Left with the feeling that O'Malley, Webb, and Chafee were there as "Jobbers" for the build up for the coming main event.
In response to William Johnson USA:
If I was in my 20s I would vote for HRC.
My Mom was a "Women's Libber" and I saw the misogyny she endured.
Something as simple as a credit card- my hard working Mom couldn't get without my Father also signing. Unfortunately, my Father had abandoned us.
Any women in their 20s- who do care- can Google"Women's Liberation" and with that historical context you too might vote for HRC.
Thankfully, Meryl Streep and Carrie Mulligan have a movie coming out soon called "Suffragette"
HRC said "Women's Rights are Human Rights!"
Right On Hillary!!!
Woman Power!!!
If I was in my 20s I would vote for HRC.
My Mom was a "Women's Libber" and I saw the misogyny she endured.
Something as simple as a credit card- my hard working Mom couldn't get without my Father also signing. Unfortunately, my Father had abandoned us.
Any women in their 20s- who do care- can Google"Women's Liberation" and with that historical context you too might vote for HRC.
Thankfully, Meryl Streep and Carrie Mulligan have a movie coming out soon called "Suffragette"
HRC said "Women's Rights are Human Rights!"
Right On Hillary!!!
Woman Power!!!
21
Love Bernie Sanders - thanks for moving HRC to the left. Dems don't need, and this country can't take, another McGovern, Dukakis, Kerry or Mondale. Bernie is unelectable - sorry kids. HRC in 2016.
21
I'm reading a lot of comments here saying that the NYT has "decided" to cheerlead for Hillary. Really?
Praising a good debate performance does not in any way change the recent history of NYT begin a conduit for misleading, even blatantly false, information fed to them by Republicans, which was then only grudgingly redacted when the errors became clear. This goes back even farther to the original headline: Hillary's use of private email server at State MAY have violated rules. Guess what. It didn't.
But I'm talking about the news side of the Times. Op-ed writers by definition are only passing on their opinions and are outside the Editorial structure. So, please, people, stop looking for conspiracies just because you disagree!!
Praising a good debate performance does not in any way change the recent history of NYT begin a conduit for misleading, even blatantly false, information fed to them by Republicans, which was then only grudgingly redacted when the errors became clear. This goes back even farther to the original headline: Hillary's use of private email server at State MAY have violated rules. Guess what. It didn't.
But I'm talking about the news side of the Times. Op-ed writers by definition are only passing on their opinions and are outside the Editorial structure. So, please, people, stop looking for conspiracies just because you disagree!!
17
I don't know, Gail, maybe you're right. My local spells and magic store is completely out of eye of newt at this time. They say some shadowy folk came and purchased it all.
I tried to get an eye of Newt, also, but he put up a big fight even after I explained that in the land of the blind, such as the Republicans are, the one-eyed man is king. I guess he doesn't want to be speaker again, after all.
I tried to get an eye of Newt, also, but he put up a big fight even after I explained that in the land of the blind, such as the Republicans are, the one-eyed man is king. I guess he doesn't want to be speaker again, after all.
13
In typical lawyer-esque fashion, when asked if she'd like to respond to Chaffe's comment regarding ethical behavior Mrs. Clinton's "No." was not surprising.
9
what this country really deserves is a political system that allows for more than 2 parties (and lobbyists) then we might have some interesting debate all the time instead of just 2 parties hating each other (and lobbyists)
6
Gail - "Nobody has as many bad months as Hillary" Really? Ask the guy looking for a job, or the mother of a developmentally disabled child, or the person making iPhones in China for 5 cents an hour.
You are a clever writer, but you really lack perspective here. Hillary is a multimillionaire who has had a very rewarding life, she has a healthy daughter and grandchild. Her husband is another issue altogether.
Just because we are all not bowing down for a coronation does not mean she has more bad months than anyone. You ought to get out more
You are a clever writer, but you really lack perspective here. Hillary is a multimillionaire who has had a very rewarding life, she has a healthy daughter and grandchild. Her husband is another issue altogether.
Just because we are all not bowing down for a coronation does not mean she has more bad months than anyone. You ought to get out more
13
I don't see it your way Gail. I am quite tired of the New York Times as a shill for Hillary Clinton.
What I saw was a tired Bernie Sanders acting the part of the adult while Hillary ran through her script. As far as she was concerned, she and Bill never heard of Wall Street or Big Pharma, which have contributed heavily to her, and his, campaigns. Sanders and Webb came off as solid opposites with a warm respect for their different views. Hillary snapped at everyone who had the audacity to challenge her coronation.
What I saw was a tired Bernie Sanders acting the part of the adult while Hillary ran through her script. As far as she was concerned, she and Bill never heard of Wall Street or Big Pharma, which have contributed heavily to her, and his, campaigns. Sanders and Webb came off as solid opposites with a warm respect for their different views. Hillary snapped at everyone who had the audacity to challenge her coronation.
15
Best characterization I heard was Chaffe looked like he just wondered in off his yacht. And the people of RI expecting him to read legislation before he votes are very, very demanding. He was the new kid who didn't have a caucus and so decided to vote the way the cool kids were voting so he is highly insulted that a Vanderbilt heir would hold him accountable for his vote like he wanted to do with Hillary. And don't blame Chaffee for his debate performance as this is his first time ever running for president and he has only been running for a couple of months. But Webb certainly wins "Most Scary" with his far away eyes recalling fondly the long ago murder of some guy during a war, so maybe he wandered in from the set of The Walking Dead..........btw isn't that what they call Jeb! now?
6
This is the most honest Democratic candidate running for office, and it's not Bernie Sanders: http://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lessig-absent-from-debate--take...
'...one involving eye of newt...' What does Newt Gingrich have to do with this?
1
Another nyt piece in adulation of Hillary...would someone please speak to the fact that Sanders won in every poll and focus group after the debate and had the single largest donation bump by any candidate ever... All by individuals.
No news there right?
No news there right?
16
I'm glad you mentioned Lincoln Chafee's "block of granite" thing It was a statement that made me tear my eyes away from Hillary and Sanders and peer more closely at him. He was grinning happily from ear to ear, and didn't look stone-y at all!
2
Nobody reminds the country about the George Bush e-mail problem:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_White_House_email_controversy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_White_House_email_controversy
9
Never mind Neil Young and Areosmith, the only song appropos to all the candidates' campaigns is " There's no Business Like Show Business" as sung by Ethel Merman. The term 'political debate' is an oxymoron.
3
Something folks don't seem to be considering at this time... we are not (only) electing a President, we are essentially electing a Supreme Court. THAT is important.
22
Yes Hilary was smooth but Bernie is authentic. Howevre, they all looked good (even Chafee) when you compare them to the repub clown car.
9
Clinton?
I'll stick with Zombies and levitation for now.
I'll stick with Zombies and levitation for now.
4
The litmus test for Hillary Clinton. That she will commit to reinstating Glass-Steagall on election to the presidency. The turnout for the primaries is a whole different ballgame than the general election. Hillary...Hillary??
7
One thought: you describe all the men as cranky. It might work for the picture you want to paint of Hillary's graceful performance, but it was not true. Neither O'Malley nor Chafee were anything like cranky. In fact, I believe O'Malley could have improved his generally good debate with just a little bit of the impassioned crankiness of Sanders (or even of Hillary when she touched on Republican views on women's issues). Sometimes anger is appropriate. That's not necessarily the same as cranky.
4
I think Hillary and Bernie both did quite well. Bernie certainly resonated with folks as his campaign reported bringing in $2.5 million in donations within 24 hrs after the debate.
Thanks Gail, for writing a more balanced piece than your colleagues at the NYT.
Thanks Gail, for writing a more balanced piece than your colleagues at the NYT.
9
" and it didn’t hurt to be a woman surrounded by four crabby-looking men..."
I believe that Hillary has to keep pushing the idea of being the first woman president, over and over. I think this is huge, and I hope that Gail Collins will comment.
Women think differently than men. They focus on the family, children, education, health and the community. Women tend to be more patient, humble, diplomatic and humorous. Hillary Clinton demonstrated these qualities during the debate.
The men dominate government, at all levels. We are paralyzed with gridlock and polarization. We are pessimistic about the future. Perhaps feminine leadership is part of the solution. With a woman president we may see an energizing shift in the nation.
I say, run Hillary, run!
=================
I believe that Hillary has to keep pushing the idea of being the first woman president, over and over. I think this is huge, and I hope that Gail Collins will comment.
Women think differently than men. They focus on the family, children, education, health and the community. Women tend to be more patient, humble, diplomatic and humorous. Hillary Clinton demonstrated these qualities during the debate.
The men dominate government, at all levels. We are paralyzed with gridlock and polarization. We are pessimistic about the future. Perhaps feminine leadership is part of the solution. With a woman president we may see an energizing shift in the nation.
I say, run Hillary, run!
=================
22
I don't watch TV and you mentioned a show called “The Walking Dead”! I didn't know the Republicans are now doing sitcoms. Wow. Live and learn.
Gail, your opening paragraph outdid your usual brilliance. But I wonder if you feel, in a perfect world with no Vladimir Putin or the GOP, Bernie Sanders would have been the greatest thing for this country? We may be skipping down the Yellow Brick Road with Hillary now, but I wonder if we would have been better off with gruff Bernie leading us into a future away from Oz and Alice's Wonderland. But of course, there's the GOP and Putin's Wicked Witch of the West to deal with....
Gail, your opening paragraph outdid your usual brilliance. But I wonder if you feel, in a perfect world with no Vladimir Putin or the GOP, Bernie Sanders would have been the greatest thing for this country? We may be skipping down the Yellow Brick Road with Hillary now, but I wonder if we would have been better off with gruff Bernie leading us into a future away from Oz and Alice's Wonderland. But of course, there's the GOP and Putin's Wicked Witch of the West to deal with....
2
Am I reading this right, you are comparing Hillary to a witch? Does not seem like you Gail. Disappointed.
4
Gail, I think the Democratic debate drew higher TV ratings than AMC's great show because people were looking for something new and different. After all, every time they see Republicans debating or making speeches, it looks just like a "Walking Dead" rerun.
10
It's all over but the inevitable republican shouting and tantrum throwing.
Anybody on a debate stage with Hillary going forward will only be there as "props" to make it look like there is a plausible nominating process.
This ongoing Benghazi disgrace would have been the GOP's last chance to knock Hillary out of the box, and they basically coughed that up with McCarthy's all world gaffe.
Yes, it really is "inevitable" this time, there is no Obama waiting in the wings to snatch it away.
Hillary is ready, full speed ahead.
Anybody on a debate stage with Hillary going forward will only be there as "props" to make it look like there is a plausible nominating process.
This ongoing Benghazi disgrace would have been the GOP's last chance to knock Hillary out of the box, and they basically coughed that up with McCarthy's all world gaffe.
Yes, it really is "inevitable" this time, there is no Obama waiting in the wings to snatch it away.
Hillary is ready, full speed ahead.
9
Nice to see adults, except for webb.
5
Lots of the media chatter talks about how well she handled the Iraq vote question. To say with a straight face that Obama trusted her judgment? Everyone paying attention knows Secretary of State was her being awarded 2nd prize. I bet even the NYT even has an article from that time saying so. Also, Obama's judgment has not been infallible. He trusted Larry Summers didn't he?
12
Bert and Ernie likely support Bernie.
7
Socrates-
I like your idea: a two-person debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders about the financial industry.
I like your idea: a two-person debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders about the financial industry.
14
Purely meta here but... Avoid mixing science and moonism metaphors especially when you get the science wrong. The probability reference is wrong.
4
Interesting column, Ms. Collins, just in time for Halloween. Still, we are looking at electing the first female as President. When one talks about Hillary Clinton having a good week, isn't it just slightly possible witchcraft was not involved?
6
Gail Collins, I usually make it a point to read your columns. Have to say I am stunned by this one. I am also very disappointed. Sorry. Bernie Sanders won that debate. Take off your blinders. I'm going to hate having to give up on reading your normal clear eyed columns
27
What I saw was Hillary constantly nodding a "yes, sir" to Bernie. This should be Hillary's spot, if she really is the favored? Is she going to lead or follow? How, this newspaper awarded the debate to her, ends up making them look plain out silly, and makes me wonder, if I am reading the right newspaper. Break it up if you have to, give credit where credit is due --- but those first articles were plain out silly looking.
15
The Republicans have been evening the score with the Clintons since their days in AK. After the healthcare debacle it is hard to believe anything the Republicans have to say about the Clintons. This time the Republican political operatives have gone too far. The Republican committee members should be impeached for using the committee for political purposes, required to reimburse the tax payers and of course apologize to the families of the victims of Benghazi. The Republicans’ focus has been to “get” the Obama administration because of their policy achievements. This obsession has resulted in more than 60 plus votes on Obamacare alone and 2 SCOTUS decisions alone! All of these Republican shenanigans, committees and law suits are wasting tax payers’ money and lining the pockets of Republican operatives. The Republicans are wasting money, cutting services while claiming they attempting to balance the budget! Their great cry by that the "Federal Government is the problem" is almost correct, the cry should be the "Federal Government is the problem if the Republicans are in charge". The Republicans have lost all street cred and are looking more and more like criminals.
As for the Benghazi Committee, all the Republicans had to do is review President Reagan’s decision to bomb Libya in 1980s, this was the beginning of Libya’s “pay back” and it was not going to be stopped because the Republicans are on a Obama/Clinton witch hunts.
As for the Benghazi Committee, all the Republicans had to do is review President Reagan’s decision to bomb Libya in 1980s, this was the beginning of Libya’s “pay back” and it was not going to be stopped because the Republicans are on a Obama/Clinton witch hunts.
18
It seems like Clinton has already appeared in hearings about Benghazi. How many Benghazi hearings have been held so far? Have there been as many hearings as votes to repeal Obamacare?
Our tax dollars at work. For someone, but obviously not the people of the United States.
Our tax dollars at work. For someone, but obviously not the people of the United States.
13
This is not really debating but more like performing. Anyway, this was a very amusing column that scored points and supported the next President of the United States and first woman. Yea!!!!!
4
It's one thing to say Hillary is having a lucky week. It's another to backhandedly ascribe her luck to being a witch and casting spells. It makes for a cute headline, but it harkens back to history of sexism - if a woman is successful, there is something unnatural about it and she must be using evil powers to manipulate men, she's a witch! An NYT columnist should be able to find a less sexist and tired metaphor.
17
Writing about Hillary Clinton in today's Times, Charles Blow quotes a character from "The Wire" saying "You come at the King, you best not miss."
If that House committee actually has Mrs Clinton testify in a public hearing, I'll tune in to watch. I expect it will be more entertaining than an episode of "House of Cards" or "Madam Secretary."
If that House committee actually has Mrs Clinton testify in a public hearing, I'll tune in to watch. I expect it will be more entertaining than an episode of "House of Cards" or "Madam Secretary."
11
.
.
Thank you, Gail, for a fact-based analysis of what actually happened and what is likely to happen.
I think it is obvious that Sen. Sanders deservves a strong voice in setting Party policies/priorities, should he become a full-time Democrat. And it is obvious that longtime party-builder Clinton showed her worthiness of being the Democratic standard-bearer.
We do need more-frequent debates, though.
.
Thank you, Gail, for a fact-based analysis of what actually happened and what is likely to happen.
I think it is obvious that Sen. Sanders deservves a strong voice in setting Party policies/priorities, should he become a full-time Democrat. And it is obvious that longtime party-builder Clinton showed her worthiness of being the Democratic standard-bearer.
We do need more-frequent debates, though.
9
Couldn't give a darn about ethics or emails. I'm concerned that she proudly represents Wall Street.
10
Honestly the debate didn't offer up any new incites. Except that it's now pretty obvious that Mr. O'Malley really wants to be Vice President.
7
I keep waiting for the media to ask a Republican on the Benghazi committee "Thousands of Americans died in Iraq due to faulty intelligence and wrong assumptions from the Bush Administration, yet Democrats did not feel the need to hold multiple hearings and express outrage for years. Why does Benghazi, with a death toll 1% as great, merit such attention?" I'm still waiting.
27
The Koch Brothers did directly campaign in favor of the Republican Senatorial candidate here in 2014. Since that worked, I wouldn't be surprised to see hem as spokes"persons" for whichever of the boys gets the GOOPy nomination.
4
I'm no conspiracy theorist, but these repeated & fawning Hillary editorials may be turning me into one. Strange, indeed.
14
I am so happy that finally the stars are in Hillary's favor (new moon in Scorpio this week brings her great energy and charisma)! More importantly, finally people got to see the Hillary that supporters like me know and love: she is smart, knowledgeable, witty, clever, compassionate, pragmatic, powerful, imaginative, strong, etc. No one else running for POTUS even compares! If anyone can get done the necessary reforms discussed during the debate, it would be Hillary "Can Do" Clinton!
11
One thing about Hillary Clinton, she's very aware about what is happening today. She saw the Occupy Wall Street movement. I'm sure she knows about the great book about inequality by Thomas Picketty. She probably reads Paul Krugman's columns in this paper. She wants the American economy to improve, and she wants the lives of middle class and poor Americans to regain hope and success. Yes, she has friends on Wall Street, but she is not in their control like the Republicans. The same goes for foreign policy. She has learned lessons since her vote on Iraq. If she becomes President, she will not be quick on the trigger. I'm glad that Bernie Sanders is in the debates, and maybe he is pushing Hillary Clinton to the left a bit. But Hillary Clinton is going to be our Democratic nominee, and we should spend more time exposing the Republican clown act than finding fault with her. The Republicans will be doing more than enough sliming. Just think Supreme Court. Do we want another Scalia and Alito?
23
Hillary could be hauled before a grand jury on murder charges the week before the election, but if she is the Dem nominee I'd probably still vote for her. I exaggerate a little.
Think beyond the candidate: Supreme Court appointments, Executive branch appointments, presidential veto power with Republicans in control of congress. A Republican -- especially one of the current crop -- in the White House in 2017 would be apocalyptic.
Think beyond the candidate: Supreme Court appointments, Executive branch appointments, presidential veto power with Republicans in control of congress. A Republican -- especially one of the current crop -- in the White House in 2017 would be apocalyptic.
25
Candidate who tacks left, just to get elected?
Or Candidate who always maintained those positions, and has spent a political life working to enact them?
Who, out of these two, would be most likely to actively rein in the excess of Wall Street and reinstate Glass-Steagall? (Hint: follow the money.)
Or Candidate who always maintained those positions, and has spent a political life working to enact them?
Who, out of these two, would be most likely to actively rein in the excess of Wall Street and reinstate Glass-Steagall? (Hint: follow the money.)
13
I will vote for Hillary in the primary, not because I think she is the best candidate on all the issues. Bernie is. But she is right on most of the important issues, and she is well-qualified and very smart. More important I think she has a better chance of winning the general election, a consideration that could not be more important given the choice of one of those extremists from the Republican clown car. Unfortunately, Sanders is old (an important consideration in choosing someone for the grueling post of president) and the Republicans will distort his record and flay him as a Socialist and un-American. We Democrats can't take chances. Above all, we must be realistic and pick a winner, not just someone who makes us feel good. So Hillary for president and O'Malley for vice president. Bernie could be head of an agency that regulates Wall Street.
8
As someone who holds no brief for Democrats, it would not bother me if Sanders became President. I mean, the 60s want their revolutionary claptrap back, but maybe a good dose of Comrad Sanders 90% tax rates and the economic destruction they would bring is what America needs to jolt them back to economic sanity. Of course, us rich folks including Democrat millionaires and billionaires would smile and move resources to friendlier confines, leaving the Democrats' diversity cabal of gimme-dats to pick up the tab for the Democrats free...for all, including illegals and millions of welcomed Muslim 'refugees'.
1
Clinton's performance looks like magic only because we've forgotten what it looks like when actual adults engage in political debate in the real world. Ability, competence, policies, an actual track record - these used to be the kind of things that debates were about.
The GOP freak show, in contrast, is a combination of old-time medicine show snake-oil mongering and the freak show at a traveling carnival. What they offer shows you what they really think of their audience.
It's a revealing display of what kind of America the two parties think is out there, and whose view of the world they represent. Anyone who still maintains there is no importance difference between the two parties is in serious denial.
The GOP freak show, in contrast, is a combination of old-time medicine show snake-oil mongering and the freak show at a traveling carnival. What they offer shows you what they really think of their audience.
It's a revealing display of what kind of America the two parties think is out there, and whose view of the world they represent. Anyone who still maintains there is no importance difference between the two parties is in serious denial.
9
"American Liberalism" is a strange brew as personified by Ms. Clinton and her clones in their recent debate. All five of them want to get Mr. Snowden, none of them are incensed by the surveillance state, the reading of all emails and the taping of all American" cell phones, and a belligerent and bellicose foreign policy, continued knee jerk support of Israel, no matter what they do, indifference to our treatment of people at Guantanamo Bay, and a strict obedience to political correctness in speech . So this is American Liberalism. It bears no relation to the liberal movement as it has been understood for over a century around the World. American Liberalism expressed by these candidates is a illiberal as it gets. A dim future awaits us all we we adhere to the above.
5
i was glad all of the candidates were there contributing different solutions to the nation's problems. i wish lawrence lessig had been given the sixth podium--the one reserved for joe biden. our country needs all the serious people of good will we can find, because there is plenty that needs fixing.
3
After watching the debates I've realized this election isn't going to be about who is more the compassionate political party. The compassionate conservatives or the compassionate left. This election is about what direction the country will take and whether or not the government can or should have a voice in how we , the people live. Forward or backward.
To the GOP it is an established fact that this is the worst time in American history. Forget about 2000 to 2008. The GOP is campaigning for a total return to the glory days of tickle down economics, more tax cuts for the rich, a larger military for more foreign incursions, privatization of Medicare and Social Security, fossil fuel use etc. The Democrats? The opposite.
To me the choice is simple. Avoid the policies that led to war and economic melt down. But I still worry. In their infinite wisdom, the American people once before rejected eight years of Peace and Prosperity" under the Democrats and elected G.W. Bush over Albert Gore.
To the GOP it is an established fact that this is the worst time in American history. Forget about 2000 to 2008. The GOP is campaigning for a total return to the glory days of tickle down economics, more tax cuts for the rich, a larger military for more foreign incursions, privatization of Medicare and Social Security, fossil fuel use etc. The Democrats? The opposite.
