Gail, what do you mean by saying that Sanders is not doing all that well in the polls? He's at 33% nationally, and tied with Clinton in Iowa and NH. Unlike Clinton, he's still relatively unknown by most Americans, so he fact that he's only 19% behind Clinton is actually impressive. However, the storyline that the MSM keeps repeating is that somehow he is unelectable. This is accomplished by keeping stories about Sanders to a minimum or using negative adjectives like "grumpy" and "cranky" to describe this incredible statesman. The corporate owned and sponsored NYT may want HRC, but we the electorate have yet to cast one vote. Just wait!
44
Writing a column and submitting it for publication is always subject to events intervening between the time the column is written and its appearance in print or online. Most of the time it does not matter, but once in a while the events change the mood of the reader and of the writer. The column, of course, is already out there with a life of its own.
The events last night in Paris changed the mood of everyone. The Gail Collins column is still funny and witty, and we will enjoy it in a couple days or so. The memory of the barbarity in Paris will remain, as well it should, but we will move on. Hopefully, we will take appropriate action to stop the terrorists and avenge the deaths in Paris.
The aims of the terrorists, whether they be ISIS or some other group, are to paralyze us with fear into doing nothing or to provoke over-reaction. Our response to Paris must make neither mistake.
We look forward to reading Gail Collins’ nest column.
The events last night in Paris changed the mood of everyone. The Gail Collins column is still funny and witty, and we will enjoy it in a couple days or so. The memory of the barbarity in Paris will remain, as well it should, but we will move on. Hopefully, we will take appropriate action to stop the terrorists and avenge the deaths in Paris.
The aims of the terrorists, whether they be ISIS or some other group, are to paralyze us with fear into doing nothing or to provoke over-reaction. Our response to Paris must make neither mistake.
We look forward to reading Gail Collins’ nest column.
9
Wasserman-Shultz needs to step down. She's become too Republican-like in the tactics that, coincidentally, all favor her friend Hillary Clinton. Find someone who has the best interests of the people at heart. She scheduled a minimal number of debates and at times when few will be watching.
She also had a hand in driving Lawrence Lessig out of the primary. Unfortunately, few Democrats had the opportunity to learn the critical importance of Mr. Lessig's message, that all the policy talk in the world will do nothing toward getting a Democrat's policies enacted, not until we first deal with campaign finance reform. As long as our politicians, on both the left and the right, are beholden to special moneyed interests, our government can do nothing that actually serves the American people. This is the most important message of our time, and people like Wasserman-Shultz are doing their best to keep that fact buried. She's too focused on raising as much money for the DNC as possible, and doesn't feel she can afford to allow campaign finance reform to be embraced as a Democratic priority.
What ever you think of Ms Clinton, there's no denying that she's corrupt. She has yet to mention at any debate the need to end influence peddling in our government. And the news media, which derives great financial benefit from our current corrupt election system, has been complicit. No debate moderator in any of the debates has asked about campaign finance reform or government corruption.
She also had a hand in driving Lawrence Lessig out of the primary. Unfortunately, few Democrats had the opportunity to learn the critical importance of Mr. Lessig's message, that all the policy talk in the world will do nothing toward getting a Democrat's policies enacted, not until we first deal with campaign finance reform. As long as our politicians, on both the left and the right, are beholden to special moneyed interests, our government can do nothing that actually serves the American people. This is the most important message of our time, and people like Wasserman-Shultz are doing their best to keep that fact buried. She's too focused on raising as much money for the DNC as possible, and doesn't feel she can afford to allow campaign finance reform to be embraced as a Democratic priority.
What ever you think of Ms Clinton, there's no denying that she's corrupt. She has yet to mention at any debate the need to end influence peddling in our government. And the news media, which derives great financial benefit from our current corrupt election system, has been complicit. No debate moderator in any of the debates has asked about campaign finance reform or government corruption.
25
To start, I'm a different Rob,so I'm not having trouble making my mind by saying I'll watch tonight's debate.But I do agree-as does O' Mally ,that Wasserman should be fired for scheduling this debate on a Saturday night when few of the younger voters the candidates need to win over,won't be watching.Reinstate Howard Dean as the DNC Chair.
On the other hand, at least tonight we shouldn't hear any of three debaters utter such moronic nonsense about "If those Paris concert goers had been armed"...and Hillary will get a chance to be convincing that she's not the hawk she used to be; and it'll be the chance for my first choice,Bernie,to show that he realizes that doing nothing in response to the Paris attacks isn't an option.
On the other hand, at least tonight we shouldn't hear any of three debaters utter such moronic nonsense about "If those Paris concert goers had been armed"...and Hillary will get a chance to be convincing that she's not the hawk she used to be; and it'll be the chance for my first choice,Bernie,to show that he realizes that doing nothing in response to the Paris attacks isn't an option.
24
"...testing the Marines to see if they were sexist." I feel this is a real stretch.
5
Bernie needs to defend his status as a democratic socialist by pointing out we already have socialism in this country what with supplementing oil, corn, sugar, the military. His plans would make it more equitable. He should not attack Hillary on the emails but on her inability to take the correct courageous stand on issues the first time, whether it be voting for Iraq war, support of don't ask don't tell and DOMA, and NAFTA.
27
I too like Bernie who, along with Trump and Paul is one of the trio who is not a hawk and not likely to start WW3. Hillary and Carly with their plans for a no-fly zone over Syria, a sovereign country and supported by Russia, are issuing a clear invitation to a world war.
My problem with Bernie is that he wants to expand abortion rights. But the US already allows abortion twice as long as France or Italy or Germany. What does he have in mind exactly? Allowing abortion for 12 months into the pregnancy?
But I know, THAT position is also popular among some (all?) here.
My problem with Bernie is that he wants to expand abortion rights. But the US already allows abortion twice as long as France or Italy or Germany. What does he have in mind exactly? Allowing abortion for 12 months into the pregnancy?
But I know, THAT position is also popular among some (all?) here.
3
Best column in months! A good counterpoint for the rest of today's news and commentary.
4
With Debbie Wasserman Schultz head of the DNC, it is clearly going to be an uphill battle for the Dems to prevail in 2016. This is clearly a shame for this country if another Republican is elected. Someone, somehow, some place should realize how inept this woman is and replace her immediately for the good of the Democratic party and the country!!! Scheduling the Dem debate on a Saturday night and also during the NFL playoffs is absolutely absurd!!!
19
Wouldn't it be wonderful if a huge number of people watched? It would give me hope that we could get out of the clutches of the Kochs and return to a democracy.
The Kochs are a bigger threat to us than ISIL.
The Kochs are a bigger threat to us than ISIL.
30
Given yesterday's events in Paris, this debate has suddenly become a disaster waiting to happen for the Democratic candidates. CBS's always smug John Dickerson (who always acts in passive-aggressive anti-Dem ways) will lead them down a trail that will likely be totally no-win -- generating soundbites that will give GOP candidates open season for cheap shots.
And the good-news / bad-news is that it is on Saturday night. The good news is that it won't have much viewership. The bad news is that the lack of viewership will provide a great opportunity to take sound-bites totally out of context -- with precious few having appropriate perspective to see the distortions.
This is the night that may cost the Dems the election....Ugh.
And the good-news / bad-news is that it is on Saturday night. The good news is that it won't have much viewership. The bad news is that the lack of viewership will provide a great opportunity to take sound-bites totally out of context -- with precious few having appropriate perspective to see the distortions.
This is the night that may cost the Dems the election....Ugh.
25
If this one night costs the Dems the election, then it will be because their trajectory is already far advanced in a trajectory to lose. Fortunately I do not believe that is the case both because of the strength and credentials of the Democratic front runner (and bench), but also because of the lunatic lineup of candidates seeking the Republican nomination. The bar that gang needs to clear to come up with even a semblance of credibility in the general election may be out of its reach.
13
What Clinton will say about the TPP is that the currency manipulation provisions aren't legally enforceable and that's always been a red line for her. She sees trade as part of foreign policy, so something that isn't going to advance her smart power agenda isn't a good idea. I hope Sanders doesn't resort to attacks over those emails to try and drag her down -- as he correctly noted, there is a process that is still in play, but I suspect the press will try to help him out, since so many are rooting for Clinton to fail.
O'Malley doesn't look like the future when you look at Baltimore, beyond the shiny waterfront, and into the areas where lots of Freddie Grays live. While he did sign a lot of progressive legislation, he did it in a true blue state, a state, which at this moment, isn't giving him a lot of love--that says something.
Democrats are lucky that all our candidates are sitting at the adult table and I hope the conversation remains civil and focused on issues.
O'Malley doesn't look like the future when you look at Baltimore, beyond the shiny waterfront, and into the areas where lots of Freddie Grays live. While he did sign a lot of progressive legislation, he did it in a true blue state, a state, which at this moment, isn't giving him a lot of love--that says something.
Democrats are lucky that all our candidates are sitting at the adult table and I hope the conversation remains civil and focused on issues.
9
My guess is that many Iowans will be tuned in to the Iowa-Minnesota football game rather than spending time watching the coronation of Hillary. To those true Iowans, Floyd of Rosedale is more important this time of year than any politician. If the Democrats were really tuned in to Iowa, they would not have created this scheduling conflict.
5
If one's idea of a macabre date night is your cup of tea then may I suggest watching the low lights from the last GOP debate. As Ms. Collins suggests, there is a plethora of ridiculous commentary flying over the transom to pick from, with every Republican hopeful providing us with enough comedy fodder to last the entire night and perhaps if one is inclined to recline would carry them till dawn.
I use the term "macabre" because after reading this morning the callous opportunistic remarks emanating from GOP presidential drones after the terrorist attacks in Paris - blaming Paris' strict gun control as the culprit, and of course blaming President Obama for again being soft on terrorism and refusing to label Islam and Muslims terrorists.
According to The Donald, Buffoon Extraordinaire, his Final Solutions include building a wall around France, arming the citizenry, deporting all foreigners, and to add a touch of Trump Class to the festivities, the US should bomb our enemies back to the Stone Age. Well there you have it. The Donald has become the new Fred Flintstone. A cartoon character come to life. Yaba-Daba-Doo!
Makes one scratch their head and wonder if there is someone left in the GOP clown car with a smidgen of sanity? Dare I even think it, could it be that in this motley crew it is JEB!, Kasich, Graham and even Santorum who come across as The Reasonable Ones? There, I said it. And yes, it is that bad.
DD
Manhattan
I use the term "macabre" because after reading this morning the callous opportunistic remarks emanating from GOP presidential drones after the terrorist attacks in Paris - blaming Paris' strict gun control as the culprit, and of course blaming President Obama for again being soft on terrorism and refusing to label Islam and Muslims terrorists.
According to The Donald, Buffoon Extraordinaire, his Final Solutions include building a wall around France, arming the citizenry, deporting all foreigners, and to add a touch of Trump Class to the festivities, the US should bomb our enemies back to the Stone Age. Well there you have it. The Donald has become the new Fred Flintstone. A cartoon character come to life. Yaba-Daba-Doo!
Makes one scratch their head and wonder if there is someone left in the GOP clown car with a smidgen of sanity? Dare I even think it, could it be that in this motley crew it is JEB!, Kasich, Graham and even Santorum who come across as The Reasonable Ones? There, I said it. And yes, it is that bad.
DD
Manhattan
20
I know it's incomprehensible to most readers of the Times that any of the gang of Republicans could be elected come 2016. But I beg them to remember that George Bush was elected to a second term. Get to work!
48
Correct answer to Hillary's question re: TPP: "My carefully considered opinion, formed over the last 30 seconds is that I'll say anything that might ingratiate me with 100 more voters. Win win win . . . isn't that the point of all this?"
17
I hope voters will give Martin O'Malley a listen tonight. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders do not have a lock on the Democratic nomination. Gov. O'Malley does not have Hillary's tiresome baggage, and at age 52 Martin is 22 years younger than Bernie. How about a fresh face who is well-qualified to be President and could deal with 8 years in the White House.
8
Belle - I so agree with you!
1
That old saw : If you always do what you've always done, you always get what you always got. If you're happy with what you've always got, then Hilary.
4
Lawyers in those days were always attracted to the marines because of the JAG corps as one of the most prestigious paths for law and future judgeships.
13
I wonder if O'Malley can break through? The Press certainly hasn't given him much space.....So many Dems opine they will "vote for Hillary but will hold their nose!"
1
Tonight, I can skip watching Hillary, Bernie and Martin debate on television without feeling guilty as a loyal Democrat for letting everyone down. I never thought I’d be happy to say that we have to attend a dressy benefit dinner downtown on Saturday night. It’s for a good cause --- really.
4
Look, Gail. I just don't want you to think we are ignoring you. It's just that events on the ground have changed today's political playbook. You know, the Paris attacks, and all that. We are all Parisians, today. Our hearts go out to the families of those killed and injured. Be strong, France.
I bet you aren't even reading these comments. Just to see, I'm going on record as saying Hillary would have been a great Marine. They have a thing about fidelity, and she's stuck by Bill all these years, even when, you know...
11
Or they might tell you they prefer Candidate X because he looks out for others more than himself.
1
CBS has said that in light of the ISIS attacks on France they will switch gears and talk about terrorism. The contestants have already practiced for the questions to be about finance and now they wil have to pretty much think on their feet, something that Clinton is horrible at.
3
You’d think someone would at least do the “Anti-Trump” deal.
It’s easy! All they have to do is claim that they can solve both the illegal immigration and renewable energy problems with one bill. If at minimum wage, all the illegals collect all our nation’s lawn clippings for the grassanol program, they would easily win the election.
More seriously, Democrats don’t need to go heavily anti-republican at this time. The elephants stomp each other more than enough.
It’s easy! All they have to do is claim that they can solve both the illegal immigration and renewable energy problems with one bill. If at minimum wage, all the illegals collect all our nation’s lawn clippings for the grassanol program, they would easily win the election.
More seriously, Democrats don’t need to go heavily anti-republican at this time. The elephants stomp each other more than enough.
5
Gee, glad I saw this column....while the GOP debates are "trump"eted all over every form of media, I had seen NOTHING about this debate until this column today... just barely caught Rachel Maddow's Dem forum on a re-broadcast late at night. The GOP is having so many debates that they are getting SO much more attention...and little new is learned in each outside of the fact that the polls afterward show that moderate Republicans need not apply.
Too bad so little is known about Martin O'Malley that he can't get much traction in the polls. His biggest advantage is that the GOP attack machine has not noticed him either, so were he improbably elected the automatic opposition machine would take a little more time to gear up. He seems like a good man with the core values that Democrats and moderates on both sides can usually get behind. Bernie Sanders is authentic and even though "socialist" is a poison pill in this country thanks to the McCarthy era, is on the right track about what we need to do as a country to even out the playing field and make work pay a living wage again. Unfortunately he is mostly a one issue candidate--an important issue that affects us all, but one issue nonetheless. That leaves Hillary Clinton. She has the experience, the know how, and the "balls" to lead the country competently. Unfortunately the GOP attack machine won't let her agenda live one day so would need a DEM Congress sweep to survive.
