With no ideas, what else can they do but predict disasters? 'Bring back the Dark Ages' is the hidden message but best not to say it too loudly.
70
Thanks Charles for another classic piece of journalism.
You got it right when you say that the Republicans are just trying to play their age old brew of despair and hopelessness as if under their President (George W. Bush) everything in America and the whole world was just hunky dory.
A more than a million Iraqi civilians dead within the first 5 years of the war with more than 5000 American soldiers dead and another twenty thousand maimed or with severe mental trauma , half of them diagnosed with P.T.S.D. and they won't even call it a disaster.
Do we really need any lecture from these same Republican members of Congress or the Senate, who lined to sign up for the authorization to Bomb the Iraqi cities where mainly civilians lived for something their leader Saddam did or didn't ?
And these same Republicans wanted Obama to start another war in Syria to kill Assad and destroy another country in the middle east .
So, as we read along we can very easily surmise from the above statement that the Republicans have no credibility whatsoever as far as National security is concerned because the worst security failure that ever happened in America happened under their President (George W.Bush).
On the contrary, Obama always wanted to use a balanced judgement towards the deployment of troops in a foreign country .
It was the obstructionism of the Republicans in the Congress who always stymied any rationale approach towards solving the wars in the middle-east.
You got it right when you say that the Republicans are just trying to play their age old brew of despair and hopelessness as if under their President (George W. Bush) everything in America and the whole world was just hunky dory.
A more than a million Iraqi civilians dead within the first 5 years of the war with more than 5000 American soldiers dead and another twenty thousand maimed or with severe mental trauma , half of them diagnosed with P.T.S.D. and they won't even call it a disaster.
Do we really need any lecture from these same Republican members of Congress or the Senate, who lined to sign up for the authorization to Bomb the Iraqi cities where mainly civilians lived for something their leader Saddam did or didn't ?
And these same Republicans wanted Obama to start another war in Syria to kill Assad and destroy another country in the middle east .
So, as we read along we can very easily surmise from the above statement that the Republicans have no credibility whatsoever as far as National security is concerned because the worst security failure that ever happened in America happened under their President (George W.Bush).
On the contrary, Obama always wanted to use a balanced judgement towards the deployment of troops in a foreign country .
It was the obstructionism of the Republicans in the Congress who always stymied any rationale approach towards solving the wars in the middle-east.
140
what surprises me is that the media hasn't picked up on the anti-jewish bigotry of "New York values." it surprises me even more that pundits are excusing the racial and religious prejudice of the GOP field by claiming that is what appeals to Republican voters. Pandering to bigots is no excuse for failed political leadership. The Republican Party is disintegrating before our eyes.
168
Please, drop the charade of not mentioning Trump's name. It is childish and beneath you!
41
I don't know if Mr. Blow is on to something or not. But I do know that nobody is going to bring back good paying, steady, manufacturing jobs for people with a high school education. Nobody will be happy with the president when the first of our soldiers is beheaded. So yes, people are angry and about to get angrier. Amped up by Fox News of course. And its why Trump is the perfect candidate; he doesn't say HOW he will make things incredibly great. It'll just happen.
113
Everyone seems to be saying that the Reps created an atmosphere of fear in America. Give me a break! Has anybody noticed what just happened in Germany where they have a completely open border in regards to refugees? Talk about a "war on women"......America will always have enemies and we must be vigilant to protect our families.
The Dems are continuing to play the same game now that they have done for seven years.With the help of the liberal press, they are convincing everyone that times are good. History will show that these last seven years have been bad times for the middle class, our ethnic groups, our young people, health care where deductibles and premiums have skyrocketed and foreign policy. All because Barry not only ignored the red line in the sand but then stuck his head in the sand! And now, our retirees are taking a beating as the stock market crashes caused by a country that continues to steal our technology and our future...Barry is ignoring China on this as well.
The Dems are continuing to play the same game now that they have done for seven years.With the help of the liberal press, they are convincing everyone that times are good. History will show that these last seven years have been bad times for the middle class, our ethnic groups, our young people, health care where deductibles and premiums have skyrocketed and foreign policy. All because Barry not only ignored the red line in the sand but then stuck his head in the sand! And now, our retirees are taking a beating as the stock market crashes caused by a country that continues to steal our technology and our future...Barry is ignoring China on this as well.
