How does a hit piece like this have any place in any reputable newspaper? A Republican actually lost in a statewide race in California? That is shocking! "The WP just published a humiliating account of her sluggishness to pay bills from her 2010 campaign." if that's a proper area of critique, I am sure we'll see Mr. Bruni writing a similar expose on Hillary's last campaign and the long-standing, unpaid debt that totaled multiples of the Fiorina debt. Or would that be objective commentary?
14
Never grant power of any kind to a self appointed moralist who thinks they see the truth the rest of us fail to grasp! Mrs. Fiorina reminds me of Woodrow Wilson, he was certain in his beliefs and oblivious to the damage he inflicted on others! America does not need a scold in the White House!
27
"I Carly" 2.0. -- liked the Disney version a lot better!
5
This is a woman who can dish it out, but can't take it. All of the faux outrage and hurt at the debates when the "face" comment by Trump was mentioned and Carly said "Women all across America heard it." Too bad Trump didn't respond: "Awww. Poor Carly. It's okay for you to criticize your female Senate opponent's appearance as being "so yesterday", but not okay for others to do the same to you. Does the term "hypocrite" mean anything?"
57
Just another article in the liberal press attacking a Republican candidate. Nothing new. But in this case, one big point presented against her is truly laughable: "She failed, and she failed big, losing to Boxer by 10 points". After losing to Kennedy, 2 years later Nixon lost the race for California governor, and that time the press call him finished. It was a unanimous decision by the media, which at that time was all of liberal persuasion.
Articles similar to this one were published constantly taking Reagan apart in 1980, and then in 1984. And there was no Fox News then to point out how they were wrong. Yet we all know what the people decided.
So, if you are really informed about politicss, you will know that losing and losing big doesn't mean the person can't win and then win big.
Articles similar to this one were published constantly taking Reagan apart in 1980, and then in 1984. And there was no Fox News then to point out how they were wrong. Yet we all know what the people decided.
So, if you are really informed about politicss, you will know that losing and losing big doesn't mean the person can't win and then win big.
9
"really informed about politics" and Fox news= laughable, come on! Their folks cannot analyze their way out of a paper bag.
70
Carly Fiorina's progress in the GOP primaries to date = number one example of "failing upward." She's a self-promoting fraud, to put it charitably.
52
ok, maybe fiorina is a self-serving failure without regard for anyone but herself. maybe she lies constantly about her record, doesn't pay her bills and nobody who has worked with her has much respect for her.
maybe all that's true but, at least, she didn't use an email server that, while legal, could have been used for sending pornography, secrets to the russians or bad words about the tea party. of course, any email server could be used to do these things but fiorina didn't do it.
at least, carly, wasn't sec of state when one of her ambassadors took an ill advised trip to a dangerous city and got himself killed without sufficient babysitting from her office.
sounds good enough to be the republican candidate to me.
maybe all that's true but, at least, she didn't use an email server that, while legal, could have been used for sending pornography, secrets to the russians or bad words about the tea party. of course, any email server could be used to do these things but fiorina didn't do it.
at least, carly, wasn't sec of state when one of her ambassadors took an ill advised trip to a dangerous city and got himself killed without sufficient babysitting from her office.
sounds good enough to be the republican candidate to me.
18
Yes, the server was legal and wasn't used to "send pornography, secrets to the Russians or bad words about the tea party". But Fiorina did lie about a supposed abortion she saw, which was really a miscarriage, not an abortion.
58
When Trump made his infamous remark noting that "no one would vote for THAT face" we were, rightly, disgusted again by his comment. Still, there is something about her face that isn't aesthetic that makes me think that I, in fact, wouldn't vote for "that face". She displays, in her appearance, something that seems to come from within, an intense anger and hatred for principles that most rational people should be supportive of, such as providing healthcare to poor women. There is a bitterness about her expression that is unmistakable. This is not a judgment about her appearance in the standard way. There IS something to the idea that being ugly "within" will show itself "without" even if you're the most "beautiful" person on the planet.
58
If you line up the politicians who have huge egos, a sincere love of their own voices, believe that they are always right, are looking for a promotion, are dauntless and shameless you could not see the end of the line with binoculars, a telescope or Superman's super vision.
All politicians are basically the same in one fashion or another. It's who we are today. Every politician is for the people, just not always the people we want them to be for.
Get off your high horse here and look at the big picture. The all thrill to their own voices. Have a nice day.
All politicians are basically the same in one fashion or another. It's who we are today. Every politician is for the people, just not always the people we want them to be for.
Get off your high horse here and look at the big picture. The all thrill to their own voices. Have a nice day.
4
The expression, "all hat, no cattle", fits Fiorina perfectly. She can give a terrific speech and come off great in a debate, panel show or interview. however, when it comes to actual performance, the record speaks otherwise. And this is true whether one refers to her time at Lucent, HP, or the Calif Senatorial campaign. Mr. Bruni, you've done some excellent background work on her, but if you conducted similar work for her time at Lucent, you'd hear more of the same.
Unfortunately, politics can reward short term campaign performance and "policy positions". If one wants to really understand a person's character and how they actually perform, nothing beats looking at past performance. Quite the contrary to what you read about securities, past performance is a pretty accurate guide to future performance.
Unfortunately, politics can reward short term campaign performance and "policy positions". If one wants to really understand a person's character and how they actually perform, nothing beats looking at past performance. Quite the contrary to what you read about securities, past performance is a pretty accurate guide to future performance.
120
Carly Fiorina has been very good for Carly Fiorina. Not so much for the victims left in her wake.
44
Ms. Fiorina's most prominent characteristics seem to be self-promotion, self-dealing, and self-delusion.
Not exactly the kind of person we want in charge.
Not exactly the kind of person we want in charge.
34
What I keep finding most troubling about Fiorina, Trump, and Carson is how much so a large portion of the Republican Party is drawn to these really disgusting people. The fact is, however, the only thing that separates them from the other Republican Candidates is not the substance of what they say - hateful, idiotic lies - but the way in which they say it. The candidates that have held office know how to hide the truth of who they really are while these three outsiders plainly don't even care about the truth and that's what seems to most appeal to the rightwing.
31
Frank, Frank, Frank. It's likely that you now have joined the list of people Carly Fiorina won't talk to!
12
Good for you. The real story has to be told.
15
All the talk is about her time at Hewlett-Packard. Where was she an exec prior to those years? What was her record there, and what was her demeanor? Give us some more background, please!
5
Lucent. Her behavior was about the same, her record somewhat less of a disaster.
19
Nightmares - Glenn Close's character in "Fatal Attraction," Kathy Bates' character in "Misery," Carly Fiorina's character in "GOP-The Movie."
28
Fiorina "doth have a lean and hungry look" --Shakespeare writing about one of his villains.
17
Hubris thy name is Carly.
11
Just how insulated from reality is Frank Bruni that he sees calling Fiorina "shameless" as a revelation?
2
WOW, Frank! Whatever happened between you and Carly back in the California Senate campaign? She not smile and coo at you enough? Your gratuitous slap at Fiorina suggests a demanding, hard driving personality in a Presidential campaign is unique to her. What you wrote could be laid upon most any political figure in the that national race, Democrat or Republican. This ain't happy talk, cookie-baking they're doing. Maybe America needs a dynamic, kick butt leader who just happens to be female.
11
Mr. Bruni most likely read a Management Manual for Executives in which he stated what has become to 'Peter Principle', - it simply stated that an executive who strives to reach High Executive Status find themselves a loser as with each ladder of the climb, - a majority of them hit the step on that ladder that Upper Management considers the HIGHEST THEY CAN GO.
Thus the downfall of Fiorina with an advancement that brought down H.P..
It was obvious they should have recognized that the Step on that ladder was one which she should not been given in the first place. Imagine what the Peter Principle will do to her in an election, - let alone in reaching a Nomination in the Republican Party!
Thus the downfall of Fiorina with an advancement that brought down H.P..
It was obvious they should have recognized that the Step on that ladder was one which she should not been given in the first place. Imagine what the Peter Principle will do to her in an election, - let alone in reaching a Nomination in the Republican Party!
4
Ms. Fiorina's self promotion is just typical republican horse manure. Back in 1975 when I moved to New York, I registered as a republican. I believed than, as I still believe today, that the Government is (Federal, State, Local) are far to big and far FAR to expensive. Back than republicans actually stood for something, and they had a degree of ethics and morality. Today's batch of ahem, cough, choke, gag, republicans are like a pack of mad dogs baying at the doors of big money.
Citizen's both republican, democrat, and independent need to get off of their lazy butts, get themselves and everyone they know registered to vote and to vote ALL of the republicans who take tea party/koch brothers money OUT OF OFFICE!
Citizen's both republican, democrat, and independent need to get off of their lazy butts, get themselves and everyone they know registered to vote and to vote ALL of the republicans who take tea party/koch brothers money OUT OF OFFICE!
22
Thank you, Frank Bruni, for you very accurate portrayal of Carly Fiorina. I can't stand the woman and your analysis confirms my feelings.
24
Fiorina had a debt equal to two percent of her campaign budget, or less than $500,000, in bills and some disputed bills, four years after her campaign and she is considered an untrustworthy thief by her political opponents. Hillary Clinton had $25 million dollars in unpaid bills after her 2008 campaign for up to five years, and no one on the left seems to care much and calls it business as usual.
Double standards for those we politically align ourselves with perhaps?
Double standards for those we politically align ourselves with perhaps?
8
Frankly, the only thing good to say about her is ..... oops, forgot what it was.
7
She was a hated executive at HP who got fired by a board that couldn't agree on anything else. Her dismissal was an easy decision even by the HP directors' otherwise unmanageable standards. Thousands of people lost their jobs and many people lost a lot of money they put into HP stock for their futures, mostly because of her mismanagement. She now claims that her business "expertise" qualifies her to be President? She lied during the Planned Parenthood squalls. Self-aggrandizement is the least of her faults.
22
"the potency of an insatiable hunger for approbation .. an unshakable belief in your genius. .. she gives one heck of a speech. She thrills to her own voice.
Who does that remind you of?
Who does that remind you of?
4
One positive thing you can say about Fiorina is that if elected POTUS she would likely out-Putin Putin.
2
Last paragraph applies very well to Hillary as well. In fact I doubt anyone, if given that paragraph alone could discern it WASN"T about Hillary.
3
Paul , Hill has many flaws, but the last para does not apply to her. In fact she is a person who is often plagued by self-doubt.
2
I live in HP's hometown, I saw how many people were crushed & ruined. She got a platinum parachute. She should have paid the pollster’s guy's widow. It's this coldness that's so chilling.
32
I am of the belief that Carly Fiorina supporters don't actually exist. I think all of this was/is a media manufactured narrative to plug a woman into the GOP primary. Ditto the Bernie Sanders hype.
8
Wish it was true about Ms. Fiorina, but I have Republican friends who actually support her.
If she will lie to get the job, as she has repeatedly with her Planned Parenthood remarks, she'll lie when she gets the job. Do we really need Nixon in a skirt?
23
Anything bad you can say about Carley you can say ten times over about Hillary. When it comes to negative traits and questionable actions, Hillary is the leader of the pack by far.
4
Fine. Please detail where Clinton lied about Planned Parenthood, and did $150 million worth of business with Iran.
4
What the NYT starts writing silly dirty hit pieces on a Republican candidate like Fiorina you know the democrats have decided she's a threat. This is dumb though. Her campaign didn't pay off all its debts the day after the campaign ended. That's every campaign out there. Tying a debt to to a guy who had a heart attack and died? Really? Trying to make the leap that people didn't like her because they only gave $200? At least they didn't try and create an illicit affair out of some friendship with a campaign aide like with McCain. Congratulations Carly the democrats and NYT consider you a threat.
4
We only consider her a threat if we're stupid enough to elect her. This would be given her, ah, record.
3
Did she use Presidential campaign money to pay off her Senate debts?
4
I think it is interesting that California is tagged as one of the most liberal states. It isn't-- since the late 1960's we have consistently elected Republican governors, until the GOP went so far to the right that they sailed over the horizon.
Moderate Republicans would do well in California. If only there were some still around.
I should add that it is perfectly OK with me if the Republicans choose to mock or ignore the state that gave them Ronald Reagan. But the Republicans abandoned California, not the other way around.
Moderate Republicans would do well in California. If only there were some still around.
I should add that it is perfectly OK with me if the Republicans choose to mock or ignore the state that gave them Ronald Reagan. But the Republicans abandoned California, not the other way around.
12
Jerry Brown, 1970s.
Grey Davis, 1990s.
Jerry Brown, 2000s.
Grey Davis, 1990s.
Jerry Brown, 2000s.
1
If I had to describe her in one word it would be "reptilian."
20
It is embedded in the corporate culture that if you're failing try for another position of higher rank to distract people from your poor performance.
13
She is running because , like many such people who have been high p[aid execs, she has become addicted, or habituated to the feelings of joy she obtains from command and from the ability to use authority. MAny women see high power executive work not as business that amkes money-but as a sexual thrill. There are few areas of a womans life in which she can make other , more attractive or younger women and also, strong and attractive males both older and younger, jump to do her bidding. For many women this is like cocaine and they lust after the experience forever after having had it for a few months or years. Some women hate it and are wqorn down by it, but others, able and happy to shift responsibility, can never get enough of the pure rush that personal authority over the souls and lives of other people gives them. Knowing you can withhold needed money from even an old friend, that you can fire ten thousand people with the scratch of a pen is absolute pure pleasure for some people. I suspect Ms Fiorina, who has enough money-is like many others(Trump?) addicted to the thrill of authoritarian command.
7
Of course, all politicians embellish and exaggerate, but Fiorina has taken it to a pathological level. She might have a future in advertising but not politics. She belongs on Madison Avenue, not Pennsylvania Avenue.
11
Fiorina and Carson are fake candidates. The Republican base would never select a woman or a black man as its presidential candidate.
15
This is an excellent piece of writing. And like it bears out and like other commenters here have written, Fiorina is not simply a disingenuous exaggerator/minimizer--she's a full-blown and accomplished liar. Most pathological liars are necessarily distant and disconnected from reality, and I expect the same applies to her, which makes her dangerous in any position with power over others.
17
"an insatiable hunger for approbation and an unshakable belief in your genius."
Most politicians fit this description. Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan were desperately in love with themselves. These people are easy to manipulate.
Most politicians fit this description. Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan were desperately in love with themselves. These people are easy to manipulate.
1
Carly Fiorina cares about nothing or no one other than herself.
I worked 25 years at HP and saw her constantly belittle others, were they bold enough to offer an opinion or attempt to fully exercise their responsibility in the company. This woman is so vain and self-aggrandizing that she would clearly subordinate the best interests of the United States and its citizens to her ego. A more literate and trained Donald Trump.
I worked 25 years at HP and saw her constantly belittle others, were they bold enough to offer an opinion or attempt to fully exercise their responsibility in the company. This woman is so vain and self-aggrandizing that she would clearly subordinate the best interests of the United States and its citizens to her ego. A more literate and trained Donald Trump.
27
Carly is still seeking approval from her overbearing father. He apparently told her she would never amount to much if she did not go to law school and follow in his footsteps. She has done whatever it takes to prove him wrong and it presents as a ruthless and cold personality devoid of empathy or compassion for anyone else who stands in her way.
12
I find that there are certain things, that don't necessarily pertain to a candidate's position on issues, that show the true character of that person. In Carly Fiorina's case the refusal to pay $30,000 to the widow of a campaign worker who died while working on her campaign, who she eulogized as the " heart and soul of her campaign", shows a serious character defect and the height of hyprocrisy. She paid herself back a million, when she already has millions. Yet despite urging she failed for years to pay $30,000 to the widow , is beyond low. I don't want a person with that kind of character leading my country.
24
Carly Fiorina greatly concerns me and how she responds to situations. To willingly neglect, for years, to pay pollster Joe Shumate’s widow $30,000 yet mourn him as “the heart and soul” of her operation clearly depicts her lack of character or credibility. Her actions truly spoke louder than any of her political yapping. When Fiorina’s own campaign manager and half of her staff admitted to never wanting to work for her again and one aid went so far as stating “I’d rather go to Iraq”, I just shook my head in bewilderment. These are the kind of people who get close to a candidate and witness firsthand the many sides of the individual. I tend to trust THEIR opinions rather than what comes out of Fiorina’s mouth. Thank you Mr. Bruni for yet another revealing and equally refreshing article.
26
She liked to mention an incident in which Senator Barbara Boxer, the incumbent Democrat, once upbraided an Army bigwig for calling her “Ma’am” rather than “Senator.”
Hooray for Senator Boxer because I can guarantee you that the "Army bigwig" would have been totally steamed if he wasn't addressed by his rank before his name. "Sir" would not have cut it. Senator Boxer was making a point about women deserving to be addressed by their title just as men are addressed by theirs.
Hooray for Senator Boxer because I can guarantee you that the "Army bigwig" would have been totally steamed if he wasn't addressed by his rank before his name. "Sir" would not have cut it. Senator Boxer was making a point about women deserving to be addressed by their title just as men are addressed by theirs.
24
Carly Fiorina made #19 on CNBC’s list of worst American CEOs. There is a reason nobody has offered her a CEO job since being fired from HP.
http://www.cnbc.com/2009/04/30/Portfolios-Worst-American-CEOs-of-All-Tim...
Ms. Fiorina’s "secretary to CEO" is also misleading. Her father was a successful lawyer and later a Federal judge.
She did work as a secretary somewhere between getting a BS in Medieval History from Stanford, dropping out of law school, spending time in Italy, and getting an MBA to be hired by Lucent as a management trainee.
So while "secretary to CEO" is technically true, "privileged Stanford graduate to CEO" is more accurate.
http://www.cnbc.com/2009/04/30/Portfolios-Worst-American-CEOs-of-All-Tim...
Ms. Fiorina’s "secretary to CEO" is also misleading. Her father was a successful lawyer and later a Federal judge.
She did work as a secretary somewhere between getting a BS in Medieval History from Stanford, dropping out of law school, spending time in Italy, and getting an MBA to be hired by Lucent as a management trainee.
So while "secretary to CEO" is technically true, "privileged Stanford graduate to CEO" is more accurate.
22
Carly Fiorina greatly concerns me and how she responds to situations. To willfully neglect, for years, to pay pollster Joe Shumate’s widow $30,000 yet mourn him as “the heart and soul” of her operation clearly depicts her lack of character or credibility. Her actions truly spoke louder than any political yapping that comes out of her mouth. When Fiorina’s own campaign manager and half of her staff admitted to never wanting to work for her again and one aid went so far as to state “I’d rather go to Iraq”, I just shook my head in bewilderment. These are the kind of people who get close to a candidate and witness firsthand the many sides of the individual. I tend to trust THEIR opinions rather than whatever Fiorina says. Thank you Mr. Bruni for yet another revealing and equally refreshing article.
6
Treating subordinates badly, not looking after them etc is a bad sign. But I am not surprised. Shouldn't judge a person from their looks but she looks mean. And sounds mean. So does Trump and Rubio and even Huckabee. Maybe it is an act that all GOP candidates have to project - who can out mean the other. At least Ben Carson comes across as a soft spoken gentle...nut. In the chaotic noisy world we live in loud, boorish and bombastic people are annoying at best and should not be in charge. If you can't control your anger, you are not fit to control anything. And if it is an act, they are feeding the worst elements of our society.
6
All three of the so-called "outsider candidates" share one common characteristic: they shamelessly pander to the basest of the Republican base. None of them deserve to be our leader.
Among the "insider candidates" to whom these three (Donald the Hair, Ben the Brain-Cutter) and Snarly Carly can be compared we have Panderer-in-Chief Piyush Jindal, Ted the Crude, and John Ellis (too ashamed of his family name to use it in his campaign). Sorry to exclude Jim Gilmore the Invisible), but he hath not spoken lately. What a sorry bunch.
Among the "insider candidates" to whom these three (Donald the Hair, Ben the Brain-Cutter) and Snarly Carly can be compared we have Panderer-in-Chief Piyush Jindal, Ted the Crude, and John Ellis (too ashamed of his family name to use it in his campaign). Sorry to exclude Jim Gilmore the Invisible), but he hath not spoken lately. What a sorry bunch.
6
Being good at evading one's debts may be a useful ability in a president, don't you think?
1
By all accounts, Ms. Fiorina comes across as an extremely self-centered female canine. Think so?
3
The one thing that Trump got right - her face says it all.
13
There is no getting around that Carly Fiorina brought Hewlett-Packard to its knees while being abrasive, uninformed as to industry trends and, worse, unable to admit her mistakes.
Fiorina is a believer in the old dictum that it doesn't matter what you say as long as you say it with authority. She has manufactured "evidence" about Planned Parenthood, rewritten her debacle at H-P and would have us believe she clawed her way from virtual poverty to the CEO's suite. Indeed she came from a privileged, upper-middle class background where she wanted for very little, if at all.
If we are seeking integrity we will not find it in her campaign or her Tea Party agenda.
Fiorina is a believer in the old dictum that it doesn't matter what you say as long as you say it with authority. She has manufactured "evidence" about Planned Parenthood, rewritten her debacle at H-P and would have us believe she clawed her way from virtual poverty to the CEO's suite. Indeed she came from a privileged, upper-middle class background where she wanted for very little, if at all.
If we are seeking integrity we will not find it in her campaign or her Tea Party agenda.
14
The Republicans need a woman and a black in the race to try to persuade voters that the party platform is not inimical to women and blacks.
8
Perhaps Bruni is correct. If Fiorini wins and faces Hillary, we could have two women who lie, are self promoting, have never real accomplished anything, and who treat people terribly running for president. Well, at least Fiorini give a great speach.
2
Secretary to CEO*
*after dumping her first husband to marry her boss, the VP of AT&T
*after dumping her first husband to marry her boss, the VP of AT&T
17
Really ? So Ms. Fiorina loses to an ultra liberal in an ultra liberal state and only by 10% . In the land of fruits and nuts i would say thats a pretty good showing.
4
So says the person from Texas.
3
Are you talking about Texas?
The 2010 elections were a "wave" election year in California and everywhere else. The stock market was down below 8,000. California's unemployment rate was 10.
Calif. was practically ground zero for the huge numbers of people whose mortgages were under water. Neighboring Arizona and Nevada were just as bad. They has armies of homeless sleeping intent cities in parks and on the beaches.
People were foreclosing on their homes in record numbers. I know a Realtor who joked that he "forgot" how to do a regular home sale since every sale he did was a short sale.
The telling fact is that Boxer's reelection should have been closer. This was the time when Republican Scott Brown won Ted Kennedy's Senate seat and famously drove down to D. C. In a pickup truck.
Everyone saw through Fiorina. Another HP CEO was fired after Fiorina ( for a sexual indiscretion ) but was quickly hired by Larry Ellison.
Fiorina got singed in that election. You can see it and hear it in her voice today.
Calif. was practically ground zero for the huge numbers of people whose mortgages were under water. Neighboring Arizona and Nevada were just as bad. They has armies of homeless sleeping intent cities in parks and on the beaches.
People were foreclosing on their homes in record numbers. I know a Realtor who joked that he "forgot" how to do a regular home sale since every sale he did was a short sale.
The telling fact is that Boxer's reelection should have been closer. This was the time when Republican Scott Brown won Ted Kennedy's Senate seat and famously drove down to D. C. In a pickup truck.
Everyone saw through Fiorina. Another HP CEO was fired after Fiorina ( for a sexual indiscretion ) but was quickly hired by Larry Ellison.
Fiorina got singed in that election. You can see it and hear it in her voice today.
6
"She thrills to her own voice."
Although Frank Bruni said this about Carly Fiorina, he just as easily could have been referring to Hillary Clinton. All politicians have overly active egos, and think they are better than they are.
Although Frank Bruni said this about Carly Fiorina, he just as easily could have been referring to Hillary Clinton. All politicians have overly active egos, and think they are better than they are.
2
I'm not a Hillary fan but Carly Fiorina is one very nasty individual. When she was fired from HP employees sang "Ding dong the witch is dead." Mrs. Fiorina caused them much grief.
3
Truth be known, slowness to repay campaign debts is a huge phenomenon in American politics. Smart businesses simply don't extend credit to political campaigns. When a candidate loses, his attitude towards his creditors is "hey, you took the gamble with me, and WE lost." And this is attitude is not limited to upstart first-time office seekers: When Ted Kennedy spectacularly lost in his 1980 bid to replace Jimmy Carter as the Democratic nominee, his campaign's creditors were offered 20 cents on the dollar.
2
But, you see, she repaid herself 100% immediately. She left her hired help twisting in the wind.
4
She's one of the self-promoting, grasping, entitled, manipulative self-seekers who seem so admired today.
9
I have every confidence that Ms Fiorina's marketing expertise will make a huge impression on Vladimir Putin.
9
What is really disturbing is that there are so many people supporting her.
What motivates these people?
What motivates these people?
15
The most scary thing about this woman is her desire to show just how tough she could be with the Russians, the Iranians, the Muslims, the Chinese, the North Koreans, and so on. If you would like to see America involved in more useless wars and perhaps on the precipice of nuclear war, then, by all means, vote for Ms. Carly. Based on her words, as president she would surely take us to the brink of annihilation.
Both in her stern visage and pronouncements she is scary indeed. Put a picture of her on the door for Halloween. She could likely out-cruel Cruella DeVille.
Both in her stern visage and pronouncements she is scary indeed. Put a picture of her on the door for Halloween. She could likely out-cruel Cruella DeVille.
14
I think she plans to merge Russia, Iran, N. Korea.
4
I have no understanding how somene like this thinks she has the ability to become the president. Nothing in her past to presume this. And yet at this time she is 3rd? in the GOP polling. Very sad
10
But Ellen, nothing in the past of Trump or Carson should make them presume to be presidential material, but it does. What does it say about the GOP?
2
Honor and humor. I'd like to see these traits in all candidates but they are lacking. Are the traits presidential? Of course they are. In Fiorina I see Armageddon in our country and globally. Where is her honor? Well, her speeches answer that. And her humor? Does she even smile at herself (never mind laugh)? Sadly, no. I'll vote for the candidate who most exhibits these qualities. I want to know he is fallible and knows it. Take a guess.
5
If an outsider with no knowledge of the candidates gauged the race today based on the amount of bile and hatred directed at any one candidate in the comments section of the NY Times, one would have to either conclude that it's readers are either terrified of Carly Fiorina becoming a competitor to the blessed Hillary, misogynistic, or both. It's almost as if her positions on the issues are irrelevant, as a speaker they know she'd be a formidable addition to the Republican ticket and are determined to throttle her in the crib before she can gain any traction.
1
One doesn't have to be a Clinton supporter (I'm not) to know that Fiorina is bad news.
3
Another thing that I have not seen covered publicly about Fiorina is the withering contempt and scorn she exhibits for the people who had the misfortune to report to her.
Both at Lucent and at HP, she made no secret of the fact that she did not think much of engineers. Her disdain was in plain view and openly expressed.
I do wish that a reputable news outlet like the Times would do an in-depth coverage on how she ran Lucent, which as the descendent of Bell Labs once was the greatest engineering team in the history of Electrical Engineering, into the ground.
Both at Lucent and at HP, she made no secret of the fact that she did not think much of engineers. Her disdain was in plain view and openly expressed.
I do wish that a reputable news outlet like the Times would do an in-depth coverage on how she ran Lucent, which as the descendent of Bell Labs once was the greatest engineering team in the history of Electrical Engineering, into the ground.
18
Carly Fiorina has always been an aggressive, often insufferable, self-promoter. I still remember her, always sharp of tongue, mercilessly disrupting our management meetings at AT&T 30 years ago. These were the days of feminism focused on domestic violence and marital rape, and AT&T faced suits on discrimination against women, allowing Fiorina to attack the company with impunity. Exploiting feminism nonstop, quickly rising through the executive ranks at AT&T, by age 40 she headed its operations in North America! When she became CEO of Hewlett-Packard she continued to talk incessantly about sexism. She served as chief executive officer of HP from 1999 to 2005 when she was fired for incompetence. With such background, Ms. Fiorina is not credible as a candidate for President of the United States.
15
For God sakes, if you are going to attack and vilify her , do it on the basis of her policies and her ability to lie with a straight face when talking about Planned Parenthood videos. Sluggish in paying off campaign debt? Most politicos are. Not newsworthy, even when it occurred 5 years ago. HP was a sinking ship when she took over. Assessing how she did, vs. how someone else would have done, is both complex and pure conjecture. Nail her on her current foibles. No need to dredge up the past.
2
'Assessing how she did, vs. how someone else would have done, is both complex and pure conjecture.'
WHAT?
She claims she did well - doubled this, tripled that, quadrupled the other. But the facts show that she cut the value of HP stock by 40%.
That is, she did badly.
Clear enought?
WHAT?
She claims she did well - doubled this, tripled that, quadrupled the other. But the facts show that she cut the value of HP stock by 40%.
That is, she did badly.
Clear enought?
4
You have no problem with the fact that she repaid herself 100% of the money she loaned the campaign, but stiffed the hired help? She gave herself $1,500,000 from her campaign immediately. Is that the sign of a decent person? Not to me.
3
I am a native Californian interested in politics , but for some odd reason the Boxer / Fiorina contest did not draw my attention . Thus my first exposure to " Carly " was watching her perform like the best student in the classroom at the first debate . Wow - - - I Googled the laudatory media articles for the next few days . How was it possible I knew nothing of her ? I routed for her inclusion at the grown-ups table in round 2 . She delivered with another stellar performance of tightly focused pronouncements crammed with details . Wow - - - I was beginning to entertain the idea of abandoning my long history of voting Democratic .
But then articles like this one started to appear . I watched and listened closely to Ms. Fiorina's responses . It didn't take long for a sinking feeling of "how could I be so easily fooled " to set in . The more I watched her the more disgusted I became . " Rest assured I have seen them ! " she retorted when challenged that no such Planned Parenthood video existed of a baby with a beating heart about to be murdered and dissected for its salable brain by an evil cabal of greedy doctors and PP administrators . Wow - - - she not only lies cravenly for votes but doubles down on the lie with steely indignation . This is a woman we should beware of . She is flat out dangerous and unaffected by the carnage she leaves behind - - - a classic narcissist who should never be allowed to control our fate with her finger on the button .
But then articles like this one started to appear . I watched and listened closely to Ms. Fiorina's responses . It didn't take long for a sinking feeling of "how could I be so easily fooled " to set in . The more I watched her the more disgusted I became . " Rest assured I have seen them ! " she retorted when challenged that no such Planned Parenthood video existed of a baby with a beating heart about to be murdered and dissected for its salable brain by an evil cabal of greedy doctors and PP administrators . Wow - - - she not only lies cravenly for votes but doubles down on the lie with steely indignation . This is a woman we should beware of . She is flat out dangerous and unaffected by the carnage she leaves behind - - - a classic narcissist who should never be allowed to control our fate with her finger on the button .
17
Maybe the core question is which Republican presidential candidate could do the most damage to democracy and our country if elected President in 2016?
The top winner in that category will likely be the Republican primary voters' choice to run for POTUS the 2016 election. Based on Fiorina's track record in heading up major corporations that fail under her leadership and her remarkable ability to tell lie after lie without flinching, she could be the GOP candidate who wins the biggest loser designation that is so necessary to be the GOP presidential candidate.
Remember in the Republican party these days, good is bad, and bad is good; right is wrong, and wrong is right. Florina is very good at this.
The top winner in that category will likely be the Republican primary voters' choice to run for POTUS the 2016 election. Based on Fiorina's track record in heading up major corporations that fail under her leadership and her remarkable ability to tell lie after lie without flinching, she could be the GOP candidate who wins the biggest loser designation that is so necessary to be the GOP presidential candidate.
Remember in the Republican party these days, good is bad, and bad is good; right is wrong, and wrong is right. Florina is very good at this.
6
All politicians "thrill to their own voice." Nothing new there. The novelty of having a female businesswoman run from the right will wear off, especially once the party hacks have had a good dose of her. If not, they should go ahead and nominate her. Sooner or later she'll reveal what she is: shallow and willfully ignorant, like the rest of them.
4
I'm tired of debating whether or not she was a failed CEO. The evidence is overwhelming and by even partisan standards she is difficult to defend. The real question should be why does the GOP not have any of their more successful female politicians run? Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Kelly Ayotte, Meg Whitman, even Senator Joni Ernst has had more success than Carly!
1
Touche Frank, from one who lives 15 miles from HP, Silicon Valley! I know lots of people who worked for HP when she was CEO. Practically everyone hates her, they hate her. She has a long history of abuse and lying.
7
Why do we have to be subjected to presidential campaigns that start a year and a half (or more) before the election day? It is cruel and unusual punishment, wastes an astonishing amount of money that could be put to better use, and leaves the electorate semi-comatose. We badly need a federal law that forbids presidential campaigning any sooner than 6 months before election day. I know England and Australia make do with 6 weeks of electioneering, but in deference to our penchant for everything to be HUGE, I’d settle for 6 months.
4
Gotta give her credit for the ability to stand by whatever fantasy she makes up regardless of the facts. Only a precious few with a complete lack of shame and principles (besides "me first") are able to pull this off.
4
Maybe she saw Michelle Bachmann work that strategy? Hopefully she will end up with Bachmann's situation after the primaries. Not paying people will be a good start to catch her.
2
Again the left attacks Fiorina's personality, not her stance on any issues. The unstated but clearly sexist presumption is that she has no discussion-worthy position on any issues. Bruni paints her as an overly aggressive, pushy egomaniac. Others demean her as an 'angry woman'. What emerges is the picture of left-leaning pundits who use slime and innuendo to knock down all impediments for Hillary to stand alone as the first woman president. Time for rinse-off.
1
Well. anyone to the left of hard right is against her vehement anti-abortion stance. Anyone not interested in more unwinnable wars is against her war-drum potions. those are two major views she has expressed and we don't like them. What are you missing?
3
What's bad about her candidacy is that too many Americans not only buy the snake oil, but have developed these hallucinations that we need some loudmouthed, essentially stupid, arrogant bully to run the country.
I'd suggest reading some American history to see how well that's worked for us, but I'm not sure they have the attention span. But guys, there's a name for governments run by these kinds of people, who bundle together a compliant legislature, corporations, and a froghtened, xenophobic electorate.
i'll give ya a hint: look at the word, "bundle."
I'd suggest reading some American history to see how well that's worked for us, but I'm not sure they have the attention span. But guys, there's a name for governments run by these kinds of people, who bundle together a compliant legislature, corporations, and a froghtened, xenophobic electorate.
i'll give ya a hint: look at the word, "bundle."
6
There is a short and simple word that perfectly describes Fiorina and succinctly encapsulates her character. Unfortunately, it can't be used in polite company, nor printed here. Nonetheless, I think everyone knows what it is.
4
Not paying her bills and lying show major character flaws, narcissistic tendencies. She seems to act out of immediate self-interest, not the common good. We don't need that.
Speeches are good--if they are true. Lies point to propaganda aimed at self promotion. Not the leadership we need.
Speeches are good--if they are true. Lies point to propaganda aimed at self promotion. Not the leadership we need.
6
Carly Fiorina does indeed give one heck of a speech, often because she does not let lying stop her from making a dramatic point.