Too bad so little is known about Martin O'Malley that he can't get much traction in the polls. His biggest advantage is that the GOP attack machine has not noticed him either, so were he improbably elected the automatic opposition machine would take a little more time to gear up. He seems like a good man with the core values that Democrats and moderates on both sides can usually get behind. Bernie Sanders is authentic and even though "socialist" is a poison pill in this country thanks to the McCarthy era, is on the right track about what we need to do as a country to even out the playing field and make work pay a living wage again. Unfortunately he is mostly a one issue candidate--an important issue that affects us all, but one issue nonetheless. That leaves Hillary Clinton. She has the experience, the know how, and the "balls" to lead the country competently. Unfortunately the GOP attack machine won't let her agenda live one day so would need a DEM Congress sweep to survive.
8
Well, I'll be watching - I really don't get all the angst & resentment about a Saturday night debate. I think it says more about the folks who don't want major issues to interrupt their entertainment than it says about the Democratic chair. Really, we have a problem in the US with voter turnout & participation. The entitlement of "Don't interfere with my weekend" is jaw-dropping.
71
On the heels of the horrific attack on Paris, people may tune in to hear what Hillary has to say ... but I completely agree, very dumb to schedule debates on a Saturday night ... Wasserman Shultz completely underestimates Bernie and what he has, and can, bring to the conversation. As a Democrat I am deeply frustrated by another election season where the Republican freak show debates dominate the field. We deserve real debates, real conversations. There are real problems in the world that can not be solved by flashy words and talking points.
15
It will be a pleasure tonight to hear Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton address yesterday's terrorist attacks in Paris and will establish - without doubt - that she is the MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATE to be the next President of the United States of America. Can anyone imagine DT, BC, TC or MR reactions to this if they ran the country. WAR, WAR, WAR. NO, NO, NO.
9
I guess I'll catch this one post debate, online, in pieces. I too wish someone who could, would fire Wasserman. Most people make plans in advance to be with friends and family on Sat. nights! It feels deliberate, to keep exposure to Bernie low since his message is far more resonant and exciting than Hillary's. Wasserman Shultz must marginalize him to keep the rest of Americans in the dark eh?
19
I would like to hear Hillary Clinton defend the 1/2 trillion military expenditure that resulting in training "4 or 5" reliable anti-Assad soldiers. I would like to hear Hillary Clinton defend the use of American military to remove Gaddafi from Libya only to allow ISIS to have a safe haven, creating havoc in the region. I'd like to know exactly why she voted for George W Bush's Iraq War, how she justifies using US taxpayer dollars to remove Assad, a Democratically elected President from power in Syria, why she believes that 54 billion dollars is reasonable for the National Intelligence Program & 16.5 billion for the Military Intelligence Program, when so many other countries direct their federal budget towards the safety that results from investing in communities, education & strong families. I would like to know her answer, if she was running a city with a limited budget, whether she would invest in a new city bus so people could get to a job, a police officer position to increase public safety, a new park for the children, a music, PE/ arts teaching position to decrease class size or tax incentives to attract developers to build a new shopping mall? How, exactly, does she plan on helping minimum wage workers, including those with a college degree, find a well paying job similar to those of the now increasingly endangered union jobs. Does she support corporations like Air BnB or Uber that hire people as contract labor without benefits that don't pay city or state taxes?
19
Once again pollsters are leaving out the cell phones and polling only land lines, so no one knows how much support Bernie Sanders actually has.
The revolution that Sanders is calling for is a must to get the Nation back to some semblance of reality. Millions of people must come out to vote and the democratic party must harness that energy and those numbers to take congress back in spite of the gerrymandering.
I am hoping that republicans will see the truth of their candidates and either vote for the democrat or stay home in disgust.
Without Bernie's revolution we will continue to plod along until enough white males who feel disrespected die off early as they seem to be doing, or grow up and realize the disrespect is not coming from their poor black and brown brethren, but from the fascists who have been the republican party the last 35 years.
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is not the person to harness this revolution, democrats should put legalized pot amendments on every state's ballot to inspire a youth turnout, along with some old stoners who keep forgetting to vote.
The revolution that Sanders is calling for is a must to get the Nation back to some semblance of reality. Millions of people must come out to vote and the democratic party must harness that energy and those numbers to take congress back in spite of the gerrymandering.
I am hoping that republicans will see the truth of their candidates and either vote for the democrat or stay home in disgust.
Without Bernie's revolution we will continue to plod along until enough white males who feel disrespected die off early as they seem to be doing, or grow up and realize the disrespect is not coming from their poor black and brown brethren, but from the fascists who have been the republican party the last 35 years.
Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is not the person to harness this revolution, democrats should put legalized pot amendments on every state's ballot to inspire a youth turnout, along with some old stoners who keep forgetting to vote.
26
Hmmm Saturday night. Could there be other things to do? No. The World Series is over.
1
I'm sure this column was written before the latest horror in Paris, but there's no way tonight's debate will stick to the economy. Islamic terrorism is not only the issue of the day, but of our time. Hillary has a built-in advantage here, but it will be interesting to see which candidate avoids being politically correct and addresses it head on--because rote avoidance of the words Islamic terrorism just won't cut it anymore.
www.newyorkgritty.net
www.newyorkgritty.net
5
The only real question for the Dems is if the FBI does or does not indict Hillary. Sanders will be a non-factor, and O'Malley should quit.
Let's ask these candidates how our country will do when growth stops.
Has anyone anywhere figured out living with something called stability?
Has anyone anywhere figured out living with something called stability?
Gail another laugh and learn column. In the 1940's and 50's there was a popular comedy radio program called “It Pays to be Ignorant.” and the principal difference between that program and the GOP debates was that the radio program was funny and you laughed rather than being horrified. Those debates were more like another radio program called “Lights Out” which scared the hell out of me.
I am so tired of liars wrestling with the liars all looking for a dagger to back stab when you can see in this game of Ten Little Indians that Ted Cruz is the murderer and Trump his accomplice.
And now we turn to the Democratic debate. For me it’s the choice among vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. I prefer any to the dose of mud pies and cod liver oil the GOP is offering. Ideologically my heart is with Bernie but my head is with Hillary. Everyone knows Hillary. Some hate her; but to be hated by the hateful is not unusual. She has a commanding lead in the polls and will almost certainly be the nominee. The difference between Hillary and any conservative is that when the people say what, Hillary moves accordingly and the conservatives say they know better. Hillary has the best chance to win election and carry down ticket races.
But what will she do if elected? How about helping ordinary people, something the GOP will never do. Yesterday one of our best commentors nailed that by saying the GOP will campaign in fantasy and govern in payback.
I am so tired of liars wrestling with the liars all looking for a dagger to back stab when you can see in this game of Ten Little Indians that Ted Cruz is the murderer and Trump his accomplice.
And now we turn to the Democratic debate. For me it’s the choice among vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. I prefer any to the dose of mud pies and cod liver oil the GOP is offering. Ideologically my heart is with Bernie but my head is with Hillary. Everyone knows Hillary. Some hate her; but to be hated by the hateful is not unusual. She has a commanding lead in the polls and will almost certainly be the nominee. The difference between Hillary and any conservative is that when the people say what, Hillary moves accordingly and the conservatives say they know better. Hillary has the best chance to win election and carry down ticket races.
But what will she do if elected? How about helping ordinary people, something the GOP will never do. Yesterday one of our best commentors nailed that by saying the GOP will campaign in fantasy and govern in payback.
6
Gail,Your references to Bernie Sanders Renaissance activities has opened up a whole knew area of cutting edge inquiry for the bizarre group of Republican candidates. The fantasies of Bobby Jindal, Carly Fiorina, and of course Monotone Ben could be horrifying game changers. Ted and Marco reciting the Iconic lyrics of Kanye could be a cross cultural breakthrough.
I think I speak for the entire nation when I express our collective heartbreak at Jeb!'s $10 bill choice of American icon Margaret Thatcher over Miley Cyrus or Lady Gaga.
6
Gail,
Great column, I especially want to thank you for bringing up the ethanol issue. I have always been ashamed of the candidates pandering to the corn folks in Iowa, when they know it makes zero sense to use food producing soil to blow out our tailpipes and also reduce the miles per gallon in our internal combustion driven economy. It takes guts and the Dems need votes but this issue separates the leaders from the panderers.
HOWEVER, the French event will dramatically change the Debate. This debate will be on ISIS, foreign "policy", and the immediate counterterrorism preparedness of the US and the Western World.
The Peace loving World and the Western Alliance has not performed well in getting to the germinating factors of ISIS. Our media folks can't seem to get to the core players and discover what their issue really is.
As a recent Secretary of State, with the highest access to the national security establishment, HRC should be able to outline a strategy and its costs, tonight. Senator Sanders and Governor O'Malley won't have the same burden but It still escapes me why we can't shut down the gun running and sale of military supplies to the militants in to non-state sponsored actors like ISIS.
I can't figure out why we don't know the location of every pound of explosives and every weapon in existence.
We need your humor, don't ever stop, but the attacks in France are too serious to ignore. I suspect this will also be Topic A at the G-20 meeting in Turkey.
Great column, I especially want to thank you for bringing up the ethanol issue. I have always been ashamed of the candidates pandering to the corn folks in Iowa, when they know it makes zero sense to use food producing soil to blow out our tailpipes and also reduce the miles per gallon in our internal combustion driven economy. It takes guts and the Dems need votes but this issue separates the leaders from the panderers.
HOWEVER, the French event will dramatically change the Debate. This debate will be on ISIS, foreign "policy", and the immediate counterterrorism preparedness of the US and the Western World.
The Peace loving World and the Western Alliance has not performed well in getting to the germinating factors of ISIS. Our media folks can't seem to get to the core players and discover what their issue really is.
As a recent Secretary of State, with the highest access to the national security establishment, HRC should be able to outline a strategy and its costs, tonight. Senator Sanders and Governor O'Malley won't have the same burden but It still escapes me why we can't shut down the gun running and sale of military supplies to the militants in to non-state sponsored actors like ISIS.
I can't figure out why we don't know the location of every pound of explosives and every weapon in existence.
We need your humor, don't ever stop, but the attacks in France are too serious to ignore. I suspect this will also be Topic A at the G-20 meeting in Turkey.
9
Kevin Rothstein, I agree that the NYT comment tally usually favors Sanders by a landslide. You might have noticed that that result can be replicated in many comment sections on the Internet. It can also be seen in polls that show that Sanders, in spite of the near complete lack of coverage of his campaign, polls as much as 10 points stronger than Clinton in a general election. (The problem is likely Sec'y Clinton's -6 favorable rating and high "untrustworthy" numbers) Don't take my word for it. Google "Sanders/vs/ GOP polling" and "Clinton/favorable/untrustworthy". Bottom line: if your paramount concern is electing a Democratic president, Sanders is your man.
20
Let's end the dog and pony show and admit that Hillary is the nominee. Barring a cataclysmic misstep (highly unlikely), it's time to anoint her. The Benghazi hearing inadvertently buoyed her status and the emails will prove to be much ado about nothing. Makes me sad because Bernie is so superior to her in every way but even Bernie fans should acknowledge that he could not win the general election.
4
I acknowledge no such outcome. For the Democrat to win, voter turnout is key, and I believe that candidate Bernie would turn out the Millennials, possibly even Boomers (certainly the frustrated leftists) far more effectively than candidate Hillary --- plus, he'd do better with independents than she would.
8
A waste. The subject was so boring that not even a Cincinnatian could juice it up.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz should be fired. Scheduling this debate on a Saturday night, much less, at the same time as the football game, is a blatant attempt to keep the audience as small as possible. Bernie and the Democrats have a great message, but we are being drowned out by the Repubs. Okay, so she gets Hillary nominated, but at what cost?
23
Oh Gail, "not all that well in the polls"? This week we learned that Bernie is running 12 points ahead of Trump and 10 points ahead of Bush in head-to-head contests. I've been so disappointed by your dismissal of Bernie. Please read the comments to your piece the other day. Your readers are overwhelmingly supporting Bernie.
9
Expectations will have changed by debate time following the terrorism in Paris. Hillary, previously to her detriment, was considered more of a hawk on defense issues. Following those events, being tough is going to be an asset from the voters point of view. Sanders approach of avoidance of conflict will not play as well. Nobody wants to see the events of Paris played out in the United States and events will accrue to the benefit of both Hillary and Donald Trump. You know, the guy that wants to build a wall to keep the bad guys out. Just goes to show that weird events can change the whole direction of a campaign.
4
There is only one Democrat candidate and there will not be a primary but a coronation. I wonder why liberals prefer this ultimate victory of the Clinton machine and the apotheosis of Hillary to an all out democratic donnybrook?
4
" Two hours on a Saturday night, and not a single candidate who appears to be certifiably deranged." This is on Saturday, because the powers that be don't want Hillary to get in any trouble. I can't wait until the general election when the main stream media can no longer control the entire narrative. She will be swift boated like Kerry could only imagine. Then the vetting really begins. Then people will see who is certifiable. It is amazing to me that people on the left can mock the Republicans as unacceptable when they offer us Hillary, who lacks any sense of honesty and integrity or Bernie who wants to take 90% of peoples income and still call us free country. One you can't trust to actually be honest or do the right thing for her country if it gets in the way of her agenda and politics. The other says that you are free to do what want with the 10% you have left of your own money. (Small print) Several restriction still apply to your 10%. Perspective is an amazing animal.
2
Gosh, the difference between the two parties' candidates, vis-à-vis their sensationalism, is so pronounced, with the GOP so much more sensational, that even Ms. Collins's analysis of the Democrats is way less interesting than her analysis of the Republicans. I mean, among the Republicans there are liars, gosplers, hustlers, bufoons, and fast-talking sharps. But the Dems just seem like...politicians.
10
I plan to watch the debates this evening, but it will be hard to get excited about them in light of the events in Paris. I pass along the words that have recently brought me much comfort, "do not despair, I am with you."
1
I know it's the Democratic debate, but since there are only three, and the Republicans have so many, couldn't the Dems invite a couple of the Repubs into tonight's debate stage just to:
1. Get more than 10 people to watch.
2. Make it entertaining. (Sorry, I've been programmed to be entertained).
1. Get more than 10 people to watch.
2. Make it entertaining. (Sorry, I've been programmed to be entertained).
3
I suppose we will get to hear Hillary state how she would prevent something like Paris from happening again. I think we already saw how she would prevent another Paris. Letting people die is not the way.
2
I guess she should have learned from bush/Cheney. If people are going to die on your watch, it should be thousandsds. Then you get to retire and paint cats, and will never be held accountable.
3
Maybe nothing better demonstrates our crazy political system than Iowa. The state has SIX electoral votes and almost no diversity. Its conservatives are really conservative, its liberals really liberal. It doesn't even have a primary, only a caucus in February where only the most committed venture out. Yet that state does more to winnow the field than New York, Texas, California and Florida combined.
What if they held an Iowa caucus and nobody came?
What if they held an Iowa caucus and nobody came?
10
I can't figure out why "Clinton changes her mind in response to voters' concerns" is supposed to be disqualifying. Don't we want representatives who listen to us and respond? If I wanted an inflexible ideologue in office, I'd be voting Republican.
36
I think it's because we don't belive she changed her mind, just her words.
5
It's entirely credible that Hillary wanted to join the Marines. She was probably looking forward to boot camp as preparation for her marriage to Bill.