7
"Cruz for his outrageous us-against-them comments about 'New York values.' "
You've never encountered the term "flyover country"?
You can read comments on this board, on a frequent basis, that contain that expression.
Many times it's used to identify people whom the writers wish to chastise for, say, having a racially segregated public school system.
When the criticism comes from someone living in a city with one of the nations most racially segregated public school system one could say that person has "New York values".
You've never encountered the term "flyover country"?
You can read comments on this board, on a frequent basis, that contain that expression.
Many times it's used to identify people whom the writers wish to chastise for, say, having a racially segregated public school system.
When the criticism comes from someone living in a city with one of the nations most racially segregated public school system one could say that person has "New York values".
9
Republican values: Apocalyptic, inflammatory.
Driven on fear, ignorance, bigotry, suppression, exclusivity.
You would think, long ago, they'd have realized how stale the air was in their cozy cigar club. Now, they're choking on it. These "hyperbolic doomsayers" deserve it.
Driven on fear, ignorance, bigotry, suppression, exclusivity.
You would think, long ago, they'd have realized how stale the air was in their cozy cigar club. Now, they're choking on it. These "hyperbolic doomsayers" deserve it.
69
Mr. Blow, as it is becoming more probable that "the real estate developer" could become the Republican standard bearer, the use of that phrase is becoming cumbersome and annoying.
May I suggest the "Tycoon," or even simpler, "Himself?"
May I suggest the "Tycoon," or even simpler, "Himself?"
30
If there is a God and I am a doubter or if there is a shred of sanity in the US electorate your position and pandering poison will be recognized and rejected.
The only thing that becomes over abundantly clear is that the depths of inhumanity and self service exhibited by the Democratic party and Hillary Clinton can not be fathomed without invoking Barack Obama as a yard stick and venal politicians as a signpost.
The only thing that becomes over abundantly clear is that the depths of inhumanity and self service exhibited by the Democratic party and Hillary Clinton can not be fathomed without invoking Barack Obama as a yard stick and venal politicians as a signpost.
4
First off, it’s an election year and the primaries at that. These early cycles are always filled with visions of doom and gloom, usually from the challengers, or, for the incumbent or the heir(ess) apparent, rosy visions of how they'll continue the good times.
Secondly, it bespeaks the weakness of Obama's term that there is so little for Hillary Clinton to run and there is so much for the Republicans to be sniping at about the President's eight years. ObamaCare, his signature legislation, is barely functional and will get worse as time goes by. Obama's financial reforms were too little and too weak to be transformative. Economic policy has been more of the same from the prior twenty years. Obama's foreign policy was one of benign neglect with spurts of incoherent vigor and ineffective raging. I'm sure I've missed something, but that hits the highlights.
Thirdly, and rightly, the GOP field is largely a mess with the two leading candidates - the buffoon Trump (yes, that is his name) and the lizard-like Cruz - offering an odious choice to the party stalwarts. As one such stalwart, I'm betting on Marco Rubio - not a perfect candidate, but better than most of the others and definitely better than Hillary Clinton.
Fourthly, his name is Trump, Trump, Trump. Blow's petulant refusal to write his name is so silly, especially when he has no qualms about referring to Ted Cruz, a truly scary prospect as our president.
Posted at 12:47
Secondly, it bespeaks the weakness of Obama's term that there is so little for Hillary Clinton to run and there is so much for the Republicans to be sniping at about the President's eight years. ObamaCare, his signature legislation, is barely functional and will get worse as time goes by. Obama's financial reforms were too little and too weak to be transformative. Economic policy has been more of the same from the prior twenty years. Obama's foreign policy was one of benign neglect with spurts of incoherent vigor and ineffective raging. I'm sure I've missed something, but that hits the highlights.
Thirdly, and rightly, the GOP field is largely a mess with the two leading candidates - the buffoon Trump (yes, that is his name) and the lizard-like Cruz - offering an odious choice to the party stalwarts. As one such stalwart, I'm betting on Marco Rubio - not a perfect candidate, but better than most of the others and definitely better than Hillary Clinton.
Fourthly, his name is Trump, Trump, Trump. Blow's petulant refusal to write his name is so silly, especially when he has no qualms about referring to Ted Cruz, a truly scary prospect as our president.