When in the last debate Fiorina graphically described a just-born fetus being kept alive so that its organs could be harvested, she was describing a criminal act. Under the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002, anyone who does what she described is committing murder.
No one condones that. Not Planned Parenthood, certainly. Those working in the abortion industry -- whatever Fiorina may think of them -- have shown that they know and obey the law. No videotape exists that shows them committing the murder Fiorina described.
When in the last debate Fiorina graphically described a just-born fetus being kept alive so that its organs could be harvested, she was describing a criminal act. Under the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002, anyone who does what she described is committing murder.
No one condones that. Not Planned Parenthood, certainly. Those working in the abortion industry -- whatever Fiorina may think of them -- have shown that they know and obey the law. No videotape exists that shows them committing the murder Fiorina described.
12
It must be tiresome to be a writer--tasked with protecting a party that can't a serious candidate other than dear old Bernie. The only option he can see is to denigrate, denigrate, denigrate the other party with tasteless, personal attacks. Tiresome, indeed.
1
Well Andrew, share something tasteful about any of these candidates?
2
Fiorina failed miserably in her run for the Senate. She worked for McCain openly wanted the VP spot. McCain passed her over for Sarah Palin, which is about as unflattering as it comes. So after failing in her bid for the Senate, she thought she was ready for the VP, and after failing there, she is ready to run for President She bases her pitch for all these offices on her failed stewardship of HP, where she was paid $100 million over 5 years to reduce the value of the company by 50%.
She lied through her teeth about Planned Parenthood because she thought it would advance her candidacy, even as she called Hillary Clinton a liar because she thought it would advance her candidacy. When she got caught in her lie, she doubled down on the lie.
As for her finally paying off her campaign debts, it is obvious she only did it when she did because she was going to announce she was going to run for the Presidency. Frank is so right: she is shameless.
She lied through her teeth about Planned Parenthood because she thought it would advance her candidacy, even as she called Hillary Clinton a liar because she thought it would advance her candidacy. When she got caught in her lie, she doubled down on the lie.
As for her finally paying off her campaign debts, it is obvious she only did it when she did because she was going to announce she was going to run for the Presidency. Frank is so right: she is shameless.
9
Mr. Bruni, Thank you for your thoughts on Carly. In all due respect, I find it a bit empty but, let's think about what a Fiorina campaign might mean. She is not anti gay, not against looking in a clear mind about climate change, not against so many things that are important to Democrats and all Americans. The point I'd like to suggest is in the form of a question: "What is the single most important element of the function (not ideology) of the US government in this day?" I would suggest that it is technology. Is there any other candidate who understands that better than Ms. Fiorina? Yes, she is a conservative. But our democratic form deserves and benefits from voices on all sides. That's what Jefferson and Lincoln and Kennedy subscribed to. Let's hear the debate and vote. But let's not dismiss such a potentially worthy candidate in such short terms. She may end up being the greatest President in history. Let's all keep an open mind for success and for the future of our country. MS
I am always interested in the vitriol from the left as is evident in these comments. Fiorina comes from a good, earthy Texas family. Her grandfather was a farmer and mildly successful rancher. Her dad worked as a cowhand for most of his teens and early twenties. He graduated from Southwestern University and UT and truly distinguished himself as a law professor. I am always stunned the disdain for all things southern and conservative by the posts and the far left OpEd they are responding to. It's possible to find reasons to hate everyone you disagree with. Wouldn't it be better to let the candidates stand for who they are rather than judging them for every tittle of misstep in their past. Certainly we can rise beyond middle school critique in the NYT comment section, yes? Certainly, Clinton and Fiorina have made mistakes in their past. The beauty of the American political process is that a person of quality can rise above failures to become a person greatness (see Lincoln).
1
The veriest last thing we need is to further wear the trodden path between business and government. But with Carly, we have no government experience and failed business experience. Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took neither. the end.
5
Stiffing an employee, who literally dropped dead while working, is most certainly shameless. Especially, by Fiorina who has made a fortune off her business failures. This hypocrisy of the rich (and the GOP) never ceases to amaze me. If you have money, but don't pay your bills, no problem. If you don't have money and can't pay your bills, your a deadbeat.
This woman has no character other than the carefully crafted veneer she has been bombarding the public with since she decided to run for president. The fact that she failed to secure a senate seat in 2010, makes her running for president seem even sillier. The fact that she failed to vote in NJ and CA many times because she was supposedly too busy, but has the nerve to ask voters to come to the polls to support her is classic narcissism. Sorry Carly, but if by some miracle you make it that far, I'm going to be too busy voting for someone else to vote for you.
This woman has no character other than the carefully crafted veneer she has been bombarding the public with since she decided to run for president. The fact that she failed to secure a senate seat in 2010, makes her running for president seem even sillier. The fact that she failed to vote in NJ and CA many times because she was supposedly too busy, but has the nerve to ask voters to come to the polls to support her is classic narcissism. Sorry Carly, but if by some miracle you make it that far, I'm going to be too busy voting for someone else to vote for you.
10
Fiorina's strategy is really quite simple: she assumes there will be a male at the top of the ticket, and he would want her as the Vice-Presidential hatchetman (sic) to go after Clinton, thus (hopefully) insulating the combined ticket against charges of sexism.
As to whether she is a liar or pathologically self-delusional depends on whether she really believes she was good for Lucent and Hewlett Packard. In either case, her Planned Parenthood actions are merely another example.
Fiorina is essentially a zero, currently being pumped up by the media to create an anti-Trump, inasmuch as no one else seems up for a role necessary to keep eyes and ears glued so more ads can be sold. A fight sells; not so much a one-sided bout.
As to whether the strategy of having an unqualified woman as Veep candidate would help a Republican ticket, I would merely offer the example of Sarah Palin's effect on McCain's candidacy. And, unlike Fiorina, Palin had actually won a significant election.
As to whether she is a liar or pathologically self-delusional depends on whether she really believes she was good for Lucent and Hewlett Packard. In either case, her Planned Parenthood actions are merely another example.
Fiorina is essentially a zero, currently being pumped up by the media to create an anti-Trump, inasmuch as no one else seems up for a role necessary to keep eyes and ears glued so more ads can be sold. A fight sells; not so much a one-sided bout.
As to whether the strategy of having an unqualified woman as Veep candidate would help a Republican ticket, I would merely offer the example of Sarah Palin's effect on McCain's candidacy. And, unlike Fiorina, Palin had actually won a significant election.
6
The Republican Vice Presidency often goes to an unscrupulous political attack dog. I think you have nailed Carly's strategy.
3
The flag-waving America-lovers have to choose between Repblicans promoting themselves as having the right mix of preparation and philosophy. That gets abstract quickly and does not convert to pictures easily.
The Liberals only have to compare what each candidate will promise them - to be paid for by all those pesky grandchildren those strange Right-wingers are having or plan to have. The gimme-gimme cutlure does convert easily to pictures illiterate people can work with.
As long as money never matters, the culture dominating the United States will probably work in the liberals' favor. The only question then becomes whether the currency crashes during Bernie's first term or ten years later, or after that.
Meanwhile, the producers and employers get to choose whether they are willing to relocate or just quit doing business and hunker down in one house to wait, perhaps ntil the grid crashes.
See a Democrat try to even discuss paying for government giveaways and even the obeisant media gets nervous quickly. Looking at it really sceptically, were it not for Newt Gingrich's days in the Speaker's chair, the US might well have hit its currency crash in 2007 had the sitting President been a Democrat.
Does anyone have reason to think Al Gore could have handled the Community Reinvestment Act crash as well as Bush the Younger?
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-cra-debate-a-users-guide-2009-6
The Liberals only have to compare what each candidate will promise them - to be paid for by all those pesky grandchildren those strange Right-wingers are having or plan to have. The gimme-gimme cutlure does convert easily to pictures illiterate people can work with.
As long as money never matters, the culture dominating the United States will probably work in the liberals' favor. The only question then becomes whether the currency crashes during Bernie's first term or ten years later, or after that.
Meanwhile, the producers and employers get to choose whether they are willing to relocate or just quit doing business and hunker down in one house to wait, perhaps ntil the grid crashes.
See a Democrat try to even discuss paying for government giveaways and even the obeisant media gets nervous quickly. Looking at it really sceptically, were it not for Newt Gingrich's days in the Speaker's chair, the US might well have hit its currency crash in 2007 had the sitting President been a Democrat.
Does anyone have reason to think Al Gore could have handled the Community Reinvestment Act crash as well as Bush the Younger?
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-cra-debate-a-users-guide-2009-6
2
Really? Do you think her plans to super size the military will be free or do you think that debt will accrue to the future generations? Have you heard any candidate state that we need to start paying as we go, right now? And to do that we would need a
----% tax surcharge starting with taxes due on 4/15/16? Or that corporate and farm welfare programs need to be pared back before we start taking food stamps from poor families? I haven't heard anything about fiscal responsibility from any candidate, Republican or Democrat.
The tired "welfare people vote for Democrats" is just the blathering of FOX, and the radio entertainers. My guess is that my profile is much more typical. MBA, retired, high income, three homes.
I think we believe there is common sense to include everyone in our government not just the wealthy.
As for Newt, the Contract With America had a great idea, term limits. Have you heard anyone mention that lately? Neither have I. Maybe Rand Paul and Don Trump have hedged about it but that is about all. The Republican platform will never endorse it.
I think we all want the government giveaways to end. But please start with the wealthy then deal with the poor.
----% tax surcharge starting with taxes due on 4/15/16? Or that corporate and farm welfare programs need to be pared back before we start taking food stamps from poor families? I haven't heard anything about fiscal responsibility from any candidate, Republican or Democrat.
The tired "welfare people vote for Democrats" is just the blathering of FOX, and the radio entertainers. My guess is that my profile is much more typical. MBA, retired, high income, three homes.
I think we believe there is common sense to include everyone in our government not just the wealthy.
As for Newt, the Contract With America had a great idea, term limits. Have you heard anyone mention that lately? Neither have I. Maybe Rand Paul and Don Trump have hedged about it but that is about all. The Republican platform will never endorse it.
I think we all want the government giveaways to end. But please start with the wealthy then deal with the poor.
3
At the moment of submitting my comment I see 550 comments and not a single one speaks favorably of Fiorina. Including this one.
Fiorina is a narcissist and a sociopath. She is a liar. She is dangerous.
She is willing to say or do anything to reach her goal and that includes marginalizing poor women and implementing policies that send thousands of jobs over seas and putting us in a never ending un-winnable war.
During her time at Lucent she engineered lending huge sums and equipment to businesses without a revenue stream....Just like countrywide did with mortgages.
During her time at HP she fired 30,000 to implement a failed strategy and embraced the outsourced environment that has plagued our middle class.
Carly Fiorina represents everything wrong with the .01% and Corporations today. Everything...
Fiorina is a narcissist and a sociopath. She is a liar. She is dangerous.
She is willing to say or do anything to reach her goal and that includes marginalizing poor women and implementing policies that send thousands of jobs over seas and putting us in a never ending un-winnable war.
During her time at Lucent she engineered lending huge sums and equipment to businesses without a revenue stream....Just like countrywide did with mortgages.
During her time at HP she fired 30,000 to implement a failed strategy and embraced the outsourced environment that has plagued our middle class.
Carly Fiorina represents everything wrong with the .01% and Corporations today. Everything...
14
You must have overlooked my comment. I don't see why Hillary would be any better. Her emails wbich she tried to keep hidden are beginning to reveal how incompetently she ran the state department. I can't think of a single achievement of hers. Can you?
1
fiorina failed as ceo of hp, failed in her bid for ca senate, third failure in the works.
what stuns me, is her coldness. i am a woman and expect some humanity from women, fiorina projects none. one must wonder if some warmth and compassion might have made a difference for the child in her life who overdosed.
what stuns me, is her coldness. i am a woman and expect some humanity from women, fiorina projects none. one must wonder if some warmth and compassion might have made a difference for the child in her life who overdosed.
11
Frank Bruni, because of his work in 2010 and since, has a unique vantage point on Carly Fiorina, and it is eerie how much his conclusions confirm the impressions gleaned by listening to Fiorina today. Give her one thing – she is consistent in her self-promotion.
This observation of Carly Fiorina triggers the realization that neither she nor Donald Trump are alone among the aspirants for the Republican presidential nomination in their pathology.
Forget all the cries for lower taxes for the rich, for smaller government, for defending children until they are born, for using war as the primary instrument of foreign policy, for ignoring the pointy-headed experts on global warming, and for building huge fences around the United States. These are merely side issues to what really matters to today’s Republicans.
The candidates and their followers are concerned solely about the furtherance and worship of self. To them, selfishness is a virtue, and Carly Fiorina may be the most virtuous among them.
This observation of Carly Fiorina triggers the realization that neither she nor Donald Trump are alone among the aspirants for the Republican presidential nomination in their pathology.
Forget all the cries for lower taxes for the rich, for smaller government, for defending children until they are born, for using war as the primary instrument of foreign policy, for ignoring the pointy-headed experts on global warming, and for building huge fences around the United States. These are merely side issues to what really matters to today’s Republicans.
The candidates and their followers are concerned solely about the furtherance and worship of self. To them, selfishness is a virtue, and Carly Fiorina may be the most virtuous among them.
5
We only have to look at recent studies about how a disproportionate number of CEOs are psychopaths. Just look at the current crop of Presidential candidates. The sheer ego and psychopathic will it requires to stand before millions of people and declare yourself as the best person to lead not just this nation, but influence global economic and military policies, when you're clearly not fit to run an ice cream stand. I look at individuals like Fiorina and Trump, and I'm truly struck with awe at their hubris and lack of self realization, but that being said I think these candidates are very much a reflect of a large portion of the American electorate today.
4
I'm retired now, but I spent many decades working for corporations and reporting directly to personalities like Ms. Fiorina. Based on those experiences, I am repelled by her.
People who rise to the top of corporations are generally greedy egomaniacs who excel primarily at stepping on other people in their single minded thirst for wealth and power. Their judgment is flawed by the distortions of "what's in it for me". Their empathy is non-existent.
This is an unfair evaluation of Ms. Fiorina because it's vaguely possible that she could be the exception, but from what I have seen so far, I don't think so.
People who rise to the top of corporations are generally greedy egomaniacs who excel primarily at stepping on other people in their single minded thirst for wealth and power. Their judgment is flawed by the distortions of "what's in it for me". Their empathy is non-existent.
This is an unfair evaluation of Ms. Fiorina because it's vaguely possible that she could be the exception, but from what I have seen so far, I don't think so.
3
The difference between the originators of a business, like Mr Hewitt and Mr Packard and the CEOs who replace them upon retirement or death, is startling. In so many cases, a CEO brought in to run an on-going corporate concern is there to line their pockets and be a hero to shareholders. They are rarely there to push the envelope of innovation. Hewlett and Packard were know for pushing innovation. They hired the best engineers and spent lavishly on R&D. Then, people like Fiorina come in and cut R&D, increase marketing budgets, fire expensive engineers and hire marketing people to push old products to save money on R&D. That has been the trajectory of HP and IBM and hopefully, not Apple after Steve Jobs.
2
"...But it also reflects the potency of an insatiable hunger for approbation and an unshakable belief in your genius."
Perhaps the journalist is confusing Fiorina with Hillary?
95% of incumbents are re-elected. Barbara Boxer is no exception. What is interesting is that Carly lost by a mere 10 points against one of the most powerful senators on the Hill, and she did it carrying all that "baggage" mentioned in the article. One small "potato" Bruni failed to mention was the fact that Fiorina was dealing with breast cancer and a subsequent double mastectomy while campaigning in California.
Having been through a couple of corporate buyouts myself I know that layoffs are a natural consequence of mergers. Only a government employee (do they EVER lose a job?) would do a "face palm". The 30,000 layoffs each received a generous severance package and job seeking assistance. As a survivor of these things myself I also recognize, but never see it mentioned, that the lower performing employees are the ones that get the pink slips - companies are loathe to release productive workers.
Carly says she plans to not replace the over 250,000 federal workers who are baby boomers and will soon retire. Carly can read a balance sheet. She knows the power of the average voter when organized. Maybe she can break through that "professional class" of politicians in Congress and actually address our disgusting national debt. More power to her.
Perhaps the journalist is confusing Fiorina with Hillary?
95% of incumbents are re-elected. Barbara Boxer is no exception. What is interesting is that Carly lost by a mere 10 points against one of the most powerful senators on the Hill, and she did it carrying all that "baggage" mentioned in the article. One small "potato" Bruni failed to mention was the fact that Fiorina was dealing with breast cancer and a subsequent double mastectomy while campaigning in California.
Having been through a couple of corporate buyouts myself I know that layoffs are a natural consequence of mergers. Only a government employee (do they EVER lose a job?) would do a "face palm". The 30,000 layoffs each received a generous severance package and job seeking assistance. As a survivor of these things myself I also recognize, but never see it mentioned, that the lower performing employees are the ones that get the pink slips - companies are loathe to release productive workers.
Carly says she plans to not replace the over 250,000 federal workers who are baby boomers and will soon retire. Carly can read a balance sheet. She knows the power of the average voter when organized. Maybe she can break through that "professional class" of politicians in Congress and actually address our disgusting national debt. More power to her.
1
I really don't get the draw of Fiorina. I watched the republican debate and I could not tell what she was promoting more: Being a woman and womens' rights, or being a woman presidential candidate, that deserved pity should The Donald criticize her "look". At some point you got to figure the first American woman president won't ride the novelty wave, and win on merit; not the fact that she shamed running mates that made negative comments about her (or in her explanation, "all women".
There was an editorial in this paper not long ago with several women asked what they thought of her as well. Many would not think she was a feminist, nor a good candidate for President.
We are too long in the game of global destruction to have someone playing the pity gender card. And brashness? That ship should never leave the port either.
There was an editorial in this paper not long ago with several women asked what they thought of her as well. Many would not think she was a feminist, nor a good candidate for President.
We are too long in the game of global destruction to have someone playing the pity gender card. And brashness? That ship should never leave the port either.
2
She reminds me of George W. Bush; she keeps failing upwards. Don't discount her---thanks to one vote in the Supreme Court in 2000 and some computer manipulation in 2004, Bush got elected twice so there seems to be a significant amount of voters who are not paying attention or fail to vote or are kept from the polls by one pretext or another.
6
I first heard about Carly Fiorina in the 1990s (if my memory serves me correct--may have been earlier but I think it was 90s.). "You remind me of her," my mom said to me one day. She was telling me about this impressive female executive she had just met. My mom was one of the cogs in the big machinery Ms. Fiorina was beginning to manage at Lucent. She had heard Ms. Fiorina speak for the first time and found her charming, intelligent and a great female leader. I was fluffed up by the comparison.
It didn't take long for my mother to rescind that comparison. In the years my mom worked in her organization she grew to despise Ms. Fiorina, calling her the "ultimate hypocrite". I can't speak to the particulars--I wasn't there and I don't know what went down nor what I would have thought in that situation. However, my mother is a fine judge of character and the fact I knew this woman's name before she was famous is telling.
So Mr. Bruini, I agree with your assessment as it correlates to what I know about her. She is a sales person in every sense of the word, and as well all know, the proof is in the pudding. In this case, you have a person who is well spoken enough to get high jobs, but not likable, or capable enough to do anything with them of any worthwile accomplishment. She failed at Lucent, HP and in the Senate--and she failed this woman whose husband died in her employ.
Enough said.
It didn't take long for my mother to rescind that comparison. In the years my mom worked in her organization she grew to despise Ms. Fiorina, calling her the "ultimate hypocrite". I can't speak to the particulars--I wasn't there and I don't know what went down nor what I would have thought in that situation. However, my mother is a fine judge of character and the fact I knew this woman's name before she was famous is telling.
So Mr. Bruini, I agree with your assessment as it correlates to what I know about her. She is a sales person in every sense of the word, and as well all know, the proof is in the pudding. In this case, you have a person who is well spoken enough to get high jobs, but not likable, or capable enough to do anything with them of any worthwile accomplishment. She failed at Lucent, HP and in the Senate--and she failed this woman whose husband died in her employ.
Enough said.
10
A continuing puzzle for me is the theory that running a business, which is intended to serve shareholders, has much in common with running a government, which is intended to serve the public. Moreover, the largest corporations are pitifully small when compared to the scale of operation of the federal government.
It doesn't make any difference if Donald Trump, for example, is worth $3 billion or $10 billion. That lifetime "value" wouldn't touch a day's costs of running most state governments, let alone our national government. Hewlett-Packard at its peak was worth less than it would cost to build a couple of hundred miles of highway -- in a country with thousands of failing roads. They have no experience managing anything remotely as large as America's government -- no matter what business they managed.
It is also true that career legislators, from county commissioners to US Senators, have rarely run anything very large, either, but at least they've been required to pay some attention to governance of the full spectrum of public interests, not just those shareholders seeking to make money off their decisions.
It doesn't make any difference if Donald Trump, for example, is worth $3 billion or $10 billion. That lifetime "value" wouldn't touch a day's costs of running most state governments, let alone our national government. Hewlett-Packard at its peak was worth less than it would cost to build a couple of hundred miles of highway -- in a country with thousands of failing roads. They have no experience managing anything remotely as large as America's government -- no matter what business they managed.
It is also true that career legislators, from county commissioners to US Senators, have rarely run anything very large, either, but at least they've been required to pay some attention to governance of the full spectrum of public interests, not just those shareholders seeking to make money off their decisions.
8
Size isn't really the issue. The issue is that as President, you're not "running things." Being a corporate CEO is good preparation for being a dictator, but ex-CEOs invariably fall on their faces when they they have to be an executive in a democracy.
2
Why do Republicans, almost without exception, believe that anyone can walk in off the street and be president, that no experience as a public servant is necessary before serving in our highest public position? Republicans promote the merits of running things like a business, but then refuse to negotiate on legislation. Since negotiating is a fundamental part of business, Republican political positions overflow with inconsistencies.
6
Since King Reagan declared that the government was the problem and was to be scorned, we have had a flock of Republicans trying to outdo each other in proving how much they hate government and their willingness to shrink it and drown it in a bathtub of water. That leads to bad government and poor decision making affecting the rest of us.
2
Hi Frank, Great, great article. I had the honor to work for HP when Bill & Dave ran the show. The HP Way was (and still could be) legendary and you would be hard pressed to find a single employee who was not passionate about their work. I prospered as an out of the box thinker for 24 years there because the culture accepted me challenging the status quo and gained faith as I produced extraordinary results. But each time a great team was behind it all. Today Gallup states that around 75% of all employees are emotionally disconnected with work. We also are in the middle of a major believability crisis. Partially because too many Carly types run the show and emulate greed in its best persona. HP is now a shell of its former self. The loss of Bill & Dave and the inability to groom or find other visionaries has hurt them more than they seem to know. Carly was the Atomic bomb as her self importance (always had 5-8 big bodyguards) and arrogance was secondary only to her disregard for others. She is without a doubt the poster child for disingenuous leaders and politicians. Our country needs better but until we wake up and prevent these leeches from sucking away what we have in ourselves to feel proud about, we are doomed.
15
Thus is all too predictable.
The fear, of a conservative,intelligent and charismatic women(similarly to how the same as Blacks with the same traits,)from the left (as they cannot at any cost lose the center and center left) brings out the attack dogs,
Of course they believe the stories from the media that fits with their political bias, and they ignore the other side of the story, where bills and invoices are in dispute from consultants who may charge freely and loosely( and in no way they could not be at fault). Just look at the overall cost of Fiorina's Senate campaign. The sum of the disputed bills is a miniscule amount compared to the totals.
The fear continues. Fiorina was 90% correct in her assessment of the Planned Parenthood videos and Planned Parenthood was 10% correct in their assessment of the videos(as they call them being overly edited and false)and those who fear Fiorina come out in force calling her, as they yell at the top of their voices "liar". The same is the case with Clinton who proclaims falsehoods at every turn about her private email accounts, in order to sway her supporters, and those with bias actually believe her.
The left in this country screams for women and minorities to become powerful at the highest level and moreover, claim that being a women or minority in and of itself is a trait that scores points--but in no case,in no case can that person be a conservative,
The fear, of a conservative,intelligent and charismatic women(similarly to how the same as Blacks with the same traits,)from the left (as they cannot at any cost lose the center and center left) brings out the attack dogs,
Of course they believe the stories from the media that fits with their political bias, and they ignore the other side of the story, where bills and invoices are in dispute from consultants who may charge freely and loosely( and in no way they could not be at fault). Just look at the overall cost of Fiorina's Senate campaign. The sum of the disputed bills is a miniscule amount compared to the totals.
The fear continues. Fiorina was 90% correct in her assessment of the Planned Parenthood videos and Planned Parenthood was 10% correct in their assessment of the videos(as they call them being overly edited and false)and those who fear Fiorina come out in force calling her, as they yell at the top of their voices "liar". The same is the case with Clinton who proclaims falsehoods at every turn about her private email accounts, in order to sway her supporters, and those with bias actually believe her.
The left in this country screams for women and minorities to become powerful at the highest level and moreover, claim that being a women or minority in and of itself is a trait that scores points--but in no case,in no case can that person be a conservative,
2
She was almost completely wrong in her assessment of the videos, not 90% correct. And then doubled down by insisting on what she supposedly saw, and "daring" others to watch the video.
1
Your post is illiterate and ungrammatical and your thinking is garbled. The second of those two clauses is directly related to the first.
Why are so-called "conservatives" so often unable to write or think clearly?
Why are so-called "conservatives" so often unable to write or think clearly?
1
The problem most people have with Ms Fiorina is that she is a fraud.
4
This person is a miserable human being. I continue to understand what her goals and vision are for the country. She favors endless wars and is against any policy that would improve the lives of the people of this country.
In contrast Hillary Clinton has dedicated her life to public service.
In contrast Hillary Clinton has dedicated her life to public service.
5
I quit voting a few years ago, just to be sure that if I ever lost my mind and decided to run for political office it could be used against me and I'd be sure to lose. That, and living in Alabama, there's really no point to voting. It's either Republican or Republican, and there's not a nickel's worth of difference between any of them.
Carly Fiorina, like you say, has no shame. It seems to be an attribute common among political strivers and business leaders. They seem to actually believe all the lies they tell themselves about themselves. It seems an indictment of the system more than of the individuals seeking political or business office that it takes an individual with a certain sort of psychosis to succeed.
There is not a humble individual among them, and can't be, as the system won't allow it. As humility is prerequisite to wisdom, the system has not and never will produce a wise leader, including Ms. Fiorina, if she somehow manages to get promoted for having previously so spectacularly failed at pretty much everything she attempted.
Carly Fiorina, like you say, has no shame. It seems to be an attribute common among political strivers and business leaders. They seem to actually believe all the lies they tell themselves about themselves. It seems an indictment of the system more than of the individuals seeking political or business office that it takes an individual with a certain sort of psychosis to succeed.
There is not a humble individual among them, and can't be, as the system won't allow it. As humility is prerequisite to wisdom, the system has not and never will produce a wise leader, including Ms. Fiorina, if she somehow manages to get promoted for having previously so spectacularly failed at pretty much everything she attempted.
5
To compare Hillary to Carly is to compare a competent & proven professional in government, to someone who is both a complete failure in the business world and has zero experience in government.
9
If there is one thing she is particularly good at, it is handling herself in mediums such as political debates and public speaking.
And that is the biggest danger because that's when as voters it is easy to be seduced that there is solid substance behind the person.
And that is the biggest danger because that's when as voters it is easy to be seduced that there is solid substance behind the person.
5
Ms. Carly Fiorina seems simple to me. I met her in the workplace many times before. She is someone who's ambitions exceed her talents. What this combination produces eventually becomes garish and nasty. I think with her bid for the Presidency of the United States of America, she has arrived at that unfortunate final destination in full public view.
What we should hope for is that an interviewer or debate moderator will ask this candidate: What are your personal limitations and flaws? When she is not able to authentically present a long and detailed list, she will be exposed.
It is not as if Americans do not recognize her faults, we just want to be assured that she knows them. And I have no doubt that she will not be able to provide us with that assurance...even with a ton of preparation.
What we should hope for is that an interviewer or debate moderator will ask this candidate: What are your personal limitations and flaws? When she is not able to authentically present a long and detailed list, she will be exposed.
It is not as if Americans do not recognize her faults, we just want to be assured that she knows them. And I have no doubt that she will not be able to provide us with that assurance...even with a ton of preparation.
9
Thank you, Mr. Bruni, for this excellent, pointed column.
At the risk of sounding both inelegant and lacking in vocabulary, Ms. Fiorina really creeps me out. Big time.
Glancing down the row of GOP hopefuls is not an inspiring experience, to say the least. One notes a lack of character, courage, gravitas, intelligence, original thinking, empathy, etc. A sorry group.
But Carly is in a class by herself.
I'm not sure if she is a human or a robot when she speaks. The only authentic traits she possesses are an Arctic coldness, a chilling ability to lie, and textbook narcissism.
She is truly terrifying.
I feel ice cold listening to her speak.
She's what I'm afraid might be lurking on the other side of my front door late at night, waiting to get me.
As I said, she creeps me out. Perhaps, once Halloween is over, my word choice will improve, and her mask will come off, and like all the ghouls who roam one night of the year, she'll disappear.
Please.
At the risk of sounding both inelegant and lacking in vocabulary, Ms. Fiorina really creeps me out. Big time.
Glancing down the row of GOP hopefuls is not an inspiring experience, to say the least. One notes a lack of character, courage, gravitas, intelligence, original thinking, empathy, etc. A sorry group.
But Carly is in a class by herself.
I'm not sure if she is a human or a robot when she speaks. The only authentic traits she possesses are an Arctic coldness, a chilling ability to lie, and textbook narcissism.
She is truly terrifying.
I feel ice cold listening to her speak.
She's what I'm afraid might be lurking on the other side of my front door late at night, waiting to get me.
As I said, she creeps me out. Perhaps, once Halloween is over, my word choice will improve, and her mask will come off, and like all the ghouls who roam one night of the year, she'll disappear.
Please.
17
People mistake her authoritarian personality for competence. She is covering up for her own feelings of incompetence.
3
Carly Fiorina is a perfect candidate for the base of the GOP at this point in the 206 election cycle. If elected and she governs like she ran HP, there would be a significant reduction in the effectiveness of the federal government, sidelining if not eliminating many of the things it does best and dominates, as happened at HP under her stewardship. Isn't that what other GOP presidential candidates and many GOP elected officials have called for? She has the proven track record to accomplish just that.
Ms. Fiorina may be a skilled marketer, as she is proving with her rise in the polls and entanglement with Donald Trump, but there is a pretty good reason why marketers don't run companies, or countries. It is not about creating the message as the most important thing, it is actually about creating the product. She shows none of that skill, even when viewed through the lens of her own gender alone. She looks more towards the glass slipper win than the glass ceiling one.
Ms. Fiorina may be a skilled marketer, as she is proving with her rise in the polls and entanglement with Donald Trump, but there is a pretty good reason why marketers don't run companies, or countries. It is not about creating the message as the most important thing, it is actually about creating the product. She shows none of that skill, even when viewed through the lens of her own gender alone. She looks more towards the glass slipper win than the glass ceiling one.
82
While it's purely anecdotal, I do not know a single person who lived, studied or worked in Silicon Valley a decade ago who is a Carly supporter today, and there are a LOT of libertarians here. The story about virtually no one from HP donating more than $200 rings very true: at least in the Valley, she has left no supporters, admirers, or boosters, just seething resentment, after her time here. And now she wants to be President, after spending the past decade not having accomplished anything further in business, and whose only political achievement is losing badly to Boxer. Only in the mind of a narcissist could this be the resume of a President.
271
Fiorina's glib veneer requires very slight scratching to reveal the arrogant, self-absorbed person she is. What's more concerning is that this description can fit most of her Republican competitors.
3
Carly Fiorina now aspiring to run aground this country just as successful she was at Lucent and HP. Appears that she feels running for president is her hobby so she can use campaign funding to maintain her life style without spending a dime of her own ill gotten riches and stiffing her employees and vendors
2
Yes, of course, compared to Hillary, Carly was a complete flop and mean to people in the bargain. I mean, Hillary turned 1K into 100K trading cattle futures in less than one year. That means she is perhaps the greatest natural commodity trader in American history. And she did all that by reading the Wall Street Journal, which shows her unparalled talents extend to reading a WSJ that exists in an alternate universe, since the Journal that we ordinary humans in this universe read didn't cover cattle futures at that time. And to show how humble Hillary is, even when dead broke after leaving the White House, Hillary refused to use her otherworldly commodity trading gifts to enrich herself. Hell, she could have made hundreds of millions Ina few years. But no, Hillary took the hard, common woman route, making endless boring speeches to earn her hundreds of millions. Nose to the grindstone, that's Hillary for you. Hey, NYT or any other MSM, why don't you ask Hillary why she didn't trade commodities when broke after leaving the White House?
And Carly may be tough and unpleasant to some people, but this pales in comparison to Hillary's vicious, misogynist hate campaign against every one of the numerous women who accused her husband of sexually assaulting them. Trailer trash, indeed. Has Hillary apologized to Paula Jones for having her henchmen labeling her such after she got 800K from the Clintons because Bill indecently exposed himself to her?
And Carly may be tough and unpleasant to some people, but this pales in comparison to Hillary's vicious, misogynist hate campaign against every one of the numerous women who accused her husband of sexually assaulting them. Trailer trash, indeed. Has Hillary apologized to Paula Jones for having her henchmen labeling her such after she got 800K from the Clintons because Bill indecently exposed himself to her?
2
In a possible contest between Carly Fiorina and Hillary Clinton it would be interesting to see which side can point to its "accomplishments" in a convincing manner.
Fiorina's accomplishments are debatable.
Hillary's "accomplishments" are non-existent. (And always require questioning quotes, btw)
Fiorina's accomplishments are debatable.
Hillary's "accomplishments" are non-existent. (And always require questioning quotes, btw)
2
I don't fault Fioirina the losses incurred acquiring Compaq. At the time HP was a printer company and PC sales were dominated by Gateway, Compaq and Dell with IBM and Sony bit players. Now it's HP, Dell and Acer with IBM a bit player. The strategy was not bad, managing the acquisition was the problem.
The question is whether she can surround herself with a cabinet to manage the federal bureaucracy within existing law and whether she can work with Congress to change the laws she wants changed. That's where any CEO will feel the most frustration.
The question is whether she can surround herself with a cabinet to manage the federal bureaucracy within existing law and whether she can work with Congress to change the laws she wants changed. That's where any CEO will feel the most frustration.
1
To see her with fire in her eyes telling Obama and Hillary to look at the abortion video (which turned out to be false) is revealing. Then to read the actual figures for HP while she was in charge. Then how she stiffed her own staff. And finally how she padded her resume with the title of head of a foundation! She is truly a piece of work,the only female Republican candidate.
6
Carly Fiorina is hardly the first presidential candidate to claim that corporate experience qualifies a person to run the country, but government experience does not qualify a person to run a corporation. That line is of a piece with corporate Republican contempt for government and for civil servants.
Historically, the American electorate has not agreed with Fiorina and her corporate cohorts on this point. We have elected 43 men to be president, and 38 of them previously held elective office - including George Washington himself. The other five had other governmental experience - three in high-ranking military commands (Taylor, Grant and Eisenhower) and two in appointive positions, including cabinet positions (Taft and Hoover).