To me the choice is simple. Avoid the policies that led to war and economic melt down. But I still worry. In their infinite wisdom, the American people once before rejected eight years of Peace and Prosperity" under the Democrats and elected G.W. Bush over Albert Gore.
15
Full disclosure.
I'm a Gail Collins fan.
I vote democratic.
But after reading Gail's glowing description of Hillary's Happy Brew and having watched the rigged DNC "debate", shutting out the other candidates, a few things crossed my mind.
Hillary never once mentioned men unless I missed it, but she couldn't stop telling us she will be the first female president vs. a president for all. It's like she has a score to settle with all men, not just one.
Her man problem goes well beyond Bill, in that she needs a few of our votes to reach her primary goal in life, to be fawned over as President.
My vote and opinion don't count for much, but I don't think I am alone in thinking that Hillary has not come courting my vote. After being ignored, my vote is in question.
Hillary and the ladies are understandably ecstatic, but can they reach the alter without a bit of a lean toward guys?
I'm a Gail Collins fan.
I vote democratic.
But after reading Gail's glowing description of Hillary's Happy Brew and having watched the rigged DNC "debate", shutting out the other candidates, a few things crossed my mind.
Hillary never once mentioned men unless I missed it, but she couldn't stop telling us she will be the first female president vs. a president for all. It's like she has a score to settle with all men, not just one.
Her man problem goes well beyond Bill, in that she needs a few of our votes to reach her primary goal in life, to be fawned over as President.
My vote and opinion don't count for much, but I don't think I am alone in thinking that Hillary has not come courting my vote. After being ignored, my vote is in question.
Hillary and the ladies are understandably ecstatic, but can they reach the alter without a bit of a lean toward guys?
7
Corporate America really does not want Bernie Sanders to win, do they, Gail? Thus the Hillary bandwagon being ridden by all the pundits. If they can no longer actually ignore Senator Sanders they can at least downplay his numbers and cast him as old and cranky. And cheer on Hillary. Hillary this, Hillary that. Keep telling us Bernie can't win and maybe we'll start believing you, right?
It's getting really old.
Go Bernie!
It's getting really old.
Go Bernie!
14
I am in Hillary's corner. She has my vote. But in all honesty, I heard Bernie's email remark differently. What I got was more along the line of: "instead of talking about the issues, we are talking about Hillary's damn emails. Another fine mess the Clintons have gotten us into." I think Bernie's crack had a double-edge to it. Hillary is a great debater, so she took it at face value and responded accordingly. Although Bernie may have compromised himself deeply on gun control, his observation to both Clinton and O'Malley that more "shouting" is not the solution made some sense to me. Perhaps the way he has negotiated his stance on gun control in Vermont could offer a path forward on that issue.
8
You can always tell when a politician is becoming more popular when we begin to refer to them by their first name. Somehow it makes them more human. Perhaps we will soon call Hillary the Hill or Bernie Sanders the B man.
I also can not imagine Ted Cruz as a bar man on Saturday Night Live, but I do see him as driving us all to drink.
Thank you Gail for providing us with a little humor as our ship of state founders along.
I also can not imagine Ted Cruz as a bar man on Saturday Night Live, but I do see him as driving us all to drink.
Thank you Gail for providing us with a little humor as our ship of state founders along.
10
The e mail so called scandal should go down in history as the fakest, contrived nonsense in American history. Just like the press drank republican koolaid in not questioning the Bush administration about Saddam Husein weapons of mass destruction, in the same way they have followed the republicans in touting a fake scandal. My guess is it's not over since if you probe anyone's private e mails you may find something to question that person's judgment. The press have also made an industry of the email nonsense with many pundits being paid to go on news shows to give "their judgment" about Hillary's emails. Bernie did well in doing the best to squash the nonsense.
15
To the commenter who said Hillary is wrong about many things but he is voting for her because he wants to beat the Republicans, I would like to say you have the opportunity to vote for Bernie in the primary. I am also in my fifties and I am voting for Bernie. My 21 and 23 year old daughters are voting for Bernie and it is their future I am concerned about.
If in the end it is Hillary, of course I will vote for her. Tuesday night's debate made feel slightly better about that inevitability. But her poll numbers aren't that strong against any of the clowns on the other side.
Just this once, in the Democratic primary, I want to believe democracy still exists. I want to believe a candidate for the people can win. I want to believe the voices and concerns of we the people can be heard. I want to believe this country belongs to us, not corporate America. That is why I Feel the Bern.
My 401K was burned by Wall Street in the Great Recession. I lost a job due to a corporate slash and burn buyout. Politicians say they need to burn us once again with cuts to Social Security and Medicare while they waste millions on trumped up investigations in to Benghazi and Hillary's emails.
Bernie speaks the truth. Always. Consistently. I trust him. And that is why this 58 year old woman is holding out hope that democracy can still work in the United States of America and will be there for my grandchildren.
Vote for Bernie if that is who you really support..
If in the end it is Hillary, of course I will vote for her. Tuesday night's debate made feel slightly better about that inevitability. But her poll numbers aren't that strong against any of the clowns on the other side.
Just this once, in the Democratic primary, I want to believe democracy still exists. I want to believe a candidate for the people can win. I want to believe the voices and concerns of we the people can be heard. I want to believe this country belongs to us, not corporate America. That is why I Feel the Bern.
My 401K was burned by Wall Street in the Great Recession. I lost a job due to a corporate slash and burn buyout. Politicians say they need to burn us once again with cuts to Social Security and Medicare while they waste millions on trumped up investigations in to Benghazi and Hillary's emails.
Bernie speaks the truth. Always. Consistently. I trust him. And that is why this 58 year old woman is holding out hope that democracy can still work in the United States of America and will be there for my grandchildren.
Vote for Bernie if that is who you really support..
21
Thanks, Sheila. It's exactly what I plan to do.
2
But vote for Hillary if you want us to win.
1
Clinton did what FDR and Truman used to do, but what Obama and other Democrats seemed to forget----the opposition is the Republican Party and all it stands for! I feel the Bern, but was happy that Clinton took dead-aim at all the Republicans in the Congress, none of whom voted for the ACA or have helped improve this nation in any way during Obama's tenure, and educated the viewing public --- especially by pointing out how Republicans opposed Social Security, Medicare, and the other great progressive reforms of the past 80 years. Now they say we can't afford to pay for mother's to take time off to bond with and tend to new-borns, but we always seem to have money for another war and another weapons system. I wonder if Sanders or Clinton will finally state the obvious in the next debate: the GOP has become the party of Dixie, of bigots, of corporate shills, and racists.
23
There are times when the best thing in the world is to sit down with Grandpa and listen to his stories and council.
And you know what. There is plenty in America to be cranky about.
Something tells me that when Teddy Roosevelt gave that speech, during which he was shot but kept going, he was pretty cranky at the end of it.
Cranky might have been what helped him bust up those trusts he is so famous for busting up.
Give me a curmudgeon with a serious command of facts and passion for what is right over a clown car full of bloviators any day.
Hillary is nice enough, I guess.
And you know what. There is plenty in America to be cranky about.
Something tells me that when Teddy Roosevelt gave that speech, during which he was shot but kept going, he was pretty cranky at the end of it.
Cranky might have been what helped him bust up those trusts he is so famous for busting up.
Give me a curmudgeon with a serious command of facts and passion for what is right over a clown car full of bloviators any day.
Hillary is nice enough, I guess.
24
Democrats can't let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I love the Bern, but he's weak on guns, on foreign policy, and the question about Republican attack ads "writing themselves" was spot on. The potential consequences of a conservative in the White House in 2017 are so dire that we can't afford the luxury of a Sanders candidacy, attractive though that might be.
23
Hillary uses people. She temporarily borrowed Bernie's vision for for America without even a thank you.
No sooner will she close the Oval Office door behind her than the script will go into the wastebasket.
I hope we can change the scenario before it is too late.
No sooner will she close the Oval Office door behind her than the script will go into the wastebasket.
I hope we can change the scenario before it is too late.
13
"Double the newts" might be my favorite phrase so far in this mad, chaotic pre-pre-pre-election season.
I hope the phrase has legs. Newts have legs, right? At least, the lower-case ones do.
I hope the phrase has legs. Newts have legs, right? At least, the lower-case ones do.
5
If someone doesn't lock down enough votes to be elected Speaker of the House mighty soon, you'll be hearing a lot more from Newt. Remember, you don't have to be a sitting House member to be speaker.
Bernie's overarching goal in the debate was to introduce himself in a convincing way to a large audience. It looks like he accomplished it well, if tv focus groups and campaign contributions are any measure of proof. And when he agreed with Hillary that yes, we needed to "stop the damn emails," it may have looked to be Hillary's finest moment. But it was Bernie's. He showed he could agree with his opponents, and then took that moment to quietly point out that the real issues were far more important...that inequality had to be discussed...and that everyone, including debate moderators, had to play a role. It was a great moment in politics.
107
Hillary certainly had a good debate, but I would hope that voters considering voting for a Democratic candidate will be more focused on the substance of what the candidates say, rather than whether or not they had a good debate. If you listened carefully to what Hillary said, she's not offering any real change. And worse, what she IS offering will, without question, be blocked by a Republican Congress. So what have we gained with a Hillary Clinton Presidency? Nothing. But at least SHE'LL be happy.
What bothers me most about Hillary Clinton is that she consistently pretends that she could become President and get things done, while consistently failing to explain just how she expects to get things done. Bernie Sanders is absolutely right when he says we need a revolution. What he's saying is that we have to do things differently if we want different results. Hillary Clinton, while certainly capable of executing the duties of the Presidency, offers nothing but the same old approach. And with the same old approach we can expect the same old results. The same old results are killing this nation.
What bothers me most about Hillary Clinton is that she consistently pretends that she could become President and get things done, while consistently failing to explain just how she expects to get things done. Bernie Sanders is absolutely right when he says we need a revolution. What he's saying is that we have to do things differently if we want different results. Hillary Clinton, while certainly capable of executing the duties of the Presidency, offers nothing but the same old approach. And with the same old approach we can expect the same old results. The same old results are killing this nation.
67
And how is saying "we need a revolution" explaining how to get things done? I like both candidates, but I don't think either of them has a strategy for dealing with Republican idiocy.
4
The only magic in Washington these days is being practiced by the Republicans. VooDoo Economics, magical thinking (aka dynamic scoring), and magical incantations ("Benghazi, Benghazi, Benghazi", "No Obamacare x 52").
Hillary didn't win that debate. The Democrats did.
Hillary didn't win that debate. The Democrats did.
12
In response to Socrates of Verona NJ
"Everything in the NYT is thoroughly drenched in Hillary House Salad Dressing."
HRC got FINALLY got some dressing with the one OP-ED just after the Debate.
Before that all she managed to get was a constant drip, drip, drip of Salad Dressing from the NYT. With a few stale Croutons' thrown in.
"Everything in the NYT is thoroughly drenched in Hillary House Salad Dressing."
HRC got FINALLY got some dressing with the one OP-ED just after the Debate.
Before that all she managed to get was a constant drip, drip, drip of Salad Dressing from the NYT. With a few stale Croutons' thrown in.
8
Gail, love, you get me through the week, you make me laugh, you are my favorite feminist writer. However. This is the second time this week I've seen a rise in Hillary's fortunes linked to sorcery and I think we all need to cut it out. Men can have huge political skill, teflon coating, remarkable comebacks ...comeback kid is hovering here. But women need to resort to, well, the occult? Just saying. Misogyny is subtle or not so much.
15
Finally some sense on the email thing. Bernie is one helluva guy (except perhaps on guns).
It is disappointing that the NYT has also droned on about the emails.... perhaps in the interests of being "fair and balanced"?
It is disappointing that the NYT has also droned on about the emails.... perhaps in the interests of being "fair and balanced"?
11
Debate headline: Bernie Sanders in Las Vegas! (A Modern Burlesque). To read today's Times, all you get is Clinton and Bush. Looking ahead another 9.5 years, isn't that about as long as it takes to get to Pluto, with its beautiful blue skies and icy waters? I hear that the Tombaugh Reggio region—"The Heart of Jupiter!"—is offering legal immigration to everyone in dismay.
1
Definitely using the Macbeth "eye of newt" spell.
1
Why must a phenomenal intellectual and political performance by a woman be attributed to a witch's brew??? That would NEVER be said about a man. Hillary's performance was clearly the result of superior talent, experience, and preparation. There was nothing magical about it.
15
Hillary can win and Bernie can't. We'll forever be arguing whether he is a Communist. He's old, pedantic and a bit of a moralist. No one likes a moralist. Time for everyone to get on the Hillary bandwagon.
14
Hillary Clinton is on a roll, and the Republicans are on the run. Who would have predicted this rapid turnaround in which she won over us ABC (“Anybody But Clinton”) Democrats?
Gail Collins attributes this to magic, and maybe she’s right. Mrs. Clinton’s problems seem to be vanishing, and it could be because people whose bad advice created past problems are disappearing. Has anyone seen the Clinton stalwarts, David Kendall or Lanny Davis, recently?
The person who needs to disappear or turn back into a toad is Trey Gowdy, chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi. Gowdy won election as a congressman from South Carolina in 2010 by ousting a conservative who made the mistake of publicly admitting that climate change is man-made.
Chairman Gowdy is a take-no-prisoners radical who resembles Draco Malfoy, the nemesis of Harry Potter. The new Hillary should be equal to the task
Gail Collins attributes this to magic, and maybe she’s right. Mrs. Clinton’s problems seem to be vanishing, and it could be because people whose bad advice created past problems are disappearing. Has anyone seen the Clinton stalwarts, David Kendall or Lanny Davis, recently?
The person who needs to disappear or turn back into a toad is Trey Gowdy, chairman of the House Select Committee on Benghazi. Gowdy won election as a congressman from South Carolina in 2010 by ousting a conservative who made the mistake of publicly admitting that climate change is man-made.
Chairman Gowdy is a take-no-prisoners radical who resembles Draco Malfoy, the nemesis of Harry Potter. The new Hillary should be equal to the task
73
Hillary was Hillary. Bernie was Bernie. O'Malley, Chaffee and Webb were lost.
8
Based on Congressman McCarthy's Benghazi comment my only question is why haven't the Congressional Democrats demanded that there be an investigation formed to investigate the Benghazi Committee?
14
Oh, Gail, now you've gone and done it. The Gowdy committee is already convinced Hillary is a witch, and you're revealing the secrets of her brew. Look out! Gowdy, et. al., now have reason to interrogate you. They really hate and fear witches, and you do write some bewitching columns.
6
Yes, Hillary did well at the debate. She is accomplished at such activities, more so than is Bernie.
But she DID "represent Wall Street," and would do so again. She WOULD appoint ex- and future-Goldman Sachs type people to top roles in government. She would not scale down our militaristic spending habits and foreign policy decisions. We need a more aggressive advocate, a politician REALLY willing to take on the purchasers of American democracy, i.e., large corporate and financial interests. You know, Bernie.
The Republican clown car is filled with one ludicrous choice after another; this will be the election cycle where real change COULD be possible. Hillary would be better than Bush or Rubio, of course, but we can aim higher.
But she DID "represent Wall Street," and would do so again. She WOULD appoint ex- and future-Goldman Sachs type people to top roles in government. She would not scale down our militaristic spending habits and foreign policy decisions. We need a more aggressive advocate, a politician REALLY willing to take on the purchasers of American democracy, i.e., large corporate and financial interests. You know, Bernie.
The Republican clown car is filled with one ludicrous choice after another; this will be the election cycle where real change COULD be possible. Hillary would be better than Bush or Rubio, of course, but we can aim higher.
9
Completely agree that is why it is important to keep Sanders in this race as long as possible. My biggest fear of HRC is that she will continue the Democratic trend of appointing the wolves of Wall Street to guard our economic henhouse. We need Sanders to keep pushing her on this issue so that we have lots of her promises with which to hold her accountable should she become president. Sanders needs to push her about specifics on who she would appoint as advisors and appointees to the various economic posts. She really needs to get specific on this. Just asking Wall Street buddies to play nice obviously isn't enough. After all it was her husband who helped gut Glass-Steagall. And the resulting economic chaos is part of the New Democrat legacy.
Et tu Gail? Is that 4 for 4 at the NYT for HRC? It seems the NYT is joined at the hip to the Wall Street casinos. See Noam Chomsky's cranky but insightful thoughts on the "free press".
7
Doesn't anyone notice how HRC's head bobs up and down, up and down, up and down like one of those bobbing dogs we used to put in our cars in the 60's? There Gail, I helped you get in a line about a dog. But really, are you too ready to anoint HRC the Queen as Blow has done? Her "stop it you guys" comment on how she implicated herself in the coming WS crash was as lame as Chafee's "block of granite". I just made another, now regular, donation to Mr. Sanders.
7
Gail, Can taxpayers sue members of the Bengazi committee?
"A Times story by Eric Lipton, Noam Scheiber and Michael Schmidt explored the committee’s $4.5 million, 17-month history and was full of fascinating details beginning with the planned interviews that never occurred and hearings that never happened. Meanwhile, according to the aggrieved ex-employee, some staffers used their spare time to form a gun-buying club, while members held “wine Wednesdays” at which they sipped from glasses labeled “Glacial Pace.”"
4.5 million dollars wasted. I want that money back. Think what that money could do.
"A Times story by Eric Lipton, Noam Scheiber and Michael Schmidt explored the committee’s $4.5 million, 17-month history and was full of fascinating details beginning with the planned interviews that never occurred and hearings that never happened. Meanwhile, according to the aggrieved ex-employee, some staffers used their spare time to form a gun-buying club, while members held “wine Wednesdays” at which they sipped from glasses labeled “Glacial Pace.”"
4.5 million dollars wasted. I want that money back. Think what that money could do.
13
Gail's double (Bubble bubble, bubble, toil and trouble!) whammy combines her usual gentle satire on Hillary's reversal of fortune, with an obvious jab at Mr. Bruni's ill-advised metaphorical missteps in yesterday's column on the same topic...
I hope he doesn't turn into a newt...
I hope he doesn't turn into a newt...
2
Really? Charles Blow calls Hillary a Queen, Frank Bruni a Sorcerer and you get right to it and call her a witch. What's your next column - "How hillary was bossy as Secretary of State"?
82
Thank you SO much for calling out the use of language, Peter. I had the same response to these op-eds. I was also bothered that in the news headlines, Hillary "turns up the heat on Sanders" and "chills Biden movement." Please, just speak of her like any other candidate, not in gender-based terms or as an antagonist.
6
The whole debate was um.....boring and lame. For the NYT to find a clear winner between the 2 top candidates is beyond me. Hillary was slick as usual and even if she had flubbed up, the NYT and their corporate owners would still try to convince us she won.
4
"But the first-debate danger for Clinton was mainly that one of the lesser-known candidates would come out of left field and throw her off balance, with jabs about ethics and emails."
Yes this is the for ever media press view. It's also the republican view.. Throw "stuff" against the wall and create column inches. SCANDAL !!! It is the very reason I am and will remain a Bernie guy. He's not about vilifying opponents so that the press can make money and crooked politicians can make hay. He's about proposing solutions to problems that the $press/media$ and $politicians$ have created. GO BERNIE !!!!
Yes this is the for ever media press view. It's also the republican view.. Throw "stuff" against the wall and create column inches. SCANDAL !!! It is the very reason I am and will remain a Bernie guy. He's not about vilifying opponents so that the press can make money and crooked politicians can make hay. He's about proposing solutions to problems that the $press/media$ and $politicians$ have created. GO BERNIE !!!!
9
Kevin McCarthy’s admission that the Benghazi Committee is a political tool, not a truth-finding endeavor, was a win not only for Hillary Clinton, but for all Americans, since they work on our time and our dime. The truth found its way through the Benghazi Committee, despite members’ best efforts.
12
"More viewers watched 'the Debate' than the season premiere of “The Walking Dead”!
Yes, I can see it! Hillary, Carol, and MIchonne whacking Zombies!
After all, Hillary is the penultimate survivor!
Bernie, like Hershel wouldn't make it.
In a way Hillary was up there whacking Zombies!
Not only does that girl go- she keeps going!!!
Whack, whack, whack!
Watch out Trump- you won't have any hair left to flip over by the time Hillary get's done with you!
Yes, I can see it! Hillary, Carol, and MIchonne whacking Zombies!
After all, Hillary is the penultimate survivor!
Bernie, like Hershel wouldn't make it.
In a way Hillary was up there whacking Zombies!
Not only does that girl go- she keeps going!!!
Whack, whack, whack!
Watch out Trump- you won't have any hair left to flip over by the time Hillary get's done with you!
2
But....she is under investigation by the FBI...OBAMA'S FBI. Not the Republicans, or Fox news, or any other Liberal boogeyman. She kept a secret email server that compromised national security. She identified a covert CIA operative to Sydney Blumenthal, the whole thing was exposed by (drum roll) The NY TIMES!!!! Sorry Gail -- you know, your employer. She is a secretive, dishonest, self promoting fraud. One debate against an unprepared Bernie Sanders does not change any of this. Do you ever get tired of propping this woman up? Enabler...
8
It is ironic those who insist on Benghazi investigation are the same ones saying government is wasting taxpayers' money. Instead of spending it on crumbling roads, bridges and dams, they want to conjure up political weaponry out of thin air. They are making their neocons forebears proud by inventing WMD (Weapon of Mass Disruption) by making the debt ceiling a House Speaker crisis of their own party. If you have members in these, who need enemy?
18
Exactly right. They should know about taxpayer waste since they are some of the biggest wasters.
2
The media, including the New York Times, have been Johnny come lately to the reality of Benghazi Committee being nothing more than a taxpayer-financed smear operation operating in cahoots with willing journalists through a network of trolls and super PACs. Months of obsession with the phony email scandal have meant the American public is denied discussion of real issues of plutocratic larceny and GOP mendacity . Thank you, Bernie, for using some of your debate time to point this out! When will this media dereliction be the subject of investigation? Or do professional ethics mean nothing now?
12
My heart is with Bernie. Since a Republican president would be a calamity my head is with Hillary who has the best chance of winning. If Bernie was nominee the GOP will attack him as a socialist and as a Brooklyn, ultra liberal Jew who refused military service. Of course Hillary is a woman who doesn’t know her place.
