This guy is seriously afraid of a Sanders Presidency. Maybe he really cannot see one as being anything like a 1950's Cold War movie but thinking Biden would help rally Moderate Democrats is silly. Who are these 'moderate Democrats?' If the author would talk to actual Sander's voters in Vermont he would understand who Bernie's true voters are. It is a NYT fallacy that all Vermonters are transplants from Connecticut. It is a very rural state and the people who live in the hills are often multi generational and very rural, i.e. no fancy NYT readers. Most like Sander's because of his integrity. He might be more liberal on some issues but Vermonters are all both libertarian and populist, whether of the Right or the Left
12
I am tired of all the games and money and being told whom to vote for. "Electable" is a term created by the oligarchy in order to perpetuate itself. This is not like voting on a football game where you put money on the team you think most likely to win. I will stick by voting for real change through the candidate who gets it and is committed to making the country better, fairer, more equitable and livable. What we have, and what this whole Clinton-Biden theater is, is not sustainable. Sanders is my guy. If Warren joined him, all the better. If Hillary gets the nomination - lets hope it's not a coronation - I will not vote for her. At 48 years old I am tired of voting for whatever the latest royalty is the Dems hand us. I'm sure they're freaking out by Sanders' following which is growing exponentially, how he's been working with BLM (which of course the main stream media don't cover), how Latino/Hispanics are going for him, and the battles union leadership is having with their members over knee-jerk endorsements of Clinton. The writing is on the wall. It might not happen in 2016, but we have to send the message.
5
Another bored and boring pundit making suppositions about who is a Democratic candidate. As far as I am concerned there are two declared Democratic candidates: Hillary Clinton and Martin O'Malley. Sanders and Chaffee are independents and will never receive the full-fledged support of a party they refuse to even join. Joe Biden is loved by all the white males in the Democratic party but there are not very many of those who vote Democratic. Come up with someone new you think should run white male pundits as you have hacked this non-existent story to death.
7
I have criticized the NYT recently and before for bias, censorship of ideas it does not like and for being the mouthpiece of oligarchy and Pentagon driven foreign policy.
I am very glad not only to see that your campaign of Misinformation (that's putting it diplomatically) and in the case of Russia and the Ukraine pure propaganda and lies of whole cloth. Your institution has returned to the days of the pre Iraq war period; which you apologized about and promised not to return to. Of course the Chief editor in chief who did move the NYT away from propaganda and back to balanced news was fired despite saving the company from bankruptsy, by firing her, Jill Abramson, for doing her job too well and honestly.
I am ashamed and appalled. The NYT is now in the boat with FOX (who fear Trump, the other non establishment candidate, like the UK fear Jeremy Corbyn), killing the alternatives to the continuation of the same never ending degeneracy, immoral policy and corruption. Recently despite Bibi's appalling behavior and sabotage the last year, the NYT blamed Abbas for the failure to find peace in the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
The NYT is becoming the Tony Blair of Journalism. About as honest as Tony was a 'peace envoy'! Losing patience fast! If it was not for Mr Paul Krugman I would not read you any more, even after 45 YEARS of faithful readership!
I am very glad not only to see that your campaign of Misinformation (that's putting it diplomatically) and in the case of Russia and the Ukraine pure propaganda and lies of whole cloth. Your institution has returned to the days of the pre Iraq war period; which you apologized about and promised not to return to. Of course the Chief editor in chief who did move the NYT away from propaganda and back to balanced news was fired despite saving the company from bankruptsy, by firing her, Jill Abramson, for doing her job too well and honestly.
I am ashamed and appalled. The NYT is now in the boat with FOX (who fear Trump, the other non establishment candidate, like the UK fear Jeremy Corbyn), killing the alternatives to the continuation of the same never ending degeneracy, immoral policy and corruption. Recently despite Bibi's appalling behavior and sabotage the last year, the NYT blamed Abbas for the failure to find peace in the Israeli Palestinian conflict.
The NYT is becoming the Tony Blair of Journalism. About as honest as Tony was a 'peace envoy'! Losing patience fast! If it was not for Mr Paul Krugman I would not read you any more, even after 45 YEARS of faithful readership!
4
The one good thing about poll data? It's a fact, not an opinion. So you can't actually get mad at the New York Times for reporting it. Unless the source of your poll data comes with a hashtag that says #FeeltheBern at the end of it, then it does indeed show Hillary Clinton as way ahead. It shows that people do indeed like her and support her. It shows that many of Bernie Sanders's supporters have self-answered that they prefer anyone but Clinton, but the rest of the Democratic party actually likes hers. Indeed, I said it: They LIKE Hillary Clinton and think she will make a fine President. Bernie is leading in New Hampshire, his neighboring state. Hillary Clinton has sizable leads almost everywhere else. Fact. Not opinion.
4
Oh joy. Another horse-race article- this one with the unspoken but rather transparent supposition that you should vote for Clinton or Biden (but not Bernie Sanders, never ever that filthy liberal non-warmonger Bernie Sanders!) because their victory is inevitable (over Bernie Sanders, just in case you didn't get the message that that evil, detestable Bernie Sanders will never, ever, ever win!). Ahem.
Well, if you don't care about actual policy differences and just want to accommodate "moderate" Democrats and The Party Elite, then by all means vote for Clinton or Biden. Because nothing bad could ever come from the heirs to the administration that brought you the repeal of the Glass-Steagal Act, Three Strikes legislation, and the gutting of social welfare in favor of "work-fare" that never actually pays a living wage. And did I mention the disintegration of Libya? The Invasion of Iraq? Yeah, Clinton supported that.
If, on the other hand, you want a president who cares about income inequality and DIDN'T vote for two of the worst foreign policy disasters in living memory, might I suggest you should not care about the Democratic Party Elite?
Well, if you don't care about actual policy differences and just want to accommodate "moderate" Democrats and The Party Elite, then by all means vote for Clinton or Biden. Because nothing bad could ever come from the heirs to the administration that brought you the repeal of the Glass-Steagal Act, Three Strikes legislation, and the gutting of social welfare in favor of "work-fare" that never actually pays a living wage. And did I mention the disintegration of Libya? The Invasion of Iraq? Yeah, Clinton supported that.
If, on the other hand, you want a president who cares about income inequality and DIDN'T vote for two of the worst foreign policy disasters in living memory, might I suggest you should not care about the Democratic Party Elite?
11
Y’all I get the Bernie Sanders’ populist, anit-establsihment appeal. I’m glad he has galvanized so many people. But really: there is not a snowball’s chance in hell of him winning the nomination much less defeating whomever the GOP nominee may be. By contrast, the Severely Liberal Elizabeth Warren could travel to any pocket of this country and pick off voters of all varietals; did it an appearance in West Virginia earlier this year. Her refusal to run was a huge loss to liberals now having turned to Senator Sanders. (Suspend her liberal card away for not running.) Making matters worse the whole primary system has been rigged by the DNC to the advantage to Clinton Inc. Democratic voters: the fix is in. If Biden is Senator Clinton's worst nightmare, bring it on Joe. Signed, An ABH Liberal.
1
The NYT political elite opinion makers keep on writing using the same old tired phrases. (I am a liberal democrat.)
There must be a better reason for vice president Biden to run than his son died and that secretary Clinton is not trustworthy. (I am very saddened for his loss.)
And vice president Biden has run twice before and did miserably. And secretary Clinton (if you want to imagine that his policies and style are close to those of her husband's) would be a conservative democrat in office, much as her husband was.
Why not talk about these issues rather than the 'horse race' and the repeated stereotypes? The NYT can do better.
There must be a better reason for vice president Biden to run than his son died and that secretary Clinton is not trustworthy. (I am very saddened for his loss.)
And vice president Biden has run twice before and did miserably. And secretary Clinton (if you want to imagine that his policies and style are close to those of her husband's) would be a conservative democrat in office, much as her husband was.
Why not talk about these issues rather than the 'horse race' and the repeated stereotypes? The NYT can do better.
20
At this point in 2007, Mr. Obama was in a worse position relative to Mrs. Clinton than Bernie Sanders is today. His turnaround was not apparent to late spring-summer 2008. Yet other media is honest enough to report about Sanders' organizing efforts. Have mainstream media not yet learned from 2008 and their tendency to focus on the moneyed establishment?
19
I would hope that Biden would run. When he last ran I contributed money to his campaign even though I am a Republican. My thinking was that the Republican candidate could lose and we needed a good Democrat to run the country. Unfortunately he did not get the nomination and my worst fears were realized. Joe Biden knows a lot about foreign policy and don't we need someone that is strong in that area?
2
He appears to be both likable and trustworthy vs. Hillary who is completely the opposite.
5
I know Sanders devotees don't want to hear it, but as Mr. Cohn has so calmly pointed out, the numbers don't lie and having tens of thousands of people in a stadium does not mean society as a whole loves your candidate.
It needs to be emphasized that White liberals have at most 20% of the votes in the general election. So go ahead and be enthusiastic but don't pretend to speak for the rest of us.
It needs to be emphasized that White liberals have at most 20% of the votes in the general election. So go ahead and be enthusiastic but don't pretend to speak for the rest of us.
7
It is actually quite telling, that the mere rumors of some one entering the race, can make the camp of the supposed anointed shake in fear.
Can it mean that no matter what they say, they see theirs as a loosing race? and are just fearing the last nail on the coffin?
Can it mean that no matter what they say, they see theirs as a loosing race? and are just fearing the last nail on the coffin?
3
Joe doesn't owe Hillary Clinton anything, Run Joe!
4
Most of the country does not support Bernie Sanders because of his policies and poor leadership skills, and his supporters' conviction that all of those people are simply too stupid to know what is good for them is alienating to the point of being offensive.
5
The last thing we need is Biden the Drug Warrior running the country. His work creating the office of the Drug Tsar, mandatory minimums, and the RAVE Act should disqualify him in the minds of all thoughtful citizens.
1
Mr. Cohn's article makes me so thankful that we'll finally have the Democratic primary debates starting on October 13th. Let's see how the polling shakes out after a healthy dose of unfiltered information makes it to the electorate. P.S. NYT, you've not be helping in this regard.
5
I do not want to be left with the choice of voting for Mrs. Clinton.
2
I have always been a Biden fan. I've seen him on numerous talk shows over the years and he comes across a genuine and knowledgeable. I think the reason many people are supporting Trump and Sanders is that they are tired of the gridlock that has stalled this country over the past 8 years. It's been say no to Obama no matter what. Republicans and Democrats in Washington won't compromise.
I think the only candidate who has the ability to break through this deadlock is Biden. He has the experience to be able to reach across the aisle and get our country moving again. I doubt many Democrats would compromise with Trump. And I'm sure Republicans would not cooperate with Clinton or Sanders.
I think the only candidate who has the ability to break through this deadlock is Biden. He has the experience to be able to reach across the aisle and get our country moving again. I doubt many Democrats would compromise with Trump. And I'm sure Republicans would not cooperate with Clinton or Sanders.
2
After I posted my comment noting how this was yet another Times piece that marginalizes Bernie Sanders, I looked at the "Readers' Picks", and literally the top 8 comments are about how the Times is ignoring him.
It's starting to seem like a systematic bias - this happens over and over. Times, what's the deal? Sanders is interesting - he's unconventional and gaining support, defying expectations at every turn, should be a very interesting story. Yet the Times is busy trying to make a story about a tired establishment candidate who dragged his heels and hasn't even talked about running. They very rarely even talk about his agenda.
Usually the Times is pretty progressive with its coverage but in this election with regards to Sanders it seems to be consistently behind the eight ball.
-Frustrated.
It's starting to seem like a systematic bias - this happens over and over. Times, what's the deal? Sanders is interesting - he's unconventional and gaining support, defying expectations at every turn, should be a very interesting story. Yet the Times is busy trying to make a story about a tired establishment candidate who dragged his heels and hasn't even talked about running. They very rarely even talk about his agenda.
Usually the Times is pretty progressive with its coverage but in this election with regards to Sanders it seems to be consistently behind the eight ball.
-Frustrated.
16
This is literally like a scene from the movie, "Idiocracy" in which the dufus from the past is crowned President of the United States and becomes President Not Sure because he couldn't figure out the new automatic ID machine.
Really? A man who has less support in the polls than Bernie Sanders and is literally not sure whether or not he wants to run, poses the greatest challenge to Hillary Clinton's bid for the Democratic nomination? You really can't make this stuff up. No, that's obviously not true. Nate Cohn just did.
Really? A man who has less support in the polls than Bernie Sanders and is literally not sure whether or not he wants to run, poses the greatest challenge to Hillary Clinton's bid for the Democratic nomination? You really can't make this stuff up. No, that's obviously not true. Nate Cohn just did.
15
I do like Mr. Cohn's second to the last paragraph where Biden takes delegates away from Clinton leaving Sanders the nominee. Where do I send my contribution to the Biden campaign?
4
Does anybody else wonder if Biden knows something about Clinton that might destroy her chances of being elected. As an insider Biden has been briefed on national security issues and knows a whole lot more about HIllary's actions while she was Secretary of State. He may know somethng very damaging to her.
2
Could someone explain the real reason for wanting to run Biden apart from misogyny? I keep reading comments about how Clinton is a "turn off" and a "bad candidate".
I think this is code.
I think this is code.
2
Why are the only choices between leftist nativity and right-wing hate? Where have all the normal candidates gone? I say this as someone who has never voted GOP in a presidential election, Biden entering the race would help keep me voting for the Dems. As it stands now, I don't see myself voting for any of Dems running. I also can't see myself voting for the Republicans who seem to be in the grip of their own extremist. I don't want to support either the reactionary Tea Party or the Black Rage movements. I want someone who puts America and Americans first.
1
So now that Benghazi and e-mail gate are petering out, it seems like Bidenmentum! has now taken hold as the newest defeat - Hillary-at-all-costs- meme.
Name me another undeclared candidate in history that was been so pumped by the media, only to finally show up and crash...
Oh, that's right...Fred Thompson, the great saviour that was going to save us from Obama in '08.
Get over it NYT, Joe ain't running. And if he were unwise enough to do so, his late entry would surely imperil the Democrats chances, should he actually even mamage to get the nomination.
The good news is, you'll probably have another president Clinton to obsess over for at least the next four years...that oughta generate a lot of clicks.
Name me another undeclared candidate in history that was been so pumped by the media, only to finally show up and crash...
Oh, that's right...Fred Thompson, the great saviour that was going to save us from Obama in '08.
Get over it NYT, Joe ain't running. And if he were unwise enough to do so, his late entry would surely imperil the Democrats chances, should he actually even mamage to get the nomination.
The good news is, you'll probably have another president Clinton to obsess over for at least the next four years...that oughta generate a lot of clicks.
3
Joe Biden's immense ego wants to run.Let's examine why he shouldn't. He has been guilty of verified plagiarism at least twice. His stealing of Neil Kinnock's speech was outrageous. His use of a law school paper written by someone else was indicative of a recidivist character flaw. His disrespect of Anita Hill,failure to subpoena Clarence Thomas's video rental records, and decision not to call witnesses to corroborate Ms. Hill was politically expedient and ethically indefensible. Joe Biden's disrespect of female secret service agents and serial massages are inappropriate behavior. His public discussion of his most personal family tragedies clearly have a political effect and are his decision alone. The vehemence of his outrage at these allegations of playing politics proves " he doth protest too much". His documented intemperate statements are indicative of his outsized ego.He can't win.Can he restrain his own ego?
6
white voters vs nonwhite voters?
why is this even salient in a race among 3 whites?
Would it be newsworthy to report on the poling stats for catholics vs non-catholics. Or Jews vs non-Jews?
What is the relevance of ones skin color when it comes to voting preference. I'd rather hear about age groups, and regional differences. Younger voters rarely vote except in presidential elections if at all. Older voters always vote.
Also 'non-white' can mean anything from African American which tend to Democrat to naturalized Asian-Americans who tend towards conservative.
why is this even salient in a race among 3 whites?
Would it be newsworthy to report on the poling stats for catholics vs non-catholics. Or Jews vs non-Jews?
What is the relevance of ones skin color when it comes to voting preference. I'd rather hear about age groups, and regional differences. Younger voters rarely vote except in presidential elections if at all. Older voters always vote.
Also 'non-white' can mean anything from African American which tend to Democrat to naturalized Asian-Americans who tend towards conservative.
2
Why does no one yet suggest a Biden/Sanders ticket? Clinton would be sunk.
1
The notion that a “white knight” needs to save the little lady from her tragic fate is an obnoxious fairy tale best jettisoned from limited political imagination. Hillary doesn’t need another Democrat to prove that she’s a fighter (what we little people really want) The Republicans, as well as Obama’s attempts to mollify them (banks, trade, keystone, et al.) give her more than enough material to work with and the email derangement syndrome will continue to ensure Republican over-reach to her benefit; Biden's entrance would just be piling on
4
The real issue isn't if Biden or Sanders have the money, the support or the polls - HIllary has long had all three sewn up. Where the Democratic Party have the problem is that their "prize candidate" just may be indicted before the election is held! Each day it becomes more serious, more of a intentional cover-up, control and secrecy of the e-mail, the server and the contents. The e-mails are the key to just how integrated the Clinton Foundation is with Hillary's role as Sec. of State. How many favors were granted to foreign entities, governments? Was Foundation business done on State Dept. time? So very many ugly and nasty things are coming out - and we have the full year to get drunk on them.
if the media would do its job instead of panting after ratings by constantly promoting the huckster in chief and sociopath, Donald Trump, it would be informing the general public, which includes those who are considered to be "low information voters" that Bernie Sanders, is the right man for the job. If Trump wins, and God help us if he does, we will have the venal and ever so mediocre executives in the media to thank. Trump might be good for ratings, but not for America or the world.
13
The job of what you call "the media," in this case the New York Times, is to report the news. Not to command people to vote for the candidate you prefer.
