Our credit rating has been downgraded 8 times, yes 8 times. NJ infrastructuure is in the worst shape, D rating, in my life time. Christie has misused Sandy funds for his own political ambitions. And yet Mr. Brooks considers him and the other neo-cons mentioned, "presidential timber". I don't know what Mr. Brooks is smoking, but I want some.
25
Chris Christie? How can anything be written about this guy and his aspiration to be president without mentioning that there is a long record, much of it supported by Republicans, of him abusing government power, of unbridled cronyism, and thin skinned retribution? Giving this guy the power of the presidency would be an unmitigated disaster for the country. It's like talking about what a math prodigy Ted Kaczyinki was without mentioning his troubling extra curricular activities... Wake up, Mr. Brooks.
62
“We terminated the city police department and, partnering with the county, put a new metro division on the streets with 400 officers for the same price we were paying for 260."
Interesting. Bipartisan, government-efficiency? No. Willingness to destroy workers lives? Yes. Chris Christie's response to a problem: Fire everyone and find more people who will do the job for less.
Interesting. Bipartisan, government-efficiency? No. Willingness to destroy workers lives? Yes. Chris Christie's response to a problem: Fire everyone and find more people who will do the job for less.
32
There are some strong things to speak for Kasich, he does NOT deserve props for winning in Cuyahoga County in such a big way in 2014. His democratic opponent's campaign was all but moribund by Election Day, beset by numerous personal scandals, including that he had not bothered to get a valid drivers license for 10 years.
If Kasich had faced a more viable candidate, his victory most certainly would not have been so overwhelming.
If Kasich had faced a more viable candidate, his victory most certainly would not have been so overwhelming.
13
I forgot something: Kasich refused to take part in the gubernatorial debates at the City Club of Cleveland and was flip. about it. Another self-righteous moment, Governor? You have a few of those.
12
Gov. Scott Walker's attack on public school teachers and their union made international news a few years ago. Strange, or maybe not so strange, that David Brooks would overlook Walker's assault on the "working-class."
30
Kasich seems to be a Communitas Republican, but 'helping the poor' (a Christian value?) is never going to mobilize the 10% swing voters that determine a presidential race. The Democrats must up their game to focus on the general good from a stable community. This requires government spending on infrastructure, a balanced tax code, homeland security (e.g. healthcare, social security, air & water safety, public health, etc.) and pragmatism.
Small business & the domestic economy benefit from people with money to spend, not from tax cuts to corporations. Jobs are the result of consumer demand.
The deficit is down, the world flounders- and Romney's attempt to blame Obama for terrorism is craven demogoguery. Only a simpleton would believe that invading Syria would have squelched global jihad (see: Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan...).
Neither Kasich, Christie, Pence not Romney will ever acknowledge campaign with these truths- their base would bolt.
Small business & the domestic economy benefit from people with money to spend, not from tax cuts to corporations. Jobs are the result of consumer demand.
The deficit is down, the world flounders- and Romney's attempt to blame Obama for terrorism is craven demogoguery. Only a simpleton would believe that invading Syria would have squelched global jihad (see: Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan...).
Neither Kasich, Christie, Pence not Romney will ever acknowledge campaign with these truths- their base would bolt.
8
David, I am no political genius but I would like to point out some things, kinda play connect the dots, like when we all were kids. The Koch bros. had contributed over 1.2m to distribute to gubenetorial campaigns, Kasich's being one. Expect something back, boys? Kasich last spring rolled back renewable energy standards by signing bill310, putting clean energy on hold 'til 2017 when it then can be shelved forever by a committee already put in place. First state to do it. Koch/coal/Kasich kash? This results in greater profits for utilities that already monopolize energy production. Next,a few years ago, he signed a bill limiting collective bargaining for public employees thus removing their voice in safety issues that directly affect their lives on the job, among other things. Lets not forget the speech in which Kasich, trying to relate to his just folks audience, called a police officer an idiot, multiple times, because he pulled him over for allegedly passing an emergency vehicle. Is this one of those self righteous moments, governor? And of course, the privatisation of the prisons with no oversight, the failure to pass reform laws so the horrific abuses in agri-businesses continues. But, yeah, David, I guess people will see a guy here just maverick enough to wear a white hat call on God, and make a good president. Suddenly I am having flashbacks. Excuse me now, I have a migraine to tend to.
34
Brooks is forever in search of a "reasonable" conservative candidate for president, one that won't embarrass him at a congress of thought-leaders. Alas, this is the troup of dunces he wants to present as A and B students. No wonder that he's come up empty. The "reasonable" conservative is as mythical as the unicorn and lives only in the enchanted forest of his imagination.
30
I would rate them all not worthy of my vote.
25
David,
As a respected journalist, you did your readers a real disservice with this column. You need to have some sources in Ohio if you're going to analyze what has been happening here. Really off the mark with this one.
As a respected journalist, you did your readers a real disservice with this column. You need to have some sources in Ohio if you're going to analyze what has been happening here. Really off the mark with this one.
27
"Scott Walker and Mike Pence: B-plus. ... Walker never graduated from college."
Lets see--Don't need a college education to be president, oh well,
I guess Brooks would espouse open heart surgery on his wife by someone who hadn't graduated to.
Lets see--Don't need a college education to be president, oh well,
I guess Brooks would espouse open heart surgery on his wife by someone who hadn't graduated to.
9
Mr. Brooks may pine for a John Kasich nomination, but the Ohio governor would have to tack so far to the right in tone and policy to win that I would suspect he'd no longer be the apple of David's eye.
And can one overstate the absolute sadness of the fact that "if he shows he can raise money" is a completely valid qualifier for the presidential nomination? How long will money dominate our politics?
And can one overstate the absolute sadness of the fact that "if he shows he can raise money" is a completely valid qualifier for the presidential nomination? How long will money dominate our politics?
15
The move away from a focus on the social and "earth is flat" positions of the far right should be welcomed.The Kasich Platform also goes some way towards addressing a key missing ingredient in today's dialog;the culpability of the Middle Class in it's own decline,including entitlement,poor financial discipline,reluctance to pursue education or retraining,selectivity about acceptable jobs and refusal to move to where the work is.We need much more of this discussion rather than platitudes about loss of manufacturing,exporting of jobs,low wages,corporatism and other red herrings.
3
Masterfully correct use of the subjunctive tense in the lede sentence.
GOP presidential primary is/could be American Idol or the Voice so in English one says were.
GOP presidential primary is/could be American Idol or the Voice so in English one says were.
1
Mr.Brooks, you forgot one very important republican Donald Trump. What about 9-9-9 pizza mogul? I rate Michelle Bachman A+++ and Gigreich A++. Christie reminds me well known world leader Idi Amin who was bully like him.John Kasich ? who knows him? End of the day, none of these candidates will try even. Seriously, Jeb Bush is the best so far. Romney again? Then David Letterman will not retire.Mr.Brooks, I respect and appreciate highly but this article I could not take seriously, Sorry.
6
Has Mr. Brooks been tacitly recruited to channel revisionist Republican dogma? Even accounting for Brooks's conservative inclination, this piece almost reads like a promotional press release. I can almost hear, in the broader contexts of the speeches he references, the self-congratulatory platitudes virtually all Republicans routinely deploy as camouflage or puffery. I detect no sincere introspection or humility, nothing about what their administrations have failed to do or must compromise (any Republican who admits that there are issues their principles can't fix has self-immolated his career!) but instead: we have righteous empathy, courageous hearts and unassailable policies and we'll resolve the problems of [pick them] poverty, crime, taxes, public debt, health care, jobs, schools... And it's the same year after year. Purple and predictable rhetoric, talking the talk, but no populist commitment to walk the walk. A lecture about, say, reducing poverty given by a millionaire pol who busted unions at his benefactors' behest is like an oil tycoon who donates a thousand polluted acres to struggling organic farmers. The current target audiences for Christie, Walker, et al, are not the voters, but the elite and the handlers now holding the increasingly relevant auditions for America's Most Wanted Republican Presidential Mouthpiece.
10
Kasich has an up-lifting soul that brings back fond memories of Nelson Rockefeller, Jack Kemp and Hubert Humphrey's "Politics ofJoy"
1
Christie said all he cared about was serving the people of New Jersey, yet he's busy hugging Jerry Jones and pandering to farmers in Iowa. He has proven himself to be dishonest, petulant, bullying and insincere. Perhaps that works in NJ, but not for a national candidate. In fact, it doesn't even work in NY anymore. His numbers are falling like the Cowboys in the playoffs.
20
I'm a Democrat who would definitely give Kasich a close look. I was in the Army back in the 1990's when Kasich said he'd like to turn the Pentagon into a Triangle (i.e. cut funding), which I took offense to at the time. However, I now see it was indicative of his willing to say unpopular things he believes in. His record as governor has borne that out. He'd be a strong candidate if he could get past the wackos in his party's primary process. Walker rates a C+ (zero charisma and he lacks the "vision" thing -- which may be silly but it is necessary for a viable national leader...) Christie is full of hot (rancid) air. I don't know enough about Pence as governor to weigh in.
2
Mike Pence as presidential material? As a righteous, "values" sort of everyman? His governership reminds one of the proverbial virtuous surgeon whose "operation was a success, but the patient died." If one judges the relative security of the marginalized and non-affluent, even the elderly in neighboring Kentucky do better than Indiana. Yes, the state that gives the US the noble Senator Inkitatus does better for its elderly than Indiana. Mr. Brook's columns are often thoughtful, but this isn't one of them. Get real!
5
“When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small, but he is going to ask you what you did for the poor.” If he keeps talking like this, he'll have to become a democrat!
I'm afraid he'll find the Christian right is not interested in applying Christian values to economics if it means government doing things to help the poor. They are interested in using "Christian values" to bash gays and keep women down.
I'm afraid he'll find the Christian right is not interested in applying Christian values to economics if it means government doing things to help the poor. They are interested in using "Christian values" to bash gays and keep women down.
15
David:
What do you think might be Chris Christie's prescription for our national anxiety?
If we were to follow his example, it might involve hiding in a luxury suite with Jerry Jones, downing an entire case of oreo cookies, and plotting revenge on one's political enemies.
Of course, that's just what's good for Chris Christie - which is demonstrably different from what is good for America.
What do you think might be Chris Christie's prescription for our national anxiety?
If we were to follow his example, it might involve hiding in a luxury suite with Jerry Jones, downing an entire case of oreo cookies, and plotting revenge on one's political enemies.
Of course, that's just what's good for Chris Christie - which is demonstrably different from what is good for America.
9
Brooks,
Obviously you don't have a clue about what's going on in NJ. Bridgegate is the least of Christie's problems. The state is as close to bankruptcy as a state can get, and he has been governor for 6 years. I can't wait to hear him try to explain the state of the state in NJ, in a primary debate.
Obviously you don't have a clue about what's going on in NJ. Bridgegate is the least of Christie's problems. The state is as close to bankruptcy as a state can get, and he has been governor for 6 years. I can't wait to hear him try to explain the state of the state in NJ, in a primary debate.
20
David Brooks writes:
At this stage in the race it’s best to evaluate candidates the way you evaluate pitchers during the first week of spring training. Don’t think about polls, donor gossip or who has the front-runner label. Ask who makes the catcher’s glove pop loudest. Who has the stuff that makes you do a double take?
At least with the pitchers, you see that they're doing the pitching. With most politicians, you have to wonder whether it's they or their speech writers who are making the loud pops.
At this stage in the race it’s best to evaluate candidates the way you evaluate pitchers during the first week of spring training. Don’t think about polls, donor gossip or who has the front-runner label. Ask who makes the catcher’s glove pop loudest. Who has the stuff that makes you do a double take?
At least with the pitchers, you see that they're doing the pitching. With most politicians, you have to wonder whether it's they or their speech writers who are making the loud pops.
2
Certainly a college degree is not necessary for elective office, but it cannot hurt. Truman hadn't one, but he worked as a farmer and small businessman and a front line artillery officer in WWI--certainly these experiences more than compensated. Mr. Brook's inclusion of Scott Walker on the list of Republican possibles is strange, given that Governor Walker's résumée amounts to dropping out of college his junior year and three years of fund raising for the Red Cross before entering politics full time. This is hardly the stuff of legends.
6
It's time to call out the current Republican Party for what it is - a party dominated by radicals. When it shifted from moderate social and pragmatic fiscal agenda in a sharp move to the extreme right, that is not conservatism but radicalism. Being radical is not a left wing only label but applies to extremism on any side. Today, what's wrong with America is the right wing radicalism of the GOP.
9
I'll take a shot at why there is so much anxiety in the country.
Could it possibly be the constant negative barrage from Republican/ conservative sources? Never acknowledging anything good, they point out the negative end of the stick in virtually everything that comes from this administration. It doesn't have to be valid, it just has to grab attention and reinforce existing prejudices. Not only do state and national representatives reinforce these perceptions, but we have talk radio and Fox News that are listened to by millions. For some, these are their only sources of news. Because the media love to showcase conflict, their rants are constantly repeated on every news outlet.
Maybe that has something to do with why people feel anxious?
Could it possibly be the constant negative barrage from Republican/ conservative sources? Never acknowledging anything good, they point out the negative end of the stick in virtually everything that comes from this administration. It doesn't have to be valid, it just has to grab attention and reinforce existing prejudices. Not only do state and national representatives reinforce these perceptions, but we have talk radio and Fox News that are listened to by millions. For some, these are their only sources of news. Because the media love to showcase conflict, their rants are constantly repeated on every news outlet.
Maybe that has something to do with why people feel anxious?
9
Fact check: the last word anyone would use to describe Governor Jerry Brown of California is "undisciplined". It's true he left the Jesuit seminary after three years (I suspect because he didn't want to be celibate the rest of his life) and today, Republican attacks on his politics and his character fall away like Teflon. If he were younger, and wanted the Democratic nomination in 2016, he'd be formidable. Just try trotting out that old trope "Governor Moonbeam" and you'll be reminded that Mike Royko not only apologized for coining the phrase but tried to convince others the label was not apt... and he was actually labeling California voters (I'll proudly take the label), not the Governor himself.
4
When David Brooks shows me a Republican who will campaign spiritedly against the crooked gangsters on Wall Street and decline their money then he may get my attention. This also goes for the Democrats. I will never again vote for the lesser of two evils. Even if that means withholding my vote.
2
Republicanism is so out of touch with the 21st century none of those mentioned could govern competently. The fossil fuel industry owns the republican party. Mr. Brooks conveniently forgets that.
7
Chris Christie sees anxiety in America? He causes anxiety in New Jersey! In the form of increased property taxes, loss of jobs, companies leaving the state, environmental concerns, treatment of animals, and the list goes on and on.
8
"At this stage in the race it’s best to evaluate candidates the way you evaluate pitchers (and catchers) during the first week of spring training."
I guess what we are looking for are the next "Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey" in "Spring Training" and who can take us to the World Series and Win it All.
I guess what we are looking for are the next "Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey" in "Spring Training" and who can take us to the World Series and Win it All.
1
Mr. Brooks,
You drank the koolaid when it comes to Christie. You don't know him and hou don't know New Jersey. I have been watching New Jersey's governors for 50 years, have known some of them, and be assured that this is the worst, most dangerous and damaging creature to ever hold the office in the modern era.
Like a gorilla with a cudgel, he has gone his way smashing everything of value in New Jersey and its civil society, selling the state's public agencies and authorities to his friends and donors, corrupting local and state government (and no we are not the most corrupt state and never were but we may be now under this ego-sick narcissist.)
So before you make judgements about governors and their state of the state speeches, talk to people in those states who know them and understand what they have and have not done to and for their states.
And know this Mr. Brooks: Increasingly Christie is disliked, and more and more he is detested by New Jerseyans.
You drank the koolaid when it comes to Christie. You don't know him and hou don't know New Jersey. I have been watching New Jersey's governors for 50 years, have known some of them, and be assured that this is the worst, most dangerous and damaging creature to ever hold the office in the modern era.
Like a gorilla with a cudgel, he has gone his way smashing everything of value in New Jersey and its civil society, selling the state's public agencies and authorities to his friends and donors, corrupting local and state government (and no we are not the most corrupt state and never were but we may be now under this ego-sick narcissist.)
So before you make judgements about governors and their state of the state speeches, talk to people in those states who know them and understand what they have and have not done to and for their states.
And know this Mr. Brooks: Increasingly Christie is disliked, and more and more he is detested by New Jerseyans.
14
Grading candidates based on their State of the State speeches? Better to look at their records and how their respective states are doing. Christie's public polls are terrible. His state is scraping the national bottom in many economic categories. Kasich's state is doing a bit better but not by much. As for Walker, it would be nice to have a college graduate as the world's leader.
And all this talk about helping the poor - incomprehensible poppycock coming from a conservative Republican. Take a look at the Congressional Republicans voting record in this regard in the last few years, the people whom the next president will be working with (if that's possible).
And all this talk about helping the poor - incomprehensible poppycock coming from a conservative Republican. Take a look at the Congressional Republicans voting record in this regard in the last few years, the people whom the next president will be working with (if that's possible).
6
Rating Republicans as compared to the American human beings who are not white Christian males leaves one wondering why they are not their brother's and sister's keeper's?
And wondering why they fail to hear the bell of another person's misery and grief tolling for them?
Because they keep getting enough money and votes to stay in power is the reason.
There no room for the Golden Rule nor the Sermon on the Mount nor the Jesus of Matthew 5-7; 19:24; 25:31-46.
And wondering why they fail to hear the bell of another person's misery and grief tolling for them?
Because they keep getting enough money and votes to stay in power is the reason.
There no room for the Golden Rule nor the Sermon on the Mount nor the Jesus of Matthew 5-7; 19:24; 25:31-46.
5
I doubt Kasich can get very far using words like "empathy." When President Obama used it, all the conservatives and most all Republicans screamed with outrage as if he had said, "dictatorship of the proletariat." You already have a comment from CjmesqO below saying that Kasich lost any chance when he "expanded Medicaid in his state and started using the language of the left."
Another reason I doubt Kasich can get very far is that he says most of us have become self-righteous. I think there is truth to this, although I see it playing out in some different ways than Kasich may. It is difficult to expect self-righteous people to acknowledge their self-righteousness. Think of what happened with Jimmy Carter's malaise speech. I remember watching it and thinking he had hit on a major problem in the nation. The press and most voters seem to have felt it far easier to blame the messenger.
The greatest difficulty Kasich will have here is that he can't convince the larger American body politic of the flaw of self-righteousness if he can't convince his own party of it. I can't believe that the most self-righteous wing of the most self-righteous party will ever support him. Yes, I understand that conservatives always go on about my fellow Democrat's self-righteousness, and they have a point. But no one from sea to shinning sea can beat conservatives in the great American self-righteous crying game, especially in the "out-of-town auditions phase."
Another reason I doubt Kasich can get very far is that he says most of us have become self-righteous. I think there is truth to this, although I see it playing out in some different ways than Kasich may. It is difficult to expect self-righteous people to acknowledge their self-righteousness. Think of what happened with Jimmy Carter's malaise speech. I remember watching it and thinking he had hit on a major problem in the nation. The press and most voters seem to have felt it far easier to blame the messenger.
The greatest difficulty Kasich will have here is that he can't convince the larger American body politic of the flaw of self-righteousness if he can't convince his own party of it. I can't believe that the most self-righteous wing of the most self-righteous party will ever support him. Yes, I understand that conservatives always go on about my fellow Democrat's self-righteousness, and they have a point. But no one from sea to shinning sea can beat conservatives in the great American self-righteous crying game, especially in the "out-of-town auditions phase."
1
So David Brooks cites self-serving inaugural and state-of-the-state speeches as proof of a politician’s core values and character. What, no fawning quotes from their campaign managers or their mothers and wives about their upstanding values to bolster your arguments? As for Kasich’s mantra, “When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small, but he is going to ask you what you did for the poor,” I hope he realizes that for the hard-core evangelicals that are the base of the Republican party, good works, or lack thereof, have no standing when it comes to entering the pearly gates. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).” To the evangelical base, which any Republican candidate must appease to have any shot at the nomination, the sole qualification for entrance into heaven is a belief in Jesus Christ as your personal savior. All others are consigned to an eternity of unending suffering. That helps explains the lack of cognitive dissonance in those who profess a belief in Christ but generally ignore the teachings of Jesus.
7
David gives Christie a pass for surviving political damage. But he hasn't survived the moral damage from being exposed, by the bridge incident, as the tyrannical thug that he is.
2
Christie using Camden NJ as his accomplishment! You have to be kidding. Talk about damming with faint praise. It is like old WC Fields' joke 1st prize one week 2nd prize 2 weeks. Christie made Camden NJ a paradise on earth. i have to think about that one- way to the GW Bridge at one end of the State and at the other paradise on the Delaware. What a record.
2
None of this matters -- it's always about the optics, and Christie's optics are terrible. He's a caricature come to life -- the overweight bully everyone remembers from elementary school. Not because his extra weight is inherently bad -- most of us are overweight to some degree -- but because most of us intuitively assume that it is the product of low self-esteem and a deep need to always appear right and superior to everyone else -- characteristics that seem obvious to anyone who has watched even one of his news conferences. It's an unappealing combination that cannot fail to hurt him.
And while most of us struggle with our weight in this era of horrible commercial foodstuffs, the excess his particular girth represents will definitely cause him to be judged, since it would seem to represent a complete lack of self-discipline, and therefore a character failing of the highest order, fair or not, PC or not. As I said at the start, it's all about the optics in our media driven world.
And while most of us struggle with our weight in this era of horrible commercial foodstuffs, the excess his particular girth represents will definitely cause him to be judged, since it would seem to represent a complete lack of self-discipline, and therefore a character failing of the highest order, fair or not, PC or not. As I said at the start, it's all about the optics in our media driven world.
2
The juxtaposition of this column with today's front-page story on the destruction of our planet significantly heightens the stakes in 2016. If any of these men should--shudder--become president, polluting, plundering corporations would seize the opportunity to make buckets of money while our climate-denying president and his cronies look the other way. I guess David Brooks doesn't really care what kind of a world--if we have one--his grandchildren will inherit.
4
John Kasich won a “landslide victory” in November because his Democratic opponent self-destructed weeks before the election. Kasich’s conciliatory tone is newly minted since he figured out that he may have a shot at the White House. He carries baggage in Ohio, including his tour of duty with Lehman Brothers, which will surface in any national campaign.
That being said, Kasich is clearly a more viable candidate for the Republicans than Chris Christie, Scott Walker or Mike Pence.
That being said, Kasich is clearly a more viable candidate for the Republicans than Chris Christie, Scott Walker or Mike Pence.
1
A lot of empty words about a big empty field.
Christie, a religious conservative? You've got to be kidding.
Christie, a religious conservative? You've got to be kidding.
3
Quite a bit of vitriol for Chris Christie. Making an assumption here, but I'm guessing that most readers/posters bashing the NJ governor are fairly left-leaning.
As a NJ resident and independent voter, I think Christie is fantastic. His charisma, attitude and (many) policies are what this country needs.
Just enough Republican to maintain the base in a national election, and just enough non-Republican to win over a LOT of independents (and maybe some less extreme Democrats). A scary combination if you're anything to the left of a moderate democrat.
As a NJ resident and independent voter, I think Christie is fantastic. His charisma, attitude and (many) policies are what this country needs.
Just enough Republican to maintain the base in a national election, and just enough non-Republican to win over a LOT of independents (and maybe some less extreme Democrats). A scary combination if you're anything to the left of a moderate democrat.
4
Kasich basically acts and talks like a moderate Democrat. There is another shoe to drop on Christie with Bridgegate indictments. Walker and Pence can win in the Midwest, but have no play outside that arena. There are two Republican parties today and none of these four governors can satisfy the deep right wing where the votes are. This will be fun to watch as all four try to play to two different audiences inside the party in today's instant media world. Good luck. A third party will eventually result.
Amazingly bad rstings. Take John Kasich. Even as you praise this former FOX employee, When Ohio Governor John Kasich signed SB 310, a two-year freeze of the state’s renewable energy and energy efficiency standards, last June, he was leading the way—backwards. Ohio became the first state to roll back standards that were already in place, passed in 2008 in an uncontroversial unanimous bipartisan vote.
Come on, Mr.Brooks, if you are that backward in your thinking, that beholden to folks who think the future of energy is burning rocks, how can you be highly rated, unless the rater gets a very low rating-F.
Come on, Mr.Brooks, if you are that backward in your thinking, that beholden to folks who think the future of energy is burning rocks, how can you be highly rated, unless the rater gets a very low rating-F.
7
Although your last paragraph tends to give me pause, this guy who usually goes with a Democrat, wants now to look at Kasich further! And David, when you write, "Ask who makes the catchers glove pop loudest. Who has the stuff to make you do a double take?"! Although I think you are too young to remember him, I thought you were writing about, Koufax! Yep, it's time to take a deeper look, at this other K!!!
1
Chris Christie? You've got to be kidding me. Do you know how this man looks to people in the Western US? Picture a snail in a clown costume.
10
You can tell David Brooks doesn't live in Ohio.
Kasich is an awful governor. He has twice tried to destroy government workers' rights in Ohio, and while he himself is faux religious, he panders to some of our state's coarser religious elements. (Example: repeated attempts to pass "heartbeat" anti-abortion bills.) He has supported fracking in northeast and southeast Ohio, resulting in serious environmental damage. I have cousins cross state who are experiencing regular "frackquakes" in areas no where near a fault line, New Madrid notwithstanding.
Worst of all, he is a cronyist of the greatest magnitude, pursuing personal enemies and elevating complete idiots who are his supporters. This manifests in the JobsOhio debacle and the sorry state of charter schools in Ohio.
Kasich is an awful governor. He has twice tried to destroy government workers' rights in Ohio, and while he himself is faux religious, he panders to some of our state's coarser religious elements. (Example: repeated attempts to pass "heartbeat" anti-abortion bills.) He has supported fracking in northeast and southeast Ohio, resulting in serious environmental damage. I have cousins cross state who are experiencing regular "frackquakes" in areas no where near a fault line, New Madrid notwithstanding.
Worst of all, he is a cronyist of the greatest magnitude, pursuing personal enemies and elevating complete idiots who are his supporters. This manifests in the JobsOhio debacle and the sorry state of charter schools in Ohio.
16
Rating the Republicans who overall speak with one conservative even scary backward moving voice (no science, no women's rights, no LGBT rights, no separation of church and state, no longer easy poll access for minority voters, no environmental/infrastructure concerns, no common sense gun control, no help/healthcare for the downtrodden etc., etc.). Two wary thumbs way down.
12
This is tiresome, a waste of time. How about actually looking into and evaluating what these men have done, instead of just relaying what the are saying about themselves.
19
You lost me at an A minus for Christie. How on earth you think that there are enough really blind, paralyzed, brain dead voters--even among republicans--is way beyond me. Christie is an extraordinarily unattractive, obnoxious, bullying, vulgar, ignorant, arrogant loud mouth who has never said anything worth hearing. His speech at the republican national convention, was an embarrassing demonstration of self-aggrandizement run amok. You republicans may have smoke screened W into office, and his vomittous father somehow before that, but I can't believe that Christie can wheedle enough money out of enough stupid donors to float a campaign for long.
14
The number one aim of conservatives is to conserve principals (particularly of their donors), not principles.
8
Of course Kasich lauds the government worker in his speech, that way he can try to hide the fact he led the charge to end her collective bargaining rights three years ago. Remember SB5 anyone? Ohio public sector workers sure do. He won re-election so widely because the sorry Democratic opponent imploded and turnout was low. Kasich will not have much appeal once people learn much about him.
8
Name one, ONE, Republican idea that has put people back to work, improved the economy, fixed our decaying infrastructure, improved our education, expanded college availability -- ANYTHING? The states are all on an austerity diet, scrambling for what to cut next, afraid to increase taxes on the only group that still has money (and plenty of it) because their leaders need it to get re-elected. Meanwhile the Chinese are blasting their way to the future (although sadly without consideration for the bottom half of their population) and buying up the property on both our coasts. The XL pipeline is a Republican priority and that might, ultimately, provide a few hundred jobs. That's it.
Although the economy is improving, this Christmas was "meh" in sales. What part of "you can't disemploy and destroy your middle class and still expect to keep a vibrant economy" do you not get -- besides ALL of that? Republicans are a rehash of the Ancien Regime and Dems are not far behind. Lower class and working class men apparently don't read and continue to believe, all reality to the contrary, that FOX News is their reality friend and points the way to the bad guys. You'd think after all these years of failure that these men would realize that the Republicans don't offer them anything but a place for their resentments. Mr. Brooks isn't far behind. We haven't heard a constructive notion in years. It's all belly button cotton.
Although the economy is improving, this Christmas was "meh" in sales. What part of "you can't disemploy and destroy your middle class and still expect to keep a vibrant economy" do you not get -- besides ALL of that? Republicans are a rehash of the Ancien Regime and Dems are not far behind. Lower class and working class men apparently don't read and continue to believe, all reality to the contrary, that FOX News is their reality friend and points the way to the bad guys. You'd think after all these years of failure that these men would realize that the Republicans don't offer them anything but a place for their resentments. Mr. Brooks isn't far behind. We haven't heard a constructive notion in years. It's all belly button cotton.