The winners of Democratic debate are the Democratic party which is clearly and proudly left of center and the American people who are sick of a nasty and mean spirited Republicans who believe that they were sent to Congress to destroy our government, while refusing the tend to the people’s business.
Contrast the Democratic debate and the GOP circus where they fight like dogs over a bone, denigrating America while blaming Obama as the real bogeyman for failure of leadership and cowardice which has become a GOP trademark.
Obama did fail in being fooled that the Republicans intended to deal in good faith. The Republicans knew better. Hillary at the debate made it clear that she had a list of enemies, among them were the NRA and the Republican party. She will take office knowing that the Republican party as it is now constituted is the enemy of the nation, a right wing conspiracy and she will know how to deal with them without a 6 year learning curve. Bernie may be more liberal but we need a progressive with teeth and claws and the GOP is worried that Hillary will be the next president far more than Bernie.
The winners of Democratic debate are the Democratic party which is clearly and proudly left of center and the American people who are sick of a nasty and mean spirited Republicans who believe that they were sent to Congress to destroy our government, while refusing the tend to the people’s business.
Contrast the Democratic debate and the GOP circus where they fight like dogs over a bone, denigrating America while blaming Obama as the real bogeyman for failure of leadership and cowardice which has become a GOP trademark.
Obama did fail in being fooled that the Republicans intended to deal in good faith. The Republicans knew better. Hillary at the debate made it clear that she had a list of enemies, among them were the NRA and the Republican party. She will take office knowing that the Republican party as it is now constituted is the enemy of the nation, a right wing conspiracy and she will know how to deal with them without a 6 year learning curve. Bernie may be more liberal but we need a progressive with teeth and claws and the GOP is worried that Hillary will be the next president far more than Bernie.
20
Ah, Democrats! Many like to sneer at the Republicans and the current mess they've created with a showman as their frontrunner for President and nobody willing to lead their supposed majority in the House. Republicans make perfect the enemy of good. They demand purity or else someone is a RINO and, gasp, a closet liberal!
But Democrats? They are the serious ones who gather under a big tent and look to be leaders not ideologues. Not. Bernie Sanders is a good man. He's got some good ideas. But he's essentially a one note candidate. Economic inequality, the rich get richer! All true but that does not a President make.
If the Bernie crowd wants to hold on to the White House, if they want a President who can deal with the chaos in Congress, if they want someone who will be nominating the next 2-3 Supreme Court justices, if they want the environment protected, if they want someone who confronts Putin but will keep us out of war, if they want any Wall Street reform, they need a progressive who gets things done. And a progressive who can get elected. Ms. Clinton anyone?
But Democrats? They are the serious ones who gather under a big tent and look to be leaders not ideologues. Not. Bernie Sanders is a good man. He's got some good ideas. But he's essentially a one note candidate. Economic inequality, the rich get richer! All true but that does not a President make.
If the Bernie crowd wants to hold on to the White House, if they want a President who can deal with the chaos in Congress, if they want someone who will be nominating the next 2-3 Supreme Court justices, if they want the environment protected, if they want someone who confronts Putin but will keep us out of war, if they want any Wall Street reform, they need a progressive who gets things done. And a progressive who can get elected. Ms. Clinton anyone?
10
"But the first-debate danger for Clinton was mainly that one of the lesser-known candidates would come out of left field and throw her off balance, with jabs about ethics and emails. It is hard to express the degree to which that did not happen. "
they want to be in position for the vice presidency.
they want to be in position for the vice presidency.
6
"Hillary Clinton's Happy Brew" captures subtly the lack of substance in her smooth, deceptive speech at the debate. We will not be laughing if she is elected, helps strength Wall Street further and perhaps brings us to another preemptive war.
8
In the best of all possible worlds maybe Bernie Sanders could get the Democratic nomination and win the election. However Americans are not currently living in that kind of world. With so many potential voters in the thrall of Fox News and other far right voices, does anyone really believe that a Sanders candidate wouldn't be successfully painted in all those Super PAC attack ads as anything other than a socialist/communist villain intent on enslaving them. The tragic penchant on this country for the ill informed to vote against their best interests whether for health care, the environment, taxes, etc would only be exacerbated. Hillary Clinton may be far from perfect, but she is a highly intelligent woman, has years of experience in foreign and domestic affairs, can work under pressure with diplomacy, and I believe will get things done. Faced with the most terrifying collection of crackpot, racist, misogynist, warmongering, delusional, and ignorant GOP candidates this country has ever seen I will support the most electable Democratic candidate, and that for the moment is Hillary Clinton.
36
I agree, plus I'm also concerned about Democratic nominee Sanders losing support among African Americans and Hispanics when they learn that Sanders is not only not a capitalist, but that he is also not a Christian. I love Sanders' ideas, but I don't think he is electable.
2
I ALMOST enjoyed this article and its lighthearted feel but really could not excuse the extended metaphor of comparing Hillary to a witch. Call me picky, but that strikes me as sexist. I mean, you did stop short of describing her as cackling at the cauldron (perhaps there are editors over there after all) and it's a step up from the "Pajama Party" article, but a witch from Macbeth? Really? It left me truly wondering if such references were ever made about Obama during this 2008 Presidential run? Was his success attributed to outside spells? Or did your racial sensitivities prevent you from making references to voodoo, even in jest? You see, it doesn't matter whether an author is male or female, attributing a woman's success to her casting of spells like an old witch is sexist.
I get that the piece was written in a lighthearted tone, but I, for one, took it pretty seriously when Clinton endured months of attacks from well, everyone, including the press who didn't actually research the Benghazi committee (the facts were all there) until McCarthy's slip. Why did Clinton have such a great month? Because the media tried to bait her again and again and again into having a Howard Dean moment in which she would self-destruct and they could see the witch (your words, not mine) go down. But Clinton kept her grace and composure through it all. THAT, is why she is deservedly shining now. And that grace and composure resonates from a woman who is simply Presidential.
I get that the piece was written in a lighthearted tone, but I, for one, took it pretty seriously when Clinton endured months of attacks from well, everyone, including the press who didn't actually research the Benghazi committee (the facts were all there) until McCarthy's slip. Why did Clinton have such a great month? Because the media tried to bait her again and again and again into having a Howard Dean moment in which she would self-destruct and they could see the witch (your words, not mine) go down. But Clinton kept her grace and composure through it all. THAT, is why she is deservedly shining now. And that grace and composure resonates from a woman who is simply Presidential.
165
I don't disagree with your main point, but being Presidential is not the same as being a good President. This is all about appearances. It's her substance which concerns me. I wish I could be more confident that her stated opinions were more than just appearance.
too true. Unfortunately, I think this country is even more sexist than it is racist and even less aware of it.
7
I so agree. And today, Charles Blow calls her a "queen." I know Republican refer to President Obama as a "king," but I've missed it if the Times has done that. I wonder if the Times editorial staff will hear this observation? Sexism, guys. Sexism. It stinks.
3
So America is in the post-debate glow for Hillary! And how long do post-debate glows last? Not very long. Hillary's performance at the Debate among Chaffee, O'Malley and Webb (though Bernie Sanders may prove to be Prince Charming) was terrific in every respect. Rehearsed and smilingly glorious to a fare-thee-well. A perfect candidate for the Presidency. How her "happy Brew" will hold up in the coming 13 months till Election Day is anyone's guess. Do you recall Louise - "Gypsy Rose Lee" - singing "Let me Entertain You!" in "Gypsy"?
15
Hillary is wrong about war, banks and privacy. I'm voting for her anyway.
If I was in my 20s I'd vote for Bernie.
Now I'm in my 50s and I just want to beat the Republicans.
If I was in my 20s I'd vote for Bernie.
Now I'm in my 50s and I just want to beat the Republicans.
282
Very well said. One can dream all one wants (ie. Stevenson, McCarthy, McGovern, Mondale, Dukakis, Nader), but when it comes to battle, you have to fight fire with fire.
2
May a 68 year-old second the motion?
Oh sigh. If women do well, it isn't due to magic. Although, millions of women lost their lives over that idea.
Secretary Clinton is a seasoned, experienced, and even at times wise politician and diplomat. She is able to change, and admit mistakes, a very rarely-found ability in politicians. She is able to radiate and communicate because she is skilled, educated, and savvy. And, she listens. One of those things women are taught to do from birth forward.
No eye of Newt or hair of Donald necessary.
Secretary Clinton is a seasoned, experienced, and even at times wise politician and diplomat. She is able to change, and admit mistakes, a very rarely-found ability in politicians. She is able to radiate and communicate because she is skilled, educated, and savvy. And, she listens. One of those things women are taught to do from birth forward.
No eye of Newt or hair of Donald necessary.
240
Learns to admit mistakes??!! It took her more than ten years to call her Iraq vote a mistake! In 2008 she refused to acknowledge that, saying her vote was not her mistake but George Bush's trickery!! Trickery which other senators were able to see through while others (like Biden and Dodd) acknowledged their mistake within a few years.
Was there a debate? If so I didn't see it. I saw - and presumably so did Ms. Collins because that is the subject she chose to write about - another display of the martyrdom of Hillary Clinton at the hands of her inquisitors. Poor Hillary. Everyone keeps asking her to explain her actions. By her own admission she never would have needed a private server if she could be sure that the media and the voters wouldn't go around scrutinizing her every move! Benghazi? Why is the opposing party in congress examining her performance as Secretary of State? Are they allowed to do that? This is a highly educated, exceptionally intelligent life long politician who is surprised and offended by democracy in action when it applies to her. I believe that American voters are supposed to examine and question every move and motive of those asking for the privilege of leading. It's really not that impressive to win a debate when your biggest rival's sound bite of the night is in your defense. As a woman, I would like to see our first female president find a way to address issues and answer questions without whining like a little girl. It is not lost on us, Ms. Collins, that this latest salvo borrows imagery from fairy tales.
33
Republicans are only "scrutinizing her every move" to find something--anything--that would discredit her. That sound you hear is Republicans scraping through the bottom of the barrel, looking for muck.
Why are her supposed sins discussed in a vacuum? Plenty of other politicians used private mail servers, including Jeb! Bush. Heck, Mitt Romney even took the hard drives with him when his term as governor of Massachusetts ended!
We are now in the 8th investigation of Benghazi, not having found anything surprising in the first 7. Sadly we've been caught unprepared many times in the past, including in Lebanon during the Reagan administration with a horrendous loss of life, but none of those produced more than one committee.
Face it. It's just hypocrisy and business-as-usual Republican character assassination. Since none of the Republican candidates have anything to offer beyond the vague boilerplate of magic tax cuts without any details and taking away things like Obamacare and replacing them with nothing, their only hope to win the presidency is to make their opponents look even more smug and sleazy than they are.
Finally, Clinton IS talking about real issues and not trying to appear holier than thou and pigheadedly tough like the other party's candidates. Same with Sanders who has definite plans that will actually help most Americans.
Why are her supposed sins discussed in a vacuum? Plenty of other politicians used private mail servers, including Jeb! Bush. Heck, Mitt Romney even took the hard drives with him when his term as governor of Massachusetts ended!
We are now in the 8th investigation of Benghazi, not having found anything surprising in the first 7. Sadly we've been caught unprepared many times in the past, including in Lebanon during the Reagan administration with a horrendous loss of life, but none of those produced more than one committee.
Face it. It's just hypocrisy and business-as-usual Republican character assassination. Since none of the Republican candidates have anything to offer beyond the vague boilerplate of magic tax cuts without any details and taking away things like Obamacare and replacing them with nothing, their only hope to win the presidency is to make their opponents look even more smug and sleazy than they are.
Finally, Clinton IS talking about real issues and not trying to appear holier than thou and pigheadedly tough like the other party's candidates. Same with Sanders who has definite plans that will actually help most Americans.
3
ever since the 1992 presidential campaign, some very well funded people have been digging, digging, digging for some kind of dirt to use against the clintons, both bill and hillary. rush limbaugh slandered them badly many times, but once in particular when he told a gullible right wing audience that bill and hillary had killed vincent foster, their friend. hillary accurately named "a vast right wing conspiracy" for these and other underhanded attempts to destroy her and her husband. i think if i had been in her shoes, i would have used the server at chappaqua too.
3
Forming a Congressional Committee to look into wrongdoing that has gone off in the weeds with their Wine Wednesdays, and no interviews, and at least 3 people connected with it saying that it is a witch hunt is NOT "democracy in action".
1
The fact that America's interest in its future can be measured by the debate viewership compared to "The Walking Dead" viewership says more about America's failing democracy than the major and potentially disastrous threats to America that were actually discussed at the debate.
Republicans have been winning the war not only against Democrats but against DEMOCRACY. They have opposed an educated electorate, they have employed Orwellian tactics to deceive the electorate, they have controlled the Supreme Court to empower the speech of the wealthy to drown out the speech of all others, given license to the wealthy to purchase elections and they have legislated and used fraud to suppress voter turnout.
If sane America doesn't come out to vote in 2016, we may as well join the walking dead.
Republicans have been winning the war not only against Democrats but against DEMOCRACY. They have opposed an educated electorate, they have employed Orwellian tactics to deceive the electorate, they have controlled the Supreme Court to empower the speech of the wealthy to drown out the speech of all others, given license to the wealthy to purchase elections and they have legislated and used fraud to suppress voter turnout.
If sane America doesn't come out to vote in 2016, we may as well join the walking dead.
14
Considering that many Americans think Bernie is "loony" for questioning the system that disenfranchises them. The media keeps pushing that line, and prefaces any reference to Sanders with negative adjectives. One has to wonder if there is a sane America.
1
Dear Ms. Collins,
Let's amend one of your last sentences to read "It was possibly the weirdest campaign .. I have ever seen in my life."
It certainly is one of the "weirdest" I've seen in my life what with one party, the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE, imploding in places it shouldn't be imploding (Really, the "Benghazi Investigation" was merely a smear campaign financed by, well, by us, the taxpayers? Anyone surprised?) to Ms. Clinton's poll numbers receiving much more attention than the numbers being generated by that eternal measure of our 'economy', the Ponzi scheme known as "The Stock Market". The media is treating these polls like the "Holy Grail" with my own state's "Quinnipiac College" becoming a household word when it comes to "polling numbers" which everybody seems to confuse with actual, real, get up off your butt, "voting numbers". But, alas, we have another long year of this pre-election folderol to deal with.
As for the effects of the debate itself, I guess we should all be thankful that the "living" out rated fake "dead people" though, in retrospect, is that really something to be proud of (Just another example of the decline and fall of "intellectualism" in the United States, I suppose)?
Notice, I avoided calling ANY of the Republican scrum "the walking dead"; that's just too cheap a shot and I won't stoop to doing it.
All in all, it's been a great 3 years or so of reporting both about the "quick" and the "dead". Who's running in 2020, by the way?
Let's amend one of your last sentences to read "It was possibly the weirdest campaign .. I have ever seen in my life."
It certainly is one of the "weirdest" I've seen in my life what with one party, the GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE, imploding in places it shouldn't be imploding (Really, the "Benghazi Investigation" was merely a smear campaign financed by, well, by us, the taxpayers? Anyone surprised?) to Ms. Clinton's poll numbers receiving much more attention than the numbers being generated by that eternal measure of our 'economy', the Ponzi scheme known as "The Stock Market". The media is treating these polls like the "Holy Grail" with my own state's "Quinnipiac College" becoming a household word when it comes to "polling numbers" which everybody seems to confuse with actual, real, get up off your butt, "voting numbers". But, alas, we have another long year of this pre-election folderol to deal with.
As for the effects of the debate itself, I guess we should all be thankful that the "living" out rated fake "dead people" though, in retrospect, is that really something to be proud of (Just another example of the decline and fall of "intellectualism" in the United States, I suppose)?
Notice, I avoided calling ANY of the Republican scrum "the walking dead"; that's just too cheap a shot and I won't stoop to doing it.
All in all, it's been a great 3 years or so of reporting both about the "quick" and the "dead". Who's running in 2020, by the way?
3
Wonderful column, Gail. For the first time in many weeks, I thought your humor was point on and not covering an undertone of doom. The mention of the " Walking Dead" was especially apropos.
If it wasn't for our lousy Congress I would say there was some hope for the country.
If it wasn't for our lousy Congress I would say there was some hope for the country.
9
I was beginning to worry that the country might be suffering from Hillary fatigue. However, it's now obvious that she operates in a higher league than any occupants of the Republican clown car.
15
Yes, yes, yes, and again yes:
"The country deserves a two-person debate between [Sanders] and Clinton, maybe just about the financial industry."
Might you be willing and able to compose several op-eds around your suggestion?
I know attempting humor on financial topics would pose problems for any writer, even you, but only a very few voters have a clue about the financial industry's operations. Virtually none even knows what the Glass-Steagall Act was or has a clue that Bill Clinton repealed the Act and that the repeal was a major factor in precipitating the Great Recession. (The repeal by Bill also helps explain Hillary's opposition to reenacting Glass-Steagall. Perhaps you might have fun imagining a new financial + presidential crisis were Hillary to be elected and attempt to re-institute the G-S Act. Think of the public fights that the issue could create for the unique dual presidency - the elected president and the formerly elected one who became 'de facto' co-president after his wife took office.)
You'd be doing the public a great service if you could somehow drum into the minds of the Democratic National Committee the crying need to enlighten the citizenry about the financial industry by holding the additional Clinton v. Sanders debates you suggested.
Please try.
"The country deserves a two-person debate between [Sanders] and Clinton, maybe just about the financial industry."
Might you be willing and able to compose several op-eds around your suggestion?
I know attempting humor on financial topics would pose problems for any writer, even you, but only a very few voters have a clue about the financial industry's operations. Virtually none even knows what the Glass-Steagall Act was or has a clue that Bill Clinton repealed the Act and that the repeal was a major factor in precipitating the Great Recession. (The repeal by Bill also helps explain Hillary's opposition to reenacting Glass-Steagall. Perhaps you might have fun imagining a new financial + presidential crisis were Hillary to be elected and attempt to re-institute the G-S Act. Think of the public fights that the issue could create for the unique dual presidency - the elected president and the formerly elected one who became 'de facto' co-president after his wife took office.)
You'd be doing the public a great service if you could somehow drum into the minds of the Democratic National Committee the crying need to enlighten the citizenry about the financial industry by holding the additional Clinton v. Sanders debates you suggested.
Please try.
22
Bernie Sanders' "extreme crankiness"? Let's be clear: the American people are outraged by the excesses of Wall Street. They are sick of watching the super rich become even richer, as average Americans see their jobs shipped overseas, their unions shredded by Republicans, shelling out so much money for university that their kids are defaulting on student loans at record rates.
Bernie Sanders is expressing the outrage of average Americans. Good for him for being "extremely cranky". Finally, someone is expressing the true feelings of the American people.
Bernie Sanders is expressing the outrage of average Americans. Good for him for being "extremely cranky". Finally, someone is expressing the true feelings of the American people.
69
But should we not be pleased that Wall Street helps to finance all those personal communication devices that let us see videos of the marvelous infrastructure projects in China and elsewhwhere?
For the better part of an hour after the debate concluded I tried, without success, to get on BernieSanders.com and chip in a hundred bucks. Maybe I'll have an easier time today.
14
The Bernie Folks are getting a bit predictable in every article about anyone. Every green-check person is all Bernie, all the time.
I understand that he didnt get a fair shake at first but not everything is about snubbing Bernie.
I understand that he didnt get a fair shake at first but not everything is about snubbing Bernie.
13
Hillary and Bernie need to join forces. Call those forces what you will, but together they would surely outflank Bye, Bye, Biden and the Rabid Right "First do Harm" Party of dysfunctional politics.
I say this is the year for a woman to embrace "Truth and Cranky".
Together, with Bye-Bye sidelined, they will garner near 80% of Dems and quite likely the same % of SANE independents and even sane republicans.
It's time for the politics of Unity. Along with the politics of Diversity.
It's time for an inclusive electorate, voting for reform across the board, reform which works for Justice, equality, the environment, public education, civil rights and ordinary people.
We need all hands on deck. Not a dysfunctional titanic beholden to oligarchs and greed.
I am old. Can I please have an America to be proud of before I die? An America which cares about everybody. Which leaves nobody behind. Which relishes people of every color, every culture. Is this too much for an old lady to ask?
I say this is the year for a woman to embrace "Truth and Cranky".
Together, with Bye-Bye sidelined, they will garner near 80% of Dems and quite likely the same % of SANE independents and even sane republicans.
It's time for the politics of Unity. Along with the politics of Diversity.
It's time for an inclusive electorate, voting for reform across the board, reform which works for Justice, equality, the environment, public education, civil rights and ordinary people.
We need all hands on deck. Not a dysfunctional titanic beholden to oligarchs and greed.
I am old. Can I please have an America to be proud of before I die? An America which cares about everybody. Which leaves nobody behind. Which relishes people of every color, every culture. Is this too much for an old lady to ask?
469
This old lady is going to once again drag her tired bones to the phone banks to get out the Democratic vote. I'm not enamored of Hillary but she's still head and soldiers of all the Republicans out there jostling for the oil money.
4
I am with you sista! As an one old lady to another, why do treat our poor citizens with contempt? Black lives matter or else means more Camden, NJ or Pine Ridge Reservations. Unacceptable! Why? America can to better.
3
With you 100 percent.
1
I think for the first time in the quarter century since I became a voter, I don't have a clear sense of whom I'll be supporting in this primary. I'm beyond sick of the endless Clinton drama, and I still resent Hillary's weakness and calculation when she was our Senator. I'm deeply sympathetic to Sanders' critique of the system, but I utterly fail to see how that translates to someone who can deliver in the world's toughest executive position; mayor of Burlington, this is not. Frankly I've been hoping Biden would get in.
After the debate, I'm still not sure who I'll wind up supporting. But Hillary utterly dominated that stage. She had by far the best grasp of the issues and expressed a strong vision for how to execute. She indicated a wish to continue in the direction President Obama has set, which is a big plus for me.
Sanders' supporters here are infatuated with his ideas. I get it, and I think he's right. But I also think he'd be a disaster as president, probably to the point of doing enormous damage to his own principles.
After the debate, I'm still not sure who I'll wind up supporting. But Hillary utterly dominated that stage. She had by far the best grasp of the issues and expressed a strong vision for how to execute. She indicated a wish to continue in the direction President Obama has set, which is a big plus for me.