3
"Better not to use the last option because 1) It’s a quote from Donald Trump and 2) China isn’t part of the agreement."
This isn't the joke you may think it is, because TPP is a deal that will in fact include China in the future; something perhaps the White House doesn't want us to know, because their P.R. is pushing TPP as a way to 'one up' China. It's not, say those who know, including the free-trade Cato institute, the Nobel economist Joseph Stiglitz, and the very smart David Dayen. Google away.
Hillary and Donald agree on the TPP, and both are concerned about the unfair practice of currency manipulation in Asian countries which costs the US enormous financial losses. For a long time, Congress has been pushing the administration to confront the practice, and rightly so. They were led to believe that TPP would include provisions on that subject. It does not. Hillary Clinton had cited one of the reasons she would not support TPP was that she was worried “about currency manipulation not being part of the agreement.” http://to.pbs.org/1SMI5Hl
This is a pivotal issue and people should take note that candidates as different as Trump, Sanders and Clinton agree that (as the author of "The Art of the Deal" put it), "It's a bad deal" for the U.S.
This isn't the joke you may think it is, because TPP is a deal that will in fact include China in the future; something perhaps the White House doesn't want us to know, because their P.R. is pushing TPP as a way to 'one up' China. It's not, say those who know, including the free-trade Cato institute, the Nobel economist Joseph Stiglitz, and the very smart David Dayen. Google away.
Hillary and Donald agree on the TPP, and both are concerned about the unfair practice of currency manipulation in Asian countries which costs the US enormous financial losses. For a long time, Congress has been pushing the administration to confront the practice, and rightly so. They were led to believe that TPP would include provisions on that subject. It does not. Hillary Clinton had cited one of the reasons she would not support TPP was that she was worried “about currency manipulation not being part of the agreement.” http://to.pbs.org/1SMI5Hl
This is a pivotal issue and people should take note that candidates as different as Trump, Sanders and Clinton agree that (as the author of "The Art of the Deal" put it), "It's a bad deal" for the U.S.
3
Listening to Bernie Sanders, as you suggest, was revealing. Judged as performance, not up to par -- he lacks poetry. And his is not the voice of a New Englander raised in those distinctive traditions. This is a New Yorker, a city man.
So does Vermont count all that much in his resume?
So does Vermont count all that much in his resume?
1
Please, America....with a Whole Year to Play with the future Leadership of the United States, give us Leadership in the Media. I continue to believe that a Motto for our time is the title of Ashleigh Brilliant's book of decades ago:
"I Have Abbandoned My Search For Truth, And I'm Looking For A Good Fantasy". As an average well- aged (78) White, Middle-Class man, I don't have much time to be entertained by Upper-class Writers and Pretenders-to-the-
Throne like Humpty Dumpty
"I Have Abbandoned My Search For Truth, And I'm Looking For A Good Fantasy". As an average well- aged (78) White, Middle-Class man, I don't have much time to be entertained by Upper-class Writers and Pretenders-to-the-
Throne like Humpty Dumpty
3
Gail, the Times has a brief story about CBS restructuring the Saturday format to include the tragedy in Paris (and other parts of the world). This is certainly how it should be because like gun violence, we need to have another conversation about jihad. If CBS sticks to its plan, this debate should be substantive and meaningful; something that has been painfully missing from other debates.
4
Dear Gail, the hinge of history actually changed last night, Friday the Thirteenth, in Paris with the terrorist attacks at Place de la Republique and Bataclan and Le Stade (football game between Germany and France, which President Hollande attended), and the murders of over 100 innocents by Islamic terrorists. While tonight's Democratic debate is important, no point blaming Debbie Wasserman Schulz for the venue or for scheduling of the debate against a football game. That is small change now. One is reminded of a Sunday morning on the seventh of December 1941, when Hawaii slept and the Japanese sneak-attacked Pearl Harbor. The hinge of history changed with that attack on that morning. We want to see and hear what candidates Sanders, Clinton and O'Malley would do in the case of a terrorist attack on our soil. It is clear from watching all the unelectable Republican/Tea Party candidates in their primary debates that they are all naifs and do not have the brilliance to handle crises in our homeland as happened in Paris last night. Usually, we can count on smiling while reading your excellent columns, dear Gail. Not today, alas.
7
If Mrs. Clinton is the candidate there will be ads that show the carnage and over the top will have her discussing a video. And Republicans will be justified in running such ads. And those ads will be effective. And they should be effective.
No matter what any of the candidates say, or what viewers think about it, the NY Times will run a headline proclaiming Hillary as the winner. Her slick evasive answers, such as telling Wall Street guys "to cut it out" won't be questioned, nor will her ever changing opinions on anything. The Times wants her to win the nomination, and any facts that show she is not the actual winner will be skewed or not reported at all.
7
I suspect that Paris will seriously damage former Sec. Of State Clinton. She got past the HOR hearings seemingly okay, but I think the story is going to come back and the narrative will be not good for her: she was a prime contributor to a version of terrorism in which that terrorism was in some sense understandable based on a freedom of speech issue in the United States. That is was understood not to be the case prior to discussing it with the victims' families (and Americans generally) is pretty bad, but the lack of understanding of the manifest war going on is likely to seriously erode her support. Democrats I think will wake up very shortly and realize that as clownish as the Republicans seem today, having Mrs. Clinton in direct debate with them next fall is a huge risk. Huge as in probably unacceptable. Oddly, I expect Warren to be cajoled into rethinking based on an event not at all related to what brought her prominence. She'll lock down the exact support Clinton is counting on without so much baggage. No candidate is perfect, but post-Paris, Clinton's imperfections are dire.
18
What are you talking about?
6
I agree completely. Any individual with the debating skills of Ted Cruz, Chris Christie, Rand Paul & even the cartoon character campaign of Donald Trump, will cull the information that led to her reasoning for diverting the American public's attention away from the terrorist attack at the US Embassy in Libya by dismissing it as a "spontaneous outburst" from a crowd who were angry about a viral anti-Muslim video. If she is capable of lying to the American public about this issue, what else is she able to hide from the American people? Her foreign policy while Secretary of State has been disastrous & contributed to the diaspora of migrants into Western Europe & the increase in terrorism from ISIS. The US policy of supported state sponsored terrorism in Syria has resulted in an escalation of tensions between Russia & the US. How does she support the foreign policy of siding with Saudi Arabia in the region although allying with Iran to drive ISIL out of Iraq? Her biggest campaign contributers are defense companies, pharmaceutical companies & banking sectors. She crafted the TPP agreement, although, again, as if this is a pattern, is willing to outright lie to the American public & claim she opposes it. The Clinton Foundation accepted millions in donations from oil rich nations, yet just suddenly she decided to oppose the Keystone XL Pipeline. She purports to improve the stagnant US economy, yet panders to special interests groups.
1
the main point of this debate is the very fact it is held on date night so that nobody will be watching.
that is especially important tonight, in the wake of the paris attacks, because the presidency of any of the three remaining democratic candidates would be based, as is the present one, on mid-describing and hiding from isis and the other jihadists behind a mountain of platitudes and jejune fantasies.
if president hollande meant what he said--that these attacks were an act of war--and france is our nato ally to whom we have pledged mutual defense, then let's see if any of the three people up on stage tonight is willing to call for an actual winning war strategy.
because they are beginning the debate in hiding, i doubt it.
that is especially important tonight, in the wake of the paris attacks, because the presidency of any of the three remaining democratic candidates would be based, as is the present one, on mid-describing and hiding from isis and the other jihadists behind a mountain of platitudes and jejune fantasies.
if president hollande meant what he said--that these attacks were an act of war--and france is our nato ally to whom we have pledged mutual defense, then let's see if any of the three people up on stage tonight is willing to call for an actual winning war strategy.
because they are beginning the debate in hiding, i doubt it.
1
Why don't you step up and offer a winning strategy.
1. organize and deploy a strategic bombing campaign designed to kill as many isis fighters in their limited area of control (it's spread out, but not so large as to be immune from such a campaign).
2. organize and deploy a joint egyptian, jordanian, american, french, english and kurdish ground force that will mostly surround isis, with its only exit being towards assad's forces. to the extent any does not wish to participate, the remaining allies must be willing to do so, even if it is the u.s. alone, but it won't be.
3. launch no. 1.
4. launch no. 2 when the generals say no. 1 has gone as far as practicable.
destroy isis--every last soldier.
5. leave the theater to the egyptians, jordanians, and kurds.
6. while 1-4 are ongoing, get out the message that with its great industrial and military strength, this action by the west and its allies will be repeated as necessary, making sure that hezbollah and hamas get personal delivery of the message.
2. organize and deploy a joint egyptian, jordanian, american, french, english and kurdish ground force that will mostly surround isis, with its only exit being towards assad's forces. to the extent any does not wish to participate, the remaining allies must be willing to do so, even if it is the u.s. alone, but it won't be.
3. launch no. 1.
4. launch no. 2 when the generals say no. 1 has gone as far as practicable.
destroy isis--every last soldier.
5. leave the theater to the egyptians, jordanians, and kurds.
6. while 1-4 are ongoing, get out the message that with its great industrial and military strength, this action by the west and its allies will be repeated as necessary, making sure that hezbollah and hamas get personal delivery of the message.
I lament the passing of the campaign of Lawrence Lessig. His thesis: Congress is killing America. Money in politics undermines the Constitution as effectively as an armed coup. We can only hope that Bernie Sanders's influence will reflect that of the good professor.
8
Howzabout a really meaningful election. Start with a debate: Hillary and Bernie with Trump one night, then with Carson, Rubio, and Bush in that order.
No GOP debater because insane people keep vowing that 4 will make 14 if you add 1. In a month, this campaign would be over, with the kamikazis gone. Who needs 2 parties, anyway, when one is demented
Bernie and Hillary could debate once month until the election. We'd have both on the ballot. GOP deadheads could run on minor tickets, of course, since the nation still believes in democracy. It's Republicans we can no longer take seriously because they don't respect democracy. Why give hours to dolts who dislike women, Mexicans, Latinos, blacks, and the poor?
Election day would be a holiday. We would have registration by SocSecurity number. GOP would retain most seats but like a badly misbehaving tot would learn that as eecummings once wrote, "There is some s_ I will not eat".
Then we could abolish the Electoral College, gerrymandering, voter intimidation, and religious interference with our workers' lives and loves. It would radically change America back into ,,, well, America the Beautiful..
No GOP debater because insane people keep vowing that 4 will make 14 if you add 1. In a month, this campaign would be over, with the kamikazis gone. Who needs 2 parties, anyway, when one is demented
Bernie and Hillary could debate once month until the election. We'd have both on the ballot. GOP deadheads could run on minor tickets, of course, since the nation still believes in democracy. It's Republicans we can no longer take seriously because they don't respect democracy. Why give hours to dolts who dislike women, Mexicans, Latinos, blacks, and the poor?
Election day would be a holiday. We would have registration by SocSecurity number. GOP would retain most seats but like a badly misbehaving tot would learn that as eecummings once wrote, "There is some s_ I will not eat".
Then we could abolish the Electoral College, gerrymandering, voter intimidation, and religious interference with our workers' lives and loves. It would radically change America back into ,,, well, America the Beautiful..
5
"Gail we live in a world that has walls and those walls have to be guarded by women with guns. Who's gonna do it? O'Malley? Bernie Sanders? You want me on that wall. You need me on that wall."
1
Sharing a date night with Hillary and Bernie? What will Bill and Jane think?
1
Saturday night--- jeez, any chance we'll confuse the real debate with an SNL cold opening?
3
After the latest outrage in Paris this whole season of so-called debates have taken on a new dimension -- who is gifted to lead our nation and represent us on a very dangerous world stage? It requires wisdom, courage, intelligence, the ability to carry the majority of the nation with him/her, and a capacity to stand alongside other nations. Have we seen these qualities from any of the individuals who have presented themselves to us, whatever their party?
6
My wife and I have a date night over a friends house for dinner and a Hitchcock classic as a night cap so we will miss the debate. Hillary and company have learned from its faux pas of 2008 strategically scheduling a debate on a night one's thoughts attempt to take a break from the rest of the world's problems though if anything should arise in conversation tonight I'm sure it will more likely be the concerns we have for our French compatriots especially the people of Paris, the most beautiful city in the world, than speculating about what the Hillary and Bernie are doing tonight.
Either one is head and shoulders above the clowns riding in the 2016 GOP model, though when it comes to sheer entertainment one can't beat the comedy team of Trump and Carson. Best straight man/buffoon routine since Abbott and Costello. Who's first? What's second? I don't know is third. And I don't care is pitching.
DD
Manhattan
Either one is head and shoulders above the clowns riding in the 2016 GOP model, though when it comes to sheer entertainment one can't beat the comedy team of Trump and Carson. Best straight man/buffoon routine since Abbott and Costello. Who's first? What's second? I don't know is third. And I don't care is pitching.
DD
Manhattan
5
So, essentially, you can't be bothered.
1
Date night, last night in Paris, will likely influence many debates and elections. And it's hard to find any humor or hope, contemplating the over-reactions likely to come from the GOP side.
May sanity prevail. Here and abroad. For terrorism threatens anarchy on the one hand and authoritarian repression on the other.
Dems tonight, I just read, will now face a refocused set of questions, related to terrorism and national security. Thus does one terrorist act have a gigantic ripple effect across the globe.
May sanity prevail. Here and abroad. For terrorism threatens anarchy on the one hand and authoritarian repression on the other.
Dems tonight, I just read, will now face a refocused set of questions, related to terrorism and national security. Thus does one terrorist act have a gigantic ripple effect across the globe.
28
The Paris attack, while obscene, really is still in the speculation stage, and should not dominate the debate.
24
Hillary's Marine story unnerves me a bit. I'd much rather someone who can step back and see the big picture.
Imagine if some superpower placed a military base in the middle of the bible belt. The stream of Christian jihadists would be unending. Instead of turning against their own citizens, alienated white men would have the martyrdom they crave instead of the nihilistic infamy they deserve. Then picture that superpower strafing and shooting up the belt until it had so many holes in it that it simply created more of the very bellicosity it sought to restrain. Then consider this asymmetrical war spreading to Canada and Mexico.
I remember as a young adult from a small suburban town getting into fights with some city kids at a particular bar I kept going back to to prove myself as a fearless fighting man. Truth be told, I was terrified. My Dad told me if I simply stopped frequenting their hangouts, they would forget about me in a couple of weeks. I swallowed my pride and followed his advice. Surprise. My enemies stopped coming after me. Instead of going into the Marines as I had fully intended, I went on to college. Thank you Dad.
Imagine if some superpower placed a military base in the middle of the bible belt. The stream of Christian jihadists would be unending. Instead of turning against their own citizens, alienated white men would have the martyrdom they crave instead of the nihilistic infamy they deserve. Then picture that superpower strafing and shooting up the belt until it had so many holes in it that it simply created more of the very bellicosity it sought to restrain. Then consider this asymmetrical war spreading to Canada and Mexico.