9
David, YOUR ratings and the peoples' ratings of the Republicans do NOT matter. How the plutocratic, militaristic oligarchy rates them will determine which of them gets the money for campaigning, who gets the media propaganda, and ultimately what the choice of candidates will be and who will get the nomination. This is not a democracy.
5
Christie has been a horrible governor. He has accomplished virtually nothing. He has spent more days out of state then in state since his reelection. If he runs it will be a Democratic landslide.
10
President Chris Christie? That would certainly give new meaning to the term "bully pulpit."
14
Are you sure Gov. Kasich was talking about empathy? Usually when Republicans talk about people fixated on themselves, they are talking about moochers who think they are entitled to handouts but are unwilling to work.
3
Mr. Brooks believes what these Republican politicians say and not what they do.
8
Kasich is promoting values which essentially contradict Reagan's message that altruism leads to big government while selfishness and greed lead to individual initiative and the higher common good and if you want brotherly love join a church.
Christie is clever but he's not smart enough have to keep his administration above scandal. It does not speak well for a potential President of the U.S., and the last thing we need is another Warren Harding.
Walker is a straight forward old fashioned pro-business and anti-democratic Republican, exactly the kind of fellow that ran the U.S. after the Civil War right up to the early twentieth century. If you want somebody to extend the long recovery from the great recession, he's your man.
Christie is clever but he's not smart enough have to keep his administration above scandal. It does not speak well for a potential President of the U.S., and the last thing we need is another Warren Harding.
Walker is a straight forward old fashioned pro-business and anti-democratic Republican, exactly the kind of fellow that ran the U.S. after the Civil War right up to the early twentieth century. If you want somebody to extend the long recovery from the great recession, he's your man.
3
As one who staunchly opposes the privatization of public schools and services, who accepts the fact the public school unions provide decent wages and fair and equitable treatment of school districts, and believes that locally elected school boards make the soundest decisions for their constituents, I find all of the candidates touted in this column to be unacceptable. Kasich has opened the door to unregulated for-profit charter schools and they have walked through that door and wasted millions of taxpayers dollars dollars. Christie has advocated and supported state takeovers that replace schools overseen by elected officials beholden to voters with for-profit institutions overseen by "CEOs" who are beholden to shareholders. Scott Walker's mischaracterization of teachers as "greedy" and his union-busting have eliminated jobs that offered middle class compensation and job security with low paying at-will employees. Mike Pence has gone out of his way to undercut the efforts of the elected State Superintendent as she strives to provide more support to public schools and more regulations for charters. The only benefit that will come if these four are serious contenders is that the general public will wake up to the adverse and anti-democratic consequences of turning public schools over to deregulated for profit charter schools.
15
Anyone reading this article should repeat to themselves that these men are public servants. They seem to be striving to be top predators in the sea of money. The "public servants" thing is a necessary costume they wear to fool their constituents, who are foolish enough to not see through them. "Public service" is a great entry-level job for great riches down the line for these shysters.
9
Once again the republicans have no one that appeals to the establishment segment of the party and the hard right which would include the tea party, evangelicals. An extensive post primary makeover will be again the order of the day. Whether they can be successful.. or rather more successful than they did with Mittens, will be interesting to watch. Of course they will spend whatever it takes to try and pull it off this masquerade.
1
The world lacks leadership and looks to the U.S. of A. to show the way. Kasich and Christie are politicians, not leaders. They take money from people and act accordingly. 40% of the electorate refuses to participate.
I wrote of the last national campaign the debates were a mix of American Idol and Musical Chairs, with the condidates auditioning for world leader with moderated two minute sound bites.
We can do better.
http://michaelslevinson.com
I wrote of the last national campaign the debates were a mix of American Idol and Musical Chairs, with the condidates auditioning for world leader with moderated two minute sound bites.
We can do better.
http://michaelslevinson.com
2
Caring about the poor? Republicans? The problem with Romney's secret comments on the 47% is that he leaked what Republicans really believe about the have-nots. Deep down they know that the plight of the poor is the good-for-nothing's own dang fault. And nothing irritates the GOP rank and file more than a big government that gives handouts to layabouts. A very popular talk-radio host up here in the Northwest says plainly we need to stop feeding the homeless and maybe they'll get some work ethic. All GOP hopefuls have to have some code to say that in a way their base will understand without alienating everyone else. Watch out for secret recordings at your big donor events! (P. S. All that sacred GOP work ethic is actually ruining the planet, exterminating other species at a ghastly rate…)
6
To paraphrase HL Mencken-you will never go broke underestimating the republicans.
5
None of these Republican Governor's can win a general election. Considering Chris Christie a leader is an oxymoron.
8
If Christie is an A-, the GOP is in big trouble.
9
'...(Republicans) Reach the struggling and disaffected...' Never have, never will.
4
David, this is where you go wrong. As a conservative living in the heart of liberalism, you praise the very things liberals deem important. Considering your locale, that is understandable. But because of your proximity, you miss the point of today's conservative. Those qualities you like in your list are the very qualities conservatives in the Mid-West and South detest. Those are the qualities Democrats consider important, and thus, Republicans absolutely hate.
As examples, prison racial demographics and/or neighborhoods of poverty are the proof of conservative's predictions. They'll never admit that those situations are actually the result of long standing policies, Jim Crow laws vetted by the Supreme Court. Isolation of "others" has led to their self-fulfilling prophecies. Living on the East Coast will never force you to really understand the very politics you support.
As examples, prison racial demographics and/or neighborhoods of poverty are the proof of conservative's predictions. They'll never admit that those situations are actually the result of long standing policies, Jim Crow laws vetted by the Supreme Court. Isolation of "others" has led to their self-fulfilling prophecies. Living on the East Coast will never force you to really understand the very politics you support.
2
Brooks labels the current occupants of the Republican clown car as "conservatives." I demur. Robert Taft, Bob Dole, and Everett Dirksen were conservatives. Today's 'moderate' Republicans are extremely conservative. Today's mainstream Republicans are flat-out reactionaries. Today's 'very conservative" Republicans are radicals bordering on fascism. Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, not exactly bleeding heart liberals, would be considered RINOs by today's Republicans.
8
Why stop at B-? What about Jindal? He deserves a grade. and how about rating the rest of the contestants on the Republican clown car who are not currently siting governors like Santorum, Huckabee, and Bush?
2
Gov. Kasich began his reign by appointing the chairman of Ohio Right to Life to the state medical board. He slashed public school funding, which has had an extremely detrimental effect on academics, even - or especially - in high-performing suburban systems, who are funded at a lower rate than poorer urban systems. Meanwhile, there is more funding for charter schools - even for-profit ones, and in Ohio, very few charter schools function well. HIs appointees to the State Board of Education seem to be there to further harm the public schools and add to dysfunctional charters. Like Walker, he picked a totally unnecessary fight with public employees, which the electorate overturned. Finally, while Gov. Kasich is sensitive to mental health issues, I'm told it's because of sympathy for a relative who had difficulty. To his credit, however, he did accept the expanded funds for Medicaid. He's not the worst possible candidate for president, but I would not vote for him based on his pandering to those who would ban a woman's right to choose and his disdain for the important role of public schools in our country.
14
We've federated around States, and hold the whole ugly mess together with a strong Federal government. Republicans, currently dominated by conservatives, would have us change that to make more room for "free market", corruption, pollution, and wealth accumulation..........like the Chinese, the Europeans, the Russians, and the Japanese.
Europe did not have an easy path to 'strong federal government' and is failing. China, Russia, and Japan did not manage inherent human corruption strongly enough, and powerful, ancient, corrupt, conservative forces (short-term focused, wealth accumulators) remain ingrained. India is trying, and the rest of the world outside of a few, is struggling with ways to moderate the animal behavior that drives the 'survival of the fittest' in order to give humans a chance.
We have learned this lesson in the past, and the secret is to 'feed the animals' but keep them caged. Governance that accepts the principle of ever changing human values, and the maintenance of necessary business structures and regulations defined to cage our animal instincts have gotten us this far. We should go back to the ideas that favor the humans.........and to the idea of helping others to do the same.
Europe did not have an easy path to 'strong federal government' and is failing. China, Russia, and Japan did not manage inherent human corruption strongly enough, and powerful, ancient, corrupt, conservative forces (short-term focused, wealth accumulators) remain ingrained. India is trying, and the rest of the world outside of a few, is struggling with ways to moderate the animal behavior that drives the 'survival of the fittest' in order to give humans a chance.
We have learned this lesson in the past, and the secret is to 'feed the animals' but keep them caged. Governance that accepts the principle of ever changing human values, and the maintenance of necessary business structures and regulations defined to cage our animal instincts have gotten us this far. We should go back to the ideas that favor the humans.........and to the idea of helping others to do the same.
4
Well Dave, by your and St. Pete's standards, both Obama and Hillary would get an A+ and be class co-salutorians, and Bernie Sanders would get an A++ and be valedictorian.
6
Mike Pence pro-education? What a joke! He's doing all he can to gut public education in Indiana, taking tax dollars from the public schools and giving them to his buddies running charters. The only good thing about having Pence running for President is that it would get him out of Indiana.
8
Do we want a party that will retain its religious base? Isn't that the distinct problem with the Republicans? For years I vote Democratic because the Republicans have shown themselves to be nuts...they continually claim we live in a Christian country, that school prayer should be reinstated, that because they don't believe in choice no woman should have that right yet they show no inkling of helping to pay for an unwanted child, that adults should not have the right to die in dignity and so on. Moreover, the more the Muslims commit j'had, the louder their claims about the virtues of God forgetting about The Crusades, The Spanish Inquisition, Hitler and the religion based terror in the former Yugoslovia and currently in Africa and Indonesia. Any Republican who believes in separation of church and state has my vote but I'm still waiting to hear about any.
5
The best that can be said about this latest car-crash of illogic, blinkered cherry-picking, and wishful thinking is that no re-heated, Sociology 101 oatmeal gets served up.
Others have said it better: Live in Camden for six months, Brooks, then talk about Chris Christie's "A-."
Others have said it better: Live in Camden for six months, Brooks, then talk about Chris Christie's "A-."
6
Follow the money. The rest is immaterial. Bush, Christie and Romney are really the only three that are positioned to bring in the big bucks. The rest are just noise.
3
It seems, then, that all the main Republican contenders share a touching regard for the poor. How does that jibe with the fact that Republicans in Congress all share a virulent opposition to anything that might help the poor, and enthusiastically support proposals to benefit the rich and cut benefits to the poor?
6
Reading Mr. Brooks glowing comments about Republican candidates complete with grades reminds me of the difference between The teachings (and golden trappings) of the Catholic church versus the real life doings of Jesus Christ. One institution surrounds itself with wealthy donors and the pomp and circumstances of a rich tradition while Jesus the messiah surrounded himself with apostles and believers.
New Republican candidates of the 21st century are more than happy to espouse the need to help the poor, narrow the income disparity gap, support K-12 education and support poor immigrants. All the while they engage in populist speech to appeal to the dwindling middle class and working poor, they are backed by secretive Super Pacs funded by the uber wealthy and corporations seeking favors. The "new" Republicans present an image of the "Everyman" while strategizing on how to do away with unions (Scott Walker,) cut Social Security and other safety net programs by wrapping them in complex language like "personal accounts," rub noses with the "haven't a clue" wealthy (Chris Christie) and accept political backing from the Koch Bros. (Marco Rubio.)
The Pope is an impressive public figure and presents the world with lofty speech about a better world through good deeds and actions. Jesus Christ lived a life of good deeds and actions. It's important to differentiate speech from action.
New Republican candidates of the 21st century are more than happy to espouse the need to help the poor, narrow the income disparity gap, support K-12 education and support poor immigrants. All the while they engage in populist speech to appeal to the dwindling middle class and working poor, they are backed by secretive Super Pacs funded by the uber wealthy and corporations seeking favors. The "new" Republicans present an image of the "Everyman" while strategizing on how to do away with unions (Scott Walker,) cut Social Security and other safety net programs by wrapping them in complex language like "personal accounts," rub noses with the "haven't a clue" wealthy (Chris Christie) and accept political backing from the Koch Bros. (Marco Rubio.)
The Pope is an impressive public figure and presents the world with lofty speech about a better world through good deeds and actions. Jesus Christ lived a life of good deeds and actions. It's important to differentiate speech from action.
6
We don't need the equivalent of Christian Sharia Law imposed on us by a bigoted and intolerant minority. Sooner or later the vast majority of American People will marginalize the GOP if it keeps catering to this segment of their party.
5
Odds are that the Republicans will nominate a current or former governor. Republican voters want to win the Presidency and believe that effective leadership trumps ideology. Both of those outcomes have been in short supply the last eight years from the Republican perspective. Kasich, Christie, Walker and Jeb are a formidable candidates. Senators need not apply.
Democrats would love to see another Republican free-for-all primary in 1916. Because of that Republicans are not going to let it happen. The selection process is going on right now. Jeb is not a certainty, but the other names are all less certain winners.
Jeb, was a fiscally conservative governor of the fourth largest and one of the most politically and ethnically diverse States. He has demonstrated a commitment to education reform, a realistic stance on immigration reform, he generated bi-partisan backing, and the support of the minority communities, particularly among Hispanics.
Republicans will struggle to find a stronger candidate.
Democrats would love to see another Republican free-for-all primary in 1916. Because of that Republicans are not going to let it happen. The selection process is going on right now. Jeb is not a certainty, but the other names are all less certain winners.
Jeb, was a fiscally conservative governor of the fourth largest and one of the most politically and ethnically diverse States. He has demonstrated a commitment to education reform, a realistic stance on immigration reform, he generated bi-partisan backing, and the support of the minority communities, particularly among Hispanics.
Republicans will struggle to find a stronger candidate.
I would give Pence the A-minus. Christie isn't nearly as bad as his detractors would claim, but he is also short on actual accomplishment as compared to his bluster, so he gets the B-plus. Walker is at best a C. He really has no gravitas outside of Wisconsin, and he just comes across as a television preacher. I agree Kasich is the strongest of the group, although he is also still very much the dark horse.
"Anxiety" and erosion of "values" are just other names for outrageous income inequality. People are beginning to clue into the fact that for most Americans, even those that once had decent jobs, the brass ring has shrunk to the size of a mouse's thimble.
All those mentioned in Mr. Brooks book report are simply political spear chuckers for the Jerry Jones class of Americans. Eager to be seen with them, and funded by them.
Republican or Democrat, it makes no difference. The politician that grabs the income inequality issue by the throat is going to have a campaign that's going to make the '08 Obama effort look like a limp, wet noodle. Americans will come out in droves and will throw money at a guy or gal who tells it like it is, and offers a solution. (If you're reading this Mister or Ms. pol, the solution simply is to tell America and Americans how you're going to create good long term manufacturing jobs, and bring other manufacturing back home from China. Think Hope and Change, except with a national industrial plan underpinning it. And don't be afraid to use the German model of having a workers rep on every board.)
None of the Republicans mentioned in this column have the sense to seize this strategy. (That also includes the soon to be ex-Gov Perry.) Presumably they'd all be afraid that their .1% funders would turn and run the other way.
They might. But American of all stripes would replace them.
What could be better?
All those mentioned in Mr. Brooks book report are simply political spear chuckers for the Jerry Jones class of Americans. Eager to be seen with them, and funded by them.
Republican or Democrat, it makes no difference. The politician that grabs the income inequality issue by the throat is going to have a campaign that's going to make the '08 Obama effort look like a limp, wet noodle. Americans will come out in droves and will throw money at a guy or gal who tells it like it is, and offers a solution. (If you're reading this Mister or Ms. pol, the solution simply is to tell America and Americans how you're going to create good long term manufacturing jobs, and bring other manufacturing back home from China. Think Hope and Change, except with a national industrial plan underpinning it. And don't be afraid to use the German model of having a workers rep on every board.)
None of the Republicans mentioned in this column have the sense to seize this strategy. (That also includes the soon to be ex-Gov Perry.) Presumably they'd all be afraid that their .1% funders would turn and run the other way.
They might. But American of all stripes would replace them.
What could be better?
7
There seems to be grade inflation regarding Scott Walker. Wisconsin's budget is expected to show a deficit of almost $400 million by June, 2015, and the deficit is project to increase to about $1.8 billion during the 2015-2017 budget period - unless taxes are increased. Besides some rhetoric that apparently plays well to a conservative audience, what has Walker accomplished that merits favorable consideration to become the next President of the USA? His lack of a college degree seemingly will inhibit his ability to process the complexity of factors that drive economies.
8
I find it rather bizarre that Christie states anxiety is the most palpable emotion that he saw and felt as he travelled the country. Seriously? Has he ever spent an hour listening to FOX News, Rush Limbaugh, Laura Ingraham, etc.? The conservative news/entertainment industry thrives on these emotions. I'd give Jeb Bush a look-see, but I don't think Christie's vitriol will sell well across a wide enough segment of American voters to get him elected. He's bound to explode at some point after some reporter tries to pin him down on some question he doesn't want to answer.
6
Mr. Brooks acts as if he believes what comes out of their mouths and I'm certain that he is smarter than that. We all know that they're going to make noises about equality and we all know that that is the last item on any Republican agenda, period.
5
They are all such wonderful advocates for the poor, and to a man, they all believe that deficit reduction in the form of reducing services to the poor will be a tonic that lifts the poor out of poverty. That allowing industry to be on the honor system by removing regulations regarding healthy air and water will result in an environmental Eden with full employment.
When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes it was less miraculous than Republican policy proposals. Perhaps God favors them more than He did His own son. Let's see how John Kasich's piety stacks up against the demands of the corporate interests he must satisfy.
When Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes it was less miraculous than Republican policy proposals. Perhaps God favors them more than He did His own son. Let's see how John Kasich's piety stacks up against the demands of the corporate interests he must satisfy.
8
David you disappoint me,mentioning accomplishments of Walker including "state surpluses." Stay tuned. Wisconsin is projected to see 2 billion dollar deficits in the next 1 -2 years. Maybe you will need to regrade Mr. Walker and put him in the same category as Gov. Brownbeck of Kansas.
3
Required reading for us all this season is WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH KANSAS by Thomas Frank. While the electorate and pundits discuss endless variations and interpretations of "values" and "culture" by candidates, (a truly empty discussion re: national leaders), the corporate culture whittles away at the middle class. And we gladly parrot noble descriptions of ourselves as "hard-working" and "Joe six-pack" as we vote for policies to underpay us for that hard work. Take away the culture wars discussion, please. See what policies are put forth by candidates. If the culture clash arguments stopped, half of the candidates would have little to offer, I imagine.
2
This unrated candidates are rather interesting. Some kind of a dark horse. John Kasich focuses on religion and morals. This is rather close to me. Our society has bad manners and morals. Questions about racism and LGBT communities are very important and stand apart.
We need fresh blood. But i don't think they have a chance...
We need fresh blood. But i don't think they have a chance...
Only David Brooks, or his "mini me", Ross Douhat could possibly give Chris Chistie , a man whose administration now faces at least 8 federal indictments, a grade of A-minus.
Then conservatives have the chutzpah to complain about grade inflation?!
How telling that David's GOP field consists of entirely white men, reflecting his party's stone cold blindness regarding the rapidly changing complexion of the electorate; the road to the White House goes straight through the barrio, David.
What have any of these "candidates" done to improve the quality of life for America's fastest growing demographic group? Filet of NADA!!!! That is when they are not actively harming the Latino, female, African-American, middle/working class populace.
This column is proof positive that the GOP/Tea Party Mad Hatter presidential nominee bench is , once again , more shallow than a bird bath.
Then conservatives have the chutzpah to complain about grade inflation?!
How telling that David's GOP field consists of entirely white men, reflecting his party's stone cold blindness regarding the rapidly changing complexion of the electorate; the road to the White House goes straight through the barrio, David.
What have any of these "candidates" done to improve the quality of life for America's fastest growing demographic group? Filet of NADA!!!! That is when they are not actively harming the Latino, female, African-American, middle/working class populace.
This column is proof positive that the GOP/Tea Party Mad Hatter presidential nominee bench is , once again , more shallow than a bird bath.
11
CHRIS CHRISTIE HIGHLY OVERRATED
It's a sad day when Chris Christie is given an A- for his performance. The final word is far from in on what will happen with Bridge Gate. If the public is fortunate, charges will be brought against Christie at about the time of the next Republican convention, effectively ending his loud, big-mouth career. He'd get more points in my book if he stopped acting dumber than he is and stopped playing to his rough edges. They're simply not credible in a person as verbally adept and calculating as Christie. I think he's a loud-mouthed hack who's peddling the disproven trickledown theory of economics and the mindless shrink-down-the-size-of-government. Seems to me he was out there hat in hand when Sandy struck and his state was crippled. His follow-through performance with restoring services and housing has been, to put it mildly, less than stellar. And he has yet to account for the unspent disaster relief funds. David Brooks, you've done much better than your assessment of Christie. I agree with all your points, but you needed to dig deeper. Much deepers.
It's a sad day when Chris Christie is given an A- for his performance. The final word is far from in on what will happen with Bridge Gate. If the public is fortunate, charges will be brought against Christie at about the time of the next Republican convention, effectively ending his loud, big-mouth career. He'd get more points in my book if he stopped acting dumber than he is and stopped playing to his rough edges. They're simply not credible in a person as verbally adept and calculating as Christie. I think he's a loud-mouthed hack who's peddling the disproven trickledown theory of economics and the mindless shrink-down-the-size-of-government. Seems to me he was out there hat in hand when Sandy struck and his state was crippled. His follow-through performance with restoring services and housing has been, to put it mildly, less than stellar. And he has yet to account for the unspent disaster relief funds. David Brooks, you've done much better than your assessment of Christie. I agree with all your points, but you needed to dig deeper. Much deepers.
6
Mr. Brooks starts his comments on Gov. Kasich by saying "he just won a landslide victory in the swingiest of the swing states." This victory was won against a terrible Democratic candidate in an election that had the lowest turnout since the 1930's. Kasich made two hugely unpopular moves in his first term: he messed with unions and he set up health insurance exchanges in the state. He will have to answer to Democratic voters on the one, and Republican voters on the other, if he makes it to the general election.
5
Any candidate that "sometimes uses government to advnace Judeo-Christian values" is already putting his religion where it doesn't belong, front and center. The separation of church and state is under serious attack in this country, and I for one do not indulge the idea of being told what to do in my life according to someone's imaginary sky being.
6
Wisconsin has a surplus? Um, so that projected $2.2 billion budget shortfall is... what?
6
All I can say regarding Christie's Candidacy in Michigan is that it will only take one commercial showing him trying to hug Jerry Jones during that playoff game against the Lions and he'll be toast. If it was the Giants, we'd all understand, but the NJ Gov huggin Jerry Jones? The dude clearly has no soul, and in the immoral words of Neil Young, "even Richard Nixon has got soul..."
4
John Kasich controls the state board education. Recently the board made optional for local school districts to make optional the formerly manddated courses of arts and music, plus the hiring of school nurses and social workers. It won't effect the rich districts that pass levies and bond issues, but is a kick in the teeth to poor districts who now just barley have enough money to keep their schoos open.
3
HELPING the poor?
Pre-K education?
Working with the other party?
What a blessing it would be to have two parties that care about these things.
Pre-K education?
Working with the other party?
What a blessing it would be to have two parties that care about these things.
Boy I am really looking forward to having more of those "values of religious conservatives" in my government. Look at the Middle East and see what those kind of values have wrought. I do not want religion in any size, shape or form running my government and I don't believe the words that come put of those mouths in that regard. They can never leave it alone but begin to cross the line into my personal life and my beliefs passing inane laws that are religiously oriented and directed at what is not the government's business. It is all done in the name of god or whatever and it is harmful. This is an everyday event where I live.
5
All of these candidates wouldn't just walk past "The Child in the Basement", they'd throw an extra padlock on the door as they pass by.
5
Whoever Republicans settle on as their 2016 presidential candidate, they have the dark heritage of the Bush-Cheney years to contend with. That heritage includes destroying America's role as the beacon of moral authority for humanity; alienating allies with "you are either with us or with the terrorists" talk; putting war ahead of diplomacy; destroying the family home as the secure investment it had always been; selling governmental policies to the very wealthy; targeting Social Security and Medicare; ignoring the existential threat of global warming.
None of the governors David listed even touched on the problems of this awful Republican heritage though it hovers over their states. Same old, same old. Fortunately, President Obama understands the problem full well as does Secretary Clinton.
None of the governors David listed even touched on the problems of this awful Republican heritage though it hovers over their states. Same old, same old. Fortunately, President Obama understands the problem full well as does Secretary Clinton.
7
It's amusing to hear a politician from the party that subsists on the politics of greed and selfishness comment that American has become "too fixated on ourselves. It’s all about me. And somehow we have lost the beautiful sound of our neighbors’ voices."
This is the same party that brands any talk of collective action through government as "socialism" (unless that collective action is tax cuts for the wealthy, corporate welfare, or war).
That Kasich can come out with this stuff while being a Republican tells us what? That he lies. And THAT is par for the course for a GOP hopeful.
This is the same party that brands any talk of collective action through government as "socialism" (unless that collective action is tax cuts for the wealthy, corporate welfare, or war).
That Kasich can come out with this stuff while being a Republican tells us what? That he lies. And THAT is par for the course for a GOP hopeful.
8
The real zinger here is David's use of the word "empathy" in the same sentence with any of these names. Better yet, Jerry Brown is just like John Kasich, yeah... yeah........not. More lying to cover up the real nasty truth about Republicans. Romney made the idiotic mistake of telling the truth to a bunch of rich donors and got taped doing it and now he's not even mentioned. But Brooks can still inflate these guys, even as he says that Bridgegate hasn't hurt Christie. (massive eyeroll here). Values. Whose values? The Rich and Corporate America. If one can really even consider those "values" as opposed to just doing business.
6
Isn't it rather remarkable that we look upon officials who even just say the right words - that government is for the people (all of them, not just the really rich ones) and think them superior? What does this say about the state of our government?
2
Mr. Brooks is not saying these men would win. That, in today's world, is apparently a matter of money rather than ability. He is only rating what the Republicans have. It's like Standard and Poor rating sub-prime mortgage bundles. What one should probably conclude is that Kasich is the best of a seriously sorry lot. If Scott Walker is a B+, the Republicans have nothing to offer in actual talent.
2
David, I have to wonder what grading curve you are using when awarding Chris Christie an "A-". On Christie's far less than stellar watch, New Jersey's bond ratings were downgraded 8 successive times - the most in history, and hardly warranting that grade. Christie has cost NJ taxpayers 24 million dollars by forcing a self-serving but needless special election 2 weeks before the general, to avoid being on the ballot with popular Democratic Senator Booker. He has set NJ's environmental record back decades; he has failed to didsburse nearly 80% of Hurricane Sandy Recovery Funds, while awarding some of the 20% to projects in cities untouched by the storm but tied to his political and family interests; if you seriously believe that Bridgegate was the only problem for Christie - well, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you. His use of the Port Authority to reward Jerry Jones a lucrative contract, his acceptance of all manner of gifts, his shameless huckstering of his family in "Stronger than the Storm" TV ads right before the election, and costing NJ taxpayers $40 million more than the other firm's bid; his illegal diversion of state employees' pension funds in direct contravention of his prior-touted law; his refusal to participate in the tunnel upgrades - vital to interstate commuters; and on and on. You need to revise that phony grading curve, sir.
16
Rebecca, Brooks is just a toady for his oligarchic pals. Brooks would like a guy who couldn't graduate from collage to be president wow that's rich. Makes me wonder if he would recomend neurosurgery from someone who didn't graduate too.
4
Zeroes for the Republicans you cite - across the board on education, job creation and the environment. They have used divisive and bullying tactics to subdue legally formed collective bargaining groups that you applaud, because you have a "On the Waterfront" view of unions. Gov. Kasich is hardly Jerry Brown who was courageous for cutting programs and raising taxes to right the fiscal ship in California. You criticize Brown as "undisciplined," yet you have not had the discipline even to run for public office, much less run a state. Should we compare your experience to what any elected official must do to to run a state on any given day? No. No surprise then your misunderstanding of Walker, Kasich or Christie's impact on each state and its citizens.
Christie could also have used state funds to improve schools, add jobs and fight urban blight in Camden to reduce murders, but he chose more police - the bullies approach. The only reason Kasich couldn't kill collective bargaining is that the citizens were fortunate enough to have it as part of their State Constitution. Compare that to Wisconsin where Walker ripped off workers' legislated right to bargain as unions to improve their economic status. Collective bargaining led millions of young people into the middle class along with their public employee brethren. With Walker Wisconsin has created 10,000s fewer jobs than Minnesota thanks to his bottom feeder approach. Mr. Brooks, using the bully pulpit is different than being a bully.