Posted at 12:47
3
I really think that above all, the GOP's constant jeremiads are evidence mostly of their awareness of the state of their party, which, unfortunately for them, IS doomed.
Without anything positive to contribute, they are doing in the Presidential race what they have been doing in Congress for the past eight years: standing in place and holding their collective breaths until they turn blue.
Their primary constituency is the band of disenfranchised white people in the US currently undergoing a massive heroin and opioid epidemic. Their secondary constituency is the super-rich tiny elite, who are on financial crack and aware the supply is going to run out any second now.
We need a new, better second party.
Without anything positive to contribute, they are doing in the Presidential race what they have been doing in Congress for the past eight years: standing in place and holding their collective breaths until they turn blue.
Their primary constituency is the band of disenfranchised white people in the US currently undergoing a massive heroin and opioid epidemic. Their secondary constituency is the super-rich tiny elite, who are on financial crack and aware the supply is going to run out any second now.
We need a new, better second party.
29
The fundamental problem with the GOP is in their methodology.
They make a decision first and then collect the facts to justify it.
That was the case with the Bush tax cuts. First they claimed that economy was too strong and the tax revenues were too high so they slashed the taxes. Then they concluded that the economy is too weak so they decided to cut the taxes even more. Finally, they got into habit of reckless cutting of the taxes so they insisted on them or they would move the corporations overseas, just because they are such true patriots.
The same was with the Afghan War. We were attacked on the 9/11 by the radical Wahhabists, mostly the Saudi and Egyptian citizens that were financed, trained and led by the same people. However, since those countries were our nominal allies, the Bush Administration launched the war in Afghanistan. No wonder that we are still fighting the terrorism.
The same happened with Iraq. Bush and Cheney decided to invade that country regardless whether they had the WMD or not. They just kept changing the justification – replacement of the tyrannical dictator, spread of the democracy across the Middle East, containment of Iran or else.
The same is valid for the free trade. Initially we were told that would be instrumental in providing us with the better paid jobs and increasing our standard of living only to end up with a need to compete with the Chinese workers to produce the goods cheaper.
Iran is the same story...
They make a decision first and then collect the facts to justify it.
That was the case with the Bush tax cuts. First they claimed that economy was too strong and the tax revenues were too high so they slashed the taxes. Then they concluded that the economy is too weak so they decided to cut the taxes even more. Finally, they got into habit of reckless cutting of the taxes so they insisted on them or they would move the corporations overseas, just because they are such true patriots.
The same was with the Afghan War. We were attacked on the 9/11 by the radical Wahhabists, mostly the Saudi and Egyptian citizens that were financed, trained and led by the same people. However, since those countries were our nominal allies, the Bush Administration launched the war in Afghanistan. No wonder that we are still fighting the terrorism.
The same happened with Iraq. Bush and Cheney decided to invade that country regardless whether they had the WMD or not. They just kept changing the justification – replacement of the tyrannical dictator, spread of the democracy across the Middle East, containment of Iran or else.
The same is valid for the free trade. Initially we were told that would be instrumental in providing us with the better paid jobs and increasing our standard of living only to end up with a need to compete with the Chinese workers to produce the goods cheaper.
Iran is the same story...
29
We'll need to wait and see what happens to the clowns on the clown bus -- how they shake out. The traditional Republican cycle is that nominees say the most ridiculous right-wing nonsense imaginable in the beginning and then as the process goes the party condenses about that weird oxymoron -- the most radical candidate deemed "electable."
Then that candidate tries to do the Romney arabesque -- reappearing to the left as a "moderate" to get elected, while dog-whistling as furiously as possible to try to keep their extremists donating and coming to the polls. Obviously that has left a lot of Republicans looking like total hypocrites and panderers -- IMO Romney lost the election primarily from this.
Less obviously until now, the Republican rage at the perpetual bait+switch has built up to give us Trump and Cruz -- the Republican formula is in crisis.
The Bernie candidacy is not fundamentally as divisive in the Democrats as Trump & Cruz are for the Republicans. I'm pro-Hil, but if Bernie gets the nomination I will do everything I can to get him elected -- I think Hil will too, as will almost all Democrats ... but there are concerns. The obvious questions are what will the Bernistas do if Hil wins?
This brings us to the interesting interview of J. Clyburn after the debate. What he said, is that if Bernie really trounces Hilary South Carolina (read "blacks") may switch and support Bernie. Is he right? And if he is right will this support continue to the election?