2
To a progressive Biden makes even less sense than Clinton. If anything he is to the "right" of her. He even let Thomas slip through to the Supreme Court by sidestepping and minimizing the obvious sexual harassment issue when he was Chairman of the Judiciary committee. He only makes sense if one lets personal antipathies get in the way of political judgement.
9
Isn't it possible that he has low poll numbers and little campaign money because he hasn't even announced he'll run yet? Hard to win the lottery if you're not playing!
4
I am really tired of the Bernie Sanders is not electable meme which runs through so much New York Times analysis. I find Sanders electable and so far the finest of choices. For me, Sanders is electable.
47
"I am really tired of the Bernie Sanders is not electable meme"
The thing is that Mr. Cohn uses actual statistical evidence to assert that point. It's not unfounded opinion.
I have yet to see a plausible, evidence-based argument by Sanders supports as to how we could win.
The thing is that Mr. Cohn uses actual statistical evidence to assert that point. It's not unfounded opinion.
I have yet to see a plausible, evidence-based argument by Sanders supports as to how we could win.
Well then, I guess that's all that matters. As goes Great Neck, so goes the US. Oh, wait; are we expecting any other people to show up at the polls?
"Joe Biden has less support than Bernie Sanders and hasn't raised a single dollar."
That's right. He hasn't entered the race. Does Nate Cohn not have an editor? This is Nate Silver with training wheels. Big ones. Hard to believe that the Times can't do better than this.
On the substance: I agree that Biden and Clinton would battle for the support of Democratic moderates and centrists. But I believe that Biden has an edge in the primaries and, especially, in the general election in that he isn't hampered by Clinton's poor favorability ratings and is more likely to win over Independents and undecideds. A Biden-Warren ticket would be formidable.
As for Clinton's backing by elites and donors: this still hasn't managed to set her campaign on fire-- instead, Clinton has steadily shed support. Perhaps the elites and donors have been backing the wrong horse.
That's right. He hasn't entered the race. Does Nate Cohn not have an editor? This is Nate Silver with training wheels. Big ones. Hard to believe that the Times can't do better than this.
On the substance: I agree that Biden and Clinton would battle for the support of Democratic moderates and centrists. But I believe that Biden has an edge in the primaries and, especially, in the general election in that he isn't hampered by Clinton's poor favorability ratings and is more likely to win over Independents and undecideds. A Biden-Warren ticket would be formidable.
As for Clinton's backing by elites and donors: this still hasn't managed to set her campaign on fire-- instead, Clinton has steadily shed support. Perhaps the elites and donors have been backing the wrong horse.
17
No way is progressive Warren going to team up with Biden except in Biden supporters' dreams.
3
Yet another New York Times piece saying Bernie Sanders is unelectable. This is tiresome.
43
That's like complaining about "yet another piece saying Earth revolves around Sun".
Your religion may say otherwise, butthe NYT should still report the data.
Your religion may say otherwise, butthe NYT should still report the data.
Yea but it's not like he's going to win.
Or get nominated.
Or get nominated.
I like Biden, he seems presidential, a moderate & centrist candidate. His tendency to make gaffes and speak off book is appealing. I like Bernie Sanders, although he can seem stuffy, stiff & academic. But anyone who calls themselves a socialist is not even remotely electable. That said I really like Clinton. I know she's a political animal & heavily immeshed in Washington, but what are we, children? It's politics, a blood sport. And Hilary's a slugger. Don't we want a seasoned & shrewd President, who knows the lay of the land & international dynamics? Don't we want a proffesional? I think a lot of the guff she takes has to do with her being a strong woman. There I've said it: chauvinism. Dems need to stop with the handwringing and get behind our first woman President - Hilary 2016!
6
Why isn't a socialist electable?? I hear that a lot and don't understand in light of the serious consequences that have flowed from unbridled capitalism, the financial fiasco that almost destroyed our economy, now the information about the fraud perpetrated by Volkswagon, the loss of unions, not to mention good jobs which have gone overseas. Add to that the fact that Clinton supported the War in Iraq. I want a candidate who will not be beholden to the moneyed interests. I'd take Bernie over Hillary any day. I would like to see a woman President but I care more about the issues than the gender of the person asking for my vote.
29
While I love Bernie, there are a limited number of people who will vote for him, he has a glass ceiling that will be difficult to break through. And since he's not a member of the Democratic party, it's not clear how a general election campaign would work, should he get the nomination. While it would be in the Dems best interest to give him DNC and PAC money, how would that fly with some party regulars. Plus, so far he has weak support among minorities.
1
Bernie Sanders is a socialist Democrat, NOT the same thing as a Socialist.
7
Of the first 50 top rated comments on this article, 98% of them say how they're for Bernie. I'm for Bernie. Biden doesn't even register on my radar. Don't tell me he's a threat bcs I'm not buying it.
And I'll tell you one thing: the more the mainstream media ignores Bernie, the more I like him. Soon you won't be able to ignore the groundswell any longer.
And I'll tell you one thing: the more the mainstream media ignores Bernie, the more I like him. Soon you won't be able to ignore the groundswell any longer.
36
And four years ago articles about the primaries were flooded with comments about how Ron Paul was going to win. He went on to not win a single state. You Bernie folks should prepare for that, too. In every state after New Hampshire Clinton is crushing him, and without Biden she sweeps all 50.
The article was about how he is a treat to Clinton, which appears to be correct.
I know that 'Joe Biden running' is the cherished dream of every member of the vast Clinton-averse majority in the press, and the Clinton-fearing majority on the right.
But VP Biden is a smart man, and a loyal Democrat- who knows that the second he announces, he'll go from the press lauding him as beloved elder statesman and formidable rival to Hillary; to "gaffe prone" and "plagarist," etc.
The first debate is next week, folks. If Joe were running, he'd be in by now.
But VP Biden is a smart man, and a loyal Democrat- who knows that the second he announces, he'll go from the press lauding him as beloved elder statesman and formidable rival to Hillary; to "gaffe prone" and "plagarist," etc.
The first debate is next week, folks. If Joe were running, he'd be in by now.
16
Bloomberg is coming and he'll clean up the whole mess. Biden should go have
a drink and call it a day.
a drink and call it a day.
4
I don't think a sitting vice president has ever failed to get his party's nomination for president, at least not in modern times. Biden will surely cause some headaches for Hillary and Bernard.
1
In the sense that a VP has never failed to get the nomination of the Party, Hillary is also essentially a former VP. That said, Bernie Sanders will get elected because the time has come for the middle class under stress to rise against the wealthy as the middle class under economic stress did for FDR.
3
Joe Biden is a decent person and would take a huge number of voters away from Mrs. Clinton. As usual with the Democratic party the fix is in. Joe will back out for running for anything citing family matters. What else is new?
3
So Joe Biden made his first serious effort in 1988, when Michael Dukakis became the candidate, but dropped out of the race after plagiarizing a speech. He was never a very strong contender during that race. He tried again in 2008, but dropped out for lack of support (plus the result of some unfortunate gaffes) after the Iowa caucuses, where he polled less than 1%, coming in fourth, after Bill Richardson (2%), Hillary Clinton (29%), John Edwards (30%), and Barack Obama (38%). Yes, he seems like a good guy, he has served as Vice President, and he's faced a tragic loss with dignity. But where's the advantage here that makes the media await his declaration breathlessly?
13
Just the "anybody but Hillary or Sanders" crowd.
Columns like this should make us all feel a little queasy, since what is being expressed is profoundly undemocratic: that the race is locked up before a single vote is cast. On the Republican side, at least, we have had an opportunity to watch the candidates debate one another, and so polls might actually be useful in measuring the sentiments of Republican voters. On the other hand, at this point the Democratic candidates remain for many a gaggle of ill-defined characters dutifully tromping through the fields of Iowa and
New Hampshire, with never a word spoken between them. Nate Cohn, can we at least wait until the first debate before deciding what to wear to Clinton's inauguration?
New Hampshire, with never a word spoken between them. Nate Cohn, can we at least wait until the first debate before deciding what to wear to Clinton's inauguration?
32
It's not "undemocratic". The DNC isn't doing away with primaries and just picking a candidate. We just know who's probably going to win ahead of time. That isn't nearly the same thing.
It is locked up already. It has been.
What is troubling, is that people still believe they have a say on the matter.
In a perfect world, Democracy probably would win. But in this most perfect of all worlds, your leaders are chosen for you. And bought and sold wholesale too, and it's legal, it's called Lobying.
But people electing their leader is a pie in the sky dream, that gullible people eat, while those in charge laugh.
What is troubling, is that people still believe they have a say on the matter.
In a perfect world, Democracy probably would win. But in this most perfect of all worlds, your leaders are chosen for you. And bought and sold wholesale too, and it's legal, it's called Lobying.
But people electing their leader is a pie in the sky dream, that gullible people eat, while those in charge laugh.
Wasn't it supposed to be Clinton vs Guilani at this point in the 2008 election?
I like Hillary's positions better, and her foreign policy is more to my liking than Biden's; and frankly her intellect is superior. I would, however, prefer Biden to Sanders. In fact, I'd prefer anyone to Sanders. In a dystopian nightmare, were it to come down to Bernie or Donnie, I'm not actually sure I'd vote for Bern'. That's how much I despise his socialism -- and his worshipful fans.
If you want me to say we should tax the richest fraction of our citizens more than we now do, okay, we should. If you want me to believe that by issuing morally-outraged dictates from D.C. you can generate a Danish utopia, good luck. The economy does not function the way Sanders evidently thinks it does. He takes no notice of the fact that a $15 national minimum wage would result in huge institutional unemployment. And his blind followers continue to gloss over the fact that none of his wild-eyed schemes have the slightest chance of making it through Congress. Many DEMOCRATS do not even support his positions, as evidenced by the fact that his College For All Act and healthcare bill had precisely zero co-sponsors.
Bernie often says "this is the richest country in the world" and then goes on to shame America for something he thinks it's lacking. Wait a second; he just said it's the richest country in the world. Yet it got that way precisely because we removed ourselves as far as possible from the very economic policies he would now have us adopt. We should be better, but not "Bernie better."
If you want me to say we should tax the richest fraction of our citizens more than we now do, okay, we should. If you want me to believe that by issuing morally-outraged dictates from D.C. you can generate a Danish utopia, good luck. The economy does not function the way Sanders evidently thinks it does. He takes no notice of the fact that a $15 national minimum wage would result in huge institutional unemployment. And his blind followers continue to gloss over the fact that none of his wild-eyed schemes have the slightest chance of making it through Congress. Many DEMOCRATS do not even support his positions, as evidenced by the fact that his College For All Act and healthcare bill had precisely zero co-sponsors.
Bernie often says "this is the richest country in the world" and then goes on to shame America for something he thinks it's lacking. Wait a second; he just said it's the richest country in the world. Yet it got that way precisely because we removed ourselves as far as possible from the very economic policies he would now have us adopt. We should be better, but not "Bernie better."
6
Yes , Bernie Sanders is the second coming of FDR at a time when the middle class sorely need rescuing and and apparently you do not like it.
10
Thanks. I didn't understand what motivated you people. Yes, good chance it will be Trump vs Sanders in the general. Reality has been this crazy.
Don't concern yourself. If MS doesn't want a higher minimum wage, I don't see any reason to force the issue. Having it in every state where the voters want it will be a tremendous help to our economy, and is all anyone really wants. The states that don't want it will just tend to be forgotten, that's all.
There is something so paternalistic and misogynist about Biden contemplating entering the race. Since there is such little difference between his positions and Hillary's on so many issues, one must surmise that he would enter the race because he considers her unelectable, ineffective, incompetent, etc. It becomes more and more clear that it is not only right wing conservative men who shudder at the idea of a woman President, especially if it is competent, strong, intelligent Hillary, but also liberal progressive men who have the same fears! Stay out of the race Joe Biden--you really have nothing to offer; it is time for a woman to be elected not another mainstream white male!
5
Hillary Clinton should run on her merit. To suggest that she be considered based on her gender does her a disservice.
I prefer that the very intelligent President Obama be succeeded by an equally intelligent person, and Hillary is close; certainly not any rider in the Republican clown car.
But Hillary voted for the Iraq invasion because she did not have the political courage to oppose it, did poorly when she tried to shepherd health insurance in the 90s, lost the 2008 nomination to Obama because she executed a poor campaign, speaks somewhat loosely about her history (bullets on the runway, please) and being 5 years older than me, may be a little old for the rigors of eight years of presidency (St Ronald was senile in his second term).
I would be very happy with a woman as president, but the Presidency is a big deal and we should be able to express ourselves about individual candidates without being labeled as misogynists.
Joe Biden should be free to decide to run without being labeled as paternalistic or a misogynist.
Personally, I like Kirsten Gillibrand more as a potential president every time I hear her.
I prefer that the very intelligent President Obama be succeeded by an equally intelligent person, and Hillary is close; certainly not any rider in the Republican clown car.
But Hillary voted for the Iraq invasion because she did not have the political courage to oppose it, did poorly when she tried to shepherd health insurance in the 90s, lost the 2008 nomination to Obama because she executed a poor campaign, speaks somewhat loosely about her history (bullets on the runway, please) and being 5 years older than me, may be a little old for the rigors of eight years of presidency (St Ronald was senile in his second term).
I would be very happy with a woman as president, but the Presidency is a big deal and we should be able to express ourselves about individual candidates without being labeled as misogynists.
Joe Biden should be free to decide to run without being labeled as paternalistic or a misogynist.
Personally, I like Kirsten Gillibrand more as a potential president every time I hear her.
3
maybe some folks, men AND women, are sick of Bushes and Clintons.
It literally could end up a Bush vs Clinton election. In which case I predict record turnout. Record LOW turnout.
This is the appeal of Sanders. That he is a lot of things, but certainly not the neoliberal globalist that Obama and both the Bush and Clinton dynasties are.
It literally could end up a Bush vs Clinton election. In which case I predict record turnout. Record LOW turnout.
This is the appeal of Sanders. That he is a lot of things, but certainly not the neoliberal globalist that Obama and both the Bush and Clinton dynasties are.
5
Oh please - not everything is sexism. If Biden chooses to run for president, he'll do it for the same reason he's done it twice before: because he wants to be president. He didn't have any clear path to victory on the other two occasions either. End of story.
I find the Biden conversation undignified. It is patently obvious that Former Senator and Secretary of State Clinton makes American men on both sides curiously anxious.
The narrative leaked of a dying taking his last moments to beg his father to save the country son is beneath the office of President, it hasn't any bearing whatsoever on this subject and it makes voters feel icky. This reads like a West Wing (or perhaps Dynasty) episode and it will do our poor Vice President no good.
The Democratic Party has two excellent candidates which is exactly two more than the Republican Party has.
The narrative leaked of a dying taking his last moments to beg his father to save the country son is beneath the office of President, it hasn't any bearing whatsoever on this subject and it makes voters feel icky. This reads like a West Wing (or perhaps Dynasty) episode and it will do our poor Vice President no good.
The Democratic Party has two excellent candidates which is exactly two more than the Republican Party has.
30
Mrs. Clinton doesn't make me feel "anxious" because I'm a man; she makes me anxious because she's a Clinton - and there is always some sort of melodramatic baggage that goes along with the Clintons. With the clown car of Republicans vying for their nomination, a seasoned Democrat should be able to trounce any one of them. But another Clinton "scandal" - manufactured or not - and suddenly the possibility that one of these poseurs could get elected becomes all too real. And that makes me feel a lot more than "anxious".
Will someone please explain to me how the family tragedy suffered by Joe Biden, and his authentically poignant emotional reaction to it, somehow qualifies him to be president of the US?
Joe is likable and admirable on a personal level. But since when can these be understood as qualifications for the presidency, as seems to be the consensus shared by the media at the moment and many Democratic voters?
Really, people!
Joe is likable and admirable on a personal level. But since when can these be understood as qualifications for the presidency, as seems to be the consensus shared by the media at the moment and many Democratic voters?
Really, people!
42
The Dems are not keen to elect a establishment white male, after two terms of of electing the nation's first black president. Another reason Hillary has an advantage as a female candidate. But a "damaged" establishment white male evokes empathy, and allows people to project the notion that he shares, or understands the suffering of less fortunate groups. In this sense Biden's supposed "indecision" actually becomes a strength, demonstrating thoughtfulness, especially in contrast to some of the other maniacs running, like Trump.
3
Well said, and I am sure you're right.
But "thoughtfulness" in a politician aiming for high office might be better demonstrated in some matter of public interest.
It boils down to this. We feel sorry for Joe, caught between impulses and emotions, and we admire his failure to act rashly.
It's a sad comment on our polity that the failure to be maniacal and relentlessly self-promoting is seen as an unusual quality.
But "thoughtfulness" in a politician aiming for high office might be better demonstrated in some matter of public interest.
It boils down to this. We feel sorry for Joe, caught between impulses and emotions, and we admire his failure to act rashly.
It's a sad comment on our polity that the failure to be maniacal and relentlessly self-promoting is seen as an unusual quality.
If some one with no credentials or experience, can be elected twice, and one with no IQ can run us into Iraq, and be reelected, then why not Bidden?
The no-money raised part suggest that Joe Biden is unlikely to run but he is enjoying others attempt to draft him into the race.
Personally, I think Biden would be better to play the elder Stateman, and perhaps initiate a post 2016 plan to raise money for a library or an academic center that focuses on issues of concern to his constituents.
Personally, I think Biden would be better to play the elder Stateman, and perhaps initiate a post 2016 plan to raise money for a library or an academic center that focuses on issues of concern to his constituents.
11
How does that headline even make sense?
19
This guy can't make up his mind on what day it is. What if he has to make up his mind on a key presidential decision? Instead of all the public indecision, he should have said he was not running, then changed his mind at the last minute. What does he want, a national referendum begging him to run?
1
I think that Mr. Biden is aware of his predicament. I do not believe he want's to deny the chances for Hillary by being the Ralph Nader of 2016.
Nader'e outsized ego is the reason we have had a decade of war and the worst recession in decades!