Christie could also have used state funds to improve schools, add jobs and fight urban blight in Camden to reduce murders, but he chose more police - the bullies approach. The only reason Kasich couldn't kill collective bargaining is that the citizens were fortunate enough to have it as part of their State Constitution. Compare that to Wisconsin where Walker ripped off workers' legislated right to bargain as unions to improve their economic status. Collective bargaining led millions of young people into the middle class along with their public employee brethren. With Walker Wisconsin has created 10,000s fewer jobs than Minnesota thanks to his bottom feeder approach. Mr. Brooks, using the bully pulpit is different than being a bully.
5
Christie, Kasich and the late Mario Cuomo all are from Catholic backgrounds but it is only Cuomo who understood the Catholic philosophy that government is centered in the community and not the individual.
3
When the sheep are separated from the goats, it is dome on an individual basis, not a collective one. In this case, American individualism is the basis for salvation. But, of course, it places a great burden on the individual - no free riders.
For Star Trek fans, the Republican party has become the Borg. Anyone who who enters the republican party must be assimilated. The Borg is one. It matters little which you vote for as the operate as one.
We have seen that any republican who goes against the Borg will be crushed, reassimilated and put back in line.
The republican agenda is to break the unions which lowers wages for us all, lower taxes for the rich raise fees for the poor, price a college education out of reach for most, never allow full disclosure of medical pricing and deny health insurance for as many as possible. By doing a few things well the populace becomes assimilated as worker Borgs. Shove them in a closet and take them out when something needs done. Should the worker Borg get hurt they are expendable as others are assimilated.
You will be assimilated, resistance is futile.
We have seen that any republican who goes against the Borg will be crushed, reassimilated and put back in line.
The republican agenda is to break the unions which lowers wages for us all, lower taxes for the rich raise fees for the poor, price a college education out of reach for most, never allow full disclosure of medical pricing and deny health insurance for as many as possible. By doing a few things well the populace becomes assimilated as worker Borgs. Shove them in a closet and take them out when something needs done. Should the worker Borg get hurt they are expendable as others are assimilated.
You will be assimilated, resistance is futile.
3
Chris Christie is most likely preaching to the choir as he travels around the country, and that "anxiety" he speaks of should really be called "Foxiety" -- fomented by the doom and gloom of right-wing talk whenever there's a Democrat anywhere near the White House or Congress. Not that there's not struggle and strife out there where the cost of living far exceeds the earning power of far too many -- but the Republicans don't really want to do anything about that or they'd be doing it now. I'm sure President Obama would be happy to sign off on any legislation they propose to raise the minimum wage.
1
Oh pleaaaase. Chris Christie is now the Vinny Barbarino of American politics with his tough guy swaggering, perpetual adolescent smirk and clownish behavior. Can you imagine him in serious negotiotiations with world leaders -- "Up your nose with a rubber hose!" -- or conducting himself with a shred of dignity on the world stage? He may have started out as a "breath of fresh air" but his act has grown wearisome. Even New Jerseyians who once supported him now find him an embarrassment, little more than a high school bully, and are "so over him."
13
Anxiety? Sure! Thanks to policies that reward corporations over people and which give tax breaks for moving jobs, which are Republican ideals held dear by so many of these politicians. After almost 20 years of hard, loyal work, with stellar reviews, my husband recently found out his job (in IT in a major US Pharma) is being outsourced later this year. This is a man who never even took all the vacation days he was entitled to, and now in his 50's, with our two kids preparing for college, we find ourselves wondering what the heck is happening to our lives. Thank God, as a public school teacher, I have a union. THANK GOD!
12
Talk about grade inflation! A-minus for Chris Christie??? B+ for Scott Walker??? For the Presidency of the United States???? David must be preparing his access routes.
8
"Like all smart Republicans in the post-Romney era (yes, we’re in it)..."
YOU may be in it. I suspect that Jeb Bush is about to find out that America hasn't arrived there, yet.
YOU may be in it. I suspect that Jeb Bush is about to find out that America hasn't arrived there, yet.
1
You forgot one thing Mr Brooks. Any Republican nominee should first apology to the American public for bringing about one of the worst economic crisis in our history and pound for pound making the greatest blunder in American military history by invading Iraq under the admitted war criminal Bush 2 (along with Democratic help).
Of wait a minute Mr Brooks...that makes too much sense, that is why you will not recommend it or why they will not do it.
Of wait a minute Mr Brooks...that makes too much sense, that is why you will not recommend it or why they will not do it.
7
As usual, David Brooks is great on analyzing Value Topics a lot of writers are not. The significance of such point of view is that a facts only man is an incomplete man -- someone who is not prepared to be a leader of groups of people.
"Show me the facts" is not enough, and somewhat an elementary form of leadership analysis. The more complex form was just demonstrated by Mr. Brooks. And it is the core of effective analysis.
"Show me your facts" is smart, but "Show me your values"is smarter. It's the difference between the main point and the supporting material.
I wouldn't be too fast in accepting blurbs in either category, but effectiveness in the wrong category is not a sign of an effective leader -- but the facts only man would make a good resource for a real analyst. Now, if he could just communicate to the people.
Leadership is a verbal activity as much as a doing activity: one without the other is incomplete, and probably not worthy to be a leader in the competitive market of leadership.
Einstein once said,"Imagination is more important than facts." He makes a lot of sense. What made Bill Gates successful, for example, is not just his knowledge, but his imagination.
When you rank a Republican, check out his "imagination index."
"Show me the facts" is not enough, and somewhat an elementary form of leadership analysis. The more complex form was just demonstrated by Mr. Brooks. And it is the core of effective analysis.
"Show me your facts" is smart, but "Show me your values"is smarter. It's the difference between the main point and the supporting material.
I wouldn't be too fast in accepting blurbs in either category, but effectiveness in the wrong category is not a sign of an effective leader -- but the facts only man would make a good resource for a real analyst. Now, if he could just communicate to the people.
Leadership is a verbal activity as much as a doing activity: one without the other is incomplete, and probably not worthy to be a leader in the competitive market of leadership.
Einstein once said,"Imagination is more important than facts." He makes a lot of sense. What made Bill Gates successful, for example, is not just his knowledge, but his imagination.
When you rank a Republican, check out his "imagination index."
1
As someone wrote here yesterday, "there are more takers than makers in this country now" so whoever the GOP puts up will most likely do a Custer in 2016. futile exercise.
1
All have pandered so much to the simple minded conservatives that NONE have any credibility as a REAL LEADER or POLICY MAKER!
3
Even to be cute, David, comparing the entire process to-date and going forward and the candidates to American Idols demonstrates a human-heartmind disconnect. The process is loathsome and destructive. You and all of mainstream media gloss over the harm to this country's people and the shame to the US. Get serious and convince other media spotlights to get serious. Reveal and disclose. Pursue the truth and explain it. Or get out of the way so others can.
9
Brooks is giving Bill Kristol a running for the man who is most wrong. Christie has had a terrible week. Wisconsin is horribly misgoverned under Walker and is facing a budget crisis almost as bad a Illinois. Kasich problem is that he does not feed the Republican Id the way Romney, Walker, and Christie can.
5
Regardless of the merit's of Mr. Brooks' comments about these governors, I'm wondering why he omits the Republicans who are currently getting the most attention: Bush, Romney, Paul, Rubio, Cruz, Perry, Huckabee, etc. Did I miss something?
2
It is odd that Jeb is omitted but the others ... Brooks clearly doesn't find them even remotely viable. He said as much about Romney.
Brooks forgot a republican that has displayed real leadership and common sense: Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan. He took the courageous step of countering the NRA lobbyists by VETOING a law passed by overwhelming republican majorities in both houses of the legislature that would have made it easier for persons with domestic abuse histories to get a concealed weapons permit. Instead of pandering to the NRA's wishes, Gov. Snyder used common sense and took action to prevent murders.
Gov. Snyder has pandered to all sorts of conservative causes in the past, but I'm proud to say that Michigan's Governor did the "right thing" this time around.
Shame on you David Brooks for giving A and B grades to these popular losers while ignoring completely a real leader in the governor's chair in Lansing.
Gov. Snyder has pandered to all sorts of conservative causes in the past, but I'm proud to say that Michigan's Governor did the "right thing" this time around.
Shame on you David Brooks for giving A and B grades to these popular losers while ignoring completely a real leader in the governor's chair in Lansing.
4
It would be incredible if Christie became the GOP's candidate. Heckler attacks followed up with "shut up and sit down" should sink his campaign faster than 47% or binders full of women.
8
The GOP may reach 'out' to the struggling and the disaffected. However they will do nothing to help them. GOP will present words during the campaign followed by whistling down the hallway as they lock the public access doors behind them, while filling their pockets from lobbyists and superpacs.
7
Why did Brooks leave out the more controversial Republicans, the ones that seem to grab all the headlines, such as Cruz, Rubio, Perry Santorum, Huckabee and Paul? They are the real threats to our country as we know it! Can we trust Republicans to be wise for a change??
3
As usual, people who don't live in NJ are impressed by Christie, because 'he grabs attention'. So does a jackknifed tractor-trailer on the Turnpike. You just can't help but rubberneck. Or reality-TV entertainment, which has made NJ celebs of Snooki, The Situation, and the Giudices.
However, out-of-staters don't realize Bridgegate is far from over (and about more than the traffic jam), and he's evaded scrutiny so far largely by stonewalling and throwing his aides under the (frozen in traffic on the way to the thoroughly corrupt Port Authority) bus. Our bond rating's down yet again. Our unemployment rate is above the national average. And he's pushing casinos - as if we needed more of them - in the American Nightmare in the Meadowlands, a shopping mall eternally under construction even as malls are closing and dying. They also don't understand NJ politics and so don't understand he didn't necessarily win two elections on popularity - first time, he didn't so much win as the unpopular incumbent lost; re-election, he skated in on the post-Sandy Obama hug and squandering millions on an October 'special election' for the Senate specifically to keep a popular Democrat off the ballot.
In the musical Where's Charley, there's a song about the New Ashmolean Marching Society and Student's Conservatory Band which well describes Christie: 'If you're analytical, sensitive or critical, you'll like it more the farther back you stand'.
However, out-of-staters don't realize Bridgegate is far from over (and about more than the traffic jam), and he's evaded scrutiny so far largely by stonewalling and throwing his aides under the (frozen in traffic on the way to the thoroughly corrupt Port Authority) bus. Our bond rating's down yet again. Our unemployment rate is above the national average. And he's pushing casinos - as if we needed more of them - in the American Nightmare in the Meadowlands, a shopping mall eternally under construction even as malls are closing and dying. They also don't understand NJ politics and so don't understand he didn't necessarily win two elections on popularity - first time, he didn't so much win as the unpopular incumbent lost; re-election, he skated in on the post-Sandy Obama hug and squandering millions on an October 'special election' for the Senate specifically to keep a popular Democrat off the ballot.
In the musical Where's Charley, there's a song about the New Ashmolean Marching Society and Student's Conservatory Band which well describes Christie: 'If you're analytical, sensitive or critical, you'll like it more the farther back you stand'.
5
Momma wisdom states that beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes straight to the bone. Your completely cursory peek at four potential Republican 2016 Presidential candidates plumbs the depths of superficiality.
I'll stick to the one I know best, from the state where my father was born, raised, and worked for 27 years. You state about Governor Cowboy Groupie:
"Bridgegate did some damage, but it clearly wasn’t fatal." Maybe not, but his coziness with his brother from another party Andy Cuomo *might* be. As chairman of the Republican Governors' Association, Christie could not even manage a pro forma, lip service endorsement of the Republican running against Cuomo, Rob Astorino. This is a choice he has never had to explain. The obvious take is it was reciprocity for Cuomo having refused to endorse Barbara Buono the year before, running against Christie. But ANY explanation is purely counter to the stated mission of the RGA. And as far as Bridgegate goes, in a rare show of cross-state bipartisanship, both NY & NJ legislatures came up with a package of reforms to at least partly address the sewer of patronage and corruption that is the Port Authority. The brothers chose to swat it down with mutual vetoes, showing hard line fealty to the status quo. Christie killed off the ARC Tunnel, instead diverting those funds to prop up the state's highway trust fund, which, a couple of years later, is broke yet again, & Christie will not raise the gas tax, the lowest in the region, to fix it.
I'll stick to the one I know best, from the state where my father was born, raised, and worked for 27 years. You state about Governor Cowboy Groupie:
"Bridgegate did some damage, but it clearly wasn’t fatal." Maybe not, but his coziness with his brother from another party Andy Cuomo *might* be. As chairman of the Republican Governors' Association, Christie could not even manage a pro forma, lip service endorsement of the Republican running against Cuomo, Rob Astorino. This is a choice he has never had to explain. The obvious take is it was reciprocity for Cuomo having refused to endorse Barbara Buono the year before, running against Christie. But ANY explanation is purely counter to the stated mission of the RGA. And as far as Bridgegate goes, in a rare show of cross-state bipartisanship, both NY & NJ legislatures came up with a package of reforms to at least partly address the sewer of patronage and corruption that is the Port Authority. The brothers chose to swat it down with mutual vetoes, showing hard line fealty to the status quo. Christie killed off the ARC Tunnel, instead diverting those funds to prop up the state's highway trust fund, which, a couple of years later, is broke yet again, & Christie will not raise the gas tax, the lowest in the region, to fix it.
7
There is not one viable potential candidate in the republican party. Most of these men are fools without real substance. There is nothing substantial in their past or presence that shows they would make good Presidential material. All I see are egos that rush to judgement and their behavior towards out President is a warning as to how they will treat their citizens. Caveat Emptor.
10
You can tell that Walker didn't finish college since he cant do math! What surplus? WI has a 2 billion dollar deficit!
8
And Hillary is squeaky clean? Can't wait to watch her in debates against the GOP candidate; any candidate with a spine will expose her for the phony and pathological liar she has been and continues to be.
2
Grade inflation indeed. Scott Walker is an partisan, heartless, liar & failed Governor. Being anti-worker (via being anti-union) disqualifies him. Christie? Really? Another fraud only worse - have you forgotten all the scandals, one as recent as last week? And the temperament to be President? Please. I notice you didn't mention Romney & Bush - both seriously flawed in different ways. Or Jindal. The only chance the Republicans have is Kasich & he has no chance.
65
You have described the precise reasons why Walker will be a far stronger candidate in the Republican primaries than most people expect. I cannot understand why anyone thinks his failure to graduate from college is going to be a problem for him with the Republican base. He not only passionately hates the people they hate, he has proven he will fight them tooth and nail using whatever tactics are available to him, no matter how vicious.
Apparently Mr. Brooks believes you can indeed judge/grade a book by its cover and dispense with examination of its contents. The appeal of the pitch on the dust cover is enough.
If you're going to invoke Jerry Brown, do it on the level of actual accomplishment, not on a backhanded quasi-compliment like "experienced but undisciplined in an honest, unvarnished way." Brown's results in governing a state previously deemed 'ungovernable' speak for his discipline, and the comparison you draw is trivial to the point of being insulting.
And Christie? What he says about himself is enough? Christie does indeed do everything he can to grab attention, just like trying to grab a man-hug from a certain football team owner who clearly doesn't want it. I empathize. But look at the content of what the man has done (ignoring the clear will of the people of his own state to pander to pig farmers in Iowa, for instance) and it tells us plenty.
Your closing summarizes the disconnect that cannot be papered over with campaign pitches — "if the party is going to retain its business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected." No, there is no intention or will to "reach" the "struggling and disaffected" for anything more than a photo-op and a vote.
That 'post-Romney' era sensibility is epitomized by Romney himself (yes, he's back!), who now casts himself as focusing on the poor. Oh! Well, that's good enough for me!
If you're going to invoke Jerry Brown, do it on the level of actual accomplishment, not on a backhanded quasi-compliment like "experienced but undisciplined in an honest, unvarnished way." Brown's results in governing a state previously deemed 'ungovernable' speak for his discipline, and the comparison you draw is trivial to the point of being insulting.
And Christie? What he says about himself is enough? Christie does indeed do everything he can to grab attention, just like trying to grab a man-hug from a certain football team owner who clearly doesn't want it. I empathize. But look at the content of what the man has done (ignoring the clear will of the people of his own state to pander to pig farmers in Iowa, for instance) and it tells us plenty.
Your closing summarizes the disconnect that cannot be papered over with campaign pitches — "if the party is going to retain its business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected." No, there is no intention or will to "reach" the "struggling and disaffected" for anything more than a photo-op and a vote.
That 'post-Romney' era sensibility is epitomized by Romney himself (yes, he's back!), who now casts himself as focusing on the poor. Oh! Well, that's good enough for me!
4
Umm, I wouldn't close Bridgegate up just yet.
4
As other posters have already pointed out, Kasich's landslide victory in the last election can be attributed as much to the woeful campaign of his opponent, Ed Fitzgerald, as to the esteem in which he is held by Ohio voters.
Having said that, and speaking as an Ohio Democrat, the one thing that has impressed me about Kasich is his determination in expanding Medicaid in Ohio under Obamacare. He eventually found a way to expand the program under administrative fiat after running into significant opposition from the Republican-controlled Legislature. And unlike some Republican governors who are currently considering Medicaid expansion solely for financial reasons, Kasich seemed heartfelt in his insistence that program expansion to serve the poor was right on principle.
Also speaking as a Democrat, hopefully Kasich has learned from his failed attempt to restrict the ability of public unions to bargain collectively (another high profile policy endeavor). This law was overturned by Ohio voters in 2011.
Having said that, and speaking as an Ohio Democrat, the one thing that has impressed me about Kasich is his determination in expanding Medicaid in Ohio under Obamacare. He eventually found a way to expand the program under administrative fiat after running into significant opposition from the Republican-controlled Legislature. And unlike some Republican governors who are currently considering Medicaid expansion solely for financial reasons, Kasich seemed heartfelt in his insistence that program expansion to serve the poor was right on principle.
Also speaking as a Democrat, hopefully Kasich has learned from his failed attempt to restrict the ability of public unions to bargain collectively (another high profile policy endeavor). This law was overturned by Ohio voters in 2011.
3
Somehow lost in the narrative: New Jersey has experienced 8 credit downgrades during Christie's tenure as governor. Not exactly a ringing endorsement of his fiscal management skills, the alleged lynchpin of Republican orthodoxy, is it?
5
Each of them an ideological extremist, except Christie who is a plain old bully.
Imagine if Christie had the power of the presidency to settle scores? He would be Richard Nixon without the compassion.
But that's what happens when you can't speak the words "Tea Party" anymore; you simply refer to them all as the "Republican Party," so complete is the take over.
Imagine if Christie had the power of the presidency to settle scores? He would be Richard Nixon without the compassion.
But that's what happens when you can't speak the words "Tea Party" anymore; you simply refer to them all as the "Republican Party," so complete is the take over.
7
Governor Kasich and his legislature formed Jobs Ohio, a public-private org to help expand firms in-state and bring in firms from out of state, all with taxpayer money. Okay, a not bad idea. Questions were raised, however, about accountability, transparency, salaries, etc. Kasich and the legislature therefore passed a law forbidding any outside audit of Jobs Ohio. Hmmm.
A couple of years ago Kasich signed the state budget in the dead of night, surrounded only by men, a budget that also included severe restrictions on women's reproductive heath rights.
He tried real hard to bust union rights and lost big time in a referendum. Guess the Governor, like the Ohio native Speaker of the House, forgot where he came from.
The Governor's Secretary of State (an elected office) has endlessly pursued voter suppression that goes far beyond a simple ID requirement. Nary a peep form the Guv.
He signed into law the end of the inheritance tax, a tax that was paid on only 9% of the wills probated in 2009. Some might see that as a giveaway to the very well to do. The townships around the state are hurting as a result.
As for jobs, Ohio had nowhere to go but up in 2010. Kasich gets a few props but the hated stimulus and auto loans helped immensely.
As for Chris Christie, Brooks is kidding, right?
A couple of years ago Kasich signed the state budget in the dead of night, surrounded only by men, a budget that also included severe restrictions on women's reproductive heath rights.
He tried real hard to bust union rights and lost big time in a referendum. Guess the Governor, like the Ohio native Speaker of the House, forgot where he came from.
The Governor's Secretary of State (an elected office) has endlessly pursued voter suppression that goes far beyond a simple ID requirement. Nary a peep form the Guv.
He signed into law the end of the inheritance tax, a tax that was paid on only 9% of the wills probated in 2009. Some might see that as a giveaway to the very well to do. The townships around the state are hurting as a result.
As for jobs, Ohio had nowhere to go but up in 2010. Kasich gets a few props but the hated stimulus and auto loans helped immensely.
As for Chris Christie, Brooks is kidding, right?
7
David, you don't live in New Jersey, so don't opine on the "wonderful job" Chris Christie is doing. Regarding Camden, the statistic of a 51% drop in the murder rate needs an explanation. Christie cut funding to cities like Newark, Camden, and Trenton forcing lay-offs of hundreds of police. Camden's murder rate soared. The 51% drop is from the levels that were a direct result of Christie's budget cuts - and the murder rate is now back to what it was pre-Christie. Is that how we define success?
As to the "anxiety" Christie felt, he should look at his own state more closely - an economy that lags the region and the nation, a bond rating that has done nothing but fall under his stewardship, a failure to reform the highest property tax rates in the country, a bankrupt transportation trust fund, an abysmal response to hurricane Sandy two years on... Christie's poor job performance as governor has created the anxiety felt in New Jersey. I fear for the Republican party if it views him as a viable presidential candidate.
As to the "anxiety" Christie felt, he should look at his own state more closely - an economy that lags the region and the nation, a bond rating that has done nothing but fall under his stewardship, a failure to reform the highest property tax rates in the country, a bankrupt transportation trust fund, an abysmal response to hurricane Sandy two years on... Christie's poor job performance as governor has created the anxiety felt in New Jersey. I fear for the Republican party if it views him as a viable presidential candidate.
3
Conservatives do like to complain about people being too focused on themselves. Here's the thing, a lot of us would spend less time focused on, and expressing openly (even aggressively) if we didn't have to fight to be allowed to be who and what we are. Conservatives need to learn the "value" of "live and let live." If it doesn't hurt you (and having your sensibilities offended is NOT being hurt) then it's none of your business.
Once conservatives make a better effort to help eliminate (or at least reduce as much as possible) racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of intolerance they need to back off complaining about others being too self-absorbed.
Once conservatives make a better effort to help eliminate (or at least reduce as much as possible) racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of intolerance they need to back off complaining about others being too self-absorbed.
2
Kasich sounds like a great candidate, but he does not seem aligned with the Republican southern base. Could someone like him get the nomination and still maintain his persona as someone who wants government to be effective and do things?
11
Christie? Seriously? In a position to deal with other world leaders when his way of dealing with tough questions is to yell at someone to sit down and shut up?! Wow, that'll go over big in foreign relations.
And what has he actually done? NJ's credit rating has been repeatedly downgraded and its unemployment rate is high. He doesn't seem to be taking care of either pension funds or Sandy recovery, and the number of scandals in his vicinity is astounding.
So tell me again what it is that you like about him? Was it that he talks a good line (until he starts yelling, of course)?
And what has he actually done? NJ's credit rating has been repeatedly downgraded and its unemployment rate is high. He doesn't seem to be taking care of either pension funds or Sandy recovery, and the number of scandals in his vicinity is astounding.
So tell me again what it is that you like about him? Was it that he talks a good line (until he starts yelling, of course)?
3
Asking a NY Times columnist to rate Republicans is like asking a vegetarian to review a steakhouse.
Yes David, there is anxiety aplenty. Much comes from the fact that a self serving and power obsessed governor whose misconduct you dismissed oh so casually can be mentioned in the same sentence as "White House" without drawing the utmost derision from the likes of you. Such a man's ability to be so prominent in our political system is the ultimate source of anxiety. Solution: more orange jumpsuits for people like him. He already has the matching sweater.
5
The good news or bad news (depending on your perspective), is that there is not a Republican politicians that the majority of Americans will want to be president.
Sure, they can talk a good game and hit the right notes but at the end of the day, the ones that can make it through the primaries will do the bidding of the plutocrats and business interests.
Do we really want a President Perry or another President Bush in office? No matter how smooth his veneer is, if you scratch Jeb hard enough, you'll realize that he more dangerous than his brother. Unlike George W. Bush, Jeb is smart enough that he won't need a Dick Cheney to lead him down the path of darkness.
So at the end of the day, no matter how long they control Congress, the Republicans can kiss the White House goodbye for the next several decades.
Sure, they can talk a good game and hit the right notes but at the end of the day, the ones that can make it through the primaries will do the bidding of the plutocrats and business interests.
Do we really want a President Perry or another President Bush in office? No matter how smooth his veneer is, if you scratch Jeb hard enough, you'll realize that he more dangerous than his brother. Unlike George W. Bush, Jeb is smart enough that he won't need a Dick Cheney to lead him down the path of darkness.
So at the end of the day, no matter how long they control Congress, the Republicans can kiss the White House goodbye for the next several decades.
4
David,
You're definitely grading on a curve when a guy like Chris Christy gets an A minus
Is the clown car of candidates really that bad collectively, that someone has to be given an 'A', and that person works out to be Chris Christy?
You're definitely grading on a curve when a guy like Chris Christy gets an A minus
Is the clown car of candidates really that bad collectively, that someone has to be given an 'A', and that person works out to be Chris Christy?
3
I keep wondering how much worse the Republicans will need to become to convince rabid fanatics, like Brooks, that the Republicans are resolutely leading America down a garden-path to oblivion. Ohio has been the utter pits, at least since their Governor Rhodes called-in the National Guard to murder a gaggle of teenaged students for protesting America's involvement in an ill-advised war in Vietnam.
And Christi has already endorsed the Republican agenda to seize 'control of Voting Processes' (read: 'Achieve a solid One-Party-Status in American Politics', just like the one leading to the establishment of political dominance by the Reichstag in the old 'Third Reich' in Nazi Germany.)
And Christi has already endorsed the Republican agenda to seize 'control of Voting Processes' (read: 'Achieve a solid One-Party-Status in American Politics', just like the one leading to the establishment of political dominance by the Reichstag in the old 'Third Reich' in Nazi Germany.)
2
Living in Ohio I know a bit about how Kasich won the election. First the Democrats fielded a unknown candidate against a sitting governor. Second, Ed FitzGerald (from Cuyahoga County) never raised the amount of money Kasich did-not even close. Third FitzGerald self destructed when a controversy was revealed toward the end of the campaign. So, it ended up a choice between a "loser" and a sitting governor. That is why it was such a landslide; not because Kasich is such a great governor or even a well liked guy, it was because he had no real opposition.
However, one thing I will applaud the governor on was his decision to take the Medicaid money offered as part of the Affordable Care Act. He even circumvented the legislature to do so.
However, one thing I will applaud the governor on was his decision to take the Medicaid money offered as part of the Affordable Care Act. He even circumvented the legislature to do so.
8
To give Kasich his due- if he's genuinely concerned about addressing our self-righteousness, good on him. I'm eager to see how this aspiration manifests itself, and wish him luck when he asks a nation of solipsists to reach out to their takers.... I mean.. neighbors.
And here's a separate problem that cuts across the whole of the republican field:
If there is talk of reviving the "...basic values that made our nation great", this no doubt is evoking our overly-fetishized founding fathers, who, it turns out, may have been deists, but largely held deep reservations (and in some cases outright contempt) for the intervening God of theism. Read their letters - this is not ambiguous.
For religious conservatism to inform economic and domestic priorities would be dramatically at tension our founder's "basic values", and to suggest otherwise is historical revision.
And here's a separate problem that cuts across the whole of the republican field:
If there is talk of reviving the "...basic values that made our nation great", this no doubt is evoking our overly-fetishized founding fathers, who, it turns out, may have been deists, but largely held deep reservations (and in some cases outright contempt) for the intervening God of theism. Read their letters - this is not ambiguous.
For religious conservatism to inform economic and domestic priorities would be dramatically at tension our founder's "basic values", and to suggest otherwise is historical revision.
8
I appreciate the effort and topic, but it's difficult to judge a pool of candidates in such a short amount of space, particularly when almost half the column is devoted to John Kasich and you leave just two paragraphs for Scott Walker and Mike Pence. As a result, this column is overly broad with too little nuance. Perhaps you could focus on just one or two candidates in another column.
How interesting, that Brooks gives high ratings those who are more concerned with people in need than profits for the corporate world. If the concerns are real, why are they Republicans in the 21st Century?
3
The last paragraph -- Brooks suggests that Kasich and Christie can use religious conservatism to inform economic and domestic policies. The further incursion of organized religion and their lobbyists into our pockets and our bedrooms through the government will ensure that the average American gives up what little is left of his or her independence to allow the state, church, mosque, synagogue run their lives, do their thinking.
6
The problem with trying to rate GOP hopefuls is that normal rating scales do not apply. It's like talking about the world's fastest sloth or the world's slowest cheetah. Yes, comparing them among themselves allows one to say that perhaps Rick Santorum is not as dumb as Rick Perry or that Chris Christie has less integrity than Marco Rubio, but at the end of of the day you still have the same insular group of venal, lying, intellectually challenged clowns.
18
I guess the grades are ok, if you are grading on the curve. Otherwise, they look pretty mediocre.