We have never elected a president who had no previous government experience. I offer Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina as illustrations of the wisdom of that choice.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
Historically, the American electorate has not agreed with Fiorina and her corporate cohorts on this point. We have elected 43 men to be president, and 38 of them previously held elective office - including George Washington himself. The other five had other governmental experience - three in high-ranking military commands (Taylor, Grant and Eisenhower) and two in appointive positions, including cabinet positions (Taft and Hoover).
We have never elected a president who had no previous government experience. I offer Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina as illustrations of the wisdom of that choice.
politicsbyeccehomo.wordpress.com
2
Please, stop discussing Carly. It would be great if she won the nomination, so that Hillary, or Joe, wins easily next November.
2
In the battle for the republican nomination, we're in only the 2nd quarter of the game. At the end of this period, the field will be culled and we'll be able to focus on the ones who could actually survive. That's when the obvious flaws of Ms Fiorina, The Donald and Dr Ben will doom each. Carly's failures in business and her ability to concoct false narratives will be exposed and she will implode. The third quarter, I.e., Iowa, New Hamshire and the other early primaries will tell the tale. The party will pick up the pieces and the safer candidates (Rubio, Bush and maybe Kasich) will be standing. It's been that way since they took a chance on Goldwater in 1968 and learned a lesson. See Dole, Bush, McCain, Romney. Mediocrity will "trump" lunacy.
2
When it comes to the three GOP "outsiders" vying for the nomination, it has come down to this:
A failed executive, a clown and a retired surgeon walk into a bar and the bartender says, "What is this? Some kind of joke?"
At this time of year in the 2012 GOP primaries, the scenario was not much different; just different clowns. The fact that Michelle Bachmann and Herman Cain were jousting for first place in that primary tells us that the year is not much different.
In the meantime, while The Donald has his own money, he can stay in this game until he decides when to leave, not before. Carly Fiorina is getting more exposure for the consummate failure she has been while pocketing millions as a "get out of town and don't come back" gesture from the HP board of directors. The remaining wannabes will fade from view rather quickly leaving Jeb! as the last man standing. And like his presumed opponent, Hillary Clinton, he is suffering from America's dynasty fatigue. If a Jeb v. Hillary race winds up as the presidential fun for the roses, most voters from the left and right will be holding their noses when they go to the polls.
Hopefully, Carly will have gotten the message that it is time for her to retire rather than seek absolution.
A failed executive, a clown and a retired surgeon walk into a bar and the bartender says, "What is this? Some kind of joke?"
At this time of year in the 2012 GOP primaries, the scenario was not much different; just different clowns. The fact that Michelle Bachmann and Herman Cain were jousting for first place in that primary tells us that the year is not much different.
In the meantime, while The Donald has his own money, he can stay in this game until he decides when to leave, not before. Carly Fiorina is getting more exposure for the consummate failure she has been while pocketing millions as a "get out of town and don't come back" gesture from the HP board of directors. The remaining wannabes will fade from view rather quickly leaving Jeb! as the last man standing. And like his presumed opponent, Hillary Clinton, he is suffering from America's dynasty fatigue. If a Jeb v. Hillary race winds up as the presidential fun for the roses, most voters from the left and right will be holding their noses when they go to the polls.
Hopefully, Carly will have gotten the message that it is time for her to retire rather than seek absolution.
2
I'm disappointed but not surprised that so much of our 'political" reporting focuses on personal issues more so than policy positions. We all have our quirks and foibles. But what struck me about Ms Fiorina in the GOP debate was the war mongering posture she took, particularly on Middle East issues without any explanation of why pushing America more deeply into foreign wars is good for the country?
Granted, the debate formate didn't offer much room for intelligent discussion, but even her sound bites projected greater military spending and aggressive use of military force in the world, but to what end?
I'm less concerned about whether her co-workers liked her, although this does say something about her character. But I'm deeply concerned that after 14 years of war that our political leaders owe us a more serious explanation of why, beyond the platitudes of "our national interests" without explaining what those interests are and how we arrived at them?
I also expect our political reporters to press these issues, yet most don't. Have we learned nothing from Bush's war for WMD's? We have single handedly created two failed states, displaced 3 million people and killed nearly a million fellow human beings. Doesn't this make our "role in the Middle East" the most critical issue that we face? If not, then I despair for the character of the American people more so than that of the current crowd of presidential wanna be's.
Granted, the debate formate didn't offer much room for intelligent discussion, but even her sound bites projected greater military spending and aggressive use of military force in the world, but to what end?
I'm less concerned about whether her co-workers liked her, although this does say something about her character. But I'm deeply concerned that after 14 years of war that our political leaders owe us a more serious explanation of why, beyond the platitudes of "our national interests" without explaining what those interests are and how we arrived at them?
I also expect our political reporters to press these issues, yet most don't. Have we learned nothing from Bush's war for WMD's? We have single handedly created two failed states, displaced 3 million people and killed nearly a million fellow human beings. Doesn't this make our "role in the Middle East" the most critical issue that we face? If not, then I despair for the character of the American people more so than that of the current crowd of presidential wanna be's.
3
YES ... Frank Bruni has struck a noteworthy issue.
Carly Fiorina might be regarded as a repeatedly negligent citizen by virtue of ignoring her responsibilities as a voter.
During the 2010 campaign in California, in which Fiorina challenged the re-election of Senator Barbara Boxer.
California newspapers, again and again, documented case by case during 2010 the number of times that Fiorina didn't vote. Among these instances were two presidential elections. And perhaps she didn't register to vote either in some cases.
Voting is a much-cherished national responsibility but it depends on the devotion of the individual citizen to cast her or his ballot in elections.
Voting records are publically accessible documents.
It would be most interesting to hear Carly Fiorina answer questions -- whether it is from her fellow Republican aspirants for the presidential nomination or from individual citizens in such places as Iowa, New Hampshire, etc.
It also would be most interesting to hear Fiorina discuss the US Supreme Court case of Shelby County vs. Holder (2013), where the conservative majority setback the key enforcement provisions of the Voting Rights Act (1965).
Carly Fiorina might be regarded as a repeatedly negligent citizen by virtue of ignoring her responsibilities as a voter.
During the 2010 campaign in California, in which Fiorina challenged the re-election of Senator Barbara Boxer.
California newspapers, again and again, documented case by case during 2010 the number of times that Fiorina didn't vote. Among these instances were two presidential elections. And perhaps she didn't register to vote either in some cases.
Voting is a much-cherished national responsibility but it depends on the devotion of the individual citizen to cast her or his ballot in elections.
Voting records are publically accessible documents.
It would be most interesting to hear Carly Fiorina answer questions -- whether it is from her fellow Republican aspirants for the presidential nomination or from individual citizens in such places as Iowa, New Hampshire, etc.
It also would be most interesting to hear Fiorina discuss the US Supreme Court case of Shelby County vs. Holder (2013), where the conservative majority setback the key enforcement provisions of the Voting Rights Act (1965).
4
I have listened carefully to Ms. Fiorina, but am about to stop listening at all. What is most evident and most appalling about Ms. Fiorina is that she repeatedly makes stuff up. She is just not honest and when questioned about comments that are not supported by evidence just continues right on making stuff up and ignoring the actual questioning.
7
I am a Californian. I cannot fathom Fiorina making a positive impression on someone at even first observation unless they were somehow tuning out who she actually is. I am waiting for the handcuffs for Ms. Fiorina sooner rather than later.
2
Frank, A good article but I would point out that despite the fact that she lost by 10% points, it must be noted that 4,217,366 people voted for Ms. Fiorina. And this is in California following what may easily be described as an inept campaign (remember the demon sheep commercial?) ! I am absolutely no fan of hers but these are big numbers. To imagine that more than 4 million people fell for her mendacity and self-promotion should say a lot about our electorate.
1
Carly Fiorina is an outsider with more concern for her own self than for the nation. I have assessed her as a candidate with no ethics. Facts are not on her agenda for she makes them up as she goes along. The so called angry American voters who want someone in office with no governing credentials now seem to want a corporate manager with no skills. Neither type of candidate is what this nation needs. We need someone like the current president and fortunately there are candidates running who have what the nation needs. Mrs Fiorina is not one of them.
2
"It has been correctly observed that her ascent in the polls, coupled with Donald Trump’s enduringly strong showing, reflects the currency of political outsiders right now." It reflects the panic among low-information southern strategy voters. The yahoos and netenyahoos who thought that lying and gerrymandering were going to save their class from extinction. That pandering to the basest of instincts would stop the others from taking their rightful place at the national table.
You will notice, please, that the anti-establishment candidate across the aisle is a man who has dedicated his entire life to public service.
You will also notice, please, that this fellow, Bernie Sanders, is constantly attracting huge crowds. Huge exuberant crowds.
I remember the pooh poohing President Obama got from republicans that he had no experience running anything except that huge successful presidential campaign. But that wasn't enough for them. But what isn't good enough for a democrat is always just fine for a republican.
Personally, I believe the only republican running for president this time who is doing so in service to We the People is Rand Paul. He's a bozo, but I believe his motives are in the right place. The rest.....naw.
You will notice, please, that the anti-establishment candidate across the aisle is a man who has dedicated his entire life to public service.
You will also notice, please, that this fellow, Bernie Sanders, is constantly attracting huge crowds. Huge exuberant crowds.
I remember the pooh poohing President Obama got from republicans that he had no experience running anything except that huge successful presidential campaign. But that wasn't enough for them. But what isn't good enough for a democrat is always just fine for a republican.
Personally, I believe the only republican running for president this time who is doing so in service to We the People is Rand Paul. He's a bozo, but I believe his motives are in the right place. The rest.....naw.
4
Let's see: Fiorina repeatedly lies. She doesn't pay her bills. Even though HP paid her millions to get rid of her. She failed at her one big job. She failed at her one big bid for office. She has probably never even voted, let alone sat on a school board or a city council seat or some other paltry introduction to public service.
What's not to like? Then there is her personality, the hard-eyed, held- breath, dragon lady persona with forked and barbed tongue. She's the hardest of the hard right. Unlike even Duh Donald, she has ever put forth her own policy or agenda other than hacking at Planned Parenthood.
So, charismatic? Um, no. Smart? Questionable. Female, well, yes, I guess. There is that and the fact that nobody has reported that she drove her pooch out of the country on top of her gas guzzler.
What's not to like? Then there is her personality, the hard-eyed, held- breath, dragon lady persona with forked and barbed tongue. She's the hardest of the hard right. Unlike even Duh Donald, she has ever put forth her own policy or agenda other than hacking at Planned Parenthood.
So, charismatic? Um, no. Smart? Questionable. Female, well, yes, I guess. There is that and the fact that nobody has reported that she drove her pooch out of the country on top of her gas guzzler.
7
Fiorina is not running for President. She is running for Veep. Her strategy says a male at the top of the ticket will want her as the hatchetman (sic) to go after Clinton, thus insulating the combined ticket of charges of sexism.
As to whether she is lying or pathologically self-delusional regarding Planned Parenthood: that depends on whether she really believes she was good for Lucent and Hewlett Packard.
Fiorina is essentially a zero, currently being pumped up by the media to create an anti-Trump, inasmuch as no one else seems up for the role so necessary to keep eyes and ears glued so more ads can be sold. A fight sells; not so much a one-sided bout.
As to whether she is lying or pathologically self-delusional regarding Planned Parenthood: that depends on whether she really believes she was good for Lucent and Hewlett Packard.
Fiorina is essentially a zero, currently being pumped up by the media to create an anti-Trump, inasmuch as no one else seems up for the role so necessary to keep eyes and ears glued so more ads can be sold. A fight sells; not so much a one-sided bout.
7
Carly Fiorina is nothing more than Jack Nicholson in a dress. "Here's Carly," rings in my ears, every reminding me of Jack's stunning performance in, "The Shining." Crazy is not a character trait we need in the White House and American voters will never go for her. She's a darling of an underfunded press, who use her press releases as fodder for page fillers. I see her as a threat to the human race and the poster girl for, "don't become like Carly," for my daughters. She is nothing more than the latest insult the Republican Party has made against women. If this is a conservative front runner then they must think very little of women in general. Mischaracterizing women has been one of the Republican Party's main themes. Carly Fiorina every word undermines decades of progress women have made and the Republicans want more . . . proving once again that they are the party of old white guys.
6
Fiorina is another egomaniacal candidate that believes that only their experience in what they have done albeit totally unrelated to government service and that includes Donald Trump and Ben Carson as well, is just the thing needed to be President We have had a continuous 16 year period in which we placed in the White House, Presidents that had little executive or foreign policy chops and they have performed poorly First W who allowed his administration to be hijacked by Cheney and the neocons and then Obama who had zero executive experience and didnt get the political thing about having any kind of relationship with Congress .This time the American Public better think long and hard about who they choose for the Presidency
1
No one, not even the legendary LBJ, could "work with" Republicans in this Congress who had taken a blood oath to oppose everything a sitting president might do or propose. The 30 to 40 diehard, newer members of the House see compromise as evil and believe that they are the vanguard of some counter-revolution to turn back the hands of time to a simpler America. They want "big govt." only for the purposes of which they approve. Otherwise, they want to destroy the federal govt. Further, they lack the normal motivations of people who arrive to serve in Washington, DC, because they see themselves as shutting things down and then leaving.
Furthermore, Boehner applied the Hastert/Boehner rule in the House, which holds that NO legislation can come to the floor unless a majority of Republicans supports it. That stopped virtually all negotiations on legislation. Why? Because you can't have reasonable discussions with 127 people in the room. Everyone would demand something, which means the legislation would be changed so much that Democrats couldn't support it.
Don't be fooled. The "weak Obama" narrative was started by Republicans in 2008 and they are sticking with that script. They want to ride it to the White House in 2016 and, if they get a full majority, they will gut all protections for average, non-rich citizens, cut spending (potentially bringing on a new recession) and send more troops to more battles overseas, costing hundreds of billions and thousands of lives.
Furthermore, Boehner applied the Hastert/Boehner rule in the House, which holds that NO legislation can come to the floor unless a majority of Republicans supports it. That stopped virtually all negotiations on legislation. Why? Because you can't have reasonable discussions with 127 people in the room. Everyone would demand something, which means the legislation would be changed so much that Democrats couldn't support it.
Don't be fooled. The "weak Obama" narrative was started by Republicans in 2008 and they are sticking with that script. They want to ride it to the White House in 2016 and, if they get a full majority, they will gut all protections for average, non-rich citizens, cut spending (potentially bringing on a new recession) and send more troops to more battles overseas, costing hundreds of billions and thousands of lives.
2
Let's face it. None of us is perfect. Even the best of us have quirks and failings that they would rather keep from public view. This article tries its best to expose Ms. Fiorina's faults, and there is very limited analysis of why she would make a bad president, if elected.
It is articles like this and the attitudes that they represent that discourage many fine people from running for high national office. Who wants to expose themselves and their families to these sorts of attacks.
It is articles like this and the attitudes that they represent that discourage many fine people from running for high national office. Who wants to expose themselves and their families to these sorts of attacks.
She is precisely an example of why fine people don't run for office, and for exactly the reasons laid out in this article.
She isn't a fine person. Her failings are large, as is her hubris. To ignore three very pertinent facts about her--she ran a large corporation to the ground, she hadn't voted in over half of the elections in either place she lived, and she failed in a California Senate race but still believes she could be President--is foolhardy.
These aren't "quirks", and his article wasn't a "personal attack". She isn't a "fine person". Quite the opposite.
The fine people I have the pleasure of knowing, would never hang out with people like Carly. That's why they aren't running for office.
She isn't a fine person. Her failings are large, as is her hubris. To ignore three very pertinent facts about her--she ran a large corporation to the ground, she hadn't voted in over half of the elections in either place she lived, and she failed in a California Senate race but still believes she could be President--is foolhardy.
These aren't "quirks", and his article wasn't a "personal attack". She isn't a "fine person". Quite the opposite.
The fine people I have the pleasure of knowing, would never hang out with people like Carly. That's why they aren't running for office.
1
You read the biographies of our great presidents, particularly the founding fathers and Lincoln. you see a combination of great intellects coupled with great humility---that humility was manifested in self-doubting about their goals and strategies. These are traits that make great Presidents. What we have now on the Republican stage is neither great intellects nor great humility --- a dangerous combination. I feel the entire problem with the Republican ticket is not having one candidate say, as all of us in life have said, "well, I would have done that differently."
3
I'm beginning to think that pathological lying is either a contagious disease or a prerequisite trait of one's moral constitution to be considered eligible to run for office in the Republican Party. It is closely akin to another commonality of the GOP candidate herd: denial of fact in favor of opinion or even incontrovertible truth. Add situational blindness to this list.
Fiorina certainly possesses these characteristics in spades. Imperiousness is yet another positive attribute in the Republican universe: Fiorina, Trump, Carson, Cruz just for starters.
My mother firmly believed, and often admonished her kids, that if you can't say anything good about someone, say nothing at all. This crowd would have rendered her speechless.
Fiorina certainly possesses these characteristics in spades. Imperiousness is yet another positive attribute in the Republican universe: Fiorina, Trump, Carson, Cruz just for starters.
My mother firmly believed, and often admonished her kids, that if you can't say anything good about someone, say nothing at all. This crowd would have rendered her speechless.
2
Carly Fiorina pandered opportunistically to the Hillary Haters that abound by taking advantage of her gender to personally attack Hillary Clinton with ad hominem attacks to predictable whistles, foot-stomping and applause, when as a serious candidate, she was still floundering around in the single digits.
It took the exit of Perry and the disappointment of Jeb(!), plus the exist of the Koch-pre-approved-designee Walker, to move the pundits to start looking at ex-executive Fiorina as an anodyne to the Trump Bully outsider gaining traction with the red-meat disenfranchised base.
But, at her core, Fiorina epitomizes the woman who will walk over the bodies of other dead women to gain power. The little snippet about her taking Barbara Boxer to task over objecting to the false-respect, militarized chauvinism of being called 'ma'am' instead of 'Senator,' says it all. Boxer was speaking up for all women whose authority is ignored by men who insist on calling them 'sis,' 'ma'am,' or some other gender diminishing term. Most men don't like to be called 'boy.' But, Carly used this as wedge issue to pander to Republican white women whose only respect or authority comes from their role as mother because they had the child from their first pregnancy, or opted not to pursue a profession. These women often trend conservative because keeping other women barefoot and pregnant has been sold to them as their best shot at protecting 'their family.' That's the disgusting, pathetic, truth.
It took the exit of Perry and the disappointment of Jeb(!), plus the exist of the Koch-pre-approved-designee Walker, to move the pundits to start looking at ex-executive Fiorina as an anodyne to the Trump Bully outsider gaining traction with the red-meat disenfranchised base.
But, at her core, Fiorina epitomizes the woman who will walk over the bodies of other dead women to gain power. The little snippet about her taking Barbara Boxer to task over objecting to the false-respect, militarized chauvinism of being called 'ma'am' instead of 'Senator,' says it all. Boxer was speaking up for all women whose authority is ignored by men who insist on calling them 'sis,' 'ma'am,' or some other gender diminishing term. Most men don't like to be called 'boy.' But, Carly used this as wedge issue to pander to Republican white women whose only respect or authority comes from their role as mother because they had the child from their first pregnancy, or opted not to pursue a profession. These women often trend conservative because keeping other women barefoot and pregnant has been sold to them as their best shot at protecting 'their family.' That's the disgusting, pathetic, truth.
2
"The little snippet about her taking Barbara Boxer to task over objecting to the false-respect, militarized chauvinism of being called 'ma'am' instead of 'Senator,' says it all."
There's no false respect in using "Ma'am" in the military. It's used for women just as "Sir" is for men. Barbara Boxer was not offended by the term "Ma'am" -- she just felt that Senator sounded better, like a General might prefer hearing "General" rather than "Ma'am."
There's no false respect in using "Ma'am" in the military. It's used for women just as "Sir" is for men. Barbara Boxer was not offended by the term "Ma'am" -- she just felt that Senator sounded better, like a General might prefer hearing "General" rather than "Ma'am."
2
For those of us who witnessed both her failed senate campaign and her failed tenure at HP, it is refreshing to observe that Carly's "moments" in the GOP primary while occasionally noteworthy ultimately lead back to the conclusion drawn in this column. There is no "there" there - other than self promotion and an improved snarl, she is very much the spoiled and pampered rich kid who denied her failures and made much of criticizing Sen Boxer on her supposed dated hairstyle and appearance. Before there was "look at that face", Carly was front and center with "look at that hair".
5
It's dangerous to go by "face" only, but if that's shorthand for "persona," as Trump later emended his rough-edged and crass characterization, I'm all in agreement. Trump has become our national bellwether, calling out the "faces" that promote indigestion in politics; shameless self-promotors that hype their small abilities, being at the top of the list. Of all the GOP lineup, most of whom piously wear their thinly-veiled opportunism as halos. Fiorina's persona must roil his gut more than most. We would do well to take note, and ponder. The relative imbecility projected by George W. in his run for president turned out to be our undoing. We ignore our bellwethers at our peril.
1
The most compelling question is why are any of these fools and pretenders taken seriously? Deeply flawed though they may be and grossly insufficient in every way for performing the duties of the presidency they are treated seriously in the press that seems unwilling to call them out for who and what they really are. The polite deference of the press makes the process of choice all the more difficult and leads to the cynicism that keeps most voters away from the polls. Yet, the remedy lies not with the candidates but with all of us. We must become involved and voice our determination to find the most qualified, truthful, decent, competent, well informed, thoughtful person willing and able to lead. We need a president not a pompous pretender.
2
The attacks on Ms. Fiorina seem trivial. She lost to a popular Democratic incumbent in a blue state. Plenty of politicians have come back from losses i.e. Clinton, Reagan, JFK, FDR, Nixon, even Obama. 12 of 30 people at HP had negative impressions. Presumably that means 18 approved. The choice will be for primary voters and possibly the national electorate. She seems to have a quick mind and would be a formidable opponent for someone like Hillary who is deemed untrustworthy by most Americans.
Another Narcissist Politician lying about their record and accomplishments. Why do we keep looking to the Politicians to solve our problems? Unless we are willing to elect the most competent people with the right qualifications, we will keep electing the latest "Brand" that the handlers create to meet the latest polls. One big problem is " Who in their right mind would want to play in the political sandbox given the the current insanity ?" Both parties are moving to extremes and compromise has become a bad word. Any level headed person without an overblown ego will stay away. It's a sad reality.
1
I find myself gobsmacked by the extent to which Republican presidential candidates just simply make stuff up.
Day in,day out, I hear unhinged claims about everything from gun control to abortion to immigration. These are people detached from anything resembling reality--they share no sense of obligation to the real world, the world as it is.
For them, there's no social contract, no consensus, no shared past or present and certainly no shared future. They speak from the heart of darkness in wild, whooping tropes and mantras precisely designed to madden and polarize us.
They represent the end product of 30 years of rule by talk radio, the terminal stages of Reaganism.
But even in this crowd, Carly Fiorina stands out.
When Trump invokes vigilante justice to get his fan base howling with rage and glee, he does it with a sort of colloquial, almost clumsy awareness (wink and a nod) that he's playing a little head game. When Ben Carson primly states that he would deal with mass shootings by getting the hostages to take down the shooter ("Hey guys, everybody attack him!") the innate goofiness almost detoxifies the sheer madness.
But when Fiorina, glittering-eyed, intense, implacable, shameless, makes one false declaration after another about beating hearts and kicking legs as she works her crowd into a violent and righteous rage, there is something truly dreadful at work.
She's the one most likely to transform a Republican crowd into a lynch mob. A terrifying candidate.
Day in,day out, I hear unhinged claims about everything from gun control to abortion to immigration. These are people detached from anything resembling reality--they share no sense of obligation to the real world, the world as it is.
For them, there's no social contract, no consensus, no shared past or present and certainly no shared future. They speak from the heart of darkness in wild, whooping tropes and mantras precisely designed to madden and polarize us.
They represent the end product of 30 years of rule by talk radio, the terminal stages of Reaganism.
But even in this crowd, Carly Fiorina stands out.
When Trump invokes vigilante justice to get his fan base howling with rage and glee, he does it with a sort of colloquial, almost clumsy awareness (wink and a nod) that he's playing a little head game. When Ben Carson primly states that he would deal with mass shootings by getting the hostages to take down the shooter ("Hey guys, everybody attack him!") the innate goofiness almost detoxifies the sheer madness.
But when Fiorina, glittering-eyed, intense, implacable, shameless, makes one false declaration after another about beating hearts and kicking legs as she works her crowd into a violent and righteous rage, there is something truly dreadful at work.
She's the one most likely to transform a Republican crowd into a lynch mob. A terrifying candidate.
8
Nicely expressed outrage represented by "Doro" above. One point of contention, however: Ben Carson wasn't so wrong as he appeared to be.
The advice to "fight back" against a mass killer is not as weird as it might seem. In point of fact, if someone is trying to kill you and you can't get away, fighting back is the ONLY choice. I'd rather die fighting than whimpering, wouldn't you?
Four or five guys from the football team could take down a shooter in a high school. Four of them would have to be prepared to die in the process, however. Police, school administrators and those who concern themselves actively with school shooting can't tell people that, because, 1. they don't want to admit how helpless they are in such situations and, 2. who wants to give advice that is certain to send people to their deaths? Better to hide under the desks, kiddies.
Students at Virginia Tech used their lives against bullets to lock a classroom door while they were being shot at. The result was the murderer couldn't get inside and went elsewhere. We should not assume that all resistance is futile.
If you watch the old films of the D Day invasion in France in WW II, you will see men being dropped by machine gun fire as they came ashore. What in the world were they doing? They were placing their bodies in the path of fire so that others might reach the shore.
Active resistance, anything that can slowdown a mass shooter, can potentially save lives.
The advice to "fight back" against a mass killer is not as weird as it might seem. In point of fact, if someone is trying to kill you and you can't get away, fighting back is the ONLY choice. I'd rather die fighting than whimpering, wouldn't you?
Four or five guys from the football team could take down a shooter in a high school. Four of them would have to be prepared to die in the process, however. Police, school administrators and those who concern themselves actively with school shooting can't tell people that, because, 1. they don't want to admit how helpless they are in such situations and, 2. who wants to give advice that is certain to send people to their deaths? Better to hide under the desks, kiddies.
Students at Virginia Tech used their lives against bullets to lock a classroom door while they were being shot at. The result was the murderer couldn't get inside and went elsewhere. We should not assume that all resistance is futile.
If you watch the old films of the D Day invasion in France in WW II, you will see men being dropped by machine gun fire as they came ashore. What in the world were they doing? They were placing their bodies in the path of fire so that others might reach the shore.
Active resistance, anything that can slowdown a mass shooter, can potentially save lives.
1
The GOP has no interest in governing. This process is like a casting call for a spokesperson for the snake oil that is the kochelson agenda. Auditions are every day and require 16 bars of lies delivered forcefully, that sound like facts and satisfy the self-righteous while providing cover for the anti-government tax cutters. Fiorina is on the callback list because she can be marketed as such. It is up to collective wisdom to see the truth here, but it is no easy task to watch the charade and see that keeping up with the republicans has nothing to do with issues that matter to we the people. Mr. Bruni is providing a rare discussion of her actual qualifications to lead the free world. We've got our politics crossed up with entertainment and advertising- and the mad men who direct this show have no one's interest in mind except their own.
4
Nixon too ran and lost in California: the governor race in 1962. He failed so badly that even he gave up hope: "You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore." Six years later he too sought a promotion, to the Presidency; he won in 1968, and by a landslide in 1972. Bottom line: 1. All candidates are flawed, and 2. Predictions are difficult, especially about the future. (Yogi Berra). More telling is that all three top GOP candidates are not professional politicians. They are outsiders. Tear down one, two left. The public has come to scorn the ruling political elite; that's the real story.
1
Interesting that she constantly brags about what a great job she did at HP but yet not a single other corporation was interested in hiring her after she left.
8
Finding accurate descriptive adjectives for the top three Republican candidates, Trump, Carson, and Fiorina baffles me. Among the best denunciations are those provided by Bill Maher. His potty mouth can be discouraging from time to time, but he discusses these non-candidates with alarming forthrightness and I love every minute of it.
We should pray they will all be gone soon but more prayer is needed to find a qualified candidate amongst the lot. Sadly, Bernie notwithstanding, the Democrats need to step it up too.
We should pray they will all be gone soon but more prayer is needed to find a qualified candidate amongst the lot. Sadly, Bernie notwithstanding, the Democrats need to step it up too.
4
Bruni condemns her for the very qualities needed to become President: a sense of self importance, arrogance, privilege, confidence in one's own genius, a driving need to be adulated, to demonstrate to everyone one's greatness. Such personalities need an audience. This is no less true about everyone on that podium. Were it not for narcissism, we would have no candidates. Who up there is not self-serving? When Trump says he will make America great again, does he not mean "I will make myself great again?" Modesty and self-reproach are not qualities that make a President. Obama has been criticized repeatedly for apologizing too much. Apologies, self-doubt, self-rebuke, uncertainty, hesitation are not qualities that make one presidential. Fiorina, for all her flaws, has achieved something we common people hope to acquire: an unfettered sense of self-confidence and belief in one's personal powers. These are not to be condemned, but appreciated. Shamefulness is for the common everyday human. Presidents cannot feel shame. Shame crushes confidence. Even Cheney must be admired for his absolute shamelessness, talking endlessly about how great invading Iraq turned out to be. Shame is the antonym of confidence, it bridles the will to success.
1
What a lot of nonsense. Cheney is not great; he is a war criminal who convinced his puppet, "W", to invade an innocent country whose oil fields he coveted. The war destroyed a modern country and resulted in a massive loss of innocent lives, the looting of ancient artifacts from museums, and the destruction of universities and hospitals. Cheney is not to be admired; he is to be condemned as a sociopath whose behavior plunged the U.S. into a war. Sociopaths do not feel shame; that is the very definition of a sociopath: shamelessness. The President is an intelligent, decent man whose presidency has given us health care and some sense of recovered pride in foreign policy. If he succeeds in Iran, that will be a lasting legacy, together with health care, and support for education, all in the face of a Congress so ignorant and destructive, we would have to go back to Truman's Congress to find another as worthless and corrupt.
1
Great theory: arrogance and narcissism have really served the country well, haven't they?
By the way...the country was built on self-confidence and self-reliance, not shrieking arrogance and babyish thought. It's not a good sign that Americans should be thinking that we need to have a punk running the country.
By the way...the country was built on self-confidence and self-reliance, not shrieking arrogance and babyish thought. It's not a good sign that Americans should be thinking that we need to have a punk running the country.
2
I know very little about Ms. Fiorina (suits me fine), but I do know this: it is not a good thing, in fact, one of the worst, to be owed money by a rich person. Most wealthy people are in love with their money. They see it as the vital element that sets them apart from the crowded, sweaty masses. But, along side this love affair is a lack of concern for others, a feeling that paying people, even what they are legitimately and fairly owed, represents giving in, doing something against one's status and class.
There are vast generalizations, I know. They are somewhat unfair if applied to all of the rich, but they are true enough to be taken as general guidelines in one's dealings with those with piles of money. Rich people don't like to part with money, cash or otherwise, unless they are getting an immediate bump of gratification. (What I want for myself is always affordable; what you want, or think you need, well, that costs way too much.)
So, it is not surprising that Ms. Fiorina had trouble paying even her closest campaign aides in California. Donald Trump speaks of spending hundreds of millions to gain the nomination. Don't believe him. If he goes over 20 or 30 million, it would only be because he sees the nomination within easy grasp.
Rich is a distortion field of the mind. It changes people, just like fame or a long term in prison changes people. You get rich by collecting from others, not spending. The generosity of the poor is legendary. The rich, not so much.
There are vast generalizations, I know. They are somewhat unfair if applied to all of the rich, but they are true enough to be taken as general guidelines in one's dealings with those with piles of money. Rich people don't like to part with money, cash or otherwise, unless they are getting an immediate bump of gratification. (What I want for myself is always affordable; what you want, or think you need, well, that costs way too much.)
So, it is not surprising that Ms. Fiorina had trouble paying even her closest campaign aides in California. Donald Trump speaks of spending hundreds of millions to gain the nomination. Don't believe him. If he goes over 20 or 30 million, it would only be because he sees the nomination within easy grasp.
Rich is a distortion field of the mind. It changes people, just like fame or a long term in prison changes people. You get rich by collecting from others, not spending. The generosity of the poor is legendary. The rich, not so much.
9
Fiorina's qualifications:
1 - being a failure at business
2 - being a failure at electoral politics
3 - being a shameful liar (about Planned Parenthood)
4 - being a bigot (on gay marriage)
1 - being a failure at business
2 - being a failure at electoral politics
3 - being a shameful liar (about Planned Parenthood)
4 - being a bigot (on gay marriage)
11
Its sad commentary on our electorate if it is quick to embrace a candidate that is more deft at delivering a one-liner that running anything - whether a corporation or a government.
4
It's not uncommon for the employees of many typical losing election campaigns not get paid all that owed because the losing campaigns are often short of or out money.Fiorina's 2010 campaign was atypical in that while not paying the widow and other staffers,she did make sure pay back herself the $1.3 million she had loaned her campaign,which is what Carly the politician actually has most in common with Carly the HP CEO she like's so enjoys praising;while laying off thousands of HP employees and almost bankrupting the company she maid sure to pay herself very generously,which was how she had the money to loan her campaign.
Given how Fiorina sees so much that isn't there,be it her corporate "success" or non existing videos, I wonder what drugs she's taking.
But at least she's running in the right party ,whose candidates blend together delusion and moral bankruptsy.
Given how Fiorina sees so much that isn't there,be it her corporate "success" or non existing videos, I wonder what drugs she's taking.
But at least she's running in the right party ,whose candidates blend together delusion and moral bankruptsy.
8
I'm surprised someone, in discussing Carly, hasn't brought up Laurence Peter's "The Peter Principle." For those of you not familiar, it is that in an organization, an employee is promoted to his highest level of incompetency and is allowed to stay there.
Carly wasn't even allowed to stay.
Carly wasn't even allowed to stay.
7
So two egomaniacs share the top billing in the Republican field. In looking over the rest of those on the list in that clown car they have plenty of company.
7
If she's seen a fetus on a table, leg a twitching and heart pumping, that nobody else on earth or in heaven has seen, imagine what she might conjure alone in the room with the nuclear button at her fingertips.
Go Bernie
Go Bernie
11
The factoid about contributors from HP says it all.
She was widely despised in that organization. Not just for firing thousands of people, but for simultaneously trying to glue herself to the legacy of the founders while dismantling the creative culture they had left behind.
She walked away from that train wreck with $37 million. The company still hasn't recovered - and is in the process of undoing the idiotic moves she made as CEO.
Q. How can you have $37 million and not pay your bills?
A. Because you are a liar, a cheat, a thief, a charlatan.
Trump may be a boor, but at least the man builds things.
She was widely despised in that organization. Not just for firing thousands of people, but for simultaneously trying to glue herself to the legacy of the founders while dismantling the creative culture they had left behind.
She walked away from that train wreck with $37 million. The company still hasn't recovered - and is in the process of undoing the idiotic moves she made as CEO.