I remember as a young adult from a small suburban town getting into fights with some city kids at a particular bar I kept going back to to prove myself as a fearless fighting man. Truth be told, I was terrified. My Dad told me if I simply stopped frequenting their hangouts, they would forget about me in a couple of weeks. I swallowed my pride and followed his advice. Surprise. My enemies stopped coming after me. Instead of going into the Marines as I had fully intended, I went on to college. Thank you Dad.
13
I'll be cheering on Hillary from a watch party. And Gail, you'll be pleased to know it's at a bar, so at the very worst we can drink away the pain. But I suspect she will deliver a superb command of the issues and a gravitas appropriate to the office.
14
If the ratings tank, it's because the American people are lazy. One of these three, most likely Hillary, will probably be the next President, given the difficulty Republicans can expect from a variety of quarters, after a winner emerges from what largely has been a freak show.
The problem with just focusing on the economy, which the dummies from CBS plan to do, is that foreign affairs can kill, as we have just seen in Paris. Democrats must be asked for their strategy for killing ISIL/ISIS. Republicans were asked about foreign affairs, as an afterthought, by Fox Business. What seemed to be throwaway questions, produced the most interesting (and frightening) moments of the Republican debate. Frightening because so many Republicans appeared to believe that war is the preferential option for solving foreign problems.
The problem with just focusing on the economy, which the dummies from CBS plan to do, is that foreign affairs can kill, as we have just seen in Paris. Democrats must be asked for their strategy for killing ISIL/ISIS. Republicans were asked about foreign affairs, as an afterthought, by Fox Business. What seemed to be throwaway questions, produced the most interesting (and frightening) moments of the Republican debate. Frightening because so many Republicans appeared to believe that war is the preferential option for solving foreign problems.
6
Please, stop with this $10 bill story. Make it the $20 bill, for god's sake.
6
Maybe the inquisitors (moderators) are scrambling to rewrite their questions after the murder in Paris. Will they grill Hillary on why she didn't clean up the Paris suburbs where so much tinder awaits a match to set off a violent conflagration? Another Obama-Clinton mess! Will the mods challenge Bernie and Marty to take their music to Paris? Probably not. But tonight may be the night for hawks.
2
Why would any American government person be responsible for the Paris suburbs? That's the business of France to take care of, we in the USA really have little right or access to other country's internal affairs unless invited to do so.
9
All the candidates have been besotted by "Truthiness." But Stephen Colbert (persona: Colbert Report) is the only one we believed in.
3
Why not ask Ms. Clinton the "what about Bill" question? Why not ask Ms. Clinton about the future of the Clinton Foundation/Global Initiative? Having had a family business of giving speeches and granting access through contributions, can the Foundation ever be truly at arms length? Will Bill Clinton step away from the Foundation if Ms. Clinton is elected? Would it really matter when Chelsea Clinton takes over? Does anyone really believe that Bill Clinton would assume a role common to past First Ladies? I believe he will be pulling levers behind the curtain, rewarding friends and punishing old adversaries. Will be buy the "two for the price of one" slogan of old?
I voted for Bill Clinton twice because he was the Democratic nominee even though I knew he was more of a moderate Republican. Do we really need a return to those thrilling days of yesteryear?
I'm feeling the Bern.
I voted for Bill Clinton twice because he was the Democratic nominee even though I knew he was more of a moderate Republican. Do we really need a return to those thrilling days of yesteryear?
I'm feeling the Bern.
12
Well the economy did really well under Bill, not so good under George.
1
Tonight is a Democratic debate at 9 PM eastern time. Why so late , there is no other debate early on of those one percentiles like we had for the Republicans ?
Speaking of the Democratic voters they might watch and then go to different sites to pen their opinions of which they are good at.
But when comes to voting are they are going to be like Kentuckians stay home and eventually allow the wrong candidate to win the election ?
Only time will tell but not voting has become the tradition for the Democrats.
On the other hand as my Republican neighbor tells me when I asked him about Trump or Carson that it does not matter to him, whoever becomes the nominee he will definitely vote for him or her.
He continues on in the end anyone but Obama even it ends up being Hillary.
So folks watch the debate or not please VOTE.
Speaking of the Democratic voters they might watch and then go to different sites to pen their opinions of which they are good at.
But when comes to voting are they are going to be like Kentuckians stay home and eventually allow the wrong candidate to win the election ?
Only time will tell but not voting has become the tradition for the Democrats.
On the other hand as my Republican neighbor tells me when I asked him about Trump or Carson that it does not matter to him, whoever becomes the nominee he will definitely vote for him or her.
He continues on in the end anyone but Obama even it ends up being Hillary.
So folks watch the debate or not please VOTE.
9
Perhaps, because it'll be 6:00PM on the west coast? I plan to watch, tape when tired, and definitely vote. Any democrat will be better than the GOP bunch, if only to salvage the Supreme Court.
1
A year away from taking the vows (your reference to Date Night), we Americans are serenaded by Leonard Cohen and Ted Nugent. Cohen limns that while we're never sure to get any decision absolutely right, there is a mini-redemption in each of our continuing efforts to do the right thing. Nugent reminds us that our other choice is to play the cosmic victim, not of those who control the country's finances and pay our representatives, but of those who flip burgers and wash cars.
The struggle between these aspirants becomes more profound every day. While no one would accuse moderate religious people of encouraging the terror perpetrated by those who would murder in the name of their god, it's troubling that our Middle Eastern allies make such a scant effort to bring such nihilists to justice.
However, here in America, we can understand their reluctance when we hear certain candidates proclaim brotherhood with those who would maim to deny women, gay people, or Muslims their Constitutional rights. We categorize the 911 terrorists as religious radicals, perhaps forgetting that the Oklahoma City bombing served similar ends.
The time is coming when we must either accede and accept continual violence from those whose minds are still mired in antiquity or as a nation reject such violence and hatred, even for purportedly sacred ends. The difference between evidence and faith is the difference between the Democratic and Republican debates.
Sure, dating's fun, but marriage is hard work.
The struggle between these aspirants becomes more profound every day. While no one would accuse moderate religious people of encouraging the terror perpetrated by those who would murder in the name of their god, it's troubling that our Middle Eastern allies make such a scant effort to bring such nihilists to justice.
However, here in America, we can understand their reluctance when we hear certain candidates proclaim brotherhood with those who would maim to deny women, gay people, or Muslims their Constitutional rights. We categorize the 911 terrorists as religious radicals, perhaps forgetting that the Oklahoma City bombing served similar ends.
The time is coming when we must either accede and accept continual violence from those whose minds are still mired in antiquity or as a nation reject such violence and hatred, even for purportedly sacred ends. The difference between evidence and faith is the difference between the Democratic and Republican debates.
Sure, dating's fun, but marriage is hard work.
6
Yep. Maybe this debate will be boring. However, I am not interested in the viewership ratings. Those ratings just show how many people watched, and just maybe how entertaining the "show" was; but not any indication if anything of positive value was said. The GOP debates (and now SNL) thanks to 'you-know-who' were watched mainly to see the next idiotic or ridiculous or stupid comment. I believe people are tunning in to the GOP debates to watch the lastest most popular circus and is not indication of any endorsement of any particular canidate.
9
The 3 Democrats need to take charge and change the game of politics as it is currently being played and dominated by the GOP & right-wing media. This is early in the election cycle, so use this debate to set a positive, can-do American spirit and tone.
Provide a stark contrast to the miserable GOPoopers, who only care about $$ & not a fig about people or the future of this country. Is this who we Americans really are? What kind of country we want American to be in the world and future? Draw the contrasts.
The Republicans have poisoned the political water and disgraced our country with their negativity and attacks against just about every group at home and abroad. Discussing the issues, as the Republicans have laid them out, should be fun. Take a page from Bill Maher's style and run hard against the nonsense the Republican candidates spout. Stand tall for all the things the Republicans are against--environment, middle class, caring.
People say they are sick of politics and politicians because of all the backbiting and squabbling. Take a page from Bernie, who surprised the audience with his "damn email" remark in the last debate. The 3 candidates should enjoy the debate and each other--have a good time educating the public on the issues and get the audience to imagine what a presidency under some of the crazed GOP candidates would be like.
Invite Americans to rid ourselves of the GOP can't/won't do politics, & invite us to vote & vote our hearts as the good people we are.
Provide a stark contrast to the miserable GOPoopers, who only care about $$ & not a fig about people or the future of this country. Is this who we Americans really are? What kind of country we want American to be in the world and future? Draw the contrasts.
The Republicans have poisoned the political water and disgraced our country with their negativity and attacks against just about every group at home and abroad. Discussing the issues, as the Republicans have laid them out, should be fun. Take a page from Bill Maher's style and run hard against the nonsense the Republican candidates spout. Stand tall for all the things the Republicans are against--environment, middle class, caring.
People say they are sick of politics and politicians because of all the backbiting and squabbling. Take a page from Bernie, who surprised the audience with his "damn email" remark in the last debate. The 3 candidates should enjoy the debate and each other--have a good time educating the public on the issues and get the audience to imagine what a presidency under some of the crazed GOP candidates would be like.
Invite Americans to rid ourselves of the GOP can't/won't do politics, & invite us to vote & vote our hearts as the good people we are.
21
The problem is that happy, satisfied people don't vote.
Frankly, I am exhausted and bored by all this political nonsense. Who cares what they think in Iowa? Do they think in Iowa? This stuff is fodder for TV news stations and little more. We all know the world is a dangerous place and that the rich are rich and the rest of us, well we can't say much about us! The Republicans run on the hate everybody who isn't exactly like you and the Democrats, ala Hillary, run on neutral. And Independents who have no chance of being nominated run on loving each other! I would like to hear candidates on both sides of the aisle tell me how they are going to make things better for ME - and be specific! The problem is that nobody besides Bernie has a clue what it's like to be an ordinary human being. I'm going to send Trump a copy of Robert Frost's "Mending Wall," and Hillary a copy of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." And I want a report written by each. No I don't! What I want is someone who understands what it is like trying to be a human being in this world. I remember the line from the original version of Auden's "September 1, 1939," - "we must love one another or die." I realized a long time ago the irrational nature of such a statement. We are going to die whether we love anyone or anything. Or, like Othello we can kill the object of our love while proclaiming - "I have loved not wisely, but too well!" When we say the last goodbye will it be as lovers of the world, or just how greedy we were? I need poetry and they give me prose.
19
I could never understand why the results in Iowa were considered important. It doesn't reflect the diversity of the rest of the country.
47
Perhaps The Dumbing-Down Dem Duo is not "certifiably deranged," Gail, but they are clearly certifiably unqualified. Just like the GOP's.
Had Hillary mustered in and made it through Gyrene Basic, I'd vote for her in a heartbeat. I sure wish Paul Harvey were around to tell us the rest of that story.
She's stern and stuffed, but clearly not the sterner stuff to shout "Semper Fi," or "Huzzah!" But she's got the votes of the hordes, and in 2016 will be sworn in as the Commander in Chief of not only the Marines.
This event will become the true test of whether or not our Founders made our democracy Fool-proof.
Had Hillary mustered in and made it through Gyrene Basic, I'd vote for her in a heartbeat. I sure wish Paul Harvey were around to tell us the rest of that story.
She's stern and stuffed, but clearly not the sterner stuff to shout "Semper Fi," or "Huzzah!" But she's got the votes of the hordes, and in 2016 will be sworn in as the Commander in Chief of not only the Marines.
This event will become the true test of whether or not our Founders made our democracy Fool-proof.
4
In the Internet era, could Ms. Collins not have revised this column to reflect the fact that tonight's debate will include issues of national security and defense -- and Paris?
4
Surely there must be a dog story somewhere among this litter. Socks rest in peace.
1
I am glad Gail Collins didn't pull this article seeing what is going on in Paris. It shows that we were kind of bored with things. It's interesting how a night can change everything. Now I am really interested in what questions will be asked at this debate.
47
Absolutely. Why let a perfectly good opportunity to bash republicans and praise democrats go to waste even though the world has bigger questions to answer in wake of the Paris attacks.
And why spend another few hours to update an article to include discussion on possible policy questions terrorism and deaths of innocents would be the most important issue that people will be thinking about.
That would be dereliction of duty as a member of super pac for democrats.
Disgusting.
And why spend another few hours to update an article to include discussion on possible policy questions terrorism and deaths of innocents would be the most important issue that people will be thinking about.
That would be dereliction of duty as a member of super pac for democrats.
Disgusting.
1
I enjoy Ms. Collins' humor, and I too expect the Democrats' debate to be comparatively fun-free. But the next president will likely be tempted many times to use American military power to combat violent religious fundamentalists in the Middle East. The attacks in Paris yesterday indicate that the death throes of anti-modernists in that region will be long and bloody. Any of the current Democratic candidates could manage this situation wisely and competently; none of the current Republican candidates could.
176
The problem with "the death throes of anti-modernists" is that eight of them are responsible for twenty times their number of dead innocents. With a ratio of this size, their death throes offer the potential to drag the entire world into further conflict. Perhaps Hillary can resolve the situation by arresting another obscure video maker. Problem solved!
Being in a highly non-humourous mood, I will say:
I'm not sufficiently acquainted with the details of the Trans-Pacific trade agreement to comment on it in depth. I would note, however, that it is quite possible to have tailored a deal that benefits, indirectly but substantially, a party that is not actually a party to it. I don't say that is the case; just that it is possible.
Also, that you don't have to be 'sufficiently deranged' in an entertaining way, such as the GOP field offers in a wealth of examples, to be inadequately tethered to reality or otherwise not a feasible candidate. I think Hillary has the ability and experience to govern, but she's so divisive a figure as to be unelectable, or if she were elected, would face opposition that makes Obama's plight look like a love feast. And if Sanders is not doing well in the polls, perhaps it's because of knee-jerk opposition to the word 'socialism' - but also because a few people have in fact thought about his platform, which is, on close inspection and introspection, the political equivalent of calling spirits from the vasty deep. He's Huey Long, only dull.
I'm not sufficiently acquainted with the details of the Trans-Pacific trade agreement to comment on it in depth. I would note, however, that it is quite possible to have tailored a deal that benefits, indirectly but substantially, a party that is not actually a party to it. I don't say that is the case; just that it is possible.
Also, that you don't have to be 'sufficiently deranged' in an entertaining way, such as the GOP field offers in a wealth of examples, to be inadequately tethered to reality or otherwise not a feasible candidate. I think Hillary has the ability and experience to govern, but she's so divisive a figure as to be unelectable, or if she were elected, would face opposition that makes Obama's plight look like a love feast. And if Sanders is not doing well in the polls, perhaps it's because of knee-jerk opposition to the word 'socialism' - but also because a few people have in fact thought about his platform, which is, on close inspection and introspection, the political equivalent of calling spirits from the vasty deep. He's Huey Long, only dull.
1
Huey would like that.
Gail I almost feel guilty commenting on issues of such levity given the events abroad yesterday. However, your column as usual is not to be missed .
I have to be out this evening but I plan to DVR the debate. Yes I want to see it even if it is not in prime time for me . The wonders of technology! The ability to watch a debate, some would call soporific, Long after the inevitable commentary has weighed in on who won or lost. Of course Democratic debates where the participants can actually make full sentences, outline policy details that usually match what's on their website, and otherwise look presidential, are pretty hard to judge.