Nader'e outsized ego is the reason we have had a decade of war and the worst recession in decades!
10
ABC: Anyone But Clinton.
18
Clinton will not win the general election. If the Democrats hope to, they need Biden.
While McCarthy fessed up to what we all knew about the Benghazi inquiry, they did turn up the email problem and reminded us all why we turned away from her in 2008. Wherever she goes, there she is, followed by raving maniacs. Can we at least hope for something better? We did then, and we will again.
Please, the Supreme Court for the next generation is at stake. Uncle Joe, we need you. Clinton will not win a general election. Too much baggage, too many crazies make her too polarizing.
While McCarthy fessed up to what we all knew about the Benghazi inquiry, they did turn up the email problem and reminded us all why we turned away from her in 2008. Wherever she goes, there she is, followed by raving maniacs. Can we at least hope for something better? We did then, and we will again.
Please, the Supreme Court for the next generation is at stake. Uncle Joe, we need you. Clinton will not win a general election. Too much baggage, too many crazies make her too polarizing.
8
Clinton will be running against one of the Republicans (Jeb!, Rubio, Trump, Carson, Fiorina, Christie, ...) in the general election.
The Benghazi and email server issues are devoid of real problem. All the Republicans have very real problems. Christie has a cascade of possible indictments coming in the beginning of 2016; Fiorina's best experience is the damage she did to HP. Carson, Trump, and Jeb! stick both feet in their mouths weekly. Rubio wilts under pressure (his famous 're: bottle' to the State of the Union), and flip-flops regularly.
If that weren't bad enough, The Donald is driving the republican clown car off the proverbial cliff. They're arguing about, who will build the best wall on the border with Mexico, how many 'illegals' will they deport how soon; who will renege on the Iran deal sooner; first day in office or second day; who will grow the economy faster with which bigger tax cut.
It will be hard for Hillary Clinton, or pretty much any other democrat, to lose.
The Benghazi and email server issues are devoid of real problem. All the Republicans have very real problems. Christie has a cascade of possible indictments coming in the beginning of 2016; Fiorina's best experience is the damage she did to HP. Carson, Trump, and Jeb! stick both feet in their mouths weekly. Rubio wilts under pressure (his famous 're: bottle' to the State of the Union), and flip-flops regularly.
If that weren't bad enough, The Donald is driving the republican clown car off the proverbial cliff. They're arguing about, who will build the best wall on the border with Mexico, how many 'illegals' will they deport how soon; who will renege on the Iran deal sooner; first day in office or second day; who will grow the economy faster with which bigger tax cut.
It will be hard for Hillary Clinton, or pretty much any other democrat, to lose.
1
Make that 1932. Sorry for typo.
If the Democrats expect to win they better nominate Bernie Sanders. The middle class need him just as the middle class needed FDR in 1992.
1
Biden sold out students in this country. His monumental efforts of behalf of credit industry resulted in legislation that made it impossible to discharge student loans in bankruptcy. Think about it, all other debt can be forgiven in a bankruptcy EXCEPT for student loans. If Biden thinks he has a chance with students that have been chained to student debt for the rest of their life--that face a economy that cannot produce decent paying jobs on our shores--he has another thing coming. Two trillion dollars in student debt and a lifetime of penury is Biden's legacy.
21
Hillary is not a viable candidate. If she was so electable she would have gotten the nod in 2008 instead of Obama. The only people who like her are feminists just because she is a woman and Wall Street who controls her. The people are tired of Wall Street Democrats who betray Democratic ideals by siding with Wall Street over Main Street, who are no different than Republicans when it comes to the dismantling of good public education in favor of their Charter cronies (funded by Wall Street hedge funds) . We need a true Progressive, and us Open Rebellion Democrats are tired and do not want another marionette, we want real change from someone who has ALWAYS advocated for us...BERNIE SANDERS! FEEL THE BERN 2016! My dream ticket is Sanders/Warren.
29
Hillary Clinton is a terrible candidate - she's uncharismatic, was terrible during her time in the Obama administration, and comes across every bit as deeply entrenched with the DC establishment as it gets. Ok, she'd be the first woman president - but what about any other qualifications? Will she get anyone on the other side of the aisle plus independents to vote for her? Why would they? There's just nothing exciting about her campaign, nor will there be come Election Day. I find it annoying that the choice so far is looney know-nothings on the Right and her imperial highness on the center-Left. Bernie doesn't stand a chance, let's face it. Biden might be needed to keep the presidency Democrat. Clinton is just too un-inspiring.
23
There is no person more focused on the White House race than Hillary Rodham Clinton. She will bore a hole in any impediment on the road to the White House.
You will vote for Hillary Clinton!
You will vote for Hillary Clinton!
8
I don't get this. You mean Biden and his record is more inspiring than Clinton?
I would vote for Mickey Mouse first.
1
Quite frankly, I think Biden shot himself in the foot because he's been stalling for months. Either he wants to run or he doesn't. He may be affable and may seem authentic to those who forgot his plagiarism scandal, but he doesn't seem decisive to me.
Note to The New York Times: You have given short shrift to Bernie Sanders. Shame on you.
Note to The New York Times: You have given short shrift to Bernie Sanders. Shame on you.
58
Biden is suffering from the same disease that Mario Cuomo suffered from: indecision, indecisions!
3
Bernie Sanders has had plenty of coverage. It doesn't do him well that his followers continue to try and quash any criticism of Sanders by claiming bias in the news instead of explain to everyone how Sanders will accomplish any of his goals. It's easy to say college will be free...its much harder to explain how you will raise tax revenue high enough to pay for the freebies when you don't have the House and over 1/2 of your own party opposes you.
While I would like to vote for Hillary, she not only has an email problem, the way she comes off when talking about it is also a problem. Her anger and defensiveness are a huge turn-off. If I, a life-long Democratic voter who would love to see a woman in the WH, am struggling with the way she is handling this, the independent voter might be too.
Not that Joe is a knight in shining armor, his voting record is likely to turn off young people who would be unhappy with his centerist record and some frankly questionable stances he has taken over the years.
The there is The Bern, whom I love but I don't believe would be able to win the general election and would have trouble governing if he did get elected.
With the horrible selection of potential Republican nominees, you'd think the Dems could win in 2016, regardless of who the Republicans picked but hope is fading that we can find anyone who is a sure thing.
Not that Joe is a knight in shining armor, his voting record is likely to turn off young people who would be unhappy with his centerist record and some frankly questionable stances he has taken over the years.
The there is The Bern, whom I love but I don't believe would be able to win the general election and would have trouble governing if he did get elected.
With the horrible selection of potential Republican nominees, you'd think the Dems could win in 2016, regardless of who the Republicans picked but hope is fading that we can find anyone who is a sure thing.
10
Bernie exhibits ten times the anger shown by Hillary Clinton. Every photo and even speech of Sanders shows him is raging against the wind with a red face and a snarled up face. I wish he would get that worked up over introducing the legislation in the Senate he cries for in speeches. If Hillary in one speech came across like Sanders we all know the name she would be slimed with by old white males.
I'm a little miffed about all the uncertainty Biden's creating about a possible run -- I wish he'd make up his mind. That said, Biden's got something offer. One reason Trump's polls numbers are high because he's refusing to be politically correct or overly polite. Voters are fed up with that. Trump gets away with it because he finances his own campaign. But Biden's got brains and real political talent. Yet he comes off as authentic and ready to assume the risk of making an occassional gaffe. I love the way he handled Paul Ryan when they debated three years ago, exposing the Republicans anti-government rhetoric for what it really is: a pretext for passing more taxpayer financed tax cuts for the ultr-rich and destroying the New Deal and the middle class with it. But I'm not sure he's the candidate of real change while Bernie does. A Bernie Sanders win would shake the world much more than a win by any other candidate, democrat or republican.
15
I'll take good policy ideas over authentic, any day. Authentic is good but without knowing what direction Biden wants to take the country in and with a number of votes under his belt that are questionable at best, it seems like a mistake for the Dems to place their bts on him, even if he is lovable and honorable.
This story highlights the lousiness of our First Past the Post voting system.
3
The notion of a Biden candidacy is deeply troubling.
In my opinion, Biden should NOT enter the race. He's being teased with the notion that he has untapped support, that I think does not exist just as Clinton's fake "weaknesses" are being pumped up in the press--including the New York Times.
I much prefer Sanders, but I also view Clinton as a strong candidate who I would strongly support if she is the nominee.
Biden is just a distraction--being promoted to create press narratives and not to help the Democratic party in any of its goals for 2016,
In my opinion, Biden should NOT enter the race. He's being teased with the notion that he has untapped support, that I think does not exist just as Clinton's fake "weaknesses" are being pumped up in the press--including the New York Times.
I much prefer Sanders, but I also view Clinton as a strong candidate who I would strongly support if she is the nominee.
Biden is just a distraction--being promoted to create press narratives and not to help the Democratic party in any of its goals for 2016,
28
Jean,
Your script is certainly one lens on the Biden phenomenon. I consider myself an Independent, and would probably vote for Sanders, given the opportunity, because he likely would do a lot of things counter-cultural to the Washington political culture, failing in constructive ways to make major changes (called 'unfreezing' the practices that halt government progress). However, even at that, Sanders has magnificent symbolic value, if nothing else. Clinton, on the other hand, is the embodiment of the layered political impasse that currently paralyzes our government. That, I believe, is what has produced the plethora of candidates for president who never served in public office but remain high in the polls, side-tracking our political debates.
Your script is certainly one lens on the Biden phenomenon. I consider myself an Independent, and would probably vote for Sanders, given the opportunity, because he likely would do a lot of things counter-cultural to the Washington political culture, failing in constructive ways to make major changes (called 'unfreezing' the practices that halt government progress). However, even at that, Sanders has magnificent symbolic value, if nothing else. Clinton, on the other hand, is the embodiment of the layered political impasse that currently paralyzes our government. That, I believe, is what has produced the plethora of candidates for president who never served in public office but remain high in the polls, side-tracking our political debates.
10
We don't need another old white man--no matter how nice he is. The press doesn't talk enough about what a big deal it would be to have a woman president--flaws and all.
5
I was born and raised in England during the entirety of Margaret Thatcher's Prime Ministership, and I assure you from bitter experience that there is absolutely nothing about gender that matters more than a person's actual policies.
The skies will not part for Hillary Clinton any more than they parted for Thatcher, or Obama, or any other person. It is their policy proposals that you should be concentrating on, not their race or sex.
The skies will not part for Hillary Clinton any more than they parted for Thatcher, or Obama, or any other person. It is their policy proposals that you should be concentrating on, not their race or sex.
4
Identity politics- meh. May the best person win.
You'll think otherwise once that woman in the White House sends your kid or grandchild overseas to fight another useless war, or refuses to act on climate change because her big industry buddies are yanking on her leash.
1
The implication in this article is that Bernie Sanders is "immoderate". Somehow, Bernie Sanders is not moderate because he espouses views on economic issues that Clinton's affluent supporters maybe don't worry about, views that a few decades ago were solidly in the Democratic Party center. From my standpoint Hillary Clinton (and maybe Joe Biden) have bought into the military interventionist mentality that we have been mired in, hardly a moderate stance.
23
I will vote for whomever the Democratic nominee is, because the worst choice amongst the Dems (if there is such a thing as "worst" on the left) is eons better than anything the GOP can put up.
However, campaigns and politics are all about the not-so-obvious becoming quite obvious.
Bernie Sanders has fallen onto many radar screens thus far (including mine). The media continues to suppress most news about his campaign. Sanders' campaign appears to have the potential of a coiled spring at this point.
If the uninformed in this country would take two minutes - two minutes! - to listen to Sanders' message, think about their own lives, and be totally and equivocally honest with themselves, they would realize that THIS is the person with their best interests at heart.
Stop. Think. VOTE.
However, campaigns and politics are all about the not-so-obvious becoming quite obvious.
Bernie Sanders has fallen onto many radar screens thus far (including mine). The media continues to suppress most news about his campaign. Sanders' campaign appears to have the potential of a coiled spring at this point.
If the uninformed in this country would take two minutes - two minutes! - to listen to Sanders' message, think about their own lives, and be totally and equivocally honest with themselves, they would realize that THIS is the person with their best interests at heart.
Stop. Think. VOTE.
40
There is a reason why the DNC is clamping down on the candidates and won't let them have debates independent of the DNC. (Which Obama and Hillary did have in 2007 - about 20 debates outside of the DNC coordinated ones). It is an effort to suppress knowledge about Bernie Sanders' candidacy and what he stands for. Of course, people who are online could hardly avoid Bernie at this point - he is everywhere!
If he threw his hat in the ring, he'd get the money and don't think otherwise. Put it this way: we've all seen Hillary debate Obama. She lost. I remember when Biden debated Paul Ryan. He wiped the floor with him and may have saved Obama's candidacy in 2012. He's a fighter. For the record, I'm a Conservative and am not voting for a Democrat.
7
Odd but most support for Biden comes from Republicans... wonder why?
11
Don't run Joe. You have had a long distinguished career. It is now time not to run for President, but rather to focus on your family. If elected you will be less emotionally available to your family. They deserve your full attention and devotion. You deserve the pleasures that come from that quality of immersion, free of political battles and international conflicts. Don't run Joe.
14
Media in this country is completely ignoring Bernie Sanders. Trust me on this, the internet doesn't say a peep about Biden. Sorry, he's not even a blip on the screen. So for the NYT to say Biden is the only serious contender to Hillary Clinton, is an outright falsehood. There is a move afoot, and it's all about Mr. Sanders. You would do well to pay closer attention to that. I personally would love to welcome a woman to the White House. Hillary Clinton has done her due diligence. However, she's too much in bed with the likes of Monsanto and friends, and I just can't stomach more of the same old same old. We need real change in this country. Change that we were promised by our last POTUS, but who failed to deliver. The only way real change will happen is if we get someone in office who isn't completely owned by their handlers (Corporations). That one person is Bernie Sanders. If his name isn't on the ballot, why then I will write it in!
62
As will I!
1
Biden needs to stay out of the race otherwise what we will see is a fractured pre-election momentum. Having Hillary and Joe knock each other is bad politics and could jeopardize the chances of winning.
Joe is too close to the current administration..and there time for a change.
Joe is too close to the current administration..and there time for a change.
5
As a reader I feel my intelligence is being insulted. Go Bernie.
48
If Mr. Biden excels at anything, it's coming across as authentic. But as many Democrats clamor for Ms. Clinton to claim her place in history as the first woman president, there's no evidence of a similar yearning for Mr. Biden. Even if Ms. Clinton implodes, Mr. Biden will remain "Old Uncle Joe", as Democrats would want a fresher face, not another Beltway veteran.
6
Hillary Cinton: fresh face? hahahha
You wish, NY Times!
4
What does Biden think we should do with the Drug Czar he created? The Drug Czar's only real job is to oppose marijuana legalization. That's why the ONDCP was created. It's literally written into their mission. That's why they're not allowed to talk about the totality of the research on marijuana, medical and otherwise. They're only legally allowed to promote to the public cherry-picked studies that might scare people away from legalization. It was created literally to serve as a propaganda agency for the War on Drugs. And that's really all it is. Either change its name and make it into an honest agency that is required to be a clearinghouse for ALL scientific research about drugs and addiction -- including alcohol -- or just get rid of it, period. I'd like to know where Biden stands on that. Has the agency accomplished what he intended, and does it have a reason to exist in the future? This was supposed to be his big accomplishment as a Senator and so he needs to tell us more about where he stands on all of that now.
8
Portraying Bernie Sanders as not moderate or not appealing to moderates is ridiculous. Bernie Sanders is a true moderate whose ideas seem tilted left because the leadership of the Democratic Party had shifted so far to the right over time. Sanders and John Kennedy reflect and express very, very similar ideas.
92
There is nothing moderate about Bernie...wishing him to be one would be wishing him to not be himself. Sorry, but socialism is not moderate, its very much on the fringe and very much about using power to force the majority into the bidding of a vocal minority. It's anti-democratic at its core and it is why the US will never elect him.
Biden is a laughingstock, and the left knows it. They know his silly cartoon/movie is riddled with gaffs, misquotes, fabrications, insensitive racial slurs (remember 7-11 comment) and deliberate plagiarism.
Predictably, they don't care. With Democrats, it's all about "the ends," and the "means" are irrelevant.
Predictably, they don't care. With Democrats, it's all about "the ends," and the "means" are irrelevant.
3
I think Biden is a fine man and would be happy to have him as our president. But I'm sort of wishing he wouldn't muddy the waters at this late date.
It's too bad these candidates can't swallow their pride for the greater good. Clinton/Sanders would be an unbeatable ticket, so would Clinton/Biden, Biden/Sanders, Sanders/Clinton and so on. But instead of pooling resources they'll battle it out, wasting time, money, messages, squandering public interest and putting us at risk of another Repug nightmare in office. Frustrating to say the least.
It's too bad these candidates can't swallow their pride for the greater good. Clinton/Sanders would be an unbeatable ticket, so would Clinton/Biden, Biden/Sanders, Sanders/Clinton and so on. But instead of pooling resources they'll battle it out, wasting time, money, messages, squandering public interest and putting us at risk of another Repug nightmare in office. Frustrating to say the least.
8
But all those P/VP match-ups are among three really old people. Sorry, but what if they both died or were incapacitated in office? If the Democrats can only find older people to run then they need a younger candidate in the VP slot; it's just, you know, INSURANCE.
1
That's the first revolution Bernie has to have - convincing "moderate" democrats that the system does not work for them and that their "establishment" candidates have done little or nothing for them.
There is almost no compromise opportunity with the GOP - they can't even compromise on their own speaker! So - best to have a strong fighter who will shove back a different agenda from the one the GOP will be (and constantly has been) shoving at the American people.
If you think you are going to elect a "moderate" Democrat who will be able to get something done (i.e., compromise) with the GOP - ask Obama how that's been going. You don't bring your moderate candidate to a street fight. Not only will he/she get nothing done, she'll weaken the brand and make Democrats look like kittens. Why else do you think Reagan was so loved after the Carter years!