Sanders' supporters here are infatuated with his ideas. I get it, and I think he's right. But I also think he'd be a disaster as president, probably to the point of doing enormous damage to his own principles.
110
Bernie is asking you to participate (pre and post election), not just for your vote. We thought Obama was going to use the power of the electorate once he was sworn in (after all he was a community organizer), but he told us "I'll handle it from here". He hired Clintonites. HRC will do the same.
What can one say? We have a proud tradition of watching various and sundry folks vie for the Presidency and even reach the office. What I took away from the debate is that Hillary's chief virtue is that she's a woman, just as what I took away from the Republican debates is that Trump is a bombastic boor who knows less about American politics than about human nature. He's the kind of bully we have all experienced. Hillary had a nice debate because Bernie is more a man of honor than a room full of pols. Just as Trump obscures important issues by talking about Rubio's sweating, Hillary can tell us that the United States is not Denmark. I wonder how she came to that conclusion? Hillary for all of her strong points, and she has many, fails to speak a language that explains why Wall Street and Big Bank a progressives are dangerous. Perhaps, this is because she is beholding to them. Bernie brings clarity to issues which concern us all, and Hillary's calling herself a Progressive doesn't make her one. If the other "contenders" would drop out, we could then have a clear picture of the important issues instead of talking about a vote in the Senate a million years ago. I want to know how Hillary and Bernie plan to deal with the major issues. I would say the same for the Republican "contenders." Saying, "I am great," doesn't tell us how he will deal with the issues. I know it is like living in a fairy tale to expect serious debate on the issues. Buy hey!
4
"Certainly she’s due, by the sheer laws of probability. "
Actually, only people who don't understand the laws of probability believe in the idea of "due". Toss a coin ten times and randomly get ten heads. What's the probability that the next toss will be tails? Exactly 50-50, as always.
Actually, only people who don't understand the laws of probability believe in the idea of "due". Toss a coin ten times and randomly get ten heads. What's the probability that the next toss will be tails? Exactly 50-50, as always.
3
Bernie's the real thing. I don't think the country will elect such a person. We elect performances. Sometimes there's something behind these acting bits, as was happily the case with Obama. Most times, much less so, as with Shrub. Really bad choices are legion at the moment.
7
Gail is right on point.No one said HRC isn't articulate,well prepared or on top of her facts.She clearly had a very good evening and other events seem to be going her way.The issues remaining are authenticity and trustworthiness.These cannot be addressed in a debate but are critical in what voters consider.The laugh she gave as part of her response to Bernie's email comment was about as genuine as she is seen to be.Big issue in a Presidential election.
1
I seriously believe Sanders would lose a general election very badly. Those Sanders supporters who persist in bashing Clinton will lead us down a road much worse than Nader supporters. This election could really destroy America for good. I want a winner, whether that is Clinton or Biden.
12
Kevin is right-- this is no time for a "statement" vote. McGovern was completely un-electable and so we got Nixon-- a complete disaster when one looks at Vietnam and Watergate. If every Dem who voted for Nader had voted for Gore, ou nation would be in a far better place now. A GOP President-- Trump or whomever--at this point in our history would have very sad and lasting consequences.
1
Bernie Sanders is a great man, fearless and with high moral standards.
Yet I cannot support his nomination. It's hard to imagine him working with people who hate him, which he would have to do. I can't see him negotiating with the Republican congress or with difficult foreign leaders. Most importantly to me, he cannot win the general election.
A man who has declared himself a socialist and says we need a revolution will never win the presidency. That is my primary, overwhelming concern.
Hillary is too hawkish. I worry about her eagerness to use the military. I think she is indebted to Wall Street. I don't know what she believes in except for equal rights for women, including reproductive rights. This is extremely important and she has not wavered in her commitment to women. She is tough as nails and has been the victim of so much viciousness, it's hard to imagine the Republicans getting under her skin.
But if it's Hillary versus Rubio, Bush, Cruz, Trump or even Kasich, I will hold my nose and pull the lever for Hillary. There is more than one reason why this is so, but if there were only one reason, appointing the next Supreme Court justice is enough for me.
Yet I cannot support his nomination. It's hard to imagine him working with people who hate him, which he would have to do. I can't see him negotiating with the Republican congress or with difficult foreign leaders. Most importantly to me, he cannot win the general election.
A man who has declared himself a socialist and says we need a revolution will never win the presidency. That is my primary, overwhelming concern.
Hillary is too hawkish. I worry about her eagerness to use the military. I think she is indebted to Wall Street. I don't know what she believes in except for equal rights for women, including reproductive rights. This is extremely important and she has not wavered in her commitment to women. She is tough as nails and has been the victim of so much viciousness, it's hard to imagine the Republicans getting under her skin.
But if it's Hillary versus Rubio, Bush, Cruz, Trump or even Kasich, I will hold my nose and pull the lever for Hillary. There is more than one reason why this is so, but if there were only one reason, appointing the next Supreme Court justice is enough for me.
30
I'll pull that lever for HRC and breathe easily!
3
One of my concerns about Clinton is precisely that the Republicans can't stand her, and many Democrats are unenthusiastic too. One debate cannot change her record. It seems unlikely that she will fight as hard as she should to fend off climate change, and that is something we can no longer put off. She was all in favor of the TPP until just the other day. Sanders could have trouble with the Republicans too, but at least he wants to do the things that desperately need to be done, and he has some very enthusiastic supporters who just might keep working for change after the election. Also, strangely enough, some Trump supporters also like Sanders. He appeals to some people whom Clinton cannot reach.
38
Unfortunately, my conscience will not let me forswear fearlessness and high moral standards, for imagined future practicality. Further, you believe Sanders is hated more than Clinton by Republicans???
1
"This is actually classic Sanders, who combines persistent truth-telling with extreme crankiness."
The truth makes us all cranky. That doesn't mean we should ignore it.
The truth makes us all cranky. That doesn't mean we should ignore it.
68
Hillary performed well, if the question is who would you like to have come to liven up your cocktail party. All of the candidates managed to not make the dreadful mistakes of their republican rivals who have alienated for a generation or more anyone who isn't of the get off my lawn crowd. But. If the republicans are running on a platform of intolerance and anti science that will cost them the presidency, the democrats particularly Hillary and Bernie are running on a platform they cannot deliver. We need someone who can work with congress not be its whipping boy of constant invective and vitriol. I only heard one guy Tuesday who had a firm grasp of reality and that was Jim Webb. He had next to the last stage personality had little chance to speak but when he did he came across as the only realist who I think can get'r done and actually pull voters from the republican fold.
1
It was just refreshing to watch a grown up, civilized, thoughtful and adult discussion instead of the pick-me, pick-me bloviating sweat fest that was the GOP debate. As much as I admire Sanders, I fear he is not electable but he certainly has been helpful for the Democrat brand. Clinton, while far from perfect, seems to have her mojo back and that is somewhat reassuring. But we've got a long, expensive road ahead, and one can only hope the GOP candidates continue to self-canabilize.
29
This country will continue its decline either rapidly under one of the nutso Repugs or slowly under Clinton. The only way towards progress is to vote for Bernie Sanders. Anyone who says he is unelectable is admitting the sorry retrograde state of American democracy today.
Let's face it Ms Collins. The magic was Hillary's extra X chromosome. otherwise she would have sounded like those blathering Republicans (we are not Denmark, I will show those bad bankers etc). The other magic belonged to Sanders who managed to infuse some Democratic conscience to a Clinton.
14
It's impossible for me to picture Ted Cruz as a sympathetic anything, Gail.
Cover his head with long gray hair wrapped in a severely tight bun, wrap his neck in a high, ruffled collar and picture him staring down his hawk beak past his pinched mouth. Victorian prudery at its finest.
This debate certainly lacked the whiz-bang repartee of the Republican mud pie flinging Improv that has so far set the standard for Presidential debate performance. Will Rogers would need to retract his statement about not belonging to any organized political party. That, or switch his allegiance to the GOP.
Chaffee and Webb are toast. O'Malley is going to need some industrial strength voodoo, and an army of zombies to boot to counter Hillary's arsenal of amphibian body parts. Biden has been taking practice tosses but hasn't let go of his hat, yet.
And then there is irascible Bernie. Andy Rooney goes to the White House! W.C. Fields in the Oval Office! Who doesn't love a curmudgeon? Or a boiled child?
Cover his head with long gray hair wrapped in a severely tight bun, wrap his neck in a high, ruffled collar and picture him staring down his hawk beak past his pinched mouth. Victorian prudery at its finest.
This debate certainly lacked the whiz-bang repartee of the Republican mud pie flinging Improv that has so far set the standard for Presidential debate performance. Will Rogers would need to retract his statement about not belonging to any organized political party. That, or switch his allegiance to the GOP.
Chaffee and Webb are toast. O'Malley is going to need some industrial strength voodoo, and an army of zombies to boot to counter Hillary's arsenal of amphibian body parts. Biden has been taking practice tosses but hasn't let go of his hat, yet.
And then there is irascible Bernie. Andy Rooney goes to the White House! W.C. Fields in the Oval Office! Who doesn't love a curmudgeon? Or a boiled child?
3
Curmudgeons and spoiled children have a certain charm for those who love them, but what about world leaders, they may have difficulty finding that charm.
Hillary is an excellent debater -- when she knows every question that's going to be asked and has rehearsed answers ad nauseam with her campaign advisors. Not one answer sounded anything but canned. To improve her TV debate performance better, she had her hair and face styled with nary a wrinkle or grey hair showing. That's what it takes to trump Trump.
6
Perhaps you would have liked her to come unprepared...bring a slingshot to a gunfight? No. If HRC breathes, people will say she's hyperventilating. Come on, she's a great candidate, and will make a great president.
2
There is a frightening disconnect in the way many Americans (a majority?) view presidential elections. In the same way, too many misconstrue the powers of the POTUS. Trump uses that ignorance to his advantage, suggesting all the wonderful things he will do. No Congress in Trump world?
Both Clinton and Sanders are well aware of Congress. She is infinitely better equipped to work with the emerging GOP moderates than he is--even if he could be elected. Too big an If. Why is he fooling the children?
Both Clinton and Sanders are well aware of Congress. She is infinitely better equipped to work with the emerging GOP moderates than he is--even if he could be elected. Too big an If. Why is he fooling the children?
18
Thanks, dEs, for your far-more-than-just-valid point about fooling the children. Sanders' supporters are starting to become as shrill as the supporters of Ron Paul got about the time they co-opted the "Ron Paul REVOLution" slogan, with the backward LOVE in bolded red caps.
I admire the man's (Sanders's, NOT Ron Paul's) principles and the fact that he will stick with them solidly, through thick and thin. But with all the craziness in the air, it's going to be a tough enough row to hoe for the Democrats to win this upcoming election without nominating someone proudly bearing the title Democrat Socialist. Most Americans have no idea what socialism really is and constantly get it mixed up with communism, which they have no idea about either except that the fact of the Cold War means that it must be inherently bad.
This is no time to be standing on the sidelines. The upcoming election is more likely than not going to be a battle for the soul of our nation and its future, and I honestly do not believe that to be much, if any, of an exaggeration. Bernie is indeed to big of an "if" in this contest. The sane among us are going to have to back Hillary - even if they feel that they're going to have to hold their noses to do it.
I admire the man's (Sanders's, NOT Ron Paul's) principles and the fact that he will stick with them solidly, through thick and thin. But with all the craziness in the air, it's going to be a tough enough row to hoe for the Democrats to win this upcoming election without nominating someone proudly bearing the title Democrat Socialist. Most Americans have no idea what socialism really is and constantly get it mixed up with communism, which they have no idea about either except that the fact of the Cold War means that it must be inherently bad.
This is no time to be standing on the sidelines. The upcoming election is more likely than not going to be a battle for the soul of our nation and its future, and I honestly do not believe that to be much, if any, of an exaggeration. Bernie is indeed to big of an "if" in this contest. The sane among us are going to have to back Hillary - even if they feel that they're going to have to hold their noses to do it.
1
Thank you for your Judgement. The mass of over 50-year-olds I know supporting Sanders, are flattered that you call them children. Puts a spring in their step, and probably another $35 in the Sanders campaign. Keep it up.
I remember that Obama was to young, to inexperienced, and to black, to win in 2008. Apparently he also fooled the children--twice! Perhaps Sanders is to old, to cantankerous, and to honest to win in 2016? Isn't it interesting that and elderly man yelling truths can motivate so many--even many young and old women who were supposedly written off to Hillary.
I remember that Obama was to young, to inexperienced, and to black, to win in 2008. Apparently he also fooled the children--twice! Perhaps Sanders is to old, to cantankerous, and to honest to win in 2016? Isn't it interesting that and elderly man yelling truths can motivate so many--even many young and old women who were supposedly written off to Hillary.
"Emerging GOP moderates?" Where are they? Who are they?
Gail, I enjoy your writing. My prediction is that if Mrs. Clinton, or any one of the tea party republicans become our next president, America will continue downward into a democracy lost to the perpetual state of war, and those who live with declining incomes, lesser class status, will receive just enough to quieten them somewhat, while the corporations and military industrial complex, investment bankers, hedge funders, prosper and thrive in magnitude we have yet to witness.
13
I am voting for Sanders to avoid all that.
3
Not if we all vote them out to the Senate and House.
2
I'll be honest here, part of the reason why I want Bernie to get the nomination is so I can watch him demolish the Republican nominee in the debates.
We saw a touch of his bluntness in his email outburst, imagine his responses to the inanities sure to come out of the Republican candidate's mouth!
We saw a touch of his bluntness in his email outburst, imagine his responses to the inanities sure to come out of the Republican candidate's mouth!
29
Really enjoyable column!
Okay, Hillary did well in the first debate—certainly the mainstream media says so, Real people, however, still aren't so sure about Hillary if you read the comment sections in the Times and talk to your neighbors.
After the debate, I have this Nancy Drew feeling. When I was about 11 or 12, my friends were raving about Nancy Drew books, so I read several. I liked them at first, and especially liked that smart-girl Nancy would be in a pickle with no one believing her, and then she would prove them all wrong and solve the case in a dramatic way to the doubting-Thomas' surprise.
This is how Hillary struck me at this first debate. Wow, she surprised us, held her ground, stuck to her guns, controlled the message and the medium.
However, after reading about 4 or 5 Nancy Drew books, I got sick of them—formula plots, scripted lines, not really real, manipulating the readers really just to sell more books. Maybe one-dimensional Nancy was only about corporate profits and winning market share.
Admittedly, I am big fan of Bernie. Could there be a better combination than a Brooklyn-Vermonter, no-nonsense elder statesman who enters stage left, takes command, and announces, "Listen here, enough is enough, already!"--to the total bafflement of the media chorus who knows the plot line and prefers Nancy Drew.
But I will vote for Nancy Drew over some GOP Pennywise character.
Okay, Hillary did well in the first debate—certainly the mainstream media says so, Real people, however, still aren't so sure about Hillary if you read the comment sections in the Times and talk to your neighbors.
After the debate, I have this Nancy Drew feeling. When I was about 11 or 12, my friends were raving about Nancy Drew books, so I read several. I liked them at first, and especially liked that smart-girl Nancy would be in a pickle with no one believing her, and then she would prove them all wrong and solve the case in a dramatic way to the doubting-Thomas' surprise.
This is how Hillary struck me at this first debate. Wow, she surprised us, held her ground, stuck to her guns, controlled the message and the medium.
However, after reading about 4 or 5 Nancy Drew books, I got sick of them—formula plots, scripted lines, not really real, manipulating the readers really just to sell more books. Maybe one-dimensional Nancy was only about corporate profits and winning market share.
Admittedly, I am big fan of Bernie. Could there be a better combination than a Brooklyn-Vermonter, no-nonsense elder statesman who enters stage left, takes command, and announces, "Listen here, enough is enough, already!"--to the total bafflement of the media chorus who knows the plot line and prefers Nancy Drew.
But I will vote for Nancy Drew over some GOP Pennywise character.
151
I'm a Bernie fan, but I wonder how valid google searches are as a metric for deciding who won the debate. A search could easily be done by a Clinton supporter looking to see his arguments in order to rebut them. Also, there are loads of people with no Internet access, so the googlers are a self-selected group. And how did google searches of each candidate compare before the debate?
7
Et tu, Gail?
Bernie is the only true reformer running for president. Bernie is the one who has brought the grotesque income inequality in this country to the forefront of issues in this presidential campaign.
But where all the candidates, including Hillary, are finally talking about the grotesque class warfare in this country, it's Bernie, not Hillary, who has real solutions to Wall Street and the state of American capitalism.
When the NYTimes ran the article Sunday about 138 families giving HALF the money to candidates so far, when you look at Hillary's speaking fees from banks, when you look at Bill Clinton's repeal of Glass Steagall, who do you think will right this sinking ship?
You might describe Bernie as cranky, but I feel cranky too about the sickening concentration of wealth in this country and sick that the NYTimes keeps dismissing Bernie as a cranky, nonviable candidate.
Bernie reminds me of the Howard Beale character in Network, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
Hillary, and her husband, is part of the problem.
After the debate, I'm still feelin the Bern!
Bernie is the only true reformer running for president. Bernie is the one who has brought the grotesque income inequality in this country to the forefront of issues in this presidential campaign.
But where all the candidates, including Hillary, are finally talking about the grotesque class warfare in this country, it's Bernie, not Hillary, who has real solutions to Wall Street and the state of American capitalism.
When the NYTimes ran the article Sunday about 138 families giving HALF the money to candidates so far, when you look at Hillary's speaking fees from banks, when you look at Bill Clinton's repeal of Glass Steagall, who do you think will right this sinking ship?
You might describe Bernie as cranky, but I feel cranky too about the sickening concentration of wealth in this country and sick that the NYTimes keeps dismissing Bernie as a cranky, nonviable candidate.
Bernie reminds me of the Howard Beale character in Network, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
Hillary, and her husband, is part of the problem.
After the debate, I'm still feelin the Bern!
36
Unfortunately, Bernie Sanders' "persistent truth-telling" doesn't extend to many specifics about he would actually get Congress to pass any of his "revolutionary" proposals. Passion alone, being right in the broad sense, isn't enough. That's why Hillary "won" the so-called debate (which wasn't really a debate). That said, Sanders' candidacy is having one very salutary effect on our sorry political picture by revealing just how many younger Americans are furious about the economic status-quo. I hope the older generations are paying attention.
221
And I hope Hillary is paying attention, enough so as to not just mouth the words of agreement but make it a priority should she actually win office. I was impressed by her performance but she did not convince me it was anything less than a performance.
I would say this. The same is true for any Democratic President, Hillary included. However, a President Sanders will do more to ignite the revolution that will be necessary if we are to take back our government from the rich and special interests. Unlike a President Clinton, a President Sanders will educate the nation with the truth while the Republicans are thwarting his efforts.
I'm part of the older generation. Boy am I listening. I like Bernie's frankness. I've been very worried about the younger generation for a long time. If this election (including the Senate and Congress) doesn't address the issues we are facing, I don't know how we will end up.
It seems the folks who were favoring Hillary before the debate favor her after the debate; the folks who were favoring Bernie before favor him afterwards.
The real upside of this debate was to show the independent voter that any of the Dems are far more competent and in command of the issues than any of the GOP candidates. I think this was handily accomplished.
The real upside of this debate was to show the independent voter that any of the Dems are far more competent and in command of the issues than any of the GOP candidates. I think this was handily accomplished.
73
Like all ideologues, the GOP extremists don't know when they're licked. I remember Karl Rove's denial on election night? Also, like programed automatons, GOP committee members can be expected to be nasty and vindictive. Others can too--I remember Alito's ill manners at the State of the Union. Do I remember him at the Pope's address to Congress? Well, no, conservative Catholic Alito wasn't there. We remember Joe Wilson's "You lie..."
In short, I'm not hopeful about these hearings on Benghazi. I suspect they'll be delayed in order to stretch out the torture of the electorate. But if they delay too long, the GOP risks having their severs hacked, making them look even more like mindless trolls.
In short, I'm not hopeful about these hearings on Benghazi. I suspect they'll be delayed in order to stretch out the torture of the electorate. But if they delay too long, the GOP risks having their severs hacked, making them look even more like mindless trolls.
22
Would it be too not political to comment on what Hillary chose to wear?
She usually wears pants - and she has humorously made reference to "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". She usually then wears a jacket (she has many of them in many colors) and maybe a tee underneath - but maybe just the jacket buttoned. Top it off with a string of beads, maybe even pearls, or necklace. And mostly flat shoes.
But Wednesday night she had a slightly different look. She still had the traveling pants, but she had a longer jacket, slit down the middle with a long sleeve white blouse sort of insert underneath. And she had heels on, after all she was on the stage, not in the cornfields of Iowa. It all suited the professional woman look, being navy too, but also sort of touched on an "I'm the woman up here and don't forget it" look with the longer sort of A-line, slightly flaring out to about the knees. It was obviously longer length than the men's suit jackets, but yet, not a dress. And no beads, no necklace.
Actually, I liked it. As time went on, the new outfit took its place behind the podium. Nothing, not even jewelry was distracting. The navy was patriotic, and the white blouse was sort of like a feminine white shirt - after all the guys all had white shirts on, right? Also, the professional look could remind us, after all, she is an attorney.
I think a lot of thought went into the look and it was worth the effort, Hillary.
A blue carpet look which was a good choice.
She usually wears pants - and she has humorously made reference to "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". She usually then wears a jacket (she has many of them in many colors) and maybe a tee underneath - but maybe just the jacket buttoned. Top it off with a string of beads, maybe even pearls, or necklace. And mostly flat shoes.
But Wednesday night she had a slightly different look. She still had the traveling pants, but she had a longer jacket, slit down the middle with a long sleeve white blouse sort of insert underneath. And she had heels on, after all she was on the stage, not in the cornfields of Iowa. It all suited the professional woman look, being navy too, but also sort of touched on an "I'm the woman up here and don't forget it" look with the longer sort of A-line, slightly flaring out to about the knees. It was obviously longer length than the men's suit jackets, but yet, not a dress. And no beads, no necklace.
Actually, I liked it. As time went on, the new outfit took its place behind the podium. Nothing, not even jewelry was distracting. The navy was patriotic, and the white blouse was sort of like a feminine white shirt - after all the guys all had white shirts on, right? Also, the professional look could remind us, after all, she is an attorney.
