Jeb makes his love of NH sound contingent: be responsible, and you can keep your first in the nation primary.
Christie ruined Bruce for millions of people.
2
Jeb Bush need to provide more information about what his role was as Governor of Florida when his brother was "elected" President.
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/caucus/2015/04...
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/caucus/2015/04...
9
"Elected President" ? More accurately, George Bush was selected president after the Supreme Court was hoodwinked by brother Jeb and his buddies, who disenfranchised every voter who might vote against brother George. No wonder on the day of the Inauguration, clearly visible to TV cameras and home viewers, curbside spectators held a wide banner reading "Jail to the Thief".
10
New Hampshire voters have an e.Even bigger than their responsibility than to "not elect Trump". That is their responsibility to "not elect Christie". His flagrant abuse of office in New Jersey is well documented, as is his inability for telling the truth. If New Hampshire voters buy his Elmer Gantry routine they will have disgraced themselves out of the "first primary" responsibility.
11
Couldn't agree more on Christie. An absurd individual, blinded by unfounded yet irresistible ambition. Very loud, willing to say blatantly false things like "the government has been stealing your Social Security." Anyway, he has zero chance of winning the nomination.
9
Am I wrong or is every candidate who is considered a right wing candidate is in the wrong on all major issues? And am I right that of the rightwing candidates left in the race to the 2016 presidency none are merely right leaning or moderate but hardcore right wingnuts?
In other words, those of the right that are left are so far, far-right that they can never go to their left. Not a one of them is capable of performing on a full court. Not a one of them has a crossover move. Nary a one of these candy dates is aware that to play the game
The remaining potential "candy-dates" remaining on the right side of the
electorate that are left are "gun rights nuts", "anti- abortion rights nuts" and just "plain right nuts". Right or wrong?
These potential "candy-dates" truly are not representative of what was once the proud and distinguished Grand Old Party.The GOP of Lincoln, Taft and Eisenhower; a political party dedicated to protecting the security of a nation and the individual rights of its citizens and those seeking refuge from tyranny, and abuse.
The Past generations of GOP glory is now reduced to mean and petty con-men. Con-men all trying to emerge as the standard bearer for the Tea Party.
Preaching suppression of a protestor voicing disagreement with their stance. See, Christie "sit down and shut-up" see, Trump "throw him out now"as a plank for its political agenda, racial hatred for a call
for political support and
In other words, those of the right that are left are so far, far-right that they can never go to their left. Not a one of them is capable of performing on a full court. Not a one of them has a crossover move. Nary a one of these candy dates is aware that to play the game
The remaining potential "candy-dates" remaining on the right side of the
electorate that are left are "gun rights nuts", "anti- abortion rights nuts" and just "plain right nuts". Right or wrong?
These potential "candy-dates" truly are not representative of what was once the proud and distinguished Grand Old Party.The GOP of Lincoln, Taft and Eisenhower; a political party dedicated to protecting the security of a nation and the individual rights of its citizens and those seeking refuge from tyranny, and abuse.
The Past generations of GOP glory is now reduced to mean and petty con-men. Con-men all trying to emerge as the standard bearer for the Tea Party.
Preaching suppression of a protestor voicing disagreement with their stance. See, Christie "sit down and shut-up" see, Trump "throw him out now"as a plank for its political agenda, racial hatred for a call
for political support and
12
The desperate bluster is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Need to be curbed.
5
Follow the money.
Jeb Bush has raised more money than any candidate in either party before a single vote has been counted. I assume this money was provided by people that owe favors to the Bush family. It must be very important for these people to have access to the White House once again.
I sure hope the "responsible" voters in New Hampshire support these people rather than the Trump Brand. It is obviously the right and smart thing to do.
For a while I was concerned that the last Bush president initiated a war in the Middle East. But, now, it is obvious that no matter which candidate becomes president America will reinvade the Middle East. So, now the only decision voters have to worry about is which wealthy family will sit in the White House.
Thank God Jeb Bush has clarified how much more qualified to be President he is than D Trump.
Jeb Bush has raised more money than any candidate in either party before a single vote has been counted. I assume this money was provided by people that owe favors to the Bush family. It must be very important for these people to have access to the White House once again.
I sure hope the "responsible" voters in New Hampshire support these people rather than the Trump Brand. It is obviously the right and smart thing to do.
For a while I was concerned that the last Bush president initiated a war in the Middle East. But, now, it is obvious that no matter which candidate becomes president America will reinvade the Middle East. So, now the only decision voters have to worry about is which wealthy family will sit in the White House.
Thank God Jeb Bush has clarified how much more qualified to be President he is than D Trump.
5
I believe that Trump is far more qualified to be President than Jebitto. I want a President who puts Americans first. All of the other candidates are owned puppets who will never seal the southern border and ensure a continuing invasion of third world illegal immigrants to keep their globalist big business backers supplied with cheap labor. Trump is the strong leader who will make America great again!
Jeb (!) might be the most hilariously inept campaigner ever. He makes Mitt Romney look like an oratorical star. No one knew that? No one vetted him or prepared him? They just assumed the his illustrious last name or exclamation point substitute for his last name would just allow him to waltz into the nomination and then the presidency? In the meantime, it's highly entertaining. Thanks Jeb (!).
15
What's fascinating is that this reader apparently is interested in how good a campaigner (read "entertainer) he is. I'm no Bush supporter, but the idea that one votes for the person who tap dances the best on the rubber chicken circuit is exactly why American electoral politics is down the toilet. Ah, remember the days when candidates put out printed position statements to which they were held accountable? But then way back then, people could read. Bring on Justin Bieber...now THERE'S a candidate for the people.
2
From the days of Lee Atwater GOP politics have been about winning with little regard paid to the welfare of the average American voter. I haver lived much of the time in the Usa since Atwater and the rest of the time in Canada. The mid 1960s was the zenith in both power and security for America's middle class and though the decline initially was slow and gradual the 35 years we have watched a rapid decline in the feelings of security and the last 10 years has seen a 10% drop in the percentage of middle class Americans. Christie, Bush, Rubio and to some extent Clinton are really promising a continuation of the degradation of American life.
Trump, Cruz and Sanders are offering three unique paths that will arrest the continuing slow decline.
Trump is promising a strong dynamic leader who will solve all our problems.
Cruz true to his hero Edmund Burke gives us lies and prevarication designed to divide our nation and its citizens into separate camps so he can tell different lies to the different camps so we can never get together to compare notes. I guess when you are the best liar and scoundrel in the country you do your best to exploit your talents.
Sanders offers America the dreams of the founders a government of the people by the people and for the people but I guess in 2016 that is totally unAmerican.
Trump, Cruz and Sanders are offering three unique paths that will arrest the continuing slow decline.
Trump is promising a strong dynamic leader who will solve all our problems.
Cruz true to his hero Edmund Burke gives us lies and prevarication designed to divide our nation and its citizens into separate camps so he can tell different lies to the different camps so we can never get together to compare notes. I guess when you are the best liar and scoundrel in the country you do your best to exploit your talents.
Sanders offers America the dreams of the founders a government of the people by the people and for the people but I guess in 2016 that is totally unAmerican.
14
The train wreck that is Trump and his campaign, has already jumped the rails and the momentum will come to an abrupt halt, if not in New Hampshire, then soon after. Unfortunately for Bush and Christie, they will be swallowed up in the debris along with Fiorina, Paul, Carson, et al. The Republicans will have to choose between the candidate they love to hate and the one they hate to love: Cruz vs Rubio.
Cruz, a cross between the sleaziest used-car dealer and a megalomaniacal televangelist against a handsome, fresh-faced, billionaire's errand boy.
And the winner loses to Hillary. This is gonna be an election for the books.
Cruz, a cross between the sleaziest used-car dealer and a megalomaniacal televangelist against a handsome, fresh-faced, billionaire's errand boy.
And the winner loses to Hillary. This is gonna be an election for the books.
17
If some of those Republican egomaniac candidates who were losing had dropped out of the race already the party could have rallied behind someone else. Trump may have a lot of support, after all, but his numbers aren't greater than 50%. If Trump comes out on top, it's only the other candidates to blame.
6
Themedia tells us all is for naught. Hillary and Bill are a shoe in. Then of course all the frustrations will go away.
Chris Christie is a liar of epic proportions. This entire election has turned into the greatest manipulation of the media and citizens since Dick Cheney and weapons of mass destruction. As a part time resident of New Hampshire I am appalled that the Union Leader endorsed Christie. Having said that, I don't know which of the Republicans they could have endorsed, because none of them were being anywhere near honest, all they did was blame Obama for everything. I have voted for Republicans at some points in the past. I am absolutely horrified at how they are mishandling this Presidential campaign. We invaded Iraq so they could have democracy, and we have this? This is a travesty. We cannot allow these liars to win. We have to elect Bernie Sanders, for no other reason than to prove that honesty is what we want in a President.
14
The little people of the US would like a candidate that wasn't bought by big money or PAC money. They are fed up with how corrupt Washington is...