Q. How can you have $37 million and not pay your bills?
A. Because you are a liar, a cheat, a thief, a charlatan.
Trump may be a boor, but at least the man builds things.
8
As a CA voter long aware of Ms. Fiorina, I wonder why she cannot smile once in a while. Her grim countenance with never a hint of humor is as off-putting as her super conservative agenda. If she should become the Rep. candidate and Hillary the Dem. candidate, Hillary would win hands down as the more hope inspiring potential president. Who would vote for a nay sayer 100% of the time with not even a cheerful face to soften the blows?
3
All "brand," little substance, feigned success, ruthless and completely deluded. Her $21M severance buyout, for tanking HP, only inflated and further empowered her rampant ego. She and Trump are two sides of the same coin—narcissistic trust fund twins enabled by others, to the detriment of society.
11
I was a technology journalist in Silicon Valley during her tenure at HP and witnessed her disastrous deal with Compaq. I saw how people lost their jobs, including neighbors and friends. Later on HP's PR people called me and asked me what if I thought HP's reputation could be restored. I said I doubted it. HP was a great company once, and she wrecked it. She would do the same to the U.S. She's another Republican narcissist.
6
I keep wondering why no one asks her what she's done since being fired by HP in 2005... I know she wrote a book and ran unsuccessfully for Senate. But nothing of substance for 10 years? And her failed leadership at HP qualifies her to run for president? Good grief, what an ego!
11
Why anyone think's that corporate types can run the country is beyond me. There's nothing more autocratic than American capitalism and the current top candidates have brought the hammers down hard and quick during their reigns in the business world. The last 4 months have been highly entertaining political theater. What's his name with the big hair, the doctor and this liar with impunity, will all be history by perhaps February. Then depending on who scrapes by, it'll be either dubya's bro, the young Cuban American or the one from Kentucky. As far as Fiorina, she's one despicable person and the fact that she's in the top 3 currently is in my estimation her response to the dude with the pomeranian on his head's insult to her. I'll give her that.
4
The Republican Party has for a long time been the anti-government party. Now their own rhetoric has taken physical form with Trump, Carson, and Fiorina - folks with NO experience as elected officials who think they can start at the top because they made some money. I guess if you're looking to vote for someone who will "downsize" and wreck our country Fiorina is the perfect candidate.
7
Not fair to poor Carly, Frank. Shirking your just debts is a conservative axiom seen in the public sector with underfunding VA and attempting to end Medicare and social security. These debts (one created in blood, the other in cash) owed by Americans are but examples of how far too many conservatives and Republicans treat their personal debt - don't pay until forced, often by the courts
9
Well written, Frank. No one should need to read any more than this column to see that Fiorina is deeply, utterly unsuitable -- as a CEO or a president. As, almost, a human being.
Sadly, she seems (to this ex-Republican) to be all to suitable to lead the GOP of today. Lying, misogynist (yes folks, women can be that too), greedy for herself while cheating other people; breathtakingly mean, blithely warlike; hostile to the majority of the people of this country, utterly ignorant of science, living in a narcissistic fantasy land of me-first, moneyed-elite, environmentally catastrophic, constitutionally unaware, mentally unfit.
How can the GOP manage to get so much worse each year? It's mind-boggling to see this once-intelligent party spiral downward, from dumb-but-likeable W to let's-have-more-wars, everywhere and all the time McCain, to richie-rich despise-the-poor, God-picked-me, prancing-horse and car-elevator Romney. And now this Mussolini in a skirt, this travesty of a human being, Carly Fiorina.
When I look at how utterly unqualified these "leading" candidates in the GOP are -- and then I look at how many supposedly educated adults are egging them on, I can only conclude that in the absence of any possible rational, civic reason, their followers are simply driven by hate.
It's scary watching a powerful party re-enact a history lesson in How Fascist Movements Form.
Sadly, she seems (to this ex-Republican) to be all to suitable to lead the GOP of today. Lying, misogynist (yes folks, women can be that too), greedy for herself while cheating other people; breathtakingly mean, blithely warlike; hostile to the majority of the people of this country, utterly ignorant of science, living in a narcissistic fantasy land of me-first, moneyed-elite, environmentally catastrophic, constitutionally unaware, mentally unfit.
How can the GOP manage to get so much worse each year? It's mind-boggling to see this once-intelligent party spiral downward, from dumb-but-likeable W to let's-have-more-wars, everywhere and all the time McCain, to richie-rich despise-the-poor, God-picked-me, prancing-horse and car-elevator Romney. And now this Mussolini in a skirt, this travesty of a human being, Carly Fiorina.
When I look at how utterly unqualified these "leading" candidates in the GOP are -- and then I look at how many supposedly educated adults are egging them on, I can only conclude that in the absence of any possible rational, civic reason, their followers are simply driven by hate.
It's scary watching a powerful party re-enact a history lesson in How Fascist Movements Form.
13
For those of us on the other side Obama gives "one heck of a speech" as well. We have been told tirelessly by the president that if we disagree we have ulterior motives and or/intellectual deficiencies.
As to campaign cost payments-see the Hillary campaign circa 2008.
As to campaign cost payments-see the Hillary campaign circa 2008.
1
3 million jobs created under 8 years of Bush.
12 million jobs created under 6 years of Obama.
And that was with the "job killing" Obama-care and ending the Bush top bracket tax cuts for "the job creators."
Deficit Clinton gave to Bush - $0, a balanced budget.
Deficit Bush gave to Obama - a whopping $1.4 Trillion annual deficit.
Current deficit - $500 billion, reduced by almost 2/3.
Obama may not be as bad as you think.
But of course, there still are those "death panels."
12 million jobs created under 6 years of Obama.
And that was with the "job killing" Obama-care and ending the Bush top bracket tax cuts for "the job creators."
Deficit Clinton gave to Bush - $0, a balanced budget.
Deficit Bush gave to Obama - a whopping $1.4 Trillion annual deficit.
Current deficit - $500 billion, reduced by almost 2/3.
Obama may not be as bad as you think.
But of course, there still are those "death panels."
2
Anyone reading the current tea leaves can see that overall and collectively we are done with liars. That doesn't mean that there aren't pockets of folks who lie to themselves in supporting other shameless shape-shifting candidates, or that a liar won't make it into the final round. But from an intuitive perspective this woman was toast at the get -go.
1
Carly Fiorino's expertise is in marketing. That gives her a formidable advantage in a political world where PR is supreme. Other candidates rely on advisers to tell them what to say and how to say it. Ms. Fiorino can act based on her own knowledge and experience of what works best to sell a questionable product. Maybe that's what we need in a president, but I doubt it.
41
While Carly Fiorina's tall tales and short story fiction about HP and imaginary videos are well known, it's also instructive to study Carly's tenure at Lucent Technologies.
Fiorina was the executive in charge of selling Lucent's telecom equipment to fiber-optic service providers during the dot.com mania of the late 1990's.
Lucent's customers at the time were often comprised of tiny start-ups that were wildly overvalued and many who purchased Lucent equipment from Fiorina's division on Lucent-extended credit.
Wall Street became fixated on equipment companies’ growth and the whole industry entered a manic phase, and Lucent and Fiorina were happy to ride the market bubble.
Much like the housing bubble that came later, easy credit fed the 1990's telecom bubble and Lucent.
Lucent and its major competitors all started goosing sales by lending money to their customers.
Money from Lucent loans to customers began to appear on Lucent’s income statement as new revenue while the shady debt got stashed on its balance sheet as an allegedly solid asset.
In one $440 million customer sale that Fiorina oversaw, Lucent funded 100% of the company’s equipment purchases, meaning the customer would get Lucent gear at no money down; that customer - Pathnet - eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2001.
Soon after Fiorina left Lucent in 1999 with millions, Lucent and the telecom sector began to collapse.
Lucent shares crashed to under $1.
Carly Fiorina's 'record' is a well-marketed Big Lie.
Fiorina was the executive in charge of selling Lucent's telecom equipment to fiber-optic service providers during the dot.com mania of the late 1990's.
Lucent's customers at the time were often comprised of tiny start-ups that were wildly overvalued and many who purchased Lucent equipment from Fiorina's division on Lucent-extended credit.
Wall Street became fixated on equipment companies’ growth and the whole industry entered a manic phase, and Lucent and Fiorina were happy to ride the market bubble.
Much like the housing bubble that came later, easy credit fed the 1990's telecom bubble and Lucent.
Lucent and its major competitors all started goosing sales by lending money to their customers.
Money from Lucent loans to customers began to appear on Lucent’s income statement as new revenue while the shady debt got stashed on its balance sheet as an allegedly solid asset.
In one $440 million customer sale that Fiorina oversaw, Lucent funded 100% of the company’s equipment purchases, meaning the customer would get Lucent gear at no money down; that customer - Pathnet - eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2001.
Soon after Fiorina left Lucent in 1999 with millions, Lucent and the telecom sector began to collapse.
Lucent shares crashed to under $1.
Carly Fiorina's 'record' is a well-marketed Big Lie.
25
This article is the problem with our 21st Century political analysis. Who cares that she's mean and not a nice person. I'm a Democrat, but this kind of psychological look into the candidates gets way to much respect. I would ask everyone not to pay attention to who's nice and who's not. The person we elect needs to be a leader and get things done. Forget who's liked and who's not!!
33
The problem, T., is that every president will face situations in which the best course of action for the nation is one opposed by many in Congress and elsewhere. If that president is perceived as a good and honest person -- a "nice person" in your words -- rallying support for the proper action is more likely to succeed.
1
Part of the character required of a national leader is compassion. Otherwise, the chances of electing a despot are very high.
Kindness matters. Most unkind persons are war mongers and neglect the most vulnerable, as recent U.S. history demonstrates.
Kindness matters. Most unkind persons are war mongers and neglect the most vulnerable, as recent U.S. history demonstrates.
1
Character matters, as does effectualness. Carter had (and has) character, but was ineffectual as president. Nixon got things done, but lacked good character. Neither is an example of what we need in a president.
1
Carly's performance during the second debate resembled that of an actor in a Hitchcock movie.
While staring coldly into the camera and 'daring' Hillary Clinton and President Obama to watch a utterly graphic non-existent Planned Parenthood movie, yelling about the character of this nation, she played an Oscar worthy performance of a psychopath.
When confronted with her lie on Meet the Press, she stood by her lie and her main argument was 'Chuck', Chuck, Chuck, Chuck , Chuck'.
Carly is as much a loose cannon in the field Republican wannabe candidates as Trump, the medical 'genius', Dr. Carson, who doesn't believe in evolution, and all the rest of them.
And while this sorry show continues for months to come on these shores, the rest of the advanced world once again shakes its collective heads and declares 'only in America'.
While staring coldly into the camera and 'daring' Hillary Clinton and President Obama to watch a utterly graphic non-existent Planned Parenthood movie, yelling about the character of this nation, she played an Oscar worthy performance of a psychopath.
When confronted with her lie on Meet the Press, she stood by her lie and her main argument was 'Chuck', Chuck, Chuck, Chuck , Chuck'.
Carly is as much a loose cannon in the field Republican wannabe candidates as Trump, the medical 'genius', Dr. Carson, who doesn't believe in evolution, and all the rest of them.
And while this sorry show continues for months to come on these shores, the rest of the advanced world once again shakes its collective heads and declares 'only in America'.
6
Fiorina is the poster child for what is increasingly occurring in this country; success, power, and profits without a soul, without a conscience, and driven by the bottom line. The Hewlett-Packard board got what they wanted and what they deserved. We should be more careful.
5
This is a shameless candidate who thinks that we can all buy the big lies when they are repeated often and emphatically enough. I like Graham, but cannot stomach another war. Trump is an empty trumpet; noise but nothing comforting in his candidacy. Dr. Carson may have operated on himself and missed something about the real world. The rest, except for Kasigh, a good man, would leave me sleepless, but his total platform may be too much. Hard to even follow this year's campaign circus. Thanks for this effort..
2
Carly is just one of the scary, unqualified Republican candidates who are out of touch with America and, to some extent, reality. The 3 frontrunners, Trump, Carson and Fiorina, are so offensive and nasty, it's sad they have such appeal.
I doubt any of them could win the general election. That they might get over 45% of the vote shows how hard it will be to get America on the right path.
I doubt any of them could win the general election. That they might get over 45% of the vote shows how hard it will be to get America on the right path.
4
It's a telling commentary on the current state of morality in America that so many Democrats are not bothered by Hillary Clinton's lying and disregard for national security as revealed by the email scandal. The Left under Obama has already run this country into the ground and been a disaster in foreign policy. And like any addict they are determined to get their fix of this destructive drug. Except this time it's packaged under the nameof Clinton.
2
Who knew that before the rise of the bombastic buffoon 2016 POTUS campaign of Donald John Trump that his fraternal twin Cara Carleton Sneed Fiorina had already carefully carved out that role. Now we know that when Trump warned the American people about the discomfort of having to look at and listen to Carly Fiorina his intentions were honorable political fair game. Instead of being a misogynistic reference to her looks and gender this was instead based on the one troll at a time rule. Trump was being personally and professionally respectful and courteous.
1
It fits that Carly Fiorina is running on a platform of vapors, boasting of nonexistent business acumen and pie-in-the-sky stories of military success, taking on Planned Parenthood for lies. Hers is a vanity campaign. She never had a snowball's chance of winning a national election, so her candidate persona is make-believe.
4
She embraces confidence and she speaks with a silver tongue. She throws a mean barb and will pick-up any stick in sight to lash-out at an opponent. But she is the poster-madam for incompetent CEO, making widows wait 5 yrs for the last pay-check belongs in a Dicken's novel not a California millionaire's campaign finance brief, and it appears that the Fiorina Foundation is really just an account in one of those lovely tax avoidance charitable funds.
She is a neo-con that opposes women's access to medical treatments. It appears most days both her Pinnochio nose is extended full-length and her pants are on fire as she shoots not very straight from the hip.
She is a neo-con that opposes women's access to medical treatments. It appears most days both her Pinnochio nose is extended full-length and her pants are on fire as she shoots not very straight from the hip.
4
Almost all who get to the very top in the corporate or political realm have stepped on or over a lot of bodies along the way. They look at individuals as to how they can help me , not the other way around. One more thing, most of the damning information Bruni has on Fiorina are plants given by opposing campaigns. That is how it works in politics
In 2012 Ms. Fiorina represented John McCain in a policy forum before the American Academy of Sciences. Mr. Bruni may wish to review this webcast. She arrived an hour after the discussion began, and gave only very shallow answers to questions of policy, in particular questions about cyber security, an issue someone who was CEO of HP should have thought about. The forum represented how hollow she is and her lack of grasp of important issues.
3
One of the underlying problems with Carly's reign at HP was that if she didn't like the facts, she shot the messenger, buried the message sender and changed the content of the message. She has always displayed an amazing sense of self-entitlement that did not fit well in the technocracy of the "old" HP. So it's not a bit surprising that other than the doddering Tom Perkins (who, despite his recent revisionist flip-flop, DID vote to fire Carly from HP) she is not getting much love from those she left in her wake of unbridled ambition.
7
I am not voting for Carly Fiorina because if she can run a company (HP) in the ground, just imagine what she would do for this country. She needs to abandon the race for president and go back to her privilege existence.
7
I would not vote for her for any office. She delights, apparently, in throwing women under the bus. Our first woman prez needs to be a feminist. Otherwise, we are just electing a man in a dress.
15
Carly Fiorina's record of accomplishment is impeccable:
Internet-bubble and fiber-optic-telecom-bubble surfer at Lucent in the 1990's who got out just before the wave crashed
Company crasher at HP-Compaq in the 2000's
Award-winning Senate race-loser and skipping out on her campaign vendors in 2010
Baby-killing-video fantasizer in 2015
What's not to love about Carly ?
There's death, destruction and catastrophe in every thing she touches - be it real or imagined.
Internet-bubble and fiber-optic-telecom-bubble surfer at Lucent in the 1990's who got out just before the wave crashed
Company crasher at HP-Compaq in the 2000's
Award-winning Senate race-loser and skipping out on her campaign vendors in 2010
Baby-killing-video fantasizer in 2015
What's not to love about Carly ?
There's death, destruction and catastrophe in every thing she touches - be it real or imagined.
26
Oh, come on. I am not going to vote for her either, but some of these comments are almost Trump-like attacks and insults. Even Bruni's column itself is mean-spirited rather than making any attempt to be even-handed. Fiorina surely has her faults, but digging this deep to find cringe-inducing moments in the history of any politician will produce something unsavory.
I can't recall my high school Latin well enough to remember if there is a feminine form for an ad hominem attack.
I can't recall my high school Latin well enough to remember if there is a feminine form for an ad hominem attack.
1
Whatever one's stance on whether "good" CEO's make "good" politicians (Cheney, Rumsfeld, anyone?), Fiorina was not a good CEO.
Fiorina's time at HP was bad for the company by any measure. See http://www.businessinsider.com/fiorina-widely-considered-the-worst-ceo.htm from the Business Insider. And she's never been hired by another company in the 10 years since being fired by a unanimous (unanimous!!) decision by the HP Board.
On the decision by the HP Board to send Ms. Fiorina packing, her advocate counters in this space: "Many of the [HP] board members have already come out saying that [Fiorina's] firing was a mistake."
I count one (1), Tom Perkins, famous for "comparing the persecution of rich people to the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis. He also once said that rich people should get more votes in elections." Ibid.
Fiorina's time at HP was bad for the company by any measure. See http://www.businessinsider.com/fiorina-widely-considered-the-worst-ceo.htm from the Business Insider. And she's never been hired by another company in the 10 years since being fired by a unanimous (unanimous!!) decision by the HP Board.
On the decision by the HP Board to send Ms. Fiorina packing, her advocate counters in this space: "Many of the [HP] board members have already come out saying that [Fiorina's] firing was a mistake."
I count one (1), Tom Perkins, famous for "comparing the persecution of rich people to the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis. He also once said that rich people should get more votes in elections." Ibid.
6
At the debate she boasted about doubling HP's revenue. That's not difficult if you do it by buying a company with lots of revenue Profits are what matters, and those eluded her until she was finally fired.
Fiorina is good at marketing, not leadership. Campaigning is a marketing job, so it's no surprise she's doing well. But there needs to be substance behind the hype, and there's really nothing there at all.
Fiorina is good at marketing, not leadership. Campaigning is a marketing job, so it's no surprise she's doing well. But there needs to be substance behind the hype, and there's really nothing there at all.
4
I am bewildered by the Republican Party's apparent preference for candidates with no experience in public service. I understand that our political system is broken. But the notion that it can't get any worse if we hire the wrong person to run our country is just silly. It can get worse. I am less puzzled by Trump and Fiorina than I am about Carson, who has no management experience whatsoever. Nevertheless, Fiorina's devastation of HP during her tenure as CEO has to be relevant in some way to how she would operate as CEO of the largest economy on earth. Based on her record, we should expect her to outsource millions of jobs (she called it "right-sourcing" them) and cut America's share value in half. Ouch. Not something I want to invest in.
5
"...But the notion that it can't get any worse if we hire the wrong person to run our country is just silly..."
A statement proven true by the incumbency of our current president. Obama's devastation of the United States during his tenure as president has to be relevant to not having another Ivy League academic turned politico with no experience in any other enterprise than government in a leadership position.
A statement proven true by the incumbency of our current president. Obama's devastation of the United States during his tenure as president has to be relevant to not having another Ivy League academic turned politico with no experience in any other enterprise than government in a leadership position.
1
You'll have to do a little better if you want thinking readers to accept your claim that President Obama "devastated" our country. Most of us are aware that, although Obama took office in the midst of a the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, millions more Americans now have health insurance, our economy has been growing steadily since 2009, millions fewer of us are unemployed than when President Bush ended his term, the stock market has boomed, federal deficits have declined, our troops are out of Iraq, we've begun a positive and forward-looking relationship with Cuba, and we've negotiated an agreement that will curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions.
That doesn't sound like "devastation" to me.
That doesn't sound like "devastation" to me.
1
I live in CA and did during Fiorina's run against Boxer. I'm a Republican and was very happy to see a credible candidate, one whose big issues weren't legalizing machine guns or making abortion illegal, run against the aged and increasingly incoherent leftist Boxer. Unfortunately Fiorina dropped the ball in that campaign. She needed to pick one or two issues that defined Boxer as an extremist but Ms. Fiorina stayed away from ideology and instead went for issues like the one mentioned above, where Boxer threw a tantrum at a general. Even in the live debate, where the stuttering and even confused Boxer could have been pulled into some fatal gaffe, Fiorina held back. Maybe it was the right strategy. She came much closer to beating Boxer than any other opponent ever had...which is faint praise indeed.
Now, however, when Ms. Fiorina is emerging as one of the most effective candidates in the Republican field, that moderation might be seen as a smart move. The Joni Ernst route would have blocked her from this presidential run, where the 'social issues' will kill any chance of overturning the Democratic candidate. This election has to be about the economy or the Republicans lose. Carly effectively spikes the 'War On Women' codswallop just by being a woman who has actually held a real job and she is well-equipped to target the Keynesian nightmare the Democrats have unleashed. Her unsuccessful run in Cali has hopefully taught her a few lessons.
Now, however, when Ms. Fiorina is emerging as one of the most effective candidates in the Republican field, that moderation might be seen as a smart move. The Joni Ernst route would have blocked her from this presidential run, where the 'social issues' will kill any chance of overturning the Democratic candidate. This election has to be about the economy or the Republicans lose. Carly effectively spikes the 'War On Women' codswallop just by being a woman who has actually held a real job and she is well-equipped to target the Keynesian nightmare the Democrats have unleashed. Her unsuccessful run in Cali has hopefully taught her a few lessons.
I remember sitting in auditorium when a "deal" was announced spinning our Organization off into a Joint Venture with another company. The Exec from the other company spoke with great excitement and expertise about the technologies that were being merged and about how valuable we were in moving that technology forward. Carly never once mentioned the technology or the people, she spoke only about the excitement of doing the "deal." It was clear she had no corporate vision, only personal ambition. Many of those present became Carly-haters from that day forward.
9
Carly is the female Trump. Rich in self need for valuation, poor in ethics or candor about their failings...even to themselves. Not unique, but stark. In California, the last big gaffe was being recorded in her makeup chair criticizing Boxers hair, and saying she looked old. Then came that cackle. Memorable.
7
She doesn't strike me as being like anyone I've ever met, for which I am grateful.
5
You're right, we should give no one the chance to interfere in our belief system. You couldn't be as grateful as she should.
If Carly Fiorina is elected president, perhaps we'll see a merger with another country, e.g., Australia, and all the "non-performers" will be shifted out of this land to the other country.
2
Mr. Bruni, the real truth here is that we all live in glass houses. Any attempt by the NYTs to make her look bad is almost comical. Compared to some of the others running in both parties, she looks like Joan of Ark. I salivate at the thought of a head-to-head race that would have the two female candidates running against each other. If Carly runs...she will win.
It's Joan of Arc.
1
"If Carly runs...she will win."
Franklin, might want to have someone look at that. You obviously bumped your head before you stepped up to the keyboard.
Franklin, might want to have someone look at that. You obviously bumped your head before you stepped up to the keyboard.
3
Excellent opinion piece and it didn't even include Fiorina's shameless lies regarding Planned Parenthood.
There's only one correction to this piece. Bruni writes, "Give her credit for dauntlessness." I would use a significantly more accurate term than "dauntlessness," such as "hutzpah."
There's only one correction to this piece. Bruni writes, "Give her credit for dauntlessness." I would use a significantly more accurate term than "dauntlessness," such as "hutzpah."
5
I suspect Ms. Fiorina's imperious leadership style would work even less well as president than it did at Hewlett-Packard.
2
Oh gee an Op-ed political hit piece I should treat this seriously especially since it's from a Columnist not a Journalist.
Here is a thought for the writer Frank Bruni.
There are Three candidates only of all the Democrat and Republican candidates that seem to care enough about the voters to give full, complete well thought answers that don't include platitudes
Carly Fiorina
Marco Rubio
Bernie Sanders
You pass this off as giving a good speech then proceed to tell us what you don't like about her.
As if your opinion matters. Dude your just filling space between advertisements, get a grip on your own arrogance before you start throwing stones.
Here is a thought for the writer Frank Bruni.
There are Three candidates only of all the Democrat and Republican candidates that seem to care enough about the voters to give full, complete well thought answers that don't include platitudes
Carly Fiorina
Marco Rubio
Bernie Sanders
You pass this off as giving a good speech then proceed to tell us what you don't like about her.
As if your opinion matters. Dude your just filling space between advertisements, get a grip on your own arrogance before you start throwing stones.
I was struck by the fact that epic quotes from Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth could come from Carly Fiorina."Out damn'd spot! out I say! refers to the record of her disastrous reign at HP. "Give me the daggers" her attacks on Hillary Clinton. "It's too full of the milk of human kindness" her insidious attacks on Planned Parenthood. "Unsex me here"her self perceived battles against the male power structure. Carly Fiorina's fervid ambition, that mirrors Lady Macbeth's, may prove to be her fatal flaw.
5
Can Fiorina and her fans speak of her in positive terms? It doesn't seem so.
Tell us, Ms Fiorina - what will you DO, what have you DONE?
Pro-Fiorina arguments about her qualifications and job history are based on "no/not/never/nuh-uh" - "little to be gleaned", "not a politician", "2010 doesn't count", "she never", "she doesn't", "on her resume, HP isn't important"...
I read delusion, thirst and reactionary negation - the pro-Carly language demonstrates a keen awareness bleeding into defensiveness about failure - she's been positively awful in her professional life and her reflexive schtick, delivered with snarl and snark, reveals that she knows it.
Fioirina/Kemp 2015 - Never not thirsty cuz nothing counts, not profits, not failure, not privilege, not even death.
Tell us, Ms Fiorina - what will you DO, what have you DONE?
Pro-Fiorina arguments about her qualifications and job history are based on "no/not/never/nuh-uh" - "little to be gleaned", "not a politician", "2010 doesn't count", "she never", "she doesn't", "on her resume, HP isn't important"...
I read delusion, thirst and reactionary negation - the pro-Carly language demonstrates a keen awareness bleeding into defensiveness about failure - she's been positively awful in her professional life and her reflexive schtick, delivered with snarl and snark, reveals that she knows it.
Fioirina/Kemp 2015 - Never not thirsty cuz nothing counts, not profits, not failure, not privilege, not even death.
2
It's a peculiarity of American politics that people think that a person with the ability to make a good speech will make a good president. It was true of President Obama and it's true of the current crop of Republican candidates.
Those who would make the best presidents would never subject themselves to the process.
Those who would make the best presidents would never subject themselves to the process.
1
She was a loser in California. Now she can double up on losing.
6
Sounds like Hillary to me.
1
Please keep track if your reporting gets that widow her 30K that Fiorina owes her.
She is Dick Cheney in female form: Big mouth, doesnt have a self-requirement for honesty, doubles down on the lie. No thanks.
She is Dick Cheney in female form: Big mouth, doesnt have a self-requirement for honesty, doubles down on the lie. No thanks.
11
Heh. A politician who doesn't like to pay his or her bills seems to be the preferred choice these days. She sounds perfect for POTUS.
3
I had thought that nothing could be more off-putting than Fiorina's looking directly at the cameras -- and at us - and telling a blatant lie about Planned Parenthood and the fetus she falsely claimed to have seen. Even the Wall Sreet Journal ran an article correcting her on that one. Now her refusing to pay the widow -- the WIDOW!-- of a campaign worker what to her must have been a trifling sum shows just how mean she is. Didn't think any woman could make me nostalgic for the days of Sarah Palin, but Fiorina almost does. There are a few "no brain" candidates for President out there - here's a "no heart" one to complete the picture. Bizarre how commentators think she's winning debates. What has happened to their judgement? To voters' judgements? And how is she qualified to be among the top 10?
9
why does Frank belabor the obvious....we are stuffed to the gils with CF's self promotion, lying, and disregard of anyone but her own power and wealth. We know we know we know. It's boring as well as distasteful. Another column on this isn't going to change minds.
Any interest in some of the issues between Gop/dems, pros/cons. Not much? But isn't that what's democracy is about? Duh.
Any interest in some of the issues between Gop/dems, pros/cons. Not much? But isn't that what's democracy is about? Duh.
1
A quote from Joseph Kennedy, Sr, seems to pretty much sum up the candidacy of both Ms. Fiorina and Mr. Trump, for that matter:
"It is not who you are that counts. It is who they think you are."
"It is not who you are that counts. It is who they think you are."
5
Frank Bruni, you nailed it! Or should I say you nailed her. What an excellent study of self love. For Ms Fiorina, it's not about the companies, not about the employees, not about the country, it's all about Carly. She has airbrushed her life, her career, and goes blithely forth blowing her own horn, but she's really off key.
10
All good points.
Though Fiorina is very unlikely to get the GOP nomination, Clinton may. Both are sisters under the skin. Fiorina is the hair-puller. Clinton is the mud-wrestler.
Fiorina reinvents facts. Clinton is a master stonewaller and screamer.
Fiorina would expose Clinton and Clinton would expose Fiorina. Die-hard partisans would go away no less convinced of their standard bearers' worth. But a lot of their support would melt away and hopefully clear the field for a real campaign between honest candidates.
Though Fiorina is very unlikely to get the GOP nomination, Clinton may. Both are sisters under the skin. Fiorina is the hair-puller. Clinton is the mud-wrestler.
Fiorina reinvents facts. Clinton is a master stonewaller and screamer.
Fiorina would expose Clinton and Clinton would expose Fiorina. Die-hard partisans would go away no less convinced of their standard bearers' worth. But a lot of their support would melt away and hopefully clear the field for a real campaign between honest candidates.
Hardly. HRC was a senator, Secretary of State, First-Lady who pushed for healthcare for all, protected children, etc. Fiorina, on the other hand, has failed brilliantly at everything she has attempted, doing nothing for anyone, simply trying to repackage herself while lying about her disasters. Sisters under the skin? Hardly.
2
Everything Frank says about Fiorina is true of Clinton, but without the intelligence and skills. Fiorina is a politician get over it, Frank just likes liberal politicians.
2
Clinton is far from "liberal". She may be to you because you are extreme right, certainly if you claim Frank is partisan you cannot say you aren't.
2
This woman is a heartless liar by any measure. All the credentials she needs to be a GOP front-runner.
17
All Presidential candidate are shameless self supporters. Why should Ms. Fiorina be any different.
41
It's not about being a "self-supporter" (although I suspect you intended "self-promoter"), it is the clear fact she has lied. Flat out looked into the camera and lied, in her quest to become the President.
1
All postings in the NYT attack Republicans. Why should yours be any different.
------------------------
Right now, we might see comments on Afghanistan (hospital bombed) Syria (Russia is setting up an alliance). But apart from blaming Bush, who ceased to be president 7 years ago, never picked a fight with Russia and never said, "Assad must go", we are not going to see any discussion of anything that Mr. Obama might have done wrong.
There is nothing wrong with criticizing Republicans, but it has more and more come to be the case that bashing Republicans substitutes for analysis and thought.
And no, Carly is not going to get my vote. But neither am I going to spend time attacking her.
------------------------
Right now, we might see comments on Afghanistan (hospital bombed) Syria (Russia is setting up an alliance). But apart from blaming Bush, who ceased to be president 7 years ago, never picked a fight with Russia and never said, "Assad must go", we are not going to see any discussion of anything that Mr. Obama might have done wrong.
There is nothing wrong with criticizing Republicans, but it has more and more come to be the case that bashing Republicans substitutes for analysis and thought.
And no, Carly is not going to get my vote. But neither am I going to spend time attacking her.
1
Don't see any difference between her and 80% of CEOs. She is doing a good job at following the modern day blueprint for success in a traditional sense. Take credit for all successful ventures, put a positive spin on all failures and deflect all blame.
But hey, people like stars, she only filling a market need. No, I blame Americans, not her. US will be better off when people ask for a lot of good leaders as opposed to a few great ones.
But hey, people like stars, she only filling a market need. No, I blame Americans, not her. US will be better off when people ask for a lot of good leaders as opposed to a few great ones.
5
Carly Fiorina has a good speaking voice and a monster pile of chutzpah behind it. The woman has never held an elected office and didn't bother to vote in New Jersey when she lived there for 10 years. When a Republican candidate doesn't have the chops for the Presidency, when mendacity and narcissism are her calling cards, no reason to devote a whole column to her shameless self-promotion and her lack of human qualities - empathy, kindness to others, humility, good character. Giving "one heck of a speech" doesn't mean bubkes.
11
Michael Jordan was a premier basketball player. He was a terrible baseball player. Excelling at one skill does not mean you will excel at another. Success in business (whether real or self-inflated) or medicine does not mean you're qualified to be president.
7
And so the liberal war on women begins.
1
Carly is opposed to a woman's right to manage her own healthcare.. She lied ferociously and endlessly about Planned Parenthood even when the facts were in plain sight of all. A fight against Fiorina is in fact a fight for women's rights.
4
Fiorina supports all of the harmful, misogynistic policies of her GOP brethren, the war against women is all Republican.
2
Sure, Carly is shameless. But Donald is more shameless, so that is why he is in the lead.
5
Contemporary American political life seems to be competing with the Roman Empire in its search for bizarre leadership. Tiberius? Caligula? Nero? A Congress whose members are carrying knives to stab one another in the back? The most appropriate metaphor for our policial class seems to be fiddling while the place goes up in flames. Ah, political life while the Empire is Number 1.
4
With all due respect, Frank, Carly is more qualified than Hillary would ever be. As for shameless they both seem oblivious.
Ms. Clinton is still describing her paranoidal dreams of a "vast conspiracy" and singular improverishment after learning the largesse of the White House. In fact, there are reports she took some of largese with her.
Carly has her issues alright, but she has more stuff of a leader in her than the whining Hillary who wonders why Benghazi has not been forgotten or whither her errant emails. SNL would do far better with Carly bartending than Hillary did.
To pipeline or not to pipeline, that is the question....
Ms. Clinton is still describing her paranoidal dreams of a "vast conspiracy" and singular improverishment after learning the largesse of the White House. In fact, there are reports she took some of largese with her.
Carly has her issues alright, but she has more stuff of a leader in her than the whining Hillary who wonders why Benghazi has not been forgotten or whither her errant emails. SNL would do far better with Carly bartending than Hillary did.
To pipeline or not to pipeline, that is the question....
Really? What had Carly done in terms of public service? Ever? We are a country not a company.
3
Do the last 7 years as Secretary of State count toward experience?
2
Fiorina's best qualification for high office: she is a congenital liar.
6
This is a typical ad hominum attack when the preponderance of facts are not on one's side. Mr Bruni would have us believe that Mrs. Fiorina is the only candidate who is self interested. Not even Mrs. Clinton?
1
Cruella DeVille's evil twin?
5
Great article. But tactically kicking a dead horse. She's destined for one of those Fox "news" gigs. Using the mug that Donald made fun of to become a caricature of conservative woulda-coulda-shouda.
8
Is it only me, does not anyone see how much she resembles a snarling Cheny when she speaks about the way she would deal with Putin, or the nuke deal with Iran, or defense in general, or Planned Parenthood for the matter?