I think a lot of thought went into the look and it was worth the effort, Hillary.
A blue carpet look which was a good choice.
29
Is there anything more gratifying then watching your enemies self destruct in front of you. Hillary could still have some nasty surprises waiting for her regarding the E-mails. But at least for the present some blue sky has opened up. Benghazi was milked for all it was worth by the GOP and of course their partner in building mountains out of mole hills; Fox News.
13
Every informal post-debate poll had Bernie as the overwhelming winner of the debate. Google searches for him skyrocketed. The Times no longer reports the news.
21
@joe—Those are online social media polls. They are not scientific samples. No doubt Sanders draws younger folks and they tend to use social media more. That said, Sanders did great. Clinton "won" becuase she had the most to lose. And the pundits are giving her her due for prevailing after piliging her for months.
Every informal post-debate poll is completely able to be manipulated by any person with even the slightest bit of computer literacy. Any kid with minimal skill can rack up thousands of votes for their choice.
Seems desperate to use that sort of metric. I'll wait for actual scientific polls, thank you very much.
Seems desperate to use that sort of metric. I'll wait for actual scientific polls, thank you very much.
1
For someone who claims to be like "a block of granite" Lincoln Chaffee sounded wooden to me. Was that an attempt to woo primary voters in New Hampshire? He might as well be a birch forest. And can you imagine Jim Webb, as Commander-in-Chief, debating Senators McCain and Graham on military strategy? "There Shall Be Blood" comes to mind. Gov. O'Malley is positioning himself as a viable running mate. So I disagree that he seemed to be about "to cry." He is an experienced politician looking for another job. Sen. Sanders is correct: if the American people learned what social democracy is, then they would seriously consider voting for him. But then the American people will cease being the American people. In Hillary's words: "we are not Denmark."
6
I'm not sure why everyone in the times thinks that HRC was the clear winner in the debate. I thought Bernie's substance was superior to Hillary's style. Anyway, it was refreshing to see potential leaders not circling the wagons to defend against Planned Parenthood, Obamacare and Iran's inevitable nucular weapons.
11
Great to read all these serious comments but I musr add Gail's wit had me in stitches!
4
@Jay H.
Re "Congress has proven an effective roadblock to meaningful change needed to protect the middle class. "
Since 2010, the 112th, 113th, and now 114th congress’s that have endured unceasing obstruction led by Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate, are the most shameful, lowest rated and least effective in US history. The GOP comes out of this with not enough shreds of moral or intellectual respectability to hide the putrid pimples on its rear-end.
Re "Congress has proven an effective roadblock to meaningful change needed to protect the middle class. "
Since 2010, the 112th, 113th, and now 114th congress’s that have endured unceasing obstruction led by Boehner in the House and McConnell in the Senate, are the most shameful, lowest rated and least effective in US history. The GOP comes out of this with not enough shreds of moral or intellectual respectability to hide the putrid pimples on its rear-end.
9
I love the strong preference for Bernie in all the responses to the NYT's column after column gushing over Hillary. What ails Frank Bruni and Charles Blow! (Gail as always is a breath of fresh air.)
Yes, Hillary gave a good performance--underpinned by how many hundreds of hours of consultation on the right answers, the right clothes, the right makeup, the right facial expressions the right tone of voice? And suddenly, on the basis of one good performance everyone who has been writing her off with good reason for months has done an about face and is anointing her the future president. Is that, rather than substance, what will tip the scales?
It shouldn't be but in case it is, I do wish Bernie would get just a little consultation on trivial but, apparently, critical matters such as appearance, humor, and tone--just so that some of these supposedly astute commentators could get below the surface to the real issues. Shame on the NYT.
Yes, Hillary gave a good performance--underpinned by how many hundreds of hours of consultation on the right answers, the right clothes, the right makeup, the right facial expressions the right tone of voice? And suddenly, on the basis of one good performance everyone who has been writing her off with good reason for months has done an about face and is anointing her the future president. Is that, rather than substance, what will tip the scales?
It shouldn't be but in case it is, I do wish Bernie would get just a little consultation on trivial but, apparently, critical matters such as appearance, humor, and tone--just so that some of these supposedly astute commentators could get below the surface to the real issues. Shame on the NYT.
13
In the end I'll vote for any of these candidates who is nominated against any of the Republicans. But I prefer Sanders by a mile for the same reason as Larry E. Sanders had the wisdom and guts to vote against the second Iraq War. His reasons were prescient. Hillary's vote and stated reasos for support were politically expedient. And I don't trust her to fight to reinstate Glass-Stiegel. She is beholden to Wall Street. Thank you Gail, for not pronouncing her Queen just yet. Although I vote for her if she is nominated, if for other reason Supreme Court nominees, I know quite a few people who will not because they really do view her as Lady Macbeth.
11
Originally, I thought Hillary was a lightning rod, too divisive to govern and perhaps the country would be better off with a new face, someone capable of uniting people. Not so any longer. With the insurgent tail of the Republican Party waging the dog and spouting their scorched earth lunacy, I’m convinced the Democrats need a war time consigliere. With her performance in the debate, its clear Hillary’s the one they need.
29
A favorite campaign trick the GOP pulls (really the brain-child of Karl Rove) is to highlight an apparent GOP weakness, and through misinformation, out-and-out blatant lies, and code-words make it the weakness of the opponent. We´re seeing this gimmick play out now with the GOP assault on Hillary Clinton's character being coded "untrustworthy" (or "untrustable" as McCarthy so succinctly put it) and "dishonest" and brazenly being attributed to Clinton gratuitously at every turn without qualification. So persistent is this character assassination effort that I see this theme embraced in many of the comments here. Even in debate analyses at hand now, conservative pundits keep trying to make it an issue peculiar to Clinton where it could just as well or even more appropriately be applied to most of the GOP candidates.
29
RE "The [Benghazi] committee leaders could, of course, still come down hard on Clinton. But if they do, you have to hope at some point she’ll bring up the guns and wine."
There[s more than that I hope Clinton brings up:
> Four Americans died in the Benghazi tragedy, and Congress is still holding hearings. Since 9/11 400,000 Americans have died from firearms. How many hearings has Congress held on gun violence? Where is the GOP outrage about that?
> There were some 13 Benghazi type attacks on US embassies/consulates
under Bush where some 100 people were killed and even more wounded. Where was the GOP outrage then?
There[s more than that I hope Clinton brings up:
> Four Americans died in the Benghazi tragedy, and Congress is still holding hearings. Since 9/11 400,000 Americans have died from firearms. How many hearings has Congress held on gun violence? Where is the GOP outrage about that?
> There were some 13 Benghazi type attacks on US embassies/consulates
under Bush where some 100 people were killed and even more wounded. Where was the GOP outrage then?
56
You missed the point, Gail. When Lincoln Chafee called himself “a block of granite" he was making the point that he had to be stoned to go up against the first female president!
Actually the democratic party didn't do such a bad, last minute job of pulling a quorum together. They didn't have to stoop so low as to check the bankruptcy files for an ill-gotten, gain candidate. And none of them had weird hair!
Benghazi could be turned on its head and make Clinton look good. At least someone took responsibility for something. How un-republican is that?
Actually the democratic party didn't do such a bad, last minute job of pulling a quorum together. They didn't have to stoop so low as to check the bankruptcy files for an ill-gotten, gain candidate. And none of them had weird hair!
Benghazi could be turned on its head and make Clinton look good. At least someone took responsibility for something. How un-republican is that?
12
Bernie Sanders is the best thing to happen to Hillary Clinton.
50
So are Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Carly Farino. the so-called 'Freedom Caucus' - really the entire Republican Party in its current incarnation.
1
I can always count on you, Gail, to focus on what really matters while laughing up your sleeve about what doesn't. Thank you
31
Of course Clinton had a great performance in the debate. She had no real competition. Sanders, a good and capable man, would have been dropped from most high school debate teams for failing to score big points against Hillary on the e-mail issue. Instead he gave boosted her score. And the " block of granite" statement from another debater was a line you would expect to hear on SNL. Put Hillary on the stage with Trump, Rubio, Cruz and some of the other Republicans and see how she does. I would expect far different results.
4
@Aaron Adams
Well she certainly won't be ranting or screaming at them.
Well she certainly won't be ranting or screaming at them.
24
I think he scored big points by NOT using the e-mail claptrap against her.
2
I thought the reference to granite had to do with trying to indicate to residents in the Granite State that he's one of them, that he's their candidate, that they should vote for him. Maybe it's too New England, inside-baseball talk.
1
The inequity in the post-debate media coverage can be seen in the response to two lines by Hillary and Bernie. Confronting the obvious problem of her too-cozy relationship with Wall Street, she comes up with the response that she represented Wall Street but forcefully told them to "cut it out" in 2007. (Really effective, wouldn't you say?) That line was about as lame as Lincoln Chafee's excuse that he was new on the job. Contrast that to Bernie's observation the he represented a rural state that buys hunting guns; for that, he gets clobbered by the media.
28
Nobody has ever said they want to infringe on the right of rural citizens to buy hunting guns. Other countries with strict gun laws also have hunters, but they don't have the right to arm themselves with high powered guns that were only made for military purposes.
Sander's answer was naive. Even Senator Manchin of the very, very, rural state of West Virginia is now for stricter gun laws.
Sander's answer was naive. Even Senator Manchin of the very, very, rural state of West Virginia is now for stricter gun laws.
1
I fully agree: this is one of the areas I dislike about Sanders' record. But my point is that he was hammered Tuesday evening by his colleagues on stage and subsequently by the media in a way and to a degree that has not applied to Clinton's position on Wall Street. If Sanders' views about guns are naive, so are Hillary's suggestions that all one needs to do is tell the banksters to "cut it out."
1
& also Clinton's vote to authorize the Iraq invasion—without having read the extensive intelligence report.
The real Benghazi scandal is not the one GOPers insist talking about, but it´s real and needs to be exposed for what it is. The GOP-dominated congress slashed the diplomatic security budget by half a billion dollars. The fact that Sec. Clinton warned that this massive cut (20%) would severely hamper security efforts and jeopardize the safety of diplomats seems to have been lost on the GOP protagonists, and even more importantly her warnings were ignored. And when lives were indeed lost because of inadequate security, the GOP had no scruples ranting and raving about the scrambling that the Benghazi incident caused in the State Dep´t totally oblivious to their own culpability, and assessing blame on others. This is disgusting shameless hypocrisy.
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One has to include the press in your condemnation. Only too happy to join in the food fight never mind getting the story straight. Forget about context, recent history, or digging for deeper truths. Just parrot quotes from agenda driven opportunist.
2
Well said, John. Also--the CIA had a unit there, seemingly without the ambassador's (or Clinton's) knowledge. Why is the GOP not investigating that? (Of course they won't.) Furthermore, it's a hard question, but one I've asked before: was the ambassador unaware of the changed circumstances in Benghazi following the ouster of Gadhafi? Why did the CIA not warn him? Was he overly sanguine? I guess there's no political gain for the GOP in asking such questions.
3
The only people who care about Hillary's e-mails are those who wouldn't vote for her, anyway. Kevin McCarthy handed her the keys to the White House with one thoughtless interview. Republicans don't have a prayer of winning the presidency. As bad as the clown show in 2012 was, and as inept a candidate as Willard Romney proved to be, this current crew is much worse. I suspect Marco Rubio will get the nomination because Jeb! isn't living up to his exclamation point. It doesn't matter. It's time for a Rodham in the White House.
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Ack! You said:
Kevin McCarthy handed her the keys to the White House with one thoughtless interview. Republicans don't have a prayer of winning the presidency. As bad as the clown show in 2012 was, and as inept a candidate as Willard Romney proved to be, this current crew is much worse. I suspect Marco Rubio will get the nomination because Jeb! isn't living up to his exclamation point. It doesn't matter. It's time for a Rodham in the White House.
You better not have Jinx'ed it! LOL
Kevin McCarthy handed her the keys to the White House with one thoughtless interview. Republicans don't have a prayer of winning the presidency. As bad as the clown show in 2012 was, and as inept a candidate as Willard Romney proved to be, this current crew is much worse. I suspect Marco Rubio will get the nomination because Jeb! isn't living up to his exclamation point. It doesn't matter. It's time for a Rodham in the White House.
You better not have Jinx'ed it! LOL
I hope Pretty Boy Marco wins the Republican nomination, because it will be so easy for us Dems to expose him and his Sugar Daddy an the fact that he can't manage his own budget, much less that of the entire United States.
2
Hillary did on Tues night something she's had considerable difficulty doing in times past ~ she presented herself as warmer and less contrived.
But I have my doubts about her commitment to take on the banksters in a serious way. It's only because of Bernie, whose commitment to the issue is deadly serious, that HRC has veered so far in that direction. It's obvious when Bernie speaks that he means what he says - all the time. Hillary, not so much.
(From the GOP Clown Car, we owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Huckabee. Surprised you didn't mention it, Gail. Another presidential election, another dog).
But I have my doubts about her commitment to take on the banksters in a serious way. It's only because of Bernie, whose commitment to the issue is deadly serious, that HRC has veered so far in that direction. It's obvious when Bernie speaks that he means what he says - all the time. Hillary, not so much.
(From the GOP Clown Car, we owe a debt of gratitude to Mike Huckabee. Surprised you didn't mention it, Gail. Another presidential election, another dog).
15
Gail - you didn't give James Webb enough time.
10
Yes Gail, everything is perfect ,as long as your with Hillary Clinton....More baggage then the Samsonite luggage factory......
7
There is truism from sports - For example: the soccer player who makes the most mistakes in a game is the player who handles the ball the most; the player who handles the ball the most is usually your best player. Put another way, the only players that don't make mistakes are the ones sitting on the bench.
3
That 'baggage' includes serving the people of NY as their senator (very ably, I will add), bring Secretary of State and traveling the world on behalf of the U.S. No one else has that level of real foreign policy experience. Helping to run an international charity that has raised billions and helped millions around the world. Don't forget she worked in the private sector for many years as a lawyer.
And she was NEVER fired from any of those very important jobs - take that Carly!
She has a long and distinguished record of accomplishments. Republicans have been working overtime (and wasting taxpayer money) to besmirch it.
And she was NEVER fired from any of those very important jobs - take that Carly!
She has a long and distinguished record of accomplishments. Republicans have been working overtime (and wasting taxpayer money) to besmirch it.
3
Thank you, Gail Collins, for a letting us start the day on a cheerful note. People, Hillary won the debate. She won the DEBATE--not the nomination and not the presidency. Is it really this difficult to admit?
16
She will, she will. There isn't anyone better or more able than Hillary. I like Bernie - in another world I would vote for him. But this is 2015 and we need Hillary in the White House! I plan to help put her there.
No, my disproportionately white, male socialists, Bernie did not win the debate. He didn't, because he failed to change the narrative, while Hillary was presidential.
Sanders trails in US polls by 19 points, on average. Compare to Obama in 2007, who trailed by 16 points before the first debate. Close, but not good enough... and Obama had other advantages too.
He had serious superdelegate support, which gave him the win, despite gaining fewer votes nationwide than Clinton. She has hundreds of SDs already committed to her. I believe Sanders has one. SDs are the difference between victory and defeat. In a state like New Hampshire, a very strong 58% victory would give Sanders about 14 delegates to 10 for Clinton. But add in the state's 8 SDs -- largely made up by prominent Democratic politicians who have endorsed Clinton -- and that becomes an 18 -14 victory for Clinton, right next door to Vermont. Kinda disheartening.
But wait, it gets worse. Obama had great strength in the South. Bernie's behind there by over 25 points on average, with black voters strongly favoring Clinton. Latino voters are also strongly trending her way.
Lastly, polls indicate Hillary is the most popular second choice for Dems, by a 2-1 margin. In 2008, Obama was that person, and it helped him when Edwards imploded. If Biden doesn't enter the race, his supporters will disproportionately go Clinton. Many Dems just aren't that socialist.
Sanders needed to change a deck stacked against him. No luck.
Sanders trails in US polls by 19 points, on average. Compare to Obama in 2007, who trailed by 16 points before the first debate. Close, but not good enough... and Obama had other advantages too.
He had serious superdelegate support, which gave him the win, despite gaining fewer votes nationwide than Clinton. She has hundreds of SDs already committed to her. I believe Sanders has one. SDs are the difference between victory and defeat. In a state like New Hampshire, a very strong 58% victory would give Sanders about 14 delegates to 10 for Clinton. But add in the state's 8 SDs -- largely made up by prominent Democratic politicians who have endorsed Clinton -- and that becomes an 18 -14 victory for Clinton, right next door to Vermont. Kinda disheartening.
But wait, it gets worse. Obama had great strength in the South. Bernie's behind there by over 25 points on average, with black voters strongly favoring Clinton. Latino voters are also strongly trending her way.
Lastly, polls indicate Hillary is the most popular second choice for Dems, by a 2-1 margin. In 2008, Obama was that person, and it helped him when Edwards imploded. If Biden doesn't enter the race, his supporters will disproportionately go Clinton. Many Dems just aren't that socialist.
Sanders needed to change a deck stacked against him. No luck.
130
Part of the problem is that CNN and other news outlets don't have a clue about Bernie. I just heard Carol Costello essentially define his social democratic stance (FDR Democrat) by using a softer version of Donald Trump's talking points. But it's important that he's in the race regardless of where he stands in the polls because he is serious and he is helping keep the debate and the conversation focused on serious issues. He's not a fool. He's not a Ralph Nader spoiler or iconoclast. He doesn't want to talk about Clinton's emails. He wants to talk about how to balance the books a bit better between the workers and the capitalists and to return to a non-profit service mentality about basic services like education and the penal system and even the military, which has been privatized to an alarming and expensive degree. Whatever happens in the race, I, like Ms. Collins, would love to see a one-on-one debate about the financial industry, Citizens United, and other issues. Yes, she will be President, probably, unless the Republicans turn it into a slug fest in the gutter, which is quite possible. She needs to have these conversations with someone, in public, with accountability. Who better than that grouchy old curmudgeon with integrity and nothing to lose?
1
Super Delegates are the elected officials of the state Democratic parties (and the Dems control totally only 7 states and the GOP 27) and big wigs in the states' party apparatus. If as you say that the majority have committed already to HRC, then I believe the party should expect a deeper schism than we currently see in the GOP. One has to ask, what happened to all of the good work that Howard Dean did? How did the party apparatus allow so many states to become totally GOP run? The result was the gerrymandering of districts in GOP favor after the last census. Wasserman-Schultz is a disaster. As to the 'Socialist' label, are Americans too dumb or too lazy to bone up on the concept what a European Social Democrat is? Even the parties of the Right in Europe understand the need of social cohesion. Elect HRC and the oligarchy wins again.
1
There is consensus that the repeal of the Glass-Steagel Act was a mistake of gigantic proportions. It protected us from Wall Street Gambling our money away for 60 years. The Republican repeal was signed, not vetoed, by Bill Clinton. Had Clinton not sucked up so tight to Wall St the 08 debacle may have never happened.
Point is, Hillary said she represented Wall St when she was Senator. I say she still does and as such is not presidential material until she publicly admits her hubbies signing was a mistake, which it was.
Point is, Hillary said she represented Wall St when she was Senator. I say she still does and as such is not presidential material until she publicly admits her hubbies signing was a mistake, which it was.
20
Of course she represented Wall Street--she was a senator from New York!
1
Another Times columnist proclaiming that, Hillary won big, or "crushed it". Et Tu, Gail? Enough with the pejoratives about Bernie Sanders's "crankiness". We need much more of such passion. As it has often been said, "If you are not outraged you are not paying attention."
44
It was a good debate, because it inspired Americans who are rationale..Dems or Repubs, as they watched issues being debated. What a relief from the other side's debates which have been painful to watch, and a circus parade dancing to the tune of personal destruction.
19
Yes to Bernie Sanders. No to corporate media. No to corporate politicians
22
The debate between the major presidential campaign donors will be the important one.
The selection will be easy. Pick a workable number, perhaps ten. When the donors have finalized their candidate buys, the ten who have put up the most cash for a particular candidate and associated PACs will participate.
I am not sure how a person such as Koch Industries will actually participate. Maybe a proxy person such as Burston-Marsteller would do the actual talking.
I think we would all be interested to hear Sheldon Adelson set out the program he is going to put in Rubio's mouth.
Naturally this would give Donald two shows for the price of one. With the savings he could get Joe Biden's podium gold-plated. For me I want to know what he will have to say about boring, not classy C & D Koch.
Why should we waste time listening to the candidates when we could hear the plan directly from those whose will is to be obeyed.
The selection will be easy. Pick a workable number, perhaps ten. When the donors have finalized their candidate buys, the ten who have put up the most cash for a particular candidate and associated PACs will participate.
I am not sure how a person such as Koch Industries will actually participate. Maybe a proxy person such as Burston-Marsteller would do the actual talking.
I think we would all be interested to hear Sheldon Adelson set out the program he is going to put in Rubio's mouth.
Naturally this would give Donald two shows for the price of one. With the savings he could get Joe Biden's podium gold-plated. For me I want to know what he will have to say about boring, not classy C & D Koch.
Why should we waste time listening to the candidates when we could hear the plan directly from those whose will is to be obeyed.
12
"Don't mess with Mother Nature."
3
As the nation gets to know Mrs. Clinton's major rival Bernie Sanders, someone you said "combines persistent truth-telling with extreme crankiness," we will find out if the nation embraces a persistent truth teller over Mrs. Clinton.
Mrs. Clinton may do better only because the nation seems to have forgotten that Iraq war and the Wall Street bailout nearly brought this country to runis and that she voted for the Iraq war and "represented Wall Street."
Your characterization of Sanders was quite evident in his response about his vote against the Wall Street bailout: "Hank Paulson, Bernanke came in, and they say, 'guys, the economy is going to collapse because Wall Street is going under. It’s gonna take the economy with them.' And you know what I said to Hank Paulson? I said, 'Hank, your guys — you come from Goldman Sachs. Your millionaire and billionaire friends caused this problem. How about your millionaire and billionaire friends paying for the bailout, not working families in this country?' So to answer your question, no, I would not have let the economy collapse. But it was wrong to ask the middle class to bail out Wall Street...."