They want someone who is not beholden to special interests, Wall Street, corporations, lobbies, etc. What they don't want is Jeb or Hillary who represent all of the above.
They want someone who is not beholden to special interests, Wall Street, corporations, lobbies, etc. What they don't want is Jeb or Hillary who represent all of the above.
7
So you'll vote for Trump who is one of those special interests and who has simply skipped the middle man? You might want to check out Trump's made in China clothing line or his fraudulent "university."
8
Asked if he ever looked at having his Trump products manufactured in the U.S., Trump said, "Always do. There are very few companies that do it because they can't compete with the (currency) manipulation."
Trump will call China out , as none of the others will , he will create the currency climate and tax and other incentive climate to lure manufacturing back to the US - under the current China first president and candidates US manufacturing remains hamstrung
Trump will call China out , as none of the others will , he will create the currency climate and tax and other incentive climate to lure manufacturing back to the US - under the current China first president and candidates US manufacturing remains hamstrung
paul m - If you believe that, I've got a really nice bridge to sell you. I'll throw in a soon to be ex governor for free.
3
Bush and Christie resorting to using guilt?!
While I think many people find it difficult to form much of an opinion on what Bush's overall character might be, beyond him simply behaving like a politician, I think in Christie's case, it should be pretty easy.
If one's knowledge or life experience doesn't enable them to spot a dishonest, mean-spirited bully, they should just read this: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/us/politics/chris-christie-first-campa...
While I think many people find it difficult to form much of an opinion on what Bush's overall character might be, beyond him simply behaving like a politician, I think in Christie's case, it should be pretty easy.
If one's knowledge or life experience doesn't enable them to spot a dishonest, mean-spirited bully, they should just read this: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/03/us/politics/chris-christie-first-campa...
10
Much as I am loathe to agree with Republicans, the base is right -- better Trump than either of these two.
15
Jeb and Chris tell New Hampshire voters of "their enormous responsibility to pick a candidate not named Donald J. Trump."
Good!
Good!
1
Let me get this straight - the message is instead of Donald Trump people in NH should either vote for Tony Soprano or give W a third term. Sounds a lot like getting to choose your form of execution.
20
If Jeb Bush's name was John Ellis his candidacy would be a joke. Chis Christie's candidacy is a joke in any case.
18
That's a fine line for Chris Christie, arguing that the country doesn't need a blustering bully when that's his well-earned reputation.
26
Trump is on a nihilistic mission to torpedo the GOP chances in 2016 and beyond, and perhaps the party itself. Along with that, American ideals and morals will be collateral damage. As the calendar changes to a new year, the time of too many people on the debate stage too early, will change. I'm certain that the Clinton campaign would welcome Trump as representing the leadership of the GOP in this campaign, will Republicans?
2
Well Mr. Bush and Mr. Christie certainly have many flaws, but they're not idiots. They're totally right that America, and the world, is depending on voters in New Hampshire and Iowa to vote against Trump. Due to our anachronistic and terribly flawed electoral system, Iowa and New Hampshire, states with small population and no impact on anything, have all the clout in national elections. So Americans and the world are desperately depending on those specific few voters to vote against Trump.
The reason it's so important to vote against Trump, is that he's a bombastic fascist who is against everything America stands for. His presidency would usher in the destruction of America, as he destroyed first its economy, then its society, and then in all likelihood he'd finish it off with a nuclear war. He has no self-control, no workable policies, no idea how to negotiate, and if anyone would begin the nuclear war that ended humanity, it's him.
You've been warned. If by some catastrophic event we get Trump as a president, then America will deserve its downfall.
The reason it's so important to vote against Trump, is that he's a bombastic fascist who is against everything America stands for. His presidency would usher in the destruction of America, as he destroyed first its economy, then its society, and then in all likelihood he'd finish it off with a nuclear war. He has no self-control, no workable policies, no idea how to negotiate, and if anyone would begin the nuclear war that ended humanity, it's him.
You've been warned. If by some catastrophic event we get Trump as a president, then America will deserve its downfall.
8
" Due to our anachronistic and terribly flawed electoral system, Iowa and New Hampshire, states with small population and no impact on anything, have all the clout in national elections."
You should remember that Trump is leading in national polls against other Republicans.
He is a buffoon but a smart buffoon. If he is nominated, don't rely on him to lie down and let Hillary walk over him.
He is the only candidate who has the wisdom to recognize that we must work with Russia. And he is the only Republican to be open to a single payer health care plan.
As for deporting all illegal immigrants, it does not seem likely. But who knows what he will say after the Republican convention and who knows what he will do if he is elected?
You should remember that Trump is leading in national polls against other Republicans.
He is a buffoon but a smart buffoon. If he is nominated, don't rely on him to lie down and let Hillary walk over him.
He is the only candidate who has the wisdom to recognize that we must work with Russia. And he is the only Republican to be open to a single payer health care plan.
As for deporting all illegal immigrants, it does not seem likely. But who knows what he will say after the Republican convention and who knows what he will do if he is elected?
3
" America will deserve its downfall."
250,000 dead Syrians would say, "America ALREADY deserves its downfall."
250,000 dead Syrians would say, "America ALREADY deserves its downfall."
2
An all of New Jersey is counting on New Hampshire voters to give Chris Christie's presidential plans the George Washington Bridge Treatment. Governor Christie has already destroyed New Jersey with the nations Highest Personal/Property Taxes, 9 credit downgrades, fantisylnd annual budgets, and an 80 billion dollar debt to NJ Workers - God Forbid he gets his dirty hands on the White House.
25
Don't they have a responsibility to offer reasonable alternatives to Trump? Shouldn't Christie et. al, be out there trying to convince the voters that they are worthwhile candidates and have policy ideas worth considering? The same goes for the Democrats. All contenders have a serious duty to persuade us that they are right for the country. So far the only ones I see doing that are Sanders and Clinton.
9
I like Sanders but I am dismayed that he omits to shed a tear for the 55 million fetuses we have aborted.
If he is pro-woman, he should remember that half the fetuses killed were female.
If he is nominated I will probably vote for him, but only with much hesitation.
If he is pro-woman, he should remember that half the fetuses killed were female.
If he is nominated I will probably vote for him, but only with much hesitation.
1
Aruna - If you elect a Democrat women will have access to health care and contraception which will decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
6
No more Bushs. Both Iraq wars were unjustified. For example, Saddam
asked the American Ambassador April Goolsby whether America would
object to his reclaiming Kuwait. The word from the White House was
that it was OK. And when Saddam seized Kuwait, the elder Bush used that as a pretext for attacking Iraq. In the second American war against Iraq, the neocons Perle and Wolfowitz convinced George W. Bush that Saddam, a
secular anti-jihadist leader who was himself targeted by al-Quaida,
had arranged the attacks on the Towers and Pentagon. Completely false.
If America elects another Bush, we might as well declare ourselves a
colony of Israel.
asked the American Ambassador April Goolsby whether America would
object to his reclaiming Kuwait. The word from the White House was
that it was OK. And when Saddam seized Kuwait, the elder Bush used that as a pretext for attacking Iraq. In the second American war against Iraq, the neocons Perle and Wolfowitz convinced George W. Bush that Saddam, a
secular anti-jihadist leader who was himself targeted by al-Quaida,
had arranged the attacks on the Towers and Pentagon. Completely false.
If America elects another Bush, we might as well declare ourselves a
colony of Israel.
4
"Saddam asked the American Ambassador April Goolsby whether America would object to his reclaiming Kuwait. The word from the White House was
that it was OK."
This is an old story, and one that has been discredited many times over the years, including by Joe Wilson (April Glaspie's boss at the time) and even Tariq Aziz in a Frontline interview. Please try to keep up, at least with things that happened 25 years ago.
that it was OK."
This is an old story, and one that has been discredited many times over the years, including by Joe Wilson (April Glaspie's boss at the time) and even Tariq Aziz in a Frontline interview. Please try to keep up, at least with things that happened 25 years ago.
2
I stand by my statement concerning the American Ambassador
giving the green light for the takeover of Kuwait. Furthermore,
there is the fact that the daughter of the Kuwaiti Ambassador
testified undere an alias before the Senate that
Iraqi soldiers were taking infants off life support machines.
We know that the daughter was socially active and studying
at an American university, but the media never revealed this fact.
giving the green light for the takeover of Kuwait. Furthermore,
there is the fact that the daughter of the Kuwaiti Ambassador
testified undere an alias before the Senate that
Iraqi soldiers were taking infants off life support machines.
We know that the daughter was socially active and studying
at an American university, but the media never revealed this fact.
2
When voters are irrational, rational appeals fall short. Somehow, I can't imagine the owners of the Republican Party will hand it over to Donald Trump. Look for an out.
3
In 1970 Vice President Spiro Agnew attacked prominent Vietnam protestors, calling them “nattering nabobs of negativism."