What I would far prefer would be a debate called "mix it up with the candidates." This would be a game like musical chairs , But every pair of chairs must include one Republican and one Democrat. Democrats a much smaller bunch would have to rotate which would give them more airtime. Wouldn't you just love to hear one insane answer followed by a sane answer?
Non sequitur: where on earth did you find that clip of Bernie Sanders speaking this "this land is my (and your)land ? That alone should be required viewing for every American if they can sit through it.
What a campaign commercial! What a country!
I have to be out this evening but I plan to DVR the debate. Yes I want to see it even if it is not in prime time for me . The wonders of technology! The ability to watch a debate, some would call soporific, Long after the inevitable commentary has weighed in on who won or lost. Of course Democratic debates where the participants can actually make full sentences, outline policy details that usually match what's on their website, and otherwise look presidential, are pretty hard to judge.
What I would far prefer would be a debate called "mix it up with the candidates." This would be a game like musical chairs , But every pair of chairs must include one Republican and one Democrat. Democrats a much smaller bunch would have to rotate which would give them more airtime. Wouldn't you just love to hear one insane answer followed by a sane answer?
Non sequitur: where on earth did you find that clip of Bernie Sanders speaking this "this land is my (and your)land ? That alone should be required viewing for every American if they can sit through it.
What a campaign commercial! What a country!
18
Ms. Collins, my apologies for not commenting in the lighthearted vein that you so often helpfully evoke. But I have to wonder if, in scheduling a debate on a Saturday evening, the Democratic party machine isn't really trying to install Clinton as the nominee. Sanders' one real chance, since his media coverage otherwise is, at best, scant, is to clearly lay out his policy positions in these debates. Perhaps the powers that be see that as too much of a threat to Clinton, whom they believe to be far more electable. But is she? Granted the GOP is doing everything possible to gift the election to the Dems, but one should not overestimate the intelligence of the American electorate. And, anyway, does the country benefit to any real extent from a choice between crazy and GOP Lite? I think not. We've moved so far to the right that, in my view, we need a strong progressive to lead us back toward the sane middle. Otherwise, it won't much matter. The country of my birth is nearly unrecognizable as it is.
138
Only the Democrats could be dumb enough to schedule a debate on a Saturday night. Seriously!
How many football games will be on at the same time?
I will watch just to see if there is a question re Clinton and the Marines.
Should be of interest.
Why in the world would she bring this up after so many years?
On the other hand I think it best to read about the debate in the papers the next day.
How many football games will be on at the same time?
I will watch just to see if there is a question re Clinton and the Marines.
Should be of interest.
Why in the world would she bring this up after so many years?
On the other hand I think it best to read about the debate in the papers the next day.
1
But I'm pretty sure that when I go into the voting booth in 2016, there won't be an option for "None of the Above." Gotta pull the lever for someone.
1
Michael, things in North Carolina must be very different from the rest of the 49.
This country has been on a Wild Goose chase to the Progressive Left. There is no such thing as a strong, Progressive Leader. Consider the Chief Gander in charge at the moment. Hang on, though.
In 2016 the Chief Goose at lasat will be elected. Close your eyes and you can hear her cackling already. Soon your country of birth will be even less recognizable.
This country has been on a Wild Goose chase to the Progressive Left. There is no such thing as a strong, Progressive Leader. Consider the Chief Gander in charge at the moment. Hang on, though.
In 2016 the Chief Goose at lasat will be elected. Close your eyes and you can hear her cackling already. Soon your country of birth will be even less recognizable.
1
At this point in time, it is sufficient that Hillary is better than any of the Republican candidates.
Bernie is the best; however, he actually needs to win more votes than Hillary and, sadly, the number of positive comments and recommends in the Times does not count when the final delegate tally is concluded.
Bernie is the best; however, he actually needs to win more votes than Hillary and, sadly, the number of positive comments and recommends in the Times does not count when the final delegate tally is concluded.
162
A very perceptive analysis of the situation, Mr. Rothstein. I imagine the problem is that the majority of NYT readers are intelligent and reasonably well informed on the issues (because they have a natural interest in such things), hence the majority perceive that Mr. Sanders is the ONLY candidate with a solidly progressive and unwaveringly perceptive voting record based on "what would be best for 'We the People'". He has always walked the walk and refused the PAC money, and thus is beholding to no one but his highly tempered ethics and morality, and his personal determination to serve his people and country. If only the intelligent and informed were allowed to vote – as indicated by the ratio of positive comments he engenders in this comments section – Mr. Sanders would win the election hands down and our nation would greatly accelerate our now-moribund ascent toward the ideals our country was founded upon. But alas, democracy requires that all can vote, and when "news" stations and radio shills can broadcast outright lies designed to MAKE people ignorant of the truth (i.e. climate change), the uninformed, incurious, and/or not-very-intelligent segment of our population gives its votes to a highly refined, psychologically manipulated popularity contest and inevitably hands our family fortune to moneyed interests that run everything to the benefit of moneyed interests. Unless Mr. Sanders can take the primary, the intelligent must conclude the situation is hopeless.
3
Might as well fill up on popcorn Ms. Collins, because an empty feeling is all one will leave with from the front-runner tonight. She will bring along her most recently rented ideas, and with a wink, remind us that we will find out how she really feels once she's president. She's so cheeky ("Now cut that out you bad bad Wall Streeters!") and comforting in her Bidenesque insistence that only she can actually coax an intransigent GOP toward common cause.
Sanders will prepare a feast before us fit for a progressive king. He will, as usual, bring the ideas he has owned and paid for for decades. He will say that the banks are not our friends, that corporations are not our friends, and that the GOP is most certainly not our friends, all truths that each of us knows. He will be the happy warrior against the worst of the opposing party. And invite us to join him if we have the guts.
So maybe instead of popcorn, we should ask ourselves if it's to be oatmeal or red meat. I for one am ready for a large plate of the latter.
Sanders will prepare a feast before us fit for a progressive king. He will, as usual, bring the ideas he has owned and paid for for decades. He will say that the banks are not our friends, that corporations are not our friends, and that the GOP is most certainly not our friends, all truths that each of us knows. He will be the happy warrior against the worst of the opposing party. And invite us to join him if we have the guts.
So maybe instead of popcorn, we should ask ourselves if it's to be oatmeal or red meat. I for one am ready for a large plate of the latter.
63
Gail, I tried to talk my cat into watching tonight's debate so she could tell me about it Sunday morning while I'm putting out her Fancy Feast and tidying up her toidy. But she made the unassailable argument that after an exhausting day of napping, she was going to pack it in at her usual 7:30 bedtime, and even a live mouse wouldn't budge her.
As for which woman should grace the sawbuck, I think serious consideration should be given to the following suggestion: Start with the thing the Federal Mint did with the backside of the quarter. Pick a woman from every state for the honor. Second, since the portrait goes (or did at one time, anyway) in the center of the bill where it is typically folded, and since Playboy Magazine no longer has a centerfold, and surely over the years Hugh Hefner must have featured at least one lovely lass from every state in the Union, place those pictures of pulchritude in the place of honor. Talk about an incentive to save! Collect'em all! And then, to make it even more exciting, the number of bills printed for each state would be in proportion to that state's population of the country as a whole. Issue new Miss Californias only in California, Miss Wyomings only in Wyoming. Collectors would fall all over each other offering 100 of the former for one of the latter.
Am I a genius, or what?
As for which woman should grace the sawbuck, I think serious consideration should be given to the following suggestion: Start with the thing the Federal Mint did with the backside of the quarter. Pick a woman from every state for the honor. Second, since the portrait goes (or did at one time, anyway) in the center of the bill where it is typically folded, and since Playboy Magazine no longer has a centerfold, and surely over the years Hugh Hefner must have featured at least one lovely lass from every state in the Union, place those pictures of pulchritude in the place of honor. Talk about an incentive to save! Collect'em all! And then, to make it even more exciting, the number of bills printed for each state would be in proportion to that state's population of the country as a whole. Issue new Miss Californias only in California, Miss Wyomings only in Wyoming. Collectors would fall all over each other offering 100 of the former for one of the latter.
Am I a genius, or what?
22
Nope. Just a sophomore.
2
Gail
Even though I am a conservative Republican I will watch the debate. I watched every debate between Hillary and Obama. I want to hear what they have to say and fact check it from prior statements. I will be looking for a few things.
Sanders I want to see if Sanders will speak as to how he would formulate a policy to deal with terrorists
I will be looking to see if he brings up the emails and the intensity by which he pursues it. I think Hillary has caught him off guard with her sexist comment among others and I think Sanders thought it would be a more congenial debate or campaign. That is not Hillary.
I want to hear how he can realistically pay for the increases in social programs, free college, et.
Finally, I want to see if he goes after her for changing her positions on TPP. gay marriage, immigration, Keystone.
For Hillary
I will be looking to see if inconsistencies in her Benghazi testimony will be examined.
Second, I want to see how and when she outflanks Sanders on some key issues and if she continues to hit him on gun control That's a real weak spot
I want to see how she explains her many flip flops
Next, I want to see how far she will go in standing with Obama economy
Next, I want to see how she defends her record at State
Finally, I want to see how evasive she is if asked about the FBI investigation. The fact the FBI is examining it from a criminal perspective is something that should be explored.
Even though I am a conservative Republican I will watch the debate. I watched every debate between Hillary and Obama. I want to hear what they have to say and fact check it from prior statements. I will be looking for a few things.
Sanders I want to see if Sanders will speak as to how he would formulate a policy to deal with terrorists
I will be looking to see if he brings up the emails and the intensity by which he pursues it. I think Hillary has caught him off guard with her sexist comment among others and I think Sanders thought it would be a more congenial debate or campaign. That is not Hillary.
I want to hear how he can realistically pay for the increases in social programs, free college, et.
Finally, I want to see if he goes after her for changing her positions on TPP. gay marriage, immigration, Keystone.
For Hillary
I will be looking to see if inconsistencies in her Benghazi testimony will be examined.
Second, I want to see how and when she outflanks Sanders on some key issues and if she continues to hit him on gun control That's a real weak spot
I want to see how she explains her many flip flops
Next, I want to see how far she will go in standing with Obama economy
Next, I want to see how she defends her record at State
Finally, I want to see how evasive she is if asked about the FBI investigation. The fact the FBI is examining it from a criminal perspective is something that should be explored.
4
Its hard to talk about politics after the events in France If anyone should attempt to make political hay out of this event that would truly be tragic. We can never replace those lost.
The sniping of Republicans against each other after this terrorist event truly looks childish. Perhaps this Democratic debate should be delayed in honor to the victims and their families.
The sniping of Republicans against each other after this terrorist event truly looks childish. Perhaps this Democratic debate should be delayed in honor to the victims and their families.
11
I was offered debate tickets for Saturday night's debate. I really enjoyed seeing the Sunday morning debate on "This Week" on ABC in August 2007 at the same auditorium, but I turned down a ticket for Saturday night's debate! Thanks to Debbie Wasserman Schultz' decision to schedule debates at times when they were expected to have the lowest viewership a large number of Iowa caucus goers (and college football fans nationwide) will not watch the debate live. Iowa plays Minnesota at night in Kinnick stadium in Iowa City. The debate and kick off both start at 7 pm. Over 70,000 fans will be watching the game at the stadium, and many more on TV. I will watch the debate Sunday morning, but having a Saturday night debate during college football season is inexcusable!
23
Is it possible for football fans to understand that many of us in this country don't have a clue about the football schedule? I haven't seen a minute of football since I left high school 50 years ago. I'm delighted to have another option to watch on Saturday night, rather than trolling the million channels looking for Law and Order re-runs.
5
Speaks volumes that Americans would rather watch sports than serious political debate about the future of our country in a very serious world.
9
.
@ Iowa Hawkeyes:
Just an FYI to you and the millions of other midwesterners who will be recording the debate:
Start time is 8 pm Central, one hour after the kickoff in Iowa City.
@ Iowa Hawkeyes:
Just an FYI to you and the millions of other midwesterners who will be recording the debate:
Start time is 8 pm Central, one hour after the kickoff in Iowa City.
4
Ms Collins, Glass-Stegall is important and Ms Clinton had no problem with her husband signing the repeal that helped set up the 2007-8 meltdown that just about tanked the world economy and still drags on it. Bernie opposed it and time has- like with many other things- shown him to be right.
I think CBS will throw out the promise about the economy for National Security and Foreign Policy in light of the events going on in France. Since so much of the train wreck that is the Obama foreign policy was birthed under Ms Clinton's watch she has some explaining to do.
I think CBS will throw out the promise about the economy for National Security and Foreign Policy in light of the events going on in France. Since so much of the train wreck that is the Obama foreign policy was birthed under Ms Clinton's watch she has some explaining to do.
39
Things we won't hear tonight:
The need to get tough on terror by bombing Paris.
Whether the thermal anomaly in the pyramid at Giza is Joseph's grain store.
That obesity is caused by a too rich minimum wage.
That perpetual war is as American as Viet Nam draft dodgers Captain Bone Spur and Dr. Thorazine D. Demento.
That the way to cut the deficit is by giving all the money to the .01%.
That the way to fight man made climate change is deregulation and Drill, Baby, Drill.
The need to get tough on terror by bombing Paris.
Whether the thermal anomaly in the pyramid at Giza is Joseph's grain store.
That obesity is caused by a too rich minimum wage.
That perpetual war is as American as Viet Nam draft dodgers Captain Bone Spur and Dr. Thorazine D. Demento.
That the way to cut the deficit is by giving all the money to the .01%.
That the way to fight man made climate change is deregulation and Drill, Baby, Drill.
52
I missed Kennedy/Nixon and I'll certainly miss this one. I'm hoping Elizabeth Warren is just waiting in the weeds, keeping her powder dry. My feelings about any of these so-called candidates, from either side, being in the the Oval Office ranges from ennui to despair. C'mon, Elizabeth, help us out here!
7
Please get real. The worst Dem would still be way better than the best Repub.
5
Sanders doesn't have to attack Hillary.
All he has to do is tell the truth about her constantly changing positions based on what he has already said, and her rock hard connections to Wall Street and the rest of corporate America.
A bit about the donations to The Clinton Foundation from nations she dealt with as Secretary of State wouldn't be bad, either.
All he has to do is tell the truth about her constantly changing positions based on what he has already said, and her rock hard connections to Wall Street and the rest of corporate America.
A bit about the donations to The Clinton Foundation from nations she dealt with as Secretary of State wouldn't be bad, either.
9
In response to this article and the Editorial, I would advise stepping down the coverage. Election is still a year off, and campaign statements are seldom translated into action by sucessful candidates.
6
.
@ Yehoshua Sharon,
Actually, voting in Iowa will take place on Feb. 1. The Democratic candidates have one debate this month, one in December, and after that, I have no idea.
What will be important at tonight's debate (if anything) will not be promises made.
The debate will let Iowa's voters see and hear how the 3 candidates each respond to questions within 30 hours after an attack by suicidal terrorists on the capital city of one of our oldest allies. Body language, thoughtfulness, grasp of information, and ability to digest the moderators' questions will be just as important as any specific words any candidate uses.
Of course, it is too early for any of this. But it is nowhere near as meaningless as you make it sound. And as it happens, the timing of the debate will give voters some insights they would not have gotten if the candidates spent the evening doing separate television interviews about bombings and shootings.