18
I have watched with amusement the left's flaccid attacks on Fiorina. Relying on 3rd hand quotes elucidates what a light weight piece this is. Oh boy, some people don't like Fiorina. Unqualified! Unelectable! In case you haven't seen the latest polls, the type of info you have regurgitated is not sticking. But you may have a point because I can't think of one Dem candidate who is unlikeable....
1
my issue with her is that she paid herself back first after the 2010 California Senate campaign before paying other (more in need) staff members of her team. I was once told that "Character is determined by what you do when no one is looking." This has nothing to do with other candidates being Republican or Democrat - only her (well documented, but correct me if my understanding is wrong) behavior.
179
Jerry,
If you have any qualms about Bruni's report, come visit the Silicon Valley and interview anyone on the street, including the homeless and richest Venture Capitalist, particularly talk w one of the $30,000 she fired on a whim while she didn't even bother to cut her salary by 1%.
If you have any qualms about Bruni's report, come visit the Silicon Valley and interview anyone on the street, including the homeless and richest Venture Capitalist, particularly talk w one of the $30,000 she fired on a whim while she didn't even bother to cut her salary by 1%.
13
Of course you're shooting fish in a barrel here, Frank, easy and amusing if not particularly useful.
Perhaps now you and we can move along to an analysis of the dynamic or forces by which this caliber of candidate rises to be considered the best & brightest of the GOP gene pool?
An earlier Comment asked that you spend the same week with and offer your equally astute assessment of HRC - good idea.
Perhaps now you and we can move along to an analysis of the dynamic or forces by which this caliber of candidate rises to be considered the best & brightest of the GOP gene pool?
An earlier Comment asked that you spend the same week with and offer your equally astute assessment of HRC - good idea.
1
Fiorina's pitiful self-aggrandizement by being so forceful in her lies ought to be a disqualifier for higher office. She has been, so far, unscrupulous, and leaving no room for doubts about her magnificent self-displayed attributes, and the pitiful qualities of everybody else. As to her pettiness in not paying what she owes her assistants, in spite of the millions in the Bank/investments from HP's forced retirement, defies logic and decency. Nasty behavior, worth firing her from the candidate's roster. Trumps nastiness pales in comparison.
9
Ego can be a force of ignorance.
1
Ms. Fiorina reminds me of Vice President Cheney. Remember every TV appears began with the "weapons of mass destruction"? Any lie to invade Iraq. Turned out it was a costly, disastrous and thousands of Americans and Iraqi's die. For a party and candidates like Ms. Fiorina that scream from the roof top that they embrace and legislate "right to life" they are killing a lot of people with their policies and actions.
11
why not apply the same standards to Hillary? She's clearly lied about her e-mails. There are concerns that the Clinton foundation is in reality a slush fund and that foreign leaders made contributions in return for favors. Then there's Bengahzi.
And Hillary isn't very likable, or trustworthy. She wears ridiculous pant suits. She failed as secretary of state (how's that Russian reset doing, Benghazi) while racking up zillions of miles touring the globe. She was a nonentity as a carpetbagging senator. She lost the nomination in 2008 to a political upstart when she was the front runner. And now she is being pushed around by Bernie Sanders.
And what about all those Arkansas scandals. She still hasn't explained how she did the cattle futures deal.
But the biggest issue of all -- she's simply riding Bill's coattails -- as well as the expressed desire to be the first woman president. Neither constitutes a qualification.
Didn't pass the bar in DC. Scored lower than Bush on her SAT.
The list is endless -- travelgate, her failed health care plan.
So, let's be fair Frank. Unless you are a partisan writer (is that possible?) please apply your scathing commentary and incisive journalistic standards (she's mean, she's really really mean!) to Hillary as well. Who cares about issues when you can construct a column out of nothing more than ad hominem attacks.
And Hillary isn't very likable, or trustworthy. She wears ridiculous pant suits. She failed as secretary of state (how's that Russian reset doing, Benghazi) while racking up zillions of miles touring the globe. She was a nonentity as a carpetbagging senator. She lost the nomination in 2008 to a political upstart when she was the front runner. And now she is being pushed around by Bernie Sanders.
And what about all those Arkansas scandals. She still hasn't explained how she did the cattle futures deal.
But the biggest issue of all -- she's simply riding Bill's coattails -- as well as the expressed desire to be the first woman president. Neither constitutes a qualification.
Didn't pass the bar in DC. Scored lower than Bush on her SAT.
The list is endless -- travelgate, her failed health care plan.
So, let's be fair Frank. Unless you are a partisan writer (is that possible?) please apply your scathing commentary and incisive journalistic standards (she's mean, she's really really mean!) to Hillary as well. Who cares about issues when you can construct a column out of nothing more than ad hominem attacks.
1
When are you and the rest of the Carly fans going to understand that this editorial is about Carly and not Hillary or the other candidates? None of you seem to have much to say about the content of the editorial -- all you can do is say, "Yeah, but the other guy is also bad!". That's not a very compelling argument to anyone.
2
Hillary could do herself and her campaign by going on the offensive not only against the Benghazi show trial (I mean hearings) and the Fiorina/Trump/Carson clown car. Endless targets of opportunity on all levels.
4
I hope as many people vote for Ms. Fiorina as she has voted for in her life.
10
Health histories of candidates for the highest office in the US need careful scrutiny as well.
3
Frank Bruni's lead quote ("you may call me, 'Hey, you ...") is endearing, but it sounds like yet another lie to me. That's easy to say now, but if she got the "promotion" you could expect her to have all the charm and empathy of Joseph Stalin.
Ms. Fiorina greatest skill seems to be that she is able to lie so convincingly. I saw a lot of that in executive suites during my working career.
Ms. Fiorina greatest skill seems to be that she is able to lie so convincingly. I saw a lot of that in executive suites during my working career.
11
The Donald had it right, at least on the second try. Is Fiorina's "persona" really something one wants to see in the Oval Office?
Of course, that's a rhetorical question.
Of course, that's a rhetorical question.
2
I'm looking for the candidate who holds up the guy on the bottom. (The guy/gal who for one reason or another finds themselves working for minimum wage.) I think we would all agree, one has to work to get ahead, yet the allowable wage, set by those in Washington is deplorable. Carly is in step with those in Washington holding that ungracious line and so, she's out, and so is everybody else in that party that refuses to break from the mold.
1
She and Trump are of the same ilk. I don't have a lot of love for cheap rich people, but her stiffing a widow is disgusting.
I also judge candidates/politicians by how or if they tip. I have worked as a waitress on and off since I was 15. In NYC, it was a stable second job. At any rate, when I lived in Williamsburg (Brooklyn), I saw a picture of Bloomberg shaking the hands of the owner. I asked the waitress about it, and she said, "He's cheap. He gave me a buck." And that was after he had breakfast. I had even voted for him first term, but not second term because of that and his overbuilding of the waterfront and school issues.
I also remember when I was in my 20s watching some round table discussion on the news. I believe it was Buckley who first mocked Mondale "Oh, aren't you folksy" and then when discussing tipping, he said he was rich because he didn't feel the need to tip well. (If it wasn't him, it was definitely a wealthy Republican.)
So candidates: Tip decently (if good service), and remember, waitstaff vote.
I also judge candidates/politicians by how or if they tip. I have worked as a waitress on and off since I was 15. In NYC, it was a stable second job. At any rate, when I lived in Williamsburg (Brooklyn), I saw a picture of Bloomberg shaking the hands of the owner. I asked the waitress about it, and she said, "He's cheap. He gave me a buck." And that was after he had breakfast. I had even voted for him first term, but not second term because of that and his overbuilding of the waterfront and school issues.
I also remember when I was in my 20s watching some round table discussion on the news. I believe it was Buckley who first mocked Mondale "Oh, aren't you folksy" and then when discussing tipping, he said he was rich because he didn't feel the need to tip well. (If it wasn't him, it was definitely a wealthy Republican.)
So candidates: Tip decently (if good service), and remember, waitstaff vote.
5
i admire fiorina for standing up to trump but otherwise she seems to have all the flaws of conservatives, and none of the virtues.
3
It's obvious the only purpose in this article is to destroy any conservative women that run for office. Let's face it, she has no chance of winning and yet all the attention to destroy her? let's give her the colin powell, palin treatment until she ceases to exists for worse changes parties, like they shamed Powell into doing. I guess if you have nothing fresh to write about you might as well tow your party line like some mindless loyal sports fan who's team has been eliminated on day one.
Sorry to break it to you William, but the people who shamed Collin Powell were republicans who thought he wasn't extreme enough. Just the other day he admitted he stays a republican just to troll the extremists in the party.
1
It's natural to compare Carly Fiorina and Hilary Clinton. As presidential material there is no contest. Whatever her shortcomings, Clinton surpasses Fiorina on every relevant dimension I can think of. But as campaigners, the balance is heavily in Fiorina's favour, so much so that Clinton ought to be taking lessons from her. Clinton is tying herself in knots trying to be the kind of lovable, sincere, and fun person the public seems to want her to be. Florina doesn't try to be lovable and would probably fail as badly as Clinton if she tried. Instead she does what successful female heads of state such as Meir, Thatcher, and Merkel have typically done: forget the warm fuzzies and project an image of competence and tough-mindedness. Clinton could do that with a lot more credibility than Florina, but she has to fire her image consultants.
5
"Shameless" does not begin to describe certain individuals who take credit for some delusional successes when in reality a storied company was destroyed and thousands of employees were left jobless
10
Name one presidential candidate who does not have 'an insatiable hunger for approbation and an unshakable belief in [their own] genius'.
2
Wow. So sharing a despicable quality with other candidates is the best you can come up with to defend this awful woman? That speaks volumes.
2
Here's what Hillary should say to Carly in debate if there ever is one:
"Carly, you invoke the gender card whenever you want to defend yourself or to get ahead. Just because you are a woman doesn't mean you can speak for women. You have to show what you have done to advance their cause. And what have you done? You laid off workers and shipped jobs overseas, especially low wage jobs. This affect women. You are against maternity leave; you fight to shut down Planned Parenthood. These are lifeline for working class mothers. I believe that what the voters care about, not a comment about a face job buy a self-promoted businessman. Carly! I am a woman; I worked with women; women are friends of mine; Ms. Fiorina, you represent no woman!
"Carly, you invoke the gender card whenever you want to defend yourself or to get ahead. Just because you are a woman doesn't mean you can speak for women. You have to show what you have done to advance their cause. And what have you done? You laid off workers and shipped jobs overseas, especially low wage jobs. This affect women. You are against maternity leave; you fight to shut down Planned Parenthood. These are lifeline for working class mothers. I believe that what the voters care about, not a comment about a face job buy a self-promoted businessman. Carly! I am a woman; I worked with women; women are friends of mine; Ms. Fiorina, you represent no woman!
9
The fact that many "news" organizations claimed she "won" the debate, or had a "strong showing", is pitiful. Yes, she spoke with conviction... but she also demonstrated that "conviction" by spewing LIES about Planned Parenthood. Of course, those who also hate Planned Parenthood don't care. They're convinced Planned Parenthood is "murdering babies". You can't reason with people like that.
She's not even fully truthful about her "secretary to CEO" horn tooting.
She's not even fully truthful about her "secretary to CEO" horn tooting.
17
Thanks for pointing this out. I am so weary of hearing columnists focus on impressions without much thought to the substance of a candidates' positions. If I remember correctly, Marco Rubio thinks the world is several thousand years old. We have candidates wholly unsuited for office getting rave reviews from pundits on style points. Frank Bruni, despite this useful column, is not immune, as his initial response to Ms. Fiorina shows.
3
You're calling her out for calling out McCain and Palin? If this op-ed is the best you've got against Fiorina, she's in even better shape than I thought.
Carly's a winning candidate, and the Dems rightly fear her appearing onstage with Hillary. As well they should. Clinton has enough bad baggage to fill a train of boxcars. And Fiorina is just the gal to say it, and say it beautifully.
Carly's a winning candidate, and the Dems rightly fear her appearing onstage with Hillary. As well they should. Clinton has enough bad baggage to fill a train of boxcars. And Fiorina is just the gal to say it, and say it beautifully.
3
Yes, this is pretty weak tea. And to to issue of politicians making good business executives--I'm trying to think of some. Can any of you democrats name any?
Carly will never be elected. People hate her, and rightly so.
2
Oh I don't know, I find this column the beginning of very damaging. To get the presidency as a Republican, you have to win the poor white vote these days and the white seniors. That she stiffed that woman for what's coffee table change for her AND laid off so many workers while not taking a hit financially herself makes for a narrative that will be difficult to counter. Fiorina should probably call her and give her a (couple of?) million so she keeps quiet (while Clinton should do the opposite). You can only hope that Trump uses this argument to death before a general but I can't see how he would. Fiorina is a sales woman alright, but in the end she will have to sell a product. Attacks on Clinton are necessarily complex and indirect (I haven't heard a good narrative that transcends the Fox viewership yet) and the complex feeling of "bad baggage" might well be shed during the Benghazi hearings. Cuyahoga county would not go Carly, I don't think nor would Florida against Clinton.
1
There was at least one supporter whose loan her campaign promptly repaid: Carly Fiorina.
5
I would much rather vote for a hypocrite, liar, and manipulator who may be indicted for her actions as Secretary of State and her efforts to 'manage' information while covering up her actions from FOIA and intra-government audits.
Or for Joe.
Or for Joe.
Carly is Frau Farbissina, who ran "the militant wing of the Salvation Army" in the Austin Powers movies, right down to the shouting. Put her in some khaki with a spit curl.
What is it about the Tea Party and authoritarian types. They don't even have to make sense as long as their lies can peel the paint off the podium. Creepy.
15
I'm not a fan of Carly Fiorina, but, still, I must say Frank, what a blunt article! You rode with her campaign and interviewed her, and she probably expected a more understanding piece. Bet she didn't see this coming! Must sting pretty bad.
2
Ms Fiorina's "You may call me ma'am" routine sounds remarkably -- and poorly -- scripted. I'd be willing to bet that any lowly HP employee who called her "Carly" to her face found their desk's contents waiting for them in a Hefty bag on the curb.
16
Not to mention the face that Boxer wanted a military person to call her by her correct title. I've never been in the service, but I hear that if you call a general a colonel, s/he doesn't like it one little bit.
2
If Carly wrote how-to books:
How To Get Into Stanford: Be Born To A Stanford Law Professor
How To Really Lean In: Marry Your Executive Boss
How To Win Promotions, Pack The Bottom Line & Inflate The Stock Price: Vendor Financing
How To Get Into Stanford: Be Born To A Stanford Law Professor
How To Really Lean In: Marry Your Executive Boss
How To Win Promotions, Pack The Bottom Line & Inflate The Stock Price: Vendor Financing
15
The Texas phrase "all hat and no cattle" seems to describe her quite well. And you do this without making reference to her highly consistent and deliberate lying attacks on opponents.
14
Is she really any different than any other Presidential candidate? Isn't the whole candidacy thing all about hyping up the positives and ignoring the negatives?
Funny how this writer is taking the time to analyze and write about her failings that most likely make her not suitable for the job, yet I wonder where he was and what he wrote about our currents presidents' lack of qualifications back before the Democrat party anointed him.
Funny how this writer is taking the time to analyze and write about her failings that most likely make her not suitable for the job, yet I wonder where he was and what he wrote about our currents presidents' lack of qualifications back before the Democrat party anointed him.
1
Another Bruni article that captures the real persona of a candidate and is not distracted by empty, rote learned policy such candidates spew.
12
As a woman I cannot understand why any woman would want to vote for any of the Republican candidates, let alone Carly Fiorina. She wants to overturn Roe vs Wade, The Affordable Health Care Act, does not want the minimum wage raised, and wants to defund Planned Parenthood ((where many women receive health care services). Beyond that she wants to eliminate capital gains and estate taxes, and deregulate just about everything. The same old tired song of the GOP.
She is a failed CEO who seems to be seeking absolution by becoming President of the United States. She was terrible for Hewlett-Packard, and she would be a catastrophe for this country.
Thank you for this column Frank.
She is a failed CEO who seems to be seeking absolution by becoming President of the United States. She was terrible for Hewlett-Packard, and she would be a catastrophe for this country.
Thank you for this column Frank.
35
i see carly and donald and ted and others as simply warm up acts for the featured performer: some laughs, guffaws really, but oh my gosh, what are we to think or do when the main act then comes out?
The main act, thousands of Americans will agree, is Bernie Sanders.
Stop this kind of talk. I won't be able to sleep tonight.
It mystifies me that any sentient citizen would want to spend more than a minute with this woman. Snarky, sneering, and snide are just three of the words that come to my mind whenever I hear her speak. Her self-regard is as bloated as Donald Trump's and she is a past master at the Big Lie as her brazen fabrication of a non-existent Planned Parenthood video demonstrated. What skill set does she bring to the race? Presumably the same one that drove Hewlett-Packard to near bankruptcy. We've already seen what one failed MBA can do for America, let's hire us another! More wars! More financial ruin! At least people could imagine having a beer with Dubyah. Carly? Imagine drinking a bottle of vinegar.
23
It will be very funny to watch a Trump/Fiorini vs. Clinton/Biden ticket in the general election. I can already hear the insults about no experience being thrown about already. Big Business vs. Big Government.
2
Fiorina lost to Boxer by 10 points. In deep blue California. When Fiorina was virtually unknown. Democrats have cause to be terrified.
1
California is solidly democratic, but it still has a big republican constituency. There were also other candidates like green party, peace and freedom party. You know who they will support in a presidential campaign.
1
The word for it is narcissism, and although it's not uncommon in political life, Carly's seems a particularly heartless variety--as almost anyone from her Hewlet-Packard days will testify.
15
I understand that her background is in sales, which may be why she reminds me of Leona Helmsley or a character from a David Mamet play.
15
She finally paid her creditors in January, 2015. So now we know when she decided to run for president.
12
OK so she almost ran HP into the ground. Ok so she lost to Boxer for the Senate in California in a Republican year by 10%. Those facts are irrelevant to the average Republican voter. On the other hand ,you have Carly stiffing the widow of a guy who broke his back as her campaign manager for the grand total of 30K, while paying herself back one dollar on the dollar. Now there is a woman that goes straight after the heart of todays Republican voter.
35
Thank you for writing this. I heard her speak when she was a member of the CIA Board of Visitors, and it was all about her. I didn't like her then, and I don't like her now. I have worked for some brilliant and outstanding leaders, who happened to be female, and I can say that Ms. Fiorina is not one of them. Someone in the media should ask her how she got appointed to the CIA Board of Visitors - inside of the Intelligence Community we always wondered.
12
"She thrills to her own voice." Rather, she should look in the mirror to see the shrillness and cruelty writ large.
5
Shameless is right! How can the daughter of a judge who was a US Deputy Attorney General describe herself as someone who went from Secretary to CEO? It's insulting to those of us who did start out with next too thing and worked our way up.
6
I'm sorry, but how does one's father being a judge or even US AG, have the least bit to do with going from secretarial work to CEO of a major corporation? That accusation would only sense if she had worked for her dad, or one of his colleagues, or argued court cases in front of him. I doubt a US AG had the slightest pull at Hewlett Packard.
Mr Bruni,
Your article reeks of inherent sexism. Would Trump's character be so vehemently attacked? My father's biggest complaint about Carly Fiorina is that she's an angry woman. This ingrained Madmen attitude explains the root of my angst and all my neuroses.
Your article reeks of inherent sexism. Would Trump's character be so vehemently attacked? My father's biggest complaint about Carly Fiorina is that she's an angry woman. This ingrained Madmen attitude explains the root of my angst and all my neuroses.
1
"an insatiable hunger for approbation and an unshakable belief in your genius. She and Trump share that, and of course she gives one heck of a speech. She thrills to her own voice."
Don't they all (except JEB and the speech part)? All job applicants, suitors and candidates sing the same song--
I only want what's the best thing for you
And the best thing for you would be me
I've been convinced
After thinking it through that the best thing for you would be me
The difference is some use their skills for public service; others use their public service jobs for self promotion--as in Banana Republics, revolving door democracies and brand licensing sales.
Don't they all (except JEB and the speech part)? All job applicants, suitors and candidates sing the same song--
I only want what's the best thing for you
And the best thing for you would be me
I've been convinced
After thinking it through that the best thing for you would be me
The difference is some use their skills for public service; others use their public service jobs for self promotion--as in Banana Republics, revolving door democracies and brand licensing sales.
6
One of my chickens is named Hilda. She's a Polish Crested, and she's very garrulous. She'll perch at eye-level and squawk non-stop as if she's trying to communicate. When she does this her head moves up and down, back and forth to emphasize her chicken communication.
Carly Fiorinia was on Meet the Press, and I got an epiphany. I turned the sound off and watcher her. Her head movements are exactly like Hilda the Chicken's.
Both ladies seem to be very sincere about what they're saying.
Carly Fiorinia was on Meet the Press, and I got an epiphany. I turned the sound off and watcher her. Her head movements are exactly like Hilda the Chicken's.
Both ladies seem to be very sincere about what they're saying.
10
This is not a nice person. You have to be ambitious to run for president, but style points count. Do you make a name by helping people throughout your life, or stiffing them? As Frank nicely points out, she's in the latter category. From yachts and planes and outsourcing to paying herself back first and covering her Senate campaign debts only when it was necessary because she wanted to run for president and it wouldn't look good. Nice try.
11
Brings back memories of Greek columns triumphantly announcing the arrival of The One, the Transformative President that would heal the planet, stop the oceans from rising, etc. Ah I can recall the fawning crowds in Germany as our newly elected president, former freshman Senator spoke not to all that he accomplished, but all he knew he would accomplish as he proclaimed himself a Citizen of the World. He was so successful... in communicating his plans for accomplishments... that the Nobel committee awarded him the Peace Prize before Michelle even had a chance to select the china or sketch out the vegetable garden plans. Yeah, Carly Fiorina is guilty of shameless promotion.
2
They both share the ability to always blame others for their mistakes.
Proof positive that Ms.Fiorina is rising to the stratospheric level of her own, proven, incompetence.
7
According to Murphy's law, "most people rise to their first level of incompetency". In Ms. Fiorina's case, it seems that the law needs to be revised, adding, perhaps, "some people rise to their first, second, third, etc. level of incompetency".
Josefina Alvarez
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Josefina Alvarez
Santa Fe, New Mexico
1
Donald Trump turned a few million into billions. Those who diminish what he has accomplished lack any credibility in the real world.
1
He also stiffed a good many investors.
2
A quarter billion inheritance is not a few million. Don't forget, he has filed bankruptcy four times, opened a diploma mill college, and made ridiculous claims about Obama's place of birth.
1
Like Trump, another gasconade from the GOP, it seems. Such rhotomontades are invariably hollow. They brag to hide their ignorance.
4
Fiorina is for herself only. What a mean spirited person if I ever saw one.
11
Mr. Bruni, it appears that you have decided to join Dr. Krugman and forsake any pretense of journalistic integrity to become just another hack for the Democratic party. That's a shame because other than your over interest in gay issues, I often enjoyed your writing. But I digress.
Your criticism of Ms. Fiorina's prior elective office efforts I think is misplaced. Before he became a Senator and then Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey lost 2 elections for mayor of Minneapolis and he remains a luminary of the Democratic party.
Your criticism of Ms. Fiorina's prior elective office efforts I think is misplaced. Before he became a Senator and then Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey lost 2 elections for mayor of Minneapolis and he remains a luminary of the Democratic party.
2
There is no comparison on any level between Hubert Humphrey and Carly Fiorina.
1
Donald Trump is wrong on many things, but spot-on about Carly Fiorina inducing headaches.
10
I just have two words with regard to shameless promotion, "The Clintons."
2
Carly Fiorina, the quintessential encapsulation of narcissistic personality disorder.
13
You must be referring to the our current Megalomaniac-in-chief too at least Carly has some actual experience in a career not just an ideologue community organizer who bamboozled his way into a state senator role and voted present most of the time.
Or the egotistical, pathological lying Hillary who only cares about her own power/control and money nothing more.
You progressives are such hypocrites.
Or the egotistical, pathological lying Hillary who only cares about her own power/control and money nothing more.
You progressives are such hypocrites.
She should have voted every chance she got.
Her indifference to democracy is her death knell, in my opinion.
Her indifference to democracy is her death knell, in my opinion.
10
Fiorina is Donald Trump in a skirt: Perhaps she should change her name to Donald Frump. She is a wealthy bigot of dubious accomplishment, a child of privilege, a homophobe, a misogynist, a racist and a xenophobe. There is nothing else to know or say about her.
11
If Ms Fiorina were to win the nomination, I can imagine her asking around at the convention, "Do I really have to have a running mate? Isn't that going to just distract the voters?"
7
Donald Trump may be more astute than we give him credit for. He said "Look at that face. Who would vote for that face?" or something to that effect. Even a dolt like him knows a liar when he sees one.
Frank Bruni has looked into her eyes and listened to her words and found she is as frightening as the other Republican candidates. I see Nurse Ratchit telling me to take my pills so I won't bother her.
Frank Bruni has looked into her eyes and listened to her words and found she is as frightening as the other Republican candidates. I see Nurse Ratchit telling me to take my pills so I won't bother her.
10
The kind of shameless, emotionless inhumanity and complete lack of empathy she displays perfectly mirror the "spirit" of the current GOP.
The archetype she embodies is something I've observed up close in the corporate world, and can take your breath away in it's absolute ruthlessness.
You leave meetings in a state of disbelief, muttering to yourself "did I just hear what I thought I heard?".
Ayn Rand's got nothing on Carly Fiorina.
The archetype she embodies is something I've observed up close in the corporate world, and can take your breath away in it's absolute ruthlessness.
You leave meetings in a state of disbelief, muttering to yourself "did I just hear what I thought I heard?".
Ayn Rand's got nothing on Carly Fiorina.
11
There have been many articles analyzing Fiorina's tenure at Lucent at Hewlett-Packard, and yet her popularity is on the rise. Her many supporters, even if familiar with the truth, practice the adage "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts."
10
there is only one metric necessary to judge fiorina's so-called qualifications -- how many job offers did she receive from the tech industry... or any corporate entity.. once she was booted from hp?
surely, if she was the hard-charging executive with incredible foresight and knowledge, she would have had offers galore. but she didn't, did she.
it's astonishing to watch her steamroll teevee hosts -- like she did this morning on morningbro. she makes demonstrably false claims that are just ignored. amazing.
surely, if she was the hard-charging executive with incredible foresight and knowledge, she would have had offers galore. but she didn't, did she.
it's astonishing to watch her steamroll teevee hosts -- like she did this morning on morningbro. she makes demonstrably false claims that are just ignored. amazing.
5
Seriously? This is the article you write? You want unshakeable belief in your own genius? Thrilling to the sound of their own voices? Try writing about Hillary. Obama. Their failures. Or just read your own op-ed. I mean, nothing speaks to the bankruptcy of this paper's opinion pages than this article. Oh, and as for those who believe her business failures are her fault alone, try building an industry, as Lucent was doing at the time. Try taking over a company that was already struggling, had lost its innovative mojo, as HP had done. None of those jobs was a small one. I'm reminded of Teddy Roosevelt's dictum about being in the arena when I read many of the comments here. Or I suppose we could just write op-eds for the NYTimes. You know, since there appears to be no standard.
3
I pride myself on possessing very sensitive antennae for low quality, shamelessness, and deceit -- comes in handy when practicing law.
From the very first moment I laid eyes on Carly, my antennae went off -- she's a huckster and cynical sociopath. And I also add never trust a woman who has clawed her way up to the top from being a secretary??? to head of a company and then failed and tumbling back down. She's not even that bright -- coming from a woman (myself) who put herself through a top-rated law school in my forties.
Nothing terrible about being a secretary -- but seriously run for President? As poorly as you might think about Hillary -- at least she has creds and is a very bright woman.
From the very first moment I laid eyes on Carly, my antennae went off -- she's a huckster and cynical sociopath. And I also add never trust a woman who has clawed her way up to the top from being a secretary??? to head of a company and then failed and tumbling back down. She's not even that bright -- coming from a woman (myself) who put herself through a top-rated law school in my forties.
Nothing terrible about being a secretary -- but seriously run for President? As poorly as you might think about Hillary -- at least she has creds and is a very bright woman.
11
Yes, she was a secretary. But her's is no rags to riches story by any means. She was a child of great privilege and she had meaningful advantages in getting a leg up. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that. But she's spun her tale in a dishonest manner as if she grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Yet another lie.
The Washington Post gave her 3 Pinocchios if you care to read more.
The Washington Post gave her 3 Pinocchios if you care to read more.
4
A column bereft of substance, but filled with ad hominem attacks on Fiorina.
Does the Times pay op-ed writers by the slur now, at least during political season?
You may not like Carly Fiorina (obviously, you must be a sexist if you don't) -- but why not challenge her on the issues instead of finding a few people who bear her ill will.
And who cares she lost the campaign for senate in 2010? Remember folks, she was a Republican running in ultra liberal California against a democratic incumbent. And if losing an election disqualifies one, remember Bill Clinton lost in Arkansas and Obama pummeled Hillary in 2008. And?
Don't most politicians see themselves as special (see Clinton, W., and Clinton, H. Obama, B.)? It requires a certain amount of fear and arrogance (thanks Crash Davis) to play politics. You have to believe in yourself or who else will?
And I do think that running a major corporation is probably better preparation for the highest office in the land than being a community organizer.
But ultimately, the voters will decide. You're singing to your own little choir here who wouldn't vote for any Republican for the most part, so this was kind of a waste of column inches and bandwidth. But, it is in keeping with the great Times tradition of slandering at least one Republican candidate a day.
Does the Times pay op-ed writers by the slur now, at least during political season?
You may not like Carly Fiorina (obviously, you must be a sexist if you don't) -- but why not challenge her on the issues instead of finding a few people who bear her ill will.
And who cares she lost the campaign for senate in 2010? Remember folks, she was a Republican running in ultra liberal California against a democratic incumbent. And if losing an election disqualifies one, remember Bill Clinton lost in Arkansas and Obama pummeled Hillary in 2008. And?
Don't most politicians see themselves as special (see Clinton, W., and Clinton, H. Obama, B.)? It requires a certain amount of fear and arrogance (thanks Crash Davis) to play politics. You have to believe in yourself or who else will?
And I do think that running a major corporation is probably better preparation for the highest office in the land than being a community organizer.
But ultimately, the voters will decide. You're singing to your own little choir here who wouldn't vote for any Republican for the most part, so this was kind of a waste of column inches and bandwidth. But, it is in keeping with the great Times tradition of slandering at least one Republican candidate a day.
2
Carly is shameless, but Hillary's campaign to look personable, funny, human and ethical is sincere? The campaign just emphasizes that Hillary is none of those.
2
You just get an inkling of her unappealing narcissism, almost as grandiose as Trump, and an insatiable drive, ambition, and blinding aim to get to the top of whatever she sets her sights on. She would walk on, trample, and ignore any person whose needs were not subservient to Carly's.
She is gross and treats people grossly.
She is gross and treats people grossly.
9
How great would it be for Trump and Fiorina as Potus and Veep? In between costume changes on Dancing with the Stars and eating snake eggs on Survivor, we can enjoy endless commercials for Botox and hair transplant treatments, LOSERS. But really, we are the losers.
9
Good column Frank Bruni. Good points.
I feel let down, that you didn't call Carly Fiorina out on her gigantic lie during the debate regarding horrid scenes in a manipulated video that did not ever show the horrid scene.
Why are so many in the press not calling her out on what has been determined to be a hideous lie by 3 or 3 fact check organizations, such as factcheck.org, and several individual journalists.
Fiorina was head of HP, the stock went down 50% according to Joe Nocera. And she doesn't seem to understand the power of the internet, if she thought she could insult so many with such a big lie, and not get called out.
I wouldn't trust this woman to run a hot dog stand.
I feel let down, that you didn't call Carly Fiorina out on her gigantic lie during the debate regarding horrid scenes in a manipulated video that did not ever show the horrid scene.
Why are so many in the press not calling her out on what has been determined to be a hideous lie by 3 or 3 fact check organizations, such as factcheck.org, and several individual journalists.
Fiorina was head of HP, the stock went down 50% according to Joe Nocera. And she doesn't seem to understand the power of the internet, if she thought she could insult so many with such a big lie, and not get called out.
I wouldn't trust this woman to run a hot dog stand.
18
I think you mean the "power of the truth".
1
Carly is the talking head of shameless corporatism and banksterism. She claims "success" because she got to be CEO and drive Lucent bankrupt, and bring HP to what it is today: a humbled increasingly irrelevant computer business. In the process she hurt 100's of thousands of people: those whose jobs she destroyed, those whose investments and faith in her companies she destroyed.
Find me a stockholder in either of these companies who intends to vote for Carly. Find me anyone who worked for either of these companies ditto.
Only in America do compulsive liars and gamblers like Carly get to walk away laughing with their money, and run for President.
Find me a stockholder in either of these companies who intends to vote for Carly. Find me anyone who worked for either of these companies ditto.
Only in America do compulsive liars and gamblers like Carly get to walk away laughing with their money, and run for President.
13
In upbraiding an Army officer for calling her “Ma’am” rather than “Senator,” Sen. Barbara Boxer displayed her ignorance about military culture. Soldiers answer all superior officers and all civilians, regardless of their station in life, by saying "yes sir" or 'yes ma'am." In answering President Obama, they would say "yes sir." If Hillary Clinton or Carly Fiorina became president, they would answer 'yes ma'am." The military is a little old fashioned when it comes to curtesy.
1
Carly must be doing something right, to merit such a vague, but personalized hit piece by Bruni. Maybe his next column will be about how nice Hillary is to her subordinates....
4
Someone quoted as saying they would rather go to Iraq than work for Fiorina again sounds pretty specific. Same with the widow whose husband never got paid.
1
Compared to Hillary Clinton, Fiorina is a paragon of ethics and accomplishment. Clinton gives me the shudders....the lying, the deviousness, all the baggage of the Clinton Foundation and its self-enrichment of Bubba and Hillary. No thank you!
5
Carly Fiorina seems to be running a PowerPoint campaign for president--which shouldn't be surprising, given her background in marketing. Her rationale for why she should be president is one big bullet point: "Americans are sick of politicians." And her explanation for why she was fired at H-P is equally pithy: "When you shake up the status quo, you're bound to make enemies." But as is true of some marketing presentations, the claims don't really hold up.
Americans aren't sick of politicians. They're sick of politicians whose ideologies prevent them from performing basic functions of governance. And, judging from her actual performance at HP, her definition of "shaking up the status quo" seems to be "running the company into the ground."
Americans aren't sick of politicians. They're sick of politicians whose ideologies prevent them from performing basic functions of governance. And, judging from her actual performance at HP, her definition of "shaking up the status quo" seems to be "running the company into the ground."
29
Is it Carly Fiorina`s shameless promotion or a ruthless one ?
Is that how people ascend up ?
Multimillionaire as a severance pay only because Ms. Fiorina failed drastically in two of her job performances .
A heartless woman failed to pay a peanut amount to the widow of a loyal worker, but hey this is America .
Time for the delusional supporters to read the book "What's the Matter with Kansas?" by Thomas Frank.
Is that how people ascend up ?