Is not that just what the Republican Party has become? What Bush and Christie, and most of the press, do not get is that The Donald is the most positive of all the candidates.
How about a positive message of what they are for?
Is not that just what the Republican Party has become? What Bush and Christie, and most of the press, do not get is that The Donald is the most positive of all the candidates.
How about a positive message of what they are for?
5
Both Agnew and Trump were anti-intellectuals who were going for a visceral response to any kind of reasoned opposition to their platforms.
5
Does it matter who the candidate is on the Republican side? The fact that every time Trumps opens his ignorant and bigoted mouth his polls numbers rise, is enough to tell you how pitiful his competition is. What's more troubling is that voters are turning to HIM as the answer.
One thing we know, Hillary or Bernie will not coddle or cower from him.
He will be exposed for the fraud he is. (of course anyone with a brain can see that clearly already)
One thing we know, Hillary or Bernie will not coddle or cower from him.
He will be exposed for the fraud he is. (of course anyone with a brain can see that clearly already)
10
The problem is that there are altogether too few people with a brain.
New Hampshire used to be called "the south of the north", with the far right Manchester Union Leader newspaper the only statewide daily paper, and a history of Republican dominance. Fortunately, the state has evolved into a more mainstream state with a woman democratic governor, senator, and generally a much more sophisticated population.
However, there is still a deep undercurrent far right libertarians, militia types, outright racists, the free state project, etc., and I'm guessing quite a bit of support for Trump. The Union Leader has endorsed Christie, and that has boosted him here and elsewhere.
With Trump seemingly reaching the tipping point this week in his outrageous attacks, the ground seems fertile for surprises.
However, there is still a deep undercurrent far right libertarians, militia types, outright racists, the free state project, etc., and I'm guessing quite a bit of support for Trump. The Union Leader has endorsed Christie, and that has boosted him here and elsewhere.
With Trump seemingly reaching the tipping point this week in his outrageous attacks, the ground seems fertile for surprises.
5
Christie and Bush are beyond desperate. Their campaigns are going nowhere. New Hampshire will not save either of them. Everybody was laughing at Donald Trump when he announced his candidacy. They kept laughing at him for a while. But the mockery of his hair and of his volatile rhetoric has turned into shock and awe. A few weeks ago I heard the GOP pundit Karl Rove say in a radio interview that Trump cannot seem to get over 30% in the polls and that he had topped out. Well, Trump's numbers continue to rise and they now are over 30%, closer to 40%. The pundits and the GOP establishment have been wrong all along. Is it too late to stop Trump? I think so. And if Trump is the GOP nominee then there will be one certain result: the GOP will go the way of the Whigs. And we can thank Donald Trump for essentially euthanizing this mortally wounded elephant.
19
One could say it took a Whig to destroy the GOP
5
After his famous meltdown during the 2012 election count coupled with the fact that his PAC was a total failure in electing candidates he favored, no one in their right mind should EVER listen to or quote Karl Rove for any reason.
6
The funny thing is Christie and Bush are fighting over the same voters. Trump voters aren't leaving him after six months, but Jeb is in denial. "Everyone loves the circus, but people make up their minds in the last week."
The establishment vote is split between Rubio, Bush and Christie, but their egos won't let them drop out. Christie didn't hug Obama for nothing to get that Sandy pork and coast to reelection. Jeb is a Bush goshdarnit. Rubio says it's time for a Republican Obama with no evidence it's him. Trump is gonna run the table in the early states.
The establishment vote is split between Rubio, Bush and Christie, but their egos won't let them drop out. Christie didn't hug Obama for nothing to get that Sandy pork and coast to reelection. Jeb is a Bush goshdarnit. Rubio says it's time for a Republican Obama with no evidence it's him. Trump is gonna run the table in the early states.
8
With the current 'leadership' of the Republican party it would better cease to exist.
Nothing of value in it, only detriment and destruction.
Shame, shame, shame.
Nothing of value in it, only detriment and destruction.
Shame, shame, shame.
13
But the American people disagree. Republicans control one of the two elected branches of the Federal government, and considerably more state houses and governorships than do the Democrats.
Don't confuse Trump with the Republican Party. At least not yet.
Don't confuse Trump with the Republican Party. At least not yet.
1
I did not refer to just Trump.
The rest is as bad.
The rest is as bad.
1
Santorum and Huckabee aside, the more serious GOP candidates will be at the "kid's table" in the next debate. Kasich and Paul are the ones with actual policy ideas and Kasich the only GOP entrant with Presidential gravitas.
2
Both of these guys have become last year's Christmas presents so they just need to disappear.
16
We have yet to hear anything substantive from any candidate. We've been reduced to a nation of bullying name calling "mean kids". Certainly not anyone I put my trust in to lead this nation or any other for that matter. Signed, fearful and desperately seeking an intelligent experienced leader.
10
That's only true of Republicans. It really does help to pay attention.
14
Try a Democrat. Any Democrat.
19
I live din New England for most of my life. There is something everyone is missing about NH. They think about the "independent streak" of NH voters that existed 20 years ago, but they miss the fact that NH's population soared in recent years with people from Massachusetts avoiding taxes.
The people avoiding the Massachusetts taxes were not the liberals. In fact, they are the Trump demographic. They tend to be conservative, white, and angry. They hated Massachusetts liberals, so they moved to NH and brought with them their Tea Party mentality. THESE are the people that will dominate the GOP primary this time around.
We are not talking about lifelong NH residents, we are talking about southern NH Massachusetts transplants. Mark my words, Trump WILL win NH, and everyone will scratch their heads and say "what happened to NH?"
The answer will be the NH GOP has been taken over by angry, white, Tea Party voters from Massachusetts.
The people avoiding the Massachusetts taxes were not the liberals. In fact, they are the Trump demographic. They tend to be conservative, white, and angry. They hated Massachusetts liberals, so they moved to NH and brought with them their Tea Party mentality. THESE are the people that will dominate the GOP primary this time around.
We are not talking about lifelong NH residents, we are talking about southern NH Massachusetts transplants. Mark my words, Trump WILL win NH, and everyone will scratch their heads and say "what happened to NH?"
The answer will be the NH GOP has been taken over by angry, white, Tea Party voters from Massachusetts.
69
Die to live free post-mortem, eh?
5
Your characterization of the Massachusetts migration to NH is wrong. Many were well to do or upper middle class, college educated professionals who could afford the commute to Boston, or afford to stay home. They were not the Tea Party folks who could barely afford any move at all. Those people tended to vote Democratic party. True they liked lower taxes, but mostly they liked non-urban living.
4
For the life of me, I can't understand why states like New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina are given so much say so in the nomination process. It is the 21st century.
3
Maybe voters throughout America, not just in Iowa and New Hampshire, are on to Chris Christie and Jeb Bush and know what status-quo phonies they are. Maybe they see how conventional politicians have let them down as soon as the election is over, and are a lot wiser this time.
This is not to endorse Donald Trump--far be it from me to do that--but the sentiment in looking for leaders who will do as they say when the confetti stops falling is real.
This is not to endorse Donald Trump--far be it from me to do that--but the sentiment in looking for leaders who will do as they say when the confetti stops falling is real.
8
Chris Christie is up against someone who's even more of a bully and beats him in the "telling it like it is" game. As for Jeb Bush, he looks ridiculous in the bull pit. I suppose that's a compliment.
20
Neither Bush nor Trump feel any guilt nor humility for being "smart" and "wise" enough to be born WASP scions. Nor did Christie nor Trump ever feel naturally normally patriotic brave enough to move beyond bullying verbal personal political bombast to put on an American military uniform.
12
This may not get through but I think we need to discuss the fraud that Ted Cruz is perpetrating on us with his Baloney response to the cartoon mocking himself not his daughters. None of the articles about it or him are allowing comments.
The cartoon was mocking Mr. Cruz cowardly use of his daughter’s to make an ad attacking Hilary Clinton.
Mr Cruz has cleverly diverted us away from that cowardice to make this seem like an attack on his daughters and it seems the Press at least has bought it!
No Mr Cruz that cartoon mocked You sir & Your use of your daughter’s as you were the “responsible” adult who created that video. You used them to say what you are too cowardly to say yourself because it is based on a fallacy you could be held to account for.
Anyone who sees anything else is willfully avoiding the objective reality of the thing.
You put your children in that position Mr Cruz and now you are using them as a human shield to avoid taking the hit You deserve for doing so.
So can we expect president Cruz to use his children as human shields too?
You have always been a coward Mr Cruz as you amply demonstrated in your previous self aggrandizing political stunts in which you also used your children as props to deflect.
Now you show yourself to be a lowlife of the worst kind willing to use your children and then step on their bodies in phony anger about them having been hit by the thing you put them in the path of intending for them to be hit by it.
The cartoon was mocking Mr. Cruz cowardly use of his daughter’s to make an ad attacking Hilary Clinton.
Mr Cruz has cleverly diverted us away from that cowardice to make this seem like an attack on his daughters and it seems the Press at least has bought it!