Then that candidate tries to do the Romney arabesque -- reappearing to the left as a "moderate" to get elected, while dog-whistling as furiously as possible to try to keep their extremists donating and coming to the polls. Obviously that has left a lot of Republicans looking like total hypocrites and panderers -- IMO Romney lost the election primarily from this.
Less obviously until now, the Republican rage at the perpetual bait+switch has built up to give us Trump and Cruz -- the Republican formula is in crisis.
The Bernie candidacy is not fundamentally as divisive in the Democrats as Trump & Cruz are for the Republicans. I'm pro-Hil, but if Bernie gets the nomination I will do everything I can to get him elected -- I think Hil will too, as will almost all Democrats ... but there are concerns. The obvious questions are what will the Bernistas do if Hil wins?
This brings us to the interesting interview of J. Clyburn after the debate. What he said, is that if Bernie really trounces Hilary South Carolina (read "blacks") may switch and support Bernie. Is he right? And if he is right will this support continue to the election?
17
Those familiar with John Hibbings' now famous (or infamous) article in the June 2014 journal "Behavioral and Brain Science," "Differences in negativity bias underline variations in political ideology," will perfectly understand the negativity of the GOP debates. Conservatives are wired differently and perceive threat at a higher level than liberals. The GOP presidential hopefuls know that fear, threat and--as seen in Hibbings's study, disgust--are the prime motivators of their base, and play to those base emotions. Reason, as suggested in HIbbing and other recent non-partisan psychological studies, is the province of liberals and some independants, and at times almost the antithesis of conservative Republicans.
41
I actually get the vibe that the GOP is actively rooting for some calamity to befall America between now and next November to reinforce their preconceived notions of anger and fear. Honestly the only thing that can "save" them is something akin to 911 or the great recession at this point. It must be awful to hold your hopes on the suffering of others.
62
To answer Mr Blow's question in his penultimate paragraph: these miscreants are tapping into existing white fear and anger, and yes they are amplifying it and playing with fire. Ever since the reign of St Ronnie, working and middle-class whites have lost their secure financial/social perch to computers, automation and global competition, abetted by economic policies tailored to enrich the 1%. Their own children have an even bleaker future - despite a college degree. Until the ACA, many were deprived of healthcare. Republican presidential candidates, those employees of the billionaire class (or billionaire, himself), are doing a great job demonizing immigrants, minorities, unions, and amplifying the threat of foreign terrorists. It is essential that the democrats understand the depth of white fear and anger, continue to counter it with a positive view of our future, and maybe redirect some of it back towards the rightful targets - the Republican's themselves.
46
The candidates' repeated use of the word 'disaster' (particularly in the context of national security issues) to describe the prospect of a Hillary Clinton presidency lays bare the virulent sexism at the heart of the Republican campaign. It harkens back to a time when women were thought incapable of performing any task requiring strength (childbirth notwithstanding), courage, or even rational thought--whether voting, running a company, or serving in government office. If our country is a 'disaster,' as Republicans claim, perhaps it is because women have too long been excluded from positions of power. The only real 'disaster' I see in store for the United States is if one of these bombastic, science-denying, bigoted xenophobes actually becomes president.
67
The Republican candidates have nothing really but their non stop attacks and tax cuts and deregulation. It's been ever so since I began paying attention 50 years ago. They can't win with policy, that was given a chance and failed, so they fertilized the evangelical and gun activists field and their base consists of a lot of paranoid extremism/conspiracy theorists which the candidates do nothing to tamp down. They have created the monster that will eventually consume them and it can't happen soon enough.
On the other side, Bernie Sanders has opened the door for sincere representatives to get in the game and drum out the corrupt do nothing's in their own party. It's about helping the middle class expand and stop helping the billionaires and corporations who are co-opting our government by The People. I approve of my President's stance on most issues, especially not sending our young men and women to war at every squirmish that arises around the globe. Jaw, jaw is better than war, war.
On the other side, Bernie Sanders has opened the door for sincere representatives to get in the game and drum out the corrupt do nothing's in their own party. It's about helping the middle class expand and stop helping the billionaires and corporations who are co-opting our government by The People. I approve of my President's stance on most issues, especially not sending our young men and women to war at every squirmish that arises around the globe. Jaw, jaw is better than war, war.