And what about Mrs. Clinton and Wall Street? A Times story on Feb 7 about Mrs. Clinton's economic plan said, "Mrs. Clinton has come under criticism for delivering speeches to Wall Street banks at more than $200,000 each, roughly four times the median annual household income in the United States."
Advantage Sanders.
Mrs. Clinton may do better only because the nation seems to have forgotten that Iraq war and the Wall Street bailout nearly brought this country to runis and that she voted for the Iraq war and "represented Wall Street."
Your characterization of Sanders was quite evident in his response about his vote against the Wall Street bailout: "Hank Paulson, Bernanke came in, and they say, 'guys, the economy is going to collapse because Wall Street is going under. It’s gonna take the economy with them.' And you know what I said to Hank Paulson? I said, 'Hank, your guys — you come from Goldman Sachs. Your millionaire and billionaire friends caused this problem. How about your millionaire and billionaire friends paying for the bailout, not working families in this country?' So to answer your question, no, I would not have let the economy collapse. But it was wrong to ask the middle class to bail out Wall Street...."
And what about Mrs. Clinton and Wall Street? A Times story on Feb 7 about Mrs. Clinton's economic plan said, "Mrs. Clinton has come under criticism for delivering speeches to Wall Street banks at more than $200,000 each, roughly four times the median annual household income in the United States."
Advantage Sanders.
414
Hillary is a truth teller. It might be a truth you want to acknowledge. The truth is the world is not 'black or white' - compromise is vital. You can't bring down Wall Street with bringing down the US economy (even the world economy). Chane is important but incremental change is usually best. Hillary made a mistake voting for the Uraq war - she's admitted it and I think she's learned from it.
2
@Frank, the truth I'll acknoledge is that Hillary will be a better candidate than any of the GOP primary candidates. As for the Democrats, there is a currently a choice. Given the facts laid about the Iraq WMD and asked to vote for war authorization, Obama who beat Hillary in the primaries voted against it. Sanders who has a chance to beat Hillary also voted against it as did Senator Lincoln Chafee who has no chance of beating Hillary in the primaries. Hillary, of course, voted for it, calling into question her judgement.
As for compromise being vital, yes, you are correct. But is Mrs. Clinton, who took large speaking fees from the bankers, capable of making compromises regarding banking issues that is advantageous to the nation or to the bankers? That is a judgement that people will make soon.
As for compromise being vital, yes, you are correct. But is Mrs. Clinton, who took large speaking fees from the bankers, capable of making compromises regarding banking issues that is advantageous to the nation or to the bankers? That is a judgement that people will make soon.
Hillary's one serious mistake in the debate was to say she "represented Wall Street." But surely you realize that she meant it literally, that as a senator from New York, she represented all of the state, including the world's financial center. That doesn't mean that she was controlled by Wall Street and didn't represent all of New York that was not Wall Street. You would have been more insightful if you had quoted her saying something more poetic and revealing, like I believe in common ground but I can also stand my ground. In any case, it will not stop mean-spirited and fact denying Republicans from picturing her as a raving radical liberal.
1
Clinton didn't hit any ball out of the park during the debates. In fact, it was Sanders, and the media is terrified of that simple fact so it plays it down and tries to convince the public that Clinton was reigned supreme. She didn't. Liberals think that Sanders can't win so they are standing in his way with propaganda and trying to force feed Clinton as the REAL candidate. Worked for Bush against McCain, but it's not going to work during this primary. The country wants serious change and sincerity; and Clinton is status quo and a serious phony. Sanders' support - no matter what the press says - will only go up.
213
I have always like Bernie Sanders. I didn't know he voted against the Brady Bill FIVE times though. And saying that Putin would " feel regret"? Seriously? No, its Hillary for me. She always, before her husband was even president, fought for women's and children's rights, and was well known for it. She's smart and capable.
1
Gail: You write, "People, when you are depressed about the state of the nation, think about the fact that more people wanted to see Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders on CNN than tuned in for the most popular zombie TV series in history."
I disagree. "The most popular zombie TV series in history" has been the two Republican Party debates this year, with more episodes right around the corner.
I disagree. "The most popular zombie TV series in history" has been the two Republican Party debates this year, with more episodes right around the corner.
12
I might be picking up a faint inkling of that "it" thing that women seem to allude to when they say " men just don't get it." (Which is very different from the "it" thing that men refer to when they say they are "not getting it.")
Women, many, most, including Clinton Tuesday, have the ability, perhaps natural, to enrich, embue, variegate, nuance, sweeten, sharpen, soften, harden, basically, but subtlety, musicalize their elocution, dynamically, exquisitely, tenderly, precisely to impart any manner of meaning, and often several layers of meaning simultaneously.
It is a superior tool, instrument really,,of communication.
And this is only about the tonality, pitch and cadence -- the poetic dynamics of words choice is yet another dimension needing its own description.
And all this, over and above any policy or program principle.
Hillary was just easier to listen to than all those men, even for listening men, including this one who still probably didn't get anywhere near all the its that the women were getting.
Also, my wife and I agreed -- her hair style and suit were just right -- yet another example of dimensions of communication and representation men are clueless about, generally.
This is why, perhaps, men, including Shakespeate and those who burned St. Joan of Arc, not to mention Rush, Donald, Oedipus, and many bishops and imams, can't handle women's power -- it can feel like witchcraft, or at least sorcery. But it is really the natural power of the Mother Tongue.
Women, many, most, including Clinton Tuesday, have the ability, perhaps natural, to enrich, embue, variegate, nuance, sweeten, sharpen, soften, harden, basically, but subtlety, musicalize their elocution, dynamically, exquisitely, tenderly, precisely to impart any manner of meaning, and often several layers of meaning simultaneously.
It is a superior tool, instrument really,,of communication.
And this is only about the tonality, pitch and cadence -- the poetic dynamics of words choice is yet another dimension needing its own description.
And all this, over and above any policy or program principle.
Hillary was just easier to listen to than all those men, even for listening men, including this one who still probably didn't get anywhere near all the its that the women were getting.
Also, my wife and I agreed -- her hair style and suit were just right -- yet another example of dimensions of communication and representation men are clueless about, generally.
This is why, perhaps, men, including Shakespeate and those who burned St. Joan of Arc, not to mention Rush, Donald, Oedipus, and many bishops and imams, can't handle women's power -- it can feel like witchcraft, or at least sorcery. But it is really the natural power of the Mother Tongue.
244
That, RC, and Roget's thesaurus.
Actually, Shakespeare had many strong women characters, especially considering that it was a different society with totally different mores and social roles than ours.
"Natural power of the Mother tongue"? I believe it's called glamor, and it's probably not too difficult to summon when you're sharing the stage with 4 old white guys in suits. Yes, Hillary is easy to listen to, she's been in the game a long time, she's crazy smart and she's had more practice keeping her cool in tough situations than most. Some of us, however, don't mind if our politicians have a little bit of a rough edge: we're more interested in what they're actually saying and in their actual track record. Oh well, I know I just don't get "it", whatever the hell you think it is.
Pity Sanders is too much of a gentleman to ask her,
"Senator, didn't you in fact READ the 93-page Intelligence Summary, as you claim not to have, conclude that Saddam would be a pushover (as in the wildly popular Desert Storm), and vote for the Iraq war because you didn't want the Republican Bush administration to get all the glory?"
Certainly no Republican will dare bring it up.
"Senator, didn't you in fact READ the 93-page Intelligence Summary, as you claim not to have, conclude that Saddam would be a pushover (as in the wildly popular Desert Storm), and vote for the Iraq war because you didn't want the Republican Bush administration to get all the glory?"
Certainly no Republican will dare bring it up.
4
Granting for the sake of argument that Bernie Sanders would make a better president than Hillary, it is still true that of all the people on the debate stage, only Hillary is electable. Let's not be Republicans, selecting our candidate on the basis of party line bona fides and ignoring that the eventual nominee has to be vetted by large numbers of independent voters.
13
But Bernie Sanders *does* appeal to more than just party-line voters. His appeal is to the middle class, and to those who want more than sound bite campaigning. His biggest barrier is the perception of the socialist label. He's done a good job of explaining what that means, but it needs more exposure.
I think both Sanders and Clinton are electable--and I'll vote for whichever one gets nominated...but I much prefer Sanders.
I think both Sanders and Clinton are electable--and I'll vote for whichever one gets nominated...but I much prefer Sanders.
How come no one is discussing the fact that Bill will be Hillary's 'Cheney'?
7
No, Bill would be Hillary's Hillary. She's far smarter, better prepared, and stronger than W, whose weakness made him prey to Cheney.
And whatever negatives there are to Bill, he's nowhere near as close to the cauldron as the vile Cheney.
And whatever negatives there are to Bill, he's nowhere near as close to the cauldron as the vile Cheney.
1
Hillary`s brilliant performance was spectacular, never threw a hissy fit with scorned eyes..but handled all the questions with humor and dignity.
Perhaps time to break that glass ceiling at the White House and be the Madame President.
US of A..is falling far behind to all other Countries they called backwards ..India, Pakistan, Israel...currently..Germany, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea..should I say more ?
Perhaps time to break that glass ceiling at the White House and be the Madame President.
US of A..is falling far behind to all other Countries they called backwards ..India, Pakistan, Israel...currently..Germany, Argentina, Brazil, South Korea..should I say more ?
7
A few grownups live in the land,
Their answers not totally canned.
The people are tired
Of the jerks that we've hired.
The line is now drawn in the sand.
Their answers not totally canned.
The people are tired
Of the jerks that we've hired.
The line is now drawn in the sand.
9
Hillary has the knowledge, experience and bond fides to hit the ground running in the White House. She has shown herself in the debates so far to be the best candidate in either party. But thank the Lord for Bernie Sanders. He is the conscience of the Democratic Party, and he values frankness and honest talk above political gain. He talked about the damn emails! And he said the truth no one wants to face: that our biggest enemy is climate change. He may be too socialist, but he's also way ahead of the curve.
641
"Too socialist" in what way? Please, please, please tell me what he espouses that smacks of totalitarianism, because that is really what people in this country mean by "socialist" as we have allowed the term to become hopelessly conflated with communism.
2
"social" -- of or relating to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community
So a "socialist" is someone who cares about the above. Frankly, why doesn't everyone, everywhere do that? Our society would be completely different if they did. Liberal is a bad word, socialist is a bad word -- says who? Look at the principles behind the words, the beliefs, attitudes and actions of those who would care about the average person and then the young, the poor, the sick, and frail and the elderly; the water, the land, the air and the plants and animals. Why is caring about and of that considered, in any way, by anyone, a bad thing? Only if you believe the "spin doctors" would a decent person decry caring about and for the above.
I like Hillary, but I don't believe for 10 seconds that she would really fight Wall Street or the military industrialist complex. She and Bernie are both early Baby Boomers but only Bernie is fighting hard to take the government back from the likes of Kochs and Adelson, or even (heaven forbid) Trump.
Don't believe the people who label socialists as being "BAD". Northern Europe's success (as Bernie mentioned) is hardly something to scoff at, as Hillary did. LEARN from others! Are we so arrogant (yes) that we can't ever learn from any other society? (again yes).
In the end, the USA with Bernie Sanders as POTUS would be SO different. Hillary - not so much -- just Bill in a pretty dress.
So a "socialist" is someone who cares about the above. Frankly, why doesn't everyone, everywhere do that? Our society would be completely different if they did. Liberal is a bad word, socialist is a bad word -- says who? Look at the principles behind the words, the beliefs, attitudes and actions of those who would care about the average person and then the young, the poor, the sick, and frail and the elderly; the water, the land, the air and the plants and animals. Why is caring about and of that considered, in any way, by anyone, a bad thing? Only if you believe the "spin doctors" would a decent person decry caring about and for the above.
I like Hillary, but I don't believe for 10 seconds that she would really fight Wall Street or the military industrialist complex. She and Bernie are both early Baby Boomers but only Bernie is fighting hard to take the government back from the likes of Kochs and Adelson, or even (heaven forbid) Trump.
Don't believe the people who label socialists as being "BAD". Northern Europe's success (as Bernie mentioned) is hardly something to scoff at, as Hillary did. LEARN from others! Are we so arrogant (yes) that we can't ever learn from any other society? (again yes).
In the end, the USA with Bernie Sanders as POTUS would be SO different. Hillary - not so much -- just Bill in a pretty dress.
The most disheartening thing about Hillary is her endorsement of perpetual war.
Our 62 year, and counting, record of failure, debacles and war crimes in the Middle East must end. Instead of spending $106 billion rebuilding* Afghanistan, we need to rebuild America. Instead of wasting trillions on futile war we need universal healthcare and universal college education. Instead of spending $4633 billion on the seven years behind schedule, $170 billion over budget F-35 we need to build out clean, infinitely renewable wind and solar.
Nonetheless, come November 7, 2016, this yellow dog will, as ever, vote straight Democratic.
The possibility of another Marquis de Scalia or Uncle Thomas on the Supremes is too horrifying to contemplate.
Our 62 year, and counting, record of failure, debacles and war crimes in the Middle East must end. Instead of spending $106 billion rebuilding* Afghanistan, we need to rebuild America. Instead of wasting trillions on futile war we need universal healthcare and universal college education. Instead of spending $4633 billion on the seven years behind schedule, $170 billion over budget F-35 we need to build out clean, infinitely renewable wind and solar.
Nonetheless, come November 7, 2016, this yellow dog will, as ever, vote straight Democratic.
The possibility of another Marquis de Scalia or Uncle Thomas on the Supremes is too horrifying to contemplate.
458
Oops,
$463 billion.
* rearranging the rocks we already bombed and building nice places for the Taliban, also known as the army Reagan built, to take over.
$463 billion.
* rearranging the rocks we already bombed and building nice places for the Taliban, also known as the army Reagan built, to take over.
2
I have a hard time understanding why so many have said HRC stint on SNL was so ... "aced it"? She is not known for her spontaneity, people who need to control rarely (never) are, and appeared "out of her comfort zone." Hillary showed in the debate she is her own best selling propaganda machine. Yes, there were the suspect half truths and lies, "I am a progressive that gets things done." Who knew? Well, I for one, (of many) don't buy it. No doubt she has her pollster(s) on speed dial. Gotta know which way the winds are blowing.
5
The local TV station has just informed us that Lincoln Chafee has said that he is still in the race to be the Democratic nominee.
It's not over yet.
It's not over yet.
1
Hillary will need Gail's rainbow for her upcoming showdown with former prosecutor Trey Gowdy. Gowdy has been a cult figure ever since his banjo playing appearance in "Deliverance".I think the ratings gurus at CNN, MSNBC, and Fox will have hyped this as a political version of the first Ali-Frasier fight. The initial confrontation will be electric and must see T.V.
2
I love you,Gail! God bless the mother who made you!!!
GO BERNIE!!!
GO BERNIE!!!
6
All Hail Hillary, Debate Champion, presumptive Democratic Monarch and Queen of all she surveys ! An Imperial Presidency with Hillary at the helm looks pretty good right about now.
Hillary will righteously assail 'The Donald', his faux campaign and remorseless braggadocio.
Who better to Dump the Trump than the Queen of the People ?
Hillary will righteously assail 'The Donald', his faux campaign and remorseless braggadocio.
Who better to Dump the Trump than the Queen of the People ?
5
A good week for politics as usual. The media were fast & furious to tell everyone that the debate was about appearance rather than policy, which supposedly corrected our impression that Clinton was only confident, not convincing.
Sanders, Webb & O'Malley actually seemed aware of reality: a broken system, a corrupt media, a government run by & for elite financial interests. Clinton's message was that the system works fine & she knows how to use it. She will compromise with uncompromising Republicans, rake in the cash from enlightened cororate & Wall Street donors, win the votes from uninformed swing voters, bravely survive (rather than investigate) the politically motivated "investigations." "We're not Denmark", she opined, as if our corruption enabled our success, rather than our injustices. Perhaps she can be as successful as Obama or her husband in wresting "compromises" like the sequester, TARP, Obamacare, permanent tax cuts for the wealthy & uninforced financial reform from the broken system. But her success is part of that system, and it's a system where most of us are losing more and more ground every year.
Sanders, Webb & O'Malley actually seemed aware of reality: a broken system, a corrupt media, a government run by & for elite financial interests. Clinton's message was that the system works fine & she knows how to use it. She will compromise with uncompromising Republicans, rake in the cash from enlightened cororate & Wall Street donors, win the votes from uninformed swing voters, bravely survive (rather than investigate) the politically motivated "investigations." "We're not Denmark", she opined, as if our corruption enabled our success, rather than our injustices. Perhaps she can be as successful as Obama or her husband in wresting "compromises" like the sequester, TARP, Obamacare, permanent tax cuts for the wealthy & uninforced financial reform from the broken system. But her success is part of that system, and it's a system where most of us are losing more and more ground every year.
29
Everything in the NYT is thoroughly drenched in Hillary House Salad Dressing.
Am I missing the Hillary-fawning gene receptor that the general population and NYT staff has ?
Of course I'll vote for Hillary if my other option is a Christian Shariah Voodoo Economic witch doctor sipping from a GOP ayahuasca sippy cup, but perhaps the country does deserve a two-person debate between Hillary 'Ferdinand Pecora' Clinton and Bernie Sanders about the financial industry.
After all, domestic economic terrorists who wreck the economy every ten years or so with Greed Over People unregulated casino gambling have been a problem.
When Bernie Sanders said and meant “Congress does not regulate Wall Street; Wall St regulates Congress”, he was talking about Hillary.
Hillary's actual Wall St. 'speaking fees' from just the year 2013 were:
Morgan Stanley $225,000
Deutsche Bank $225,000
Fidelity Investments $225,000
Apollo Mgmt $225,000
Itau BBA USA Securities $225,000
Sanford Bernstein $225,000
Goldman Sachs $225,000 (1st time)
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts $225,000
UBS Wealth Mgmt $225,000
Goldman Sachs $225,000 (2nd time)
Goldman Sachs $225,000 (3rd time)
Golden Tree Asset Mgmt $275,000
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/documents/13/HRC_2013_Speeches_-_Tax_Retu...
Bernie Sanders' speaker fees from Wall St were ZERO.
Wall St dropped Bernie off in a dumpster in a warehouse district when he showed up to speak....al expenses paid.
Hillary represents Wall St...Bernie Sanders does not.
Feel the Bern
Am I missing the Hillary-fawning gene receptor that the general population and NYT staff has ?
Of course I'll vote for Hillary if my other option is a Christian Shariah Voodoo Economic witch doctor sipping from a GOP ayahuasca sippy cup, but perhaps the country does deserve a two-person debate between Hillary 'Ferdinand Pecora' Clinton and Bernie Sanders about the financial industry.
After all, domestic economic terrorists who wreck the economy every ten years or so with Greed Over People unregulated casino gambling have been a problem.
When Bernie Sanders said and meant “Congress does not regulate Wall Street; Wall St regulates Congress”, he was talking about Hillary.
Hillary's actual Wall St. 'speaking fees' from just the year 2013 were:
Morgan Stanley $225,000
Deutsche Bank $225,000
Fidelity Investments $225,000
Apollo Mgmt $225,000
Itau BBA USA Securities $225,000
Sanford Bernstein $225,000
Goldman Sachs $225,000 (1st time)
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts $225,000
UBS Wealth Mgmt $225,000
Goldman Sachs $225,000 (2nd time)
Goldman Sachs $225,000 (3rd time)
Golden Tree Asset Mgmt $275,000
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/documents/13/HRC_2013_Speeches_-_Tax_Retu...
Bernie Sanders' speaker fees from Wall St were ZERO.
Wall St dropped Bernie off in a dumpster in a warehouse district when he showed up to speak....al expenses paid.
Hillary represents Wall St...Bernie Sanders does not.
Feel the Bern
855
Right on! Let's not neglect also that her foot dragging on the Keystone XL Pipeline could be attributed more to her acceptance of campaign contributions from fossil fuel industries to the tune of hundreds of thousands rather than her moral & ethical confusion about whether Alberta Tar Sands were the dregs of the oil sector or not. Also the campaign contributions to the Super Pac Clinton Foundation from global companies who are set to benefit from TPP should not be overlooked as her sudden conversion to populist protectionism as a campaign strategy to beat Sanders smells as rotten as fish in Denmark.
2
Apparently, Golden Tree Asset Management could use a more effective negotiator.
3
So long as a candidate needs to amass hundreds of millions of dollars to run a presidential campaign, and so long as any candidate for national office needs to raise tens of millions of dollars to run, we aren't going to get away from Wall Street, other corporate interests and billionaire narcissists funding campaigns. You simply don't get that kind of money $25 at a time from constituents. They all need to be talking about how we reform this Citizen's United mess.
4
Hillary justs WANTS to be the first women POTUS....so badly she will...
yes...just smile...and smile...and change her mind about anything ...just
to let you see how brave she can be with all the e mail investigation by the
Federal Govt going on..
Well...just let her lead us into WWIII....when the military industrial complex
turns on the heat.
The question is....could Hillary lead us....She voted FOR the Iraq War...!!!
yes...just smile...and smile...and change her mind about anything ...just
to let you see how brave she can be with all the e mail investigation by the
Federal Govt going on..
Well...just let her lead us into WWIII....when the military industrial complex
turns on the heat.
The question is....could Hillary lead us....She voted FOR the Iraq War...!!!
3
Eye of Newt was dropped by the Weird Sisters in later potions.
They found that it mostly produced gas. Some trouble, but mostly gas.
They found that it mostly produced gas. Some trouble, but mostly gas.
8
Gail, I harbor no disrespect toward Lincoln Chafee and Jim Webb, but these guys could have been the reason the Democratic Debate outdrew "The Walking Dead." As another columnist pointed out, Webb was so out of step with the current Democratic Party that it appeared, at times, that he'd gotten 'lost' on his way to the REPUBLICAN debate(s).
And poor Chafee had trouble articulating even his own answers and positions, including excusing himself for an errant vote (in hindsight) by referencing the death of his father.
Chafee was correct that we need "to end the wars," but likely to no avail, while the thought of a hawkish Clinton-Webb ticket is almost too unpalatable and untimely to consider.
These two appear to be good men who've made terrible candidates. Put a fork in them -- They're 'zombies.'
And poor Chafee had trouble articulating even his own answers and positions, including excusing himself for an errant vote (in hindsight) by referencing the death of his father.