No Mr Cruz that cartoon mocked You sir & Your use of your daughter’s as you were the “responsible” adult who created that video. You used them to say what you are too cowardly to say yourself because it is based on a fallacy you could be held to account for.
Anyone who sees anything else is willfully avoiding the objective reality of the thing.
You put your children in that position Mr Cruz and now you are using them as a human shield to avoid taking the hit You deserve for doing so.
So can we expect president Cruz to use his children as human shields too?
You have always been a coward Mr Cruz as you amply demonstrated in your previous self aggrandizing political stunts in which you also used your children as props to deflect.
Now you show yourself to be a lowlife of the worst kind willing to use your children and then step on their bodies in phony anger about them having been hit by the thing you put them in the path of intending for them to be hit by it.
56
Don't be silly. Cruz will use his daughters as campaign tools but he'll use other people's children as human shields and will happily send thousands of them off to be killed and maimed.
33
You are SO right
11
"Cruz will use his daughters as campaign tools but he'll use other people's children as human shields and will happily send thousands of them off to be killed and maimed."
Which makes him different from Hillary Clinton how?
Which makes him different from Hillary Clinton how?
1
Trump aspires to universal government run health care , removing tax foreign havens , rebuilding infrastructure and industry by sequestering manufacturing from outsourcing back home , he regards our interventions in the Middle East as counter productive - any reasonable voter whether Dem or Rep can support these positions , and Trump does not have to pander and prostate to large donors of whatever stripe - I d rather an unpredictable potentially revolutionary Trump to a completely predictable , wooden , staid Hilary
7
Trump's clothing line is made in China, he came up with his phony Trump University as a way to fleece ordinary Americans. Trump knows nothing about foreign affairs and he doesn't care about anyone but himself. Time to get a clue.
25
"Trump aspires to universal government run health care , removing tax foreign havens , rebuilding infrastructure and industry by sequestering manufacturing from outsourcing back home , he regards our interventions in the Middle East as counter productive..."
You have Trump confused with Bernie Sanders.
You have Trump confused with Bernie Sanders.
24
Employing guilt screams desperation. These guys' campaigns are on their last legs, and if they can kill two birds with one stone (save their campaign AND get a shot on Trump) then even better for them. Jeb's chances are going down the drain when he doesn't win the NH primary. Could also be a huge turning point for Christie, considering the Donald has spent very little time in the Granite State so far. Should be fun.
23
I find nothing fun in American politics at its worst in my lifetime.
18
america has been supplying th world w comedy for decades
its practically your biggest export
its practically your biggest export
6
Oh, dear, 1968 was no picnic.
Christy has soooo much baggage. How about the fact that he has no control over the most basic, elemental behavior of what he puts in his mouth?
He and the Jebster have an insurmountable task convincing any credible percentage that either offers a better bet than Donald J Trump.
He and the Jebster have an insurmountable task convincing any credible percentage that either offers a better bet than Donald J Trump.
12
Time to stop the "fat jokes" about Christie. He may be a jerk. Comment on that. Perhaps you would enjoy jokes about your own appearance, especially if you make it to very old age
4
That is really despicable to go after someone's weight and discriminatory.
I hope no one has to work for you.
I hope no one has to work for you.
1
Chris Christie is a grossly irresponsible and vindictive Governor, his moral compass is gauged on his ideals of power. He is not a good public servant, and lacks the integrity to be our nations president. Actually, he should retire from public service, if an indictment doesn't get him first.
84
I totally agree. But he does fake sincerity well. Evidently some non-New Jerseyans are buying it.
His is a failed governorship. In addition to that, he lies, insults and lectures people as if he's knowledgeable.
His is a failed governorship. In addition to that, he lies, insults and lectures people as if he's knowledgeable.
1
"Be afraid, be very afraid of my friend Saudi Arabia, er., terrorists" worked for Bush II+Cheney during re-election. It worked for Nixon and Reagan (be afraid of Blacks). It worked for "Willy Horton - i.e., black" Bush I. It has worked wonders for Trump thus far (be very afraid of women who use bathrooms, Muslims, Hispanics, protesters, handicapped people). I suspect it will work for Christie and Jeb.
And what was that about "guilt" again?
Kalidan
And what was that about "guilt" again?
Kalidan
9
You make a good point but neither Christie or Jeb are very likeable and if hatred and fear is all they have going for them, Trump has managed to outdo them in both those areas.
7
If hatred and fear are not attributes you admire, how can you vote for Trump. That's ALL he's got going for him.
6
Here's a guilt trip for you: New Jersey voters, it is incumbent upon you to explain how and why Christie was able to fool a majority of you into voting for him. We forgive you, of course, for we have all made the same mistake at one time or another (see: Dubya).
But you are the ones to tell us his true nature, and how he has treated the good citizens after he secured his powerful position. Same goes for you, Floridians. Tell us how Jeb managed your state and why you believe he is fit or unfit for the Presidency.
Someone once said "All politics is local." If that's true, nobody can skewer a politician like his own constituents. I thank you, and the country will thank you.
But you are the ones to tell us his true nature, and how he has treated the good citizens after he secured his powerful position. Same goes for you, Floridians. Tell us how Jeb managed your state and why you believe he is fit or unfit for the Presidency.
Someone once said "All politics is local." If that's true, nobody can skewer a politician like his own constituents. I thank you, and the country will thank you.
10
Guilt trip, hardly. Christie actually made an attempt to stop runaway spending and taxation. Property taxes here are insane, most of the money gets wasted in the ever growing bureaucratic overhead in state governmental services. He gets a bad rap from public workers unions because he merely asked them to partially pay into their benefits plan like every other private worker in this state; not to mention the "Bridgegate" nonsense.
Besides who arte you pointing a finger at. Isn't Illinois the state that elected that paragon of virtue Rod Blagojevich to two terms. And what about that great crime fighter Rahm Emanuel?
Besides who arte you pointing a finger at. Isn't Illinois the state that elected that paragon of virtue Rod Blagojevich to two terms. And what about that great crime fighter Rahm Emanuel?
1
mbrody - Isn't it interesting that Christie is fine with runaway spending when it comes to his own food, transportation perks etc.?
2
Since I actually reside in NJ, let me tell you about Christie. Since the day he was elected governor, every decision he's made, from day one, has been geared towards his presidential run. The public sector unions agreed to pay more into the pension fund and for their health benefits. In return, he immediately reneged on his promises to fund the pension. As for Bridgegate, it was a big deal. Two of Christie's closest advisers are awaiting trial and one has already pled guilty and will testify for the prosecution. It's impossible that Christie was unaware of what was transpiring. The $8,000,000 investigation (that's what it's costing taxpayers so far) was a ludicrous whitewash conducted by his favorite law firm. Don't forget the inconvenience to those who attempted to cross the GW, including ambulances and school buses.
He is loathed by a majority of NJ residents. He is a bully and a thug with a short temper and a nasty mouth. If you don't live here, you haven't a clue.
He is loathed by a majority of NJ residents. He is a bully and a thug with a short temper and a nasty mouth. If you don't live here, you haven't a clue.
4
Bush and Christie attempt to project strength and toughness, however, that charade comes undone when their campaign message is reduced to plaintively begging voters to choose them, which I suspect will strike many voters as weak.
13
When Obama ran the first time for President, he pushed "CHANGE" without many details. I remember listening to his speeches and never giving many details. My liberal friends would tell me to go to his web site and yet, there wasn't any substance there. Now, many people are not satisfied with Obama and saying they didn't really expect many of his policies. Trump is doing the same thing. He never gives details. He really doesn't. He gives excuses for not having details. We should just trust him because he is a big wheeler dealer. We were fooled once. Let's not get fooled again.
2
I didn't vote for Obama the first time. I did the second time because he had a proven track record. Looking back to that first election I realize that while Obama was light on government experience he had all of the qualities we need in a President, good judgment, empathy, the ability to reason, to listen and coordinate.
10
Pam, you are right not to trust the bombastic narcissist Trump but you are way wrong about President Obama. He has delivered on "Change" in the exact way he said he would despite being thwarted by a delusional, destructive, anti-american Republican party. Man, you may not agree with the policies, but:
1) ACA is the law of the land
2) Iran deal to stop them from developing atomic bombs
3) New relationship with Cuba
4) Marriage equality for all
5) New paradigm on the US not being the world's policeman but to work in concert with other nations
6) 64 months of new jobs taking the unemployment rate down from 10% to 5%
7) The stock market is up 142% since President Obama took office
8) The TPP deal
and on and on. Best President we have ever had on a lot of levels. President Clinton will hopefully have a Democratic Senate and House. Our country NEEDS a working government and we must purge the Republicans out of all offices.
have you not paid
1) ACA is the law of the land
2) Iran deal to stop them from developing atomic bombs
3) New relationship with Cuba
4) Marriage equality for all
5) New paradigm on the US not being the world's policeman but to work in concert with other nations
6) 64 months of new jobs taking the unemployment rate down from 10% to 5%
7) The stock market is up 142% since President Obama took office
8) The TPP deal
and on and on. Best President we have ever had on a lot of levels. President Clinton will hopefully have a Democratic Senate and House. Our country NEEDS a working government and we must purge the Republicans out of all offices.
have you not paid
31
When Obama was running for president in 2008, he put forward an extremely detailed plan for a health-care insurance overhaul. That plan was precisely what was later proposed, and most of the proposal remained in the approved version of the ACA. Check.