46
My wish list: I wish first and foremost registered Republicans would read the NYT, so I know- I am preaching to the choir but.....
While piled into rooms in places like South Carolina (which it seems is this the only Republican stomping-ground in the South), Iowa and where ever else; have these potential voters, vying to "touch the hem" of Donald's garment, asked themselves the following questions:
1. How is Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Bush, Carson going to "get us" good jobs again to afford to live beyond paycheck-to-paycheck.
(They and we don't believe in those socialist/commie Unions, but we need something more than our two part-time minimum wage jobs).
2. What are these guys going to do to help fix our poor schools in our poor school districts?
(We don't believe in that brain-washing Common Core and those text books that make America look bad but we are tired of our kids not learning stuff and I will die before my taxes are raised).
3. Are "our" Candidates going to help our city and state with our bad roads, bad air quality?
(We don't believe in that fake Global Warming voodoo and taking money from the Feds for anything is just a Big-Government Control trick).
There is much more on the invisible list that Republicans refuse to ask their candidates- The biggest and only question is- why?
While piled into rooms in places like South Carolina (which it seems is this the only Republican stomping-ground in the South), Iowa and where ever else; have these potential voters, vying to "touch the hem" of Donald's garment, asked themselves the following questions:
1. How is Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Bush, Carson going to "get us" good jobs again to afford to live beyond paycheck-to-paycheck.
(They and we don't believe in those socialist/commie Unions, but we need something more than our two part-time minimum wage jobs).
2. What are these guys going to do to help fix our poor schools in our poor school districts?
(We don't believe in that brain-washing Common Core and those text books that make America look bad but we are tired of our kids not learning stuff and I will die before my taxes are raised).
3. Are "our" Candidates going to help our city and state with our bad roads, bad air quality?
(We don't believe in that fake Global Warming voodoo and taking money from the Feds for anything is just a Big-Government Control trick).
There is much more on the invisible list that Republicans refuse to ask their candidates- The biggest and only question is- why?
46
"While fear and anger can be effective electoral motivators, presidents are often elected on messages that carry a positive vision."
I'd say it's 50-50. Bush Jr. preached fear and was re-elected even after the world realized he had fabricated the grounds for invading Iraq.
So fear often works. Let's hope the Dems will achieve the best of both worlds: Benefiting from the positive attitude and actions of Obama while preaching fear of what the world will become if the GOP regains power.
I'd say it's 50-50. Bush Jr. preached fear and was re-elected even after the world realized he had fabricated the grounds for invading Iraq.
So fear often works. Let's hope the Dems will achieve the best of both worlds: Benefiting from the positive attitude and actions of Obama while preaching fear of what the world will become if the GOP regains power.
48
It is about taking the country back to a different posture, a different period.
Yes, to a time when white Christians could be as un-Christian and un-American as they wanted in their treatment of people of color, and not get called out as hypocrites.
Let's all remember that on Martin Luther King day.
Yes, to a time when white Christians could be as un-Christian and un-American as they wanted in their treatment of people of color, and not get called out as hypocrites.
Let's all remember that on Martin Luther King day.
93
When Mr. Blow asks, “do they all exist in a national echo chamber amplifying each other” the answer is yes. One party’s inability to adapt its policies to the changing US demography has led to a way to increase the proportion of its shrinking base of voters while reducing the likelihood of others showing up at the polls. The answer, the Echoplex, is a term for the collected voices of right wing media. The goal is to ensure the right wing voter is “motivated” to get more of the particular brand of truth crafted by members of the group and to not stray to “lamestream” media for confirmation. To achieve these objectives, suppliers quickly learned that a message of hope is not nearly as effective as what they settled on – fear. Each day the Echoplex, with its own facts and opinions, recycles old messages, while exposing new existential threats, which others in the group dutifully amplify and endlessly repeat, raising the outrage of consumers. Hope is simply not an option in this dark universe.
24
Highly disrespectful to avoid naming Donald Trump by name.
One can only imagine what you'd say if a columnist referred to Obama in 2008 only as the 'community organizer'.
One can only imagine what you'd say if a columnist referred to Obama in 2008 only as the 'community organizer'.
9
Yeah, nobody ever disrespected President Obama. You really think the cartoon character known as the Donald deserves respect? Fox referred to Obama as a community organizer when they were trying to be nice. Give me a break! (Stole that one from you-know-who.)