There is almost no compromise opportunity with the GOP - they can't even compromise on their own speaker! So - best to have a strong fighter who will shove back a different agenda from the one the GOP will be (and constantly has been) shoving at the American people.
If you think you are going to elect a "moderate" Democrat who will be able to get something done (i.e., compromise) with the GOP - ask Obama how that's been going. You don't bring your moderate candidate to a street fight. Not only will he/she get nothing done, she'll weaken the brand and make Democrats look like kittens. Why else do you think Reagan was so loved after the Carter years!
17
If you think Obama could have done more by not being moderate and instead taking an activist left position you don't understand politics. It's time the activist left be told the same thing that the Tea Party was told, politics is the art of compromise. If you can't, due to your positions, compromise with the others that you govern with, you will fail on day one and never achieve anything past being elected.
Bernie is leading polls in both Iowa and New Hampshire and is matching Hillary donation totals, but an unannounced establishment candidate with no money and poor polling numbers is Hillary's biggest threat? Keep trying to make it so, New York Times.
79
From where I sit, the Times has been on a relentless effort to derail a Biden candidacy, and largely ignores Sanders. But Trump gets endless attention.
30
Somehow people seem to forget that both times Biden ran he managed to barely scrape together 1% of the votes. Right now everybody is largely thinking good thoughts about Biden because he hasn't done anything stupid lately, but he will.
19% signing bonus just for thinking out loud is pretty darn good. Run, Joe! The best is yet to come.
6
In most elections, moderates determine the outcome. Democrats vote for the Democrat and Republicans vote for the Republican. The moderates vote based on who they think is the best candidate. Which is why Bernie Sanders is not electable. He's just too far to the left for the moderates. Hillary Clinton has an integrity problem which is a huge negative for moderates. There is also a growing concern that she might be indicted after the FBI investigation. Another big no-no for moderates. Joe Biden, on the other hand, is appealing to moderates because he seems to be genuine and honest. And, he's not too far to the left. The Republicans have their own problems. Donald Trump is not appealing to moderates. He's just too unpredictable. But, Carly Fiorina, Ben Carson and Marco Rubio all appeal to moderates. My guess is one of those three will be the nominee. And, any of the three would easily beat Sanders or Clinton because of the moderate vote. So, I think Democrats need to encourage Biden to run or get use to a Republican led House, Senate and White House.
2
Ben Carson and Fiorina would have a difficult time capturing any moderate votes....they are not moderate in their views or their vision for America
Changing congress is far more important than who winds up in the White House. No Democratic congress, no radical campaign spending reform. No climate change legislation. No pro-choice legislation. No single payer health care. No addressing income inequality. Most important, no chance of impeaching one of the republican operatives on the supreme court.
6
Biden is a decent and honorable man. When you compare his qualifications to the occupants of the Republican clown car, nobody there can compare. Professionally only Hillary is able to compare. The only question for me is why would Joe Biden want such a thankless job ?
9
The reason other Western Democracies seem to be failing is the absence of new ideas to take us into the future , other than Japan, countries like Canada, Australia, France and Germany are risk adverse and same old same old seemed to work very well. The Us seems ready to explode and a Biden Presidency may seem to be a steady hand on ther whell but we need a dramatic course correction.
Here in Canada our Conservative government has provide very poor leadership but what we have is a top level civil service that started their MBA programs in Kindergarten. Our top level civil servants are perfectly adept at running large bureaucracies whether the government is right-wing, left-wing or somewhere in the middle. They ameliorate any insanity that might come down from above so as to make our civil service both civil and serviceable.
I see this every day as a Quebecer because our pre-revolutionary Quebec civil service knew what their job was and did very well but those upper middle class professionals have goner elsewhere and other than our healthcare agency civil and serviceable are no longer watchwords. I am someone who much prefers the new Quebec.
Good government requires the best trained, educated and apolitical top level Civil Service that knows their jobs will continue regardless how the election goes. The worst words any Democracy should ever hear is Hell of a job Brownie.
Unless someone comes along with better policies anyone who loves America vote Sanders there is no 2nd best.
Here in Canada our Conservative government has provide very poor leadership but what we have is a top level civil service that started their MBA programs in Kindergarten. Our top level civil servants are perfectly adept at running large bureaucracies whether the government is right-wing, left-wing or somewhere in the middle. They ameliorate any insanity that might come down from above so as to make our civil service both civil and serviceable.
I see this every day as a Quebecer because our pre-revolutionary Quebec civil service knew what their job was and did very well but those upper middle class professionals have goner elsewhere and other than our healthcare agency civil and serviceable are no longer watchwords. I am someone who much prefers the new Quebec.
Good government requires the best trained, educated and apolitical top level Civil Service that knows their jobs will continue regardless how the election goes. The worst words any Democracy should ever hear is Hell of a job Brownie.
Unless someone comes along with better policies anyone who loves America vote Sanders there is no 2nd best.
2
Vice President Biden isn't perfect, but he is a decent man with a wide range of knowledge and experience. I like Joe and I think that most Americans will believe him capable of being a competent if not great President. Likewise with Hillary Clinton, I believe that most Americans would not fear for her ability to handle the job despite the efforts of the cottage industry of Clinton haters and the GOP's efforts to smear her. Sen. Sanders is an unknown in that area and I believe that most Americans have no idea whether they'd trust him as President regarding competency, though I think that most would not doubt his integrity.
I believe that Biden will only enter the race if he sees Hillary doing so badly in the polls that she is likely to lose the General Election even though she can obviously win the party's nomination. If her polling is so poor that the elites and big party donors fear she will lose to the Republican candidate, many might be amenable to switching to Joe. I think this all depends on how well Hillary polls against the potential Republican candidates a little further down the road. It is probably too early to tell if Biden can wrest the nomination from Hillary.
I believe that Biden will only enter the race if he sees Hillary doing so badly in the polls that she is likely to lose the General Election even though she can obviously win the party's nomination. If her polling is so poor that the elites and big party donors fear she will lose to the Republican candidate, many might be amenable to switching to Joe. I think this all depends on how well Hillary polls against the potential Republican candidates a little further down the road. It is probably too early to tell if Biden can wrest the nomination from Hillary.
6
The major advantage of Vice President Biden entering the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination is that it will create much more serious competition for Hillary Clinton and hone the skills of all the candidates that will be essential in the campaign against the Republican nominee. So far, Bernie Sanders has been clearly the best campaigner, but his age, weakness on guns, lack of connection to minority communities, and extreme far-left positions may render him unelectable in the general election. That is not the case with VP Biden who can compete effectively with Secretary Clinton for mainstream voters. As a lifelong, progressive Democrat, I hope Mr. Biden decides to enter the race and allow us to see a real debate that will make the winner stronger.
3
Bernie Sanders has extreme far-left positions? Have you checked the polls? On issue after issue, a majority of Americans support his positions. And you say that his age is a problem. Sanders has a sharper mind than people half his age. He tells reporters that he runs a vigorous campaign and that they should follow him around to see for themselves the busy schedule he keeps. Sanders says that he can’t remember the last time he did not go to work because he was sick.
Despite What Corporate Media Tells You, Bernie Sanders’ Positions Are Mainstream
http://billmoyers.com/2015/06/01/mainstream-bernie-sanders/
“Sanders’ positions are quite mainstream from the point of view of the stances of the American public in general. Of course, the 1%, for whom and by whom most mainstream media report, are appalled and would like to depict him as an outlier.
“On [Citizens United and public funding of elections], Sanders is the most mainstream of all the candidates. The others are in a part of the political spectrum that by the polling represents a tiny lunatic fringe, in opposing significant campaign finance reform.”
“When you hear Republican candidates say that there is no global warming or that it isn’t for sure human beings are causing it, and in any case nothing needs to be done about it, they are not mainstream. Climate change deniers are kooks, and if we had an honest media, it would call them kooks.”
Despite What Corporate Media Tells You, Bernie Sanders’ Positions Are Mainstream
http://billmoyers.com/2015/06/01/mainstream-bernie-sanders/
“Sanders’ positions are quite mainstream from the point of view of the stances of the American public in general. Of course, the 1%, for whom and by whom most mainstream media report, are appalled and would like to depict him as an outlier.
“On [Citizens United and public funding of elections], Sanders is the most mainstream of all the candidates. The others are in a part of the political spectrum that by the polling represents a tiny lunatic fringe, in opposing significant campaign finance reform.”
“When you hear Republican candidates say that there is no global warming or that it isn’t for sure human beings are causing it, and in any case nothing needs to be done about it, they are not mainstream. Climate change deniers are kooks, and if we had an honest media, it would call them kooks.”
43
Hey RLS, I love Bernie. We share the same demographic (age, ethnicity, religion, region and progressive politics), but he still trails Hillary in most national polls and I doubt he could win despite my better (perhaps Don Quixote) instincts. Let's see how he fares in the debates when the heat's really turned up a bit as it has recently with his middle-of-the-road position on guns and maybe later on with his tolerance for defense expenditures on military equipment and ability to attract minorities. The Republicans have abandoned the political center and we, Democrats, must be careful not to do the same.
The problem with Sanders is how he presents himself....not very presidential in the least
I am a Republican. And if I had the choice right now between Biden and just about anyone on the Republican clown car, I would choose Biden.
Biden is not perfect (he plagiarized in the past). But he is more trustworthy than Hillary who mis-remembered about bullets over Bosnia and about wiping her server, but not with a cloth. And Biden is much more rational than Bernie Sanders.
Biden is not perfect (he plagiarized in the past). But he is more trustworthy than Hillary who mis-remembered about bullets over Bosnia and about wiping her server, but not with a cloth. And Biden is much more rational than Bernie Sanders.
4
Don't forget the $100,000 she made reading about cattle futures in the WSJ.
1
Vermont, until recent history, is historically Republican and Republicans here vote for him in overwhelming margins. They are not delusional and not irrational. In fact, for a large part, they tend to be penny-pinching, frugal Yankees. However, they appreciate that Bernie represents their interests, wants the best for Vermont, is fair and most importantly honest. Do yourself a favor, research his policies. You just might join the scores in your party who are voting for him.
24
I agree.
Nothing that Hilary says seems congruent with the previous statement she made on the same subject.
People don't believe Hilary. People don't trust Hilary.
Nothing that Hilary says seems congruent with the previous statement she made on the same subject.
People don't believe Hilary. People don't trust Hilary.
Vice President Joe Biden is a nice guy, served well as President Obama's VP and perhaps the past 7 years have been helpful in how voters remember him.
But let's not forget Biden's last failed short lived run for President.
And then there is the huge hurdle to get Biden elected over his Republican rival and that's not so easy.
Clearly, Hillary Clinton has the greatest experience, has the most detailed policy plans on a broad range of key issues, and has the ability to stand up to the Republicans attacks.
I believe that it will become more clear to more voters as we get past the first two primaries that Hillary Clinton that is the best qualified Democratic candidate and most electable in November 2016.
But let's not forget Biden's last failed short lived run for President.
And then there is the huge hurdle to get Biden elected over his Republican rival and that's not so easy.
Clearly, Hillary Clinton has the greatest experience, has the most detailed policy plans on a broad range of key issues, and has the ability to stand up to the Republicans attacks.
I believe that it will become more clear to more voters as we get past the first two primaries that Hillary Clinton that is the best qualified Democratic candidate and most electable in November 2016.
6
Insincere flattery is a major factor motivating politicians in the US. It is a lot like watching a crowd scream "Jump! Jump!" at a potential suicide on a high ledge.
1
The most important electoral event will be the Democratic primary. A Sanders victory would be political dynamite. And both parties know this - a real up-ender. It would be the end of the 'New' Democratic Party as such and the end of the cushy duopoly so enjoyed by the MSM and one of its flagships, the NYT. If he can win that primary, Sanders could easily be our next president. And that scenario is why the 1% are horrified by the current Republican primary circus. They wouldn't mind Hilary at all; they can work with her. But Sanders? Oh God! And that's why they'll do
everything their power to get Bush or Rubio to head the Republican ticket.
everything their power to get Bush or Rubio to head the Republican ticket.
14
I voted for Obama in both 2008 and 2012, but I would vote for anybody else including an inanimate object over Sanders. He is a hodge podge of the kind of xenophobic grudges that belong in Vermont and in closed door union meetings, not in a diverse modern country. No thank you.
1
I support Bernie. But there is not one big Democratic primary to win or lose.
Most people love Joe Biden. So do I. But that isn't enough. He would quite likely come across as not a viable candidate. Then why go through with the struggle and get disappointed. It could create unnecessary bad blood between him & the Clintons. They like each other very much now. Why spoil that.
A dying Beau Biden may have pleaded with his father to run, for him. But that's purely a sentimental wish of a dying son for the love of his father who dedicated his life for Beau, the family, and also his country. He became a fairly successful Vice President. At this moment preparing to run would be a bad move, which may undo so much of what he has accumulated as an unusually good, but unlucky man.
I sincerely hope he would choose not to run.
A dying Beau Biden may have pleaded with his father to run, for him. But that's purely a sentimental wish of a dying son for the love of his father who dedicated his life for Beau, the family, and also his country. He became a fairly successful Vice President. At this moment preparing to run would be a bad move, which may undo so much of what he has accumulated as an unusually good, but unlucky man.
I sincerely hope he would choose not to run.
11
Totally agree. So very well expressed. Biden is a nice guy, looks and sounds
like a solid stand-up guy and we could use one of those at the helm. But he's run before -- and lost. And we should not be pulled in by a sentimentalist plea on his dead son's part. That is very sweet -- bitter sweet -- but does not explain how or why he is the best candidate. Plus, all these months of dithering "yes or no" after a while has led me to wish he'd just move aside and move on.
like a solid stand-up guy and we could use one of those at the helm. But he's run before -- and lost. And we should not be pulled in by a sentimentalist plea on his dead son's part. That is very sweet -- bitter sweet -- but does not explain how or why he is the best candidate. Plus, all these months of dithering "yes or no" after a while has led me to wish he'd just move aside and move on.
4
Run, Joe, run.
3
Everybody keeps saying Hillary is not likeable. Remember people said they voted for George Bush because they felt they could have a beer with him. That worked out well for the nation. I am extremely happy Democrat primary voters will have a good field to pick from this time although i am concerned about Bernie Sanders record on gun legislation. . I will make my mind up on who to vote for based on who has the best chance of beating the Republican. Sorry, if that offends anyone but the Supreme Court is in play here.
4
Bernie is representing a largely rural state -- Vermont -- where guns are used -- to hunt! -- and which does not seem to have a "gun problem," unlike many other locales.
Hillary? She is a tough talking politician -- not all bad -- who is, for my taste, simply too free and easy with idea flip-flops. Whatever works for the time and the place, that's her latest stand. She always sounds like a lawyer -- even when she's tending bar on a late-night TV show. I've had enough of that. Let's elect Bernie Sanders.
Hillary? She is a tough talking politician -- not all bad -- who is, for my taste, simply too free and easy with idea flip-flops. Whatever works for the time and the place, that's her latest stand. She always sounds like a lawyer -- even when she's tending bar on a late-night TV show. I've had enough of that. Let's elect Bernie Sanders.
12
I am terrified neither Sanders or Clinton can win. I hope Biden runs.
4
The recent documentary about Anita Hill reminded me why I despised Joe Biden for so many years. He led the misogynistic treatment of Anita Hill and that he is the primary reason that Clarence Thomas is on the Supreme Court. When the Democratic base is reminded of this, Biden will have no chance at the nomination. He should on his family and get them through this tough time.
5
Simon,
Misogyny is deeply embedded in society, and won't end any time soon. Joe Biden has likely grown past the Anita Hill event, and is as a person more open and vulnerable than any politician currently on the scene. That is to the good. We all have our often unconscious biases. Unless political correctness is the mask one wears.
Misogyny is deeply embedded in society, and won't end any time soon. Joe Biden has likely grown past the Anita Hill event, and is as a person more open and vulnerable than any politician currently on the scene. That is to the good. We all have our often unconscious biases. Unless political correctness is the mask one wears.
3
I sent Sanders $50 and wish him luck.
He will not win the nomination.
He will not win the majority of the primaries.
He may be the best person for the job but he is truly unelectable outside of tiny liberal pockets around the country.
Unfortunately, Hillary will be the Democratic candidate whether any of us like it or not.
Biden is not only not going to run, he is doing us, his family and the Democratic Party a big favor by bowing out sooner than later.
What is doing most of the talking is his ego but his heart knows the real answer and it is, No.
He will not win the nomination.
He will not win the majority of the primaries.
He may be the best person for the job but he is truly unelectable outside of tiny liberal pockets around the country.
Unfortunately, Hillary will be the Democratic candidate whether any of us like it or not.
Biden is not only not going to run, he is doing us, his family and the Democratic Party a big favor by bowing out sooner than later.
What is doing most of the talking is his ego but his heart knows the real answer and it is, No.
3
Then why did you send Bernie anything? Get behind the man and help him win. He loses only if you and others keep saying he will and you don't support him -- with cash and phone banks and events and votes.
17
Berkeley
You are situated in the heart of Bernie land.
The rest of us have an infinitely better read of the electorate than those of you who live in the microtopias where he has his support.
I sent him the money because I like him; not because I think he has a chance in hell.
There are many more like me who know this and still support him.
Denial will get you nowhere.
An elderly, Jewish, socialist, self-described atheist from Brooklyn is simply not going to win a presidential election in 2016 America.
Sorry to rain on your parade.
You are situated in the heart of Bernie land.
The rest of us have an infinitely better read of the electorate than those of you who live in the microtopias where he has his support.
I sent him the money because I like him; not because I think he has a chance in hell.
There are many more like me who know this and still support him.
Denial will get you nowhere.
An elderly, Jewish, socialist, self-described atheist from Brooklyn is simply not going to win a presidential election in 2016 America.