While running for president, he proposed ending the war in Iraq, re-committing our military to stabilizing Afghanistan, finding Osama Bin-Laden and bringing him to justice. Check. Check. And check.
He proposed closing Guantanamo Bay detention center. While Congress has prevented him from shuttering the facility, he has reduced the population from somewhere around 500 to 107.
He proposed passing a large stimulus package to prevent our economy from plunging into a new Great Depression. Check, although the bill was decreased by 50% resulting in an anemic recovery courtesy of the the Republican Party.
He proposed committing our nation to reducing carbon emissions in order to do our part toward curbing global climate change. Check.
What more details do you think Candidate Obama should have provided to you? How much more success do you expect from a president whose hands are shackled by an opposition political party committed to his, and our country's, failure unless success comes on their terms?
While running for president, he proposed ending the war in Iraq, re-committing our military to stabilizing Afghanistan, finding Osama Bin-Laden and bringing him to justice. Check. Check. And check.
He proposed closing Guantanamo Bay detention center. While Congress has prevented him from shuttering the facility, he has reduced the population from somewhere around 500 to 107.
He proposed passing a large stimulus package to prevent our economy from plunging into a new Great Depression. Check, although the bill was decreased by 50% resulting in an anemic recovery courtesy of the the Republican Party.
He proposed committing our nation to reducing carbon emissions in order to do our part toward curbing global climate change. Check.
What more details do you think Candidate Obama should have provided to you? How much more success do you expect from a president whose hands are shackled by an opposition political party committed to his, and our country's, failure unless success comes on their terms?
34
So, GOP, how's that Southern strategy working out now? For a long while it worked very well. Get the rubes all worked up about abortion, guns, and "the blacks" living large on welfare, hoping they won't notice that your real objective is to take away their Social Security and Medicare. Now you've got a candidate who promises to give them all the right wing crazy candy they want, and won't make them swallow the castor oil of being destitute in retirement. Your billionaire donors are not going to be happy with you.
32
You forgot the gays. :)
12
Christie and Jeb! solicit voters to halt Trump, but neither man has truly stood up to The Donald. Christie gave a tepid "it didn't happen" when Trump said he saw thousands of muslims cheering 9/11, but, even as Governor, he did not go far enough about how dangerous that lie is. Jeb! had his own wife take on Trump's hateful rhetoric about Mexicans, and later pouted about "the cool things" he could do instead of campaigning, adding, "Let them have Trump." They have no business telling others about a responsibility to halt Trump's run.
13
The entire field of GOP wannabes—with one exception—is some version of Trump. The exception, of course, is the listless scion of a political dynasty who, in greasing the skids for his brother's "election" to the presidency, is partially responsible for the sad situation in which this nation finds itself, for it was the Bushes who set the American people against each other like never before in modern American politics. Thankfully, in an odd irony, this Bush is unable to generate more even a yawn of enthusiasm among the wild-eyed conservatives now ascendant.
Thus, the annointed Republican candidate will be no more than a footnote after November 4, 2016.
Thus, the annointed Republican candidate will be no more than a footnote after November 4, 2016.
12
A vote for Trump ultimately guarantees Ms. Clinton's victory in the Presidential election. Trump's famously rude bombast is exactly what the Democrats need in order to capture the Presidency.
8
I can't agree more.
2
Ed, the election is already over. Start practicing now: "Sure, he won in 2016 against a very unpopular Democrat, but he'll never do it in 2020."
1
No it does not. Clinton has too much baggage and is an instrument of lobbies and big money backers. She will dance to their tunes, unlike my man Trump. He will call a spade a spade, especially now that he is taking lessons to speak in Russian!
1
The one thing that Bush and Christie have in common is having been lousy governors and hurricanes (or super storms). Bush presided over a giant real estate bubble. Christie has done nothing to improve the lot of NJ and he's had a long time trying. He's so tough he can close down a major bridge and then claim to know nothing about it. Is this the guy whose finger could rest on the nuclear trigger? Gimme a break. The fact is, Trump not only enunciates the values and attitudes of the Republican Party, he even is willing to challenge neo-cons like Christie and Bush as he did when he repudiated the entire involvement in the middle east during the last debate. If Bush and Christie want people to be responsible with their vote they should either vote for Kasich or HIllary
13
Christie wants to start WWIII because he has such a poor self image. He doesn't need your vote, he needs therapy.
47
Great ploy downgrade Trump & take the emphasis off your own weaknesses.Bush cannot overcome his brother & Christie cannot overcome, Bridge-gate. Christie may win Iowa & New Hampshire but he will lose New Jersey.
9
I find this laughable at best, sad desperation at worst. In my humble opinion there is not one candidate on either side fit for the office, but someone like Christie especially is not qualified. Anyone who would tell someone in a town hall meeting that" they need to sit down and shut up" does not have the temperament for the job. On the other hand Bush, well he's a Bush. The thing that strikes me the most is that most of the candidates on the right(right?) do not understand the amount of anger voters harbor against them regarding their ineffectiveness and appearance of insincerity. Say what you will about Trump, but as far as conservative voters are concerned he is a breath of fresh air.
16
Be angry, but vote for the candidate that can beat Hillary. Trump can't. Look at most of the polls.
Trump is just the worst of the Republican party on steroids. Right wing voters are angry because they voted for the party that peddled hatred and bigotry and that didn't do anything for them, their answer to this is to get behind someone who peddles even more hatred and bigotry and who will continue to treat them like dirt and make their lives worse.
How do you equate that with fresh air?
How do you equate that with fresh air?
4
Trump is certainly a breath, even a blast of air, but I wouldn't call it fresh.
7
If the people of New Hampshire, a state that has a poplation not very representatve of the population of the US in general, get to choose the Republican nominee because anyone below about the fifith position in the vote count drops out, then the Republicans only have themselves to blame.
Given the funding available under the Citizens United decision, and the recent discussion that PACS are funding "nuts and bolts" parts of campaigns (even though coordination between the PAC and the campaign is illegal), one would imagine that the day after the New Hampshire primary, few if any Republicans will "suspend" their campaigns.
It sounds to me that Republicans misrepresent everything and anything to get a vote, even that the failure to select Bush or Christie will make either one of them immediately drop out.
Given the funding available under the Citizens United decision, and the recent discussion that PACS are funding "nuts and bolts" parts of campaigns (even though coordination between the PAC and the campaign is illegal), one would imagine that the day after the New Hampshire primary, few if any Republicans will "suspend" their campaigns.
It sounds to me that Republicans misrepresent everything and anything to get a vote, even that the failure to select Bush or Christie will make either one of them immediately drop out.
12
This 'guilt trip' tactic could backfire if Trump simply says to his NH followers.....Hey, I'm the smartest guy in the room. You're my supporters, so you must be the smartest voters in the country. Ignore Christie and Bush....they're "loosahs".
I live in this beautiful state and cannot understand Trump's support. I hope Republican voters are too smart to fall for Trump's empty promises.
I see lots of BERNIE signs. Lots.
I live in this beautiful state and cannot understand Trump's support. I hope Republican voters are too smart to fall for Trump's empty promises.
I see lots of BERNIE signs. Lots.
31
Lots in NJ as well. Go Bernie!
2
Some choice...a carnival barking bigoted demagogue like Trump who sometimes wants to bring up back to the middle ages and other times not or Bush and Christie who at least admit they want to bring us back to the 1930s and not the middle ages.
Hillary wants to bring up back to the 1960s.
Does anybody want to bring us into the 21 century?
Hillary wants to bring up back to the 1960s.
Does anybody want to bring us into the 21 century?
5
Not a chance. The US public is way too hung up on God and guns.
10
I was there in the 1960's and, yeah, we smoked a lot joints back in the day but my memory is just fine. Ms. Clinton's policies and subject matter are 2015. Ms. Clinton is the class of the field with a command of all the issues and national security chops to go with it - and has the record to back it up.
We Dems passed health care and want to improve it to single payer; repubs just want you to go without. Is there really a choice?
Hillary - 2016
We Dems passed health care and want to improve it to single payer; repubs just want you to go without. Is there really a choice?
Hillary - 2016
12
well, there are only 300 mill people in th usa
not much choice
not much choice
Trump is running away with it. Jeb Bush, after telling Trump that he couldn't insult his way into the Presidency ... then started, the next day, insulting Trump. The strategy seems to be ... If you can't beat them .... join them .... only it seems that they still can't beat Trump at Trump's game.
Hillary has been protected so far by the Democratic machine and so comes out okay on national polling against Trump.