2
How about Warren and Kasich on a ticket? Revolutionare!
For those of us in the Garden State....we know that Christie has all the worst traits of all politicians in one man. He is arrogant. A lier. Corrupt. Abusive both as a human being as an elected official. He is petty and vindictive.
He used and uses the Port Authority as payback for political friends who can, like Sampson, illegally make money at the taxpayers expense. On the NJ taxpayer dime he flys around the country essentially campaigning for President. Having nothing to do with the business of NJ. When asked about these expenses..he stonewalls and refuses FOIL requests.
Today in this paper a report on how he killed the Izod Center to Help Mr. Jones of the Dallas Cowboys and others make money. Corrupt NJ politics as usual.
Despite overwhelming majority of both Dems and Republicans and 95% of the people, he vetoed a bill that would have curtailed inhuman pratices for pigmand hog farmers in this state...to help his chances in Iowa and at the behest, of that state's Governor.
He is a criminal and a disgrace in a state known for corruption.
Even th GOP cant be that souless to even consider him.
He used and uses the Port Authority as payback for political friends who can, like Sampson, illegally make money at the taxpayers expense. On the NJ taxpayer dime he flys around the country essentially campaigning for President. Having nothing to do with the business of NJ. When asked about these expenses..he stonewalls and refuses FOIL requests.
Today in this paper a report on how he killed the Izod Center to Help Mr. Jones of the Dallas Cowboys and others make money. Corrupt NJ politics as usual.
Despite overwhelming majority of both Dems and Republicans and 95% of the people, he vetoed a bill that would have curtailed inhuman pratices for pigmand hog farmers in this state...to help his chances in Iowa and at the behest, of that state's Governor.
He is a criminal and a disgrace in a state known for corruption.
Even th GOP cant be that souless to even consider him.
11
Republican values mean that you have a god given right to discriminate against others because your values are blessed and theirs are not. For example, thrift and enterprise are great republican values to have. Thrift means waste not want not while enterprise means not lazy. If a person is poor it is because thrift and enterprise are not part of their value system; therefore, republican righteousness will make the claim that it is not the responsibility of government to even consider other possible causes of poverty. A whole class of humans who experience a human condition not wholly of their own making are summarily dismissed by discriminative republican values. The same reasoning applies to the refusal of republicans to recognize the human suffering caused by a dysfunctional health care system.
8
David, how about a including in your grading system a look at every law that takes away the rights of woman, or supports the unreasonable NRA, or damages the environment, or destroys teachers unions, is a science denier or ....I guess that like all Republicans you feel if it's not mentioned it doesn't happened.
10
Thank you for the thoughts, Mr. Brooks, but the GOP you describe went extinct in 1980, the victim of a big game hunt to "save America".
4
If you liked Nixon you'll love Christie.
6
In his praise of Chris Christie, Brooks fails to note the state's economic hemorrhaging under his leadership as well as the demeaning, unpresidential personality of this particular Bully-in-Chief. I wonder how long Christie will keep his cool on the campaign trail. One episode of calling a teacher an idiot or shouting out someone who doesn't agree with him, and he's toast!
8
Well, Mr. Brooks gave me some insight into Kasich, who might sound and be better than his record, but I will always remember Ohio as the birthplace of policies to restrict voting rights.
Christie: I can't believe Mr. Brooks can be so taken with Christie's words instead of his deeds. He's left NJ in tatters and now he wants to cure America's anxiety? The man is as opportunistic as they come, and while I'll never have proof, I think his example of Camden policing reform was a "pilot program" he assigned someone to buff up his political resume. Yes, he is cunning, manipulative and as self-aggrandizing as Frank Underwood in House of Cards.
Scott Walker, for me, embodies the cruelty of the right, blasting away any hint of progressivism to enact the start Republican vision of social Darwinism. I have a cousin in Racine who describes the vicious impact of Walker policies on her city. When I think of Walker, I think of scorched earth.
Mr. Brooks I realize as a liberal I can't be objective about your report card on Republican governors. And I realize you left out the heavyweights fighting for the moneymen. But I also realize you have a tendency to take people and philosophies at face value, in some sort of gullible, idealistic rightwing way.
And the only antidote to that is a wide variety of reading from a wide variety of sources to attempt to come at some version of reality to be measured against state of the state speeches intended for a national audience.
Christie: I can't believe Mr. Brooks can be so taken with Christie's words instead of his deeds. He's left NJ in tatters and now he wants to cure America's anxiety? The man is as opportunistic as they come, and while I'll never have proof, I think his example of Camden policing reform was a "pilot program" he assigned someone to buff up his political resume. Yes, he is cunning, manipulative and as self-aggrandizing as Frank Underwood in House of Cards.
Scott Walker, for me, embodies the cruelty of the right, blasting away any hint of progressivism to enact the start Republican vision of social Darwinism. I have a cousin in Racine who describes the vicious impact of Walker policies on her city. When I think of Walker, I think of scorched earth.
Mr. Brooks I realize as a liberal I can't be objective about your report card on Republican governors. And I realize you left out the heavyweights fighting for the moneymen. But I also realize you have a tendency to take people and philosophies at face value, in some sort of gullible, idealistic rightwing way.
And the only antidote to that is a wide variety of reading from a wide variety of sources to attempt to come at some version of reality to be measured against state of the state speeches intended for a national audience.
12
I predict a lot of God talk coming our way. You've got Mike Huckabee flirting with a run, and he's all about God. Maybe Rick Santorum will make another appearance, and he's all about God and/or the Pope. Scott Walker says he consults with God about every major decision in his life. Yep, plenty of God coming our way. And the nice thing about God is that you don't have to ask His permission to use His name. You don't have to pay for His endorsement. It's campaigning on the cheap, and it works. Of course, the problem lies in one God candidate going up against another God candidate. How do you sort that out? Who's really got the ear of God? Maybe we just count the number of God mentions in the speeches, and go with that guy.
13
Of these people, it is more useful to focus on the theme that connects Kasich and Christie. ( Ignore Pence: Pence is the governor who supports pre- kindergarten for the state of Indiana. But--rather than pre-K for all--he has implemented a lottery system that selects 1000 children for a state- wide program to "study" the impact of early education as the proper way to proceed. Maybe in 2020, yet to be born Indiana children will be bestowed with education reform. Current children, not so much.)
Christie states what Kasich inferrs: the people are anxious because there is an erosion of basic values. But what this really means is that people are deeply uneasy because there is an erosion of values among those who control our destiny-- the employers. Employers are eliminating jobs and asking fewer people to accomplish more and without an increase in pay. And if someone complains, they can be replaced. Expertise and loyalty is no protection and in fact, makes the employee more expensive. We employees feel very vulnerable. We see little certainty for our kids and the families they will want to create.
An example? The large hospital in town eliminated the jobs of all the nurse lactation consultants and all the nurses who monitor the work of the intensive care units. Highly skilled and crucial-- but that's no protection from an employer who wants to spend its money elsewhere. An erosion of employer values causing anxiety in the rest of us.
Christie states what Kasich inferrs: the people are anxious because there is an erosion of basic values. But what this really means is that people are deeply uneasy because there is an erosion of values among those who control our destiny-- the employers. Employers are eliminating jobs and asking fewer people to accomplish more and without an increase in pay. And if someone complains, they can be replaced. Expertise and loyalty is no protection and in fact, makes the employee more expensive. We employees feel very vulnerable. We see little certainty for our kids and the families they will want to create.
An example? The large hospital in town eliminated the jobs of all the nurse lactation consultants and all the nurses who monitor the work of the intensive care units. Highly skilled and crucial-- but that's no protection from an employer who wants to spend its money elsewhere. An erosion of employer values causing anxiety in the rest of us.
15
I really like you David Brooks. I think you're smart and articulate but you don't get Indiana at all. When you came to Bloomington a few years ago you suggested that our governor Mitch Daniels should run for President, now it's Mike Pence. B+? I don't think so. These are not men concerned about poverty or education or healthcare otherwise they wouldn't arrogantly turn down federal funds that would help our state rise "somewhat" from the statistical bottom in these areas. Ask some of our teachers and social/welfare workers on the front lines of these governors' policies. You might give them a different grade.
4
Kasich would be a good choice, for it probably is too much to ask that we see that 'charity is an argument that only leads to pain.' For of course, what is really needed, is to realize the tremendous waste of not investing in all the people, instead believing we should be 'kind.' It is not kind to underestimate worth of a human being, but I will settle for charity, if that is what it takes to get us to stop underutilizing our human potential.
1
Mike Pence! Take it from someone who lives in Indiana, Mike Pence is no leader. He has advocated Pre-K, applied for a federal grant for the project then cancelled the application for funds due to pressure from his Tea Party handlers. His handpicked choice for superintendent of public instruction was buried in a landslide by voters, and Mr.Pence organized a full on effort to undermine the person who won claiming all the while that he was an "education governor'
Pence is all about kissing up to conservatives by proposing a so called "balanced budget amendment' to the state constitution for no good reason- Indiana is already prohibited by its constitution to incur debt. I hope that he will find other outlets for his leadership skills by running for president and being firmly rejected.
Pence is all about kissing up to conservatives by proposing a so called "balanced budget amendment' to the state constitution for no good reason- Indiana is already prohibited by its constitution to incur debt. I hope that he will find other outlets for his leadership skills by running for president and being firmly rejected.
68
Brooks, Douhat and others of the centrist commentariat could perform a lasting service to humanity by doing one simple thing: making clear that they will support no candidate who does not take climate change seriously and have a serious plan for addressing it. Even the 2008 GOP platform with its cap and trade proposal would do!
Their words would make it harder for the big players in the "money primary'' to look the other way at climate denialism.
Their words would make it harder for the big players in the "money primary'' to look the other way at climate denialism.
7
Mr. Brooks,
If you honestly believe Chris Christie can win an election anywhere south or west of Phily you are out of your mind. Didn't you read Game Change Part 2? Christie is a shallow egomaniac with absolutely no depth, self knowledge or maturity and he has a long track record of shady self-serving deals. The guy worked with Bernie Madoff, for Christ's sake!
Back in 2012 Romney's campaign staff gathered enough oppo-research dirt on Christie to destroy his presidential chances forever -- which they would have used had he decided to challenge them in the primary. Why don't you have access to the same info they had over 3 years ago? That's the real question.
If you honestly believe Chris Christie can win an election anywhere south or west of Phily you are out of your mind. Didn't you read Game Change Part 2? Christie is a shallow egomaniac with absolutely no depth, self knowledge or maturity and he has a long track record of shady self-serving deals. The guy worked with Bernie Madoff, for Christ's sake!
Back in 2012 Romney's campaign staff gathered enough oppo-research dirt on Christie to destroy his presidential chances forever -- which they would have used had he decided to challenge them in the primary. Why don't you have access to the same info they had over 3 years ago? That's the real question.
9
Over the past eight years, many American voters have become convinced that the race war began with the election of Barack Obama, and they have responded by electing conservative governors and legislatures in many of our states. This year they gave the majority in both houses of Congress to conservative Republicans. I understand why they did it. Fear of the "other" the bogey man, is a terrible thing to hold in your heart. And that is what the great 2008 recession, and the election of our first Black president has done to the American voter.
But don't try to tell me that these Republican governors have the hearts of the people. They were elected by fear, and they maintain their place by fear; if not the " takers", or the gays, or the the illegals, or the muslims, or the unions, or the environmentalists, or the feminazis, or the anti gun crowd, or or or..... the list goes on and on....all are out to destroy our peace, steal our money, according to your Republican Party. It is the only way they have gained and held power.
What happens when Barack Obama is no longer there to target? How solid is their electorate? We know their economic polices won't work, so how will these people hold power? Answer those questions and find a candidate who has the answers.
But don't try to tell me that these Republican governors have the hearts of the people. They were elected by fear, and they maintain their place by fear; if not the " takers", or the gays, or the the illegals, or the muslims, or the unions, or the environmentalists, or the feminazis, or the anti gun crowd, or or or..... the list goes on and on....all are out to destroy our peace, steal our money, according to your Republican Party. It is the only way they have gained and held power.
What happens when Barack Obama is no longer there to target? How solid is their electorate? We know their economic polices won't work, so how will these people hold power? Answer those questions and find a candidate who has the answers.
11
Christie is dirty, dirty, dirty. Once the primaries start not only bridge-gate but sandy-gate, prison-gate and over gate is going to open up and show us how Mr. Christie really gets things done. He will keep every investigative reporter busy until he drops out of the race.
3
The raising of the deck of the Bayonne Bridge is the REAL bridgegate. At a cost of $2.2 BILLION, or greater than the cost of replacement, invites a look at who is profiting from the choice to do what has never been done, and in doing so, foregoes the chance to modernize the shortest, most obsolete Port Authority crossing.
Now his buddy Jerry Jones will profit from Christie choosing to close the Izod Center? Hmm. It calls into question Christie's contention that his acceptance of free stuff from Jerry Jones violated no law.
Now his buddy Jerry Jones will profit from Christie choosing to close the Izod Center? Hmm. It calls into question Christie's contention that his acceptance of free stuff from Jerry Jones violated no law.
3
Grading in the Cruelty 201 class this semester, Mr. Brooks, the untenured adjunct has been accused of corrupt grading, evading his own rubric and the course description. The board will evaluate his re-appointment for the spring semester.
Brooks may move to the Philosophy department where he has been lauded for providing numerous challenging essays that illustrate Logical Fallacies and False Equivalence. At question is Mr. Brooks claim that the essays were intended as teaching tools or if instead they a sincere effort to deceive.
Brooks may move to the Philosophy department where he has been lauded for providing numerous challenging essays that illustrate Logical Fallacies and False Equivalence. At question is Mr. Brooks claim that the essays were intended as teaching tools or if instead they a sincere effort to deceive.
3
"John Kasich: A. The Ohio governor is easily the most underestimated Republican this year."
Underestimated how, Mr. Brooks? As an intelligent and competent elected official? As a prospective Republican candidate for President? And by whom is Governor Kasich underestimated? Put another way, who holds Governor Kasich in low esteem? And why?
If a person such as Governor Kasich does not get taken seriously as a candidate for President by Republicans, what does that say about the GOP?
Underestimated how, Mr. Brooks? As an intelligent and competent elected official? As a prospective Republican candidate for President? And by whom is Governor Kasich underestimated? Put another way, who holds Governor Kasich in low esteem? And why?
If a person such as Governor Kasich does not get taken seriously as a candidate for President by Republicans, what does that say about the GOP?
1
David Brooks so discredits himself with this column. Christie? My goodness, you can do better than this. Have you nothing else to write about than to try to say something good about these men? There are no worthy Republican candidates at this point. To try to make the case that there is such a creature just does not make it so. Money will prop up a candidate to run but so far, there is no credible Republican candidate.
3
Although I am a Democrat, I am not closed minded about the Republican candidates. Hillary worries me (for another time...) The country needs a leader, no matter how trite it sounds, who can bring us together to solve our huge problems. "W" might have been the decider, but he was also a divider. Obama is doing his best to include conservatives ("I welcome good ideas no matter where they come from, etc.") but unfortunately he is an introvert and his reserve is detrimental.
2
Jean, read Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren's speeches, her books. She has been fighting for the middle class, is exactly what this nation needs as a talented, smart, likeable (but not according to Wall Streeters!) champion for the people, and might run for President if enough Americans learn about her, listen to her criticisms of Big Money, and beat the drum for her. I wish she would appear more on TV, so millions can hear her.
1
John Kasich ran unopposed in the last election. Yes, there was a Democratic running against him, but he was, for the most part, invisible. Mr. Brooks, your comments here indicate that you do not know anything about John Kasich. Even if you writing an opinion, you should still do your homework.
8
I am baffled by this adulation for Chris Christie. Let me list some reasons:
1. He vetoed a tax of the Rich. Now ignore the revenue and fairness aspects of this and just look at economics. In the Great Prosperity (1946-1973) we had very high tax rates on the Rich which encouraged them to take less and pay their workers more which, in turn, reduced inequality and increased demand, AND the high tax rates discouraged wild speculation. This goes against Christie's ideology which trumps reality.
2. During the competition for $400 million for education from the federal government, his very conservation Education Commissioner negotiated a ground-breaking deal with the teachers union that was widely praised. At the last minute, Christie decided this conflicted with his ideology and ordered it taken out. During the confusion (or perhaps at Christie's order), the amount of current education was replaced by the amount for the previous year. Because of this we lost the $400 million.
3. He vetoed the much needed railroad tunnel. This would have not only provided short term, but would have had long lasting economic benefits. He said he relied on data from a report whose authors said he just lied.
4. NJ has lagged in job creation under Christie as compared with our neighbors. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-19/christie-jobs-record-attacked-a...
5. Gay Marriage
I'm running out of space. If anyone knows what good he has done, please tell me.
1. He vetoed a tax of the Rich. Now ignore the revenue and fairness aspects of this and just look at economics. In the Great Prosperity (1946-1973) we had very high tax rates on the Rich which encouraged them to take less and pay their workers more which, in turn, reduced inequality and increased demand, AND the high tax rates discouraged wild speculation. This goes against Christie's ideology which trumps reality.
2. During the competition for $400 million for education from the federal government, his very conservation Education Commissioner negotiated a ground-breaking deal with the teachers union that was widely praised. At the last minute, Christie decided this conflicted with his ideology and ordered it taken out. During the confusion (or perhaps at Christie's order), the amount of current education was replaced by the amount for the previous year. Because of this we lost the $400 million.
3. He vetoed the much needed railroad tunnel. This would have not only provided short term, but would have had long lasting economic benefits. He said he relied on data from a report whose authors said he just lied.
4. NJ has lagged in job creation under Christie as compared with our neighbors. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-19/christie-jobs-record-attacked-a...
5. Gay Marriage
I'm running out of space. If anyone knows what good he has done, please tell me.
6
@Len: He killed the ARC tunnel and diverted the money to the state's highway trust fund, which was bankrupt. In those four years since, THAT money has run out, and Governor Cowboy Groupie is once again looking to conjure way to keep the highway trust fund afloat, and will not countenance ANY increase in the state's gas tax, the lowest in the region, one of the lowest in the country, and one that has not been increased in 21 years.
Raising the deck of the Bayonne Bridge, at a staggering cost of $2.2 billion, which will wed the Port Authority to an 85 year old arch that constrains the width of the Port Authority's shortest, most obsolete crossing. And who profits from this unprecedented engineering "feat?" As Deep Throat famously said, "Follow the Money."
And how about Christie and his brother from another party, Andy Cuomo, mutually vetoing a rare attempt by both the NY and NJ legislatures to attempt to impose even the most modest reforms on the sewer of waste and patronage that is the Port Authority?
Finally, what excuse can Christie offer to New York Republicans why he refused even a pro forma, lip service endorsement of his party's candidate for Governor, Rob Astorino? One would think that his responsibilities as Chairman of the Republican Governors' Association would trump his bromance with Cuomo...but it didn't.
Raising the deck of the Bayonne Bridge, at a staggering cost of $2.2 billion, which will wed the Port Authority to an 85 year old arch that constrains the width of the Port Authority's shortest, most obsolete crossing. And who profits from this unprecedented engineering "feat?" As Deep Throat famously said, "Follow the Money."
And how about Christie and his brother from another party, Andy Cuomo, mutually vetoing a rare attempt by both the NY and NJ legislatures to attempt to impose even the most modest reforms on the sewer of waste and patronage that is the Port Authority?
Finally, what excuse can Christie offer to New York Republicans why he refused even a pro forma, lip service endorsement of his party's candidate for Governor, Rob Astorino? One would think that his responsibilities as Chairman of the Republican Governors' Association would trump his bromance with Cuomo...but it didn't.
3
Sorry David, but even those with college can't understand, "thou shalt not kill."
1
"Chris Christie: A-minus. Bridgegate did some damage, but it clearly wasn’t fatal. Whatever can be said about Christie, he grabs attention — essential in a crowded field."
If, under Brooks rating system, Christie gets and A-, then the rating system is rigged. Christie is dishonest, a bully, a danger to the public, a nitwit, petty, and downright evil.
If a menace to the public rates an A- in Brooks' rating system, I ask the Times to please fire him; he's incompetent to evaluate political personalities and affairs.
But the worry here is if
Christie is one of the best, then this entire party needs to be liquidated, but quick.
If, under Brooks rating system, Christie gets and A-, then the rating system is rigged. Christie is dishonest, a bully, a danger to the public, a nitwit, petty, and downright evil.
If a menace to the public rates an A- in Brooks' rating system, I ask the Times to please fire him; he's incompetent to evaluate political personalities and affairs.
But the worry here is if
Christie is one of the best, then this entire party needs to be liquidated, but quick.
12
Grading on a curve David?
4
Reading this column together with Paul Krugman's column today about the Swiss franc, a next president who mindlessly follows the Republican party mantra that tax cuts are the solution for every problem might well end up putting us in the deflationary soup. So, Mr Brooks, keep looking for that Republican candidate. We need someone who is less doctrinaire and has more humility, more openness to new ideas, and more intellectual ability than any of those you've named so far.
3
David, you're lucky you don't live in New Jersey. The highest foreclosure rate in the country. The highest unemployment rate in the region. Budgets balanced by stripping the Transportation Fund, now empty, or failing to make payments to the Pension Fund, or using Port Authority money for unrelated projects. Atlantic City has imploded, and a casino built with the enthusiastic support of the governor is already bankrupt. Housing values have yet to recover from the recession, and yet we pay the same taxes we did when they were basically 50% higher. Newark and Paterson still struggle. Sandy recovery has ground to a halt as the governor spends his time traversing the US in search of support for his presidential campaign.
Don't drink the Kool-Aid, David. Look more closely at why the governor's ratings in his state are in free fall.
Don't drink the Kool-Aid, David. Look more closely at why the governor's ratings in his state are in free fall.
171
"Kasich is the Republican version of Jerry Brown"
Mr. Brooks, for an intellectual, this is an amateur analogy, unexplained and signifying nothing.
Mr. Brooks, for an intellectual, this is an amateur analogy, unexplained and signifying nothing.
2
It actually signifies all that is needd, Mr. Jason, if one has the slightest knowledge of California's history under the Brown administrations which, obviously, you do not.
Sorry David but Chris Christie has outworn his sell by date at least here in New Jersey. He wants to bring the New Jersey miracle to the rest of the country? God help us.
4
Speeches are just so much palaver, ask anyone paying attention to President Obama. Look at the record. Mr. Brooks goes all gaga over the high minded rhetoric. Like most of America he'll listen to the rhetoric and 30 second commercials and not look at the record. From all I've read about the experimental era of state Republican leadership where it has actually been implemented, Kansas, most people are not really happy with the outcome. Don't blame the Republicans for implementing their Wall Street centric ideas, blame the rubes of America for buying the snake oil. By the way Mr. Brooks, why didn't you include Sam Brownback and give him an F on his implementation and results of actual Republican ideas?
8
If Kasich ain't runnin', how about we enlist Brooks?
2
I seem to recall that Christie's got a few more legal problems than just Bridgegate, to say nothing of NJ's budget issues and what the Boss'll have to say should he get into a Presidential campaign and try using his songs again.
2
Yet another column from Our Mr. Brooks that completely misses the mark.
How can you grade four governors-as-presidential-candidates and leave out the two with the highest profiles, Mitt and Jeb (sounds deliciously similar to Mutt and Jeff)? And OK, there's Huckabee, but in spite of his fine "values" can be safely ignored.
Mutt and Jeff may both carry "ex" in front of their governor titles, but they're still dominating the auditions in spite of not qualifying for the state-of-the-state speech phase. In the reality/gong show of Republican presidential races, they went directly to the Beat The Clock-style wind tunnel of cash, where they are elbowing out everyone else and grabbing the most dough from the show's oligarch sponsors.
Brooks states that using the values of religious conservatives to inform policies is essential to retain the party's business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected. That's just silly talk.
Ultimately, "values" will count for nothing in this contest. The one who grabs the most dough in the wind tunnel wins, and moves on to the cage where it's a fight to the death with the Democratic candidate. All the rest is just reality show puffery carefully calibrated to entertain viewers and boost ratings.
Kasich, Christie, Pence, Walker - none of them have a chance against the sharp elbows and highly agile fists of the Mutt and Jeff fund-raising machines.
How can you grade four governors-as-presidential-candidates and leave out the two with the highest profiles, Mitt and Jeb (sounds deliciously similar to Mutt and Jeff)? And OK, there's Huckabee, but in spite of his fine "values" can be safely ignored.
Mutt and Jeff may both carry "ex" in front of their governor titles, but they're still dominating the auditions in spite of not qualifying for the state-of-the-state speech phase. In the reality/gong show of Republican presidential races, they went directly to the Beat The Clock-style wind tunnel of cash, where they are elbowing out everyone else and grabbing the most dough from the show's oligarch sponsors.
Brooks states that using the values of religious conservatives to inform policies is essential to retain the party's business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected. That's just silly talk.
Ultimately, "values" will count for nothing in this contest. The one who grabs the most dough in the wind tunnel wins, and moves on to the cage where it's a fight to the death with the Democratic candidate. All the rest is just reality show puffery carefully calibrated to entertain viewers and boost ratings.
Kasich, Christie, Pence, Walker - none of them have a chance against the sharp elbows and highly agile fists of the Mutt and Jeff fund-raising machines.
3
Christie is not announcing until he sees how the upcoming indictments (leaked when the NJ Senate committee on Bridgegate closed shop) play out. Mr. Brooks might want to wait as well.
As for the rest, talk about damning with faint praise. Mr. Brooks inadvertently confirms the absence of "pop" in the GOP grapefruit league.
As for the rest, talk about damning with faint praise. Mr. Brooks inadvertently confirms the absence of "pop" in the GOP grapefruit league.
Interesting conjecture but remember many states hold their elections in off years in an effort to take advantage of the low turn out (minorities don't vote in off years). Any 'landslide' in an off year (not 2012,2016,2020, ...) is not a real measure of vote getting ability it is more a measure of getting whites excited. Consider in the US Senate the minority Democrats (collectively) got 14 Million more votes than the republican majority who swept in while Democrats stayed home this past November. That margin vote will in all likelihood grow wider in 2016 as the democratic base turns out.
If you didn't know Brooks better you would almost think that he was trying ""to damn with faint praise" in his evaluation of these wannabe Presidential candidates. Not even a "C" among them. Of course none of them want to talk about any of those pesky "volatile issues" ( income disparity, workers' rights, gender equality, health care etc.) that Kasich so carefully avoids, so they just waffle on about "anxiety", "erosion of basic values" "the sound of our neighbors' voices " ad nauseum. Brooks wants us to look for a candidate " that makes you do a double take" - unfortunately all those he mentions do- but not in a good way.
1
"...have shown they can take the values of religious conservatives and use them to inform Republican economic and domestic priorities. That’s essential if the party is going retain its business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected."
*****
"...take the values of religious conservatives and use them to inform Republican economic and domestic priorities."
I've not read a more scary paragraph from Mr. Brooks in a while. And this is what scares me. That ANYONE in the White House uses their "religious values" to make political decisions for a country when that religion has an evangelical/fundamentalist tint should scare any intelligent person who prefers religion be kept out of political decisions.
And because, in this world, we probably will never see a Scientologist or Muslim as a president, we understand that the Christian religion is what Mr. Brooks is speaking about. And that has some very limiting and limited abilities when used in the hands of people who think that their god only helps those who help themselves.
I noticed that neither Perry, Cruz, Bush or Romney were mentioned. All but Cruz have been governors and what they stand for should be just as important to consider when reviewing this ever widening group vying for the WH.
*****
"...take the values of religious conservatives and use them to inform Republican economic and domestic priorities."
I've not read a more scary paragraph from Mr. Brooks in a while. And this is what scares me. That ANYONE in the White House uses their "religious values" to make political decisions for a country when that religion has an evangelical/fundamentalist tint should scare any intelligent person who prefers religion be kept out of political decisions.
And because, in this world, we probably will never see a Scientologist or Muslim as a president, we understand that the Christian religion is what Mr. Brooks is speaking about. And that has some very limiting and limited abilities when used in the hands of people who think that their god only helps those who help themselves.
I noticed that neither Perry, Cruz, Bush or Romney were mentioned. All but Cruz have been governors and what they stand for should be just as important to consider when reviewing this ever widening group vying for the WH.
3
John Kasich is an X factor that has to intimidate all the other people vying for the White House. He knows D.C., he can govern, and hasn't surrendered his standards to make one-issue people like him. He has two terms in the Presidency written all over him.
I was mildly surprised to see that this year is pretty much ''IT'' for both Hilary and the other female millionaire junior Senator. While their money people may push both to commit early, they really don't have the ''new car smell'' some huckster mentioned last year.
It will be interesting to see if actual exchanges are engendered in this comments thread, or if we simply have cut-and-paste book reports from various positions.
I was mildly surprised to see that this year is pretty much ''IT'' for both Hilary and the other female millionaire junior Senator. While their money people may push both to commit early, they really don't have the ''new car smell'' some huckster mentioned last year.