@ Yehoshua Sharon,
Actually, voting in Iowa will take place on Feb. 1. The Democratic candidates have one debate this month, one in December, and after that, I have no idea.
What will be important at tonight's debate (if anything) will not be promises made.
The debate will let Iowa's voters see and hear how the 3 candidates each respond to questions within 30 hours after an attack by suicidal terrorists on the capital city of one of our oldest allies. Body language, thoughtfulness, grasp of information, and ability to digest the moderators' questions will be just as important as any specific words any candidate uses.
Of course, it is too early for any of this. But it is nowhere near as meaningless as you make it sound. And as it happens, the timing of the debate will give voters some insights they would not have gotten if the candidates spent the evening doing separate television interviews about bombings and shootings.
11
Thoughtful, informed, reasoned debate about pertient issues has no place in today's political discourse - or on primetime TV. Entertainment is what Americans seek. Not elucidation. Take it to PBS, man.
16
I will vote for the Dem nominee no matter what, and I'll watch the debate. The sanity displayed will comfort me.
131
I believe that the TPP is designed to get a larger share of the Asian markets, and to prevent China from dominating that region.
9
Please! All remember that in November 2007, Hillary held a similar lead over Obama. There is nothing inevitable about this race. Lots of time, lots of dynamics at work. Lots of potential revelations, possible mistakes. It ain't over until it's over.
One thing to consider: the passion - the enthusiasm of Bernie supporters. It's going to come down to turnout. Many of the Hillary "inevitable" folks might just stay home.
One thing to consider: the passion - the enthusiasm of Bernie supporters. It's going to come down to turnout. Many of the Hillary "inevitable" folks might just stay home.
23
.
I'm sorry, Billy, but there is a widely-spread rumor that Clinton's 2007 lead was comparable to her 2015 lead. That rumor is wrong.
Secy. Clinton has assiduously rounded up endorsements from current and former officeholders in the Democratic Party. Many of these people will be automatically invited as at-large delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Their votes count the same as any other delegate vote.
These people will be known at the convention as "superdelegates"; there are about 710 of them. Secy Clinton's endorsers include about 350 superdelegates; Senator Sanders's endorsers include about 8 superdelegates.
No current Senator has endorsed Sen. Sanders. His fellow Vermonter, Sen. Patrick Leahy (the longest-serving Senator) endorses Secy Clinton's candidacy. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (who once chaired the Democratic National Committee) endorses Secy Clinton's candidacy. I mention those names so as to illustrate how thorough her support is among officeholders who were Democrats as of this time last year.
Before any caucus or primary -- if the superdelegates vote in accordance with their public endorsements -- Secy Clinton is already 15% of the way to a majority of the total possible delegate votes at the convention.
In November 2007, Sen. Obama faced nothing that was nearly as daunting.
I have no doubt that Sen. Sanders will win New Hampshire, Nevada, and many other states. I feel certain he will lose New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.
I'm sorry, Billy, but there is a widely-spread rumor that Clinton's 2007 lead was comparable to her 2015 lead. That rumor is wrong.
Secy. Clinton has assiduously rounded up endorsements from current and former officeholders in the Democratic Party. Many of these people will be automatically invited as at-large delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Their votes count the same as any other delegate vote.
These people will be known at the convention as "superdelegates"; there are about 710 of them. Secy Clinton's endorsers include about 350 superdelegates; Senator Sanders's endorsers include about 8 superdelegates.
No current Senator has endorsed Sen. Sanders. His fellow Vermonter, Sen. Patrick Leahy (the longest-serving Senator) endorses Secy Clinton's candidacy. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (who once chaired the Democratic National Committee) endorses Secy Clinton's candidacy. I mention those names so as to illustrate how thorough her support is among officeholders who were Democrats as of this time last year.
Before any caucus or primary -- if the superdelegates vote in accordance with their public endorsements -- Secy Clinton is already 15% of the way to a majority of the total possible delegate votes at the convention.
In November 2007, Sen. Obama faced nothing that was nearly as daunting.
I have no doubt that Sen. Sanders will win New Hampshire, Nevada, and many other states. I feel certain he will lose New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.
11
I suppose substance is boring -- you have to be a good listener to enjoy substance, and it was a neglected teaching skill in school -- reading dominated.
Affirmation is probably the goal of all three. It's a chance to at least get your favorite issue attention, regardless who of the three should win.
We know social issues will be covered by Bernie Sanders, and Hillary will shine when we discuss Paris. I don't know what Martin O'Malley will bring up: he needs to reply more than introduce. Making distinctions that make a difference is the challenge.
Affirmation is probably the goal of all three. It's a chance to at least get your favorite issue attention, regardless who of the three should win.
We know social issues will be covered by Bernie Sanders, and Hillary will shine when we discuss Paris. I don't know what Martin O'Malley will bring up: he needs to reply more than introduce. Making distinctions that make a difference is the challenge.
8
The truth about the Democratic debate is having to listen to 2 hours of Hillary. At least Bernie is colorful if not a drone on what he espouses. Iowa, are there people there? I though I saw only cows sitting at rallies! At least I won't have difficulty falling asleep tonight.
7
The terrorist attacks in Paris will overtake all the planned script and you can expect some brandishing of their muscular foreign policy. Especially given that the Dems are generally viewed as weak on defense, there may be a bit of crowing and posturing.
We'll have to wait and watch.
We'll have to wait and watch.
10
Come on Gail , not a single candidate deranged? Hillary joining the marines? The list of odd behavior and comments from Hillary, if not deranged certainly off balanced for the past 23 yrs. Bernie? In light of the tragedy in Paris this morning I'm sure the topics for the debate will change. The problem we have as Americans regardless of your party affiliation, none of the republicans or democrats do I feel comfortable with leading this nation against these terrorist threats, none I feel worthy of Commander in Chief. Its a considerable leadership vacuum we presently have.
8
I have often said Iowans are the smartest folks in the country. They somehow have got themselves positioned so that their caucuses have an outsized importance and they get candidates to promise bigger and better farm subsidies, reason or the environment be damned. They are possessed with genius.
33
I grew up there. They're mostly just possessed.
4
Hey, Robert, everyone is on some dole or another.
De Tocqueville long ago reminded us that we will have our democracy until our leaders bribe us with our own money. They have done us one better. They now bribe us with our children's children's money.
True genius!
De Tocqueville long ago reminded us that we will have our democracy until our leaders bribe us with our own money. They have done us one better. They now bribe us with our children's children's money.
True genius!
4
Give credit to Iowa media owners who rake in big advertising bucks.
1
Though his chances of winning the presidency may be slim this time around, clearly the most central figure in this election cycle is Bernie Sanders and the positions he stands for. Should Hillary prevail next year the country will discover that they have an Oldsmobile when so many of us want new modes of transportation. Indeed, revolutionary ones, as those proposed by the Vermont Senator.
If it's not Bernie Sanders this time, the chances for another Bernie down the road look even better.
If it's not Bernie Sanders this time, the chances for another Bernie down the road look even better.
19
He's already kind of old and 5 years from now is a long time.
1
Gail, one thing you overlook is that part of Iowa's economy is powered by undocumented immigrants. One has to wonder if Iowans are as conflicted as the Texans to deal with the relationship between immigration reform and their economies.
While the theme may be about the economy, one also has to wonder if the terrorist attack in Paris might influence the content somewhat. Perhaps this is a downer for viewers who seek entertainment - you know, those who watched the Republican debates like a reality show of modern day gladiators hoping who slay whom, including the moderators - if the Democrat counterparts are all serious about the economy and foreign policy.
My bet is that Sec Clinton will thread the TPP needle by stating she might object it in current form but thought President Obama was doing a fine job overall. Let's just hope she is not too crafty about the foreign issues - face it, neither Sen Sanders nor Gov O'Malley has any experience to speak of - as a gesture of respect for France
By the way, Gail, have you heard there is a secret campaign to draft Gov Rommey? He may have a better chance to run as a Democrat though!
#JeSuisParis
While the theme may be about the economy, one also has to wonder if the terrorist attack in Paris might influence the content somewhat. Perhaps this is a downer for viewers who seek entertainment - you know, those who watched the Republican debates like a reality show of modern day gladiators hoping who slay whom, including the moderators - if the Democrat counterparts are all serious about the economy and foreign policy.
My bet is that Sec Clinton will thread the TPP needle by stating she might object it in current form but thought President Obama was doing a fine job overall. Let's just hope she is not too crafty about the foreign issues - face it, neither Sen Sanders nor Gov O'Malley has any experience to speak of - as a gesture of respect for France
By the way, Gail, have you heard there is a secret campaign to draft Gov Rommey? He may have a better chance to run as a Democrat though!
#JeSuisParis
9
Where did you get the idea that Sanders "has little experience to speak of"? If thirty-five years or so in public office as a mayor, a Congressman and a senator don't count as experience, what does? Certainly not the experience of Cruz, Rubio, Trump, Carley or Carson!
10
.
@ Bos,
You say you wonder if the Paris attacks will influence the content of the debate.
On nytimes.com, Emily Steel already covered that from her perch in Des Moines before you submitted your Comment.
As she reports, CBS News is reformulating the debate questions in order to see how the candidates respond to a crisis situation on the day following the attacks. I imagine we will learn how familiar each candidate is with the security set-up in Paris, and how Paris compares with US cities in terms of the feasibility of defending it from onslaught.
TPP may come up, because it is relevant to the economy and to foreign relations. But I wish I knew what you meant by "crafty". It seems to me that anyone who has received a National Intelligence Briefing would for a long time thereafter use words more carefully than someone who hasn't received one.
Or maybe I mean, I HOPE they would use words more carefully after that.
@ Bos,
You say you wonder if the Paris attacks will influence the content of the debate.
On nytimes.com, Emily Steel already covered that from her perch in Des Moines before you submitted your Comment.
As she reports, CBS News is reformulating the debate questions in order to see how the candidates respond to a crisis situation on the day following the attacks. I imagine we will learn how familiar each candidate is with the security set-up in Paris, and how Paris compares with US cities in terms of the feasibility of defending it from onslaught.
TPP may come up, because it is relevant to the economy and to foreign relations. But I wish I knew what you meant by "crafty". It seems to me that anyone who has received a National Intelligence Briefing would for a long time thereafter use words more carefully than someone who hasn't received one.
Or maybe I mean, I HOPE they would use words more carefully after that.
1
Any discussion by the Democratic candidates on the economy that does not include the following would be most appreciated, and delay channel surfing to include an episode of "The Good Wife" for more snazzy political realism:
1) the gold standard as being the sound answer to monetary policy
2) pumping up military spending
3) that the approximate 3% of people that comprise the 11 million illegal immigrants in this country are responsible for our economic plight
4) people will not have to work "harder" (ie until they are 70) to collect Social Security
5) Obamacare has to be repealed (it could be amended for a universal health care option!!)
6) rants about tepid economic growth (occurring after the worst economic catastrophe in 80 years)
7) ditching US agencies or the Consumer Protection Bureau.
8) job growth through the magic of "trickle down"
We've had four GOP debates now that focus on these themes. Efforts made to debunk them may make Trump go off on another creepy 90 minute rant, but I guess that's the risk the candidates will have to take.
1) the gold standard as being the sound answer to monetary policy
2) pumping up military spending
3) that the approximate 3% of people that comprise the 11 million illegal immigrants in this country are responsible for our economic plight
4) people will not have to work "harder" (ie until they are 70) to collect Social Security
5) Obamacare has to be repealed (it could be amended for a universal health care option!!)
6) rants about tepid economic growth (occurring after the worst economic catastrophe in 80 years)
7) ditching US agencies or the Consumer Protection Bureau.
8) job growth through the magic of "trickle down"
We've had four GOP debates now that focus on these themes. Efforts made to debunk them may make Trump go off on another creepy 90 minute rant, but I guess that's the risk the candidates will have to take.
81
Let me say something. I think that the American people are sick and tired of hearing about Iowa. (Sorry Iowans, but it's true.)
The road to the White House should have an Interstate bypass around Iowa. This state, populated with evangelical Christian farmers, is an American socio-political anomaly.
Why do we begin interviewing candidates for the most powerful position in the world in Iowa? That's the first question to ask each of the Democratic candidates in tonight's debate.
The road to the White House should have an Interstate bypass around Iowa. This state, populated with evangelical Christian farmers, is an American socio-political anomaly.
Why do we begin interviewing candidates for the most powerful position in the world in Iowa? That's the first question to ask each of the Democratic candidates in tonight's debate.
283
Every four years we hear only about the evangelical Republicans of Iowa. What we don't hear about is the large number of moderate, same Democrats in the state. They aren't as interesting as the rabid Republicans so they don't get the press. I have many family members in Iowa and they are nothing like the Iowans portrayed in the news. The press needs to get out more.
9
I agree with you, but to dismiss what New Yorkers call the fly-over, would be to dismiss that fact that those inhabitants account for a significant portion of the electorate. Iowa, with its sparse population, and, as you say, evangelical Christian farmers, is a great place to gauge the temperature of the center of the nation. And frankly, they are people who deserve to be heard too, even if I disagree with most of their beliefs.
2
If the American people prefer entertainment over substance shame of them. Folks will complain plenty about policy when it's not to their liking. Even the marginally intelligent ought to figure out sooner or later that paying attention to what candidates say before the fact matters.
It boggles the mind that a significant segment of the GOP electorate can actually think that either Trump or Carson would make a good president. They like Trump's chutzpah; they like Carson's story of redemption and resurrection from the ghetto of Detroit. To questions about lack of ideas and lack of experience, they say only that "he will surround himself with experts." In other words, they are voting for candidate(s) XXX who will run the country because they guys they like actually cannot do it. Then they will moan and groan about the country being on the wrong path. What a surprise!
It boggles the mind that a significant segment of the GOP electorate can actually think that either Trump or Carson would make a good president. They like Trump's chutzpah; they like Carson's story of redemption and resurrection from the ghetto of Detroit. To questions about lack of ideas and lack of experience, they say only that "he will surround himself with experts." In other words, they are voting for candidate(s) XXX who will run the country because they guys they like actually cannot do it. Then they will moan and groan about the country being on the wrong path. What a surprise!
65
It is disturbing that a significant segment of the population seem to support the non-mainstream candidates that only wish to enrich themselves. If their statements is what gets people motivated, the mainstream candidates should pickup on it and make that idea viable in a mainstream sense right? That is the mechanics of running on issues and adopting those issues as your own, expressing it in such a way that could garner support. But that's not happening - everything on the Republican side is upended by these out-there candidates. On the Democratic side, Hillary efforts are such that where is she? Sanders has polling numbers that are baffling! US politics is a changed landscape or is it the citizens?
1
Sanders is polling very well against Republicans by double digits. November 12th
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/poll-shocker-bernie-sanders-le...
http://www.alternet.org/news-amp-politics/poll-shocker-bernie-sanders-le...
42
My dog would poll well against the Republican candidates. Bernie Sanders is saying much that needs to be said and I hope he has great influence in shaping the Democratic campaign, but I don't think he the one to be nominated.