Sorry to rain on your parade.
1
Once again, media bias against Sanders is front and center. Establishment newspapers love establishment pols.
75
It's hard to see how Vice President Biden represents Secretary Clinton's "toughest rival." Certainly having the approval of Democratic Party elites, but, then, so has Ms. Clinton., and such approval is passive support, which would remain so, unless Ms. Clinton were to take a gigantic faux pas. Given the, at best, lackluster poll results shown and the absence of funding, fat cat or otherwise, it is hard to imagine that party establishment would actively support a Biden candidacy at the expense of the existing Clinton one. Presidential campaign funding takes a good deal of time to accumulate, and it is unlikely that the billionaires who already are supporting Clinton would shift their allegiance and cash to Mr. Biden without Ms. Clinton dropping out of the race. Moreover, there is little to no evidence that Mr. Biden, who won his Senate seat in tiny Delaware, could arouse large amounts of active support nationally in a Presidential campaign, as evidenced by his previous Presidential forays. It's hard to see that his role as a Presidential candidate would not be seen as that of a spoiler by Clinton supporters and, possibly, by some independent voters. A Biden campaign seems a non-starter or a last hurrah, rather than a serious challenge to the Clinton candidacy, The Sanders campaign would seem to be a greater challenge. This seems to be a fantasy nourished at Beltway cocktail parties after the third drink, rather than a potent rivalry.
3
I like Bernie, but anyone that thinks that Bernie stands any chance in the General Election is fooling themselves. The corporate media and the coffers of Wall Street and various and sundry billionaires will be opened and the money will flow to bury Bernie. The GOP is rooting for Bernie to win the nomination. He will be savaged in the campaign if he is the Democratic nominee.
1
I think you make a good point Peter. On the other hand wouldn't it be great to go down in flames with a candidate like Bernie rather than the tired, old "don't stop thinkin' about tomorrow" nothingness of Hillary?
Agree with previous posters that it's really less about the Prez and more about the Congressional makeup and I'm not sure how Democrats get there from here, especially in the gerrymandered House, which favors the GOP...
Agree with previous posters that it's really less about the Prez and more about the Congressional makeup and I'm not sure how Democrats get there from here, especially in the gerrymandered House, which favors the GOP...
1
Biden entering the race will strengthen the eventual nominee. Clinton as the presumptive nominee leaves her vulnerable in the general election if she isn't tested (beyond Sanders) now. Biden is riding high on public opinion and has no where to go but down if he enters. Although unlikely to still be in the running by the time we vote in Calif, my vote is for O'Malley.
4
According to the latest Pew poll, there is no demographic group that does not support Clinton over Sanders and Biden. Not college educated, not young voters, not liberal - no group. Sanders voters do themselves and their candidate an enormous disservice by constantly belittle Clinton and her supporters. By claiming that she and her supporters are closet Republicans, or that we are uneducated or "low information", It makes me, for one, for more inclined to make Biden my second choice and not Bernie. I find the online behavior of his supporters second worst only to Trump's.
This is even more bizarre considering the fact that Bernie HIMSELF says he won't go negative. Yet his supporters are nothing but vitriolic.
See this poll - http://www.people-press.org/2015/10/02/contrasting-partisan-perspectives...
This is even more bizarre considering the fact that Bernie HIMSELF says he won't go negative. Yet his supporters are nothing but vitriolic.
See this poll - http://www.people-press.org/2015/10/02/contrasting-partisan-perspectives...
8
Sanders supporters do NOT "belittle" Hillary.
We're all NOT engaging in a mud-fight in this campaign,
and we are following the "clean campaign" leadership of Sanders himself.
We are happy to point out the better candidate in the race is
Bernie Sanders and we don't need to take down anyone else at all.
End o' story.
We're all NOT engaging in a mud-fight in this campaign,
and we are following the "clean campaign" leadership of Sanders himself.
We are happy to point out the better candidate in the race is
Bernie Sanders and we don't need to take down anyone else at all.
End o' story.
6
You know I can merely scroll the comment section of just this article and find examples to prove otherwise, right?
Joe Biden's been a fine vice president. Surely, that's enough.
5
It's quite enjoyable to see all the pro-Sanders readers jump out on every NYT article, complaining that their candidate is not treated with enough respect.
Come on comrades, stop whining! You're supposed to be sturdier than that. You're not from gun-shy New York, you're from rugged Vermont and Colorado. Why are you even reading the NYT? You should be reading Mother Jones, or Pravda.
Come on comrades, stop whining! You're supposed to be sturdier than that. You're not from gun-shy New York, you're from rugged Vermont and Colorado. Why are you even reading the NYT? You should be reading Mother Jones, or Pravda.
3
Ha, ha, ha.
So what you're saying, G.D. Wolkovic, is that it's ok for the establishment media to push a narrative that says "only establishment politicians should win and can win." You may be fine with the oligarchy running our economy and government, but Sanders supporters are not. That is why Sanders will win. We're fighting to get back our democracy and have a government that represents all the people.
12
Nate Cohn's premise is a lie and it is a cruel gambit. Joe Biden lost a son and has shown little or no interest in a presidential bid. To the media he is the best excuse they can find to ignore Bernie Sander's successful campaign. Judith Miller would be proud of Mr. Cohn's misuse of fact. His premise should earn him a pink slip, yet he gets front page exposure. Bernie Sanders is a credible threat to our too big to succeed banks and Nate Cohn is writing like the New York Time is the Hollywood Reporter for bankers. Enough is enough. Go Bernie.
21
Stay out Joe. Don't be a spoiler. Are you really ready for all that "plagiarism" stuff coming back to haunt you.
8
Like everyone else, I do not have any inside information to know whether a Biden candidacy is the right decision for Joe Biden personally or politically. I do hope he runs, though, and I will vote for him if he does. He is experienced, capable, universally liked on a personal level, not a divisive figure (unlike some other candidates -- on both sides), and he electable in the general.
I wish him well no matter what he decides.
I wish him well no matter what he decides.
3
I have great respect for Mr. Cohn's analysis, but I believe that he is incorrect here. I think that Bernie is going to do much better than anyone is currently predicting. Of course, a lot will depend on next week's debate...
10
Nate Cohn’s analysis is always spot on. The people pushing Joe Biden to run for President again are ambitious staffers, the sentimental, Hillary haters such as Maureen Dowd, and Republicans. Many insiders have pointed out that if he announces he would immediately open himself up to rigorous scrutiny from all sides and the current wave of sympathy and nostalgia would evaporate. We would be reminded of his two previous failed attempts, of his performance during the Clarence Thomas hearings that not only resulted in Thomas being confirmed but also the despicable treatment of Anita Hill, his corporate ties that are far more involved than those of Hillary Clinton, and specific issues such as his stance on student debt, etc., etc., etc. What Joe Biden has going for him is his estimable service as Vice President, but if he engaged in a political battle with HRC, he would lose and she could be weakened sufficiently so that a Republican might win. I hope and trust that’s not the legacy he wants to leave.
13
Joe, run for the good of the country.
3
It may take a primary win outside of New England for the media to pay attention to Senator Sanders.
5
Joe knows politics inside out and he comes across as a caring individual, but he also has a big mouth. Hillary is a deft politician but also comes across as a cold fish. Bernie has great ideas but he would be the oldest president to ever take office in the history of the United States at 75 years old, which is worrisome considering the daily stress and rigors of the oval office. So what does that leave the Democrats with?
2
The 2016 presidential election is no slam dunk for the Democrats, and certainly the chances of winning back the Senate would be enhanced by a presidential candidate with coattails. I don't see how that is either VP Biden or Sen. Sanders. Beyond that, I don't see how the Democrats win without getting everyone who is anyone enthusiastically on board during the final months of the campaign. Regardless of who the candidate is, the president is going have to be out there, the VP, Mrs. Clinton and her husband, Sen. Sanders, Cong. Pelosi, Sen. Warren, and every present or former senator, governor, cabinet member, or member of Congress who is still breathing. If Mrs. Clinton thinks about it, she may conclude that Sen. Sanders' candidacy actually helps hers. How? By energizing the liberal activist wing of the party early and making clear to them how high the stakes are and how great the losses will be for their cause if not only Sen. Sanders loses, but the Dem. nominee, if it isn't him. I don't see what VP Biden adds to the Democratic side as a candidate that he doesn't add as a team member helping the Dem. nominee get elected and I doubt that either of the other candidates see what he adds to the discussion besides his avuncular image. (Sorry, Messrs. Webb, Chafee, Lessig, O'Malley, but you don't really have much significance in this election.) I hope he does not run against Clinton and Sanders but waits in the wings in case both implode, which I certainly hope doesn't happen.
2
Clinton will easily capture the nomination and then she will lose the general election, and it's not even going to be close. The Dems are betting on an obviously weak candidate.
7
Vice President Joe Biden is a blue collar worker wearing a white collar. A down to earth, honest guy who believes in values and who has a vision for this country. I would love to see him run for President, because their would finally be a candidate on the horizon that I would believe in. Joe Biden as President and Elizabeth Warren as Vice President and I would go to bed with a smile on my face, knowing we, as a nation, would be in good hands.
12
If it's even true, the Politico "story" yesterday -- about Biden himself leaking his plans to Maureen Dowd in early August -- makes him seem calculating when he should be grieving. More importantly, the tidbit in Politico smacks of Clinton tactics. Sounds like Politico could have gotten its information from David Brock.
6
You think Dowd would have leaked to Clinton camp? Think again.
The Times continuing dismissal of Sanders misses two very obvious points. First, the unaligned (independent voters) make up the equivalent of a third national party with no ties to Clinton or any of the Republican candidates. The polls indicate a weariness with our political class and the continuing decline of the middle class - neither Clinton or Biden can change their votes or their behavior over the past decades. They have been wrong too many times on too many critical votes.
The second group ignored is the younger generation of so called "Millennials" who've had it up to their teeth with with an economy that leaves them in the dust and few great prospects for the future. They are doubtful to vote for the same tired warhorses who have done nothing for them.
As an independent, unaligned voter I will not vote for Clinton or Biden whose judgement on critical votes has been miserable. Others, I'm sure, share that position.
The second group ignored is the younger generation of so called "Millennials" who've had it up to their teeth with with an economy that leaves them in the dust and few great prospects for the future. They are doubtful to vote for the same tired warhorses who have done nothing for them.
As an independent, unaligned voter I will not vote for Clinton or Biden whose judgement on critical votes has been miserable. Others, I'm sure, share that position.
43
If there truly were sufficient support for a third national party, shouldn't Bernie Sanders be out there leading it instead of using the Democratic Party as his campaign vehicle? And if you truly believe neither HRC or Joe Biden can change their votes or their behavior over the past decades, I assume you agree with Bernie's terrible voting record on guns and his only slightly less terrible record on immigration reform.
MichaelC wrote, "If there truly were sufficient support for a third national party, shouldn't Bernie Sanders be out there leading it instead of using the Democratic Party as his campaign vehicle?"
Are you not aware that the political infrastructure is set up for a two party system? Ever wonder why Tea Party candidates don't run as a separate party? Surely you know that the corporate media ignores third party candidates. Third party candidates would have to spend time and money to get on the state ballots, but the system is rigged so that they will not get on all fifty ballots. And third party candidates are excluded from the debates. Nice, huh?
Are you not aware that the political infrastructure is set up for a two party system? Ever wonder why Tea Party candidates don't run as a separate party? Surely you know that the corporate media ignores third party candidates. Third party candidates would have to spend time and money to get on the state ballots, but the system is rigged so that they will not get on all fifty ballots. And third party candidates are excluded from the debates. Nice, huh?
8
Just to be clear, I am not arguing for a third national party. I am offering up the obvious: the two major parties are becoming less and less relevant to an increasing number of voters. Both Sanders and Trump understand this. The Democrats in power do not.
Neither Biden nor Clinton can change their votes on allowing Bush to invade Iraq or in support of the formation of the Homeland Security Department authorizing the most intrusive invasion of individual privacy in US history. None of the three Democratic candidates - including Sanders -has offered more than token resistance to the NRA aor fought for gun control legislation with teeth.
Sanders is the only (of these three) who has denounced big money campaigns and maintained a healthy level of disgust with Wall Street and their leveraged buyout of congress.
Neither Biden nor Clinton can change their votes on allowing Bush to invade Iraq or in support of the formation of the Homeland Security Department authorizing the most intrusive invasion of individual privacy in US history. None of the three Democratic candidates - including Sanders -has offered more than token resistance to the NRA aor fought for gun control legislation with teeth.
Sanders is the only (of these three) who has denounced big money campaigns and maintained a healthy level of disgust with Wall Street and their leveraged buyout of congress.
8
I first met then Senator-elect Biden when I was in grade school. He does have the chops. Unfortunately, he is old and stale. Not good attributes in this 21st centruy presidential race.
3
With the recent revelation that it was Mr. Biden himself who gave Maureen Dowd the story about his son, Beau's dying request that his father run for the office of the President, Joe begins to look a bit more calculating in his grief. He should calculate that his third run at the Presidency will NOT be a charm for him, and that he will get beaten up quite badly by the media goons the Hillary camp would sic on him. Not only that, but the American public has had two, good, long, looks at Joe as Presidential timber, in 1988, and, in 2008, and neither time did they think he measured up. His son should not have burdened him with such a request on his deathbed. I hope Joe has the wisdom and the courage to refuse his plea. Retire, Mr. Biden, and write a memoir with some good stories about Beau in it. Put all profits from the book towards Beau's favorite cause, or charity.
12
Maureen Dowd and Joe Biden have been close friends for 25 years. Obviously she had no qualms about betraying that friendship and releasing the story. There is no hard evidence that he "gave" her the story. From all accounts, it seems she sought the "story" instead of the friendship.
1
What "revelation"? The story was not attributed to anyone. It came from the Clinton camp.
My heart favors Bernie Sanders, but my memories of the Gene McCarthy and George McGovern campaigns are too strong for my head to share that feeling. Preventing a Republican Presidential victory and regaining a Senate majority are the most important things that we can do for the future of the US, and we will need billions of dollars to win - even just to counter the $900M promised by the Koch brothers. Just saying the word "President" followed by the surname of one of the Republican candidates makes me ill.
11
Joe Bidden has sat next to the pinnacle of power of the United States for almost 8 years. He has integrity, experience and he's just an average American who's suffered the same heart ache and tragedy that most American's are very familiar with. He understands what we face.
I no longer trust Hillary Clinton. I believe that she not only lied about Benghazi but also about her support of NAFTA and her radical views of gun control, federal control of education and health care.
I don't want Bill Clinton to serve a 3rd term. That's unconscionable.
Mr. Biden belongs in the White House. I pray that he runs.
I no longer trust Hillary Clinton. I believe that she not only lied about Benghazi but also about her support of NAFTA and her radical views of gun control, federal control of education and health care.
I don't want Bill Clinton to serve a 3rd term. That's unconscionable.
Mr. Biden belongs in the White House. I pray that he runs.
4
Bernie will win, overwhelmingly, in Berkeley, Cambridge, Madison, Austin, and the state of Vermont.
12
It appears to me that the NY Times is not giving Bernie Sanders the props he deserves. He is Hillary Clinton's biggest challenger and not Joe Biden's. No one fills up the arenas like Bernie does and he has raised a great deal of money from grassroots supporters. The NY Times should start giving Bernie Sanders more press attention as he is not going to be swept under the carpet and he is not dropping out of the race.
102
We are all facing the same enemy. The times they are a changin and instead of policy we are getting the politics of celebrity. Only Sanders is giving us policy going into the future nobody else dare give their solutions because we know same old same old ain't working.
45
Worst fear and critique of both Biden and HRC - they're both "incrementalists," meaning that neither will ever do anything to upset or challenge any existing power / profit structure - both hired hands to the oligarchs, who would not have reached current positions had they ever seriously rattled those chains.
9
First, Biden is not running and will not run so why does the Times carry on with this nonsense? Frankly I have little respect for Nate Cohn's musings or the paper that publishes them.
Lets face it the vast majority of voters vote the party line however it comes together next fall.
Lets face it the vast majority of voters vote the party line however it comes together next fall.
6
Biden is charismatic, hopeful, full of empathy and not a scammer like Hillary Clinton with her foundation shenanigans, her overpaid and overpriced speeches. Hillary is not real, Biden seems to be. Biden smiles, Hillary grins and cackles. Please Biden---run.
2
It is good bet that after eight hard, stressful years as a key player in the Obama administration, Joe Biden is too burned-out to endure the presidential campaign trail.
3
HIllary's duplicity was evident when she botched health care reform at the beginning of Bill's first term.
5
You elected Bill that time, not Hillary. In fact, I recall a lot of complaints were that she was usurping power without being elected. Ergo baking chocolate chip cookies to give her wifely place in White House. You can't have it both ways. A common wish of anti Hillary people.
If Biden decides to run, he will regret it. His favorability rating will drop, the media and the Repubs will point to his gaffs, and he'll never catch up on the money race. In addition, he will spoil his good graces with the American people and go out as a loser. Don't run Joe.
5
I do not care what the polls show. Biden is a better choice than either the chameleon called Clinton or the far too left Sanders. It is unfortunate that she has the big bucks and he the "restive" group. Plus "Go for Joe" has a great ring to it.
2
Sanders has out polled Clinton, but the NYT declares Biden,not even officially running, as Clinton's "toughest opponent." The NYT has given relatively little press to Sanders and less to his ideas. One might suspect the Times of being unduly influenced by the monied
97
It would be interesting to see Biden jump in the race, if nothing else to stimulate some more debate and competition in the Democrat race.
However, I still feel we need a POTUS who speaks for the 99%, someone who is going to affect true change and challenge this country to be better. That is why I'm voting for Bernie. I hope more people have the guts to vote with their heart
However, I still feel we need a POTUS who speaks for the 99%, someone who is going to affect true change and challenge this country to be better. That is why I'm voting for Bernie. I hope more people have the guts to vote with their heart
20
Another Teddy Kennedy in the 1980 election, who helped to undermine Jimmy Carter?