It will be interesting to see if actual exchanges are engendered in this comments thread, or if we simply have cut-and-paste book reports from various positions.
2
The Republicans could nominate Joe the Plumber. Makes no difference to them or me.
1
Kasich disqualified himself when he expanded Medicaid in his state and started using the language of the Left.
His Medicaid expansion gives voters goodies now, but will bust his state in a few years. He, like Christie, refused to join the Republican governors in the initial fight against Obamacare, so he too is a fraud. Christie is even worse.
Walker would be the best GOP candidate. He has won 3 gruelling elections in 4 years, with little help from the national GOP board.
His Medicaid expansion gives voters goodies now, but will bust his state in a few years. He, like Christie, refused to join the Republican governors in the initial fight against Obamacare, so he too is a fraud. Christie is even worse.
Walker would be the best GOP candidate. He has won 3 gruelling elections in 4 years, with little help from the national GOP board.
1
Right, nothing makes a state successful like a bunch of sick and injured people without medical care and nothing is better for the economy than unpaid medical bills and bankruptcy as a result of those medical bills.
Sure, let's have a President of the United States that has a high school degree as the zenith of his career in higher education. Or is that edumaction?
2
Nothing much was made of Christie's early peccadilloes like using helicopters so he could attend his son's games or refusing to cooperate in investigations. Little has been said of his nixing a tunnel project meant to benefit New Jersey job seekers or his constant campaigning. But Brooks has never met a Republican he didn't forgive. The red tint of his rose colored glasses should be obvious to all and his opinion discounted.
6
The basic problem that all of these candidates will face is their need to get voters to forget all the policies previous Republican administrations have pursued that privilege the wealthy and undermine the working and middle classes. Such policies include these: appointing Supreme Court justices that strive to define "freedom of speech" so as to silence those without lots of money, cutting taxes generously for the wealthy, much less so for everyone else, trying to break the backs of unions, cutting taxes in such a way as to make college education prohibitively expensive, attempting to dismantle Social Security, etc.
Whoever the GOP chooses is going to somehow have to convince voters that former Republican leaders were "just kidding" when they pursued those policies.
Whoever the GOP chooses is going to somehow have to convince voters that former Republican leaders were "just kidding" when they pursued those policies.
95
Thirty-plus GOP governors, 54 GOP US Senators, 240+ GOP House majority, Every Southern state from NC to FL to TX (yes, the taker states)have both houses of their legislatures in GOP hands and plenty more in other parts of the country. I guess the American citizenry likes what they're getting. So be it. I refuse to be upset by it any longer.
Chris Christie has been a disaster for New Jersey starting with the cancellation of the tunnel to New York right down to the departure of the Mercedes Benz headquarters with the trashing of the school system in between. It is inconceivable that anyone would think he was presidential material unless the Republicans wanted someone who could make George W. Bush look good by comparison.
161
However, he was reelected in a landslide. Go figure.
Wow. I am disappointed that Brooks is that out of touch that he would respond positively to that Christie State of the State. A speech in which he looked embarrassed to talk about his record. A speech in which he totally ignored the important issues of funding the Transportation Trust Fund, Sandy Recovery and that disaster that is Atlantic City. Christie gave $261 million dollars in tax credits to the Revel casino that shut down along with several other casinos while Mercedes Benz just moved out of NJ. Christie is being sued for not making a payment this year to the state pension fund. The state's credit rating has been downgraded 8 times under Christie, the infrastructure is a disaster with broken down bridges and roads, and most of these problems are being kicked down the road to future governors. And you give him an A-. Wow.
1
Is it possible that the GOP candidates all seem concerned with the "struggling and disaffected" - well, maybe at least to see if they can garner some votes.. Current and recent past events featuring the GOP, and some of your favorite candidates indicate otherwise. Look at what Congress is doing on immigration - deport them all, they're illegal - pretty heartless. The GOP stopped the stimulus a few years ago, which most economists believe wasn't enough to begin with, which caused alot of unnecessary suffering. Sequestration - oh yeah, that worked out well. The support for income inequality amongst GOP stalwarts is at its zenith, with more bowing down to the top 0.01% - Walker is a hero among them, probably Pence as well. Millions suffered in the "cheese" state, but you focus on a jobs program initiative - too little, too late. Christie is a proven bully, but fortunately in your eyes, no damage - Camden as a marker for accomplishment nationally - please. Kasich has a big identity and money problem, plus he is way too liberal for the GOP base, if what you indicate is true. Why write off Romney, he's no worse than the rest of them - and no mention of Rand Paul, the only faintly honest one among them.
You can give out all the gold stars on the foreheads you want, but it doesn't mean that the current GOP brand of ultra conservative trolls in Congress have any chance of being led by someone exemplary. This lot proves that.
You can give out all the gold stars on the foreheads you want, but it doesn't mean that the current GOP brand of ultra conservative trolls in Congress have any chance of being led by someone exemplary. This lot proves that.
64
Kasich
WOW!! he sounds interesting. Reading some of the comments on mass extinction in the oceans I thought of the movie 12 monkeys when the scientist roamed the world to save it bringing mass extinction to the humans.
This is the age of the human we can do alot better than we have
WOW!! he sounds interesting. Reading some of the comments on mass extinction in the oceans I thought of the movie 12 monkeys when the scientist roamed the world to save it bringing mass extinction to the humans.
This is the age of the human we can do alot better than we have
With Christie it's not just Bridgegate, it's his blocking the rail tunnel into the city--he's an obstructionist and hostage-taker, and as such he represents all that has been wrong with the GOP for the last six years.
And really, does anyone want to have such an obnoxious boor as president?
And really, does anyone want to have such an obnoxious boor as president?
14
Kasich worked for Lehman Brothers at the time of their collapse. The subsequent auto industry bailout helped Ohio immeasurably. Kasich's popularity is due to his good fortune in taking office at the moment of the fracking boom in Ohio. Kasich is up for for the same reason our gas prices are down. Mr. Brooks should congratulate President Obama for the latter.
Christie is the governor of the state that is the home of the New York Giants and Jets, and covers part of the Eagles' territory. He goes down to Texas, and cheers vociferously for the Cowboys. Now, that's pro football you say, no big deal.
But it is. What grown man gets that excited about guys running around in short pants? That's like believing in the Easter Bunny. And even if you did care, why would you alienate your electorate like that? That bespeaks of putrid judgment.
Both of these guys are putz candidates. As much as I loathe corporate raider Mitt Romney, he is head and shoulders above them in intellect.
Christie is the governor of the state that is the home of the New York Giants and Jets, and covers part of the Eagles' territory. He goes down to Texas, and cheers vociferously for the Cowboys. Now, that's pro football you say, no big deal.
But it is. What grown man gets that excited about guys running around in short pants? That's like believing in the Easter Bunny. And even if you did care, why would you alienate your electorate like that? That bespeaks of putrid judgment.
Both of these guys are putz candidates. As much as I loathe corporate raider Mitt Romney, he is head and shoulders above them in intellect.
3
David,
Chris Christie an A-?
What are we rating him on?
Graft, obnoxiousness, crony capitalism, arrogance, ego, narcissism?
He certainly ranks have on all those qualities.
He is a D- as a capable leader and has been convicted for defamation of character in court. A total liar to say the least.
Chris Christie an A-?
What are we rating him on?
Graft, obnoxiousness, crony capitalism, arrogance, ego, narcissism?
He certainly ranks have on all those qualities.
He is a D- as a capable leader and has been convicted for defamation of character in court. A total liar to say the least.
14
Sorry David, Scott Walker? He is the Governor from Hades, hated by 47% of Wisconsinites....
7
And state surpluses? Despite slashing budgets for K-12, tech colleges and the university system (the latter taking the biggest percentage hit of any state agency) Walker's trickle-down tax policies have led to a projected $2.2 billion deficit in the upcoming budget cycle. Not to mention below national and regional averages in job growth and income growth. He promised--and when he campaigned in 2010 he insisted on being held accountable for--250,000 new private sector jobs in his first four years. He was only about 150,000 jobs short.
3
“We terminated the city police department and, partnering with the county, put a new metro division on the streets with 400 officers for the same price we were paying for 260. ... What are the results? Murder down 51 percent, in what was once called the most dangerous city in America.”
Chris Christie is far too modest. Firing the police department didn't just slash the murder rate in Camden -- by the same correlative reasoning, it drastically cut murder rates in every major city in America. Good show!
Chris Christie is far too modest. Firing the police department didn't just slash the murder rate in Camden -- by the same correlative reasoning, it drastically cut murder rates in every major city in America. Good show!
6
Your grading pencil needs sharpening. Kasich's landslide victory resulted from an incredibly weak opponent. Christie has not survived bridgegate: indictments of at least six of his aides are reported to be imminent. Moreover additional investigations of his corrupt, political bullying are still under way. Actually, these criminal investigations have benefited Christie because they have distracted attention from his abysmal economic performance -- increasing debt, lowered bond ratings and the weakest jobs performance in the region. And one of your B- folks, Scott Walker didn't graduate Marquette because he dropped out after a political scandal and is lacking in qualities of truthfulness and character. Quite a collection.
202
The cold hard fact is that the Soprano's is a cartoon caricature for 'right wing' political organization. That's why we all like it so well. It's simple, direct and effective, and provides the immediate (if short term) results, and it allows one to ignore issues that distract from a focus on the unfettered pursuit of other peoples money...........albeit without the actual face-to-face killing which is replaced by the neglect, withering, and silent desperation and death of the "unworthy".
We should not long for a return to the days when governance was all that simple.
We should not long for a return to the days when governance was all that simple.
1
Most of the speeches you have rated are a good example of "speech is money , money is speech". Isn't it amazing what good Republican money can buy these days. These boys are diving for dollars nothing more/nothing less .
4
Talking about grade inflation! Christie's state is facing a potential deficit, the pension fund is gutted, and the State bonds were downgraded, and he got an A-? David, tell me where your school is and I'll send my kids to you for easy As.
20
Christy does represent the "Republican dream", create a bankrupt polity with a pool of money, and a way to generate more if only the people didn't need as much (or could be convinced that they didn't need as much).
Change is a core part of existence, and when things change, government needs to change along with them. Republican seem to exploit change and desperation (or most anything) to generate more 'trickle up', and they've proven that works very well (for them, their relatives, and their pay-to-play friends). But every once while we need and FDR, a Clinton, or and Obama to rebuild the 'bottom' by applying a little 'trickle down' in order to keep that flow of 'trickly up' viable.
We should be looking for leaders who build not milk or recycle other peoples stuff.
Change is a core part of existence, and when things change, government needs to change along with them. Republican seem to exploit change and desperation (or most anything) to generate more 'trickle up', and they've proven that works very well (for them, their relatives, and their pay-to-play friends). But every once while we need and FDR, a Clinton, or and Obama to rebuild the 'bottom' by applying a little 'trickle down' in order to keep that flow of 'trickly up' viable.
We should be looking for leaders who build not milk or recycle other peoples stuff.
It is inconceivable that Christie is a credible candidate. Yes for American idol. No for president. He's in the Donald Trump category. Your article is weak. You're fired, the Donald would say.
16
"...the party is going retain its business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected." This last statement is very strange. As someone who doesn't identify with any particular religion, feels disaffected by the way the GOP has treated the average American, I'd like to know when religion became so important to it. They certainly don't follow the values of charity, turning the other cheek, and service that are put forth by the New Testament. In fact, the GOP, as it currently stands, is composed of some of the most vengeful, ignorant, vindictive people I've ever heard or read. Walker despises unions. Christie is a bully. Both do not work and play well with others. Christie comes across as reasonable until you listen to how he interacts with those who disagree with him.
I wouldn't give any politician a grade over B minus. That includes Democrats and Republicans. None of them represent the average American. They represent corporations, their big donors, and themselves. But it is typical David Brooks to grade his own party lightly and hold them to lesser standards than the Democrats. However, I would suggest that the GOP doesn't even meet the minimal standards for decency with the way they are behaving.
I wouldn't give any politician a grade over B minus. That includes Democrats and Republicans. None of them represent the average American. They represent corporations, their big donors, and themselves. But it is typical David Brooks to grade his own party lightly and hold them to lesser standards than the Democrats. However, I would suggest that the GOP doesn't even meet the minimal standards for decency with the way they are behaving.
37
The proper statement is: 'reach into the pockets of the struggling and disaffected as part of the plan to fulfill the dream of starving the mythological beast', while further fattening the mythological compassionate conservatives.
1
Christie is currently reneging on a contract he signed in 2011 on the grounds its unconstitutional so he can avoid meeting pension payment commitments. Some hero.
77
Republicans don't have answers, just designs on other people's money (including those can't get any of their their own due to flaws and crevices in our economic system).
The only ideological question at hand is: are we all about humans or all about profits?
The answer is that there must be a balance, and Republicans invent mythological balance factors (like trickle down) to replace real thinking and effort, because it's easier, and much more profitable than solving tough problems.
The only ideological question at hand is: are we all about humans or all about profits?
The answer is that there must be a balance, and Republicans invent mythological balance factors (like trickle down) to replace real thinking and effort, because it's easier, and much more profitable than solving tough problems.
I completely agree as to Governor John Kasich.
But I would like to say I just listened to Marco Rubio speak for thirty minutes on Charlie Rose. This guy puts more good policy talk and charismatic intensity into thirty minutes than Mitt Romney did in ten years. What was the Republican establishment thinking with regard to Romney? Were they even thinking at all? And the idea that there is a public clamor for Romney's return in 2016?
Will Rubio get somewhere in 2016? Most likely not. In 2020 or 2024? Most definitely Yes. He has actually put some practical thought into a practical conservative message for the future.
But I would like to say I just listened to Marco Rubio speak for thirty minutes on Charlie Rose. This guy puts more good policy talk and charismatic intensity into thirty minutes than Mitt Romney did in ten years. What was the Republican establishment thinking with regard to Romney? Were they even thinking at all? And the idea that there is a public clamor for Romney's return in 2016?
Will Rubio get somewhere in 2016? Most likely not. In 2020 or 2024? Most definitely Yes. He has actually put some practical thought into a practical conservative message for the future.
15
I saw him on John Stewart and was also impressed. I just don't care for his position on Cuba. I understand his history, but we need to stop catering to a small cabal of exiles in Miami.
The 'baby faced', Republican mantles of 'compassionate conservatism' (Romney, Rand, Rubio, Perry, et al) are narrow and thin. Look closely and carefully, and the hairy gorgon beneath will always reveal itself.
However, it's impact is so devastating that the key is to never let it get into office in the first place.
However, it's impact is so devastating that the key is to never let it get into office in the first place.
He's the prettiest weathervane of the bunch, I agree.
a strange piece by David... and nothing on Jeb Bush who would win it all (not my choice)... anyway--- the Republicans are worse than the Dems...
9
He does fit the Republican ideal of a 'baby faced', honest and innocent looking, candidate. The real battle is going to be over which of the 'baby faces' tells the most convincing lies.
I suggest Mr. Brooks move to Camden for a week or 6 months, followed by Newark and then Patterson. Then talk to the mayor of Hoboken or Jersey City. Meanwhile, read a little Jersey news and opinion, such as njpolitcker, njspotlight, Star Ledger columnist Bob Braun, or njjazzman, while in his temporary residencies, to complete his take on Christie.
23
Christie A-...surely you jest, David. His already wildly inflated ego would surely explode were he the G.O.P. nominee.
32
I could understand Christie's -A if you were rating out-of-control, blind egos..
How about grading the rest? Cruz, Perry, Huckabee, Rubio, Romney, Bush, et al?
11
56
The "Post-Romney Era"? Apparently Mitt never got the memo. We will remain in the "Romney (YAWN) Era" for as long as he continues to walk this earth.
6
Follow the money, follow the money , follow the money..........
17
Exactly, the Republican nod will go the higher bidder of the corporatacracy leaders of America..pretty simple..
1
Kasich says: “I think the erosion of basic values that made our nation great is the most serious problem facing our state and our nation today,” he said. “And I’m not talking about those volatile issues.”
seriously? you gotta be kidding! Talk about re-arranging the deck chairs on the titanic, this is one of those canned meaningless lines that politicians LOVE to say - what about global warming? terrorism? income disparity? world peace? middle east? etc etc etc Gov. Kasich will have to do better than if he wants my vote or even a passing notice
Jerry Willard NYC
seriously? you gotta be kidding! Talk about re-arranging the deck chairs on the titanic, this is one of those canned meaningless lines that politicians LOVE to say - what about global warming? terrorism? income disparity? world peace? middle east? etc etc etc Gov. Kasich will have to do better than if he wants my vote or even a passing notice
Jerry Willard NYC
33
Very true...the basic values of individuals is not something government can do anything about....yet they talk about it all they time-especially on the Republican side, saves them from having to bring up subjects with substance.
14
Kasich basically ran unopposed. The Democratic candidate (forget his name, see what I mean) was terrible. The whole election was a big yawn here in Ohio and everyone knew that it was decided long before November.
This was a state of the state (of Ohio) address. Not many governors spend their SOTS addresses speaking about world peace or terrorism. Actually, I think he hits the mark on these issues. I don't find them canned or meaningless at all. If you want change in the world, be the change you want. What else can most Americans (or Ohioans, for that matter) do?
One thing is clear from this write-up. The author does not live in New Jersey. HEH!
John~
American Net'Zen
John~
American Net'Zen
15
Why would anyone?
1
David, surely the brothers Koch have not whispered into your ear as yet..or have they?
16
Hey...don't pick on David....99.9% of American media people left or right are at least partially owned by big biz...
1
My old favorite pundit, Charlie Brown, said it best, "Good grief!"
20
Yeah..in America we recycle incompetents.....the Republicans who technically gave us the worst eco crisis in our history and the biggest blunder in military history with Iraq under the admitted war criminal Bush 2 and David is ranking them for another shot..
Only in America...
Only in America...
1
This is the most *useful* comparison of GOP governors that this Democrat has seen, & I thank you for it.
Like a lot of Americans of both parties, I feel the anxiety Chris Christie mentions as prevalent: I'm anxious that our truly *trivial* political gamesmanship is precluding all serious governing of the republic. The media coverage mostly goes along with the non-serious gamesmanship ... but in this piece, you have not. Kudos.
Like a lot of Americans of both parties, I feel the anxiety Chris Christie mentions as prevalent: I'm anxious that our truly *trivial* political gamesmanship is precluding all serious governing of the republic. The media coverage mostly goes along with the non-serious gamesmanship ... but in this piece, you have not. Kudos.
2
Candidly, the bench for either party is pretty thin. Howsoever, The Republican bench is full of splinters. I mean, Ben Carson, this cycle's version of Herman Cain? Huckabee redux? Romney, Cruz? ( oops, just laughed milk through my nose, sorry). Etc. And the problem doesn't end with Repubican candidates-it's what their party stands for.
The thought of a Clinton/Bush contest makes my eyes glaze over.
It's going to be a l-o-n-g campaign.
The thought of a Clinton/Bush contest makes my eyes glaze over.
It's going to be a l-o-n-g campaign.
17
Kasich is not Jerry Brown in any iteration. Apologies to Governor Brown are in order.
66
Kaisich gutted funding all over the place and left local government holding the bag for essential services, and then touted the savings at the state level, an absolute shell game. He won Cuyahoga County and Cleveland because he ran essentially unopposed since his Democratic opponent, who at one time seemed promising, imploded early and often with a string of embarrassing personal scandals, couldn't have been elected dogcatcher. He would not hold up to the scrutiny of a national campaign.
1
Agreed. While Kasich may talk a good game of compassionate conservatism, he only expanded Medicaid for financial reasons and then tried to cloak it in compassion. He is still the Wall Streeter that he has always been, intent on financially rewarding his fellow 1-percenters, and is a slave to the social conservatives in the Republican Party.
1
"When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he's probably not going to ask you much what you did about keeping government small, but what you did for the poor," so writes Brooks in this zany panegyric to Gov. John Kasich about his supposedly Judeo-Christian values. Well, David, I really hate to rain on your parade. But I must remind you that two state elections ago I voted along with the majority of my fellow Buckeyes against a ballot initiative sponsored by the GOP and endorsed by Gov. Kasich that would have rescinded the collective bargaining rights for government workers who are union members. Gov. Kasich may have been a working-class kid in his youth, but as governor he clearly now want to be a governor to bust unions in this proverbial swing state. And I recall ironically that the state motto on our license plates used to be: "The Heart Of It All." But Gov. Kasich has no heart when it comes to the beleaguered and embattled labor movement in America. So Gov. Kasich is really going to have to answer for a lot when he does eventually meet St. Peter. And St. Peter just may say to the governor that he's come to the wrong place. But I hear down there the proprietor runs a non-union shop.
295
George, best comment ever on a Brooks piece. Thank you!
State public unions should be busted so that they match the federal public unions.
I have always wanted to be the proverbial bug on the wall when some of these guys meet their Maker. I can imagine Jesus looking at bush ii and saying, very lovingly, "You did WHAT in my name?"
But Brooks is right, St Pete isn't going to judge anyone on how successful they were in making government smaller, but he won't like the answer to the rest of the question from any of Brook's heroes.
But Brooks is right, St Pete isn't going to judge anyone on how successful they were in making government smaller, but he won't like the answer to the rest of the question from any of Brook's heroes.
Kasich does not recognize that there should be a wall between church and state, he needs to keep government secular.
31
You obviously don't realize that wall was erected to protect people from those who would keep them from expressing their religious beliefs.
No matter how offensive their beliefs were, they were to be permitted to hold them, and those who disagreed were never meant to be able to silence them in any manner.
No matter how offensive their beliefs were, they were to be permitted to hold them, and those who disagreed were never meant to be able to silence them in any manner.
2
Agreed...it should be mandatory that he and all the Republican holy rollers go to Iraq and Afgan., middle east and other places to see what happens when you mix religion and state.
1
So David its Kasich nice, Christie naughty, a bully. I can't believe we waste so much time listening to these politicians, who when you think about it, have the a clue of what is needed to change the country for the better.
3
They had the House. And then they snatched the Senate.
They've starting to take credit for the economic rebound.
And now one of their own drops a crack like this, which should be a core Democratic argument: “When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small, but he is going to ask you what you did for the poor.”
You can have fun with David Brooks, but the Republicans ain't playing.
I gather that the Democrats said "ha, ha, ha" when they heard the Republicans were starting to take credit for the economy. Will they still be laughing in 2016?
They've starting to take credit for the economic rebound.
And now one of their own drops a crack like this, which should be a core Democratic argument: “When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small, but he is going to ask you what you did for the poor.”
You can have fun with David Brooks, but the Republicans ain't playing.
I gather that the Democrats said "ha, ha, ha" when they heard the Republicans were starting to take credit for the economy. Will they still be laughing in 2016?
9
@ hometruth: Yes. Yes, they will. And so will we independents. Regardless of what party prevails in 2016, there are 2 truths that will remain unimpeachable: 1) The Republicans most certainly did not have any part in the economic recovery we are currently experiencing; and 2) The Republicans shall reap what they sow - now that the lunatics believe they are in control of the asylum their true colors will be revealed, and many Americans will quickly learn that the Republicans are not their friends. Have fun with your smugness now; it too shall pass.
Bravo for a thoughtful analysis. But you will get grief from the "true" conservatives who do not count you as one of their own. For them none of these governors (with the exception of the Texan, perhaps) measures up to their standards "principled leadership." They want the red meat issues candidates in the Senate -- especially the Texan.
3
So 19 months out and it begins. Are all the New York Times columnists going to become cheerleaders for presidential contenders? At four a pop it will take David Brooks two weeks to get through the Republican field.
Kasich? Can he really raise a billion dollars? That I doubt.
Christie? Yes, he can. But then there is the question as to whether he will be able to use his governor's resume. Perhaps, if he was actually in the state since 2013.
Walker? Maybe, he does know a billionaire or two and if Bush, Romney and Christie all blow up like we know they can the Republican businessman wing will be scrambling for a candidate who 'can get elected' who also doesn't scare bankers like the Tea Party does. But strictly second string.
And then there is... Ah? Sorry some things are so dull that you just have to nod off...
Kasich? Can he really raise a billion dollars? That I doubt.
Christie? Yes, he can. But then there is the question as to whether he will be able to use his governor's resume. Perhaps, if he was actually in the state since 2013.
Walker? Maybe, he does know a billionaire or two and if Bush, Romney and Christie all blow up like we know they can the Republican businessman wing will be scrambling for a candidate who 'can get elected' who also doesn't scare bankers like the Tea Party does. But strictly second string.
And then there is... Ah? Sorry some things are so dull that you just have to nod off...
14
I've yet to hear any Republican vision other than trashing President Obama.
70
Exacly..they do have a vision...repeat of the eco. and foreign policy debacle of the admitted war criminal Bush 2.
1
proudcalib.....right on, brother.......Republicanobstruction (yes its one word) should be fired back at them full bore in this coming campaign. I hope the Democrats are up to the task. They certainly were not, this past election.
Agreed, that strategy worked. Now, it's time to move on.
Chris Christie is a non-starter for national office; there have been more debt downgrades for state of NJ bonds than Christie has been in office, a track record which cannot be finessed.
26
Kasich has been fortunate to run in two non-Presidential elections...and yeah, he loves government workers as long as he can break their unions for fun
26
When Christie explodes in response to a prickly question from the media his campaign will fizzle. His temperment will be his undoing. While I enjoy David's columns, he continues to miss the mark on his political prognostications.
If Mr. Brooks can't even correctly assess the remarkably shallow weakness behind the egotistical mask of the governor of New Jersey, how can we trust his appraisals of those governors much further geographically and ethically removed from his own home turf? We can't. Because anyone from a thousand miles away should be able to recognize a collection of empty suits without even the use of a politiscope.
42
"Bridgegate did some damage, but it clearly wasn’t fatal."
Since the Grand Jury hasn't reported yet on what Chris Christie knew, Mr. Brooks is putting the cart before the horse.
Since the Grand Jury hasn't reported yet on what Chris Christie knew, Mr. Brooks is putting the cart before the horse.
18
as long as it is not on the GWB
Aside from any merit those mentioned in this article may or may not have to run for President, I would very much like to see the editors of the NYT and most every other paper in the US bar the words "landslide"and "mandate" from being used when describing an elected politician's victory,Democrat or Republican where only one in four voters actually voted to elect them.
18
Frankly, I think all the news media should be required to express election results as percentages of the ELIGIBLE voters. Then, we would see that a candidate was actually elected with 21% of the vote over perhaps 19%. Maybe this would wake people up, and help them understand that a tiny, tiny number of people are making the electoral decisions
On another point, we should expand the house; repeal the 1929 law (probably unconstitutional) that capped it at 435.
On another point, we should expand the house; repeal the 1929 law (probably unconstitutional) that capped it at 435.
Honestly, i don't need all of the overblown language explaining what the ills of America are. Sure, Presidents can, to a limited degree, set a tone but it is pretty difficult to be heard in the media echo chamber of modern times.
What we need from Presidents and government in general is to focus on public policy. We don't need the moralizing and we don't need the church sermons. In reality issues like gay marriage, abortion and gun control have limited impacts on average Americans. Things like infrastructure, air quality, tax reform and healthcare affect everybody.
One of these days, some bright politician is going to figure out that government is for governing and that people want positive and helpful public policy that works. They don't care if the wrapper it comes in is Republican or Democrat.
In my opinion, that is the real problem the GOP faces today. You can only shrink government so much in modern western socieities. People like and expect certain government services. The GOP of today hates government so much, it has attempted to destroy government (with a considerable amount of success) or at least paralyze it. But other than a small minority represented by the Tea Party, Americans don't want that sort of government. They just want it to work and to do so as efficiently as possible and as cheaply as possible.
I don't need politicians telling me about character and values.
What we need from Presidents and government in general is to focus on public policy. We don't need the moralizing and we don't need the church sermons. In reality issues like gay marriage, abortion and gun control have limited impacts on average Americans. Things like infrastructure, air quality, tax reform and healthcare affect everybody.
One of these days, some bright politician is going to figure out that government is for governing and that people want positive and helpful public policy that works. They don't care if the wrapper it comes in is Republican or Democrat.
In my opinion, that is the real problem the GOP faces today. You can only shrink government so much in modern western socieities. People like and expect certain government services. The GOP of today hates government so much, it has attempted to destroy government (with a considerable amount of success) or at least paralyze it. But other than a small minority represented by the Tea Party, Americans don't want that sort of government. They just want it to work and to do so as efficiently as possible and as cheaply as possible.
I don't need politicians telling me about character and values.
30
A minus for Christie?
Close call for SCott Walker and Kasich.
That says David's recent "moderate" stance was just that, a stance.
These men would be great for Hillary to debate. Hilariously dceitful, mouthing homilies, they'd make great lunch.
David, you can't judge people by what they campaign on in the pre-early primary appearances. But, as someone said, "Let's look at the record." Union-busting, women-bating, PAC-loving, SCOTUS-kissing, Austrian Fantasy Econ-loving, Obama-sneering, race-unwelcoming? Over, boys, you're unelectable.
That exercise would end it all for this year's GOP Clown Care and its TParty and Billionaire owners.