32
I thought the right was all tough and into being non-"PC". Amazing how touchy they are when a little nip of it comes their way.
30
When the only cards you hold in your hand and the gloom and doom cards, that's what you play. The Republican party just didn't figure on having to deal with a joker (Trump) in their hand or what to do with it.
If the only color on your pallet is black, that's what you paint with.
If the only color on your pallet is black, that's what you paint with.
6
GOP hero Saint Ronald Reagan ran on a platform of "morning in America" beating Jimmy Carter's 'everything is going to hell.' The only person remotely selling a positive view is Donald Trump with his 'make America great again' platform. Is it any wonder he is leading in the polls?
7
Mr. Blow, a while back, you stated you were "done" with Trump, basically promising not to mention his name again, as if that would precipitate his demise. Your strategy is like that of a child closing his eyes to make something "disappear". How's that working for you?
5
don't you think Kasich is the exception which proves your rule
3
He is too anti-woman, needs to but out of a woman's personal choice. Otherwise his is about the only normal one.
4
Not really. Kasich is Apocalypse Lite...
10
The " Mess" was the " W" Bush administration, but Thank God that President Obama Fixed most of Bush's Multi-Catastrophies. In Fact President Obama did such a Great Job we have to Remind our fellow Americans of Bush Begging for 800 Billion Dollars and a 'Get-Out-Of-Jail-FREE ' card back in 2007 because Bush told us the Banking System was about to Collapse into The Great Bush Recession, which it did. And then we had two unresolved bleeding wars, one ginned up with Lies by the Bushies, and if the 2 wars weren't Bleeding Us Dry Bush inflated the Deficits to over one Trillion Dollars a year, making them so horrific he then Hid The Money he was spending Off Budget to try and hide the Trillions he was wasting. I doubt The Real Estate Developer would be anything more than BUSH nightmare revisited. We should certainly avoid that nightmare at all cost.
Thank You President Obama for Fixing Bush's Many Disasters !
Thank You President Obama for Fixing Bush's Many Disasters !
31
• These Republican candidates have countered Obama’s “ Hope” and “Change” message from 2008 and “Forward” message from 2012 with “War” and “Ruin” and “Backwards.”
I, NOT a Republican, agree and always remember Oscar Wilde's incendiary pronouncement c. 1880, after returning from his grand American tour, "America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between."
• ...a candidate has to identify a problem that they plan to fix.... If there is no problem to fix, there is no need of a fixer.
This always brings to mind H.L. Mencken's “The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary”; followed by his corollary “For every problem there is a solution which is simple, clean and wrong” which the GOP, unable to address the real problems that affect the nation always resort to.
As to
• Last week I suffered through another dust-dry Republican debate in which a slimmed-down roster of seven candidates leveled many of the same attacks and regurgitated many of the same staid pitches, another Mencken gem: “The capacity of human beings to bore one another seems to be vastly greater than that of any other animal.”
If only Mencken and Wilde – and Twain – were around today!
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please." ~ Mark Twain
• ...a coming apocalypse ....
I, NOT a Republican, agree and always remember Oscar Wilde's incendiary pronouncement c. 1880, after returning from his grand American tour, "America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between."
• ...a candidate has to identify a problem that they plan to fix.... If there is no problem to fix, there is no need of a fixer.
This always brings to mind H.L. Mencken's “The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary”; followed by his corollary “For every problem there is a solution which is simple, clean and wrong” which the GOP, unable to address the real problems that affect the nation always resort to.
As to
• Last week I suffered through another dust-dry Republican debate in which a slimmed-down roster of seven candidates leveled many of the same attacks and regurgitated many of the same staid pitches, another Mencken gem: “The capacity of human beings to bore one another seems to be vastly greater than that of any other animal.”
If only Mencken and Wilde – and Twain – were around today!
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please." ~ Mark Twain
• ...a coming apocalypse ....
14
My wife's parents are the perfect rightists.
He owned a small business and proudly admits to being a tax cheat.
She, of course, works in local government...living off the very system she attacks every day.
They are uneducated, racist, sexist homophobes who are constantly angry...she hasn't smiled in the 25 years I've know her. He spends all his time in his garage so he doesn't have to speak to her. It is the perfect rightist marriage. No talking, no touching, no happiness...no kidding.