Just retire, Joe. You've got a great empathy act, but it has never fully clothed your narcissism.
Just retire, Joe. You've got a great empathy act, but it has never fully clothed your narcissism.
1
Somebody please convince him to stay home.
10
He is torn.
Part of him wants to run but a very large part doesn't.
His heart is not in it.
He should listen to that and just announce that he will not run.
I think it will finally bring a lot of peace to him and his family and that is what must come first.
BTW, I would have voted for him and think he could win but he must do what is right for him and he has let it be known all along what that is.
You need not be a psychologist to read his lips.
Part of him wants to run but a very large part doesn't.
His heart is not in it.
He should listen to that and just announce that he will not run.
I think it will finally bring a lot of peace to him and his family and that is what must come first.
BTW, I would have voted for him and think he could win but he must do what is right for him and he has let it be known all along what that is.
You need not be a psychologist to read his lips.
6
I don't know why the liberals doesn't like Hillary Clinton. Whether it's a manufactured media story from Whitewater to Email. But to me she has always taken a liberal position on all issues. The only one is on the Iraq vote which was understandable that being a senator from New York she has to do the political calculation after 9/11. I suspect being female and wife of Bill Clinton has something to do with this attitude, and using various excuses to hide it. I just want to point out that Ralph Nader gave the 2000 election to George Bush regardless what anyone said, and the resulting Supreme Court appointments gave the new interpretation of the Second Amendment to invalidate various gun laws. If the liberals want to throw A fit and give the presidency to the republican, then the Supreme Court will be firmly in the conservatives hand for the next 20 years plus and they can be happy in their principle stand.
6
> But to me she has always taken a liberal position on all issues.
Well, except for:
1) War (which you noted)
2) The USA-PATRIOT Acts, Parts I and II
3) Crime
4) Marijuana
5) Equal Marriage
6) Banks and financial regulation
7) Health Care
8) Etc.
Well, except for:
1) War (which you noted)
2) The USA-PATRIOT Acts, Parts I and II
3) Crime
4) Marijuana
5) Equal Marriage
6) Banks and financial regulation
7) Health Care
8) Etc.
3
This article and some of the comments illustrate how easily people can be led to sacrifice their own best interests in the face of propagandistic drum-beating from the media, e.g., "...make her path to victory much longer." The article,ostensibly about Joe Biden's chances, is essentially yet another declaration of HRC as the "probable" nominee. Having voted Democratic for more than 50 years, I can say unequivocally that she will never get my vote, nor that of anyone else I can convince to follow suit.
14
Joe is a real person with lots of experience.
He might consider joining Bernie's campaign, become VP again and depending on who dies first (if either does before their term is over) become president or get a great and deserved state funeral.
Either way he is a winner, remains true to his beliefs and brings needed expertise to the White House in foreign affiars.
Together they can bind a broken country.
He might consider joining Bernie's campaign, become VP again and depending on who dies first (if either does before their term is over) become president or get a great and deserved state funeral.
Either way he is a winner, remains true to his beliefs and brings needed expertise to the White House in foreign affiars.
Together they can bind a broken country.
4
Sanders gains on his progressive views in opposing "moderate" Establishment views.
4
The number of times Mr Cohn mentions support by "party elites" make this piece a great Bernie promotion. Can you imagine four years of governing according to the predilections of party elites? More than ever it's votes that count for the nomination, not the rubber-stamp convention. Guess Mr Cohn is still trying to make his July prediction come true:
"Nate Cohn of NYTimes: Bernie will fade. - Daily Kos
Daily Kos › story › 2015/07/08 ›
Mobile-friendly - Jul 8, 2015 - This column from NYTimes number cruncher Nate Cohn is a must read. http:// www.nytimes.com/."
Where did you get this guy?
"Nate Cohn of NYTimes: Bernie will fade. - Daily Kos
Daily Kos › story › 2015/07/08 ›
Mobile-friendly - Jul 8, 2015 - This column from NYTimes number cruncher Nate Cohn is a must read. http:// www.nytimes.com/."
Where did you get this guy?
12
To paraphrase an old song, "I'm Biden my time, cause that's the kinda guy I'm ... "
2
This year and a half early reporting on the election (since it started this past summer) is wearying and tiresome. Call me back when we are closer and this issue matters.
3
You're missing the point. It is never too soon for the elites to start telling us what our opinions are. It takes time for the propaganda to sink in.
4
Joe Biden has colossal baggage that is somehow being "forgiven" in this silly pre primary discussion. Strong support for the Iraq war, support for credit card companies (he is from delaware, of course) against debtors, support for aggressive bankruptcy "reform" that hurt student loan holders to a great degree (worked with Hillary on that one in the Senate). This is all just ridiculous fluff because HRC is so unpopular. I am astonished that anyone is taking this seriously. Uncle Joe as president is about as realistic as Uncle Buck. And a ticket with Warren? Forget it - she is better suited to being a gadfly than a real leader.
1
Nate once upon a time all of you pundits thought that the white party moderate elites had control of the GOP.
"She proved that durability in 2008, when she ultimately fought Mr. Obama to an effective tie after his victory in Iowa and after his long string of victories following Super Tuesday."
HRC in 2008 didn't fight to an "effective" tie in 2008, after losing most of the early primaries. The NY Times writer is moving the goal posts for the last election. Once the outcome of the 2008 primaries was a foregone conclusion, Obama was already marshaling his resources and attention to the general election.
The writer of this article is clearly a Clinton supporter. In a desperate attempt to discourage Biden from entering the race, they try to rewrite the history of the prior campaign by moving the goal posts. And they make lots of assumptions about Biden's chances in the race with almost no evidence.
If Biden were to enter the race and join HRC in debates, HRC may well implode -- just as she did in 2008. And Buden's poll numbers may go up (a lot) as he advertises and defines himself to young voters.
Biden has an aexcellent chance of beating Clinton without requiring Clinton to implode. Many Democrats and independents just don't like or trust Clinton, especially after the offensive campaign tactics she used against Obama.
HRC in 2008 didn't fight to an "effective" tie in 2008, after losing most of the early primaries. The NY Times writer is moving the goal posts for the last election. Once the outcome of the 2008 primaries was a foregone conclusion, Obama was already marshaling his resources and attention to the general election.
The writer of this article is clearly a Clinton supporter. In a desperate attempt to discourage Biden from entering the race, they try to rewrite the history of the prior campaign by moving the goal posts. And they make lots of assumptions about Biden's chances in the race with almost no evidence.
If Biden were to enter the race and join HRC in debates, HRC may well implode -- just as she did in 2008. And Buden's poll numbers may go up (a lot) as he advertises and defines himself to young voters.
Biden has an aexcellent chance of beating Clinton without requiring Clinton to implode. Many Democrats and independents just don't like or trust Clinton, especially after the offensive campaign tactics she used against Obama.
7
Another "Anybody but Bernie" column from the NYT's favorite prognosticator. I'm getting really tired of the managed news.
130
This propaganda from the nytimes, particularly Nate Cohn, is exhausting. Do you want to mobilize voters or not?
25
This article should include a disclaimer about the connections between its publication and the Clinton campaign. The headline that Biden is Clinton's most serious challenge is contradicted by the documentation it contains. That is as flagrant an example of bias as any Murdoch publication produces.
30
Nice try on denigrating Bernie Sanders again, but this article completely misses the point. Bernie Sanders continues to surge because, unlike our "establishment" candidates, he is honest and his proposals are favored by the majority of the electorate. As the word continues to get out, his numbers will continue to rise, with or without Mr. Biden in the race.
82
I'll be waiting to read Cohn's piece after the debate. In many polls, people have no idea who Sanders is or what he stands for - in part due to the DNC's efforts to delay and reduce the number of debates. In polls where people know him, he is within the margin of error or outperforms Hilary.
30
All Hillary has to do is run a clip of Biden sitting in the committee chair during the Clarence Thomas hearings. Biden palatable contempt of Anita Hill wouldn't sit well with women or the African-American community.
12
If merit were the sole criterion, Hillary Clinton should be nominated and also win the general election.
5
What kind of person exploits his own sons death to gain sympathy for a presidential run? It is being reported that it was Biden who leaked his sons supposed death bed plea to Maureen Dowd who wrote the maudlin column urging Biden to run to fulfil his dying sons wish. Talk about a calculating and cynical politician. Joe Biden please don't run.
5
This is just gossip at this point. Way too early to be so judgemental.
"Vice President Biden has less support in the polls..."
....and the question is : Just exactly WHAT is the VP DOING in the polls?
Why is his name even being offered to respondents by the pollsters?
He has not officially declared that he is running.
He's not in the race.
Neither is FDR.
Or George Wallace.
Or, more realistically, Jerry Brown.
I, myself, have not yet declared for the race - why am I not in there?
I'm stunned that the pollsters throw him in. He has no place in the polls until he runs. And, given that he seems to have no problem with throwing the poll results off on the ones who ARE running, I'm not as impressed with him as I was, say, last year. last year he was a nice guy.
This year, he's being an opportunist.
This is dirty pool, underhanded, and I'm disgusted that no one seems to care.
....and the question is : Just exactly WHAT is the VP DOING in the polls?
Why is his name even being offered to respondents by the pollsters?
He has not officially declared that he is running.
He's not in the race.
Neither is FDR.
Or George Wallace.
Or, more realistically, Jerry Brown.
I, myself, have not yet declared for the race - why am I not in there?
I'm stunned that the pollsters throw him in. He has no place in the polls until he runs. And, given that he seems to have no problem with throwing the poll results off on the ones who ARE running, I'm not as impressed with him as I was, say, last year. last year he was a nice guy.
This year, he's being an opportunist.
This is dirty pool, underhanded, and I'm disgusted that no one seems to care.
26
In a recent Q Poll the summary line reads as follows: Biden runs better than Clinton against top Republicans. The question for Democrats is who will be the strongest candidate? Is it Clinton, Sanders, O'Mally or Bidden? Certainly Clinton enjoys wide support among some Democrats, however there are many who shake their heads and wonder out loud - "Is that the best we can do?" Biden will draw his initial support from the well spring of those doubting Thomas'.
3
A three-way race will be the undoing of the Democratic Party next year. Biden, Clinton, Sanders, a troika that will not finish in first place; which of these horses will survive the race? Though HRC's husband Bill did win the three-way race for the Presidency during the debate with the two Texans, Ross Perot and GHW Bush, who - oh, very human moment! - glanced at his wristwatch to check the time of the debate and thus lost his second-term for the Presidency in 1992. On such un-predicted and unforeseen human moments (vis a vis Democrat Michael Dukakis, photo-op in an Abrams tank, in a helmet that made him look like a mushroom) was the 1988 Presidential election won by GHW Bush. Let us not underestimate the groundswell for-Bernie Sanders, who may challenge both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Joe Biden, if Joe Biden throws his hat in the ring. Unlikely scenarios, not yet explored by the Fourth Estate (your Estate, good Nate Cohn) can bollux up "sure things" and elections. Tiny moments - televised for history on widgets and social media, radio and jungle-drums - can change the best-laid plans of politicians, men and women. As Robbie Burns said wryly, the best-laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley.
3
You're big on these "party elites", Mr. Cohn, where the REAL power lies to control the outcome of the primary.
In a recent piece on Trump, you wrote: "...the outcome of presidential nominations is shaped or even decided by party elites. That’s a broadly defined category of nearly anyone who has the power to sway public opinion with money, skills or media reach."
You seem to include yourself in this glaring absence of a democratic process- and you seem to think it's OK!
I hope We the People can bring integrity back to journalism, as well as to the White House. In the meantime, I will take your columns as propaganda, not objective analysis.
In a recent piece on Trump, you wrote: "...the outcome of presidential nominations is shaped or even decided by party elites. That’s a broadly defined category of nearly anyone who has the power to sway public opinion with money, skills or media reach."
You seem to include yourself in this glaring absence of a democratic process- and you seem to think it's OK!
I hope We the People can bring integrity back to journalism, as well as to the White House. In the meantime, I will take your columns as propaganda, not objective analysis.
10
I recall when Obama couldn't get the backing of major minority organizations. They didn't think he had a chance against Clinton. Then came Iowa, and everything changed. We seem to be faced with a similar scenario in Bernie Sanders. He's surprised almost everyone, and his grassroots support is astounding. A Biden/Warren ticket might completely reset the deck. Remember, Abe Lincoln was a nonstarter until his rivals canceled each other out. Also, Truman was considered a no hoper in his time.
13
The column illustrates the problem with covering campaigns as horse races. It's doubtful that even three months ago, many polls would have foreseen how well Sanders would be doing today. As we are still several months away from the first primary and caucus voting, how can anybody know how much better he will be doing by then as more people learn about him and the press stops simply portraying him as a Democratic Donald Trump. Mrs. Clinton's support among Democrats has peaked while Sanders' continues to rise.
And many candidates like Biden may seem ideal while they are still on the sidelines but become less so once they run. Recall that in his previous runs for president, he never set the world on fire to say the least. I doubt many really see him as the savior of the party now.
And many candidates like Biden may seem ideal while they are still on the sidelines but become less so once they run. Recall that in his previous runs for president, he never set the world on fire to say the least. I doubt many really see him as the savior of the party now.
3
If Joseph Biden decided to run. He would not generate the enthusiasm that Bernie Sanders has generated. Senator Sanders will be our next President because half of the 80 percent of people under 30 who don't vote will vote for him in the next election. Vice President Biden will simply take more votes away from Hillary Clinton's already doomed candidacy.
11
As a member of one of the most overlooked groups of the country, a liberal democrat who is also pro-life, I believe that Mr. Biden is the only choice I could live with. I know he's not going to be pro-life in his political decisions, in spite of his apparently deep Catholic faith; however, he is well known to be someone will listen to other voices, not make smarmy comments while rolling the eyes and smirking like a seventh grade bully with a burn book, and won't put me in the same box with the likes of Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.
2
And what if logic based on "past is precedent" doesn't apply this time? At least one poll shows HRC's support among African Americans plummeting. Another shows white working class voters, now mostly Republican, looking favorably on Bernie. Polls show widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the country. Stats show an ever-more-beleaguered middle class and economic stagnation for the vast majority.
Polls this early can't judge candidates for whom there is no immediate precedent.
No poll asks: "Had enough? Ready for a real change?" As ever-more voters make the connection between those questions and Bernie Sanders, the case for Inevitable Hill will become unsustainable--to the surprise of pollsters.
It ain't over 'til it's over.
Polls this early can't judge candidates for whom there is no immediate precedent.
No poll asks: "Had enough? Ready for a real change?" As ever-more voters make the connection between those questions and Bernie Sanders, the case for Inevitable Hill will become unsustainable--to the surprise of pollsters.
It ain't over 'til it's over.
14
He crafted the blueprint for the Homeland Security Act and helped write the law that led to our obscene industrial prison industry.
Then, there are his close ties to the banksters.
Hunter Biden's partnership in a fracking group with extensive extraction rights in Eastern Ukraine is but frosting on the cake.
"A genuine peoples' man"... sure, a Reagan Democrat's.
Then, there are his close ties to the banksters.
Hunter Biden's partnership in a fracking group with extensive extraction rights in Eastern Ukraine is but frosting on the cake.
"A genuine peoples' man"... sure, a Reagan Democrat's.
4
Unlike most of the other candidates Biden doesn't need to run at this time because everyone knows him. He can bide, (not pun intended), his time and throw his hat into the ring months from now. All he needs to do is maintain decorum, allow the others to attack one another, and not mess anything up. Once he declares he's the candidate to beat, and that is without even spending any money. His big downside is his age.
1
How swell of Nate Cohn to glancingly mention Clinton's real rival for the nomination and how unswell of him to continue with a story that has no basis in facts positing Joe Biden as Clinton's greatest problem. He who shall go barely mentioned looks good in both Iowa and New Hampshire right now and shows up Clinton by every measure of polls I have seen. So when does The (alleged) Upshot start to see him as real?
19
Once again, the NY Times reveals its bias against Sanders. In what other world is the contender with both the money and the poll results, not the "Toughest Rival"?
If Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic nomination, I will be proud to write in Bernie Sanders on my ballot if no other party is smart enough to nominate him. Not only do I support him, so does my Libertarian husband, whose alternative choice is Paul Rand. In other words, stop dismissing Sanders as a viable candidate. But, who am I kidding? The tone deaf Editor's response to criticism of Sanders coverage and the continued failure to correct course tells me the Times has zero interest in being anything other than a shrill for Hillary. And, guess what? You're not changing any minds.
If Hillary Clinton gets the Democratic nomination, I will be proud to write in Bernie Sanders on my ballot if no other party is smart enough to nominate him. Not only do I support him, so does my Libertarian husband, whose alternative choice is Paul Rand. In other words, stop dismissing Sanders as a viable candidate. But, who am I kidding? The tone deaf Editor's response to criticism of Sanders coverage and the continued failure to correct course tells me the Times has zero interest in being anything other than a shrill for Hillary. And, guess what? You're not changing any minds.
43
All this analysis establishes, if it establishes it, is who would be favored b Democratic voters if certain contingencies hold. It says nothing about who should be elected or even favored by such voters. The problem is that most people who vote are lazy thinkers. They do not inform themselves on the issues and thens to vote for people they "identify" with, whatever that means. Clinton is corrupt, Biden is a conceptual wallflower. Sanders is the only credible option.
11
I am a voter without a candidate. Hillary Clinton lost me over the email server. Her decision to have a private server showed poor judgment and it demonstrates a level of secrecy and paranoia that I don't want to see in a president. That said, I don't know if Joe Biden is the best alternative. If Hillary is the nominee I'll vote third party, for Jill Stein.