Only Palin could fare worse than these mannikins..
Close call for SCott Walker and Kasich.
That says David's recent "moderate" stance was just that, a stance.
These men would be great for Hillary to debate. Hilariously dceitful, mouthing homilies, they'd make great lunch.
David, you can't judge people by what they campaign on in the pre-early primary appearances. But, as someone said, "Let's look at the record." Union-busting, women-bating, PAC-loving, SCOTUS-kissing, Austrian Fantasy Econ-loving, Obama-sneering, race-unwelcoming? Over, boys, you're unelectable.
That exercise would end it all for this year's GOP Clown Care and its TParty and Billionaire owners.
Only Palin could fare worse than these mannikins..
12
When it comes to deceitful, no one can top Hillary.
1
Chris Christie is a blowhard and a shill for Wall St. His tough guy, working guy affect might seem authentic to Mr. Brooks, but anyone with any sense understands it a fraud
40
Hey Bruce...it could be worse...most Republican candidates want to bring us back to 1830....Christy only wants to bring us back to 1930.
Give him credit...
Give him credit...
1
I see David Brooks was also deceived by Scott Walker as were some voters in Wisconsin. No surplus, it is really a 2.3 billion dollar deficit. Balanced the budget last term on the backs of future generations by bonding out a portion of the budget and increasing the state debt by over 30%, cutting funding to education while limiting the ability of local school districts to make up the difference and opposes taxes for infrastructure even though counties and municipalities that voted on just such a program passed it by large margins.
82
Then why did Wisconsin re-elect him? Is the only issue that matters lowering taxes? Is it the case that a pedophile mass-murderer could get elected if he promised lower taxes?
3
Right, "deceived" three times. And, can Democrats even admit they failed to offer an alternative? Failed so badly, that Walker gets a presidential mention. Failed so badly that the state assembly and senate are in GOP hands.
When people like Chuck Schumer give an accurate diagnosis of why democrats are failing, can they even listen?
When people like Chuck Schumer give an accurate diagnosis of why democrats are failing, can they even listen?
Brooks has thrown out the curve, and is assigning top-level grades to the most ordinary of candidates. It looks like grade inflation has finally reached the opinion pages at the NYT.
48
Governor Kasich can be like Governor Moonbeam when he gets rid of all the Republicans in his state and puts Ohio on the path of innovation and success. Sheesh!
There is nothing close to Jerry Brown in the Repub camp. All you can do is observe from a distance with green, green envy.
There is nothing close to Jerry Brown in the Repub camp. All you can do is observe from a distance with green, green envy.
42
How is Kasich so sure that he will get to meet St. Peter? Next thing we know, he will start quoting Leigh Hunt's ' Abou Ben Adhem'! I sure hope, Mr. Brooks, that, inspired by your article, he does not throw his hat in the ring. On the other hand, may be he should. The more crowded the Republican field, the more interesting the eventual bar-fight would be.
So Christie is detecting anxiety in the country. I do feel a deep anxiety at the prospect of this man becoming the president. Fortunately for the country, his juggernaut is not going to roll. Mass times velocity equals momentum. He has no velocity and the wrong kind of mass.
So Christie is detecting anxiety in the country. I do feel a deep anxiety at the prospect of this man becoming the president. Fortunately for the country, his juggernaut is not going to roll. Mass times velocity equals momentum. He has no velocity and the wrong kind of mass.
48
Comparisons conceal the primary fact: those you mention are all less than -1.
10
That Chris Christie gets an A- says a lot more about Mr. Brooks than about Chris Christie.
149
"....essential if the party is going retain its business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected."
In this analysis, Mr. Brooks totally misses a few salient aspects of the GOP "coalition". For starters, there is the third leg of the GOP base, the xenophobes, racists and willfully misinfromed talk radio/FAUX News fans. There is also the fracturing of the religious leg, coming about by a combination of a rising evangelical conservation movement, in which a segment of the devout are beginning to accept the biblical call to be good stewards of the planet, and the preachings of Pope Francis, who has called for both ecological awakening and more inclusivity on the part of the Church with regard to other religions and "sinners" generally.
Indeed, it is a great mystery how the GOP has amalgamated the three legs of its base for the past decade or two. The Big Business wing of the party, which bankrolls its electoral antics, has consistently co-opted the religious and the misinformed to vote against their own economic self-interests.
Then there are the "struggling and disaffected" that Mr. Brooks cites. Many of these people haven't just declined to vote for several cycles, they have become so disenchanted with politics that many have failed to even register. Getting them into a bigger Tent of No represented by the GOP will be no mean feat. Can any candidate espousing GOP doctrine hope to win over these folks?
In this analysis, Mr. Brooks totally misses a few salient aspects of the GOP "coalition". For starters, there is the third leg of the GOP base, the xenophobes, racists and willfully misinfromed talk radio/FAUX News fans. There is also the fracturing of the religious leg, coming about by a combination of a rising evangelical conservation movement, in which a segment of the devout are beginning to accept the biblical call to be good stewards of the planet, and the preachings of Pope Francis, who has called for both ecological awakening and more inclusivity on the part of the Church with regard to other religions and "sinners" generally.
Indeed, it is a great mystery how the GOP has amalgamated the three legs of its base for the past decade or two. The Big Business wing of the party, which bankrolls its electoral antics, has consistently co-opted the religious and the misinformed to vote against their own economic self-interests.
Then there are the "struggling and disaffected" that Mr. Brooks cites. Many of these people haven't just declined to vote for several cycles, they have become so disenchanted with politics that many have failed to even register. Getting them into a bigger Tent of No represented by the GOP will be no mean feat. Can any candidate espousing GOP doctrine hope to win over these folks?
2
Disappointingly, David said the most about Chris Christie. It's always a good idea to say little about Christie if you don't want to draw undue attention to Republican embarrassments. Suffice to say the essence of what David wrote: he grabs attention. But he's not electable in 2016: with a complete make-over he might be in later tests.
Kasich is a good man who says the right things and actually gives every appearance of believing them. But he's not a globe-striding figure and gives off the humours of a technocrat. We probably could use one of those in the White House, but the people won't vote for it when given more impressive alternatives, despite the impression he left with David on his vote-getting abilities. Hillary would out-inspire him simply by talking about "hope" and "change".
I can only say that David's dismissal of Scott Walker's "working-class Republicanism" and lack of a college degree is ... entertaining. Walker's got his hands full in Wisconsin saving the people from unions; and Mike Pence, like Indiana, doesn't rise above the herd.
David focused on governors but not on the most interesting, who are former governors, the Mittster and the Jebster. We won't be hearing much from the governors he analyzed other than Christie, and then only for as long as it takes primary voters to gag at the naked self-regard. But we'll certainly be hearing a lot about and from the Jebster, and the Mittster could be a serious and credible wild card.
Kasich is a good man who says the right things and actually gives every appearance of believing them. But he's not a globe-striding figure and gives off the humours of a technocrat. We probably could use one of those in the White House, but the people won't vote for it when given more impressive alternatives, despite the impression he left with David on his vote-getting abilities. Hillary would out-inspire him simply by talking about "hope" and "change".
I can only say that David's dismissal of Scott Walker's "working-class Republicanism" and lack of a college degree is ... entertaining. Walker's got his hands full in Wisconsin saving the people from unions; and Mike Pence, like Indiana, doesn't rise above the herd.
David focused on governors but not on the most interesting, who are former governors, the Mittster and the Jebster. We won't be hearing much from the governors he analyzed other than Christie, and then only for as long as it takes primary voters to gag at the naked self-regard. But we'll certainly be hearing a lot about and from the Jebster, and the Mittster could be a serious and credible wild card.
11
All hail Governor Walker in his quest of "saving the people from unions". Perhaps when he rids the nation of this curse he will have earned the right to run for President.
I agree that the present crop of Republican candidates is certainly a "herd". I can't wait to hear the wisdom of the "Jebster". How could we go wrong electing another Bush. Does the "Mittster" really bring seriousness and credibility?
I agree that the present crop of Republican candidates is certainly a "herd". I can't wait to hear the wisdom of the "Jebster". How could we go wrong electing another Bush. Does the "Mittster" really bring seriousness and credibility?
1
mike:
No ... David apparently thinks he ought he ought to apply to clean out septic tanks, because he lacks a college degree. As to the rest of your response, I can understand the snarkiness: it must be very frustrating to see elected Democrats emulating the great reptiles at the end of the Cambrian Period by dying out in such immense numbers.
No ... David apparently thinks he ought he ought to apply to clean out septic tanks, because he lacks a college degree. As to the rest of your response, I can understand the snarkiness: it must be very frustrating to see elected Democrats emulating the great reptiles at the end of the Cambrian Period by dying out in such immense numbers.
An A- for Chistie? He's has shown himself to be not ready for prime time; you've got be kidding. Do you realize that in a recent poll of residents of the state of New Jersey, 75% think his accomplishments have been minor? His approval rating is in the tank.
41
with the Hate Christie campaign organized by the state newspapers, it's no surprise. Not to mention the manufactured crisis of the GW Bridge (compare to manufactured crises of Bengazi, etc) But Christie carried a huge % in a solidly blue state when he was re-elected. Why? He was willing to take on the entrenched and sclerotic visions of the public unions who have suckled at the mother tit of the NJ fisc for decades.
There's a difference, it turns out, between a candidate winning an election and his opponent losing. In the case of the 2014 Ohio governor's race, incumbent Gov. John Kasich's opponent, Cuyahoga County executive Ed Fitzgerald, was found to have failed to get a driver's license for the past ten (10) years. This emerged after he was found in a car, in a parking lot, at 0400, in the company of a foreign trade delegate ... and claimed they were lost and were looking at a map! "Lost" was the operative word! Kasich may well have his attractions as a Republican candidate--he's NOT an extremist nut case, which itself puts him in a class by himself among Republicans!--but his huge winning margin, even in Democratic strongholds of the perpetual swing state, is better viewed as evidence of Fitzgerald's complete, embarrassing flame-out for reasons unrelated to Kasich.
26
The problem with the current crop of GOP candidates is that none of them have any leadership qualities. They are all followers.
They follow the money. The GOP has enshrined their belief in money as speech and worship at the altar of Citizens United. Republican candidates must bow to the whims of Sheldon Adelson, Karl Rove, the Koch Brothers, and their ilk. They must guarantee a high yield for the funds invested in their campaigns.
They follow the mob. Over the years, the GOP has created a powerful force of angry, uninformed, or misinformed, white voters. Now, they have come to fear the mob they created, so instead they pander to their basest instincts. A little racism here, a little creationism there, and a angry mistrust for facts and statistics, whether by climate scientists or by economists. The mob only wants to believe what they have been told they want to believe, and they want their politicians to reinforce those beliefs, not to challenge them.
Republican politicians do not stand up to these forces and lead. They follow. Look at congress over the last 4 years. Boehner cannot lead. He is constantly trying to herd the lemmings who are trying to run over the cliff. And even when he does get a chance to lead, he has lost his compass. He has enacted no new legislation in his tenure. He can only vote again and again to undo the acts of leadership created by President Obama.
None of these candidates are leader. None are brave, bold, or original. They are just puppets.
They follow the money. The GOP has enshrined their belief in money as speech and worship at the altar of Citizens United. Republican candidates must bow to the whims of Sheldon Adelson, Karl Rove, the Koch Brothers, and their ilk. They must guarantee a high yield for the funds invested in their campaigns.
They follow the mob. Over the years, the GOP has created a powerful force of angry, uninformed, or misinformed, white voters. Now, they have come to fear the mob they created, so instead they pander to their basest instincts. A little racism here, a little creationism there, and a angry mistrust for facts and statistics, whether by climate scientists or by economists. The mob only wants to believe what they have been told they want to believe, and they want their politicians to reinforce those beliefs, not to challenge them.
Republican politicians do not stand up to these forces and lead. They follow. Look at congress over the last 4 years. Boehner cannot lead. He is constantly trying to herd the lemmings who are trying to run over the cliff. And even when he does get a chance to lead, he has lost his compass. He has enacted no new legislation in his tenure. He can only vote again and again to undo the acts of leadership created by President Obama.
None of these candidates are leader. None are brave, bold, or original. They are just puppets.
155
You nailed it!
1
Wow! That was truly inspiring. Please keep writing and please disseminate your message widely.
1
Absolutely. GOP= puppet governments for and by the rich.
1
Or we can do the sane thing and vote for any Democrat. The party of Lincoln and T.R. is now the party of the Texas Congressman throwing-out Hitler references.
I would like to see a week go by without a Republican saying something that would have made Lincoln, Grant, Ike and T.R. want to hide under a rock in shame.
I would like to see a week go by without a Republican saying something that would have made Lincoln, Grant, Ike and T.R. want to hide under a rock in shame.
75
Hey R...when I see every Republicans apologizes for the eco and military disaster of the admitted war criminal Bush 2 that they supported then I would consider voting for a Republican.
PS: Also them backing away from their de facto criminal medical plan of be rich or don't have a bad life event..
PS: Also them backing away from their de facto criminal medical plan of be rich or don't have a bad life event..
1
Most posters in this leftist arena would state it is impossible to underestimate any Republican!
10
I will never take any Republican seriously for any political office until one of them moves to the center and sheds the rightist, Tea party, David Duke baggage haunting the party of Lincoln and T.R.
55
Kevin,
The world will not ever see you take any Republican seriously.
The same could not be said of me.
R.
The world will not ever see you take any Republican seriously.
The same could not be said of me.
R.
3
Clarification, I do indeed take Democrats seriously, and support some.
Most of my friends are Democrats, and I certainly respect them and their views!
Most of my friends are Democrats, and I certainly respect them and their views!
6
There is one ineluctable reality for leaders, governors or presidents, that if you want to do something for the people, you can only do it through policies and laws. The call to personal virtues may be spiritually uplifting but it "doesn't pay the rent or the automat". The big problem that Republicans have is their
supposed principle that government is not the solution. One needs to ask, as millions have asked, what in the hell are they doing in government if it doesn't offer solutions. And then you have these absurd claims that they have improved the economy and created jobs while proclaiming that Obama has destroyed jobs. I really do not understand what is meant by a conservative government other than doing nothing and waiting for events to overtake you,: pollution, dumping of chemicals in rivers, banking frauds, accumulation of pesticides, crumbling infra-structures, climate change and all the joys that unchecked market forces, that beloved Republican economic dogma, bring to us.
supposed principle that government is not the solution. One needs to ask, as millions have asked, what in the hell are they doing in government if it doesn't offer solutions. And then you have these absurd claims that they have improved the economy and created jobs while proclaiming that Obama has destroyed jobs. I really do not understand what is meant by a conservative government other than doing nothing and waiting for events to overtake you,: pollution, dumping of chemicals in rivers, banking frauds, accumulation of pesticides, crumbling infra-structures, climate change and all the joys that unchecked market forces, that beloved Republican economic dogma, bring to us.
506
Could not agree with you more.
4
Seems we should look beyond the distraction of "big government" and whether or not it should exist. Take as given that our large and complex society will have a reasonably democratic government ... just like it will have a reasonably free market. What matters is not size but effectiveness of government. So, how can we compel both parties and our elected officials to enumerate what government policies and programs that they collectively believe are MOST effective - relative to all the others. Find a few on which there's reasonable agreement. Understand why these are viewed as effective. What makes them work better than the rest of the list? Find ways to apply those factors to improve other programs (businesses call this a "best practices" initiative. Implement, iterate and continue to improve. At the other end of the list ... those programs that elected officials generally agree are LEAST effective present opportunities to reduce or eliminate so resource can be re-deployed to improve other aspects of our society - either public programs or returning funds and resources to the citizens. IF our elected officials - regardless of party or philosophy - cannot find some common ground on some programs that are MOST effective, then dismiss them quickly as inept and intransigent, and therefore demonstrably not qualified to serve our society and nation in positions of trust.
1
The Republicans are honest when they say to voters that government is not the solution. Republicans do their best to insure that government fails to address the problems of the 99%. However, Republicans also speak to the 0.1% and ask, what can government do for you this week.
The Democrats are no so honest. The say to voters, government can solve problems. They do their best to insure that government faux solutions to the 99%. Then they also speak to the 0.1% and ask, what can government do for you this week?
At some point we must realize that Democrats and Republicans are not members of opposing political parties competing for votes, but are members of opposing parties competing for the patronage of the 0.1%
The Democrats are no so honest. The say to voters, government can solve problems. They do their best to insure that government faux solutions to the 99%. Then they also speak to the 0.1% and ask, what can government do for you this week?
At some point we must realize that Democrats and Republicans are not members of opposing political parties competing for votes, but are members of opposing parties competing for the patronage of the 0.1%
As long as Republicans pander to religious conservatives, they'll never have another viable presidential candidate. As much as people will defend others' right to live the way they choose, they won't give up their own right to the same consideration. People don't want to be told how to live, and the majority of American voters won't have the values of the religious right jammed down their throats.
162
Even the Baptist pastor who has run for President before doesn't see Roe v Wade being overturned.
The ultimate ''telling people how to live'' always comes from liberal authoritarians:
just what a miserable and inedible mess your child must eat at school or do without,
what light bulbs you can and cannot buy,
what choices toilets you MUST choose from,
which other products are marked off from the ''Approved List'' and so on.
The things that make liberals feel so warm and fuzzy about - their impositions on the rest of the country - make most Americans wonder why we ran the Brits off.
The ultimate ''telling people how to live'' always comes from liberal authoritarians:
just what a miserable and inedible mess your child must eat at school or do without,
what light bulbs you can and cannot buy,
what choices toilets you MUST choose from,
which other products are marked off from the ''Approved List'' and so on.
The things that make liberals feel so warm and fuzzy about - their impositions on the rest of the country - make most Americans wonder why we ran the Brits off.
2
Steve Austin:
Which is why there won't be another progressive near the White House for a while.
Americans have had enough of big government, with emphasis on the "big" and none on the competent, effective, etc., for a while. Ditto for "good intentions."
Which is why there won't be another progressive near the White House for a while.
Americans have had enough of big government, with emphasis on the "big" and none on the competent, effective, etc., for a while. Ditto for "good intentions."
3
The only way they can win seats in the House or the Senate is to engage in pandering, dog whistling (wink-wink nod nod racist comments such as calling President Obama "the food stamp president), etc.
The only time a Republican will see the inside of the White House is as a visitor.
The only time a Republican will see the inside of the White House is as a visitor.
2
I know one of Kasich's dorm mates from his days at Ohio State. Seems like he used to run around the dorms in a very undisciplined matter naked from the waist down. I don't think anybody was nearly as impressed as David Brooks is and they certainly didn't give him an A.
36
But did he ever throw a lamp at Bill Clinton?
But he lie about having a Cherokee grandmother?
Did he let his wife ruin millions of chldrens' school lunches?
I'll take four YEARS of running around the dorm with his hair on fire over some things.
Oh, and I'll just bet he CUSSD some! What-do-ya-think?
But he lie about having a Cherokee grandmother?
Did he let his wife ruin millions of chldrens' school lunches?
I'll take four YEARS of running around the dorm with his hair on fire over some things.
Oh, and I'll just bet he CUSSD some! What-do-ya-think?
3
Oh, please. Bill Clinton probably did this chasing only he was some unfortunate young woman. And now people are only to happy to put Bill back in the White House to harass young female interns again.
3
Someone said....? Not a responsible way to address an issue. I personally knew him also from the Ohio State days. Quite a normal guy. Nothing seemingly "special", but he knew how to play the game. And he's done a good job of it, hasn't he? Trouble is though, I'd like someone "special" as the President of the United States!
2
I give Christie a fail: Bridgegate, bully tactics, hugging Jones, anxiety speech--not presidential. Also, does he go to the same indoor tanning franchise as Boehner? When he hugged Jerry Jones his face matched his orange sweater.
85
Anxiety? It is the likes of Mr. Boehner and loud people like Mr. Christie who give this American the willies.
1
Hey give Christie a break...he did hug Obama...they puts him 100 yrs ahead of other Republicans albeit still in the 1930s for Christie...
3
Of course Christie sees anxiety everywhere; so does every other politician. If we're not anxious, what would we need them for?
12
What do Kasich, Christie, Walker, and Pence have in common? Each of them are staunch homophobes who have vociferously opposed gay marriage. Mr. Brooks, you give them, respectively, grades of A, A-, B+. B+. Are you surprised that I, as a gay man now 61 years old and tired of a lifetime of fighting their mean-spirited 'morality' give them, respectively, grades of F, F, F, F ?
You praise Kasich and Christie for taking "the values of religious conservatives and use them to inform economic and domestic priorities." That is the problem. Religious conservatives during our lifetime have exploited racism, sexism, and homophobia to acquire unseemly fortunes from the donations from the religious who are frightened, superstitious, and gullible. Surely the nation can do better.
You praise Kasich and Christie for taking "the values of religious conservatives and use them to inform economic and domestic priorities." That is the problem. Religious conservatives during our lifetime have exploited racism, sexism, and homophobia to acquire unseemly fortunes from the donations from the religious who are frightened, superstitious, and gullible. Surely the nation can do better.
396
Move over, mister. As a long married heterosexual woman and mother of a young adult daughter, I give them all an F minus minus for their opposition to women's rights in general and for blocking women's access to reproductive healthcare and abortion, in particular.
4
Yes, the voices of your neighbors are clearly more "beautiful" when they share your homophobic views, less so if you're lesbian, gay, or even worse, transgender!
1
Amen, Brother!
2
Kasich sounds interesting but. It is true that our values are in bad shape. That is the result of the profit system, aka Mammon, who admits of no values but bigger bucks. Do you really expect the Rs or Ds to fight Him? Do you expect Mammon to use His left or right arms to strike at himself? Good luck.
17
Kudos for describing the problem as Mammon. I had to look it up, but once I did I can see that greed and wealth worshipped as if it were a deity describes the human condition exactly.
Vows of poverty for all!
Is there a Republican in the ranks that can bring that party back to science based rational and thinking? And that can convince their party that climate change is real and important issue that by all measures should be bi-partisan.
107
There may be, but given what the majority of today's Republicans/conservatives/tea partiers believe, he/she wouldn't draw enough votes to get elected dog catcher.
Did David Brooks actually imply that Scott Walker's failure to graduate from college is proof of working class bona fides? I think he did! In fact, Walker left school just short of graduating under circumstances that have never been clear: he will not say and neither will Marquette University. The leading theory is that he was caught manipulating the results of a campus election. It would be interesting to see what national press scrutiny might turn up if Walker were indeed to run for president.
189
The fact that Walker is delusional enough to believe that he could actually skate by or through such scrutiny should immediately disqualify him for using up any more political oxygen. Walker and Christie are driven by one thing and one thing only--egomania. There is nothing whatsoever that qualifies either one of them to be president.
4
Perhaps you should dig a bit to learn how much of these speeches contain truth. Christie has so far, after years, failed the majority of Sandy victims and ignored it in this year's speech (last year he solemnly promised to help them above all, but has spent 1/3 of his days in other states). NJ's economy and job growth is the worst of our region. As US Attorney (for him an administrative and communication position) he criticized politicians for accepting the smallest favor, yet as governor he has pivoted 180 degrees and accepted lavish gifts from those he has assisted and hopes to receive political favors from. Additionally, his administration has been the most secretive and adept at concealing actions, so as to make it harder and harder to monitor his wrongdoing. A recent editorial excoriated his ethics. He has politicized state institutions that have never been politicized before (the State Supreme Court, the non-partisan budget analysis office to name a few). He is harming the state he swore to govern by pandering to the national far right. In short, he is unethical, dishonest and possibly criminal, and surely one of the great hypocrites in our state history. His popularity in NJ is way way down, partly because we see him as hurting us at the expense of his own ambition (surprise!).
All anyone opposing him need do is collect the editorials and op-ed pieces in the Star-Ledger over the last 18 months and one will have all of the ammunition needed to derail his train.
All anyone opposing him need do is collect the editorials and op-ed pieces in the Star-Ledger over the last 18 months and one will have all of the ammunition needed to derail his train.
531
Amen, Pete. I live in Camden. Don't believe Christie's hype.
Mr Brooks also did not mention the fact that Gov. Christie allowed only the national press to attend his state of the state address and news conference. The New Jersey press, who know him all too well, were not invited.
So this is what Brooks has come to.
39
Mr. Brooks is doing his best in facing a losing proposition, an effort of valor on his part, riddled perhaps with some stress, and not feeling quite comfortable when it comes to the policy of honesty in attempting to rate these Republican politicians, who fall into the category of mediocrity. Most likely he knows how the majority of us are going to vote Republican in the end, regardless of whether it for a qualified person as leader of our Nation, or any red flag that is waved in front of our eyes.
Grade inflation!!!! Mike Pence, a B+ for touting hid pre-K initiative. To 'protect" Indiana tots from federal meddling in their education he rejected $80 million of Federal aid to expand pre-K opportunities for poor children. At least he is consistent; he also rejected federally supported Medicaid expansion.
138
Yes, as the next presidential election appears on the horizon, the Republican tune modulates to the key of the poor and downtrodden. All of a sudden the party of the rich is now working for the poor. How noble. Remember the "compassionate conservative" of the 2000 campaign. How deterrnined he was to use the surplus handed to him by his predecessor to alleviate the plight of the poor? Oh, wait. I guess he gave it away to all his wealthy friends instead.
After all, didn't they spend millions on his campaign? I mean, it was the least he could do. Compassion can only go so far, after all.
After all, didn't they spend millions on his campaign? I mean, it was the least he could do. Compassion can only go so far, after all.
97
Brooks picks three union-busting politicians and one big bully as outstanding Republican leaders and argues that they care about us down and out common folk. When Brooks departs from his moral homilies larded with obscure sociological studies and tortured false equivalencies and gets down to hard politics, he show his true colors, which means he agrees with almost any wingnut Republican, including tea party ilk. Gemli always sees right through his snuff-covered soul.
171
Got that right
3
They should replace him with you.
2
Great comment. Brooks is so bad that I find it difficult to read him. The comments, however, make excellent reading.
2
....."His mantra is, “When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small, but he is going to ask you what you did for the poor.”
My advice then, Mr. Kasich: leave the Republican party because those are the people the GOP hurts most, consistently and in mean spirits.
My advice then, Mr. Kasich: leave the Republican party because those are the people the GOP hurts most, consistently and in mean spirits.
68
A NY Times headline today: "Ocean Life Faces Mass Extinction, Broad Study Says"
Where are Kasich and Christie on that? It's much more important than the values of religious conservatives.
Where are Kasich and Christie on that? It's much more important than the values of religious conservatives.
127
Mark, are you serious? Which democrat is going to save the oceans while ignoring the values of his/her constituents? Is saving the oceans more important than the values of minorities, women, etc.? Let's hear some solutions and their costs. Which program is going to be cut so this can be done?
Liberals live in an alternative universe. Always the hypothetical next big great problem to be solved. More like running away from the more mundane, complex problems that need to be solved in the here and now. Those, they leave to someone else to deal with.
Liberals live in an alternative universe. Always the hypothetical next big great problem to be solved. More like running away from the more mundane, complex problems that need to be solved in the here and now. Those, they leave to someone else to deal with.
2
Amen brother.
1
We know where the entire GOP is on the environment, and it isn't a good place.
2
From what I can tell the only 'values' that Republicans are in support of seems to be that you can tell how much god loves a person by the size of their house.
Even so there seems to be an incipient attack on SSDI as it is somehow 'stealing' the 'real retirees' benefits.
So much for 'these the least of my people'.
Even so there seems to be an incipient attack on SSDI as it is somehow 'stealing' the 'real retirees' benefits.
So much for 'these the least of my people'.
43
Mr. Brooks , you seem to think that your candidates care about the poor and disaffected. A politician can say anything in one of these state of the state messages, but until they show solid programs and investments by their governments to maintain safety net programs I would not trust them as far as I could throw them. So far in the states you mention which they govern I have only seen steep cuts in programs and traditional kow towing to their rich backers. The question is will they if elected defy their Party so that they can truly help the poor and middle class or will bow to the will of their parties whose every effort has been directed towards destroying Democrats and cutting services to the suffering?
63
Christie defines anxiety as America's "most daunting problem." That's hilarious! America reeks of fear because of politicians like Christie. He contributed hugely to America's anxiety problem by imprisoning a nurse from Maine who had come back from treating Ebola patients in Africa "just in case" she had contracted the disease. The man would say anything to get elected, but it is doubtful that any town in New Jersey would elect him to be dogcatcher today.
59
Mr. Brooks, was Chris Christie threatening to conduct a traffic study in your neighborhood when you gave him an A- ? That Governor is an intemperate, narcissistic, shady, bully uninterested in anything outside his immediate realm (and even therein, he can be curiously uncurious. See David 's "bridgegate" caveat).
80
Another report on elections as tho they were horse-races. Isn't one handicapper enough for the Times?
All of the Republicans listed have records that should be examined in moral/political terms...and perhaps with an eye as to why we now & then get a President W. Bush.
