken backs. We finally have a politician whose voice is penetrating the mainstream media, whose voice is talking to and about the masses of people who refuse to have our backs broken any longer.
Si se puede. Feel the Bern.
Si se puede. Feel the Bern.
8
So is Trump.
I'm hardly the first person to say this, but it bears repeating: we Democrats gain nothing by having our two candidates snipe at each other. It will be a tragedy if Sanders supporters do not vote for candidate Clinton in the general election, or if Clinton supporters do not vote for candidate Sanders. Criticizing each other's past and current platforms and decisions will influence voters and ensure a Republican victory. We cannot take a chance on that happening. In a more perfect world, future debates between Bernie and Hillary would present the issues without anger and criticism. I don't understand why the tone is becoming increasingly toxic, but it's the very last thing we need!
9
You are so right - with the sniping and the undercutting, the Democrats are in the position to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory.
While the Democrats are doing their famous cat-herding impression, the Republican machine will get behind a narcissistic buffoon or a humorless theocrat who believes we don't need the government he wants to lead. The states have a majority of Republican governors. The states have majority or Republican legislative bodies. There are Republican majorities in the House and Senate.
All they need to win is 50.01% of the vote, and they have the drive to get it. A lot rides on Democrats not defeating themselves.
While the Democrats are doing their famous cat-herding impression, the Republican machine will get behind a narcissistic buffoon or a humorless theocrat who believes we don't need the government he wants to lead. The states have a majority of Republican governors. The states have majority or Republican legislative bodies. There are Republican majorities in the House and Senate.
All they need to win is 50.01% of the vote, and they have the drive to get it. A lot rides on Democrats not defeating themselves.
1
Secretary Clinton and Senator Sanders did get testy with each other, but it was The War of the Wonks.
The Republicans reminded us of middle-school miscreants with potty mouths. You know things are bad when the prickly Governor John Kasich comes across as mellow. Of course, he could afford to act like an adult – he actually was once an important player on Capitol Hill, unlike Senators Cruz and Rubio.
On the subject of making a positive difference in government, Hillary Clinton actually did so, placing her at a distinct disadvantage in this age of angry white men to her opponent.
Please note that this comment does not contain the name of the scourge of everything decent.