2
This article is ridiculous. Sen. Sanders is by far Sec. Clinton's biggest rival. I don't know why the corporate press dismisses him, the actual voters certainly don't. He isn't a one-trick candidate like Trump. He has great policy ideas that he's been supporting for decades, as his long voting record in Congress will attest to. He's rising in the polls against Sec. Clinton already. And, with Biden in the race that will just take more support from her and will make Sen. Sanders the obvious choice for a more liberal party than it was when Bill Clinton was elected IMO.
38
What I would like to see this reporter explore is the potential appeal of a Biden-Warren ticket. And is there a case for running on a ticket vs. seeking the nomination solo?
2
This is one case where I simply don't believe the polls. Joe Biden's candidacy seems concocted out of establishment Democrats' fears that one of Clinton's faux "scandals"---which seem to be nothing more than swiftboating---will explode and then we'll only have Sanders. If Biden runs, I bet he will do very poorly in the primaries.
1
The media does not want Bernie Sanders to be president. As a result, they deman him and his supporters on a daily basis. I'm sick of it. The voters should pick the candidates and the president not the NYT! The media created Obama and look what that has given us.
Go Bernie!
Go Bernie!
15
Joe's a good guy, has served his country well; but he's tried twice before, let Hillary and Bernie fight it out for the nomination to take on the GOP.
8
If a Democrat has to be President Biden would be my choice.
Among white NY Times columnist and political reporters there seems to be an overwhelming amount of support for Hillary Clinton. Though in a general election in the secrecy of the voting both some might pull the lever for Trump
2
Hillary's negatives a too high, have been for years. It's not rocket science folks.
6
She has so many flaws, controversy and questionable behaviors compiled with her husband yet Americans are craving for another Clinton? It almost give me a chill when I scout the potential candidates, wanting to be President of US, are full of contradiction, phony, ignorant, arrogant, borderline criminals backed by equally lunatic opinionated fanatic partisan people with big war chest. Hillary and Bill think they can fool us again but I believe in "not again"
4
arrgh, still still the media isn't getting it. Sanders is outdrawing everybody. Clinton can not win. Here is the news: she is not likable or trustworthy. Biden's voting record will get hammered if he gets into the election. But it would be a good thing if it further dilutes Hillary's "base" (if she in fact has one). Would ANYONE vote for her? In the end it won't matter, Sanders is only building momentum. Still not sure why the media can't recognize this. Come on NY Times, get in the game.
20
Once again we watch the Times flail and thrash to get away from the fact of Sanders' popularity. The Times appears to really hate the whole primary process. (I can't blame them; it's long and agonizing.) We don't care that you think you must annoint someone. Please report on the whole primary field as if it were up to the voters to decide.
14
Once he commits to the race, Biden will bring down Hillary. Hillary will mount a vicious mean spirited campaign, but Biden would prevail because unlike Hillary, he is a man of character and integrity, which she is not. In fact she is not even a woman of character and integrity. More important Biden is in a marriage not based on political expediency and gain; the Bidens are married because they love each other. Fidelity serves as the foundation of their relationship. Yes, Biden is the kind of man we need to lead this nation. Hillary is not (nor is she the kind of woman we need). Cheers!
5
Why do you think she'd mount a mean-spirited campaign against Biden? She has said absolutely nothing mean-spirited about Bernie or any of her Dem opponents for the primaries. And neither has Bernie said anything mean-spirited. I wish I could say the same for his supporters.
hillary clinton is the best candidate for the presidency, bar anyone. it is amusing to see people who have believed the baloney spooned out by the republican party as to how distrustful and uncharismatic she is. listen to her speeches and listen to the crowds' responses to her. she is genuine, smart, totally charismatic, and completely committed. as a professional, she stands above the trite speeches of the other candidates; her authenticity has been earned by hard work and a unrelenting focus on what jobs she has done in her commitment to government.
I vote Democratic, every time, but I do not think Mrs. Clinton is a good candidate and another Clinton candidacy puts the country at risk for another Republican win, with disastrous consequences yet again. This could be Joe Biden's moment and I hope he takes it. I love Bernie Sander's progressivism but voters are too brainwashed to elect an avowed socialist, not matter how much they need democratic socialism. The media needs to stop repeating the right's jokes about Joe Biden and cover him honestly and fairly if he runs. His so-called "gaffes" are only human and he is a statesman of the stature we need desperately. Go Joe!
7
If Biden gets in, you can bet he will peel off most of Clinton's support in the African-American community. The rise of Trump, along with Carson and Fiorina, have caused the side-effect of weakening Hillary: I believe Democratic voters now feel free to look at Biden or even Sanders since it's a wide open race on the GOP side; Biden or Sanders would stand as good a chance to beat those three as Clinton(or better according to recent polls), so Hillary's argument that she's the strongest November candidate no longer seems to be persuasive to voters. If Biden gets in its a whole new race
2
Another day, another "anyone but Sanders" article from the NY Times. Clearly, the paper's editorial staff has adopted the policy idea that if they repeat over and over again how unelectable Bernie is, the population will start to believe them. And yet, in sheer number of donors, his support outstrips Clinton by 3:1.
How do we explain this bias? Is the NY Times afraid that Sanders would lose the election? Or that he might win?
Is this an example of a capitalist organ spouting the preferred line of Wall Street?
Or does the NY Times have an issue with other unspoken aspects of Mr. Sanders? If he were a Christian politician pushing the same policies of progressive legislation and equality, would the NY Times seek to undermine his campaign so aggressively? Perhaps the Editors and writers, including the Cohens, should reflect more honestly and openly about how the fact of Sanders Jewishness might be inflecting their coverage of this election.
Funny, when Obama gained popular momentum, this paper heralded his campaign as a statement of racial progress. Now, for the first time in history, a Jewish progressive candidate is a leading contender for the Democratic nomination, and this paper is doing it's best to bury him.
Shame.
How do we explain this bias? Is the NY Times afraid that Sanders would lose the election? Or that he might win?
Is this an example of a capitalist organ spouting the preferred line of Wall Street?
Or does the NY Times have an issue with other unspoken aspects of Mr. Sanders? If he were a Christian politician pushing the same policies of progressive legislation and equality, would the NY Times seek to undermine his campaign so aggressively? Perhaps the Editors and writers, including the Cohens, should reflect more honestly and openly about how the fact of Sanders Jewishness might be inflecting their coverage of this election.
Funny, when Obama gained popular momentum, this paper heralded his campaign as a statement of racial progress. Now, for the first time in history, a Jewish progressive candidate is a leading contender for the Democratic nomination, and this paper is doing it's best to bury him.
Shame.
19
So a 73 year old, twice failed presidential candidate is the Democrats best hope against a 67 year old once failed presidential candidate. No wonder the likes of Carly Fiorina is considered presidential material.
5
The article is a desperate attempt to create a contest where theer really isn't one. But then, what does one expect from the Times, talking about the issues? Not
1
"A YouGov poll showed Mr. Biden leading Mr. Sanders by a 58-to-42 margin in a one-on-one contest — even though he would trail Mr. Sanders in a three-way race"
And yet:
"Still Clinton’s Toughest Rival."
How exactly was this conclusion in the headline reached?
And yet:
"Still Clinton’s Toughest Rival."
How exactly was this conclusion in the headline reached?
5
It ought to be interesting to see Nate look back after Senator Sanders wins both New Hampshire and Iowa and the momentum really begins shifting towards Bernie. I'm sure he'll have a great explanation of why he consistently, stridently got it so wrong.
13
The mainstream media seems to be boycotting by the far the biggest story - which is not Biden - but the fact that Bernie does FAR better in a national general election against nearly all Republicans than does Hillary. That is the most amazing story of the political moment, yet it's not being widely reported -- especially by the NYT. Hmmm. Maybe that does not fit the narrative that party "elites" are the most important phenomenon in this or any race? And that policy does not matter much? Hillary is shaping up to be the Ralph Nader of this race -- not the Bern. Insofar as a vote for Hillary may turn out to be a vote for Jeb, or any of the MANY Republicans who now poll better than her in a national matchup.
32
All this is making Republicans gleeful. They have worked hard to pull Hillary down and with the complicity of the press, who seems to love to mess stuff up, they have done just that. We Democrats are foolish if we give anyone but Hillary the nod. The others are just nowhere near as Presidential as she is. Pres. Obama turned out to be a decent President but only after four years and a lost House and Senate. Hillary would have not lost those four years. She is ready to go. We Democrats should not let The Republicans or the Press scare or obfuscate us into selecting a less accomplished individual.
1
Nate Cohen is definitely wrong, Bernie Sanders will definitely be the nominee. After the debate a mass movement will form among the people demanding revolution, past data will not apply this time because Ameica is shifting away from the establishment as much as the NY Times will not admit.
12
Whenever Nate Cohn has interpreted our pre-presidential politics, what he writes is important. And today: much hangs on Biden's decision.
But maybe Biden can't decide because Obama will put him in the Oval Office by resigning in time to determine the outcome of the next presidential election. And maybe it's a covert pact between them.
Moderating this far-out possibility is Obama's (unexpressed) dislike of Hillary & vice versa. Whereas Biden has pledged his fealty.
So his long delay is a tactic. And his offered excuse of a trauma contradicts the very wishes of the son who died. It makes little sense.
But maybe Biden can't decide because Obama will put him in the Oval Office by resigning in time to determine the outcome of the next presidential election. And maybe it's a covert pact between them.
Moderating this far-out possibility is Obama's (unexpressed) dislike of Hillary & vice versa. Whereas Biden has pledged his fealty.
So his long delay is a tactic. And his offered excuse of a trauma contradicts the very wishes of the son who died. It makes little sense.
Months ago I embellished the qualifications of Joe Biden, until I learned he was behind the bill that turned America into a police state and put millions in jail. I still think Hillary Clinton is the most qualified for the job having vast experience, but I do not like her hawkish inclinations. The Republican candidates make for good comedy except Paul, but I could never support a Republican after many years of their anti-government actions that harmed the nation and our economy and reputation in the world.
Once again, I am faced with another election I just can't vote in because if I did, I would undoubtedly feel dirty for years for voting for people that did our nation wrong.
Once again, I am faced with another election I just can't vote in because if I did, I would undoubtedly feel dirty for years for voting for people that did our nation wrong.
1
I hope Joe doesn't run. The only thing he might offer over Hillary is he's well liked by both sides in Congress. Who knows if that would translate into legislative success. As long as the Tea Party has such a stranglehold over the Republican party, I doubt it. They wouldn't work with Ronald Reagan.
The only things that matter are: a Democrat winning, and the Tea Party losing influence. A Democratic president is needed to prevent the TP from implementing their destructive agenda and at least maintain the status quo. They need to be marginalized for the country to have any hope of moving forward.
I'm not counting on it.
The only things that matter are: a Democrat winning, and the Tea Party losing influence. A Democratic president is needed to prevent the TP from implementing their destructive agenda and at least maintain the status quo. They need to be marginalized for the country to have any hope of moving forward.
I'm not counting on it.
9
Two old white men, one of whom represents the far left of the Democratic party (and has as much chance to be elected as George McGovern), the other a faithful pol of the old school. If Bernie Sanders (the Studs Terkel of politics) were to get the nomination by some miracle, I'd stay home. I could vote for Biden, but not enthusiastically.
It's time for something new, and that really new item is a female president who cares about the majority of our population. Yes, Clinton's connected to the establishment, but she takes firm stands (with which I agree), she's smart, and she makes wise decisions. The Republicans (all of whom offer the same old cant, more or less: trickle-down economics, no gun control, especially those aimed at foreign powers) fear her so much that they have mounted a Congressional smear campaign against her. I can give money and my vote to her. No other Democrat can win.
It's time for something new, and that really new item is a female president who cares about the majority of our population. Yes, Clinton's connected to the establishment, but she takes firm stands (with which I agree), she's smart, and she makes wise decisions. The Republicans (all of whom offer the same old cant, more or less: trickle-down economics, no gun control, especially those aimed at foreign powers) fear her so much that they have mounted a Congressional smear campaign against her. I can give money and my vote to her. No other Democrat can win.
9
Bernie Sanders has tens of thousands turning out to hear him speak, and it's not because they miss Woodstock. People from all walks of life respond to his message because it's responsive to their concerns. If Sanders is far left-wing so are an increasing number of Americans. Characterizing him as a latter-day McGovern shows you are out of touch with a large and growing segment of the country.
5
You agree we should have invaded Iraq? You believe the NSA spying on US citizens is OK? You believe her using a personal email server as SOS was a good idea (how about if it had been Condoleeza Rice?). You like her PAC? You like her cozy relationships with Wall Street?
No other Democrat can win? With the Republican candidates leading in the polls, ANY Democrat has a very good shot at winning - much like Obama after after GW Bush.
No other Democrat can win? With the Republican candidates leading in the polls, ANY Democrat has a very good shot at winning - much like Obama after after GW Bush.
Our American democracy has become increasingly captured by huge amounts of donor money. And candidates are rated by the media based on the tens or hundreds of millions of dollars they've raised, much less by their positions on critical issues.
Now the rank-and-file voters of each major party are uncomfortable with their respective leading candidates--the "intendeds". A "Bush-Clinton" rerun seemed to dismay many, who hope for more inspiring alternatives. Hence the move to the three Republican outsiders, and the nostalgia for Joe Biden and enthusiasm for Bernie Sanders by many Democrats.
Does the election quietly involve the moneyed-political class vs. "ordinary" citizens who wish to choose their leader? That choice involves both parties.
Now the rank-and-file voters of each major party are uncomfortable with their respective leading candidates--the "intendeds". A "Bush-Clinton" rerun seemed to dismay many, who hope for more inspiring alternatives. Hence the move to the three Republican outsiders, and the nostalgia for Joe Biden and enthusiasm for Bernie Sanders by many Democrats.
Does the election quietly involve the moneyed-political class vs. "ordinary" citizens who wish to choose their leader? That choice involves both parties.
9
Data points have their place, but what many, if not most, voters crave more than anything else in a potential president has nothing to do with numerology. It's character.
With the likes of Vice President Biden and Sen. Sanders, what you see is what you get; their core beliefs are clear. But with Mrs. Clinton, there's so much shape shifting, skin shedding and reinvention, the persona du jour tends to be cringe-inducing.
The most troubling aspect of the Democratic field for 2016 is that fundamental doubts about honesty, integrity and trustworthiness keep swirling around the same person. Month after month after month. It's almost as if the 1990s have returned.
With the likes of Vice President Biden and Sen. Sanders, what you see is what you get; their core beliefs are clear. But with Mrs. Clinton, there's so much shape shifting, skin shedding and reinvention, the persona du jour tends to be cringe-inducing.
The most troubling aspect of the Democratic field for 2016 is that fundamental doubts about honesty, integrity and trustworthiness keep swirling around the same person. Month after month after month. It's almost as if the 1990s have returned.
18
I prefer people who are open to persuasion to true believers.
Biden followed the dictates of the financial backers who control Delaware as a bank and incorporation haven to push the bankruptcy laws weighing on many college gradautes today. Biden has never challenged the endless Wars or the banksters...
For that reason he has no chance
For that reason he has no chance
1
As much as the ratings wizards at Fox News and conservative media would like the GOP Congress to keep bleating, "Benghazi! Benghazi! Benghazi" to damage former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton that's not going to happen.
It is far more likely and probable that Ms. Clinton's candidacy will implode by her own lack of transparency over her alleged use of a private email server to conduct official business.
The dichotomy of Ms. Clinton's statements and actions on transparency poses too big of a risk for the Democratic Party. A Biden/Bernie ticket will be a safer bet than pinning our hopes that Ms. Clinton's ambition has not blinded her from becoming more forthcoming. The last thing America needs is a President who operates exclusively via secretive Executive Orders.
It is far more likely and probable that Ms. Clinton's candidacy will implode by her own lack of transparency over her alleged use of a private email server to conduct official business.
The dichotomy of Ms. Clinton's statements and actions on transparency poses too big of a risk for the Democratic Party. A Biden/Bernie ticket will be a safer bet than pinning our hopes that Ms. Clinton's ambition has not blinded her from becoming more forthcoming. The last thing America needs is a President who operates exclusively via secretive Executive Orders.
12
I don't know about the polls, but from what I see and hear in the real world, Sanders is very popular with a diverse group of voters, Hillary is untrustworthy, and Biden is irrelevant. My vote is for Bernie.
193
As a Conservative, i would prefer Biden simply because he is an affable old guy who will continue to make silly mistakes. Ms Clinton is in deep trouble due to her seemingly having broken the law and continually showing that she is a reactionary rather than a visionary, and the scares me a bit because she and her husband are ruthless. She is backed into a corner now and I am not sure how low she will go to turn her ship around. As for Bernie, there has never been a socialist society that has survived and this great country will not elect a socialist to become POTUS.
3
"As for Bernie, there has never been a socialist society that has survived and this great country will not elect a socialist to become POTUS."
You are ignoring most of western Europe with that statement, as the brand of socialism that Bernie advocates for is what most of those countries have to an even greater degree. In regards to his tax policies, I would also say that our tax policies in the 50's were even more progressive than what he proposes.....'
You are ignoring most of western Europe with that statement, as the brand of socialism that Bernie advocates for is what most of those countries have to an even greater degree. In regards to his tax policies, I would also say that our tax policies in the 50's were even more progressive than what he proposes.....'
21
Chaz, what law did Clinton break? I haven't heard that she has been charged with a crime. Please enlighten us.
1
Well, except the survival of socialist societies such as France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Great Britain. You don't seem to know what socialism means.
23
If this were some other candidate than Biden, we all know exactly how this headline would have been written:
Biden: No Money, Weak Polls, is he Toast?
Biden: No Money, Weak Polls, is he Toast?
12
RIght - hi candidacy seems like more of a diversion to give the appearance that it is really a competitive campaign and the people's opinions matter. In reality, it is all tightly controlled by the party bosses.
A real newspaper wouldn't put him in the headlines until he's actually running.
Biden waits in the wings in case Clinton stumbles badly because I rather think the Democratic establishment does not want Sanders as the nominee. Sanders could be beaten by a reasonable Republican (yeah,yeah, I can hear the jokes now).