And they are both proudly voting for Trump.
And yes, they thought if the old fart died in office Sarah Palin would have made a great President.
Ugh...rightists are so...sad.
He owned a small business and proudly admits to being a tax cheat.
She, of course, works in local government...living off the very system she attacks every day.
They are uneducated, racist, sexist homophobes who are constantly angry...she hasn't smiled in the 25 years I've know her. He spends all his time in his garage so he doesn't have to speak to her. It is the perfect rightist marriage. No talking, no touching, no happiness...no kidding.
And they are both proudly voting for Trump.
And yes, they thought if the old fart died in office Sarah Palin would have made a great President.
Ugh...rightists are so...sad.
26
Charley, I know you must have watched the Republican debates with an open mind, looking and hoping to find something better than the slippery Hillary.
2
Carson came across to me as drugged. Any client of mine who responded to anxiety-provoking events with those sleepy eyes would be suspect, and even more if he had a prescription pad.
American culture loves an underdog, but hates a loser, and even more hates to be told we are losers. Most of the Republicans are proclaiming not just danger but hopelessness. They tell Americans we are near defeat against which they can't offer a winning way out (since it would look like either Bush's failure or Obama's success).
They appeal to paranoia, but that is a distinct minority subset in American culture.
American culture loves an underdog, but hates a loser, and even more hates to be told we are losers. Most of the Republicans are proclaiming not just danger but hopelessness. They tell Americans we are near defeat against which they can't offer a winning way out (since it would look like either Bush's failure or Obama's success).
They appeal to paranoia, but that is a distinct minority subset in American culture.
12
You're Wrong About This One
About the verbiage of the Republicans' presidential campaign "strategies," Mr. Blow wrote, "I can’t imagine that this will work in the end."
There are two reasons why he is wrong about that.
First, that's who we (the voters) are ... and that is especially who those of us who are likely to go to the polls next November are. Pick a voter at random, put hir up there on the stump, and what you will hear is precisely what's coming from the best our Republican friends have to offer today.
Second, to imagine that a randomly chosen American voter can recall the difference -- or even care about the difference -- between what Donald Trump or Jeb Bush (or whomever) says in January and what they say in August is like asking that voter who is the Prime Minister of Great Britain? ... or who is the U.S. Secretary of Defense? ... or who is the U.S. Attorney General? ... or to name four individuals on the President's cabinet ... or describe how the unemployment rate (or the price of gasoline ... or the size of the national debt as a percentage of GDP ... or the size of the unauthorized immigrant population ... you name it) has changed between 2008 and 2015.
That randomly chosen U.S. voter knows beans about the world in which s/he lives ... and, frankly, that doesn't matter one whit when s/he enters the booth and closes the curtain come November 8. Hir decision in November will be completely independent of what the candidates are proclaiming today. Count on it!
About the verbiage of the Republicans' presidential campaign "strategies," Mr. Blow wrote, "I can’t imagine that this will work in the end."
There are two reasons why he is wrong about that.
First, that's who we (the voters) are ... and that is especially who those of us who are likely to go to the polls next November are. Pick a voter at random, put hir up there on the stump, and what you will hear is precisely what's coming from the best our Republican friends have to offer today.
Second, to imagine that a randomly chosen American voter can recall the difference -- or even care about the difference -- between what Donald Trump or Jeb Bush (or whomever) says in January and what they say in August is like asking that voter who is the Prime Minister of Great Britain? ... or who is the U.S. Secretary of Defense? ... or who is the U.S. Attorney General? ... or to name four individuals on the President's cabinet ... or describe how the unemployment rate (or the price of gasoline ... or the size of the national debt as a percentage of GDP ... or the size of the unauthorized immigrant population ... you name it) has changed between 2008 and 2015.
That randomly chosen U.S. voter knows beans about the world in which s/he lives ... and, frankly, that doesn't matter one whit when s/he enters the booth and closes the curtain come November 8. Hir decision in November will be completely independent of what the candidates are proclaiming today. Count on it!
6
There are two ways to pacify the Middle East.
The first one is to elect the Republicans and they would attack everybody over there – the Muslims (because we don’t know what the problem with them really is - he is just saying it and leads in the national polls - and he would take away their oil to give it to Mexico so they could construct the fence along our southern border free of charge and stop the immigrants from coming here), the ISIS and Saudi Wahhabis, thus the Sunni world, then the Assad regime, Iran and all the Shiites...