Just to give a hint: stopping traffic for reasons of political payback brought to light qualities of Mr Christie which hardly make him an "A-" candidate, regardless of Mr Brooks' finger on the rightwing pulse. And Mr Scott Walker should be morally unacceptable, based on his record, and if he is not, perhaps Mr. Brooks should do a better job of telling Republicans just what that record consists of, who is served by Mr Walker, and who is dis-served.
All of the Republicans listed have records that should be examined in moral/political terms...and perhaps with an eye as to why we now & then get a President W. Bush.
Just to give a hint: stopping traffic for reasons of political payback brought to light qualities of Mr Christie which hardly make him an "A-" candidate, regardless of Mr Brooks' finger on the rightwing pulse. And Mr Scott Walker should be morally unacceptable, based on his record, and if he is not, perhaps Mr. Brooks should do a better job of telling Republicans just what that record consists of, who is served by Mr Walker, and who is dis-served.
28
While I'm dubious about the prospects of any of these guys running the country, thanks for sharing the quote by John Kasich - restated it here I love it so much.. “When you die and get to the meeting with St. Peter, he’s probably not going to ask you much about what you did about keeping government small, but he is going to ask you what you did for the poor.”
Can someone please share this with Paul Ryan?
Can someone please share this with Paul Ryan?
27
That is a great quote, and true.
It is good to see he knows it, that he knows what is coming for the things he does.
It is good to see he knows it, that he knows what is coming for the things he does.
3
Begs the question; Do any of these candidates really believe that's what will happen when you die?
...or for that matter, any of the Republicans ready to cut social security disability benefits in order to, uh, encourage reform.
1
The party of nothing still dreams of the white house and finishing off the middle class once and for all.
29
Don't you love it?? Only in America do we have this sad situation.....would like to see a discussion re other forms of democracy like Parlia. rule in other democracies..
1
Dear Mr. Brooks - Christie, A-??? Really? Being an obnoxious bully apparently ranks high in your criteria. Let's hope it does not play in the rest of the country.
51
Mr. Hobart,
Perhaps this is one of the hardest working tasks that Mr. Brooks has ever faced, and while one can hardly feel sorry for this fine mind who has worked hard to reach this level of journalistic recognition, once he has gone up against his nature in promoting these weak contenders, he may decide to let History runs its course, but alas, the damage, the damage..
Perhaps this is one of the hardest working tasks that Mr. Brooks has ever faced, and while one can hardly feel sorry for this fine mind who has worked hard to reach this level of journalistic recognition, once he has gone up against his nature in promoting these weak contenders, he may decide to let History runs its course, but alas, the damage, the damage..
For Walker and Pence "both boasted about the same sorts of accomplishments: dropping unemployment rates, state surpluses, rising graduation rates, lower taxes."
Sure, they boast about these things, but how do these relate to the country as a whole, or are they even true?
Sure, they boast about these things, but how do these relate to the country as a whole, or are they even true?
23
While I'm not a big fan of Chris Christie, the false scandal of "Bridgegate" is a non-factor outside a very small geographic area. Sorry, but a traffic jam on a bridge between NY and NJ doesn't engender much outrage in the real world. We're much more interested in issues, not regionals squabbles, so let's talk about something that matters.
13
Christie was very effective in getting governors elected, some in tough elections. He knows a thing or two about winning elections.
Here, they love to hate him. It's an infatuation.
Here, they love to hate him. It's an infatuation.
1
Unless corruption becomes a topic in the nomination.....Christie is a stellar candidate for the Sopranos.
1
Have you ever heard that "all politics are local"? The way he runs things in his state, ie Bridgegate is an example of how he would run things in the federal government. Please give us a break.
1
Chris Christie is a minus. He is a especially a minus as governor of New Jersey (in case he is reading this, Chris, that is where you are the governor). He panders to the national audience now. Spends little time here. His state of the state address was a rehearsal of his campaign talking points and, Mr. Brooks, I can't believe you fell for them. His pension reform, the one he built his "national" reputation on because of the bipartisan support he put together, has collapsed. Our bond rating downgrades continue. New Jersey is state where residents spend a lot of time thinking about moving elsewhere because of taxes. Bridgegate is real, and no matter what his involvement, Christie's office likes to use revenge as a tool. And the hours and hours of video of Christie berating and belittling his constituents will move him quickly from a minus to a full fledged F as a candidate. Advice to the GOP money people, save your cash for someone who can win.
27
Mr. Christie doesn't give a flip or a button about what you, I or the nearest lamp-post feel, and he is going about his political agenda with lots of noise and trumpeting, which is going to cost some of us dear in the end.
Speaking about "values" means nothing any more after so many years of political hypocrisy of the highest manner. When we hear that word from politicians we cringe at their total arrogance. Say one thing in public and then do the most selfish and greedy thing possible for themselves, or their friends, in private deals with no regard whatsoever to the public persona they just acted out in front of the cameras.....
12
Mr. Brooks:
While Romney, the candidate may be behind us, I'm not so sure we
shut of his ideas. Apparently, they have a longer shelf than advertised. By my personal reckoning, they should have expired during the Eisenhower administration. However, I think a few of them can be discerned in this column.
As presented, Gov. Kasich seems like a fine fellow. He seems to have a slight problem with the separation of church and state. Using public office to further his own Judeo-Christian values just doesn't sound constitutional. It is a good think that conservatives don't believe in a living constitution. I'm sure you will straighten him out on this one.
Gov. Christie and you seem to have missed the obvious, as you searched for the truth behind American anxiety.We live in "an era of economic growth" (that must be Obam's fault) yet, there is dissatisfaction.
Could it be that people are anxious because none of that growth is helping them recover from the recession? Worth thinking about, pass it on.
Walker and Pence are very much alike. Kill unions,downsize the middle class, and shrink the social safety-net. Evidently, their major shortcoming is a lack of eloquence.
Now, can you explain why the "values of religious conservatives"should be allowed anywhere near the economy. While we are on the topic, could you explain what those "priorities" are and why? Holy cow!
While Romney, the candidate may be behind us, I'm not so sure we
shut of his ideas. Apparently, they have a longer shelf than advertised. By my personal reckoning, they should have expired during the Eisenhower administration. However, I think a few of them can be discerned in this column.
As presented, Gov. Kasich seems like a fine fellow. He seems to have a slight problem with the separation of church and state. Using public office to further his own Judeo-Christian values just doesn't sound constitutional. It is a good think that conservatives don't believe in a living constitution. I'm sure you will straighten him out on this one.
Gov. Christie and you seem to have missed the obvious, as you searched for the truth behind American anxiety.We live in "an era of economic growth" (that must be Obam's fault) yet, there is dissatisfaction.
Could it be that people are anxious because none of that growth is helping them recover from the recession? Worth thinking about, pass it on.
Walker and Pence are very much alike. Kill unions,downsize the middle class, and shrink the social safety-net. Evidently, their major shortcoming is a lack of eloquence.
Now, can you explain why the "values of religious conservatives"should be allowed anywhere near the economy. While we are on the topic, could you explain what those "priorities" are and why? Holy cow!
20
Let the Brooks pile-on begin.
I'll leave aside other issues and focus only on Christie by saying: What?!
The fact that Bridgegate is not fatal is not a reflection that Christie has been exonerated, but the moral vapidity of the Republicans as a party and the boundless (shameless) ambition of Christie as a man. Good luck running with that issue swirling around you. The "all-these-things-were-happening-under-my-nose,-but-you-can't-directly-pin-it-on-me,-so-ha!" defense ultimately leaves people to judge by their instincts. At least half will conclude this doesn't pass the smell test.
I personally think it's just par for the course (though, being from Allentown, PA, I know first hand how the knuckleheaded Eagles/Giants/Jets fans can get all worked into lather at the mention of "Cowboys"), but being flown to sit in the skybox of a super-rich villain (and then trying to hug him on national TV) doesn't exactly scream "Everyman". He might retain the mannerisms of blue-collar Jerseyite, but, if anything, the Jerry Jones episode highlights that this is a man trying his best to leave that income bracket behind.
I'll leave aside other issues and focus only on Christie by saying: What?!
The fact that Bridgegate is not fatal is not a reflection that Christie has been exonerated, but the moral vapidity of the Republicans as a party and the boundless (shameless) ambition of Christie as a man. Good luck running with that issue swirling around you. The "all-these-things-were-happening-under-my-nose,-but-you-can't-directly-pin-it-on-me,-so-ha!" defense ultimately leaves people to judge by their instincts. At least half will conclude this doesn't pass the smell test.
I personally think it's just par for the course (though, being from Allentown, PA, I know first hand how the knuckleheaded Eagles/Giants/Jets fans can get all worked into lather at the mention of "Cowboys"), but being flown to sit in the skybox of a super-rich villain (and then trying to hug him on national TV) doesn't exactly scream "Everyman". He might retain the mannerisms of blue-collar Jerseyite, but, if anything, the Jerry Jones episode highlights that this is a man trying his best to leave that income bracket behind.
18
And we all know what happens to the henchmen of the Bond villain, don't we?
Are the 20+ GOPers running for presidency going to crucify each other on TV debates like they did in 2012?
8
That was funny last time. They were all right about that one thing.
3
It will be fun to watch. More entertaining that what is currently on TV.
We surely hope so, Dolly!
Someone should enlighten both Christie, and David Brooks, that the source of American's anxiety can be found in Republican policies that exalt the wealthy as they cripple the middle and working classes.
Income and wealth inequality, non-existent job security, vulture capitalism, free trade agreements. long term unemployment and underemployment, crushing student debts and homeowners left holding the bag while banks are saved and continuing threats to health care are what create anxiety.
Now that Chris and David are clear on the causes perhaps they can show us the Republican policies to address these issues.
Income and wealth inequality, non-existent job security, vulture capitalism, free trade agreements. long term unemployment and underemployment, crushing student debts and homeowners left holding the bag while banks are saved and continuing threats to health care are what create anxiety.
Now that Chris and David are clear on the causes perhaps they can show us the Republican policies to address these issues.
32
Just watched (again) the movie: Dr. Zhivago. And saw alarming parallels between what Russian-politics were like in that time-frame, and those a-boil here in America, today. The brothers Koch, and the SCOTUS, with their Citizens United decision have ratified the concept of 'The Best Government Money Can Buy'.
Heaven help us!!
Heaven help us!!
Good article. I subscribe to the Kristol idea of choosing a candidate - "pick the most conservative candidate that can win". Unfortunately, parts of the Republican orthodoxy have flipped this in recent years to find the "most winnable candidate who says he is a conservative". Such thinking gave us Dole, McCain and, most recently, Romney.
The reason for this dichotomy is the difference between the votes and the money. The Republican electorate is increasingly conservative. The Sequestor in 2011 was a case in point. It was the first time in my memory when Republicans were willing to prioritize spending restraint over Defense. Obama didn't think we would go there. We did. And our deficits have finally come down. By contrast, Republican orthodoxy follows the money which is often more moderate but less attractive. Now they give us Jeb Bush.
What we need is someone who can unite both the establishment (the money) and the grass roots (the votes). I believe Kasich is such a guy. While his recent statements are certainly more moderate (e.g. accepting Medicaid expansion), we also need to remember that he was the guy with Gingrich and Clinton that balanced the federal budget, passed NAFTA and "ended welfare as we know it". I believe he's got the conservative bona fides that Romney can never claim. He can also help us win OH and a good portion of the mid-west which is likely where the 2016 battlefield will be fought. The question is does he want it enough ?
The reason for this dichotomy is the difference between the votes and the money. The Republican electorate is increasingly conservative. The Sequestor in 2011 was a case in point. It was the first time in my memory when Republicans were willing to prioritize spending restraint over Defense. Obama didn't think we would go there. We did. And our deficits have finally come down. By contrast, Republican orthodoxy follows the money which is often more moderate but less attractive. Now they give us Jeb Bush.
What we need is someone who can unite both the establishment (the money) and the grass roots (the votes). I believe Kasich is such a guy. While his recent statements are certainly more moderate (e.g. accepting Medicaid expansion), we also need to remember that he was the guy with Gingrich and Clinton that balanced the federal budget, passed NAFTA and "ended welfare as we know it". I believe he's got the conservative bona fides that Romney can never claim. He can also help us win OH and a good portion of the mid-west which is likely where the 2016 battlefield will be fought. The question is does he want it enough ?
You're betting on the wrong guy. For the wrong reasons!
Chris Christie, an A-???
So, David, you can let Christie get away with shutting down one of the busiest bridges in the world, but what about holding a special Senate election for $25M 3 weeks before the general election, shutting down a potential new tunnel project and "taking" the funds to pay for other things and then lying about it, mismanaging Sandy funds over 2 years after the storm and then yelling at voters who dare to question him (how dare voters hold him accountable), and how does he get away with vetoing a bipartisan bill reforming the Port Authority. And this makes you a leading potential Republican Presidential candidate?
Oh, yes, it's because he has identified "anxiety" as America's most daunting problem, but doesn't know what to do about it. Yes, that's a perfectly empty theme for Chris Christie and for you to fawn over him.
As for the rest of your field, meh.
David Brooks assessment of potential Republican candidates: F.
So, David, you can let Christie get away with shutting down one of the busiest bridges in the world, but what about holding a special Senate election for $25M 3 weeks before the general election, shutting down a potential new tunnel project and "taking" the funds to pay for other things and then lying about it, mismanaging Sandy funds over 2 years after the storm and then yelling at voters who dare to question him (how dare voters hold him accountable), and how does he get away with vetoing a bipartisan bill reforming the Port Authority. And this makes you a leading potential Republican Presidential candidate?
Oh, yes, it's because he has identified "anxiety" as America's most daunting problem, but doesn't know what to do about it. Yes, that's a perfectly empty theme for Chris Christie and for you to fawn over him.
As for the rest of your field, meh.
David Brooks assessment of potential Republican candidates: F.
48
Mr. Brooks is fawning over Mr. Christie? A tall tale if ever there was one, but he may suffer from a case of indigestion over this lukewarm porridge one of these days, and he is too bright not to recognize that he has taken on some heavy fare in the writing this kind of political article, without the use of some fortifying beverage close at hand, and to prevent tossing his cookies in the process.
Yo, David, post-Romney? You mean you have given up on the wooden guy with the dog on the car?
10
Problem is the "wooden guy with the dog on the car" hasn't given up. Another go around.
Just heard a news flash....Romney came out strong against his decision to run for President...stay tuned...see if he changes manana..
1
A wonderful article in that it completely confirms for me why I have never voted for a Republican and never will. These men couldn't care less for the vast majority of people in the United States, and you cannot believe a word of their propaganda. Sorry, David.
35
“Anxiety was the most palpable emotion that I saw and felt. More than anger, more than fear.” --- Gov. Christie, as quoted by Brooks.
And why are Americans anxious? Perhaps it's because they don't have secure jobs, see their retirement plans and other benefits being eroded, have large debts from college education, medical expenses, etc., and often still own homes that are "under water." Many people wonder if they'll even be able to retire when they get old without descending into poverty. They also see a government that seems to care more about the welfare of the corporate rich than about them.
A progressive government that's not so beholden to the moneyed interests would try to attack these problems and provide a greater level of security for the 99 percent, like they have in other advanced nations. But you won't find much real interest in doing that among Republicans, including those who might run for president, even if they talk a "compassionate" line. Gov. Kasich may be the best of a bad bunch, but even he would be forced to move to the right to win Republican primaries, where the Tea Party weighs in heavily. Rate him C and the others D or F. If you want an A candidate, encourage Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run.
And why are Americans anxious? Perhaps it's because they don't have secure jobs, see their retirement plans and other benefits being eroded, have large debts from college education, medical expenses, etc., and often still own homes that are "under water." Many people wonder if they'll even be able to retire when they get old without descending into poverty. They also see a government that seems to care more about the welfare of the corporate rich than about them.
A progressive government that's not so beholden to the moneyed interests would try to attack these problems and provide a greater level of security for the 99 percent, like they have in other advanced nations. But you won't find much real interest in doing that among Republicans, including those who might run for president, even if they talk a "compassionate" line. Gov. Kasich may be the best of a bad bunch, but even he would be forced to move to the right to win Republican primaries, where the Tea Party weighs in heavily. Rate him C and the others D or F. If you want an A candidate, encourage Sen. Elizabeth Warren to run.
25
They also see a government that is more concerned about the poor and not very concerned about the middle class. Then there is the democratic party's problem with its being perceived as overly concerned with minorities, gender, etc. while alienating white males.
A progressive government would just exacerbate their concerns, which is why a progressive would never make it to the White House.
Progressives have an image problem. They just don't know it.
A progressive government would just exacerbate their concerns, which is why a progressive would never make it to the White House.
Progressives have an image problem. They just don't know it.
1
I wish Mr. Brooks had been one of my professors in college.
2
Writing papers would have been easier because you wouldn't have needed to support your arguments with those pesky facts.
2
How about Ms. Collins and Mr. Brooks, with a mind of one's own? Now that might be the ticket.
You mean because he would have been an easy marker or a good betting tout?
1
Aren't these slim pickin's even for a talented op-ed journalist with a deadline?
I guess that the larger question is: Who would have the money and chutzpah to run in the first place?
I guess that the larger question is: Who would have the money and chutzpah to run in the first place?
1
David;
There were 34 murders in Camden in 2009, the year before Christie took office, 62 murders in 2012, the second year of Christie's term, 58 in 2013, and 33 in 2014; back to the level before he took office.
So what exactly is Christie bragging about?
Well, he can't brag about the economy, NJ is doing worse than its neighbors.
He blocked progress in transportation, both by blocking the new tunnel to Manhattan, and refusing to increase the gas tax to improve roads, because it would hurt his presidential ambitions.
He reneged on his promise to contribute to state pensions, because raising taxes would hurt his presidential ambitions.
He can't talk about recovery from Sandy, or the turnaround of Atlantic City.
There were 34 murders in Camden in 2009, the year before Christie took office, 62 murders in 2012, the second year of Christie's term, 58 in 2013, and 33 in 2014; back to the level before he took office.
So what exactly is Christie bragging about?
Well, he can't brag about the economy, NJ is doing worse than its neighbors.
He blocked progress in transportation, both by blocking the new tunnel to Manhattan, and refusing to increase the gas tax to improve roads, because it would hurt his presidential ambitions.
He reneged on his promise to contribute to state pensions, because raising taxes would hurt his presidential ambitions.
He can't talk about recovery from Sandy, or the turnaround of Atlantic City.
21
Amen, Steve. Half the police department was laid off in 2012 before the department was terminated. It's no surprise that the crime rate spiked then, and it's disingenuous to compare the murder rate then with the murder rate now.
Is that how we judge politicians nowadays - by what they say about themselves in a state of the state address?
I live in New Jersey. The misery index here is very high. We wait on long lines to commute into New York since the cancellation of the much-needed tunnel across the Hudson. The roads are a shambles. My property taxes have gone up every year he has been governor. Our credit rating has been down-graded eight times and our unemployment rate has not come down. The only time it seems we see our esteemed governor is on TV cheering on the Cowboys.
I live in New Jersey. The misery index here is very high. We wait on long lines to commute into New York since the cancellation of the much-needed tunnel across the Hudson. The roads are a shambles. My property taxes have gone up every year he has been governor. Our credit rating has been down-graded eight times and our unemployment rate has not come down. The only time it seems we see our esteemed governor is on TV cheering on the Cowboys.
459
Seriously. In the case of Chris Christie, it's like giving a contractor high marks for what he says about his workmanship, while the house behind him tumbles to the ground (on the rare occasions when he actually visits the job site...)
36
Let us save our breath because Mr. Christie is not going to go much higher on the political ladder when it comes to running for President, but he is a passionate person and perhaps some friend of his will be kind enough to tell him to simmer down, if only for the sake of a healthy heart.
1
NJ is rated the least business-friendly state in the US. That might have something to do with the misery index.
Share one's thoughts? Okay. First I had the most splendid winter nap and woke up to a message from a very elderly friend in Paris who wrote a few lines of elation about the French Government and a new era, to which I replied 'Vive la France!'.
Then I checked Ms. Collins' column to see if one could still vote for Governor Pickle as our next American President. While all this activity was going on, I wondered again why do we have to have presidential elections when we have a perfectly fine president, and this is not the time for a changing-of-the-guards. It must be a constitutional law or something that our future depends on.
Rating the Republicans? Who are all these people? Why all this confusion and is this really necessary? What happened to quality-over-quantity, and less is better sometimes? Where are the women?
Glad I don't have to do my secretarial homework anymore and watch all these political experts hammer away for the next few months, which reminds me to check if the TV still works.
A president in 2015 who doesn't have a college degree? I thought one couldn't get a job stuffing envelopes without one. And let's place 'politically-correct' aside for a moment: If Governor Christie were to become our next President, we'd constantly be on a worry about his health, and try to turn him into a vegetarian, mark my words.
Here I leave it to the serious-minded among us to pick their favorite runner, while I go off to read about the deep blue yonder.
Then I checked Ms. Collins' column to see if one could still vote for Governor Pickle as our next American President. While all this activity was going on, I wondered again why do we have to have presidential elections when we have a perfectly fine president, and this is not the time for a changing-of-the-guards. It must be a constitutional law or something that our future depends on.
Rating the Republicans? Who are all these people? Why all this confusion and is this really necessary? What happened to quality-over-quantity, and less is better sometimes? Where are the women?
Glad I don't have to do my secretarial homework anymore and watch all these political experts hammer away for the next few months, which reminds me to check if the TV still works.
A president in 2015 who doesn't have a college degree? I thought one couldn't get a job stuffing envelopes without one. And let's place 'politically-correct' aside for a moment: If Governor Christie were to become our next President, we'd constantly be on a worry about his health, and try to turn him into a vegetarian, mark my words.
Here I leave it to the serious-minded among us to pick their favorite runner, while I go off to read about the deep blue yonder.
8
Kasich didn't win re-election convincingly because Ohio voters are so enamored with him. Rather, his opponent was so bad and was mired in scandals. And Kasich himself feared he would face recall election after Ohio voters decisively voted to reject the collective bargaining rules Kasich championed.
Kasich could be a good VP candidate for a more conservative GOP candidate.
Kasich could be a good VP candidate for a more conservative GOP candidate.
4
Christie A-minus?
Well, the governor presided over 8 ratings downgrades for New Jersey debt, so there is that.
New Jersey was the number one state for people fleeing over people moving there, so there is that.
New Jersey has a higher rate of unemployment and a lower recovery in employment than the rest of the country, so there is that.
The bombastic loudmouth is hardly Presidential material. He is barely New Jersey material.
He will not win the Republican nomination and he will not win the US Presidency.
But other than that, rating the Republican candidates on a curve, he is A-.
Well, the governor presided over 8 ratings downgrades for New Jersey debt, so there is that.
New Jersey was the number one state for people fleeing over people moving there, so there is that.
New Jersey has a higher rate of unemployment and a lower recovery in employment than the rest of the country, so there is that.
The bombastic loudmouth is hardly Presidential material. He is barely New Jersey material.
He will not win the Republican nomination and he will not win the US Presidency.
But other than that, rating the Republican candidates on a curve, he is A-.
25
We need to move away from the same arguments made over and over, and louder and louder. I would like to see a few prominent possibles take a few chances, and argue with their own base on an issue or two. If Kasich and Christie are really ready to express different viewpoints, more power to them. I don't think Christie can keep his ambitions tamped down enough to do it--his future is likely to be that of Rudy's--a persistent, but ultimately unelectable voice at the national level. Kasich might, if given a chance. So might Romney, if he really decides to get in. He doesn't need to pander to the base because he knows he will never convince them. The Democrats have exactly the same problem--they lack a vibrant internal intellectual debate on priorities. Maybe a Warren and Webb challenge to Hillary from different angles. Those "catcher's glove" poppers that Mr. Brooks is talking about--make those fast-ballers people with ideas, not just colorful. I don't expect Republicans to sound like Democrats, or vice versa, but it's time we moved off the red meat for the base and started to propose real solutions. The first politicians, of either party, who are willing to do that are going to get a lot of attention, and maybe even higher office.
http://www.syncopatedpolitics.com/2015/01/mitts-planet-heats-up.html
http://www.syncopatedpolitics.com/2015/01/mitts-planet-heats-up.html
1
On Christie, the Bridgegate fallout isn't quite over. While not many believe he had a prior hand in it, when half a dozen of your top staff get indicted it can't look good for you and all it'll take is one to claim that while Christie didn't plan it - he found out about it and helped cover it up. He also has a huge pension problem coming up in the very near future. How will he be able to sell protecting Social Security when his own state pension goes down the tubes? NJ residents just gave him a huge thumbs down in regards to what he's done for them and their state. His tough guy schtick has worn off and beneath it is nothing more than a bully who's more prone to extortion to get what he wants.
18
I don't know much about John Kasich, so I'll be generous and give him a C.
Chris Christie deserves no better than a D, and even gets that only because of the way he handled Hurricane Sandy, and that was probably because his mother's name is Sandy.
The others referred to by David Brooks deserve F or F-.
If only the Republicans had a candidate at least worth a C. Maybe that would be Jeb Bush, but America is tired of dynasties. I dread the election coming down to the Bush and Clinton dynasties.
David Brooks, himself, would be a far better candidate than any likely Republican candidate, but I believe he isn't planning on running
Perhaps, now is the time to for Colin Powell. I'd give him a B.
Chris Christie deserves no better than a D, and even gets that only because of the way he handled Hurricane Sandy, and that was probably because his mother's name is Sandy.
The others referred to by David Brooks deserve F or F-.
If only the Republicans had a candidate at least worth a C. Maybe that would be Jeb Bush, but America is tired of dynasties. I dread the election coming down to the Bush and Clinton dynasties.
David Brooks, himself, would be a far better candidate than any likely Republican candidate, but I believe he isn't planning on running
Perhaps, now is the time to for Colin Powell. I'd give him a B.
4
What are the criteria of rating Republicans? Being a good governor does not hurt. What Republicans need is a vision. They need to redefine themselves. Who they are? Parochial nativist, as they seem to be on the immigration issue? Disoriented malcontents, as they seem to be on the health care issue? Republicans need a renewed vision. So far it is nowhere to be found.
I elaborate on this here: http://www.henrykkowalczyk.com/texts/advice-to-potential-republican-pres...
I elaborate on this here: http://www.henrykkowalczyk.com/texts/advice-to-potential-republican-pres...
3
Sorry, David. Using their State of the State speeches to handicap governors who may run for president makes very little sense. You, as a result, are guilty of prolonging the already seemingly endless presidential campaign season by extending it to those who haven't even declared they are running.
I get the mind games, but they are no longer interesting or amusing. There is too much theater and not enough substance, and you have added to the former, though I admit you offer at least a bit of the latter.
I get the mind games, but they are no longer interesting or amusing. There is too much theater and not enough substance, and you have added to the former, though I admit you offer at least a bit of the latter.
2
"Kasich is the Republican version of Jerry Brown:"
False analogy, false equivalence. Gov. Kasich has neither the experience, the record of accomplishment, or the respect that Gov. Brown possesses. Just as the Republicans have been trying and failing for decades to make Ronald Reagan their equivalent of Franklin Roosevelt, the author is trying to find a Republican equivalent to Jerry Brown. Yet another Republican canine that "don't hunt".
False analogy, false equivalence. Gov. Kasich has neither the experience, the record of accomplishment, or the respect that Gov. Brown possesses. Just as the Republicans have been trying and failing for decades to make Ronald Reagan their equivalent of Franklin Roosevelt, the author is trying to find a Republican equivalent to Jerry Brown. Yet another Republican canine that "don't hunt".
31
Anyone who doesn't know where Republican anxiety comes from has never watched Fox or listened to right-wing talk radio. According to those voices, we are in a decline from which we may never recover. It's a black fantasy that nevertheless causes nightmares in those who believe that the fantasy is truth. If only they'd look around and see what is really happening in 99% of the country.
11
Governor Christie might be near the top of David Brooks' list but what a list! What? No Mitt and no Jeb? Is Mitt really in his own has-been-that-never-was era. So it seems, since that's always been his era.
As for Christie, does America really want a construction cone-spotter who mouths-off bullying any and all comers who dare raise a question about his infallibility?
Scott Walker and Mike Pence? Yuk-a-minute, Mr. Brooks! And if John Kasich is truly "honest, unvarnished," he doesn't stand a chance in the snake pit of either major party.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
As for Christie, does America really want a construction cone-spotter who mouths-off bullying any and all comers who dare raise a question about his infallibility?
Scott Walker and Mike Pence? Yuk-a-minute, Mr. Brooks! And if John Kasich is truly "honest, unvarnished," he doesn't stand a chance in the snake pit of either major party.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
9
Chris Christies chances, nationwide, are negligible.
He's a loud mouthed, rude thug, which used to play in Jersey. Now, not so much.
Now he's trading $875 million contracts for private jet rides and free passes to the owners boxes.
Tony Soprano was iconic on HBO, his little brother should stick with Snookie and the gang at the Jersey shore.
He's a loud mouthed, rude thug, which used to play in Jersey. Now, not so much.
Now he's trading $875 million contracts for private jet rides and free passes to the owners boxes.
Tony Soprano was iconic on HBO, his little brother should stick with Snookie and the gang at the Jersey shore.