5
The Democratic Establishment better get ready for an unpleasant surprise. There are more of us than there are of them and our votes count too. I'm voting for Sanders no matter what THEY want.
9
Ok, I'll bite. There are no sane, I mean, reasonable, Republicans.
1
You all just talk among yourselves while we elect Bernie Sanders.
259
N Rogers
There has never been a successful socialist nation....ever. Can you name one?
There has never been a successful socialist nation....ever. Can you name one?
1
Well, Chaz1954, the kind of socialists Bernie is have been running the Scandinavian countries pretty well - I'd say they've been at least twice as successful as the kind of capitalists who have been running the USA for the last 35 years, especially for the 99%.
7
Run, Joe. Run away.
12
At this point, my personal order of preference: 1) Sanders, 2) Biden, 3) Clinton.
58
Tactically, it makes no sense for Biden to enter the race now. He needs to
make himself the "white knight" who is ready to come in and save the Democratic Party when or if Hillary fails.
Biden is a natural inheritor of Hillary's voters if she is discredited or drops out.
Going head-to-head with her can't work for him. I think he is wisest to "bide"
his time.
make himself the "white knight" who is ready to come in and save the Democratic Party when or if Hillary fails.
Biden is a natural inheritor of Hillary's voters if she is discredited or drops out.
Going head-to-head with her can't work for him. I think he is wisest to "bide"
his time.
8
I'll vote Democratic for president no matter who the candidate is. That said, I am not wild about Hillary, am happily supporting Bernie for now but would be delighted to have Joe Biden in the race. I think he'd be a great president.
10
The NYT still discounts Bernie Sanders who is actually Hilary Clinton's toughest rival. However, I will concede Biden will draw more votes from Clinton than Sanders because Biden and Clinton are so much so much alike: defenders of the oligarchy and the status quo.
138
Sanders is not Clinton's biggest rival; she leads him by double digits nationwide. She has the support of the party; he has no major (or even minor) endorsements. Take heart, though: Bernie is succeeding at the reason he ran in the first place. He didn't enter this race to win but to shift the Dem front-runner leftward, and in that, he is succeeding.
1
Its unfortunate that the current Secretary of State isn't an option.
13
Right. Biden is her biggest rival. Even though she is losing to Bernie Sanders in Iowa and New Hampshire. Get out of the bubble.
191
Anthony, Clinton is ahead in Iowa. Although you are correct that she is behind in NH.
Yes, she is "losing" to Sanders in IA and NH - in polls taken more than half a year before the primaries. And two States out of fifty does not a win make.
1
I consider myself to be conservative on many issues, most actually, but somehow Bernie appeals to me more than any candidate. Why? He seems to be the most genuine. And that matters a lot to me.
I think there are lots of people out there that think like I do. We don't want the status quo and that's what Hillary or Joe or Jeb will give us.
I think there are lots of people out there that think like I do. We don't want the status quo and that's what Hillary or Joe or Jeb will give us.
164
The paragraph that starts "There is no reason to believe" says it all about Biden. Absent Hillary and Bernie, he would attract voters who want anyone but a Republican, but he would attract few voters on his own.
Biden looms large to political insiders, who spend their lives thinking inside the Beltway, but I think he is a blank, at best, to most Democratic voters.
Biden looms large to political insiders, who spend their lives thinking inside the Beltway, but I think he is a blank, at best, to most Democratic voters.
24
Biden is Hillary's strongest rival unless he actually runs. Hypothetical candidates have fewer flaws than real one.
69
It's mainly the media, and of course the Republicans, who keep harping on divisions within the Democrats. To me, it looks like Joe Biden will not get into the race. Democrats, including Bernie Sanders, will certainly coalesce behind their candidate, who almost without question will be Hillary Clinton. All of the angst among Republicans (the prospect of losing yet another presidential race) is indeed centered on Clinton being the nominee -- they fear, and very correctly so, that she can win. Let's see how she emerges as a campaigner, who she picks as her running mate, and of course who she will be running against. The Republicans will make it easier if they put up a "right-wing" ticket that scares off voters, and ensure for sure that all normally Democrat voters will show up at the polls in droves. Even nicer if the Democrats also get back their majority in the Senate.
17
The saying used to be "I don't belong to an organized party, I'm a Democrat" but this year the party machine has it all locked up and the people's voice really doesn't matter.
3
The message of Bernie Sanders lead in critical races and his rising popularity across the country is that traditional Democrats, abandoned for a long time by the party's mainstream, will reject that wing in 2016 whether it's represented by Mr. Biden or Ms. Clinton. Senator Sanders' positions on healthcare, taxes, student loan debt, raising the minimum wage, out-of-control surveillance and so-called "free trade" - unlike those of Ms. Clinton and Mr. Biden - connect to what voters want. Like many lifelong Democratic voters for whom President Obama's betrayals were the last straw, I simply won't go to the polls if the party runs one of its pro-Wall Street stalwarts.
93
So you will give the Supreme Court choices over to the Republicans? Really?
1
I support Bernie, too, and agree with much of what you say. But withholding a vote for a "pro-Wall Street stalwart" Democrat would only lead to a much worse situation regarding issues you care about. I urge anyone considering this approach to think of the nightmare that could follow.
4
#Moviebuff: Oh, please go to the poles and vote Democratic. We still have the Supreme Coirt to worry about.
2
Joe Biden has found the perfect description, despite decades of contempt within political circles for the position. He is America's Vice President.
If by chance Hilary Clinton wins the nomination and doesn't pick Joe Biden to be her running mate, she has even worse judgement than I thought.
(If by good fortune and good sense Sanders wins, he needs to get Elizabeth Warren to run with him. And we all need to give him all the support he needs to convince her to make that happen.)
If by chance Hilary Clinton wins the nomination and doesn't pick Joe Biden to be her running mate, she has even worse judgement than I thought.
(If by good fortune and good sense Sanders wins, he needs to get Elizabeth Warren to run with him. And we all need to give him all the support he needs to convince her to make that happen.)
11
She can't pick Biden as VP running mate for several reasons: he's been VP for 8 years is chief among them. He's from a northern state -- she needs more regional appeal; he's and old white man -- she needs a younger, ethic person. Julian Castro of TX would be the ideal running mate.
1
Math major, there are a lot of women who are also waiting in the wings -- they've even written their autobiographies just in case. Castro would be an excellent choice, but Biden has sort of staked out the VP role and drug it kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
Clinton is not above cutting a backroom deal -- stay out of the race and it's yours. That said, I'm still working hard for Sanders. I think he will be better for the country than both establishment candidates combined.
Clinton is not above cutting a backroom deal -- stay out of the race and it's yours. That said, I'm still working hard for Sanders. I think he will be better for the country than both establishment candidates combined.
3
Sanders continues to poll poorly among low information voters. That is the entire message of this piece.
And the underlying message is that the press is failing the American people by refusing to report that Sanders is offering exactly what most people say they want.
And the underlying message is that the press is failing the American people by refusing to report that Sanders is offering exactly what most people say they want.
328
Re: "Sanders continues to poll poorly among low information voters...............the press is failing the American people by refusing to report that Sanders is offering exactly what most people say they want."
Maybe one aspect of this is these low info voters don't read the political news, maybe they get most of their news from Faux News?
Maybe one aspect of this is these low info voters don't read the political news, maybe they get most of their news from Faux News?
1
Exactly right.
2
Actually, the media has pretty much given Bernie Sanders a pass and hasn't asked him the hard questions about how he can ever expect to get some of his policy plans to become reality or where is the depth of his proposals.
Hilliary, Trump, Bush and Fiorina all have been put under much more examination than Sanders.
And it's that examination and scrutiny that will be the real test for Bernie.
Hilliary, Trump, Bush and Fiorina all have been put under much more examination than Sanders.
And it's that examination and scrutiny that will be the real test for Bernie.
4
The email "controversy" is something that really only interests the media with its motivation to create a horse race for the Democratic nomination and of course the Republicans with their phony but increasingly faltering witch hunts. Does anyone really think a Clinton supporter is going to change his vote because of this manufactured controversy? The Irish bookies still have her at 4/11 for the nomination and a dollar of their money is worth $1000 of this speculative talk.
33
Frankly, the email controversy shows that Hillary doesn't really care about the country's security. Lots of people understand that.
9
John
Is breaking the law 'a manufactured controversy"?
Is breaking the law 'a manufactured controversy"?
9
Actually, yes. Hillary keeps stuffing her mouth with shoe leather, and
she's constantly daring her friends and supporters to see her as a
re-conceptualized Steven Seagal of "Above the Law" -- ie, the bad guys
are so much worse than she is, she deserves a lifetime free pass.
I still plan on voting for her, but I wish she would show a little candid
moxie and stop reinforcing the sense that she doesn't need to play
by the rules, even if she does work very hard.
she's constantly daring her friends and supporters to see her as a
re-conceptualized Steven Seagal of "Above the Law" -- ie, the bad guys
are so much worse than she is, she deserves a lifetime free pass.
I still plan on voting for her, but I wish she would show a little candid
moxie and stop reinforcing the sense that she doesn't need to play
by the rules, even if she does work very hard.
1
Do not underestimate Bernie Sanders. He is consistant. He is on the correct side of the issues more than he is wrong side. He is sincere and wants what is best for this country. The insiders do not like him because he cannot be bought by the special interests. He will be interesting to watch during this election process. The anti-establishment voters are in the majority and those in both parties could ralley behind Bernir Sanders as time goes on and give him a super majority.
177
Remember , too, that anti-establishment and
strictly INDEPENDENTS are gaining in number
every year. So, watch out Democrats and
Republicans, the independents will be the
crucial voters and Sanders may very well get them.
carol from ct.
strictly INDEPENDENTS are gaining in number
every year. So, watch out Democrats and
Republicans, the independents will be the
crucial voters and Sanders may very well get them.
carol from ct.
11
Biden's chance for victory seems to hinge on whether Clinton will be further damaged by future E-mail revelations; i.e. a complete unknowable. As an experienced pol he should also be aware that Murdoch and company will be waiting for the right moment to unload on him. As much as Biden has always craved the golden ring of the Presidency; the odds here are long. His entry could cause a bitter divide especially among Democratic women who have waited 8 years to get the opportunity to put their candidate in that office. Things could go south for him quickly. He has already had to taste the bitter ashes of his beloved son's death. To combine that with the turmoil he could create in the Democratic Party coupled with a losing outcome and perhaps the resulting blame he could get for Clinton's defeat in a general would seem like an unimaginable burden to carry for the rest of his life.
Don't run Joe.
Don't run Joe.
20
Joe Biden played Stephen Colbert for a complete fool. After leaking the story of his son's deathbed utterances to Maureen Dowd, Biden sat back and waited for the inevitable phone calls from those sympathetic to him. The motto for any Biden presidential run should be: Let no family tragedy go wasted.
Biden will try to run to the left of Hillary but he can't. His own political record is too well known for his over-compromising with the GOP while in the senate and as vice-president. Biden is also tied to all of Obama's most illiberal positions (e.g., free trade, education and so forth). Finally, Hillary voted for the Iraq War but Biden was one of its chief cheerleaders.
Look for Biden to announce any month or calendar quarter, now. My guess is that Elizabeth Warren will be out as his vice-presidential choice (she's too principled and sincere) and Maureen Dowd will be in for the number two position on the ticket.
Biden will try to run to the left of Hillary but he can't. His own political record is too well known for his over-compromising with the GOP while in the senate and as vice-president. Biden is also tied to all of Obama's most illiberal positions (e.g., free trade, education and so forth). Finally, Hillary voted for the Iraq War but Biden was one of its chief cheerleaders.
Look for Biden to announce any month or calendar quarter, now. My guess is that Elizabeth Warren will be out as his vice-presidential choice (she's too principled and sincere) and Maureen Dowd will be in for the number two position on the ticket.
18
You have a job waiting for you at Fox News. Your cynical analysis of Biden using his dead son as a springboard to the Presidency fits in perfectly with the story line Fox will create if Biden decides to run.
1
I believe it is too late for Hillary Clinton to become a respectable choice for president. I used to support her against Obama in the primaries but I no longer think highly of her based on missed opportunities when she could have made a difference. What we need for next president is a candidate with integrity and consistency. That candidate is Joe Biden. Sanders does not have the experience and proven record Biden has. And considering that the Republicans do not have a candidate that can earn our respect, Democrats must be very careful who is chosen. Hillary no longer commands respect.
8
I guess that's why she's still leading in all national polling?
3
"Sanders does not have the experience ...."
Every age is fed on illusions, lest men should renounce life early and the human race come to an end. - Joseph Conrad, novelist (1857-1924)
Every age is fed on illusions, lest men should renounce life early and the human race come to an end. - Joseph Conrad, novelist (1857-1924)
5
Biden is a more affable version of Clinton. Both are neocon centrists. Neither will help the middle class. I am voting for Sanders.
12
Blaming Hillary's dipping popularity on the email 'scandal' is wishful thinking by Hillary's campaign and her supporters. The fact is she just is not very likeable! Personally she is wooden, arrogant and wildly out of touch. Politically she is a Democrat in name only. I don't see any Democrat who voted in favour of the Iraq War winning the nomination, let alone winning in the general. Add to that her advocacy for the TPP, Keystone (only very recently flip-flopped!), Libya, and her complete and utter silence on campaign finance reform, universal healthcare, and other major reforms America needs if it is going to join the rest of the developed world and you shouldn't be left scratching your head wondering why her superficial support is rapidly evaporating.
The only reason Clinton's numbers are even remotely viable right now are because it is still very early on in the race (it is easy to forget that most Americans simply are not engaged yet), she has stellar name-recognition, and she is a woman. As the race carries on into 2016 the first two will become increasingly irrelevant. She will effectively be left with nothing but her gender to offer most Democratic voters, and that is simply not a strong enough foundation on which to build a winning coalition.
The only reason Clinton's numbers are even remotely viable right now are because it is still very early on in the race (it is easy to forget that most Americans simply are not engaged yet), she has stellar name-recognition, and she is a woman. As the race carries on into 2016 the first two will become increasingly irrelevant. She will effectively be left with nothing but her gender to offer most Democratic voters, and that is simply not a strong enough foundation on which to build a winning coalition.
91
Hillary's popularity was good before she decided to run and drew the animus of the GOP and the corporate press. Are you trying to say you forgot that she was a respected member of the Senate that got on well with her colleagues. and did a good job of taking care of her constituent's needs That as Sec. of State she cleaned up the horrible mess that was left by Bush and roundly supported by her fellow State Dept. employees from day one. She was the one that had to mend fences with the "chocolate" countries in Europe and elsewhere that Bush and Cheney had alienated. And, then formed a coalition for tough sanctions on Iran that brought them crawling to the peace talks. You mat prefer Sen. Sanders but try to be like him and don't run down Sec. Clinton, please.
4
Cohn notes, "Vice President Joe Biden has less support in the polls than Bernie Sanders..." And yet the title of the column is "Joe Biden: No Money, Weak Polls, but Still Clinton’s Toughest Rival". So what exactly do you mean by "toughest rival"? I would be inclined to think that Candidate A's toughest rival is the candidate most likely to defeat Candidate A. Biden is not literally her closest rival. No definition of the term is provided in the text. Please, do tell.
192
--closest rival when considering a general election. Bernie's numbers aren't good when put up against any republican for the national vote, while Biden's numbers are better than Clinton's. Not stating a preference for any candidate, just the facts as they stand today.
Joe Biden or Bernie Sanders would be preferable to Hilary Clinton whose use of a private email account for government business is the final straw for a Yale educated attorney who does know better but believes she is above the law. She lost me with the quickly organized press conference around her discovery of Whitewater documents that were boxed in her White House private residence where she had ample time to go through the incriminating documents with a shedder by her side. Enough of the double-talk and drama. At least Biden and Sanders appear to be honest. Not so with Hillary.
49
As much as we revere the strength and integrity of Vice President Biden, we pray he will step aside and recognize that this is Hillary's time to shine.
Our nation is in dire need of a woman President and one who is also a mother.
No person is more qualified in that sense than Hillary Rodham.
She needs the support of all Americans so that the United States can again be great.
Our nation is in dire need of a woman President and one who is also a mother.
No person is more qualified in that sense than Hillary Rodham.
She needs the support of all Americans so that the United States can again be great.
13
Our nation is in dire need of a leader who represents the 99%. I don't care if that person is a woman or a man. While I will hold my nose and vote for Hillary if she is the Democratic nominee, I greatly prefer Bernie Sanders.
205
Your comment that Hillary is a better candidate because she is a mother is very offensive and weakens your perspective. Women can excel without children. Moreover, children do not define completeness in women. Are women that don't have children, for whatever reason, worthless as human beings? Motherhood does not determine intelligence and empathy. Women also have the right to choose whether they have children or not. That is a basic freedom this country offers.
128
There are plenty of lousy mothers out there. Being a mother in no way qualifies one to be president nor does being a woman.
Our nation is in dire need of a qualified, intelligent and thoughtful next president. Obama set the bar pretty high. If the next one lives up to his standards I could care less if that person is a man, woman, mother, father, married, single or childless.
Our nation is in dire need of a qualified, intelligent and thoughtful next president. Obama set the bar pretty high. If the next one lives up to his standards I could care less if that person is a man, woman, mother, father, married, single or childless.
55
Bernie Sanders, however, DOES represent change. In my opinion, he is entirely attuned with the electorate. He is generating enormous grass roots support. His plainspoken, honest approach feels like an enormous breath of fresh air relative to party politics as usual. He has landed on a thesis related to our country's expanding oligarchy and our need to curtail it, which is just about the most patriotic, democratic, American message to arrive on the stump since FDR. And I think we will find that--particularly after next week's debate--Bernie Sanders will start to emerge as the frontrunner in the Democratic race.
Personally, I think the mainstream media is too cocooned in their establishment ways to see that the winning candidate is already onstage and is gaining added traction and momentum with each passing day.