Multimillionaire as a severance pay only because Ms. Fiorina failed drastically in two of her job performances .
A heartless woman failed to pay a peanut amount to the widow of a loyal worker, but hey this is America .
Time for the delusional supporters to read the book "What's the Matter with Kansas?" by Thomas Frank.
27
I believe that Carly Fiorina is really running for vice president. If Hillary Clinton gets nominated by the Democrats, the Republicans may be looking for a woman vice presidential candidate to attract the women's votes.,In spite of Fiorina's flaws she may still attract female votes.
Frank, don't count her out just because of her negatives...
===========================================
Frank, don't count her out just because of her negatives...
===========================================
10
@Harry Pearle: If Fiorina is chosen to run for Veep, it will be so she can serve as a female attack dog against Hillary.
4
Think about the Trump/Fiorina ticket. He bankrupted two companies, she bankrupted one and nearly bankrupted the second.
Wouldn't the kiss & make-up between the two of them be funny? I'd buy popcorn to watch Carly do that one. How much does she want it?
Wouldn't the kiss & make-up between the two of them be funny? I'd buy popcorn to watch Carly do that one. How much does she want it?
2
Indeed, all candidates have negatives, so one shouldn't count any of them out. However, Ms. Fiorina's rationale for presenting herself as a candidate was to be the candidate who could best "take on" Sec. Clinton. As it turns out, her own negatives cancel out those she might have tried to exploit in Sec. Clinton's resume.
1
The woman is toxic. She's poisoned every company that she's touched, ie. Lucent, Hewlett Packard.
50
George W. Bush bankrupted every company he touched and it didn't stop him from becoming President. Carly just needs a brother like Jeb who can disenfranchise a couple of hundred thousand voters.
1
Shameless political hack piece Mr. Bruni. You don't seem to place HRC's past performance in the same light, but that's no surprise given your politics. And HRC is not exactly void of shameless campaign behavior, let alone general shameless behavior in her own "jobs." But hey, its opinion, I guess, shameless as it is. And name any Republican who's won a Senate seat in California in the past 20 years, let alone on a first try. It's the bluest of blue states. Your fear of Fiorina is showing, Mr. Bruni.
8
Thank you Lady Macbeth's campaign...I know many people who used to work for HP....they are not political hacks....to a person they all confirm what Bruni says in this piece. This is not HP.. this is running for the Presidency and she won't be able to just explain away her attitude, her actions and her demeanor...it is very obvious...her Planned Parenthood rant is a classic... she did the same at HP to get the Board's attention....that grew old real fast. She has all the answers and does not have to listen....oh where are you Linda Macmahon and the WWE.
17
Your reply is totally factually incorrect. While I like and admire Frank Bruni, the times that I disagree with him is when he's going on about Hillary Clinton - he's pretty relentless in his criticisms of her so you're trying to prove your point but your attempt is entirely without merit. As to California being "the bluest of the blue states" I guess you forgot that it's the place that gave us both Nixon AND Reagan AND Schwazzeneger AND this McCarthy nut who wants to be the new speaker so some fact checking on your side would do some good, friend.
18
If that's fear, I'll take fear over delusion any day.
3
What does it say about someone's character when she neglects to participate in the Democratic process by voting in elections yet seeks to run for the highest office in the land? Undaunted by her humiliating loss in California, she proceeds to set her sights on even bigger & increasing limelight in which she is not only the leading lady but also the pioneer. I would say this type of delusional behavior coupled with her compulsive lying & shallow relationships exemplified in not paying back her loans even to a struggling elderly widow qualifies her to be committed to a mental hospital rather than lead the country. She ticks off every box on the DSM Narcissistic Personality Disorder category including: Blaming other people for her own failures & lack of accountability, inability to empathize with others, belief that she's always right in spite of the facts, need to put down others in order to build up her own ego, always spinning lies about events that make herself look good, pursues power at any cost including using, controlling & manipulating others in order to achieve her selfish goals, feelings of grandiosity & exaggerated language, lack of empathy for others while exploiting their weaknesses for personal gain, values extreme competition over cooperation & conciliation, deficit of long lasting loyal friendships, exaggerates achievements & talents expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements, etc. In effect, she's a basket case.
76
As a former HP employee (not laid off by Carly) this is totally correct.
1
"She gives one heck of a speech." But if you listen to the content of that speech, you will find someone who is militaristic, seeking to spend more on the defense budget, lies about Planned Parenthood and overall, demonstrating how angry she is as a person.
45
You mean she is a mainstream member of the GOP? Talking about increasing money for defense and de-funding PP are both common GOP talking points.
1
Clinton and Fiorina's net worth are about the same. Carly started as a low level worker and worked her way to the top of a major corporation. She's in the 0.001 percenter to achieve so much on her own.
Hillary's money was made in politics. Even her cattle future play was only possible because she received insider information that allowed her to make a ton of money. And more recently she and Bill used her position/power as Secretary of State and potential President to make millions upon millions.
People here are defending Hillary and attacking Fiorina... Quite amazing. Making millions in business versus making millions selling power and influence.
Hillary's money was made in politics. Even her cattle future play was only possible because she received insider information that allowed her to make a ton of money. And more recently she and Bill used her position/power as Secretary of State and potential President to make millions upon millions.
People here are defending Hillary and attacking Fiorina... Quite amazing. Making millions in business versus making millions selling power and influence.
5
This story wasn't about Clinton, so I'll ignore those comments. To me, the issue with Fiorini is that she made millions in business while FAILING at her job and firing tens of thousand of middle class workers. Then the's has the gall to trumpet her "success" while running for president. That's why she's not electable, in my humble opinion.
13
She has a BA from Stanford, and an MBA from another college, the name is escaping me. She's from a connected, well-to-do family. Apparently you are buying into her narrative, thus making Mr. Bruni's point for him. Her self-serving version of the truth is not exactly the "truth"
6
I'm not sure a multi-million dollar golden parachute when you're being kicked out the door (after mass layoffs and outsourcing jobs) is exactly the kind of "self made woman" voters will respond kindly to. As for her "low level worker" story - it's true, in as much as anyone who ever held an entry level job and then rose to a higher level in their career is true. She makes much of her "humble roots," but it's as much an embellished story as the rest of her bio is. Why, I was once a lowly salmon gut puller in Alaska and now look at me...
Mr. Bruni,
Thank you , Thank you , Thank you, for portraying Farina for what she is , no more than a snake oil peddler.Her attack on Planed Parenthood using a doctored up video, if she didn't know it wasn't credible, then she isn't capable of discerning fact from fiction, which should eliminate her from ever becoming, a candidate for President.In a way I'm sorry, because I would have loved a Ticket of Farina for President & Chafetz for V-P.
Thank you , Thank you , Thank you, for portraying Farina for what she is , no more than a snake oil peddler.Her attack on Planed Parenthood using a doctored up video, if she didn't know it wasn't credible, then she isn't capable of discerning fact from fiction, which should eliminate her from ever becoming, a candidate for President.In a way I'm sorry, because I would have loved a Ticket of Farina for President & Chafetz for V-P.
80
Forina is like so many men and women. They present a favorable first impression, Despite what "The Donald" says she is an attractive middle-aged woman. She speaks well. Beyond that she is a hollow shell. To quote the words of that esteemed statesman from South Carolina, Joe Wilson, "She lies."
Why isn't she called more on this. In this world of fast sound bites much of the public no longer reads. It's up to the media to point out her "inconsistencies." They are not. Fifteen years ago they didn't scrutinize "a good old boy" from Texas, and look where that go us.
Why isn't she called more on this. In this world of fast sound bites much of the public no longer reads. It's up to the media to point out her "inconsistencies." They are not. Fifteen years ago they didn't scrutinize "a good old boy" from Texas, and look where that go us.
167
Fifteen years ago I heard a TV pundit ask another TV pundit whether it was possible that Bush would get elected because the media gave his lies the same weight they gave Gore's truth.
Our vaunted 4th Estate is missing in action.
Our vaunted 4th Estate is missing in action.
1
I do believe that the Donald hit the nail on the head when he commented on Fiorina's face, or persona. Say what you will about the Donald, he can be pretty perceptive, and saw very quickly that his comment (which was not an accident) would resonate with others.
I cannot look at Fiorina without thinking how much I agree with the Donald. The face in isolation is nice-looking. It is the persona that is ugly.
I cannot look at Fiorina without thinking how much I agree with the Donald. The face in isolation is nice-looking. It is the persona that is ugly.
1
Business acumen? Let's hope that that when President Fiorina suggests the US merge with Brazil, both countries will have the sense to say no.
45
I love women. I've worked for women. I've worked with women. Heck, I even married one. I've got no problem with a woman president. But why can't we get a decent candidate (are you listening, Elizabeth?). Instead we get nutty Sarah, crazy Michelle, scary Carly and I-didn't-do-it-and-if-I-did-the-rules-don't-apply Hillary.
60
She won't be president... but she will be a very powerful and effective cabinet member for the next Presidential administration.
2
Based on what? On a grand scale, what has she run successfully? HP? Ran that corporation into the ground. Senator? Ran a losing race. Her mouth? Well, there you have me. She is great at running her mouth and letting falsehoods and half-truths run amok.
1
Yes, like selecting knobs for the cherry paneled cabinet doors.
1
Just exactly which cabinet position are you suggesting she hold? As far as I know there isn't a Secretary of Destroying Companies.
1
To me the most remarkable thing is not her ability to lie about something so forcefully on national television, as we saw in the debates with her lies about Planned Parenthood, it was her response when she was asked about those videos by reporters the week after the debates.
She was repeatedly told by said reporters that they had examined the videos she described, but that the videos didn't depict what she described. She just doubled down on the lies and said yes they did.
But, this is the new Republican normal:
There is no climate change
The 2008 crisis was caused by Fannie and Freddie
W kept us safe, conveniently pretending W's term began on 9/12
There's nothing we can do about gun violence
The 47% are moochers
Iraq was fine when W left office in 2008
Saddam Hussein had something to do with 9/11
Raising the minimum wage would do nothing for the lower class
Cutting taxes for the 1% will stimulate the economy
Raising taxes on the 1% will ruin our economy
Government can't, and shouldn't, provide services for citizens
Benghazi needs an investigation longer than Watergate, 9/11, Pearl Harbor
Obamacare has been a disaster
Single payer doesn't work in Canada, France, Germany.
We don't want to be like Canada, France, Germany when is comes to health
Social Security can't be fixed
Medicare should be phased out and turned into a voucher system
There is massive voter fraud, which is why new voter laws are needed
Actually, Carly is the perfect Republican candidate.
She was repeatedly told by said reporters that they had examined the videos she described, but that the videos didn't depict what she described. She just doubled down on the lies and said yes they did.
But, this is the new Republican normal:
There is no climate change
The 2008 crisis was caused by Fannie and Freddie
W kept us safe, conveniently pretending W's term began on 9/12
There's nothing we can do about gun violence
The 47% are moochers
Iraq was fine when W left office in 2008
Saddam Hussein had something to do with 9/11
Raising the minimum wage would do nothing for the lower class
Cutting taxes for the 1% will stimulate the economy
Raising taxes on the 1% will ruin our economy
Government can't, and shouldn't, provide services for citizens
Benghazi needs an investigation longer than Watergate, 9/11, Pearl Harbor
Obamacare has been a disaster
Single payer doesn't work in Canada, France, Germany.
We don't want to be like Canada, France, Germany when is comes to health
Social Security can't be fixed
Medicare should be phased out and turned into a voucher system
There is massive voter fraud, which is why new voter laws are needed
Actually, Carly is the perfect Republican candidate.
437
I like the list !
3
Thanks for that list, she's even worse than first imagined when she ran for the senate.
1
Outstanding itemization, with the perfect touch of sarcasm and irony. Thank you!
1
The most shameless thing about Carly is the way she "sells" total fabrications as facts and that some in America are actually "buying" that bull.
96
The US is in a sorry state when so many are snowed by Trump and they plus many others actually believe Carly Fiorina's lies.
What happened to the Pinochio awards that news media handed out to such brazen liars?
What happened to the Pinochio awards that news media handed out to such brazen liars?
14
I really don't understand how Carly was considered the "winner" of the Republican debate. I was offended by her demeanor and behavior, thinking she is the worst example of a woman in a leadership role, or anyone in a leadership role for that matter. Being cutting and caustic, and declaring radical ideas about what she would immediately do if elected, left me mildly alarmed that a person like this could conceivably be elected as President. I'm not sure what her qualities are, for I feel nothing but complete dislike for this person. As a woman myself, I am put off by what I call " power scarf" type women, that is, women who seem to overcompensate by being very authoritative and haughty " CEO types" who feel they need to project strength over compassion. There are plenty more great women out there that could become President and do an admirable job, but Fiorina just isn't my cup of tea.
686
You run into them everywhere. They are the woman in a group of other women who dictate to all others what they may and may not do that has no bearing on actual accomplishment of a goal. They can be particularly mean to any woman who is shorter or weighs less than they do.
Carly is one of the crew. She will shout you down regardless of whether she is correct or not.
Carly is one of the crew. She will shout you down regardless of whether she is correct or not.
8
Fully agree with you....quite discouraging to see how the media believe that she won both debates......perhaps the call to Bibi justifies the votes....do not forget, that one third of respondents did not see the debates...in other words, they just repeat what they heard......
5
I've decided that the Republican definition of "winner" is "most appalling". They are an Orwellian bunch, after all!
The author curiously didn't include this quote from that Washington Post article:
"Many campaigns end up in debt, including that of Hillary Rodham Clinton, who did not close out the $20 million she owed from her 2008 presidential campaign until January 2013."
Fiorina was the CEO of very large public company so she was criminally liable for making sure she told the truth during earnings calls. We know that the best CEOs focus on long-term growth versus short term profit. Many of the board members have already come out saying that her firing was a mistake.
To assess this statement: "the corporate world qualified her for governing, but government experience didn’t qualify others for the corporate world. What self-flattering, self-serving arithmetic."
If you've studied the LSAT (like Fiorina, Clinton, many politicians, and hopefully some NYTimes readers) you'll know that this is a confusion of necessary vs. sufficient statements. A CEO of a large public company can be qualified to run for office, but the converse is not necessarily true.
"Many campaigns end up in debt, including that of Hillary Rodham Clinton, who did not close out the $20 million she owed from her 2008 presidential campaign until January 2013."
Fiorina was the CEO of very large public company so she was criminally liable for making sure she told the truth during earnings calls. We know that the best CEOs focus on long-term growth versus short term profit. Many of the board members have already come out saying that her firing was a mistake.
To assess this statement: "the corporate world qualified her for governing, but government experience didn’t qualify others for the corporate world. What self-flattering, self-serving arithmetic."
If you've studied the LSAT (like Fiorina, Clinton, many politicians, and hopefully some NYTimes readers) you'll know that this is a confusion of necessary vs. sufficient statements. A CEO of a large public company can be qualified to run for office, but the converse is not necessarily true.
3
Uh, I think these sentences from the op ed address your first point:
"That she stiffed several vendors until January 2015 wasn’t really the damning part: That’s sadly common in politics.
But The Post reported that one of the people stiffed was the widow of the pollster Joe Shumate, who dropped dead of a heart attack, “surrounded by sheets of polling data” for Fiorina, shortly before Election Day in 2010. "
"That she stiffed several vendors until January 2015 wasn’t really the damning part: That’s sadly common in politics.
But The Post reported that one of the people stiffed was the widow of the pollster Joe Shumate, who dropped dead of a heart attack, “surrounded by sheets of polling data” for Fiorina, shortly before Election Day in 2010. "
6
Just as you accuse Mr. Bruni of a lamentably common error of propositional logic, you are on the hook for slipshod (or slippery) predicate reasoning. Yes, a "CEO of a large public company can be qualified to run for office" -- i.e., _some_ such CEOs are qualified to run for office. Not all. You have the wrong quantifier, and your logic is thus fatally flawed.
Not incidentally, based on her record, Carly Fiorina falls in the category of CEOs who are not qualified to run for office -- more accurately, of CEOs who would be hellaciously abominable presidents. Nice to have two of them atop the GOP's horse race, isn't it?
Not incidentally, based on her record, Carly Fiorina falls in the category of CEOs who are not qualified to run for office -- more accurately, of CEOs who would be hellaciously abominable presidents. Nice to have two of them atop the GOP's horse race, isn't it?
1
Unlike crafty Carly, Hillary made it her business to pay off every cent of her bills after the 2008 election. It took her years to get it done, but she did. How you can compare the two regarding election debts makes you as dishonorable as Fiorina.
Yes, Fiorina's shameless, because there is no downside to that in US politics today. Even the Supreme Court is (mostly) shameless. She's no worse, though, than her competitors for the Republican nomination: what a stalwart crew. Carson, Rubio (with his fantasy budget), Trump, Jindal - all are bringing shallowness to new depths.
100
Right, Terence. These Republicans, like the Republican media that serves them, gives the American right-wing moronocracy just the bigoted, selfish, mindless shallowness it craves.
1
It amazes me that some people get so enthused about the numbers she throws around. Particularly about the need for more military. Just where does she think all that money will come from? I hope it is from a tax surcharge. If she or any other Republicans want to expand the military or get more involved again, in the ME, they better be prepared to pay as they go. Not pile more debt raising the top line and bottom line of defense contractors. She also needs to figure out where more recruits will come from. I doubt the Guard or reserves will have much enthusiasm for more prolonged deployments. The media (in particular the debate panel) never seems to ask "where will the money come from" when candidates start their pandering for some costly activity. But Florin seems to be the worst of the bunch when it comes to specific agendas with big price tags.
46
"If she or any other Republicans want to expand the military or get more involved again, in the ME, they better be prepared to pay as they go. "
Well, no, Mike, they'll just do what GWB did - keep the military/war expenses "off the books" so they don't come out on the bottom line, or anywhere else , for that matter. THEN they can pass the mess on to the next POTUS and blame him/her for bloating the deficit by acknowledging the expenses!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!! That's GOP governance for ya!
Well, no, Mike, they'll just do what GWB did - keep the military/war expenses "off the books" so they don't come out on the bottom line, or anywhere else , for that matter. THEN they can pass the mess on to the next POTUS and blame him/her for bloating the deficit by acknowledging the expenses!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy!! That's GOP governance for ya!
1
Would anyone be discussing Carly's "shamelessness" if she were a man? Shamelessness seems to be a requirement for male Republican candidates. Just ask Donald. We may allow a woman to run for office but, by golly, she'd better be modest, demure, collaborative, soft-spoken, and every other characteristic ascribed to good little girls.
7
Both Carly and Donald...and Ted Cruz for that matter are "shameless" .... gender not the issue....Hillary gives forceful speeches too, but at least her policy ideas are not based on shameless lies.
109
Yes, they would. Trump's shamelessness is the grist for countless news stories. How have you missed that?
40
Carissa: I would say that you are suffering from selective perception. Actually paying attention to the realities of what's going on in American politics these days could do you a world of good. It's the context of Fiorina's shamelessness, not the mere fact of her shamelessness, that is Mr. Bruni's point.
3
Where did anyone get the idea that a CEO is presidential material? There is a difference between public service and self service. And she was a lousy CEO anyway.
118
rscan.... I agree completely. Most CEOs are allowed to run their own duchy. They are totally unsuited to dealing with legislatures and courts. They whine about regulations, yet as an elected official would be responsible for proposing and enacting legislation in the form of laws and regulations. The minute these " outsiders" were to take the oath of office, they would become part of the establishment, CEO or doctor title notwithstanding. This article about Fiorina hits the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned... I'll boil it down even further, to make it simple for most people: would you want YOUR boss to be POTUS?
1
There is an interesting quote from the Washington Post story you mentioned from Jon Cross, Fiorina’s operations director for her Senate campaign: “If we didn’t win, why do you deserve to get paid? If you don’t succeed in business, you shouldn’t be the first one to step up and complain about getting paid.”
That's an interesting standard to use. We don't win and you don't get paid. That standard didn't apply to Fiorina. Fiorina didn't exactly succeed in business. But she got paid in the millions to get out of HP so that she won't run it further into the ground.
Yet here she is bringing her "expertise" to "run" the country. Only in America.
That's an interesting standard to use. We don't win and you don't get paid. That standard didn't apply to Fiorina. Fiorina didn't exactly succeed in business. But she got paid in the millions to get out of HP so that she won't run it further into the ground.
Yet here she is bringing her "expertise" to "run" the country. Only in America.
118
And recall that Fiorina paid herself back $1.3 million just before the election, stiffing the others. As the candidate, shouldn't she share the most responsibility for losing?
1
Striving for success in the corporate world and climbing the ladder in politics are not the same. Different talents are required and many times they don't transfer.
Running a business and administering a government are quite different. Government is not a business and businesses exist for profit not the common good.
A strong CEO with a compliant Board can rule by decree. A politician must build coalitions and compromise. Business leaders are hired, promoted, and perhaps fired based on financials. Politicians are elected.
The current Conservative fascination with "outsiders" does not change any of the above. The ego required to rise in the corporate world will conflict with the need to compromise with all the politicians that learned how to rise in the political arena.
Running a business and administering a government are quite different. Government is not a business and businesses exist for profit not the common good.
A strong CEO with a compliant Board can rule by decree. A politician must build coalitions and compromise. Business leaders are hired, promoted, and perhaps fired based on financials. Politicians are elected.
The current Conservative fascination with "outsiders" does not change any of the above. The ego required to rise in the corporate world will conflict with the need to compromise with all the politicians that learned how to rise in the political arena.
36
A very important point, and well-said. Thanks, Mike.
2
Dear Mike,
I strongly agree with you on this. Another statement worth commenting on is the oft mentioned one that "government should be run like a business". Business has a well defined objective, which is to make money within the confines of law and ethics. The objective of government is being still debated after several thousand years of political thought and experimentation. Whatever the proper function of government is or should be, it is not money. making.
I strongly agree with you on this. Another statement worth commenting on is the oft mentioned one that "government should be run like a business". Business has a well defined objective, which is to make money within the confines of law and ethics. The objective of government is being still debated after several thousand years of political thought and experimentation. Whatever the proper function of government is or should be, it is not money. making.
2
The headline could have been truncated to "Carly Fiorina, Shameless"
26
The fact that many people at the top of the economic food chain believe they possess a "right" to fail ever upward, is perhaps the most insidious threat our civilization's long term economic, social and ecological viability.
94
It is becoming very apparent based on this year's GOP frontrunners that the only qualification to be a GOP presidential candidate is to be both rich and angry.
1
One commenter, R. Law, talks about these blowhards desiring to serve. It might be more accurate if it was called a desire to Rule.
42
How many tens of millions did she walk away with from HP ... and she won't pay up. I said it before she's the wicked witch of the west. She has all the same mannerisms of Elvira Gulch, along with the irritating condescending voice. Carly " let them eat cake " Fiorina.
47
Those of us who have worked in large corporations are all too familiar with Fiorina's type.
She and others of her ilk are good at one thing: talking their way into jobs they can't perform. Sometimes they are found out quickly by their superiors, before they have much of a chance to do a lot of damage. Other times, however, they managed to talk their way through the corporation for years, fooling naive or oblivious superiors or boards. They are able to hide their incompetence for long periods or have it shored up by skilled, but miserable subordinates. When they are finally discovered and forced to depart, they leave behind a huge mess in their wake, much as Fiorina nearly destroyed Hewlett Packard and ruined the lives of 30,000 workers.
What is more alarming is that these folks are not humbled or deterred when their weaknesses are uncovered. No, instead, they re-surface like cockroaches, to take yet another highly paid job at another company and begin the process again. Meanwhile, workers suffer under their reign.
America is not a training ground or redemption center for failed executives. Voters need to see Fiorina for what she is and understand what a bad President she will make.
She and others of her ilk are good at one thing: talking their way into jobs they can't perform. Sometimes they are found out quickly by their superiors, before they have much of a chance to do a lot of damage. Other times, however, they managed to talk their way through the corporation for years, fooling naive or oblivious superiors or boards. They are able to hide their incompetence for long periods or have it shored up by skilled, but miserable subordinates. When they are finally discovered and forced to depart, they leave behind a huge mess in their wake, much as Fiorina nearly destroyed Hewlett Packard and ruined the lives of 30,000 workers.
What is more alarming is that these folks are not humbled or deterred when their weaknesses are uncovered. No, instead, they re-surface like cockroaches, to take yet another highly paid job at another company and begin the process again. Meanwhile, workers suffer under their reign.
America is not a training ground or redemption center for failed executives. Voters need to see Fiorina for what she is and understand what a bad President she will make.
129
If doubling down on lies didn't pay in the US, it would not be so commonplace.
2
See "The Peter Principle", which says that management employees get promoted to their level of incompetence. Perhaps Ms. Fiorina got promoted several steps beyond that...
1
If my experiences in corporate America over the past 40 years are anything to go by, I would be surprised if Ms. Fiorina were not a graduate of that petty and useless corporate conceit known as "human resources," where individuals are referred to as "assets" and "liabilities," not human beings.
1
Now that silly season is failing to expire and the Three Outsiders are leading in the polls, I keep wondering how far I would get if I were to knock on H-P's door and declare myself a candidate for their top job, although I have zero experience in their line of work. Or the looks I would get at Johns Hopkins, declaring myself ready and willing to be selected as a neurosurgeon, or from bankers in New York when I calmly ask for big bucks to build a skyscraper.
Couple that little bit of head-spinning table-turning with the reckoning that we are still a year out from the election, but it's been a non-stop campaign for months because the drawn out primary system subjects all of us to hanging breathlessly on the fortunes of multiple candidates in an Iowa and a New Hampshire, two of the least demographically and economically representative of our fifty states.
Because these self-seeking drummers have to dance to the tune of IA and NH, we are back to Guns, God, and Gays again, and now add in Greed. The most disheartening thing is the sheer unpleasantness of the so-called front runners. Carson thinks his right to own a gun trumps my right not to be shot in the head by a gun owner, Carly accuses Democrats of tearing babies limb from limb, the Donald can't open his mouth without first denigrating someone as a loser, lightweight or stupid before boasting about his Superman billionaire self.
I thought Sarah Palin was all the bitter pill the GOP needed to shape up. I guess not.
Couple that little bit of head-spinning table-turning with the reckoning that we are still a year out from the election, but it's been a non-stop campaign for months because the drawn out primary system subjects all of us to hanging breathlessly on the fortunes of multiple candidates in an Iowa and a New Hampshire, two of the least demographically and economically representative of our fifty states.
Because these self-seeking drummers have to dance to the tune of IA and NH, we are back to Guns, God, and Gays again, and now add in Greed. The most disheartening thing is the sheer unpleasantness of the so-called front runners. Carson thinks his right to own a gun trumps my right not to be shot in the head by a gun owner, Carly accuses Democrats of tearing babies limb from limb, the Donald can't open his mouth without first denigrating someone as a loser, lightweight or stupid before boasting about his Superman billionaire self.
I thought Sarah Palin was all the bitter pill the GOP needed to shape up. I guess not.
90
I am sorry Frank, are you expecting honesty, modesty, a sense of shame for past failures or an acceptance of responsibility for mistakes from Fiorina, in Republican garb?
25
Since when has "burying a child" become a qualification to boast about? A qualification that is relevant to being President of the US? However Biden's final moments with his son became public, at least he is being forthright in saying that loss and grief are reasons to think of doing something else.
15
Stay on topic-- Who's talking about Biden? If you have a valid point, make it. Deflection is the tool of someone who can't defend themselves on the topic at hand.
Carol, where are you coming from? This is a column about Fiorina, did she "bury a child"?
Are you making light of Biden's loss as a political ploy? Joe Biden is a caring wonderful human. This is about Fiorina's calculating drive for power and egocentric need for praise.
Yikes, Biden leaves her in the dust as far as qualifications and electability go.
Are you making light of Biden's loss as a political ploy? Joe Biden is a caring wonderful human. This is about Fiorina's calculating drive for power and egocentric need for praise.
Yikes, Biden leaves her in the dust as far as qualifications and electability go.
As a feminist, I find her downright scary. Why don't other woman see her blind ambition?
45
Blind ambition is not necessarily bad...it's the rest that terrifies!
Blind ambition? You mean Hillary?
2
We do see it. She's no feminist. Feminism is about supporting everyone to realize their best potential. This woman caused 30,000 people to lose their jobs. Her behavior is not about gender. It's about psychopathy. It's extreme right wing women who excuse her or claim the attacks on her history and performance are because she's a woman. No matter her gender, she is unfit for public service.
4
Perfect!
The use of antonyms is the perfect trope for Fioina's candidacy. She is the "Lex Luther" candidate, the 1/X candidate. She is precisely the wrong person for the presidency! Yet, according to the polls, she has had some success selling herself to the American public. That bothers me.
The use of antonyms is the perfect trope for Fioina's candidacy. She is the "Lex Luther" candidate, the 1/X candidate. She is precisely the wrong person for the presidency! Yet, according to the polls, she has had some success selling herself to the American public. That bothers me.
24
This it one of the pettyist hit pieces I have seen in this paper, well that is since the one where it was reported that Marco Rubio had a 22 foot "yacht".
2
Then it fits Fiorina perfectly: a petty article about a petty person.
4
if not for a billionaire car dealer, Rubio would be a bankrupt.
Hit pieces? Bruni is merely exposing her for what she is.
"Leadership is a performance" - Carly to Forbes in 1999.
Her "performance" reminds me of the soulless characters in science fiction movies who are either robots, programmed humanoids, or people possessed by aliens, and who are trying to conquer what's left of humanity.
Think "Oblivion" if you wonder what she will do to America.
Her "performance" reminds me of the soulless characters in science fiction movies who are either robots, programmed humanoids, or people possessed by aliens, and who are trying to conquer what's left of humanity.
Think "Oblivion" if you wonder what she will do to America.
41
Sad but not astonishing that a presidential candidate might be attacked in such personal terms as projecting "an insatiable hunger for approbation and an unshakable belief in your genius" -- as if EVERONE on the hustings couldn't be criticized for the same character pimples. Carly can be legitimately attacked for a lot of reasons, most relevantly that she hasn't a smidge of government experience other than running for it (and failing); but, in the end, what she attracts is Donald Trump's contempt for her failure to effectively compete with Nina Agdal and Bruni's smirk that she may remind one too pointedly of Julia Louis-Dreyfus's performance in "Veep".
"Access Hollywood" obviously is still relevant.
Consider that LBJ might have warranted the same characterizations as Carly gets in this column. If that had meant enough that people wouldn't vote for him, most of the Great Society wouldn't have been rammed through in the 1960s. But, then, we might have avoided Vietnam if Barry Goldwater had been elected in 1964 -- you can't get bogged down in a quagmire that you've atomized into nuclear spray.
It goes without saying that a presidential candidate "shamelessly" promotes himself. Carly won't be nominated by Republicans as their ticket headliner any more than The Donald will; but it could be helpful to assess why that's really the case rather than loiter over her love of the sound of her own voice when giving a speech.
"Access Hollywood" obviously is still relevant.
Consider that LBJ might have warranted the same characterizations as Carly gets in this column. If that had meant enough that people wouldn't vote for him, most of the Great Society wouldn't have been rammed through in the 1960s. But, then, we might have avoided Vietnam if Barry Goldwater had been elected in 1964 -- you can't get bogged down in a quagmire that you've atomized into nuclear spray.
It goes without saying that a presidential candidate "shamelessly" promotes himself. Carly won't be nominated by Republicans as their ticket headliner any more than The Donald will; but it could be helpful to assess why that's really the case rather than loiter over her love of the sound of her own voice when giving a speech.
4
"Julia Louis-Drefus in Veep" Thanks for the Freudian slip - Bruni didn't allude to it, and I didn't think of it - until you mentioned it. Perfect analogy, though.
We all know candidates promote themselves - a generous dose of narcissism goes with the territory. Who would want that god-awful job but someone with an out-sized ego? The point Mr. Bruni makes, however, is about character and the narcissist's "likeability". George W. Bush promoted himself shamelessly like all the rest, but isn't he the one everybody said they'd like to "share a beer with"? And that's the point - I'd sooner drink hemlock than share a beer with Fiorina. Frankly, she's the type of person I'd cross the street to avoid - for fear of getting a knife in the back after she'd passed - and so would a lot of people.
Being another arch conservative who relies on the outrageous and repetitive lie that becomes "fact" once it's repeated enough, doesn't say much about her character, either.
We all know candidates promote themselves - a generous dose of narcissism goes with the territory. Who would want that god-awful job but someone with an out-sized ego? The point Mr. Bruni makes, however, is about character and the narcissist's "likeability". George W. Bush promoted himself shamelessly like all the rest, but isn't he the one everybody said they'd like to "share a beer with"? And that's the point - I'd sooner drink hemlock than share a beer with Fiorina. Frankly, she's the type of person I'd cross the street to avoid - for fear of getting a knife in the back after she'd passed - and so would a lot of people.
Being another arch conservative who relies on the outrageous and repetitive lie that becomes "fact" once it's repeated enough, doesn't say much about her character, either.
"she gives one heck of a speech. She thrills to her own voice."
Wait, are you talking about Carly Fiorina or Sarah Palin?
Wait, are you talking about Carly Fiorina or Sarah Palin?
16
Why not consider the remarks and speeches of Carly Fiorina as comedy?
It may not be very good comedy, but it is still a lot of fun.
It's free entertainment.
It may not be very good comedy, but it is still a lot of fun.
It's free entertainment.
Ms. Fiorina's self-promotion as the secretary who rose to CEO is another example of the GOP's Horatio Alger, rags to riches myth. The myth of being self-made is something else which Ms. Fiorina shares with The Donald.
The Donald was bankrolled by his father, Fred Trump. Ms. Fiorina is the progeny of Joseph Tyree Sneed, III, Law professor, Deputy US AG and Federal judge. Her education is much publicized a la Trump. (Stanford/MIT Sloan School vs. Wharton)
This is not the story of a hard-working mom who attended community college and raised herself up. She is another child of privilege who pulls up the ladder after her.
The Donald was bankrolled by his father, Fred Trump. Ms. Fiorina is the progeny of Joseph Tyree Sneed, III, Law professor, Deputy US AG and Federal judge. Her education is much publicized a la Trump. (Stanford/MIT Sloan School vs. Wharton)
This is not the story of a hard-working mom who attended community college and raised herself up. She is another child of privilege who pulls up the ladder after her.
356
Indeed, Donald Trump got his start in his father's business, but in short order he went on to exceed him and establish a formidable reputation of his own in the very tough New York real estate market. Is "bankrolling" really the correct term here?
As for Fiorina, she surely overplays the secretary part, which according to Wikipedia was a regular summer job in-between her years at Stanford and then for an unknown number of months at a real estate firm before being promoted to broker. It shouldn't overlook the fact, however, that her rise in the business world was an impressive one, even if she likes to "poor-mouth" her beginnings.
As for Fiorina, she surely overplays the secretary part, which according to Wikipedia was a regular summer job in-between her years at Stanford and then for an unknown number of months at a real estate firm before being promoted to broker. It shouldn't overlook the fact, however, that her rise in the business world was an impressive one, even if she likes to "poor-mouth" her beginnings.
Total agreement with you.