8
Full disclosure: My cousin Clarke Peters was in "The Wire" (He was also Big Chief in HBO's "Treme.") But drawing from this context, it's possible to frame a question: let's ask how Democrats see the global and domestic economy, its opportunities and drivers of growth.
The economy is the only subject for debate! Every Democrat agrees voting rights have to be restored, social security protected; the ACA works and police have to be retrained. In stout majority Democrats oppose investigating Area 51, returning kids to Central America to be killed, and obey the Bible. If Republicans believe in the Constitution (the one that sanctioned slavery and allowed the Supreme Court to deny black citizenship), Democrats believe in the Promise. Given the barriers and obstacles, change worked out well for us. Some faltered, but many retain their hope. "Bring down that wall!" End the extremes of bi-partisanship threatening our economy and global standing and whose 16 day government shutdown cost the US $24 billion in private sector dollars--family dollars for food and lights.
Entertainment is a huge global industry (slowly hiring diverse actors): what makes it successful? The elements of success provide models to build on--and right now the facts of the debate are aimed mainly toward policy (taxes, programs) rather than models. Research Triangle, NC is a model of long term success through planning and partnerships--why isn't it mentioned as we shift from blame to what works.
The economy is the only subject for debate! Every Democrat agrees voting rights have to be restored, social security protected; the ACA works and police have to be retrained. In stout majority Democrats oppose investigating Area 51, returning kids to Central America to be killed, and obey the Bible. If Republicans believe in the Constitution (the one that sanctioned slavery and allowed the Supreme Court to deny black citizenship), Democrats believe in the Promise. Given the barriers and obstacles, change worked out well for us. Some faltered, but many retain their hope. "Bring down that wall!" End the extremes of bi-partisanship threatening our economy and global standing and whose 16 day government shutdown cost the US $24 billion in private sector dollars--family dollars for food and lights.
Entertainment is a huge global industry (slowly hiring diverse actors): what makes it successful? The elements of success provide models to build on--and right now the facts of the debate are aimed mainly toward policy (taxes, programs) rather than models. Research Triangle, NC is a model of long term success through planning and partnerships--why isn't it mentioned as we shift from blame to what works.
20
Are they still having the "debate"? It seems the primary election is all over and Clinton has won. At least that's what I get from the NYTimes coverage.
23
A debate in which the participants will focus on the issues facing the country, his/her program for dealing with the issues, and what he/she hopes will be the outcome if he/she wins the nomination and then the election?
WOW! What a concept.
Birdbrains need not watch.
WOW! What a concept.
Birdbrains need not watch.
70
Those are exactly the people who need to watch.
7
Democrats are no fun and give up too easily. Candidates like Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are not making it any easier. Or Lincoln Chafee, who slipped us the granite and excused himself out long before Glass-Steagall would come back to haunt him tomorrow night.
Just look at the Republican candidates, like Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee. Look at them holding hope against hope that hell will freeze over, proving them right over global warming myth and winning them the Presidency.
Just look at the Republican candidates, like Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee. Look at them holding hope against hope that hell will freeze over, proving them right over global warming myth and winning them the Presidency.
13
The so-called "debates" being conducted at this time by either party are nothing more than singing to the choir. Democrats aren't watching the Republican sideshow and Republicans aren't going to watch the Democratic event. Instead most people will be watching their favorite TV show or a college football game on Saturday night or they'll be out with their friends enjoying the weekend.
19
I watch and listen to the "debates" - Republican and Democratic. Both have given me insight and valuable information. The Republican debates have so far convinced me that the candidates are boobs and hucksters, and that the Republican Party is a dead elephant walking. With the Democratic debates I am observing how the candidates express themselves on important issues, and trying to see who might best handle the daunting job of president.
82
Not true. I watched every Republican Debate up until the last. I just ran out of patience and conviviality or I'd still be watching.
I understand people running for President are sociopathic narcissists or they wouldn't be running. But I expect them to be older than 12. I expect them to have opinions that don't sound as if they were formed in grade school. I expect them to negotiate with the other sociopaths not pound them like bullies.
I just can't watch any longer. The humor in it is waning. Four months ago this was funny. No so much now. I'm with the unnamed Republican strategist who said (and I paraphrase) If something happens to Hillary one of these people could be President. I worry a bit about Paul Ryan on that account too.
It's a scary world when the lunatics have overrun the asylum.
I understand people running for President are sociopathic narcissists or they wouldn't be running. But I expect them to be older than 12. I expect them to have opinions that don't sound as if they were formed in grade school. I expect them to negotiate with the other sociopaths not pound them like bullies.
I just can't watch any longer. The humor in it is waning. Four months ago this was funny. No so much now. I'm with the unnamed Republican strategist who said (and I paraphrase) If something happens to Hillary one of these people could be President. I worry a bit about Paul Ryan on that account too.
It's a scary world when the lunatics have overrun the asylum.
43
Actually, you are wrong in your assessment. This old liberal enjoys watching the Republican charade that spews out more humor than Jimmy Fallon and SNL combined.
7
It is not really a debate - I will take any Democrat candidate as president to deal with the crisis in France than Cooky Carson, Crazy Cruz, Ridiculous Rubio or Trumped-up Trump.
149
If there is going to be music, a wise choice would be "Gimme that old time religion".
1
And even if Saturday's debate is dry, it will become a hilarious impersonation from Larry David the following Saturday.
5
Gail
I hope you have a great weekend. I see now how you approach a column and I am sorry I was looking for a fight. It's so much nicer to operate on a respectful level I really enjoy posting on your columns now. Thanks for giving me another chance. I told you I would be appropriate and I will. Take good care
I hope you have a great weekend. I see now how you approach a column and I am sorry I was looking for a fight. It's so much nicer to operate on a respectful level I really enjoy posting on your columns now. Thanks for giving me another chance. I told you I would be appropriate and I will. Take good care
6
Nice HBG. If only there were more of us capable of self-reflection. I respect
people who are able to reflect and learn from themselves.
people who are able to reflect and learn from themselves.
6
It is hard to write a humor column about the Democrats, and so easy to do so with the Republicans, especially after the Paris night. Maybe the greatest public service this debate could do would be to have a serious conversation in Iowa explaining why our two-party system is in such terrible shape, and what can be done about it. Let's hear why the Republicans are committing suicide, how dangerous it would be to elect Republicans to national government offices (including Congress) until they regroup as a viable national political party. Let's ask the three Democratic candidates what they really think about the dozen Republicans running. Does Hillary fear debating any of them, much less Carly? Bernie is an honest man—does he have second thoughts about calling himself a Social Democrat? Is O'Malley actually running for the Vice-Presidency? Given that they agree about so much, what issue does each of them see as a significant divider among them?
39
I will be watching the Iowa - Minnesota football game. I suspect most of the people in Iowa will be doing the same. This raises the question of whether or not there is actually a debate if nobody bothers to tune in.
Shame on the DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, for scheduling a debate that few will watch. The comparative sanity and sobriety of the Dem candidates for President is the best advertising the party could ask for. Unfortunately, the DNC chair didn't see things the same way and scheduled this debate at a time that few will pay attention. This is particularly unfortunate given the tragic events in Paris, a reminder if we needed one that who is President actually matters a great deal.
Shame on the DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, for scheduling a debate that few will watch. The comparative sanity and sobriety of the Dem candidates for President is the best advertising the party could ask for. Unfortunately, the DNC chair didn't see things the same way and scheduled this debate at a time that few will pay attention. This is particularly unfortunate given the tragic events in Paris, a reminder if we needed one that who is President actually matters a great deal.
225
Wasserman-Schultz has to go.
5
You're choosing a meaningless football game over the debate, and you're chiding the debate organizers for the timing? Would it have been better to air it during Project Runway?
4
Since the Dem debate will have more moderators than ' contestants ' (using a DT term) in starkest contrast to GOPers' Charlatans-N-Cranks-R-Us traveling medicine show that outnumbers the moderators at least 2-to-1, we expect some serious Press questions will be asked, and we hope one such question might be:
" Candidate X, many times in American history since WWII, it has seemed a new American POTUS finds America ' tested ' by some foreign adversary within the first 6-12 months of moving into the White House - with that in mind, shortly after you took the Oath in 2017, what if Vladimir Putin decided he wanted to expand his Ukraine operation ? "
Though not an ' economy ' question, a real world question deserving a serious considered answer.
" Candidate X, many times in American history since WWII, it has seemed a new American POTUS finds America ' tested ' by some foreign adversary within the first 6-12 months of moving into the White House - with that in mind, shortly after you took the Oath in 2017, what if Vladimir Putin decided he wanted to expand his Ukraine operation ? "
Though not an ' economy ' question, a real world question deserving a serious considered answer.
32
You left out a critical component: "And please keep your answer to 90 seconds or less".
4
Yes, there will be a discussion of issues that matter. No discussion
of who stabbed whom, whether they want to have mass roundups
of Latinos, no discussion of tax cuts for zillionaires that are not
paid for, or a return to the gold standard. None will support privatizing
social security, cutting benefits, or seek to eliminate or voucherize
Medicare. None will support taking food from hungry children.
They might be asked if they agree with Rubio's position on
immigration if they could figure out what it is. There will be
no discussion of Mrs. Clinton's hair. Or whether every
woman should be given a coat hanger at birth lest an unwanted
pregnancy occur.
The events in Paris remind us the world is a dangerous
place and we cannot afford to have a clown in the White
House.
Word.
of who stabbed whom, whether they want to have mass roundups
of Latinos, no discussion of tax cuts for zillionaires that are not
paid for, or a return to the gold standard. None will support privatizing
social security, cutting benefits, or seek to eliminate or voucherize
Medicare. None will support taking food from hungry children.
They might be asked if they agree with Rubio's position on
immigration if they could figure out what it is. There will be
no discussion of Mrs. Clinton's hair. Or whether every
woman should be given a coat hanger at birth lest an unwanted
pregnancy occur.
The events in Paris remind us the world is a dangerous
place and we cannot afford to have a clown in the White
House.
Word.
298
Agreed! One has difficulty conjuring up an image of DT responding to the horrors of Paris last evening with a "You're Fired" speaking to the smoldering fragments of a suicide bomber.
1
As the tragic events in Paris remind us, the world is a deadly serious place, and we in this country can no longer indulge the Republican candidates in the clown car or at the kid's table (I think that covers all of them). And it's not because they're neo-con or isolationist or clueless on foreign policy, but because they are all climate deniers. At the core of American involvement in the Mideast, and the reason for the misery there, is oil. Oil stifles the economic growth of every Arab country, funds the factions in every Sunni-Shia conflict, keeps the sheiks and monarchs on their thrones, and forces American participation in violation of our moral and democratic values. Leave the oil in the ground and put a solar panel on every building in America. So what if it costs a trillion or more (how much have we spent over the last 25 years? how much will the next 25 cost?). It would be an investment in America, and an investment in our security (and put every American back to work). The Middle East is a sinkhole. So, the question for the three Democrats is who can see the future and who will break free from the antiquated paradigm.
412
None of the Republicans offer a coherent foreign policy ( or domestic one). HRC is an integral part of the devastatingly reckless continuation by Obama of the mess that Bush 2 began. They have learned nothing from our foolish attempt to bring democracy to the ME. Bush turned the area upside down with his invasion or Iraq to take down Hussein. HRC and Obama proceeded to aid in the overthrow of Mubarak and his MB legally elected successor in Egypt, as well as the overthrow of Qaddafi. Evil though these dictators were, they were a stabilizing force in the area. Now we have nothing but discord and the rise to power of in radical extremists those countries. Among Obama's initial priorities was the reset of relations with Russia , so he sent Ms. Clinton to Moscow to demand more human rights and vilify Mr Putin. Putin was overwhelmingly elected, and now stands with an 85% approval rating by the Russia people. Flip flopping on Syria has fed the horrible conditions in that country. I fear Hillary will be a far greater hawk than Bush and Obama combined.
My vote will goto the first candidate in either party who makes a credible promise to disengage militarily and otherwise from any area where we have no legitimate business, no understanding of the dynamics of the people, and no clearly defined goals.
I hope Mr. Sanders becomes a lot more vocal in this matter.
My vote will goto the first candidate in either party who makes a credible promise to disengage militarily and otherwise from any area where we have no legitimate business, no understanding of the dynamics of the people, and no clearly defined goals.
I hope Mr. Sanders becomes a lot more vocal in this matter.
89
What a bizarre comment. Mubarak was "overthrown" by the mass exercise of civil rights through non-violent protest by ordinary Egyptian people. Mr. Sanders would have been the first to applaud if asked at the time.
11
And your alternative is….. leave the chaos people to sort it out for themselves?
"My vote will goto the first candidate in either party who makes a credible promise to disengage militarily and otherwise from any area where we have no legitimate business, no understanding of the dynamics of the people, and no clearly defined goals"
And no interest in learning about them?
It's a very small world. Things have a way of popping up in unexpected ways and willful ignorance of the people inhabiting this globe is a really outdated luxury - especially when the armaments business has been so brisk for so long.
"My vote will goto the first candidate in either party who makes a credible promise to disengage militarily and otherwise from any area where we have no legitimate business, no understanding of the dynamics of the people, and no clearly defined goals"
And no interest in learning about them?
It's a very small world. Things have a way of popping up in unexpected ways and willful ignorance of the people inhabiting this globe is a really outdated luxury - especially when the armaments business has been so brisk for so long.
5
Let's hope a) people watch; b) people learn; c) people vote.
186
You don't have to like or support The Donald to see that his recent 95 minute rant DID ask the right question, a key question: “How stupid are the people of the country to believe this crap?”
This paper has indirectly posed this question often.
Perhaps it could be discussed by the Democratic candidates -- "Was Trump right about that one? Discuss."
This paper has indirectly posed this question often.
Perhaps it could be discussed by the Democratic candidates -- "Was Trump right about that one? Discuss."
249
When it comes to the evangelicals in my state, they are both intolerant and intolerable, and they proudly answer Trump's question with a resounding "yes!"
12
Stupidity has been trending in this country for quite awhile. The Donald did ask the right question although he probably missed the true scope of it.
9
Yes, true- and how stupid are they to believe The Donald's crap?
8
While the Republican candidates argue over which one of them can take this country back to the 19th century the fastest (oh, for those halcyon days before manumission and suffrage!), the Democrats will be debating an agenda for the future. We may have our differences but our choice is between people who believe in science, detest war and labor under the impression that an American's lot in life should not be wholly determined by how much money he/she has inherited. Anyone who's looking for leadership from amongst the Gang of 15 really needs to have their head examined.
538
I fear Mr Stu didn't do so well in Arithmetic. It's the Gang of 16 who favour war and want to help the 1%.
Secretary Clinton was strongly for ridding Libya of its evil dictator, and making it the peaceful and prosperous democracy that it is now, and plans to do the same for Syria, Iran, Russia, and China. And she and her husband pushed through repeal of the Glass ceiling on bankers' profits and have taken (and continue to take) a lot of money from those in the 1% who make massive donations to Democrats who promise to only tax the Republicans in the 1%.
Secretary Clinton was strongly for ridding Libya of its evil dictator, and making it the peaceful and prosperous democracy that it is now, and plans to do the same for Syria, Iran, Russia, and China. And she and her husband pushed through repeal of the Glass ceiling on bankers' profits and have taken (and continue to take) a lot of money from those in the 1% who make massive donations to Democrats who promise to only tax the Republicans in the 1%.