Chafee was correct that we need "to end the wars," but likely to no avail, while the thought of a hawkish Clinton-Webb ticket is almost too unpalatable and untimely to consider.
These two appear to be good men who've made terrible candidates. Put a fork in them -- They're 'zombies.'
89
Gail. Please. it is early. I spat coffee out over the added newts.
5
Frank Bruni used the magic / sorcery metaphors yesterday. And today with Gail Collins its the witch with the spells. What is That? Personally I thought Carly Fiorina was the wicked witch of the west. What's that make Mrs Clinton ? Glenda the good witch of the North.
Actually I can picture Hillary sitting over a cauldron stirring the pot saying Ah .. now it's time for this .. and than a little of that to make this happen. Yelling for Chelsea to fetch some special ingredient and letting out a loud sarcastic cackle.
Actually I can picture Hillary sitting over a cauldron stirring the pot saying Ah .. now it's time for this .. and than a little of that to make this happen. Yelling for Chelsea to fetch some special ingredient and letting out a loud sarcastic cackle.
3
Certainly Sanders was 'authentic,' whatever that word currently means in reference to politicians. But he completely missed his first and best opportunity to expunge the scary connotations from the term 'socialism,' which omission will ultimately sink his campaign. I keep seeing polls that say that Americans would rather vote for a mentally ill left-handed Iraqi atheist lesbian Wall Street banker or some such than for a socialist. Sanders could easily have mentioned that all infrastructure, public transportation, municipal services, etc. are examples of existing socialism that have not turned American cities into dystopian Leningrads or never-ending out-takes from 'A Clockwork Orange.' Bernie, like all zealots, is tone-deaf, believing that his truths are self-evident, requiring only publicity to ensure acceptance.
Clinton may not be 'authentic' in the social media, don't-you-dare-have-an-unexpressed-thought kind of way, but who cares? In this sense, 'authentic' is just the updated version of saying the Dubya was someone you'd like to have a beer with. The vast majority of voters are never going to imbibe with any sitting president, be it Bud Lite or Veuve Cliquot. The likability factor will seem a lot less relevant when she's dealing with thugs like Putin or ISIS; that's when her skill and experience will vindicate her as the only viable choice among existing Democratic candidates.
Clinton may not be 'authentic' in the social media, don't-you-dare-have-an-unexpressed-thought kind of way, but who cares? In this sense, 'authentic' is just the updated version of saying the Dubya was someone you'd like to have a beer with. The vast majority of voters are never going to imbibe with any sitting president, be it Bud Lite or Veuve Cliquot. The likability factor will seem a lot less relevant when she's dealing with thugs like Putin or ISIS; that's when her skill and experience will vindicate her as the only viable choice among existing Democratic candidates.
20
I think she's had lots of experience dealing with thugs in our own congressional hearings, and, I think she's proved that she can handle them pretty well.
1
"Maybe Clinton has been using that Macbeth recipe, the one involving eye of newt."
I assume you meant to capitalize Newt, Gail? A great deal can be traced back to the unmissed Speaker G.
I assume you meant to capitalize Newt, Gail? A great deal can be traced back to the unmissed Speaker G.
20
"...utterly ruined the committee’s credibility by suggesting its purpose was to destroy Clinton’s presidential campaign."
This has been completely obvious to almost everyone, except apparently the press, for a very long time.
This has been completely obvious to almost everyone, except apparently the press, for a very long time.
66
Lynn, I second that. Not that I'm Hillary's biggest fan, but an organized anti-Clinton witch-hunt has been around for a generation; it was dormant for a while after Bill left office but awoke the second there was even a hint that Hillary might run. If it had not been for Benghazi, it would have been about something else. This isn't a mere cottage industry; if Hillary were to be elected President without an accompanying Congressional landslide, you could expect hearing after hearing after hearing that would make President Obama's term look like a walk in the park.
And the press would go along for the ride.
And the press would go along for the ride.
3
Ah, no--big difference between "almost everyone" and a confession.
Bernie won all the post-debate polls, by 50% or more over HRC. Polls represent people who vote. Collins represents only her own op & her employer.
86
You did notice this section, right:
"Sanders did fine. In fact, he seemed to win the focus groups, and small donors poured in a new font of money. The country deserves a two-person debate between him and Clinton, maybe just about the financial industry."
"Sanders did fine. In fact, he seemed to win the focus groups, and small donors poured in a new font of money. The country deserves a two-person debate between him and Clinton, maybe just about the financial industry."
1
MCP, patriarchal America needs to adjust its attitude toward the woman who is a seasoned and prepared world leader, and recognize Bernie's role as a political pace horse. What was truly noteworthy Tuesday evening was the high level of qualified, experienced Democratic BENCH STRENGTH standing on that stage. Every single speaker there has credible credentials, major personal achievements and results of their endeavors that demonstrate performance on behalf of their CONSTITUENTS. They all understand politics, have superior leadership skills, and understand that their role is to work for and on behalf of ALL the American people. Hillary will make a very fine president if we are fortunate enough to have her successfully win the 2016 election. The rest of those "grumpy old men" could make excellent Cabinet appointees, Vice Presidents, or perhaps even a Supreme Court appointee. Bernie has found and articulated the voice of the vanishing American Middle Class quite brilliantly; HRC has both the strategic vision and tactical, collaborative expertise to execute policies that will turn the country around toward the restoration of our Middle Class. There is not one single announced GOP presidential candidate that even belongs on the same stage with those five people with respect to the skills required for the job. The GOP campaign finance machinations over the past several years with Citizens' United, etc., cannot substitute for brains, diligence, achievement and perseverence.
2
The New York TImes and the rest of the media are corporations, and though they are loathe to admit it, they are shaking in their boots at the prospect of a Sanders' win.
1
All well and good plus very clever. Of course we expect that from Gail Collins. However, from my perspective she doesn't get it. The catastrophe that Wall Street begat is not "a problem", it is "the problem". Her cute little story about mom and pop stores as the model of capitalism was fine, if that was reality. It is not. Our country is run by behemoth corporations funded by six or seven banks centered in one neighborhood of one city. Their culture is one of taking advantage of people, even their best customers. Sorry Hillary, it may be the case that we have to clean up messes of your capitalism story, but we should not have to. "Free markets" only pay off for the citizens with strong regulation.
140
So you're expecting the Republicans to do better? The anti-regulation (except for ordinary citizens) guys? Ha ha ha ha ha.
2
"...it didn’t hurt to be a woman surrounded by four crabby-looking men, only one of whom seemed to have any actual excuse for being there."
Great line, Gail. For me, it was a most unexpected turn of events. Suddenly Clinton emerges from defensive crouch in the face of GOP attacks, with this spate of good news, and voila, she shines.
The knowledge she can survive, and triumph (at least for me she did) gives me renewed confidence that her "inevitability" might be a good thing. The primary process is long, and sometimes grim--but Clinton seems to have the grit to get through it. Not only that, even though most of the candidates on the stage were "old", she somehow managed to exude a cheerful energy far below her years. Without cosmetic surgery, I might add.
Bring on the Benghazi witch trial. It's the right season, the right time, and perhaps the country will get to see even more evidence that Gowdy's inquisition is a waste of taxpayer funds.
Great line, Gail. For me, it was a most unexpected turn of events. Suddenly Clinton emerges from defensive crouch in the face of GOP attacks, with this spate of good news, and voila, she shines.
The knowledge she can survive, and triumph (at least for me she did) gives me renewed confidence that her "inevitability" might be a good thing. The primary process is long, and sometimes grim--but Clinton seems to have the grit to get through it. Not only that, even though most of the candidates on the stage were "old", she somehow managed to exude a cheerful energy far below her years. Without cosmetic surgery, I might add.
Bring on the Benghazi witch trial. It's the right season, the right time, and perhaps the country will get to see even more evidence that Gowdy's inquisition is a waste of taxpayer funds.
107
Bear in mind that we're talking about Hillary Clinton shining at a Democratic Primary debate, in a house full of Democrats. It's been a very different story on the bigger stage. Just something I think we all need to remind ourselves of.
Yes, it's comforting to know that Hillary Clinton is adept at handling herself. That's crucial if she's to have any chance at all. But her very serious vulnerabilities were shunted aside during this debate; they didn't disappear.
Yes, it's comforting to know that Hillary Clinton is adept at handling herself. That's crucial if she's to have any chance at all. But her very serious vulnerabilities were shunted aside during this debate; they didn't disappear.
Agree with you completely. Also, "Gowdy's inquisition" has a certain ring to it, maybe it's become part of our vernacular. Unfortunately.
1
All I know is that before the debate, I had no idea who Lincoln Chafee was, where he came from or why he's running for...President of the United States?
I can say now that I still don't have those answers.
I can say now that I still don't have those answers.
22
Go Hillary.
24
if the Republicans regain the white house it will be due to gerry-mandering, out-right lies, citizens united and the political illiteracy of a large portion of the American voting public, add to that the remaining resentment of racists who couldn't get over President Obama's eight years. Certainly, the difference between substance and foolishness couldn't have been plainer after the contrast between the Republican and Democratic debates.
182
Mcacho38 you hit it right on the head!
"Citizens United and political illiteracy of a large portion of the American voting public" is the only reason to vote for any of the clowns still standing (inert matter) on the stage.
Why else would a woman vote for any of these woman-hating men??
(Trump yells that he loves woman.....so much so that he is loudly demanding Planned Parenthood be closed! .......SO go ahead boys...do whatever it takes to shut the place down.)
Men will vote their pocket book, except help me understand if you fall in the Middle Class or lower, WHY you vote for a Repub?
Ignorance in this case is not bliss.
"Citizens United and political illiteracy of a large portion of the American voting public" is the only reason to vote for any of the clowns still standing (inert matter) on the stage.
Why else would a woman vote for any of these woman-hating men??
(Trump yells that he loves woman.....so much so that he is loudly demanding Planned Parenthood be closed! .......SO go ahead boys...do whatever it takes to shut the place down.)
Men will vote their pocket book, except help me understand if you fall in the Middle Class or lower, WHY you vote for a Repub?
Ignorance in this case is not bliss.
Well, well, well, after being savaged from left, right, and center month after month after month, after month, Hillary Clinton is "bloody but unbowed." And so this is news, from the same American media who kicked and punched at her and provided the good senator from Vermont with a toe-hold on what was left of the "Hil." What's the plan for act 2 of this contrived media drama?
30
I haven't heard anyone say that very little of what was discussed in the debate would have been discussed had Bernie not been in the presidential race. And Hillary's positions on so many issues would not be what they are today.
429
I agree with the general theme that the media seems to be having a hard time giving credit where credit is due -- in the context you mention, in the context I mentioned earlier (about O'Malley's role in Glass-Steagall's prominence in last night's debate), in plenty of other contexts this campaign season. And while I recognize that this is the opinion section of the paper, I am looking for coverage, not politics from the writers -- I would at least like to start from the same set of facts. And giving credit where credit is due reminds me of the issue underlying the problem of plagiarism, a problem I suspect journalists would agree needs to be not engaged in; to my mind, misrepresenting someone so as not to give them credit commensurate to their contribution is equally a problem, it's also robbing them of their work product. It comes across to me as an easier way of dismissing someone being excluded for a reason the person doing the dismissing does not want to mention. To me, both look like tools for defining insiders and outsiders according to social concerns, not intellectual ones.
5
Everyone is glad he is in the race, but practically speaking, Hillary's position as a centrist with leftist roots is more palatable to the country at large.
I can't believe how many Deems were drinking GOP Kool-Aid. Thank goodness Bernie was a smart adult and asked for an end to the email silliness.
Now Hillary can show just how much experience and talent she has.
Now Hillary can show just how much experience and talent she has.
47
Tha Benghazi committee is going to interrogate Hillary Clinton? Clinton is going to run down Trey Gowdy like a truck. I can't wait; she is about a football field smarter than any Repiblican on that committee; this will be a very, very satisfying hearing, I hope that she leaves nothing of Gowdy and his politcslly-motivated, taxpayer money squandering colleagues but the shreds of clothing on their bleached, bare bones. (With a smile of course.)
260
What is with Times columnists today?? First Charles Blow comes up with an incredibly sexist title belittling Hillary as Queen Hillary in his totally objective post debate column. Now Gail Collins takes a whack at the Hillary Clinton piñata with a Halloween inspired title implying Hillary Clinton is a witch. Hey sometimes circumstances just fall your way and that's what happened to Hillary Clinton. Joe Biden's waffling over a whether or not he should run, Bernie Sanders helpful "America is sick and tired of hearing about your d--n emails" remark and a relatively weak Democratic debate field all contributed to Hillary Clinton's success. It's comforting to know that Donald Trump isn't the only one with a problem with the mainstream media taking him seriously.
Here's a word of advice to Charles Blow and Gail Collins--please leave the Hillary bashing to Maureen Dowd. She's had so much experience taking down Hillary Clinton and there's no way Charles Blow and Gail Collins can hope to compete with that.
Here's a word of advice to Charles Blow and Gail Collins--please leave the Hillary bashing to Maureen Dowd. She's had so much experience taking down Hillary Clinton and there's no way Charles Blow and Gail Collins can hope to compete with that.
17
And don't forget Frank Bruni, who called her a "seamstress" and "sorceress" in yesterday's column.
Dowd can't let it go. Any of it. She's hopeless.
Dowd can't let it go. Any of it. She's hopeless.
6
I did not think Blow's or Collins' articles were sexist.
4
Sunshine for Hillary, but clouds and only peeks of sun for Sanders?
It’s time for enforcement of equal protection of the laws for older men candidates with white hair, and NY accents, and direct, no nonsense in your face frankness. A victim of media bias and discrimination unlike anything we’ve seen in politics.
Constant carping on his physical and personality characteristics, designed to divert attention from the policies he proposes with such focus.
Gail can’t leave out of this column that Sanders is cranky? Didn’t she put that in her first column citing him months ago? No, I remember, she used the world gruff that time. All this time, and Gail can’t get past it. Does she recognize her own distortions?
It’s time for enforcement of equal protection of the laws for older men candidates with white hair, and NY accents, and direct, no nonsense in your face frankness. A victim of media bias and discrimination unlike anything we’ve seen in politics.
Constant carping on his physical and personality characteristics, designed to divert attention from the policies he proposes with such focus.
Gail can’t leave out of this column that Sanders is cranky? Didn’t she put that in her first column citing him months ago? No, I remember, she used the world gruff that time. All this time, and Gail can’t get past it. Does she recognize her own distortions?
47
Try imagining a gruff AND cranky U.S. president negotiating with our allies and others. Makes me cringe.
Bernie also said that America was sick and tired ... period. This is not a guy you want with you at a wake -- he'd have everyone ELSE scrambling to get into the coffin.
Did anyone else notice that when Bill said "ohmigod, they're multiplyin!", Kate McKinnon was wearing a blue dress? Hillary probably got more votes with that SNL appearance than the debate will ever deliver -- among other reasons, more people were probably watching. But, then, a lot of people DID watch the debate, didn't they? Probably hoping for a glimpse of a buff Billster in the crowd: note that Hillary's crowd were so together that he wasn't even there to steal her thunder, buff or not.
And, no, I certainly can't imagine Ted Cruz as a sympathetic bartender -- maybe a defendant at Army-Cruz hearings ... "Mr. Cruz, have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
On to the REAL prize fight, please, Hillary against JEB!, and no way to call it until the last vote is counted.
"Eye of newt and toe of frog; Wool of bat and tongue of dog; Adder's fork and blind worm's sting; Huma can do anything." Except maybe keep Anthony Weiner from using his cellcam.
Did anyone else notice that when Bill said "ohmigod, they're multiplyin!", Kate McKinnon was wearing a blue dress? Hillary probably got more votes with that SNL appearance than the debate will ever deliver -- among other reasons, more people were probably watching. But, then, a lot of people DID watch the debate, didn't they? Probably hoping for a glimpse of a buff Billster in the crowd: note that Hillary's crowd were so together that he wasn't even there to steal her thunder, buff or not.
And, no, I certainly can't imagine Ted Cruz as a sympathetic bartender -- maybe a defendant at Army-Cruz hearings ... "Mr. Cruz, have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you left no sense of decency?"
On to the REAL prize fight, please, Hillary against JEB!, and no way to call it until the last vote is counted.
"Eye of newt and toe of frog; Wool of bat and tongue of dog; Adder's fork and blind worm's sting; Huma can do anything." Except maybe keep Anthony Weiner from using his cellcam.
5
"On to the REAL prize fight, please, Hillary against JEB!, and no way to call it until the last vote is counted."
I find this statement disconcerting for several reasons - First, while it is increasingly obvious Clinton will win the nomination (keeping in mind everyone was saying the same thing at this point in 2007), the same cannot be said about Bush. He's stuck in the middle of a pack of mediocre candidates and gaining no traction at all. Also, it is entirely too early to anoint anyone the nomination considering no votes have actually been cast. and finally, I find it entirely idiotic to say "until the last vote is counted" in the context of a Bush presidential election when Jeb Bush used his position as Florida's governor to make damn sure NOT all votes were counted.
I find this statement disconcerting for several reasons - First, while it is increasingly obvious Clinton will win the nomination (keeping in mind everyone was saying the same thing at this point in 2007), the same cannot be said about Bush. He's stuck in the middle of a pack of mediocre candidates and gaining no traction at all. Also, it is entirely too early to anoint anyone the nomination considering no votes have actually been cast. and finally, I find it entirely idiotic to say "until the last vote is counted" in the context of a Bush presidential election when Jeb Bush used his position as Florida's governor to make damn sure NOT all votes were counted.
4
Oh, Ms. Collins, even you are now contributing to "the beat goes on" for HRC. After reading your piece all I could think of was Sonny and Cher, and at my age, that's not good. I simply cannot get past the throbbing conviction that the Times is determined to squeeze HRC's debate performance into the equivalent of a size 9-foot into a size-7 shoe. HRC came off as airbrushed; her night was distinguished by the fact that, Bernie Sanders excepted, she debated the junior varsity. Is the Times so terrified of the GOP/TP alternative that it has adopted a take-no-prisoners editorial position in favor of HRC? I would like to know why, at the Times, Bernie Sanders doesn't count. I will (after taking a very deep breath) vote for her in 13 months if she heads up the ticket because the general election, given the delights on the other side, are not worth considering. I want to know why Bernie Sanders is being shamed and portrayed as a beggar at the door.
136
Mrs. Clinton is having a good month because the smear campaign
against her is collapsing. Furthermore, she rocked the casbah
during the first debate. She was in command and dominated
the proceedings.
Now if the press stops playing along with the smear artists
and does its job, the road to 1600 will be a lot easier.
Word.
against her is collapsing. Furthermore, she rocked the casbah
during the first debate. She was in command and dominated
the proceedings.
Now if the press stops playing along with the smear artists
and does its job, the road to 1600 will be a lot easier.
Word.
62
Sanders ‘extreme crankiness’ has to be compulsively mentioned, even when ‘he did fine’? Thanks. Yes, HC did well, but not THAT well.
I don’t get why there’s an obvious NY Times bandwagon going on. First it was all dissing Sanders and now all rah rah Hillary. All alike. Can’t there be some variation? Some issue discussion instead of just horse race?
All the news that’s fit to print? Or all the news that's fit for ---what? Cable TV? The Web?
Readers might like to know, what do the op ed columnists think of fair wealth tax rates, a financial transaction tax, reversing Citizens United, restoring regulations, and how to finance college tuition---just to name a few. Is it verboten to discuss unions and min wage? Is it too much of a stretch to switch to these from the horse race, once in a while?
This is the nation’s most prestigious and authoritative newspaper? Seems as the quality of our campaigns declines, so does our media coverage.
Of course the Dems had a better debate than Gop—anything would be better. If the inmates of an insane asylum staged a debate for who would be president of the inmate association---it would sound like the Republican debates!
Did the decline in media start with television changing over to news infotainment, and cable TV 24 hour blather to fill air time, then the web and instant trendiness and click bait? Then the newspapers, trying for revenue, follow along? Will this get worse? What could reverse it? It's big money in politics of course.
I don’t get why there’s an obvious NY Times bandwagon going on. First it was all dissing Sanders and now all rah rah Hillary. All alike. Can’t there be some variation? Some issue discussion instead of just horse race?
All the news that’s fit to print? Or all the news that's fit for ---what? Cable TV? The Web?
Readers might like to know, what do the op ed columnists think of fair wealth tax rates, a financial transaction tax, reversing Citizens United, restoring regulations, and how to finance college tuition---just to name a few. Is it verboten to discuss unions and min wage? Is it too much of a stretch to switch to these from the horse race, once in a while?
This is the nation’s most prestigious and authoritative newspaper? Seems as the quality of our campaigns declines, so does our media coverage.
Of course the Dems had a better debate than Gop—anything would be better. If the inmates of an insane asylum staged a debate for who would be president of the inmate association---it would sound like the Republican debates!
Did the decline in media start with television changing over to news infotainment, and cable TV 24 hour blather to fill air time, then the web and instant trendiness and click bait? Then the newspapers, trying for revenue, follow along? Will this get worse? What could reverse it? It's big money in politics of course.
320
I'm all for the Bernie issues. What I want to know is how anyone in the Presidency will get anything done with another GOP dominated Congress which is practically guaranteed by gerrymandering? The President doesn't write or pass the laws. S/he signs them or opposes them. A Democratic President with a Republican Congress is a recipe for four more years of do-nothingism. A Republican President would mark the beginning of an official oligarchy.
3
Isn't it strange how the media fixates on the word socialism when describing Sanders yet somehow leaves out democratic when mentioning the Senator's political philosophy?
There is a difference, you know?
Most voters need to understand the difference for Sanders to have any chance at securing the nomination.
Alas, with too many people glued to their smart-phone screens watching the latest cat video on Facebook, unless there is an app for political nuance, I'm afraid the only "Bern" Sanders supporters will feel next summer will be the hot sun on their necks as they watch Ms. Clinton crowned at the convention on a live DNC stream from said phones.
There is a difference, you know?
Most voters need to understand the difference for Sanders to have any chance at securing the nomination.
Alas, with too many people glued to their smart-phone screens watching the latest cat video on Facebook, unless there is an app for political nuance, I'm afraid the only "Bern" Sanders supporters will feel next summer will be the hot sun on their necks as they watch Ms. Clinton crowned at the convention on a live DNC stream from said phones.