But, in her privileged world, I would tweak your last sentence and have said, she like Trump, rode to the top on a speedy escalator lubricated with their parents' money and position; the working class is trying to climb an unstable ladder while the privileged keep cutting the rungs.
But, in her privileged world, I would tweak your last sentence and have said, she like Trump, rode to the top on a speedy escalator lubricated with their parents' money and position; the working class is trying to climb an unstable ladder while the privileged keep cutting the rungs.
I have no trouble with people from privileged backgrounds running for office. It's the fairy tale that she rose from being a "mere secretary" to CEO that I dislike. Truth in advertising doesn't seem to be the stuff of Carly's campaign.
You forgot one failure. Carly was a senoir executive at Lucent before HP. She has failed twice in business not just once.
258
How many times has HILLARY failed?? And people will vote for her in droves...the argument holds NO WATER
2
Hillary Clinton failed the bar on her first attempt and had to take it in Arkansas to pass
She was fired from the Watergate Investigation for hyper partisanship
She beat cancer What failures have you had, besides treating a woman with respect?
She was fired from the Watergate Investigation for hyper partisanship
She beat cancer What failures have you had, besides treating a woman with respect?
failure, how about $10 trillion in need debt under our current president
I think this illustrates a larger point that we have created a system in which the skill set for entry is not the same as the skill set that would be helpful for actually doing the job. Carly Fiorina seems to have the skills to make a good first impression, but the follow-through is problematic. I think that can be said about plenty of politicians. The people who rise to the top of the heap in a national political race seem to be people who are good at becoming celebrities, and the ones who aren't, whatever their governing skills, never seem to get much of a hearing from their position at the bottom. I think we want presidential candidates who can think and operate at a national level, and many candidates who come to us as governors don't seem to be able to. But the answer is not, I think, to get people who are good at garnering attention at the national level but don't have the skill set, or record, for governing. I don't think our presidential election process selects well for governance. Maybe Fiorina is a more obvious example of a larger phenomenon.
79
America is not a private for profit business enterprise. My 35+ years in 4 different Fortune 500 corporations exposed me to many senior level variations on the theme of Trump and Fiorina. Eminently qualified by demeanor, temperament and training to serve as a royal or dictator. Out of their depth in a divided limited power democratic republic.
Carly raises a question for feminists: Suppose she were the GOP nominee running against Bernie Sanders. Would feminists vote for Carly in order to have a woman as president?
If not, why does that line of reasoning point in the direction of voting for HRC instead of the real Progressive in the race? ( Ans: It doesn't.)
If not, why does that line of reasoning point in the direction of voting for HRC instead of the real Progressive in the race? ( Ans: It doesn't.)
23
We all have our reasons for the votes we cast.
Personally, it will be easy for me in 2016.
SCOTUS
I absolutely do not want a republican to choose the next 2 (likely) justices.
To that end, I will vote for the democrat who will beat the republican.
PS. I no longer see gender when I look at candidates...any more than I see color.
Personally, it will be easy for me in 2016.
SCOTUS
I absolutely do not want a republican to choose the next 2 (likely) justices.
To that end, I will vote for the democrat who will beat the republican.
PS. I no longer see gender when I look at candidates...any more than I see color.
I think most of HRC's fans would vote for her because they want to see a Democrat first and woman second. Nuance.
You are assuming Carly Fiorina and Hillary Clinton have anything in common besides non-functioning ovaries.
A conservative candidate lost to a liberal by ten points, in one of the most liberal districts in the U.S.
It's clear you don't like Carly Florina, but the basis of your criticism of her, including how she treats people, her record, etc. are mostly anecdotal.
You were much better at writing about food.
It's clear you don't like Carly Florina, but the basis of your criticism of her, including how she treats people, her record, etc. are mostly anecdotal.
You were much better at writing about food.
14
You mean like making the "Worst CEO" list.
If by anecdotal, you mean true and accurate then yes, it anecdotal. Her records at HP and Lucent are not anecdotal, her stiffing vendors is not anecdotal, her losing to Barbara Boxer is not anecdotal, her election records are not anecdotal, the 2008 election was not anecdotal, perhaps the campaign aide statement is? He is writing about food, a rotten apple in particular.
Voters vote for strong candidates. Giuliani and Bloomberg ran one of the most liberal cities in the US from 1994 thru 2013. 20 years. Why? They are what Fiorina is not, Leaders and strong candidates.
the fact that Mr. Carson, with his incredible statements about Muslims, guns vs lives, Mr. Trump with his incredible statements about immigrants and almost everything else, and Ms. Fiorina, with her incredible claims about herself and her self-serving "marketing" hat on are the leaders in this race - isn't just the currency of political outsiders, it says a lot about the values of the Republican electorate too. Let's also call out the people who ask for this leadership because they often GET the leadership they deserve.
164
The problem is that all of us might get what only some of us deserve!
1
And sadly do the rest of us, and if these repubs, aka war mongers, "lead" us anywhere it will be straight to the gates of hell (syria anyone?)
1
agree, just look at the leadership we've had for 6.75 yrs, including almost $10 trillion in additional debt
I've met people like Fiorina before in business. No one as shameless and as good at self promotion, but people that operate the same way. Let's face it, she is the best at what she does.
She is the ultimate salesman. She understands that without the sale, the deal can't close. She doesn't give a hoot about what happens after the sale, (that's the doing part), just make the sale. The commodity that she is best at selling is herself.
After she piles on the lies, she bullies and blames her victim for not buying her fictions. This is a brutal, last ditch sales effort when all else fails. For example:
When challenged on MTP last week about the phony baby parts selling video, she absolutely refused to admit or even question that the video was doctored. Then she blames her victim (Chuck Todd) and says. "Don't you believe this is happening." When all else fails, it's her victim's problem. If you don't believe her, there is something wrong with you.
She is losing the sale, so she bullies the victim to try to get them to buy. That is about as unscrupulous and shameless as you can get. It's a slash and burn sales technique that leaves a bitter taste.
She is the consummate corporate ladder climber. She fails at every step as she climbs higher, but manages to blame her victims along the way. That is, until she reaches the top and has no one else to blame. She still blames others, but no one is buying it any longer.
She is the ultimate salesman. She understands that without the sale, the deal can't close. She doesn't give a hoot about what happens after the sale, (that's the doing part), just make the sale. The commodity that she is best at selling is herself.
After she piles on the lies, she bullies and blames her victim for not buying her fictions. This is a brutal, last ditch sales effort when all else fails. For example:
When challenged on MTP last week about the phony baby parts selling video, she absolutely refused to admit or even question that the video was doctored. Then she blames her victim (Chuck Todd) and says. "Don't you believe this is happening." When all else fails, it's her victim's problem. If you don't believe her, there is something wrong with you.
She is losing the sale, so she bullies the victim to try to get them to buy. That is about as unscrupulous and shameless as you can get. It's a slash and burn sales technique that leaves a bitter taste.
She is the consummate corporate ladder climber. She fails at every step as she climbs higher, but manages to blame her victims along the way. That is, until she reaches the top and has no one else to blame. She still blames others, but no one is buying it any longer.
284
As if Pres Obama and his fake Roman style columns, or his this is the moment the seas stopped rising and the planet started healing , or Pres Clinton biting his lower lip on cue when he observes the cameras on him at Ron Browns funeral aren't salesman giving nag performances...
Carly is a clear example of the "Peter Principle", rising to one's level of incompetence. I think she must be delusional to say or believe what she says. She is a disgrace to competent caring women, a vicious male in a skirt.
A legend in his own mind who made his money the old fashioned way. He inherited it. He'd be twice as rich if he would have invested into the S&P 500
A surgeon who blames shooting victims for being shot. (Unbeknownst to me, he must be Batman)
A legacy candidate riding on the success of his family even when that family has brought us to our knees.
Another legacy candidate who doesn't believe in the Civil Rights Act
A guy whose only skill is shutting down the government, and another whose claim to fame is shutting down one of the most important bridges in the world fir vindictive reasons.
A failed governor of a failed State
And a few others who are so dismal I've forgotten completely about them
I guess you look good when that is your competition.
And this was supposedly the strongest field of candidates Republicans have ever seen
What will they run next? A velociraptor? Fred Phelps' corpse? Or just finish us all off by running an offshoring corporation for President? We'll get tbe first non human President in history.
Oh wait... they can just run Fiorina.
A surgeon who blames shooting victims for being shot. (Unbeknownst to me, he must be Batman)
A legacy candidate riding on the success of his family even when that family has brought us to our knees.
Another legacy candidate who doesn't believe in the Civil Rights Act
A guy whose only skill is shutting down the government, and another whose claim to fame is shutting down one of the most important bridges in the world fir vindictive reasons.
A failed governor of a failed State
And a few others who are so dismal I've forgotten completely about them
I guess you look good when that is your competition.
And this was supposedly the strongest field of candidates Republicans have ever seen
What will they run next? A velociraptor? Fred Phelps' corpse? Or just finish us all off by running an offshoring corporation for President? We'll get tbe first non human President in history.
Oh wait... they can just run Fiorina.
420
Not so far fetched JRMW....remember Mitts proud reply, "corporations are people my friend"
JRMW: it isn't just who they run for office, the other half of the problem is the number of people who actually believe the claptrap that the last 15 years has shown to be destructive of the economic position of the voter!
JRMW - you are brilliant. While Republicans control Congress and Scalia is still in the SCOTUS they need to ramrod legislation/hand down SC rulings to ensure that corporate personhood extends to presidential candidates. Amend the constitution! America can then get a President that we can sit down with and have breakfast together, all day. I'm Loving It (tm)!
1
I found these observations sexist and haven't seen the men criticized this way. Stick to her policies, not her unlady like manner.
14
Did you make the same criticism of last weeks column on Hillary Clinton? If you did, then I think you have a valid point, too much written that smacks of sexism, but in truth there is a fair amount in this column that is perfectly reasonable and balanced observation of a candidate, not a WOMAN candidate.
3
Do explain yourself. She is what she is and what is written describes her very well. As for the men, the Donald is taking quite a boat load and he deserves it.
2
How are these observations sexist? Because they are critical of a woman? She is an outright liar and her policies do not benefit women. You claim not to have seen men criticized this way? Have you not read anything about the Donald?
So she narcissistic, cheap, mean, pathologically dishonest, woefully unqualified and was blindingly incompetent in her pre-politics career.
No wonder GOP primary voters love her.
No wonder GOP primary voters love her.
387
I don't like Carly at all, but doesn't everything you say also apply to Hillary?
Carly Fiorina is a liar. When caught in her lie, she insisted that her lie was the truth. When confronted with evidence that she had lied, she lied again. Her lie about Planned Parenthood was horrid.
Her lies about climate change, Obamacare, guns, coal, oil, Syria, Russia, Social Security, Medicare, food stamps are the same lies that her fellow Republicans share and repeat so that many Americans think that lies are truth. The lie that they are the same as the Democrats is a real whopper. Their biggest lie is that they are representing the "American people" when they promote de-regulation, hatred, fear, inequality, disenfranchising women and minorities, tax breaks for the rich. Fiorina considers the 1% her "American people".
Her lies about climate change, Obamacare, guns, coal, oil, Syria, Russia, Social Security, Medicare, food stamps are the same lies that her fellow Republicans share and repeat so that many Americans think that lies are truth. The lie that they are the same as the Democrats is a real whopper. Their biggest lie is that they are representing the "American people" when they promote de-regulation, hatred, fear, inequality, disenfranchising women and minorities, tax breaks for the rich. Fiorina considers the 1% her "American people".
216
Look at the videos -- it shows a fetus that briefly survived an abortion while the technician talks about how she had been at PP and had to remove the brain from a similar fetus. Fiorina may have thought it was the same fetus, rather than an illustration. Is that really a lie? Douthut has a good post on this -- read that too. Persons who claim "there was no video showing anything like what she said" are not being truthful.
Pres Obama recently won Politifact's "Lie of the year". But he isn't a "liar" i suppose.
Pres Clinton was cited in Federal Court for lying under oath and obstructing justice. He's not a "liar" either, I suppose...
Pres Clinton was cited in Federal Court for lying under oath and obstructing justice. He's not a "liar" either, I suppose...
This is yet another legacy of the well-meaning but ignorant Ronald Reagan. When GOP operatives realized that there was a vast wellspring of voters just dying to be told what they wanted to hear, true or not, these kinds of lies became inevitable. Of course, giving the people what they want has consequences and this have been delineated by observers as far back as Thucydides and Aristotle. We never learn.
1
Imagine having to be a political journalist and sludge through these candidates. Sitting earlier in the country this week in the local diner with a stranger, who is going to protect this American from wolves lurking at the front door of a small house, we began an exchange on the state of the Nation.
Past 70 with an unwavering gaze, a glimmer of a smile and sharp eyes, this old-timer likes Trump, Fiorina, Cruz (something is wrong with Rubio, but I can't remember what it is, and somebody called Glenn Beck is also high on the list, who is religious). And, you, he asked, 'Hillary Clinton'. That's it.
Apparently the Democrats ruined the Country in the 60s and I can't remember now what they did. In any event I was at school in France at the time, and didn't give a button about politics.
All that was missing from this encounter was a hunting gun on this man's knees, the father of a large family, who does not take prisoners. I wonder why he can't speak English, he's been here for ever. Maybe it's not important, but what is important is that I learn how to turn on the pilot light in the house.
One thing we agreed to agree was that 'Politics are a dirty game'. And this woman politician, Purina, well I am counting my blessings that I don't have to listen to her ranting. Keep writing, Mr. Bruni, this is not the time to give up, and this hard experience of having to cover these hopefuls will pay off in some way later.
Past 70 with an unwavering gaze, a glimmer of a smile and sharp eyes, this old-timer likes Trump, Fiorina, Cruz (something is wrong with Rubio, but I can't remember what it is, and somebody called Glenn Beck is also high on the list, who is religious). And, you, he asked, 'Hillary Clinton'. That's it.
Apparently the Democrats ruined the Country in the 60s and I can't remember now what they did. In any event I was at school in France at the time, and didn't give a button about politics.
All that was missing from this encounter was a hunting gun on this man's knees, the father of a large family, who does not take prisoners. I wonder why he can't speak English, he's been here for ever. Maybe it's not important, but what is important is that I learn how to turn on the pilot light in the house.
One thing we agreed to agree was that 'Politics are a dirty game'. And this woman politician, Purina, well I am counting my blessings that I don't have to listen to her ranting. Keep writing, Mr. Bruni, this is not the time to give up, and this hard experience of having to cover these hopefuls will pay off in some way later.
11
If English was good enough for Jesus it's good enough for me.
Jussmartenuf, you are right. According to all the posts on the way to the country seen from the train, 'Jesus loves You', and is not to be confused with 'Jesus wept' which an American friend just sent.
This could have been written by Hillary herself. It is as mean, petty, and one-sided as can be. It lacks any analysis or insight and gives Fiorina credit for nothing. Is it just possible that Bruni is a Democrat? It would be nice if something novel, thoughtful, and surprising emerged from him other than the usual partisan drivel that has become his signature.
16
"....gives Fiorina credit for nothing."
Bingo.
Bingo.
1
Ed,
why don't you tell us what in Mr. Bruni's piece is inaccurate?
why don't you tell us what in Mr. Bruni's piece is inaccurate?
1
Fiorina has failed at everything she has attempted to do besides promote herself and get rich. I'll give her credit for that.
2
Thanks for shining the spotlight on yet another silver tongued politician who clearly gives/makes a great/good speech/presentation. Whether political insider or outsider, one truth remains - the need for informed voters to peel back the onion skin to 'smell' what is inside. Sometimes it is not so sweet, and may even be pungent. In business parlance, I do not think this one '... passes the smell test'.
35
I am going to take a page from the Trump playbook, and just frankly say that that Carly is not likable.
30
There has GOT to be someone in the Republican party who is not a delusional, loud mouth idiot. Would they please run that person? So we can have a real election and not a parade of fools.
66
That person exists but is unqualified for the GOP clown bus. The GOP/Fox "News" elimination trials disqualify anyone who isn't a complete tea-party ideologue. See John Huntsman candidacy.
Remember John Huntsman? The republicans seem unable to like a sane candidate!
Sorry, I can't think of even one.
Wow, Frank has discovered politicians and CEOs running for political office are self-promoters, bury their weaknesses and exaggerate their abilities. This silly editorial could have written about any candidate but why was Carly selected?
13
because he finally woke up and admitted that failorina is nothing but a disgusting excuse for a human being.
Because her poll numbers make her a contender and because not every article in the Times can be about Trump.
Because she's running for the presidential nomination?
"But that wasn’t my impression of her after about a week of attending her campaign events, riding around California with her and interviewing her about her drive and her desires."
Good luck getting that access to Clinton. Let us know how that request goes and your impressions of her afterwards.
Good luck getting that access to Clinton. Let us know how that request goes and your impressions of her afterwards.
15
Who needs a week with Hillary when there is a law school success, a law firm success, a Senate success, and a pretty successful Secretary success?
With carly's failues, firings, and joblessness, Bruni needed and she wanted a face-to-face week to discover what she had beside "shameless promotion." He won, she lost.
She has nothing more substantial, an empress in heavy makeup but without clothes.
Horrible image...
With carly's failues, firings, and joblessness, Bruni needed and she wanted a face-to-face week to discover what she had beside "shameless promotion." He won, she lost.
She has nothing more substantial, an empress in heavy makeup but without clothes.
Horrible image...
I'm still laughing over gemli's beautifully written comment, but I'll add my 2 cents anyway.
First, all personality (character) disorders in the DSM manual share a few underlying traits. One is being completely resistant to insight. This means a person basically can't learn much.
Second, there is no ability to accept any responsibility....for anything.
And third, there is the tendency to blame others....for everything.
In the field of mental health, personality disorders are called "Axis two disorders". Referring to a client as "axis two" is one way of communicating that the patient has limited potential for improvement, if any. This explains why Narcissists go on being narcissistic, they don't wake up one morning and realize that with a little insight their relations with others could improve dramatically.
Unfortunately, Ms. Fiorina is articulate, and too many people in the Republican Party mistake that for intelligence. This is why, as Mr. Bruni points out, you have to actually listen to what she says. Failure to vote? Easy to explain away. Failure to pay campaign staff? Everybody does it!
Body language usually doesn't lie, so her demeanor is the important thing to observe, and as gemli has already stated so much better than I, those unblinking eyes are just terrifying. Rigidity is a very telling trait.
She also serves as someone who makes Trump seem likable enough, which is scary enough by itself.
First, all personality (character) disorders in the DSM manual share a few underlying traits. One is being completely resistant to insight. This means a person basically can't learn much.
Second, there is no ability to accept any responsibility....for anything.
And third, there is the tendency to blame others....for everything.
In the field of mental health, personality disorders are called "Axis two disorders". Referring to a client as "axis two" is one way of communicating that the patient has limited potential for improvement, if any. This explains why Narcissists go on being narcissistic, they don't wake up one morning and realize that with a little insight their relations with others could improve dramatically.
Unfortunately, Ms. Fiorina is articulate, and too many people in the Republican Party mistake that for intelligence. This is why, as Mr. Bruni points out, you have to actually listen to what she says. Failure to vote? Easy to explain away. Failure to pay campaign staff? Everybody does it!
Body language usually doesn't lie, so her demeanor is the important thing to observe, and as gemli has already stated so much better than I, those unblinking eyes are just terrifying. Rigidity is a very telling trait.
She also serves as someone who makes Trump seem likable enough, which is scary enough by itself.
83
It is time that the two female candidates truly realize that it takes more than gender to get the support of us women. It takes being authentic, credible, and with a solid and long history of support of certain issues. We're not stupid, we know that any candidate is far more the person they were 5 years ago than they are today on the campaign trail. So, lets look at what you were doing and how you were spending your money 5 years ago, before you spiffed up your image. That will be far more interesting and authentic than what comes out of your mouth today. And, through that lens, this presidential choice is very very clear.
10
Thank you Mr. Bruni for this excellent column. I wish mass media question and examine her failed record. I have to agree with D. Trump, "look at that face" of an accomplished liar.
11
Pres Obama- Politifact's lie of the year winner.
Pres Clinton cited for contempt in Federal court for lying under oath and obstructing justice and had to surrender his law license.
Pres Clinton cited for contempt in Federal court for lying under oath and obstructing justice and had to surrender his law license.
"a leader of Fiorina’s vision and scope is suited only to a giant spud."
Best line EVAH!
May I please use this line when conversing with my feminist GOP
acquaintances, just so I can watch them attempt to re-define "giant spud"?
Best line EVAH!
May I please use this line when conversing with my feminist GOP
acquaintances, just so I can watch them attempt to re-define "giant spud"?
10
It takes colossal ego to believe that you are qualified to run a huge nation with the largest global economy with absolutely no experience in government at any level.
Carly's got ego, for sure.
But she has shown no other qualities: good management, good decision making, the kind of leadership that has people fighting to to follow her. She leaves behind her a wake of scathing dislike. Ask anyone from Lucent or HP. And apparent;y her own people from her last campaign.
Why precisely does she have any poll presence at all? My town board members have more experience.
Carly's got ego, for sure.
But she has shown no other qualities: good management, good decision making, the kind of leadership that has people fighting to to follow her. She leaves behind her a wake of scathing dislike. Ask anyone from Lucent or HP. And apparent;y her own people from her last campaign.
Why precisely does she have any poll presence at all? My town board members have more experience.
18
Her father, Joseph Tyree Sneed, was a Nixon appointee, twice (Deputy Attorney General and judge) and Dean of the Duke Law School. Since learning this I can't help the association that she seems "Nixonesque".
16
The more people get to know her the less likely she will succeed.
16
Hitler could give one heck of a speech, too. Sometimes someone can be an accomplished orator who, like Fiorina, is either dishonest or simply very wrong.
14
I was impressed with Ms. Fiorina's performance in the first debate - she was poised, articulate and forceful. During the first hour of the second debate, I also found her impressive, but in the subsequent two hours it became apparent that her entire strategy was to be forceful and appear tough, and she became repetitive and boring - essentially a one dimensional candidate. She's a failed CEO with no political experience who is clearly not qualified to be president.
22
In Fiorina's defense, she's no worse than any of the other Republican candidates. She's just a different flavor of mean, with a different rationalization for selfishness.
45
While I agree with much of what you have clearly expressed. Are other candidates so different? Trump and his egomaniacal thirst for a greater power is what is driving him to run for President. Clinton, when is enough enough? She seems driven at this point too by power and the self satisfaction of the "see, I too can be president". It almost feels vengeful in her hunger to become President, towards whom...I can't say, but ghosts of her past within her personal life seem to be a likely motivator. Fiorina may have failed miserably at Hewlett Packard, but maybe she's a terrible CEO but a good President. Einstein couldn't swing a bat, but does that discount his exceptional gifts in other areas? I'm not endorsing Ms. Fiorina, nor am I digging at Mrs. Clinton. I'm merely making a point to consider. I am however disparaging Trump who is a loudmouth, misogynistic, greedy liar who feels that being a serial husband is proof he loves women. He's despicable.
4
>
First, in this country you cannot be a CEO for a large corporation without being a complete jerk. (I used the word jerk here to avoid the NYTs censors. It wasn't the first word that entered my consciousness.) The pathological characteristics of acquiescing upward and degrading downward is what it takes to be a CEO. That's the bad news.
The good news is she will not be POTUS, so I don't participate in the dread of it.
First, in this country you cannot be a CEO for a large corporation without being a complete jerk. (I used the word jerk here to avoid the NYTs censors. It wasn't the first word that entered my consciousness.) The pathological characteristics of acquiescing upward and degrading downward is what it takes to be a CEO. That's the bad news.
The good news is she will not be POTUS, so I don't participate in the dread of it.
12
You cite her 10 point loss to Barbara Boxer as evidence of a failed candidate, but consider the following:
1. 44% of California is registered Democrat while less than 30% are registered Republican.
2. Boxer, the Democrat incumbent, and Congresswoman before that, spent $2,000,000 more than Carly and more than $20,000,000 in total to bear Fiorina.
3. Fiorina had never run for office.
Add to that her supposed 'unpopularity due to her HP performance ', the fact she was fighting breat cancer, and grieving the loss of a child and I'd say she fared pretty well.
It certainly was not the failure you suggest.
1. 44% of California is registered Democrat while less than 30% are registered Republican.
2. Boxer, the Democrat incumbent, and Congresswoman before that, spent $2,000,000 more than Carly and more than $20,000,000 in total to bear Fiorina.
3. Fiorina had never run for office.
Add to that her supposed 'unpopularity due to her HP performance ', the fact she was fighting breat cancer, and grieving the loss of a child and I'd say she fared pretty well.
It certainly was not the failure you suggest.
7
Why did the polls have Carly even with Boxer before the facts hit them in the face like a big wet fish?
Who contributed to Carly's doomed campaign from the 30,000 workers she fired before her own firing?
What execs at HP gave?
Which at Lucent?
If it was her first campaign and she rarely ever voted, maybe she should never have run.
Biden lost a baby and a wife but was re-elected.
Breast cancer did not turn Wasserman-SChultz into a "shameless promoter".
Carly is without any excuse for getting creamed by Boxer, who had, not just registered Dem votes,
but votes from GOPers and Indies. Why? Boxer was real, and Carly looked like a liar and a fake.
Who contributed to Carly's doomed campaign from the 30,000 workers she fired before her own firing?
What execs at HP gave?
Which at Lucent?
If it was her first campaign and she rarely ever voted, maybe she should never have run.
Biden lost a baby and a wife but was re-elected.
Breast cancer did not turn Wasserman-SChultz into a "shameless promoter".
Carly is without any excuse for getting creamed by Boxer, who had, not just registered Dem votes,
but votes from GOPers and Indies. Why? Boxer was real, and Carly looked like a liar and a fake.
1
Yes it was. Californian's couldn't stand her. Read Mr. Bruni's account of traveling with her on her campaign. I know people that worked at H-P when she was there and they all hated her. When she was fired they sang "DIng dong the witch is dead. And those were people who somewhat liked her.
Ah, the apologist for the loser Fiorina. Are you running her NY campaign?
The fact is regardless of whatever record she had or falsely presents to the public, she is not a nice person. It is clear, that anyone with any sense of decency can spot.
The fact is regardless of whatever record she had or falsely presents to the public, she is not a nice person. It is clear, that anyone with any sense of decency can spot.
Aristotle spoke of three elements of a good speech: ethos, pathos and logos: the personal appeal of a speaker, the emotional appeals and the substantitive appeals of the speaker.
My imprssion of her is "All hat and no cattle." Hillary Clinton, in contrast, came up with a solid plan for gun control -- the best policy speech I've heard so far in the campaign. Maybe it's just me, but value speeches are empty unless you have some substantive intitiatives -- intititives that anchor in some form of hope that the suggestive intititives will work.
You judge for yourself.
My imprssion of her is "All hat and no cattle." Hillary Clinton, in contrast, came up with a solid plan for gun control -- the best policy speech I've heard so far in the campaign. Maybe it's just me, but value speeches are empty unless you have some substantive intitiatives -- intititives that anchor in some form of hope that the suggestive intititives will work.
You judge for yourself.
16
A solid plan for gun control?
Here's her plan...
My administration will not enforce the direction set by the Supreme Court through various rulings on this matter
I expect Congress to pass common sense gun control laws, not sure what they are though
If Congress fails to act, although I don't have details on how they should act, after all I'm new to the political scene, I'll use Executive Orders.. somehow.. because that will show that I'm a politician for the people who is not looking to usurp plenopotentiary powers undermining the separation of powers in this country.
Like I've said, if you liked Richard M. Nixon... you're gonna love Hillary!
Here's her plan...
My administration will not enforce the direction set by the Supreme Court through various rulings on this matter
I expect Congress to pass common sense gun control laws, not sure what they are though
If Congress fails to act, although I don't have details on how they should act, after all I'm new to the political scene, I'll use Executive Orders.. somehow.. because that will show that I'm a politician for the people who is not looking to usurp plenopotentiary powers undermining the separation of powers in this country.
Like I've said, if you liked Richard M. Nixon... you're gonna love Hillary!
Good title to this article. I was working at HP when Ms. Fiorina first became CEO. When people now ask me what it was like working under Carly, my first answer is always that she changed the culture of the company for the worse. It appeared to me that Carly wanted more than anything else to be visible, and with her as an example of how to get ahead, that motivation became the primary driving focus of HP managers up and down the management chain. To seem competent became almost overnight, more important than to be competent. The Compaq merger was a good example. It was a huge, splashy, complex acquisition that got Carly on the cover of many magazines but did not serve HP very well.
25
Research has shown there is a very high incidence of sociopaths, those lacking in empathy, in politics and corporate boardrooms.
The incident of Fiorina publicly mourning her pollster as "the heart and soul" of her operation, but privately stiffing his family of what she owed him, is exhibit A of her being a sociopath of the first order.
It's also just a plain lack of a moral compass.
For the party that espouses Christian values and the Golden Rule, it's business as usual. During an election cycle, pander to the high moral ground, but deliver heartless public policy once in office.
The incident of Fiorina publicly mourning her pollster as "the heart and soul" of her operation, but privately stiffing his family of what she owed him, is exhibit A of her being a sociopath of the first order.
It's also just a plain lack of a moral compass.
For the party that espouses Christian values and the Golden Rule, it's business as usual. During an election cycle, pander to the high moral ground, but deliver heartless public policy once in office.
39
Some aspects of Fiorina's past statements about herself and other people, coupled with statements from the people who worked for her, give us some idea of how she would govern.
You know what would really give us an idea of how she would govern? Spend time researching and analyzing her platform. For each policy position:
- What has she done over time to achieve (or try to achieve) that position?
- How has her position changed (if at all) over time?
-- If so, why?
- How does her position compare to other candidates?
- How does she work when her position is unpopular?
- What would be the social impact of the policy to different groups?
- How does she plan to implement her policy?
- How does she plan to finance her policy or what would be the financial impact?
The last two points seem to be the least addressed.
These points can be applied to every major topic (e.g. immigration, abortion, taxes), every major candidate and between candidates.
With roughly 143 candidates for President, you could write twice a week until the general election with no repeats. Start with those leading and work down. You'll probably never get to Jindal.
I don't have time to do all that analysis and research. I pay a subscription to the NY Times to get this analysis and research.
I don't need a 20th article about Trump when I haven't had one about Sanders.
You know what would really give us an idea of how she would govern? Spend time researching and analyzing her platform. For each policy position:
- What has she done over time to achieve (or try to achieve) that position?
- How has her position changed (if at all) over time?
-- If so, why?
- How does her position compare to other candidates?
- How does she work when her position is unpopular?
- What would be the social impact of the policy to different groups?
- How does she plan to implement her policy?
- How does she plan to finance her policy or what would be the financial impact?
The last two points seem to be the least addressed.
These points can be applied to every major topic (e.g. immigration, abortion, taxes), every major candidate and between candidates.
With roughly 143 candidates for President, you could write twice a week until the general election with no repeats. Start with those leading and work down. You'll probably never get to Jindal.
I don't have time to do all that analysis and research. I pay a subscription to the NY Times to get this analysis and research.
I don't need a 20th article about Trump when I haven't had one about Sanders.
33
Mr. Bruni does a good job of shredding Ms. Fiorina's bogus pitch to the public. Yes she was a bad CEO & no, being a CEO of a large corporation is not necessarily good prep work for an elected executive position. I should know, I was CEO of a Fortune 100 company & I certainly would not consider myself qualified to hold any elected executive position!
But certainly managerial experience is valuable & perhaps that's why some of best Presidents have been governors or generals on their paths to the top. And doubtlessly our present President could have benefited from a little more management experience before assuming the most complex managerial job in the world.
But certainly managerial experience is valuable & perhaps that's why some of best Presidents have been governors or generals on their paths to the top. And doubtlessly our present President could have benefited from a little more management experience before assuming the most complex managerial job in the world.
3
Both Donald Trump and Carly Fiorina are marketing experts. They know how create catchy sound bites. Good marketers do that while always respecting the truth. The Donald and Carly, however, are often short on knowledge and have a disdain for facts. Whenever challenged, they always try to bluff their way through by making even more absurd assertions. This plays well with a certain segment of the GOP voters for the time being but their party as a whole should see through that come voting time. If either of them gets elected, the GOP will be seen as a party of jokers by the rest of the nation. In the mean time, it's entertaining to watch how the two eviscerate other candidates and themselves.
17
Carly wanted to be a celebrity CEO and she failed miserably. Her rebuke to Trumps line about her face defines how delusional she is. To state "This is the face of a 61 year old woman and I'm proud of every wrinkle" when everyone knows she had significant cosmetic surgery (can't blink), shows how she thinks no one is in on her little secrets. The big lies won't sink Fiorina but all the little ones show her true character.
30
As my mother used to say about mendacious characters, "She lies like a rug." But in Fiorina's case, not just any rug. She's an Aubusson big enough to fit the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
17
With regard to Carly's oft-repeated fetus story, the one aborted by Planned Parenthood (she says) so its brain could be "harvested", I'm puzzled. Does Carly need a brain?
34
The Republican campaign has begun in measured moments of mean. The GOP "philosophy" of shilling for the 1% takes a willingness to treat the truth with disdain. If all that Fiorina can promise, as the first woman president, is to sing the Conservative play book; she will make a mockery of the feminine and the hope that a feminine vision might work better that the present paradigm. The last thing we need is Marco Rubio in a dress.
366
RuPaul would be a better female presidential candidate than Carly.
100 years ago, fraudsters like her had to move to a different part of the country to peddle their act, in modern day its surprising to see a fraudster like attempting to reinvent themselves, HP employees and voters of California should be able to warn us.
19
This is perhaps the third opinion piece I've read on Fiorina, and I have to say, it's the most piercing. It's a sign of our times, and the rotten state of politics, that someone of Fiorina's caliber (I almost hesitated to use that word) would be so brazenly seeking the highest office of the land. A failed CEO who thinks she has the smarts and talent to run a huge, messy, challenged nation? That's tantamount to a mediocre farm team baseball player aspiring to be the starting pitcher for a major league team.
But of all your observations, this one to me is the crux of Carley's problem: "For someone so caustic about others’ shortcomings, she’s awfully cavalier about her own."
Her first shot out of the gate she repeatedly called Hillary Clinton a liar. But what is Fiorina, if not an out and out fabricator, inventing stories of videos she's seen, how much she helped HP, and how tough she'd be with Putin? But even worse than initial lies are her doubling down on them, as if she can will them true. That might have worked in the merger and acquisition world she came from (Fiorina is no builder of business--she's a robber baron of first magnitude) but it won't fly in the oval office.
Frankly, it's ludicrous to even imagine her there. Her pie in the sky candidacy is an other callow example of the chutz pah of the GOP where mediocrity is offered in return for slavish loyalty to big donor agendas.
But of all your observations, this one to me is the crux of Carley's problem: "For someone so caustic about others’ shortcomings, she’s awfully cavalier about her own."
Her first shot out of the gate she repeatedly called Hillary Clinton a liar. But what is Fiorina, if not an out and out fabricator, inventing stories of videos she's seen, how much she helped HP, and how tough she'd be with Putin? But even worse than initial lies are her doubling down on them, as if she can will them true. That might have worked in the merger and acquisition world she came from (Fiorina is no builder of business--she's a robber baron of first magnitude) but it won't fly in the oval office.