31
@Michael Wolfe: HRC is certainly an imperfect candidate but if you seriously believe that there's no significant difference between her agenda and that of her GOPponents I'm afraid you're living in some alternate universe. The Republicans never stop piling it on insofar as her candidacy is concerned; they're frightened of what she represents and for very good reason.
17
I fear Mr. Wolfe speaks some rubbish. Secretary Clinton was strongly in favor of finding the best way to help ordinary Libyan citizens end the tyrannical, oppressive 40+ year rule of their mad dictator in 2011 during the heady liberating days of the Arab Spring. Laudable. Likewise, of finding the best way to help ordinary Syrians end the tyrannical, oppressive 40+ year rule of their mad dictator and his father, during the heady, liberating days of the Arab spring in 2011. The right thing to try and do. have we forgotten how hopeful we on the left were about the Arab Spring movements as they were happening? Mr Sanders must have shared the same sentiments. I remember how we did NOTHING to help citizens trying to free themselves from dictatorships in East Berlin in 1953, Budapest in 1956 and Prague in 1968. NTW, I wonder which side of those issues the socialist Mr. Sanders was on? As for Mrs. Clinton scheming to overthrow the ruling regimes in Iran, Russia and China, I don't think so. Mrs. Clinton has a hard-headed, realist and morally sound view of what her very powerful nation should and should not be doing around the world, and has the experience and temperament to execute well. This is especially important after yesterday's terror attacks in Paris.
11
Well, Saturday night is the Democratic Debate Night. It will be one big yawn. There will be no drama, no name-calling, no insults, not much lying, looming personalities with insufferable nihilistic, narcissistic huge egos. It is going to be issues, issues, issues debated by human adults. There won't be much disagreements either because they all seem to be almost on the same page, the difference being in the nuance. Even the expected blast from Sanders about Clinton is highly unlikely, the decent guy he is interested only in his vision for our country. So WE, the audience is going to be bored because we do not understand or refuse to understand policy stands of each candidate, anticipating entertainment, super-charged, loud drama and mushy sad sack stories of personal, made-up lives. Poor CBS. Their ratings will tank.
132
Too bad that Ms. Collins is so dismissive of candidates discussing the economy, including Glass Steagall. What should they talk about, fantasy football? There, I've done my duty and written a paragraph about the column at hand.
Now to the column I REALLY wanted to comment on, but is not open for comments (WHY?) - the Editorial Board's "With a Big Lead, Mrs. Clinton Can Afford to Take Some Risks"
That's like telling Hillary to fake sincerity. In pleading with her to be bold, the Editors advise her to be more Bernie than Hillary. If that's what they want, they should back Bernie. But they won't, of course.
And I have to say I’m puzzled that Hillary would have voters’ support with exactly the “soft-focus applause lines” the Editors refer to and without the kind of specifics that Bernie has laid out. Could it be that the voters’ support for her, while (we are told) wide, is not all that deep, because of a media (including the NYT) Bernie grey-out, if no longer a total blackout?
Now to the column I REALLY wanted to comment on, but is not open for comments (WHY?) - the Editorial Board's "With a Big Lead, Mrs. Clinton Can Afford to Take Some Risks"
That's like telling Hillary to fake sincerity. In pleading with her to be bold, the Editors advise her to be more Bernie than Hillary. If that's what they want, they should back Bernie. But they won't, of course.
And I have to say I’m puzzled that Hillary would have voters’ support with exactly the “soft-focus applause lines” the Editors refer to and without the kind of specifics that Bernie has laid out. Could it be that the voters’ support for her, while (we are told) wide, is not all that deep, because of a media (including the NYT) Bernie grey-out, if no longer a total blackout?
308
Gail Collins was engaging in irony, which you might have noticed had you thoughtfully read her column instead of using it as a springboard. This debate won't draw because of its timing--a Tuesday would have been better than a Saturday; because absent some self-inflicted catastrophe (probably old news not new) which will not occur on this stage, Hillary Clinton is going to win the primary; and because the presidential election is too far off for this to fell salient. Nobody knows who the Republican nominee will be, so their debates are suspenseful, if awful.
8
In light of tonight's events, I think they ought to spend at least part of the debate on the threat of terrorism all western countries face for the foreseeable future. I'm with Bernie on the need for major changes in economic policy, regulation of the financial sector, making the rich pay more taxes, etc., but how would he do as commander-in-chief and foreign policy overall?
This recent development probably gives Hillary an even greater edge: Of all the candidates on both sides, who has anything close to the foreign policy chops that she has?
On the other hand, the American people seem to rally around Republicans for their hawkishness in times of crisis, so their rhetorical foreign policy belligerence may actually draw serious voters now.
Our world is broken. Maybe The End really is near.
This recent development probably gives Hillary an even greater edge: Of all the candidates on both sides, who has anything close to the foreign policy chops that she has?
On the other hand, the American people seem to rally around Republicans for their hawkishness in times of crisis, so their rhetorical foreign policy belligerence may actually draw serious voters now.
Our world is broken. Maybe The End really is near.
75
Re: The End - always has been, always will be.
4
Foreign policy chops? Seriously? You mean like her support for the Iraq war? Or her support for the Libyan debacle? Or her handling of the security once committed? Clearly involvement does not necessarily infer brilliance. It seems that Bernie has demonstrated far more prescience and forethought in these things.
Yes, please let's have more discussion of foreign policy. But let's not ignore economic policy. Let's talk about how effective the former Senator from New York was when she told those Wall Street bankers to "Cut it out!". And how it's OK to let the Banks continue to run the casino because we'll just let them fail the next time they make bad bets.
And while we're at it maybe we could talk a little about how the DNC's scheduling brilliance and debate policies appear to favor one candidate over the others. Yes, something is broken alright and this election cycle and the way it's being manipulated at all levels is the proof.
Yes, please let's have more discussion of foreign policy. But let's not ignore economic policy. Let's talk about how effective the former Senator from New York was when she told those Wall Street bankers to "Cut it out!". And how it's OK to let the Banks continue to run the casino because we'll just let them fail the next time they make bad bets.
And while we're at it maybe we could talk a little about how the DNC's scheduling brilliance and debate policies appear to favor one candidate over the others. Yes, something is broken alright and this election cycle and the way it's being manipulated at all levels is the proof.
11
How would Bernie do as Commander in Chief and how would he handle foreign relations? Bernie could only hope for such a softball in a debate with Hillary.
3
In other words, the Nov. 14th debate will be an actual debate about issues, unlike the Republican's Tuesday "debate", which, like the previous three, was a forum for hurling insults, packaging fear and manipulation into soundbites, rewriting history, imagining geopolitics as a violent video-game, and turning lies and other personal failings into a referendum on the press. And with a manageable number of participants, too, after an unwieldy number of Republicans interrupting each other and protesting their time allotment. It may not qualify for weekend-grade reality TV, but it will be a refreshing sight of reality on TV.
189
"And with a manageable number of participants, too, after an unwieldy number of Republicans interrupting each other and protesting their time allotment."
But you know the Republicans have such a deeeeeeeeeep bench.
of yoyos.
But you know the Republicans have such a deeeeeeeeeep bench.
of yoyos.
6
I do want to hear the Debate
There are sound minds at any rate,
Bernie S is my choice
A true progressive voice
His win? A true moment elate!
If Hillary, I'd have no joy
At hawk postures she did employ,
I'd say in a footnote
That she would get my vote
And that would my conscience annoy!
There are sound minds at any rate,
Bernie S is my choice
A true progressive voice
His win? A true moment elate!
If Hillary, I'd have no joy
At hawk postures she did employ,
I'd say in a footnote
That she would get my vote
And that would my conscience annoy!
151
The two agree on almost every issue and the contrast with the alternative could not be starker. I would not say it's a terrible affront to conscience to vote for one or the other.
84
It is a terrible affront to conscience to be blackmailed to vote for a candidate who will, no matter what she says to get elected, keep me and the rest of the country in the corrupt grip of the same set of interests that gave us the Great Recession, the Iraq War and ever increasing income inequality.
It's a con game. Both parties are controlled by the same forces and every four years they play "good cop" vs "bad cop" to make us either vote against our true interests and convictions or be told we have no right to complain because we didn't vote. Unless Sanders is nominated, I plan not to play the game again next year. But I won't stop complaining.
It's a con game. Both parties are controlled by the same forces and every four years they play "good cop" vs "bad cop" to make us either vote against our true interests and convictions or be told we have no right to complain because we didn't vote. Unless Sanders is nominated, I plan not to play the game again next year. But I won't stop complaining.
7
Bernie is already in the Senate; we need to get HRC into the WH, and all of these talented leaders back into Senate and House leadership seats. The country has to be turned around, and putting the GOP back into a small minority EVERYWHERE including state and local legislatures is the only way we can take back our democracy.
6
Well, the Republicans have started their inevitable meltdown. Trump removed his bombastic outsider mask to reveal the vulgar cretin within. Ben Carson imagines he can sail to victory on the wings of his psychopathic personality disorder. Bush is asking each of his supporters to send in a dollar, presumably so he can make bus fare back to Florida. Get rid of the evangelicals, the government haters, the dullards and Cruella de Vil, and there's no one left.
Now it's time for the Democrats to show their stuff. It's a shame that Martin O'Malley hasn't dropped out. When you're polling in the low single-digits, the only attention you're getting in the kind in which people roll their eyes and wonder why you're still running. If Sanders and Clinton suddenly pulled out, O'Malley still wouldn't win the Democratic nomination.
Sanders is my personal choice, because he means what he says, and because if he managed to win the presidency, every Republican's head would explode. He's managed to swim upstream against a flood of media indifference, and predictions that he can't possibly win. This is the same media that lavishes attention on idiotic G.O.P. candidates, so maybe we should pay more attention to the candidates and ignore the media.
Hillary rose in my estimation when she withstood the Benghazi committee fiasco, but frankly I just don't feel it. It's not you, Hillary. It's me. You're smart and have a great resume, but maybe we ought to see other people. Like Bernie.
Now it's time for the Democrats to show their stuff. It's a shame that Martin O'Malley hasn't dropped out. When you're polling in the low single-digits, the only attention you're getting in the kind in which people roll their eyes and wonder why you're still running. If Sanders and Clinton suddenly pulled out, O'Malley still wouldn't win the Democratic nomination.
Sanders is my personal choice, because he means what he says, and because if he managed to win the presidency, every Republican's head would explode. He's managed to swim upstream against a flood of media indifference, and predictions that he can't possibly win. This is the same media that lavishes attention on idiotic G.O.P. candidates, so maybe we should pay more attention to the candidates and ignore the media.
Hillary rose in my estimation when she withstood the Benghazi committee fiasco, but frankly I just don't feel it. It's not you, Hillary. It's me. You're smart and have a great resume, but maybe we ought to see other people. Like Bernie.
500
I am so tired of hearing about how Hillary withstood the Benghazi committee. Am I the only one who recognizes that just because the questions are coming from Republicans does not mean they're unimportant and don't deserve answers. By making Hillary the victim of Republican attacks these unanswered questions remain unanswered:
1. Why did we support the Libyan rebels that ultimately turned out to be linked to the same rebels that attacked the embassy? Sounds like the same kind of intelligence failure that led us into the Iraq war that Hillary supported.
2. Why did we not provide the security necessary to protect the embassy even after hundreds of requests and known increased rebel activity in the area? Clinton's explanation that she was unaware of the requests and that the decision was left to the State Department "professionals" is unacceptable. If she really didn't know then she should have. This is a clear failure of leadership.
3. Why did she and the State Department representatives continue to insist for at least 2 weeks that the uprising was the result of an anti-islamic video when her emails and transcripts of telecons reveal that she knew the night of the attack that it was untrue?
Irrespective of other issues I might have with her feigned attack on Wall St. while taking millions from them to support her campaign, her strained relationship with the truth and failure of leadership should be a concern to all of us.
1. Why did we support the Libyan rebels that ultimately turned out to be linked to the same rebels that attacked the embassy? Sounds like the same kind of intelligence failure that led us into the Iraq war that Hillary supported.
2. Why did we not provide the security necessary to protect the embassy even after hundreds of requests and known increased rebel activity in the area? Clinton's explanation that she was unaware of the requests and that the decision was left to the State Department "professionals" is unacceptable. If she really didn't know then she should have. This is a clear failure of leadership.
3. Why did she and the State Department representatives continue to insist for at least 2 weeks that the uprising was the result of an anti-islamic video when her emails and transcripts of telecons reveal that she knew the night of the attack that it was untrue?
Irrespective of other issues I might have with her feigned attack on Wall St. while taking millions from them to support her campaign, her strained relationship with the truth and failure of leadership should be a concern to all of us.
20
One small note in defense of Martin O'Malley, he did raise issues in the last debate about the dire necessity of changing our dependence on fossil fuels. And he had some concrete ideas about how to do so, which is something he promoted and fought for as governor. He pushed hard for off-shore wind farms (which were eventually blocked by the Naval Air Station.) and MD gives $1000 grants for home photovoltaics installation. Something I have noticed driving through neighborhoods in the DC area is that on the MD side of the river, there are more and more houses of every size sporting fresh new solar panels. On the VA side, not so much.
If O'Malley can hammer on green issues enough to keep this issue front and center, I'm all for it.
That said, I'm working for Bernie.
If O'Malley can hammer on green issues enough to keep this issue front and center, I'm all for it.
That said, I'm working for Bernie.
45
Love the imagery of the exploding republican heads. They certainly swelled to the breaking point with Obama, so why not push them over the edge with Sanders.
38
This could be a golden opportunity for the Democrats. We are fresh off a debate where no one in the Republican party would come out for a raise in the min. wage. Trump said the American worker was already paid too much and the others looked uncomfortable defending their records of keeping the middle class uncomfortable. It should be very easy to show who is watching out for the average American and who is advocating for the business elites. There is dignity in hard work and our paychecks should reflect that. There is nothing dignified about waiting to be trickled on.
514
Agreed! Let's apply the Golden Rule to the GOP in 2016: Dump onto the GOP as they have dumped on ordinary Americans since Ronald Reagan started the great downfall of our country in 1981. Government is not the problem; poor leadership and disastrous policies favoring the 1% are the problem.
34
Thank you for not making a comparison between Hillary and Bernie and for not stating negatives about any of the 3 candidates.
We Democrats all know that we will support the Democratic nominee - whoever that may turn out to be.
There is no sense in raining on the parade of Hillary or of Bernie or of Martin.
I support them all ...... and will to the very end.
And each is certainly a cut above any of the Republican offerings.
We Democrats all know that we will support the Democratic nominee - whoever that may turn out to be.
There is no sense in raining on the parade of Hillary or of Bernie or of Martin.
I support them all ...... and will to the very end.
And each is certainly a cut above any of the Republican offerings.
18
You're right--it WILL be easy to show who is watching out for the average American, and who is advocating for the business elites.
The problem remains that the average American can't be bothered to pay attention. He/she only votes "sound bites."
The problem remains that the average American can't be bothered to pay attention. He/she only votes "sound bites."
7