This will change if Trump gets the nomination and then gives Hillary the Bush treatment.
Hillary has been protected so far by the Democratic machine and so comes out okay on national polling against Trump.
This will change if Trump gets the nomination and then gives Hillary the Bush treatment.
4
Trump will hopefully ultimately lose due to the fact that none of his policies make any sense. He's got the support of ignorant racists so far, and there are a lot of them, but as he continues to insult everyone bit by bit, he will probably lose most of them eventually too. He's done nothing about winning Iowa, and when he loses that and New Hampshire, he's done, like everyone for all history.
If you really support Trump, then I'm afraid you know nothing about him and do not understand what a President is supposed to do. Please refrain from voting.
If you really support Trump, then I'm afraid you know nothing about him and do not understand what a President is supposed to do. Please refrain from voting.
7
All it takes to insult Trump is to quote him, photograph him, or publish his platform.
3
Chris Christie is only interested in Chris Christie. Since becoming Governor he has been campaigning for a better gig. As the President of the Governor's Association we the taxpayer pick up his tab to be on the road a lot. During his run for the President he has spent less days running the state he says he has done so much for. We are picking up the tab again and we aren't entitled to know how much because he claims security reasons. He blames state workers, teachers, firefighters and in general anyone he can. He always helps his friends and this has not benefited the residents of NJ.
63
I cannot wait until the Bridgegate trial in the New Year....the last nail in the coffin to Christie's campaign...an ego the size of his appearance....give it up and go back to settling for pennies on the dollar for what the chemical companies did to New Jersey.
9
And just what do you think Barrack Obama did in 2007-08? He was all about campaigning for President rather than doing his job as a first-term Senator from IL. Voting present isn't getting the job done. He's been campaigning ever since. And Obama is the best blame-gamer to ever hold the office. Your comment is completely hypocritical.
2
wko - You must not own a home or have a 401k or you would have noticed how much better off we are economically thanks to President Obama.
6
Sure, Trump’s idiocy raises my dander
But listening as these two wannabees pander
Makes me think it’s just gotta be
Hillary . . . or Bernie . . . or Marty.
But listening as these two wannabees pander
Makes me think it’s just gotta be
Hillary . . . or Bernie . . . or Marty.
8
Former Senator Judd Gregg is the first actual Bush supporter I have heard of. The people of New Hampshire may not want to waste their vote but do they want to vote for Bush or Christie who are both chomping to waste more American lives in a no win war in the middle east?
3
I grew up in NH and went to high school at a co-ed boarding school in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. After high school, I moved to Los Angeles for college and lived there for over a decade. I've since lived in Albuquerque, Florence, Rome, Valencia, Buenos Aires, Paris, and now Boston. I loved my childhood in NH and still have many friends and relatives living in the Granite State. I spend a lot of time in the state to this day and find people from NH tend to be considerate and honest in their political intentions. They do not so much as in other places find themselves succumbed to party lines. That libertarian streak is their greatest political strength. That said, my home-state should not have such a prominent position in deciding presidential nominees. That should be obvious from the pictures we see of candidates campaigning the state and every four years I'm forced to ask why, in a country whose minority will be the majority within the next decade, so few middle aged white people from a state who's population and economy is smaller and less diverse than some neighborhoods in LA or NY get so loud a voice in speaking to the modern American experience? I don't mean to suggest that their voices shouldn't be heard (they will be in the general elections) but doesn't it make more sense for states like FL, NY, or CA --whose diverse populations and economies reflect that of the country as a whole -- to decide who will represent our parties in the general elections?
50
If Donald Trump is the best the republicans can deliver-what does that tell us about the Republican Party?
14
If Hillary Clinton is the best the democratic party can deliver, then what does that tell us about the Democrats?
5
Dear Manny T.,
He's not though, he's just got the support of all the ignorant racists. The best the Republicans can deliver is, of course, Jon Huntsman. Or I guess Abraham Lincoln too.
Dear GJG,
She isn't, but the best the Democratic party can deliver does tell us that they're better than Republicans. They're not perfect, but they're not set on theocratic fascism and initiating Armageddon either. It's the Republicans that all stood up (except Rand Paul) during the last debate, and exclaimed that genocidal warmongering was a great idea.
He's not though, he's just got the support of all the ignorant racists. The best the Republicans can deliver is, of course, Jon Huntsman. Or I guess Abraham Lincoln too.
Dear GJG,
She isn't, but the best the Democratic party can deliver does tell us that they're better than Republicans. They're not perfect, but they're not set on theocratic fascism and initiating Armageddon either. It's the Republicans that all stood up (except Rand Paul) during the last debate, and exclaimed that genocidal warmongering was a great idea.
6
GJG - We're talking about Republicans right now. Please try to keep up.
BTW, have you heard of Bernie Sanders?
BTW, have you heard of Bernie Sanders?
8
To assess the GOP line up, one must see the absurdity of asking for someone's vote just so someone else in the party won't win the nomination. High praise for Christie and Bush if that's the only reason they can think of to get people to vote for them--just because they're not Donald Trump.
12
A pox on all their houses. Every single one of these GOP candidates wants to incite disdain for some group that lives in this country. The only candidate not fighting against some segment of our society is on the Democratic side.
His name is Bernie Sanders.
Even his call to reform financial institutions is directed towards making big banks, hedge fund managers, stock brokers, unfair tax avoiding corporations because they have failed in their responsibility to help our country thrive. He has not called for their elimination, but to carry on their business in a manner that keeps our country economically sound. This helps all, and in the long run even these companies themselves.
Who else among these candidates is more thoughtful about war and peace. What has the US gained by invading another country that has not attacked us?
Who understands that access to personal health care is a necessity for survival, not a frill?
So let the Republicans cull out an enemy wherever they can find one. Being a united country beats out tearing it apart.
His name is Bernie Sanders.
Even his call to reform financial institutions is directed towards making big banks, hedge fund managers, stock brokers, unfair tax avoiding corporations because they have failed in their responsibility to help our country thrive. He has not called for their elimination, but to carry on their business in a manner that keeps our country economically sound. This helps all, and in the long run even these companies themselves.
Who else among these candidates is more thoughtful about war and peace. What has the US gained by invading another country that has not attacked us?
Who understands that access to personal health care is a necessity for survival, not a frill?
So let the Republicans cull out an enemy wherever they can find one. Being a united country beats out tearing it apart.
40
...so here is some grandstanding on the Republican side. Where is the substantive story of what's happening on the Democratic side, where Bernie Sanders is in the lead? Neck and neck? That's the race to write about, with Bernie proposing good medicine for all but the one percent, and Mrs. Clinton holding her finger to the wind for her positions of the day. Let us hear about the real race!
5
The problem is not Jeb! or Christie being part of the GOP, it is that the the GOP electorate has slowly but surely grown into a party of bigots and racists from the 60's and 50's. It is mainly an older white population. Any reasonable person of color would have to be deaf to not hear the racists rants of Cruz and Trump. Without people of color this party is doomed in the next election and century!
23
Please stop blaming the current state of the GOP on angry old white people.
I'm an angry old white person, and I know hundreds of angry old white people - but we are not angry at Blacks, or Hispanics, or Cubans, or Syrians, or Viet Namese, or Poles, or Germans, or Italians or.. your minority here.
We are angry at the GOP and their incessant adherence to cutting taxes for the rich, privatizing our profits while socializing the costs, starving our government, and in general tilting our democracy into a banana republic.
We are angry at demagoguery and corporatism that is destroying our middle class. We are angry at our courts and prosecutors and prison-industrial complex that incarcerates more people, by far, than any nation on Earth.
So don't paint us all with your broad brush. Many old white people have the smarts to see through what is happening with our corrupt government and would not vote for any of the GOP crazies if our lives depended on it - which they do.
I'm an angry old white person, and I know hundreds of angry old white people - but we are not angry at Blacks, or Hispanics, or Cubans, or Syrians, or Viet Namese, or Poles, or Germans, or Italians or.. your minority here.
We are angry at the GOP and their incessant adherence to cutting taxes for the rich, privatizing our profits while socializing the costs, starving our government, and in general tilting our democracy into a banana republic.
We are angry at demagoguery and corporatism that is destroying our middle class. We are angry at our courts and prosecutors and prison-industrial complex that incarcerates more people, by far, than any nation on Earth.
So don't paint us all with your broad brush. Many old white people have the smarts to see through what is happening with our corrupt government and would not vote for any of the GOP crazies if our lives depended on it - which they do.
21
This is what scares me....to have Trump, Cruz or Rubio running close to Hillary speaks volumes about the role ignorance and fear are playing in this country's political dialogue.
I know HRC is no bargain but the experience , knowledge and steady hand that she offers appears to be the only option...yes, she is a politician but her foreign policy experience and connections is a tremendous asset.
Frankly, I am very scared if any of these jokers are given war-making powers, all of them have already said they will send troops to the mideast. Even the ones who don't will.