20
I am reluctant to think that David Brooks is this flat-out stupid, and I hate imagining that he is a flat-out liar, but that appears to be the choice when he handicaps his party's future based on Republican candidates. The candidates are irrelevant.
What controls the GOP now is the base. The base is intellectually obsolete, enraged, demanding and vindictive. They treat empathy, resilience, responsibility and other virtues the way piranhas treat meat. They haven't "lost" beautiful sound of our neighbors’ voices. They're demanded that it be silenced.
They are being played to and manipulated cruelly in an historic swindle by the right-wing media that puts bread on Brooks' table and tolerates his foppish naivete because it gives them an air of credibility among would-be cognoscenti, but the fact is, Brooks doesn't speak for the real GOP or real Conservatism, and these fatuous evaluations are either foolish or mendacious. Brooks doodles with hypothetical and plays what-if games with candidates while the nihilist Republican mob burns Conservatism to the ground. He has to know that.
What controls the GOP now is the base. The base is intellectually obsolete, enraged, demanding and vindictive. They treat empathy, resilience, responsibility and other virtues the way piranhas treat meat. They haven't "lost" beautiful sound of our neighbors’ voices. They're demanded that it be silenced.
They are being played to and manipulated cruelly in an historic swindle by the right-wing media that puts bread on Brooks' table and tolerates his foppish naivete because it gives them an air of credibility among would-be cognoscenti, but the fact is, Brooks doesn't speak for the real GOP or real Conservatism, and these fatuous evaluations are either foolish or mendacious. Brooks doodles with hypothetical and plays what-if games with candidates while the nihilist Republican mob burns Conservatism to the ground. He has to know that.
27
How do you rank Greg Abbott from Texas?
A Republican governor who lambasted Texas cities in his State of the State message for making laws promoting local control and decision making instead of kowtowing to the whims of the overlords from the state legislature.
That's pretty rich coming from a Republican in Texas who have done nothing but promote local decisions (see states rights).
Bravo for life's little ironies!
A Republican governor who lambasted Texas cities in his State of the State message for making laws promoting local control and decision making instead of kowtowing to the whims of the overlords from the state legislature.
That's pretty rich coming from a Republican in Texas who have done nothing but promote local decisions (see states rights).
Bravo for life's little ironies!
6
Gov. John Kasich has a fatal flaw: he is the cutting edge of nationwide Republican suppression of minority voters. Mr. Brooks has either a very short memory or a wickedly selective one. Does anyone recall the suddenly closed weekend polls in Ohio urban areas (heavily invested in President Obama's re-election in 2012)? Or the drastically shortened hours and the lengthened lines for working people on weekdays, particularly in minority areas, in a vital swing state, rich with electoral votes? What this sterling champion of "conservative moral values" attempted, in his vulpine way, was to deny American citizens the right to vote. He's fit to be president, an A-grade candidate? Well, cynics might suggest that Gov. Kasich has already been co-opted in the voter suppression event. A potential rival for his party's nomination, Jeb Bush, demonstrated his mastery of the skill not so long ago. Gov. Bush and his Florida Secretary of State gift-wrapped the presidency for his brother and, in the process, shoved America onto the down elevator to hell. Gov. As for Gov. Christie, do you think it's even remotely possible, Mr. Brooks, that this buffoon of a politician, a complete caricature of arrogance and self-esteem, could gain any traction nationwide with voters to commend himself as a serious candidate? Governors Pence and Huckabee round out your Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and you can extol these worthies? May God help us!
58
Apparently, Mr. Brooks is using the curve method to grade these candidates. When a Chris Christie gets an A- then we're talking about a really dumb class.. As for the anxiety Mr. Christie is sensing he need only look in the mirror to find the cause.
There's also hints of an emerging softness to the Republican's usual harsh harangues about the poor and disaffected. Recent quotes from Paul Ryan, Rand Paul and the aforementioned Mr. Kasich indicate they may have noticed some poor people hanging around. Not to worry, they'll be trickled on in no time.
What grades do you give Ted Cruz and Rick Perry?
There's also hints of an emerging softness to the Republican's usual harsh harangues about the poor and disaffected. Recent quotes from Paul Ryan, Rand Paul and the aforementioned Mr. Kasich indicate they may have noticed some poor people hanging around. Not to worry, they'll be trickled on in no time.
What grades do you give Ted Cruz and Rick Perry?
305
Rand Paul? Marco Rubio?
And they will not be trickling golden rain on them.
Government employment and welfare benefits king Paul Ryan and queen Michelle Bachman do not believe that any one else has their ethical moral right to draw sustenance from Uncle Sam's teat.
America is a corrupt criminal crony capitalist corporate plutocrat welfare state. With lower tax rates, subsidies, deductions, credits for certain industries, sources of income, transactions, business entity structures, contracts and securities that send our jobs and their money overseas. With little or no regulation.
Government employment and welfare benefits king Paul Ryan and queen Michelle Bachman do not believe that any one else has their ethical moral right to draw sustenance from Uncle Sam's teat.
America is a corrupt criminal crony capitalist corporate plutocrat welfare state. With lower tax rates, subsidies, deductions, credits for certain industries, sources of income, transactions, business entity structures, contracts and securities that send our jobs and their money overseas. With little or no regulation.
DB is an easy grader.
6
No mention by Mr. Brooks of Texas Governor (oops) Rick Perry?
5
When these governors step onto the national stage they will have tack to the right to win the primary. This means embracing anti-immigration,anti-woman, and anti-working class rhetoric that is red meat for the far right. Once the nomination for the party is secured the republican candiate will have to flip flop back to the center to seem relatively sane and sensible to the general electorate which wil write him or her off for flip-flopping in the first place a la Mitt Romney.
135
damon walton:
"This means embracing anti-immigration,anti-woman, and anti-working class rhetoric that is red meat for the far right."
***
This is the left's simplistic version of the far right and its own "red meat."
As for moving left then to the center, what do you think Hillary did with her ridiculously false-sounding statement that businesses don't create jobs while taking thousands in corporate fees for her own speaking jobs and walking back her comments?
Take off your blinders. Hillary is the biggest hypocrite in the field of presidential candidates right now.
And democrats are lining up to vote for her.
"This means embracing anti-immigration,anti-woman, and anti-working class rhetoric that is red meat for the far right."
***
This is the left's simplistic version of the far right and its own "red meat."
As for moving left then to the center, what do you think Hillary did with her ridiculously false-sounding statement that businesses don't create jobs while taking thousands in corporate fees for her own speaking jobs and walking back her comments?
Take off your blinders. Hillary is the biggest hypocrite in the field of presidential candidates right now.
And democrats are lining up to vote for her.
1
Tacking left and right is a bipartisan activity. Hillary is sure to do it. Perhaps Warren wouldn't, but that would be her downfall.
"anti-immigration"
As a legal immigrant who played by the rules, let me be up front. I resent the same term being used to describe those who obeyed the law and those who did not.
Abuse of language is the first step to dishonesty.
I have nothing against illegal immigrants themselves.Many of them are hard working people who love their famiiliies.
But the world is full of hard working people who love their families, and they want to come here legally.
Remember what George Orwell said about double speak? Liberal double speak is ultimately no different from Nixon's or Clinton's double speak.
As a legal immigrant who played by the rules, let me be up front. I resent the same term being used to describe those who obeyed the law and those who did not.
Abuse of language is the first step to dishonesty.
I have nothing against illegal immigrants themselves.Many of them are hard working people who love their famiiliies.
But the world is full of hard working people who love their families, and they want to come here legally.
Remember what George Orwell said about double speak? Liberal double speak is ultimately no different from Nixon's or Clinton's double speak.
1
I 'd like to point out that my liberal state of Minnesota did much better than Wisconsin in decreasing the unemployment rate and creating good middle-class jobs.
38
John Kasich took his bachelor's degree and became a professional legislator (22 years). Then he had three simultaneous gigs on the basis of that experience: Fox News commentator, various corporate boards of directors, and eight years with Lehman Brothers, right up to its bankruptcy. That is, he finished the job of getting rich. He narrowly won our governorship and had essentially no opposition in 2014.
Christie is a noisy but empty orange sweater. Walker couldn't finish college. Pence can't smile. Except for Kasich, they're all mean-spirited, and Kasich will do whatever his mean-spirited sponsors tell him to do.
Christie is a noisy but empty orange sweater. Walker couldn't finish college. Pence can't smile. Except for Kasich, they're all mean-spirited, and Kasich will do whatever his mean-spirited sponsors tell him to do.
466
Those of us who live in Ohio and know John Kasich for what he truly is found his acceptance speech pathetic and hypocritical. This is a guy who could care less about a "government worker" and tried to end union involvement for Ohio workers. His phony Christian claim to care about the common man has never once been practiced in his private life or role as a governor. He is a crude and callous man whose ego has been pumped up to have delusions of presidential aspirations simply because he's had little or no more competition from the Democrats in Ohio. What's sad is the number of working class people who he hurts the most but support him here in Ohio. He'd fit right into the Republican misfits in Washington who have done nothing to improve the life of the average American.
7
HST didn't go to college. Being a Harvard professor doesn't make you a good president.
If John Kasich were like Jerry Brown, I'd move back to Ohio for a cheap house. as it is, winter is getting worse and Kasich can't help me.
4
Chris Christie should get an A for being a narcisstic, bombastic bully who has never demonstrated caring for anyone except Bruce Springsteen and the Dallas Cowboys.
David Brooks gets an F in Reality Studies.
David Brooks gets an F in Reality Studies.
28
David - So unlike you to mash your metaphors in such a painful way... But, taking your analysis to heart, I would say that you have only one pitcher in the pre-season talent contest: The Governor of Ohio. Why? Because the Governor of NJ has demonstrated that - yes, he can pop the catcher's mitt - but he also is inclined to throw bean balls and screech totally off-key at critical moments in the serenade. Not ready for prime time. (Or is it the major leagues?)
2
You know what is going to make the middle-class anxious? Busting (in the case police) unions and replacing them with lower-paying jobs.
6
What does your headline mean?Chris Cristie is close behind being the most underestimated republican?
So he's less underestimated than the one who is most underestimated? Gobbeldygook aimed to confuse the gullible, er, gilliblegook I mean--by a columnist who is close to being the most confused, if not the most confused. Anyway, far from being clear minded.
What? Let me rephrase that.
So he's less underestimated than the one who is most underestimated? Gobbeldygook aimed to confuse the gullible, er, gilliblegook I mean--by a columnist who is close to being the most confused, if not the most confused. Anyway, far from being clear minded.
What? Let me rephrase that.
7
The extent of Gov. Kasich's victory must be considered within the context of his opponent in the race. Winning a race against a one-legged man is not a pure victory. It just means you know enough not to fall down. Judeo-Christian "principles" still ignore more than half the world.
8
Values have to have a place to exist or they turn sour. Somebody who values hard work and upward striving but cant find a job that pays enough to do more than survive until the next paycheck is headed towards self-contempt or extreme frustration or hatred or envy of others who have succeeded. The values whose disappearance is lamented by Republicans are going away because they are no longer functional. Too many people work hard and are not rewarded; there are not enough good spots and luck or worse some sort of insider preference determines who gets them.
This situation is not fixed by preaching or advertising values but rather by restoring what the values need to work -- a secure place in society for everybody who is out there trying, including the average and below-average. And as more and more mindless and even mindful work is taken over by computers -- telephone switchboards, copying and proofreading text, banking and buying transactions, help desks, assembly line welding, diagnosing car problems, piloting aircraft and ships during normal conditions -- we will run out of things for people to do that will make money for them or someone else.
As self-driving trucks are developed, truck drivers will need something else to do if we do not want them sabotaging the robot trucks.
This situation is not fixed by preaching or advertising values but rather by restoring what the values need to work -- a secure place in society for everybody who is out there trying, including the average and below-average. And as more and more mindless and even mindful work is taken over by computers -- telephone switchboards, copying and proofreading text, banking and buying transactions, help desks, assembly line welding, diagnosing car problems, piloting aircraft and ships during normal conditions -- we will run out of things for people to do that will make money for them or someone else.
As self-driving trucks are developed, truck drivers will need something else to do if we do not want them sabotaging the robot trucks.
12
So the lowest rating for a GOP presidential candidate thusfar is B+? Come on, Mr. Brooks; are you scoring them on a curve? Just how many of these "small government" folks are willing to end corporate subsidies and favorable tax rates for multi-millionaires? And how many of them are willing to allow all pregnant women to make their own decisions about whether to carry a fetus to term?
178
There seems to be an obvious implication that other potential candidates range from B down to the Fs (as in buffoon) like Ted Cruz and Rick Santorum.
1
"Christie defined anxiety as America’s most daunting problem." Not a surprise as Christie is a major source of that anxiety! To think that a bullying, loud, ignoramus can be considered as a leader shows how low the aspirations of the GOP have now sunk. David Brooks, is an apologist for greed as a driving social force, and for entitlement as the new social order. Surely the Republican pundits, like Brooks, at some point have to 'fess up to the fact that their candidates are mired in a world-view of a previous century, and for the majority of the population of the US simply have nothing enlightened or rational to offer!
401
Brooks a Republican? What plant are you on. Brooks is a progressive, deep into the idea of big government is needed and is good for you. There is not a politician in either party that has a clue of what this nation needs. Same old, same old, give me mine and the hell with everybody else. 2016 will be a race for the goodies, as usual.
Liked your choices Mr. Brooks. They all play well on the medium sized stage, governorships, appear trustable and competent. However, the larger stage, presidential race, they will run into challenges not of their own making. Larger issues like equal rights, women's right to choose, climate change and a host of economic issues, issues their political party historically does poorly with. They will have a lot to learn and a lot to leave behind.
31
Kasich, Balanced Budget Forever,
One more David Brooks endeavor,
His eyes grow misty
Over Chris Christie,
Who from his rich cronies won't sever.
A-minus for Christie? Good grief!
What happened to the storm relief?
His piggy bank the
Port Authority,
Showed compassion? Then where's the Beef?
One more David Brooks endeavor,
His eyes grow misty
Over Chris Christie,
Who from his rich cronies won't sever.
A-minus for Christie? Good grief!
What happened to the storm relief?
His piggy bank the
Port Authority,
Showed compassion? Then where's the Beef?
151
It's not much of a recommendation to say that Kasich doesn't talk about values the way Pat Robertson would. What sane person does? But that said, it's not the role of any politician, much less a Republican politician, to speak about values, unless it's to condemn the ruinous income inequality that his fellow Republicans have caused, or to admit that maybe the poor aren't entirely responsible for their poverty.
Usually politicians running for president talk about how they're going to reduce unemployment, provide better health care options and improve the economy, but I can see why he didn't bring those things up. He could have mentioned his plan to get rid of state and federal income taxes, or his penchant to privatize everything, or his threat to fire striking public employees, but those would have eaten into the time for his "values" speech.
Brooks gives Christie an A-minus. I agree that Christie is a minus. Bridgegate didn't stop him, but it did slow him down. (Pause for laughter.) And he does grab attention, as well as the Dallas Cowboy's Jerry Jones' midsection. Christie toured the country, shouting at questioners that they were stupid, and to Shut Up. He then detected anxiety, but he isn't sure where it came from.
While Brooks gives Scott Walker a B-plus, his college professors gave him an Incomplete. I think I know what teachers in Wisconsin would give him, but you can't say that in a Times comment.
Usually politicians running for president talk about how they're going to reduce unemployment, provide better health care options and improve the economy, but I can see why he didn't bring those things up. He could have mentioned his plan to get rid of state and federal income taxes, or his penchant to privatize everything, or his threat to fire striking public employees, but those would have eaten into the time for his "values" speech.
Brooks gives Christie an A-minus. I agree that Christie is a minus. Bridgegate didn't stop him, but it did slow him down. (Pause for laughter.) And he does grab attention, as well as the Dallas Cowboy's Jerry Jones' midsection. Christie toured the country, shouting at questioners that they were stupid, and to Shut Up. He then detected anxiety, but he isn't sure where it came from.
While Brooks gives Scott Walker a B-plus, his college professors gave him an Incomplete. I think I know what teachers in Wisconsin would give him, but you can't say that in a Times comment.
674
Values are very much part of the question. It's not meant to be judgmental, but rather to face reality. As Rand said, A is A. 33% of black children do not graduate high school. 70% of black children are born to single mothers. Do you really think that whatever economic growth Obama or his Republican counterpart can help generate will matter much to people who do not have the requisite values to share in this growth ?
I used to volunteer in a big brother/ big sister program. The kid I helped was a good person. So was his mother. His father left before he knew him. They were from Haiti where recruitment in the army consisted of getting knocked on the head and put into a truck. As such, the child's mother was scared of programs like ROTC that could help the child pay for college. I tried to help as best I could. They are good people. But without a strong family and a belief in education, it is very difficult to be successful in this country. Values are important. A is A.
I used to volunteer in a big brother/ big sister program. The kid I helped was a good person. So was his mother. His father left before he knew him. They were from Haiti where recruitment in the army consisted of getting knocked on the head and put into a truck. As such, the child's mother was scared of programs like ROTC that could help the child pay for college. I tried to help as best I could. They are good people. But without a strong family and a belief in education, it is very difficult to be successful in this country. Values are important. A is A.
2
Yessir, gemli, I'd give Christie a minus. Scott Walker a C minus, too, not because he didn't graduate from college, but for the sweaty handed desire to get other prizes rather than finish what he'd purportedly set out to do. So what are we to toy around with this far from the election and this far from what the oligarchs will put on display for us at the GOP "debates"? Romney (in spite of it all) vs Bush (in spite of it all)?
Hasn't anyone in the media queried the Koch brothers whom they will offer us?
Hasn't anyone in the media queried the Koch brothers whom they will offer us?
15
George W. Bush campaigned as a "compassionate Christian," remember? After the Republicans on the Supreme Court appointed him president, we found out what he really meant by that phrase: using taxpayer dollars to reward the Christian Right for supporting him politically.
When conservatives like Kasich pretend to care about the poor, it's obvious they don't mean it. It's also sickening.
When conservatives like Kasich pretend to care about the poor, it's obvious they don't mean it. It's also sickening.
7
I've met John Kasich. I'm going to continue to estimate him as a really poor choice for President of the United States (and governor of Ohio, too). The reason he won re-election so handily was that his Democratic opponent was caught in a series of scandals (corruption, bribery, sex, and crime), most cogently explained by a parody song entitled "The Wreck of the Edward Fitzgerald". It had very little to do with support for Kasich or his policies.
319
Also from Ohio, I agree that our governor won his reelection in a landslide because he was essentially unapposed. But that is not his fault. While in office, Gov K has bucked conservative mantras by enrolling in the Medicaid expansion, and has been rather cautious regarding unregulated fracking expansion etc.. Good for him. While carefully listening to his State of the State address, however, all I could think of was a sincere, naive, lightweight. I am worried that once in national political arenas, he would cave to empowered interests, much perhaps as president Bush II did. Until then - I am with Kasich.
1
I don’t underestimate Republicans because they are experts at successfully projecting themselves to the voters as something they are not. President Bush II is a notable example, though Mitt Romney is an obvious exception.
Kasich’s concentration on “values” will stand him in good stead, if voters forget the Republicans’ track record of abandoning it as a governing principle once elected, but keeping it in reserve for the next campaign.
I don’t think the GOP’s choice of candidate will have the slightest effect on how the Republican faithful vote in 2016 – they will turn out for anyone. The election will be decided by how well the Democrats redeem themselves after the most inept campaign imaginable last November; they had any number of winning issues, ran away from them and got what they deserved. And they too can legitimately talk about values if they campaign on what their base believes and what they themselves profess to believe, because their values on bread-and-butter issues are true family values.
Kasich’s concentration on “values” will stand him in good stead, if voters forget the Republicans’ track record of abandoning it as a governing principle once elected, but keeping it in reserve for the next campaign.
I don’t think the GOP’s choice of candidate will have the slightest effect on how the Republican faithful vote in 2016 – they will turn out for anyone. The election will be decided by how well the Democrats redeem themselves after the most inept campaign imaginable last November; they had any number of winning issues, ran away from them and got what they deserved. And they too can legitimately talk about values if they campaign on what their base believes and what they themselves profess to believe, because their values on bread-and-butter issues are true family values.
240
I believe Democrats have learned their lesson from the last election.
I believe we will fight back.
We WILL fight for the "bread-and-butter issues [that] are true family values".
I believe we will fight back.
We WILL fight for the "bread-and-butter issues [that] are true family values".
1
"how the Republican faithful vote in 2016 – they will turn out for anyone."
As will the Democrats, this is the U.S. after all. So, whether David's picks can win the independents is the only question.
As will the Democrats, this is the U.S. after all. So, whether David's picks can win the independents is the only question.
@ mancuroc,
Please forgive my paraphrase of part of your comment...
I don’t think the GOP’s choice of candidate will have the slightest effect on how the Republican faithful vote in 2016 – they will turn out for anyone. The election will be decided by how well the Democrats TURN OUT.
Please forgive my paraphrase of part of your comment...
I don’t think the GOP’s choice of candidate will have the slightest effect on how the Republican faithful vote in 2016 – they will turn out for anyone. The election will be decided by how well the Democrats TURN OUT.
As a moderate Republican (perhaps) Mr. Brooks ought to consider how the Tea Party rates these governors. The Tea Party's ratings are what counts in the Republican Party.
60
I find it hilarious that Mr. Brooks ranks Governor Chris Christie near the top of his list. The unemployment rate in NJ is higher than most other states, his approval numbers are now upside down and rumor is that as many as eight of his close aides and appointees may soon be indicted.
And I wouldn't count Romney out either, although it would be a disaster for the "establishment" wing of the GOP, because candidates like Bush, Walker and Kasich would be at the mercy of Romney's oppo-research team and Mitt is not shy about throwing every piece of dirt they dig up about his opposition, ruthlessly and relentlessly.
Romney would clear the decks of any of Mr. Brooks' acceptable candidates, leaving Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee and Marco Rubio still standing. The debates will be a blood bath. I can't wait.
And I wouldn't count Romney out either, although it would be a disaster for the "establishment" wing of the GOP, because candidates like Bush, Walker and Kasich would be at the mercy of Romney's oppo-research team and Mitt is not shy about throwing every piece of dirt they dig up about his opposition, ruthlessly and relentlessly.
Romney would clear the decks of any of Mr. Brooks' acceptable candidates, leaving Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Mike Huckabee and Marco Rubio still standing. The debates will be a blood bath. I can't wait.
396
Ben Carson, anyone? (Just a thought on Dr. King's birthday...)
I too cannot wait. Best I leave for a two year vacation to neverland, for that is where all these candidates are gathering.
1
Ms. Scott,
Not only can I wait, but this American wishes this waste of time wasn't going to happen - these presidential elections, with a weak and motley crew of Republicans is another unfortunate diversion when it comes to going in the right direction.
One of the reasons I wedged about returning to America as an adolescent was that I thought all Americans looked and behaved like the Leader of the House (further personal comments aside). Fortunately, I was wrong for the most part, until recently these new candidates all popped up in our midst, a revival of 'The Body-Snatchers'.
No wonder some of us are entertained but these men look all the same, and it may end badly, except for just a select few. Mr. Romney reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting of the traditional American President in the 50s, with better teeth, and when it comes to Governors, it is hard not to notice Mr. Christie, not only because of his presence, but he has a healthy pair of lungs, and the shouting we would hear would be unbearable.
America is going to vote for one of these men. Wait and see. In the meantime, it is a comfort that the President is still on site, and looking forward to his State of the Union Address next Tuesday where he will be raising issues of import to many, and above all to our younger generation.
There's an American I would vote for a third time with enthusiasm, and feeling fortunate that we have had such an extraordinary Leader during these adverse and complex times.
Not only can I wait, but this American wishes this waste of time wasn't going to happen - these presidential elections, with a weak and motley crew of Republicans is another unfortunate diversion when it comes to going in the right direction.
One of the reasons I wedged about returning to America as an adolescent was that I thought all Americans looked and behaved like the Leader of the House (further personal comments aside). Fortunately, I was wrong for the most part, until recently these new candidates all popped up in our midst, a revival of 'The Body-Snatchers'.
No wonder some of us are entertained but these men look all the same, and it may end badly, except for just a select few. Mr. Romney reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting of the traditional American President in the 50s, with better teeth, and when it comes to Governors, it is hard not to notice Mr. Christie, not only because of his presence, but he has a healthy pair of lungs, and the shouting we would hear would be unbearable.
America is going to vote for one of these men. Wait and see. In the meantime, it is a comfort that the President is still on site, and looking forward to his State of the Union Address next Tuesday where he will be raising issues of import to many, and above all to our younger generation.
There's an American I would vote for a third time with enthusiasm, and feeling fortunate that we have had such an extraordinary Leader during these adverse and complex times.
9
"use them to inform Republican economic and domestic priorities. That’s essential if the party is going retain its business and religious base and also reach the struggling and disaffected."
Republican economic and domestic priorities and this business base those serve are what the rest of us are struggling against, and what the rest of us are disaffected from. Those priorities are to push down the struggling, and to diminish the disaffected.
You can't reach out to those you are crushing, nor connect with the disaffected which diminishing them.
The problem is the Republican policies, not the bon homme of the candidate pushing those policies.
Republican economic and domestic priorities and this business base those serve are what the rest of us are struggling against, and what the rest of us are disaffected from. Those priorities are to push down the struggling, and to diminish the disaffected.
You can't reach out to those you are crushing, nor connect with the disaffected which diminishing them.
The problem is the Republican policies, not the bon homme of the candidate pushing those policies.
165
Oh, Mark, what you write is so demonstrably boobooyaga-nonsense.
An undivided Republican Congress? The statehouses, governors' mansions, mayoralties, country executive seats, the city councils and county legislatures? They're going Republican like a skunk turned around on the entire Democratic Party and let go.
Obviously, we're reaching out to a ton of Americans ... and connecting.
An undivided Republican Congress? The statehouses, governors' mansions, mayoralties, country executive seats, the city councils and county legislatures? They're going Republican like a skunk turned around on the entire Democratic Party and let go.
Obviously, we're reaching out to a ton of Americans ... and connecting.
2
Oh, Richard, they lie. It seems to work. It is not the same as reaching out and connecting. It is not the same as informing of their own economic and domestic priorities.
18
Republicans are "connecting" all right, but only with those who bother to leave their Barco-Loungers on election day and vote. The mid-terms back in November produced the lowest voter turnout since when, the 1940's? When significantly more than half the electorate chooses not to participate, it's fair to say that voter apathy is driving Republican victories, way more than Republican outreach and ideology.
5
Among the ranks of Republican Governors, I'll mostly agree that John Kasich is somewhat sane and reasonable, at least in comparison to the rest. He talks a good game about compassion and using the power of government to help those who need it most, and sometimes even shows a streak of independence and backs those words up with action (such as accepting the Medicaid expansion). Of course, all of that compassion is entirely swamped by Kasich's supply-side economics, efforts to undermine unions, and support for other policies that harm the middle and working classes. And before you put too much weight into his re-election victory, keep in mind that the margin of victory was mostly because his opponent imploded in scandals and incompetence months before the election. But, if we were to be stuck with a Republican, we could do worse than Kasich.
The rest of Mr. Brooks' list is laughable. Chris Christie will never sell in the MIdwest. And watching the chattering classes in DC openly laugh at Christie at last year's White House Correspondents' Dinner shows that the press has turned against him. Without a supine press, a Republican can't win the Presidency.
To give Mike Pence a B+ shows how far today's GOP has fallen. As Matthew Yglesias once said, Mike Pence "has no idea what he’s talking about. The man is a fool, who deserves to be laughed at. He’s almost stupid enough to work in cable television.".An F would be a better grade for him.
https://www.facebook.com/WinningProgressive
The rest of Mr. Brooks' list is laughable. Chris Christie will never sell in the MIdwest. And watching the chattering classes in DC openly laugh at Christie at last year's White House Correspondents' Dinner shows that the press has turned against him. Without a supine press, a Republican can't win the Presidency.
To give Mike Pence a B+ shows how far today's GOP has fallen. As Matthew Yglesias once said, Mike Pence "has no idea what he’s talking about. The man is a fool, who deserves to be laughed at. He’s almost stupid enough to work in cable television.".An F would be a better grade for him.
https://www.facebook.com/WinningProgressive
292
Actually, without the invective this isn't a bad analysis from the left, particularly about Christie even if the take on Mike Pence is a bit raw. Don't know really why David thought it important enough to assess second-tier personalities, except that his next "confection" wasn't ready yet and everyone ELSE is talking about the Mittster and the Jebster.
Without a supine press, a Republican can't win the Presidency.
Damn, Mr. Progressive. You nailed it.
Damn, Mr. Progressive. You nailed it.
14
Cable TV, I agree, but only at Fox.
2
Does he really think Bridgegate is Christie's only weakness? Has he looked at Christie's polling in New Jersey? Has he considered New Jersey's credit rating? Has he seen the pathetic video with Jerry Jones?
NYT columnists should be required to spend more than 10 minutes on each column.