39
RE: "Isn't it strange how the media fixates on the word socialism "
What's so strange about it? Sanders explicitly uses the word himself to describe himself, emphasizing its meaning has been misinterpreted by the media, and deliberately given a bad connotation.
What's so strange about it? Sanders explicitly uses the word himself to describe himself, emphasizing its meaning has been misinterpreted by the media, and deliberately given a bad connotation.
5
When folks quake at the "democratic socialism" moniker, ask them how they like Social Security, Medicare, or farm subsidies. All good examples of "democratic socialism." As FDR said so eloquently, "all we have to fear is, fear itself."
13
So true. I heard him speak at a gathering in Washington, and he very clearly introduced himself by saying he was not a liberal, he was a socialist. Can't be any clearer than that.
1
I think Hillary did what she had to do, and I believe Donald Trump was quoted the morning after as saying the same thing. Hillary won us over, women, and we are going to elect our first woman POTUS. btw, when Hillary was running in 2008, I recall that she had a slogan: "Hillary!" Wouldn't it be fun if "Hillary!" was running in 2016 against "Jeb!" or "Ted!" or "Marco!" !!!!!!!
18
Hillary said exactly what she always says. She gave a spin that she thought the public wanted to hear. ANYONE who thinks they know the true Hillary is delusional. She changes her positions as quickly as the weather changes in Chicago (she was a Republican Goldwater supporter before she was a Democrat). And IF she becomes president, she will have achieved what she has wanted all the time...........to be the first female president and that is all. Certainly not to serve the people of the United States, but to serve herself.
As a lifelong female I will NOT be voting for Hillary. She cannot be trusted.
As a lifelong female I will NOT be voting for Hillary. She cannot be trusted.
2
She can be trusted to nominate candidates for the Supreme Court who are not Alito, Roberts, etc.
3
The reason Hillary remains well ahead of the other candidates for the nomination is because she has devoted decades to build a credible resume. Make no mistake, the moment the Republican candidate starts bringing the skeletons out of her closet, tables will turn. No presidential candidate can promise change and remain credible. Congress has proven an effective roadblock to meaningful change needed to protect the middle class.
14
What skeletons?
6
The Republicans have been rummaging around the Clinton closet for decades now.
Do you really think they can still find skeletons? If so, why have they been tying to plant phony skeletons in there for years now?
Do you really think they can still find skeletons? If so, why have they been tying to plant phony skeletons in there for years now?
15
"a home run" for Clinton. Yesterday it was Bruni, earlier today Blow and now Collins. I'm adding to comments I made earlier to Charles Blow's column.
It really does appear that there a schedule hung next to the coffee maker at the NY Times listing whose turn it is to tell us all that Clinton "won" the debate, despite what the polls of non-pundit Americans say.
We the voters will make up our own minds about who won, thanks very much. And we have: https://i.imgur.com/kwUIpTJ.jpg The main stream media, including the Times, cannot override the on-line voices of millions of Americans.
It really does appear that there a schedule hung next to the coffee maker at the NY Times listing whose turn it is to tell us all that Clinton "won" the debate, despite what the polls of non-pundit Americans say.
We the voters will make up our own minds about who won, thanks very much. And we have: https://i.imgur.com/kwUIpTJ.jpg The main stream media, including the Times, cannot override the on-line voices of millions of Americans.
135
That's what they said about the "Ron Paul rEVOLution," too.
Thanks, Jlalbrecht.
1
@esp: You're welcome. I'm a huge NYT fan. An international herald tribune reader for decades (since I moved overseas). A NYT reader since they went on-line and a subscriber for at least five years. And yet I'm embarrassed supporting a newspaper that is so clearly biased; so clearly corporatist.
I did more research since my first comment (which I actually posted 8 hours ago but only got approved 2 hours ago). On-line polls aren't scientific, that is true. That being said, there are NO on-line polls that show Clinton won. There are a couple that even have her 3rd (after Webb). Every single poll shows Sanders winning the debate.
The disconnect between the public and the corporate pundits could not be more stark. Rather shocking, actually. I knew things were bad, but I didn't think it was this bad. I think this will backfire for the corporate media. It is a wake-up call that will only make Sanders supporters more dedicated to getting out his message, and getting out the vote.
I did more research since my first comment (which I actually posted 8 hours ago but only got approved 2 hours ago). On-line polls aren't scientific, that is true. That being said, there are NO on-line polls that show Clinton won. There are a couple that even have her 3rd (after Webb). Every single poll shows Sanders winning the debate.
The disconnect between the public and the corporate pundits could not be more stark. Rather shocking, actually. I knew things were bad, but I didn't think it was this bad. I think this will backfire for the corporate media. It is a wake-up call that will only make Sanders supporters more dedicated to getting out his message, and getting out the vote.
2
"“This may not be politically correct, but I think that there was a big part of this investigation that was designed to go after people and an individual, Hillary Clinton,” Rep. Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.) said on a morning radio show in upstate New York."
Another shoe drops.
Another shoe drops.
260
In the debate as I remember it, it was actually O'Malley who talked about Glass-Steagall the most and the most insistently for its resurrection. This piece doesn't mention that but does call him out for his campaign's apparently odd interpretation of the debate in a subsequent email. Maybe the spell is distorting the energy fields surrounding audience members, too.
26
If Collins' column were actually about issues, I would give it a D-. But entertainment is entertainment, and the separation of powers, China, and both foreign and corporate cybersecurity are merely subjects about America's future. So, Gail, nice Arts Section review of a TV show. Yes, Clinton came off well, but as the front-runner, her basic goal was to avoid gaffes and not lose votes.
The debate was basically designed as entertainment, much of it a CNN set-up. The immigration question was of a "have you stopped beating your wife" nature. Webb was marginalized. Post debate commentators largely had an agenda.
Webb came off poorly as a TV personality, but he brought up issues no other candidate would touch, that Cooper did not pursue, and the Times in articles so far has not pursued, most notably concerning the separation of powers, China, and both foreign and corporate cybersecurity. Though not the best TV candidate, Webb has a legitimate case as making the best President.
Chafee eliminated himself sadly with his explanation of his Senate vote. Instead of saying, "I blew it" and moving on, he sounded like a whiner, albeit one with legitimate cause. A Presidential candidate can get away with lying but not whining.
Webb and Sanders showed the best understanding of the political process itself, indicating the possibility of accomplishing things as President without Democratic control of Congress, something Clinton certainly would not excel in.
The debate was basically designed as entertainment, much of it a CNN set-up. The immigration question was of a "have you stopped beating your wife" nature. Webb was marginalized. Post debate commentators largely had an agenda.
Webb came off poorly as a TV personality, but he brought up issues no other candidate would touch, that Cooper did not pursue, and the Times in articles so far has not pursued, most notably concerning the separation of powers, China, and both foreign and corporate cybersecurity. Though not the best TV candidate, Webb has a legitimate case as making the best President.
Chafee eliminated himself sadly with his explanation of his Senate vote. Instead of saying, "I blew it" and moving on, he sounded like a whiner, albeit one with legitimate cause. A Presidential candidate can get away with lying but not whining.
Webb and Sanders showed the best understanding of the political process itself, indicating the possibility of accomplishing things as President without Democratic control of Congress, something Clinton certainly would not excel in.
24
Webb is considered by many to be a mild-republican. He would not have a chance.
If Collins' column were actually about issues, I would give it a D-. But entertainment is entertainment, and the separation of powers, China, and both foreign and corporate cybersecurity are merely subjects of about America's future. So, Gail, nice Arts Section review of a TV show. Yes, Clinton came off well, but as the front-runner, her basicr goal was to avoid gaffesand not lose votes.
The debate was basically designed as entertainment, much of it a CNN set-up. The immigration question was of a "have you stopped beating your wife" nature. Webb was marginalized. Post debate commentators largely had an agenda.
Webb came off poorly as a TV personality, but he brought up issues no other candidate would touch, that Cooper did not pursue, and the Times in articles so far has not pursued, most notably concerning the separation of powers, China, and both foreign and corporate cybersecurity. Though not the best TV candidate, Webb has a legitimate case as making the best President.
Chafee eliminated himself sadly with his explanation of his Senate vote. Instead of saying, "I blew it" and moving on, he sounded like a whiner, albeit one with legitimate cause. A Presidential candidate can get away with lying but not whining.
Webb and Sanders showed the best understanding of the political process itself, indicating the possibility of accomplishing things as President without Democratic control of Congress, something Clinton certainly would not excel in.
The debate was basically designed as entertainment, much of it a CNN set-up. The immigration question was of a "have you stopped beating your wife" nature. Webb was marginalized. Post debate commentators largely had an agenda.
Webb came off poorly as a TV personality, but he brought up issues no other candidate would touch, that Cooper did not pursue, and the Times in articles so far has not pursued, most notably concerning the separation of powers, China, and both foreign and corporate cybersecurity. Though not the best TV candidate, Webb has a legitimate case as making the best President.
Chafee eliminated himself sadly with his explanation of his Senate vote. Instead of saying, "I blew it" and moving on, he sounded like a whiner, albeit one with legitimate cause. A Presidential candidate can get away with lying but not whining.
Webb and Sanders showed the best understanding of the political process itself, indicating the possibility of accomplishing things as President without Democratic control of Congress, something Clinton certainly would not excel in.
5
No dem will pass anything be these repugs. They don't care about the country.The reason to vote dem is to keep repug a from naming a Supreme Court justice.p
6
I'm 70. JFK was slain on my 19th birthday. Been political all my life. It's hard to explain just how much daring and stamina Hillary gives to women and girls particularly.
Hillary was giving great speeches all Spring and Summer -- they just weren't being reported. So the debate allowed others to see what I've always seen --> smart, tough, funny, a champion for people like me with no voice. We all got the skipping-down-the-street and the brightly colored bird! Yippee!
Hillary was giving great speeches all Spring and Summer -- they just weren't being reported. So the debate allowed others to see what I've always seen --> smart, tough, funny, a champion for people like me with no voice. We all got the skipping-down-the-street and the brightly colored bird! Yippee!
212
Looking back at hearings on the Hill regarding any number of issues, Hillary has always impressed me with her composure and level-headed response to questioning. She is decisive without being heavy-handed, and often adds some humor. I like that she does not feel/appear threatened by hostile questions and can give as good as she gets.
2
Other the Clinton and Sanders, no one has any traction. Look for the next debate to be a two person affair
18
Martin O'Malley did very well. Those other two guys...who are they?
8
Gail, the Capitol won't have to levitate; we'll settle for GOP'ers on the committee squirming, swatting, and wincing as if they are getting pricked with needles :)
69
Ahh, but were the "bad months" by her own grievous fault--or were they foisted by committees of congress from branches who have lost their heads, kicking/running like grandmother's chickens, reflectively alive but brain dead?
Closer to truth is the volume of media coverage which has forsaken happy talk or happy times for invented, predetermined tragedies while ignoring real ones! The hint and imagination of things undone and unknown are enough for the confession booth of public opinion to turn into mob actions leading to the modern gaols--the public digital square where ratings and rankings are dropping because 700 of us (out of 320 million!) didn't like the color of her pants suit, which is about the only thing we don't know about Mrs. Clinton today!
Taking Hillary out of the stew is like tasting the corn in okra soup; it isolates a particular flavor while missing the uniqueness and intricate whole of the multi-element perlo/gumbo/soup; it overlooks how it was prepared and how much heat was put underneath, how much spice was added, and what stage of preparation the spoon was dipped. Along with the technical details is the milieu of the neighbors who decree sinners and saints in sound bites and buzz!
So is she "huge"? Or "bad"? Is she "a liar"? (What happened to the woman who stole the epithet slung at Barack to use on Hillary?) Maybe she's just Hillary, reconstructed and retouched, with the insights of the past that we continue to hold her feet to.
Closer to truth is the volume of media coverage which has forsaken happy talk or happy times for invented, predetermined tragedies while ignoring real ones! The hint and imagination of things undone and unknown are enough for the confession booth of public opinion to turn into mob actions leading to the modern gaols--the public digital square where ratings and rankings are dropping because 700 of us (out of 320 million!) didn't like the color of her pants suit, which is about the only thing we don't know about Mrs. Clinton today!
Taking Hillary out of the stew is like tasting the corn in okra soup; it isolates a particular flavor while missing the uniqueness and intricate whole of the multi-element perlo/gumbo/soup; it overlooks how it was prepared and how much heat was put underneath, how much spice was added, and what stage of preparation the spoon was dipped. Along with the technical details is the milieu of the neighbors who decree sinners and saints in sound bites and buzz!
So is she "huge"? Or "bad"? Is she "a liar"? (What happened to the woman who stole the epithet slung at Barack to use on Hillary?) Maybe she's just Hillary, reconstructed and retouched, with the insights of the past that we continue to hold her feet to.
12
Hillary Clinton also has much in common with the well-known president of Croatia who is completing an important state visit to China, acknowledging strengthening relations. As Croatia is a member in NATO and the EU, President Xi Jinping made known that in both organizations, China has a "firm friend."
Croatia's president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the first woman and youngest person to hold the president's office has also had her share of scandals and bad judgement calls. Coming from similar working class roots (her family were butchers and ranchers), Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, like Clinton, excelled in college, winning a Fulbright and a fellowship to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. She, too, like Clinton, is versed in international relations; appointed her country's Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2005, her strong positions left her at odds with domestic politicians.
During her term as American ambassador, her husband created a scandal: he was secretly taped using an embassy car without authorization, for private matters, although a car and driver were available to him 24/7. She went to work for the UN, before being elected President.
She is committed to Croatia's engagement in China's "One Road, One Belt" initiative: stronger trade ties among an economic land belt along the original Silk Road through Asia, the Middle East, to Europe; with new maritime routes.
She is blonde, with two children. Photos of her in a bikini earned the usual memes.
Croatia's president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the first woman and youngest person to hold the president's office has also had her share of scandals and bad judgement calls. Coming from similar working class roots (her family were butchers and ranchers), Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, like Clinton, excelled in college, winning a Fulbright and a fellowship to Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. She, too, like Clinton, is versed in international relations; appointed her country's Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2005, her strong positions left her at odds with domestic politicians.
During her term as American ambassador, her husband created a scandal: he was secretly taped using an embassy car without authorization, for private matters, although a car and driver were available to him 24/7. She went to work for the UN, before being elected President.
She is committed to Croatia's engagement in China's "One Road, One Belt" initiative: stronger trade ties among an economic land belt along the original Silk Road through Asia, the Middle East, to Europe; with new maritime routes.
She is blonde, with two children. Photos of her in a bikini earned the usual memes.
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do you think we could all be "reconstructed and retouched?"
Most are! ("Reconstructed and retouched.") The most successful makeover was the never mentioned pariah George Wallace whose monstrous mea culpas (all on video!) were confessed with due penitence; he was never impugned for "changing." What's wrong with change for the better?
Barack did it. (Intra-gender marriage.) Boehner did it. (Resigned.) But Donald, Ben, Carly, Jeb and Ted won't! (Maybe the beginning of a TV reality group of former candidates trying to re-enter private life; note the need: Huckee's bitter, unsuccessful (absent finances) transition, Santorum's, and Gingrich's! They pine and relive loopy fantasies in which they all won, by chads and codes!)
Barack did it. (Intra-gender marriage.) Boehner did it. (Resigned.) But Donald, Ben, Carly, Jeb and Ted won't! (Maybe the beginning of a TV reality group of former candidates trying to re-enter private life; note the need: Huckee's bitter, unsuccessful (absent finances) transition, Santorum's, and Gingrich's! They pine and relive loopy fantasies in which they all won, by chads and codes!)
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The big victors in the debate were the financial institutions that are too big to fail. If Teddy Roosevelt were told that the financial industry is made up of a small number of firms that needed Federal bail outs, his response would be the same as Sanders response......they are too large to exist.
The third term of the Clinton Administration will bring no financial reforms. It was Bill Clinton who signed the repeal of Glass - Steagall.
The third term of the Clinton Administration will bring no financial reforms. It was Bill Clinton who signed the repeal of Glass - Steagall.
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And. Bill Clinton now says he regrets that action. I would like to point out that Bush 43 took over after Clinton and had a GOP controlled Congress. Is it rational to say Glass-Steagal wouldn't have been dropped in any case.
3
Funny, Gail! Your portrayal of Lady Macbeth, errr... HRC, is the perfect antidote to the gushing of your fellow pundits. Here's to the Capitol levitating when the Benghazi hearings get underway.
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No, that recipe comes from the "three weird sisters."
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All the glam in the world won't cover up that HIlliary Clinton gets her money from Wall Street and she voted to go into Iraq. No amount of knowing looks and chin lifting will convince me of her progressive bonafides on the Keystone Pipeline or the flip flop on the TTP. She's a corporatist and that's exactly what this country doesn't need right now. Bernie Sanders is the only one with the consistent voting record and history of going to bat for people's civil and economic rights. Why is it, that CNN who is owned by Warner, who gave big bucks to Clinton, was the host of the supposedly neutral debates? And why is it, that all corporate media is in favor of Clinton? The powers that be, do not wish to see a successful Bernie Sanders campaign, I've concluded. At first I couldn't believe the dismissiveness of him..like an outright lie. Now, I, am along with others getting pretty angry about it.
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Fox News isn't keen on her. And they don't get more corporate.
6
I'll vote for whoever gets the Democratic nomination. I shudder to think about who might be appointed to the Supreme Court by a GOP president. People complain about Bernie not getting enough press coverage, and I think they have a point. But I can't help but remember the coverage Hillary got in 2012, when it was all about her appearance. And now the coverage is all about Benghazi and emails. The reviews on her debate performance are a welcome relief. Be careful what you wish for, Bernie supporters.
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Sanders is a good man, I love him and everything he stands for (except gun control) but he is not electable, period.
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A shoo in 'gainst Repubs should be,
None even close to Hillary,
Bernie's better she ain't
With Banker/Wall Street taint,
Her Iraq vote still bothers me!
None even close to Hillary,
Bernie's better she ain't
With Banker/Wall Street taint,
Her Iraq vote still bothers me!
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Maybe a GOP president shaping the Supreme Court would bother you more.
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David,
I don't think Larry is suggesting he wouldn't vote for Hillary if he is the candidate.
I don't think Larry is suggesting he wouldn't vote for Hillary if he is the candidate.
5
To David
I thought that was obvious.
I thought that was obvious.
5
Hillary did good, and I mean Nadia Comaneci at the ’76 Olympics good. She showed mastery of all the skills, she had poise under pressure, and she stuck the landing. Her harshest critics wilted in the glare of her smile. They gave her a perfect 10.
But to be fair, she had the best coaches money could buy. She had the inside track of having been in the White House for eight years and the grueling experience of having run a brutal race and lost the political marathon at the last minute to a skinny Kenyan. But marathons always seem to be won by a skinny Kenyan.
But as good as she was, I think the post-debate analysis could have given more consideration to degree of difficulty. That honor went to Bernie Sanders. He’d been given little serious attention by a national press that dismissed his chances from the start. They assumed that a schlubby, aging socialist was a novelty act that couldn’t compete in the big leagues.
But without teams of script writers and make-up artists and coaches, Sanders stood toe-to-toe with the champ. He brought down the house talking to the middle class, about the middle class. He rose above petty politics, and scored his best point giving his stiffest competitor a leg up on the e-mail issue. His fans responded, and sent him two million dollars, mostly in nickels and dimes. Nobody had to wonder if he was authentic, or if his hands were clean, or if he meant what he said.
This race is for the people to decide, not the judges. Go Bernie.
But to be fair, she had the best coaches money could buy. She had the inside track of having been in the White House for eight years and the grueling experience of having run a brutal race and lost the political marathon at the last minute to a skinny Kenyan. But marathons always seem to be won by a skinny Kenyan.
But as good as she was, I think the post-debate analysis could have given more consideration to degree of difficulty. That honor went to Bernie Sanders. He’d been given little serious attention by a national press that dismissed his chances from the start. They assumed that a schlubby, aging socialist was a novelty act that couldn’t compete in the big leagues.
But without teams of script writers and make-up artists and coaches, Sanders stood toe-to-toe with the champ. He brought down the house talking to the middle class, about the middle class. He rose above petty politics, and scored his best point giving his stiffest competitor a leg up on the e-mail issue. His fans responded, and sent him two million dollars, mostly in nickels and dimes. Nobody had to wonder if he was authentic, or if his hands were clean, or if he meant what he said.
This race is for the people to decide, not the judges. Go Bernie.
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You seem to fault Secretary Clinton for having good people helping her. If she wins the Presidency, in fact whoever wins, they will need to have competent, like-minded allies to pursue their agenda. Being able to marshall a successful campaign staff and conduct an organized, focussed campaign portends an organized and focused administration. I cna find a lot of fault with Hillary Clinton. She's too cozy with Wall Street and too full of herself in many ways. I'd love to see Bernie Sanders win but my fear is that if he is the Democratic nominee that the GOP will take the Presidency because people are afraid of the Socialist moniker.
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Look, I like Bernie a lot too, but socialist is a scary word for most Americans. I don't think you can get elected president in 2016 America if you call yourself a socialist and don't even bother to explain what you mean by it when Anderson Cooper asks you why you think a socialist can get elected. Expressing disdain for casino capitalism and admiration for Denmark is fine, but doesn't get the job done. Not nearly.
Bernie won't get the nomination because he's unelectable. But he has done tremendous service by pushing income inequality to the top of issues that candidates must now address, pushing Hillary leftward, pointing out corruption of our democracy, etc.
Thanks, Bernie!
Bernie won't get the nomination because he's unelectable. But he has done tremendous service by pushing income inequality to the top of issues that candidates must now address, pushing Hillary leftward, pointing out corruption of our democracy, etc.
Thanks, Bernie!
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So right Gemli,... And With speech writers and advisors HC stood toe to toe with the truth teller Sanders to a greater extent. She’s coming along. Now we’ll see.
Without speech writers and handlers, Sanders was the most impressive.
Is the media offended by authenticity, even as they pretend to call for it? Happy talk, keep talking happy talk.
Without speech writers and handlers, Sanders was the most impressive.
Is the media offended by authenticity, even as they pretend to call for it? Happy talk, keep talking happy talk.
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