Our position in the world is changing, like it or not, we cannot play the role of policeman when we don't have the will or capacity to continue....The Republicans fail to recognize history...Iraq was a quagmire in history...ask the British.
We are and will not be a nation of hard working caucasian people anymore...we have to accept who we are and what we are becoming.
Our ignorance and our fear cannot dictate our decisions....hopefully our courage and our tolerance will...
I know HRC is no bargain but the experience , knowledge and steady hand that she offers appears to be the only option...yes, she is a politician but her foreign policy experience and connections is a tremendous asset.
Frankly, I am very scared if any of these jokers are given war-making powers, all of them have already said they will send troops to the mideast. Even the ones who don't will.
Our position in the world is changing, like it or not, we cannot play the role of policeman when we don't have the will or capacity to continue....The Republicans fail to recognize history...Iraq was a quagmire in history...ask the British.
We are and will not be a nation of hard working caucasian people anymore...we have to accept who we are and what we are becoming.
Our ignorance and our fear cannot dictate our decisions....hopefully our courage and our tolerance will...
7
Barbyr - I understand your point and I agree with you. I'm so white I'm almost blue but I'm also aware enough of current events to know that theni is speaking the truth. The Republican party is primarily made up of angry old white people.
2
I live in New Jersey and it is simply wrong, selfish and irresponsible for Gov. Christie to be spending 6 months focused on New Hampshire voters. I don't understand how he rationalizes such a dereliction of his job.
117
Ginger,
Didn't Senator Obama do the same thing when he ran for President? How about Gov. Carter of Georgia when he ran? Or Gov. Clinton of Arkansas? Or is it only Republicans who can be derelict in their duties when running for President?
Didn't Senator Obama do the same thing when he ran for President? How about Gov. Carter of Georgia when he ran? Or Gov. Clinton of Arkansas? Or is it only Republicans who can be derelict in their duties when running for President?
1
Oh that's easy. He has nothing to lose. He knows he will be ousted in the next New Jersey election. This candidacy will either result in the presidency or greater visibility to seek a media job. There's no going back to Jersey.
3
His "accomplishments" for your state:
*unemployment rate that lags the nation....layoffs at Atlantic City casinos
*turning down of infrastructure money for New Jersey
*settling for pennies on the dollar($250 million) an $8-9 billion lawsuit with the chemical cos.
*8 credit downgrades of New Jersey bond rating based on economic (lack of) progress....btw, he blames the rating agencies for being political.
*under-funding of public servants pension plan
*Bridgegate (trial in the New Year)
*slow reimbursement of Sandy victims (blames Federal Gov't)
I could go on but you probably already know....
No wonder he tells people to sit down and shut up, his ego cannot tolerate the frustration and failure that he is experiencing.
Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that he is not in your state.
Hopefully, the voters of New Jersey will not be fooled next time they pick a governor.
*unemployment rate that lags the nation....layoffs at Atlantic City casinos
*turning down of infrastructure money for New Jersey
*settling for pennies on the dollar($250 million) an $8-9 billion lawsuit with the chemical cos.
*8 credit downgrades of New Jersey bond rating based on economic (lack of) progress....btw, he blames the rating agencies for being political.
*under-funding of public servants pension plan
*Bridgegate (trial in the New Year)
*slow reimbursement of Sandy victims (blames Federal Gov't)
I could go on but you probably already know....
No wonder he tells people to sit down and shut up, his ego cannot tolerate the frustration and failure that he is experiencing.
Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that he is not in your state.
Hopefully, the voters of New Jersey will not be fooled next time they pick a governor.
6
Good luck with that. A big reason Liberals have such a hard time is that they're perceived as lecturing people about what's good for them and why they should know better that to do what they're doing.
1
Well, they should know better. They vote for Republicans who then make their lives even worse and blame the Democrats - and these voters fall for it every.single.time. You bet they should know better.
12
NH primary voters have a golden opportunity to consign puppets like Bush and Christie to history.
Americans have paid an enormous price by electing puppets to Washington.
It is time to send a message to the puppeteers that control the likes of Bush and Christie that we have it with their puppets.
Americans have paid an enormous price by electing puppets to Washington.
It is time to send a message to the puppeteers that control the likes of Bush and Christie that we have it with their puppets.
3
And who, pray tell, are the puppeteers of whom you so ardently complain? Is it the invisible hand so popular in the Middle East, or a more homegrown variety?
I'm pretty sure I know who is responsible, but I'm not so sure you would agree with me.
I'm pretty sure I know who is responsible, but I'm not so sure you would agree with me.
3
Trump will either duck,bluster, or simply insult anyone who asks him a tough question on policy and on the details. If you are Republican and you fall for his one-liners then I feel sorry for you. If you want to watch Trump then catch him on TV Land on some reality tv reruns but not let watch a trainwreck enter the OVal Office.
10
Jeb and Christie, two more political phonies. Exhibits 1 and 1a for why Trump will win the Republican nomination.. If Trump is as unprepared, dangerous and obnoxious as they claim, why will they put party over country and support him if he gets the nomination? because it's a game, all the players are narcissists, and We The People finally figured it out.
19
Have We figured it out? Time will tell...
“The Republican Party is counting on you,” Mr. Christie should have said Sunday night in the century-old town hall...
The Democrats on the other hand, being convinced the calculus has an HRC victory by a decisive margin, are hoping very much this insulting ill-mannered rendition of Der Donald collects the GOP's nomination and stays in character...the presidential debates will bury him. Negating the chances of a slew of other GOP candidates in the process. The bete noir of the RNC leadership come true.
The Democrats on the other hand, being convinced the calculus has an HRC victory by a decisive margin, are hoping very much this insulting ill-mannered rendition of Der Donald collects the GOP's nomination and stays in character...the presidential debates will bury him. Negating the chances of a slew of other GOP candidates in the process. The bete noir of the RNC leadership come true.
3
It will be fascinating to see how well the "vote for my opponent and you'll be extra sorry" pitch works on New Hampshire voters.
6
How will we tell the emperor he's naked? By the vote (fingers crossed.)
What Trump is doing is holding a nationwide primary, where extremists push ideology to its ugly depths to slow the sway of the pendulum, and perhaps get it to swing further right.
It seems to me that it's not a matter of guilt, but a tacit apology for the 'panem et circenses' that is the Donald.
I've had this swimming around in my head for a while. In the card game of spades a trump card is this: a playing card of the suit chosen to rank above the others, which can win a trick where a card of a different suit has been led.
Irony, or prophecy?
What Trump is doing is holding a nationwide primary, where extremists push ideology to its ugly depths to slow the sway of the pendulum, and perhaps get it to swing further right.
It seems to me that it's not a matter of guilt, but a tacit apology for the 'panem et circenses' that is the Donald.
I've had this swimming around in my head for a while. In the card game of spades a trump card is this: a playing card of the suit chosen to rank above the others, which can win a trick where a card of a different suit has been led.
Irony, or prophecy?
3
They liked his TV show, loved the stage show, but will they wander into the privacy of a voting booth and stay true to Trump...Doubtful. Cruz will be a lot of peoples step toward a Conservative Christian candidate, and Christie may get most of the rest. Bush's only chance is a machine like turn out and I don't see that happening. Rubio will stay in the race to gain experience for the next race. It still looks like a deadlocked convention. The biggest problem Hillary will face from this will be angry Sander's supporters who will start their victory dance only to see it cancelled by mid March.
2
That's some whistling past the graveyard you have going there regarding Hillary.
1
It is Jeb Bush who bears the guilt of his brother's "election" having defrauded all of America with his tactics in Broward County in the first GWBush "election".
Now, all these years later, ISIS runs free (due to GW and Jeb Bush's mistaken invasion of Iraq), Iraq is owned by Iran (due to Bush's mistaken invasion of Iraq), and, we are "retaking" Ramadi for the 4th or 5th time.
How many American lives have to be sacrificed at the alter of the low competency Bush Center for Stupid Things to Do??
Jeb Bush trying to make people feel guilty is like Donald Trump trying to make people feel honest. Not possible.
Now, all these years later, ISIS runs free (due to GW and Jeb Bush's mistaken invasion of Iraq), Iraq is owned by Iran (due to Bush's mistaken invasion of Iraq), and, we are "retaking" Ramadi for the 4th or 5th time.
How many American lives have to be sacrificed at the alter of the low competency Bush Center for Stupid Things to Do??
Jeb Bush trying to make people feel guilty is like Donald Trump trying to make people feel honest. Not possible.
139
It really is time to stop the "stolen election" nonsense. Even if Gore's guidelines for a recount had been adhered to, he would still have lost. Did I make that up? Nope, read it right here in the NYT!
1
Amen. I and many Americans continue to feel that Jeb, at the very least, had a conflict of interest when he manipulated the legal system in Florida in 2000 to make his brother the President.
Who knows what our history would have been if Al Gore had been inaugurated President?
Jeb's actions in Florida in 2000 alone disqualify him from the Presidency.