Frankly, it's ludicrous to even imagine her there. Her pie in the sky candidacy is an other callow example of the chutz pah of the GOP where mediocrity is offered in return for slavish loyalty to big donor agendas.
79
All these GOP candidates suffer from major-league projection, but she and Trump certainly have the edge in that department.
A fair account of unfair Fiorina. Trump will trample her & the others, as he is primus inter pares among the brutes & buffoons. Good news for Dem.
Go Bernie, the only player with integrity, experience & genuine empathy for the rest of us.
Go Bernie, the only player with integrity, experience & genuine empathy for the rest of us.
15
Frank, how about a column that traces back to when the race for the presidency became more about self-promotion than about the direction of the country? Did Stephen Douglas debate Lincoln because, like Sarah Palin, he was looking forward to a sinecure at Fox? What about Thomas Dewey? Did he run against Truman because he was hoping to serve on corporate boards for the rest of his life? It's pretty clear that Trump's hedge against losing the race is his chance to burnish his brand beyond even his wildest dreams?
In other words, when did running for President of the United State become secondary to the actual will and capacity to govern?
In other words, when did running for President of the United State become secondary to the actual will and capacity to govern?
23
Please leave Carly alone. As a progressive I would love to see her be the Republican nominee. Frank is a Republican, so I can understand his feeling of dread about her being the candidate.
6
Seriously, after Dubya, no progressive should want any of these lunatics anywhere near getting elected.
The only thing I cannot figure out about Carly Fiorina is whether she is running to simply satisfy her outsized ego or to build her brand in an effort to rescue her incredibly awful record as a corporate executive. A White House with her in command is a nightmare that can be exceeded only by you know who. (And by the way, Frank, "failing upward" is a high-tech strategy.)
5
"It has been correctly observed that her ascent in the polls, coupled with Donald Trump’s enduringly strong showing, reflects the currency of political outsiders right now."
All the pundits keep on repeating this theory, according to which it is the outsider status that is propelling Fiorina, Trump and Carson.
A much simpler and more obvious explanation is that a large swath of Americans believe and buy into the nonsense doled out by these "outsiders." And that is the scary part of this story.
All the pundits keep on repeating this theory, according to which it is the outsider status that is propelling Fiorina, Trump and Carson.
A much simpler and more obvious explanation is that a large swath of Americans believe and buy into the nonsense doled out by these "outsiders." And that is the scary part of this story.
15
Even her rags to riches story 'I began as a lowly secretary' is designed to deceive. She was a child of extreme privilege and that gig was a short term summer job in college.
By comparison the infinitely more accomplished Mrs. Clinton is Abe Lincoln.
By comparison the infinitely more accomplished Mrs. Clinton is Abe Lincoln.
980
Whoa.
Hill's father was a successful businessman and she went to a Seven Sister college.
Let's keep a grip on reality, OK?
Hill's father was a successful businessman and she went to a Seven Sister college.
Let's keep a grip on reality, OK?
I would remind you that although Mrs. Clinton has held several offices her accomplishments are few.
As a former "lowly secretary", I would think that phrase alone would eliminate any supposed concern for or respect of the middle class she might have.
1
Ms. Fail-o-rina's denial of any responsibility or knowledge of HP's trading with the enemy, Iran under sanctions, is of a piece with republican saint Ronnie Rayguns denial of his culpability in the criminal fiasco known as Iran Contra.
Just like the Cheney led Halliburton did more business than anyone with Saddam Hussein under sanctions, then bombing him, Ms. Failorina is looking to bite the hand that fed her and to bomb Iran.
Perpetual war is the republican's Job #1.
Just like the Cheney led Halliburton did more business than anyone with Saddam Hussein under sanctions, then bombing him, Ms. Failorina is looking to bite the hand that fed her and to bomb Iran.
Perpetual war is the republican's Job #1.
32
Your cut and paste comments are getting stale. Saint Ronnie, Cheney, yawn.
Can you tell me what business Hillary Clinton engaged in when she approved contracts in return contributions to the Clinton Slush Fund?
Would you like to comment about the $50 million they took from foreign governments? Something about Human rights violations and Sharia law?
You served in the military? I find that very hard to believe. Very
Can you tell me what business Hillary Clinton engaged in when she approved contracts in return contributions to the Clinton Slush Fund?
Would you like to comment about the $50 million they took from foreign governments? Something about Human rights violations and Sharia law?
You served in the military? I find that very hard to believe. Very
Considering that the Tea Party goal is to destroy our government and unshackle free enterprise, Carly’s resume is ideal, her destruction of HP demonstrates her ability to make far reaching decisions to the detriment of most everyone. With a little luck, she could out do Cheney/Bush both in national insolvency and world disorder.
719
Surely you jest. She may be in a league of her own, but she could only aspire to the levels of Cheney/Bush.
The narcissism of some of these Republican candidates - smug, wealthy, arrogant - who think they are God's gift to the poor benighted American citizens is amazing. When do they ever speak about what will improve the country? When do they ever speak about anything but themselves, apart from viciously attacking others? Denigrating the poor, attacking immigrants, denying the rights of women or minorities, not being concerned about the environment, the infrastructure, peace, education, etc., are not qualified for president.
George Washington as the first president noted how people were attracted to "the external trappings of elevated office." But he continued, "To me
there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity."
People like Fiorina who exploited and ruined companies coming out of her HP destruction with $100 million seem to want to cast about for their next even higher position.
There was a Grimm folk tale about a fisherman and his ambitious wife. An enchanted flounder gave the fisherman every wish. He was humble, but his wife constantly wanted more - from a cottage to a palace, from being king to emperor to pope. Finally she demanded that she be made God, and at that point, the flounder reverted everything to the original filthy shack.
It would instill some character in these charlatans if they really knew what a poor struggling life was.
George Washington as the first president noted how people were attracted to "the external trappings of elevated office." But he continued, "To me
there is nothing in it, beyond the lustre which may be reflected from its connection with a power of promoting human felicity."
People like Fiorina who exploited and ruined companies coming out of her HP destruction with $100 million seem to want to cast about for their next even higher position.
There was a Grimm folk tale about a fisherman and his ambitious wife. An enchanted flounder gave the fisherman every wish. He was humble, but his wife constantly wanted more - from a cottage to a palace, from being king to emperor to pope. Finally she demanded that she be made God, and at that point, the flounder reverted everything to the original filthy shack.
It would instill some character in these charlatans if they really knew what a poor struggling life was.
559
it's the peter principle, writ large. fiorina has already reached her own level of incompetence once. shame on the american people if they allow her to reach that level twice.
Or even the vicissitudes of a lower middle-class class family or a truly poor family, one made increasingly destitute by increasingly harsh Republican policies.
Would they then acknowledge their need to help others and their role in the uncaring, unceasing car wreck that is the present and future nature of the nonwealthy average American household? Don't make me laugh.
Go Bernie!
Would they then acknowledge their need to help others and their role in the uncaring, unceasing car wreck that is the present and future nature of the nonwealthy average American household? Don't make me laugh.
Go Bernie!
Your first sentence is the best description I have ever heard of some of these candidates.
1
Many will not forget her stirring performance in Planned Parenthood Pathos. Those I know on the right find that reason enough to ignore her other performances.
1
The wonder is that anyone from Hewlett-Packard contributed anything at all to her campaign.
20
I hate to sound like Donald Trump but everything one needs to know about that woman is written large on her face. While it may have excellent features, the character of the person behind it is written all over it. It outdoes Leona Helmsley by miles as revealing the queen of mean.
235
That was an excellent take down of someone who needs to come down a few rungs and join the rest of us in the trenches. What people like Florina need to do first is work at a true public service job for the salary we get. Go back and do the time to get certified to teach school. Go teach at an inner city school or poor rural school for a couple of years and collect your 50 quid. Do it because you want to see what it is like to be under pressure for little money. From my perspective I think a monkey with a coin could run most corporations. Heads to A, tails do B. The overpaid associate executives could carry out the directive.
15
Carly may have lost by ten points but McCain and Romney both lost California by more than 20! CA has become a VERY blue state. And Boxer had a lot more money than Cary - Carly was outspent by more than 3 to 1.
That context was missing from this otherwise good article.
That context was missing from this otherwise good article.
3
Feinstein would have beat her by 40 points. Boxer was chosen because she is seen as somewhat vulnerable even in CA.
1
California has 55 electoral votes. You can be sure Fiorina won't be getting them
2
You forgot mention the part about her being a pathological liar and sociopath.
200
And this brilliant and even-handed comment sort of sums up the mean-spirited quality of so many on the left: despising people who disagree with them, and thinking they're on the moral high ground in doing so. Sociopath?
1
Another issue-free "analysis" of a presidential candidate. Is this what we can expect for the next year?
Why not paint us a series of pictures of what America would look like if the policies of each candidate were put in place? For most of the Republican candidates, this would be easy: you could just cut-and-paste from on article to the next, with a few tweaks here and then (more gun deaths under the avowed Christian Ben Carson, who holds gun rights more sacred than human life).
Then paint a series of pictures for us of what America would look like if the policies of Clinton, Sanders, or O'Malley were put in place.
That would be a real public service because, really, to read that Fiorina is a self-absorbed narcissist is news to no-one and an "analysis" of nothing but the obvious.
Why not paint us a series of pictures of what America would look like if the policies of each candidate were put in place? For most of the Republican candidates, this would be easy: you could just cut-and-paste from on article to the next, with a few tweaks here and then (more gun deaths under the avowed Christian Ben Carson, who holds gun rights more sacred than human life).
Then paint a series of pictures for us of what America would look like if the policies of Clinton, Sanders, or O'Malley were put in place.
That would be a real public service because, really, to read that Fiorina is a self-absorbed narcissist is news to no-one and an "analysis" of nothing but the obvious.
12
Martin O'Malley who has no following would be a far better president than any of the Republican candidates. No whack job candidates in the Democratic race.
1
Integrity IS important. It may not be the only qualifier but it still is important. Fiorina is a pathological liar and a megalomaniac. She lied and continues to lie about Planned Parenthood. She lies about her disastrous tenure at Lucent and HP resulting in the firing of 30,000 workers, a stock loss unseen since the great depression, the destruction of a company through utter ineptness. The ends justify the means. Should we trust that she won't lie to us if, God forbid, elected president. Do you really want someone with no visible moral compass to have access to the nuclear codes? Ben Carson is a deranged, empty hateful person, blaming the victims of the latest gun massacre as being responsible for their deaths and injuries. Gee, too bad the twenty 6 year olds slaughtered in Newtown didn't have the temerity to fight back! What a bunch of cowards!! Or maybe if had packed heat in their Sesame Street lunchboxes they woulda killed that gunman "deader than a doornail"! This clown is delusional and beyond disgusting with his blame the victim mentality and his continually spreading the lie that Umpqua was a gun free zone. JEB "stuff happens" Bush crassly and callously dismissive of the ongoing gun carnage. Nothing we can do about it so let's continue to do nothing since that's working so well. With their empty cries about needing more mental health care, (who pays?) when Carson likens access to healthcare as being worse than slavery and each one vowing to repeal the ACA on day one!
2
Good work Frank Bruni, gemli, and Larry Eisenberg. More facts in your opinions than to be found in the regular news.
43
Any list of the greatest Presidents has Presidents who have either no business background or very short stints as unsuccessful businessmen early in their careers. Hoover was a businessman and he have us the Great Depression. Our only MBA President George W. Bush have the worst financial disaster since the Great Depression. I wonder what the next President with a business background will give us and if the world will survive.
We are not employees of the United States. We are citizens of the United States. CEO's can fire their employees (Trump's famous "You're Fired!" Apprentice line). We collectively - when our democracy is working - hire and fire the POTUS and he or she has to lead all the citizens of this country.
I know that most Republicans struggle with basic facts and evidence. I know that most Republicans believe that the Government is always the problem and that private business is always the solution (hard to explain highway system and most infrastructure, land-grant public universities, the military and NASA and most foundational technologies, PBS, NPR, etc. outperforming their free-market counterparts). But their latest fetish for Trump and Fiorina and Carson (proving that a brilliant surgeon can also be a first-class moron) needs a reality check. I know I am asking for too much.
Feel the Bern!
We are not employees of the United States. We are citizens of the United States. CEO's can fire their employees (Trump's famous "You're Fired!" Apprentice line). We collectively - when our democracy is working - hire and fire the POTUS and he or she has to lead all the citizens of this country.
I know that most Republicans struggle with basic facts and evidence. I know that most Republicans believe that the Government is always the problem and that private business is always the solution (hard to explain highway system and most infrastructure, land-grant public universities, the military and NASA and most foundational technologies, PBS, NPR, etc. outperforming their free-market counterparts). But their latest fetish for Trump and Fiorina and Carson (proving that a brilliant surgeon can also be a first-class moron) needs a reality check. I know I am asking for too much.
Feel the Bern!
29
Conclusion: Republicans are terrified of CF winning the nomination. Expect more articles like this. Only the name of the GOP "candidate" will be changed.
4
Carly Fiorina represents what is sadly all too common in Corporate America - a smart, articulate, attractive, tough, ambitious, driven and often ruthless, corporate ladder climber, who is ultimately an empty suit. All corporate propagnda and polish but no real business or actual leadership skills. Typically, they are tall, white men who are ex-jocks and know how to give a great speech. Fiorina is the female version of that empty suit. AT&T since it was a regulated monopoly for most of its history was particularly good at creating these imperial executives that lacked business acumen - many went on to destroy other companies when given leadership positions. Fiorina started in 1980 at AT&T. She climbed rapidly through a totally sexist and misogynistic culture. The reason she was able to as Rich Lowry put it "surgically cut off Trump's balls" in the second debate (and put a dent in Trump's momentum). There are many genuine entrepreneurs (the company founders), real business people - men and women - who really lead Corporate America companies. Fiorina, like many empty suits, is delusional enough to believe her own lies and propaganda - that she is a great leader. She most decidedly is not.
73
She said you can call me ma'am. That sums up Ms. Fiorina's rise up the corporate ladder. A well connected woman; her father was a Nixon appointee, who didn't trouble the good old boys with that nuisance called feminism.
She was a pedigreed token executive and handled merchandising so well that it landed her the HP job. There are people in big business that wanted a successful woman to succeed. But when she faced real decisions on the direction of a huge company with blue blood Silicon Valley roots, she showed that she had nothing behind her shock and awe board presentations.
Her first big move was to merge with Compaq at a time when people were shifting to more mobile devices. Nobody needed a crystal ball (couldn't use Oracle) to see the trend. After wasting all that capital and cutting so many jobs, the result was not only a disaster but the printer business, which enjoyed a cult like following was neglected into an also ran.
It's not hard to see why she doesn't realize why business people don't often make good politicians. She is so self centered that she believes her failures were the fault of others. She cannot possibly imagine the plight of those who aren't born into advantage. If she could, those 70,000 people she fired might have been a smaller number. A president cannot write down, write off, sell off, or close down a state.
She was a pedigreed token executive and handled merchandising so well that it landed her the HP job. There are people in big business that wanted a successful woman to succeed. But when she faced real decisions on the direction of a huge company with blue blood Silicon Valley roots, she showed that she had nothing behind her shock and awe board presentations.
Her first big move was to merge with Compaq at a time when people were shifting to more mobile devices. Nobody needed a crystal ball (couldn't use Oracle) to see the trend. After wasting all that capital and cutting so many jobs, the result was not only a disaster but the printer business, which enjoyed a cult like following was neglected into an also ran.
It's not hard to see why she doesn't realize why business people don't often make good politicians. She is so self centered that she believes her failures were the fault of others. She cannot possibly imagine the plight of those who aren't born into advantage. If she could, those 70,000 people she fired might have been a smaller number. A president cannot write down, write off, sell off, or close down a state.
95
A president can't forever avoid responsibility for his/her bad decisions, either.
1
This woman is truly nauseating.
115
Fiorina makes my skin crawl. She seems to be a horrible person. She hasn't given me one good reason to vote for her and I really tried for a few weeks. Just not happening.
297
I have a very unfortunate feeling that far too many woman , of either party, often vote or wish to vote for some sort of mythical-imagined-almost virginally pure female candidate for any office. Many of these feminist idealists will think seriously of voting for a regular Republican merely because it is a woman candidate and thus, we get statements like this:"She hasn't given me one good reason to vote for her and I really tried for a few weeks."
All other political and human considerations are discarded by idealists, as long as the characteristic they have invested themselves in remains. That is how we elected Obama. He had no skills and no experience but he was black and this fitted him as the realization of the wishes and desires of many Americans. What most people ignored was that having dark skin does not make a man another Martin Luther King, Jr.
Similarly, being a woman does not a liberal feminist make--no matter how hard you wish it were so -no matter how hard you try to find reasons to vote for her.
All other political and human considerations are discarded by idealists, as long as the characteristic they have invested themselves in remains. That is how we elected Obama. He had no skills and no experience but he was black and this fitted him as the realization of the wishes and desires of many Americans. What most people ignored was that having dark skin does not make a man another Martin Luther King, Jr.
Similarly, being a woman does not a liberal feminist make--no matter how hard you wish it were so -no matter how hard you try to find reasons to vote for her.
If the only qualification that matters is gender (at least for the left), then you have one reason.
And until Carly entered the race that was the ONLY reason that people were supporting Hillary.
Because we desperately needed a woman in the WH!
Now you're saying that the whole 'woman thing' is kind of a side issue?
And until Carly entered the race that was the ONLY reason that people were supporting Hillary.
Because we desperately needed a woman in the WH!
Now you're saying that the whole 'woman thing' is kind of a side issue?
Didn't Carly Fiorina parachute from the airborne HP disaster (she piloted, all by herself) with a settlement of $21 million? I've read that HP's adieu to her was as high as $40M; my point is she welched on a puny $30M debt of honor to her pollster's widow and couldn't, for decency's sake, afford a relative pittance? As Fiorina rises in the esteem of the wilfully ignorant, the rest of us should view this lesson for what it is: a yellow-flag caution against turning over our governance to someone as baldly unscrupulous as she unashamedly is. Fiorina tanked HP without a care; could American voters be so backwards as to entrust everything to her? We already have dysfunction at the Congressional and judicial level. Given their incompetence, do we want permanent paralysis in Washington? With whom would (could) she work? And please imagine her nominations for Supreme Court vacancies which, given the aging bench, may yield three or four openings before 2020. Carly Fiorina is Sarah Palin all over again, but far worse. Everyone (except John McCain that is) knew Gov. Palin was a disaster. Ms. Fiorina is Nagini in the Harry Potter books: a monstrous servant of the evil will. She would devour us all in the service of herself.
60
Agree with everything you stated but offer this correction though, she welched on 30K owed to the widow of a deceased campaign staffer, not 30M. Huge difference!
4
The debt was $30K (not $30M)
Fiorina's current staff "...maintain that Fiorina’s corporate experience is more akin to managing a presidential campaign..." Which means what for actually governing?
Ms. Fiorina managed to get hired a few times to work in corporations. The net result of those experiences left her wealthy at others' expense but without a corporate job for a very long time and from what has been reported unable to secure one.
Ms. Fiorina managed to get hired a few times to work in corporations. The net result of those experiences left her wealthy at others' expense but without a corporate job for a very long time and from what has been reported unable to secure one.
24
Carly Fiorina's greatest asset is to lie forcefully and articulately. Her unrelentling lies about the Planned Parenthood propaganda video, her constant lies about Planned Parenthood selling baby parts for profit, her fake secretary to CEO and fake rags to riches story, her rewriting her HP career - she was paid $100 million over a 5 year period for betting big on a PC strategy by acquiring Compaq just as PC's started their decline, hated by HP stakeholders, 50% decline in stock (yes during tech bubble bursting, but underperforming peers IBM and Dell over same period), repeatedly missed forecasts - her lies about Lucent career - she was part of the incompetency and criminal behavior (should have been prosecuted) of the idiot Rich McGinn who destroyed Lucent and a national treasure in Bell Labs, she got out before Lucent collapsed (before the bubble burst) and was still seen as a rising star. Her lies and incompetence caught up with her at HP. She is a political outsider not by choice but by failure - losing VP attempt for McCain and CA Senate bid. And those are her qualifications.
229
She is evil. Does not look at you when talking to you. Has caused enough damage in her past responsibilities, thus helped the big lay off. Her mind is always made up and does not appreciate hearing the other side or the facts.
54
"She apparently doesn't leave much love in her wake."
Whether former campaign workers or the thousands laid off at Hewlett Packard, Ms. Fiorina has a habit of leaving only scorched earth in her wake. She'd like to do the same for the poor women who access the services of Planned Parenthood as well. As far as how she'd like to be addressed, as Carly, Ma'am, you, or whatever, I could care less, as long as we never allow her to be
addressed as "Madam President."
Whether former campaign workers or the thousands laid off at Hewlett Packard, Ms. Fiorina has a habit of leaving only scorched earth in her wake. She'd like to do the same for the poor women who access the services of Planned Parenthood as well. As far as how she'd like to be addressed, as Carly, Ma'am, you, or whatever, I could care less, as long as we never allow her to be
addressed as "Madam President."
919
cold-blooded lying narcissist, yes.
6
Mr. Bruni discovers there is less to Ms Fiorina than meets the eye.
She does not tell the truth, is incompetent and is a deadbeat.
Funny that. The people who worked for her hated her.
If you want to destroy Planned Parenthood, make her its CEO.
She does not tell the truth, is incompetent and is a deadbeat.
Funny that. The people who worked for her hated her.
If you want to destroy Planned Parenthood, make her its CEO.
75
The media is much harder on Carly Fiorina than most of the other candidates, e.g. Rubio, Kasich, Biden, Carson etc etc
I like Fiorina. She deserves better.
And why not give her some good press for the charities that she's a part of? She gets zero press for those efforts!
I like Fiorina. She deserves better.
And why not give her some good press for the charities that she's a part of? She gets zero press for those efforts!
3
Why? She destroyed 2 companies, laid off 30,000 people and outsourced their jobs while she received a 21million dollar parachute, stiffed her campaign workers out of their pay and she gets up on the debate stage and lies like hell. I don't think the media has been hard enough on her.
13
Her charitable summit is an unusual one. You put a certain amount away in a trust with a charity-distribution group. You get the immediate benefit at tax time, and a sizable one if are loaded. Then the amount is distributed over time, as you or your agents decide. So you get a better immediate income tax break than any real investment can produce, and then you get to wait years to get that money out. Not bad. but no reason to praise the charitableness of the Carly. It's a sham. I'd give zero, wouldn't you?
10
I'm certainly no Fiorina fan, or of any of the GOP candidates (for decades) for that matter. But as the election draws closer, and it's still over a year away, I hope the coverage of candidates will focus on their policy proposals, and the strengths and weaknesses thereof. Then, if that is done thoroughly and objectively, let's let the people decide. As it is, it starts to look more and more like the establishment strenuously trying to winnow the fields down to the acceptable candidates - to the establishment, that is.
120
I too want to learn more about the candidates' policy proposals, but experience and character are also important. Ms Fiorina may give a stem-winding speech, but she doesn't seem have much character.
3
Proposals are one thing - implementation is the bigger issue. Carly appears big on proposals, but her record at HP and past campaigns show disregard/callousness in the implementation process. She's scary.
4
How can it, the only candidates who have given a complete set of policy proposals are Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The rest either nothing or just tax cuts for the rich and how to take food from the mouths of the poor.
3
She is not going anywhere. Many people (at times most of us) hear what they want to hear. Failed at H-P? A falsehood put forth by liberals who are "afraid" of her (after all, she did, in her words, "increase the top line" - apparently her supporters don't know that it is the bottom line which matters). While she appears to do well, the Tea Party crowd, based upon their blogs, loathes her - and they vote in primaries.
137
@Anne-Marie Hislop - A "falsehood?" So up is down and black is white in your world, huh? Liberals are no more afraid of her than they are Trump. It's entertaining to watch the circus knowing full well these buffoons will never get elected nationally.
2
A multi-millionaire took years to pay $30,000 owed to the widow of a loyal campaign worker?
Forget about her Planned Parenthood incident.
Forget about just about everything else.
I don't want Ms. Fiorina near the White House.
Forget about her Planned Parenthood incident.
Forget about just about everything else.
I don't want Ms. Fiorina near the White House.
939
Well, how many 30,000 checks does a pollster deserve?! Those people are rich! That wasn't his only 30,000 check for that campaign as I understand it - it was just his last.
How many 30,000 dollars checks should a pollster get for an unsuccessful campaign?!
How many 30,000 dollars checks should a pollster get for an unsuccessful campaign?!
1
How about the one his estate is owed? How about paying your debts when you are obscenely wealthy?
If I owed you $30,000, would you forgive my debt to you?
If I owed you $30,000, would you forgive my debt to you?
14
"A multi-millionaire took years to pay $30,000 owed to the widow of a loyal campaign worker?"
According to Leona Helmsley..."only the little people pay..."
According to Leona Helmsley..."only the little people pay..."
8
Everything the Republicans dislike about Hillary Clinton's personality is amplified in the person of Carly Fiorina. The big difference between the two women is that Carly doesn't have the experience, knowledge, insight, or nuance that Hillary possesses. It amazes me that the Hillary-haters are even considering electing this failed CEO to the presidency.
We've already had one Republican who had failed at every business enterprise he had engaged in. He failed to protect the country when warned of an imminent attack on American soil. He lied us into two wars with no clear plans for a path to victory and no exit strategy. He brought us the greatest financial crisis since the great depression, and he gave tax cuts to the rich that hurt the middle class and increased the gap between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the country.
Now close your eyes, and imagine what Carly Fiorina could do to this country.
We've already had one Republican who had failed at every business enterprise he had engaged in. He failed to protect the country when warned of an imminent attack on American soil. He lied us into two wars with no clear plans for a path to victory and no exit strategy. He brought us the greatest financial crisis since the great depression, and he gave tax cuts to the rich that hurt the middle class and increased the gap between the wealthiest 1% and the rest of the country.
Now close your eyes, and imagine what Carly Fiorina could do to this country.
810
I don't think Hillary really has either "the experience, knowledge, insight, or nuance." She certainly isn't showing it in this campaign.
Her background does not really promise "experience, knowledge, insight, or nuance":
She was a Governor's wife, and a lawyer in a small firm.
She was the President's (wronged) wife, and her only direct personal political involvement was to bungle health care so badly it couldn't be rescued for 20 years.
She ran for Senator on her name in a state she had not lived, and she then accomplished not noteworthy policy goals in the Senate.
She became Secretary of State also off her name recognition, and then flew a lot of miles with accomplishing much more than enabling staff neocons to destroy Libya, Syria, and Ukraine, and to advocate staying in the messes of Iraq and Afghanistan even bigger and even longer. Everything she did as Secretary of State failed big and left us worse off. Her own ideas that were rejected were even worse than what she managed to do. She wanted us deeper in each of those problems.
So Carly is worse. Even by comparison to Hillary. But spare us the sideways claims of "the experience, knowledge, insight, or nuance" of Hillary.
Her background does not really promise "experience, knowledge, insight, or nuance":
She was a Governor's wife, and a lawyer in a small firm.
She was the President's (wronged) wife, and her only direct personal political involvement was to bungle health care so badly it couldn't be rescued for 20 years.
She ran for Senator on her name in a state she had not lived, and she then accomplished not noteworthy policy goals in the Senate.
She became Secretary of State also off her name recognition, and then flew a lot of miles with accomplishing much more than enabling staff neocons to destroy Libya, Syria, and Ukraine, and to advocate staying in the messes of Iraq and Afghanistan even bigger and even longer. Everything she did as Secretary of State failed big and left us worse off. Her own ideas that were rejected were even worse than what she managed to do. She wanted us deeper in each of those problems.
So Carly is worse. Even by comparison to Hillary. But spare us the sideways claims of "the experience, knowledge, insight, or nuance" of Hillary.
7
Could it possibly be worse than what a community activist (whatever that is), with ZERO experience and ZERO accomplishments has done?
3
Right on. We can only hope that Bush III gets the republican nod. Hillary will win 400 EV's
4
A nice piece, Frank, which confirms that we think the problem with CEO-types and neuro-surgeon outsiders seeking to start political service at the very top of the heap is that they lack the common humility needed to lead.
Perhaps these people have indeed developed/acquired the burning desire to serve, either through working life-times spent on other career paths, or sudden ambition - we don't know since they don't have a track record, and since they will surely mouth the words/display the actions they think we want to see, if they can discern what will convince us they are sincere.
But the thing they can't fake is the humility required of leaders, which shows up in a track record, whatever your life's occupation has been. Fortunately, humility, humbleness and lives of self-examination are hard to fake - unfortunately, those attributes are weeded out of the CEO and surgeon classes almost by design, which is why we think the personal skill-sets of those positions pretty much preclude being POTUS, when no prior elected office has been held, much less re-election that would give some idea of the ability to follow-through/deliver on campaign promises.
The same reason we haven't seen anyone retire from the Oval Office to immediately become a CEO or neuro-surgeon is the same reason we don't find those professions to be training grounds for POTUS - and let's all remember that our only MBA prez (Harvard, no less) is Dubya.
Perhaps these people have indeed developed/acquired the burning desire to serve, either through working life-times spent on other career paths, or sudden ambition - we don't know since they don't have a track record, and since they will surely mouth the words/display the actions they think we want to see, if they can discern what will convince us they are sincere.
But the thing they can't fake is the humility required of leaders, which shows up in a track record, whatever your life's occupation has been. Fortunately, humility, humbleness and lives of self-examination are hard to fake - unfortunately, those attributes are weeded out of the CEO and surgeon classes almost by design, which is why we think the personal skill-sets of those positions pretty much preclude being POTUS, when no prior elected office has been held, much less re-election that would give some idea of the ability to follow-through/deliver on campaign promises.
The same reason we haven't seen anyone retire from the Oval Office to immediately become a CEO or neuro-surgeon is the same reason we don't find those professions to be training grounds for POTUS - and let's all remember that our only MBA prez (Harvard, no less) is Dubya.
464
How much of that "humility" does Ms. Clinton show ?
2
It takes a certain ego to apply a knife to someone's brain, and do it over and over again. Especially to the brains of babies.
It takes a certain ego to fire 30,000 people, if that is really what needs to be done (or even more ego if it isn't and you give yourself a big bonus and a yacht for doing it).
It takes a certain ego to be President. FDR had TR had big egos, and they were very good, among the standards for a good President.
But FDR and TR and the other good Presidents had a lot more than just ego. In fact, their egos were a bit of a problem for them they had to keep under control. Their egos were necessary negatives to their other talents.
These candidates don't have those other talents. They also don't keep those egos under control.
It takes a certain ego to fire 30,000 people, if that is really what needs to be done (or even more ego if it isn't and you give yourself a big bonus and a yacht for doing it).
It takes a certain ego to be President. FDR had TR had big egos, and they were very good, among the standards for a good President.
But FDR and TR and the other good Presidents had a lot more than just ego. In fact, their egos were a bit of a problem for them they had to keep under control. Their egos were necessary negatives to their other talents.
These candidates don't have those other talents. They also don't keep those egos under control.
18
michel - HRC has humility in spades, as evidenced by her travels to every New York county when she sought to be 1 of their Senators, then held that office for 6 years and was accountable to a constituency, then was re-elected, then Secretary of State - American emissary to whole lot of the world that pretty roundly hated the USA after the preceding administration.
All of which stands in starkest contrast to being a CEO someplace who was actually run off by your own board of directors (known to usually be a friendly club CEO's pick for themselves) and not being a CEO anywhere else, since that point in time.
Question right back at you: " Where has there been a great clamor arising from the private sector for the singular CEO talents Fiorina trumpets says she has exhibited; why has the private sector left all that rare, prized, much bally-hooed skill set laying idle " ?
All of which stands in starkest contrast to being a CEO someplace who was actually run off by your own board of directors (known to usually be a friendly club CEO's pick for themselves) and not being a CEO anywhere else, since that point in time.
Question right back at you: " Where has there been a great clamor arising from the private sector for the singular CEO talents Fiorina trumpets says she has exhibited; why has the private sector left all that rare, prized, much bally-hooed skill set laying idle " ?
20
One could certainly get a negative impression of Carly Fiorina after following her around for a week. I got the same impression after ten minutes of looking into her unblinking eyes during the debate. She gives off a Joan-Crawford-in-Mommie-Dearest kind of vibe while she tells the country that she wants to adopt us for her very own. That alone might be enough to justify looking at another candidate. Any other candidate. At least Donald Trump would be more entertaining as he dragged us to hell.
If that aspect of her persona weren’t telling enough, the outright lies about Planned Parenthood might have raised a red flag. They were delivered with the heartfelt conviction and attention to non-existent details that marks a truly accomplished liar. And we had an inkling of her capacity for making lemonade when she touted her performance at Hewlett-Packard as a qualification for the presidency of the United States. Maybe she can boost our economy by laying off a few million workers.
But it’s hard to single out Fiorina’s debate performance when the entire Republican chorus line was dancing in lock-step. Every one of them tried to out-do the others in boasting about their managerial incompetence, outright meanness or in the depth of their Christian piety, and how many citizens they planned to ignore, abandon or condemn in order to please their God.
I think if Sanders won the presidency these malevolent specters would writhe and vanish in a puff of smoke.
Go Bernie.
If that aspect of her persona weren’t telling enough, the outright lies about Planned Parenthood might have raised a red flag. They were delivered with the heartfelt conviction and attention to non-existent details that marks a truly accomplished liar. And we had an inkling of her capacity for making lemonade when she touted her performance at Hewlett-Packard as a qualification for the presidency of the United States. Maybe she can boost our economy by laying off a few million workers.
But it’s hard to single out Fiorina’s debate performance when the entire Republican chorus line was dancing in lock-step. Every one of them tried to out-do the others in boasting about their managerial incompetence, outright meanness or in the depth of their Christian piety, and how many citizens they planned to ignore, abandon or condemn in order to please their God.
I think if Sanders won the presidency these malevolent specters would writhe and vanish in a puff of smoke.
Go Bernie.
1134
"She gives off a Joan-Crawford-in-Mommie-Dearest kind of vibe while she tells the country that she wants to adopt us for her very own."
To which one could add:
"Helga, I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at the dirt."
To which one could add:
"Helga, I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at the dirt."
13
"the heartfelt conviction and attention to non-existent details" frightened me. There are several kinds of liars. As a trial lawyer I've become sort of expert on them. She is one of the most dangerous kind. She would say or do anything.
54
Love you gemli. Please publish a book of "gemli's comments" - similar to Bill Maher's "New Rules". It would be a New York Times bestseller!
11
On what meat doth this Carly feed?
Ambition is her greatest need,
She'll pander to slander
Like each Repub gander,
Feminism is her hollow reed.
Rejects climate change like the rest
And to the Tea Party plays best,
An unceasing motor
For a self-promoter,
And lies with a zeal and a zest.
Ambition is her greatest need,
She'll pander to slander
Like each Repub gander,
Feminism is her hollow reed.
Rejects climate change like the rest
And to the Tea Party plays best,
An unceasing motor
For a self-promoter,
And lies with a zeal and a zest.
1050
That was brilliant, keep it up.
10
Très bon, Larry!
8
Makes one want to swat her, as though she were a pest.
6