Who knows what our history would have been if Al Gore had been inaugurated President?
Jeb's actions in Florida in 2000 alone disqualify him from the Presidency.
1
As a former long-time New Hampshire resident and a bit of a political junkie, I can tell you that they do take elections more seriously. Folks there know, at a gut level, that their vote in a presidential primary is worth about ten times as much as it would be in some other state. It's very plausible the Trump balloon will flop to the ground in the Granite State.
33
My nieces in New Hampshire say the real passion in the state is for Bernie. He will probably beat Mrs. Clinton there. New Hampshire voters know the real deal when they see it.
3
Honestly, we have a responsibility to pick a president who won't shoot Russian planes down and brag about it.
13
How appalling is it when a swollen bully like Christie is the "statesmanlike" alternative?
This Republican field is a national disgrace.
This Republican field is a national disgrace.
83
Unfortunately, mainstream GOP'ers carry the baggage of the extremes of the party/base. Without the base the party might not exist or be meaningful in numbers of voters. Further, the GOP feed the fuel of Fox News and was pushed far to the Right. Demographically, moderate Republicans are "Democrats" in the eyes of the Party Base and will likely be driven to vote for HRC in 2016.
15
HRC hasn't been crowned, I mean, nominated yet.
1
The only guilt Christie should talk about is his own guilt; by not being in NJ where he belongs and trying to fix the State's problems. It is his MO to lay blame on others while his guilt goes unmentioned. Jeb Bush is an enigma to me since he should be a shoo-in with these folks but his weakness must be palpable.
27
Bush is the one candidate who absolutely should not have run. 3 from same family in 25 years is a kind of monarchy.
3
If you consider our state legislature, you will realize that our voters can be almost as idiotic in NH as they can be anywhere else in the country.
The right wing of the Republican party produces increased debt, excessive militarism and foreign affairs nightmares, and devastates our economy and the U.S. middle class. As terrible a president as Trump would be, he would not be any worse on these issues than any of the other current GOP candidates.
We do not need to be "saved" from Trump; we need to be saved from Republican theories and practices about the economy, defense, environment, education, energy, social services, healthcare, and governance.
The right wing of the Republican party produces increased debt, excessive militarism and foreign affairs nightmares, and devastates our economy and the U.S. middle class. As terrible a president as Trump would be, he would not be any worse on these issues than any of the other current GOP candidates.
We do not need to be "saved" from Trump; we need to be saved from Republican theories and practices about the economy, defense, environment, education, energy, social services, healthcare, and governance.
159
I can't agree with you more. The Republican Party represents the heart of darkness buried deep in humanity's psyche; It opened Pandora's (Sarah Palin's) box and we are all suffering it's consequence. The Republican base is something to behold.
3
Our second duty is to not vote for someone nsmed Christie.
83
To paraphrase Lennon & McCartney...these clowns should "get back to where they once belonged." Chris should go back to NJ and do his job and Bush should just go away......far far away.
58
The Press doesn't get it, I guess: Trump happened because an awful lot of GOP voters were appalled at the idea of a 3rd Bush.
2
The most truly terrifying thing to me is that Democrats won't see how essential each and every vote is.
70
At 85, I've been watching and voting in presidential elections since FDR ran against Alf Landon in 1936. This GOP group working on getting the party's nomination is the worst in my lifetime.
163
In addition his friends now invest the state's pension monies (not doing well), NJ Lottery (first in the history of our lottery we are losing $$), Saying no to tunnel and using those funds for the budget only to now say we need a tunnel between NJ and NY. ExxonMobil deal where he worked out a much better deal for them rather than the residents, Port Authority Gate they get better airline flights for their vacation homes and get to close lanes to tunnel as payback for non support, he used Sandy Aid $$ for an ad that really was for re-election. Sandygate he hired his friends AshBritt and you guessed it we paid thru the nose, the firm hired to get funds to those for repairs or rebuilding or lifting their homes (his friends in high places were fired and paid fully and again for contract cancellation. Lowering of our financial rating 3 or 4 times. If you were to visit and speak to residents of the NJ Shore area you will find today people do not know where they are on a list to get funding to fix or rebuild their homes. He is nothing more than a wolf in sheep's clothing.
9
I cannot believe it, but I agree with Bush and Christie about NH's responsibility to stop Trump.
Having said that, I do take exception with the part about Clinton being the Democrats ultimate choice.
Feel the Bern!
Having said that, I do take exception with the part about Clinton being the Democrats ultimate choice.
Feel the Bern!
30
>
Seems unlikely that Christie can pull NH off, and Bush is just fooling himself. 48% of registered GOP voters said in a recent poll they can't imagine themselves voting for Bush; that's lights out.
I'll say this, Christie would be Hillary's toughest opponent. And please stop with the bridge stuff. Even if Christie was videoed moving the traffic cones, the republicans would cheer him for blocking traffic to America's most liberal city.
If one of these two jokers has a chance to get the nomination it will be at a brokered convention. It's just too hard to see how the establishment GOPers and big money power people are going to overcome the Dem's "big blue wall" with Cruz or Trump as their nominee. And down ticket could be a slaughter leaving the GOP a small margin in the House.
The loser of this elections loses the SCOTUS, America's most undemocratic institution for years.
N.b., ref the blue wall:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-democrats-have-a-lock-on-the-white-...
Goggle Dems blue wall for more
Seems unlikely that Christie can pull NH off, and Bush is just fooling himself. 48% of registered GOP voters said in a recent poll they can't imagine themselves voting for Bush; that's lights out.
I'll say this, Christie would be Hillary's toughest opponent. And please stop with the bridge stuff. Even if Christie was videoed moving the traffic cones, the republicans would cheer him for blocking traffic to America's most liberal city.
If one of these two jokers has a chance to get the nomination it will be at a brokered convention. It's just too hard to see how the establishment GOPers and big money power people are going to overcome the Dem's "big blue wall" with Cruz or Trump as their nominee. And down ticket could be a slaughter leaving the GOP a small margin in the House.
The loser of this elections loses the SCOTUS, America's most undemocratic institution for years.
N.b., ref the blue wall:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-democrats-have-a-lock-on-the-white-...
Goggle Dems blue wall for more
3
Having lived in NH for 10 yrs, I found the that the voters are generally conservative, pragmatic and proud to be a bit extreme ("live free or die"). However they do not like gaudy, flashy and narcissistic. Ordinarily Trump would not do well, but all the candidates, including Bush and Christie have tried to become Trump-lite. So there really is no stark alternative to Trump and he may do pretty well. The guilt is Jeb's and Chris's.
34
The truth is that Trump, even with his brash, sometimes crude, and abrasive behavior, is the first to bring up many issues facing the US and talking bluntly about the problems. Early on no one was discussing illegal immigration, the ISIS failure, and the problems many of the middle class face. Now that the issues have been raised, others have been forced to address them. For that I give Trump credit. And now, if / when Trump leaves, will all go back to as it was - put the problems behind and act as if all were fine? That is the reason Trump remains strong.
2
GJG - You really don't read any actual news do you? Our current President has talked about all of these issues and has worked to come up with valid, workable solutions to them.
4
Jeb Bush is brilliant and kind in comparison to the Trumps, Cruz and Christie types that dominate the new Republican Party. He is sane at least and not a demagogue.
5
He's a Bush.
Theirs is a practiced, polished, outsourced demagoguery.
Lee Atwater. Willie Horton. Read my lips. John McCain's adopted daughter. The wedging of same-gender marriage. Paul Wolfowitz, Dick Cheney, Scooter Libby, WMD, sadly Colin Powell and sadder still, Ken Mehlman.
Oh no, the Bushes are never demagogues.
At least the blowhard Trump is a bald-faced, make-no-bones-about-it demagogue. As offensive as it is, at least he doesn't outsource it to others.
Theirs is a practiced, polished, outsourced demagoguery.
Lee Atwater. Willie Horton. Read my lips. John McCain's adopted daughter. The wedging of same-gender marriage. Paul Wolfowitz, Dick Cheney, Scooter Libby, WMD, sadly Colin Powell and sadder still, Ken Mehlman.
Oh no, the Bushes are never demagogues.
At least the blowhard Trump is a bald-faced, make-no-bones-about-it demagogue. As offensive as it is, at least he doesn't outsource it to others.
57
His waffling on Iraq was purest demagoguery. His contributing to the Swift Boat pathological liars' group was shameful.
Kasich is better.
Kasich is better.
8
Such a low bar!
11
Guilt, fear, xenophobia, sexism, religious discrimination, financial inequality, vote suppression, endless wars, carpet bombing, cutting social security and medicare, and denial of climate change.
The GOP brings nothing but negativity to the table. What do they stand for that's positive?
Nothing.
The GOP brings nothing but negativity to the table. What do they stand for that's positive?
Nothing.
201
No the Democrats brought all the negativity to the table. It happened under their watch.
3
You're being facetious, right?
3
jacrane - How did you forget the great recession and two wars that G.W. gave us?
7