All of them and the Palestinians are the direct threat to Israel. The only way to secure Tel Aviv is to take away all the Muslim airplanes, tanks, and ballistic missiles. To accomplish this objective we just have to elect Trump, Cruz, Rubio or Carson because they are the tough guys willing to carpet bomb the region.
They take no orders from anybody unless they are the campaign donors. All those tough guys are the battle tested individuals from the endless political debates, campaign stops and the chronic Senate bickering.
If only they ever served in the US military... However, they couldn’t do it because they had the different priorities at the time like running a business, getting wealthy and starting their own political careers...
The dramatically cheaper and safer option is to suggest to the Arabs not to be the Sunnis and Shiites because that’s in direct disobedience of the Koranic verse they proclaim to obey unconditionally..
The first one is to elect the Republicans and they would attack everybody over there – the Muslims (because we don’t know what the problem with them really is - he is just saying it and leads in the national polls - and he would take away their oil to give it to Mexico so they could construct the fence along our southern border free of charge and stop the immigrants from coming here), the ISIS and Saudi Wahhabis, thus the Sunni world, then the Assad regime, Iran and all the Shiites...
All of them and the Palestinians are the direct threat to Israel. The only way to secure Tel Aviv is to take away all the Muslim airplanes, tanks, and ballistic missiles. To accomplish this objective we just have to elect Trump, Cruz, Rubio or Carson because they are the tough guys willing to carpet bomb the region.
They take no orders from anybody unless they are the campaign donors. All those tough guys are the battle tested individuals from the endless political debates, campaign stops and the chronic Senate bickering.
If only they ever served in the US military... However, they couldn’t do it because they had the different priorities at the time like running a business, getting wealthy and starting their own political careers...
The dramatically cheaper and safer option is to suggest to the Arabs not to be the Sunnis and Shiites because that’s in direct disobedience of the Koranic verse they proclaim to obey unconditionally..
2
Anybody who takes the trouble to actually read the Koran will see that Kenan Porobic is 100% correct about the disobedience business, just like the European wars are in direct violation of the Mosaic law against murder. The question is how to get the Arabs to heed his suggestion.
2
They keep claiming "this country is a mess"... If it's "a mess", it's still better than it was in 2009.
21
On the money again, Mr. Blow. But let us not forget the power of the unwashed masses and madding crowd to whom the likes of Trump, Cruz, et al, speak. They "want their country back" is so misguided, ignorant, and in blatant disregard of the facts of out stats right now versus when BO took office. You want that back? "What on earth is wrong with you?" I would ask any of their supporters.
16
The GOP message resonates and arose as a result of dissatisfaction with progressive liberalism. The Middle class hardly exists and the average American is angry. What is wrong with completely stopping ILLEGAL immigration? What could be worse than the dysfunction caused in Libya and other middle east countries as a result of the Obama supported "Arab Spring"? What is wrong with being able to express one's opinion freely without being branded a racist or intolerant? It is clear that America has lost its way & the Dems will not reverse the downward spiral.
3
you want to be a gardener, field worker or maid?
6
Charles, why so many repetitions of words and phrases like "a mess," "national security mess," "this mess," "is a disaster," "a national security disaster"?
Echo chamber, echo chamber...echo...echo...
Echo chamber, echo chamber...echo...echo...
4
A dismal collection of second rate sociopaths who seem afraid of their own shadows; they quake in their boots over ISIS, imagine if they had Hitler to deal with - they'd wet their pants!
20
And speaking of Apocalypse, let us not forget Mike Huckabee. Just as George W. Bush seemed to relish his standing as a "War President", Huckabee wants us to know he has the leadership and fortitude to preside over actual Armageddon:
“I stand here on Mt. Carmel today, and I hope that, if called upon, I would be willing to stand all by myself and to call fire from Heaven and believe that God will answer even if there are hundreds and hundreds of false prophets on the other side. You may stand here someday and be called upon to call the fire from Heaven. I hope you’re ready to believe that God will answer that prayer.”
“I stand here on Mt. Carmel today, and I hope that, if called upon, I would be willing to stand all by myself and to call fire from Heaven and believe that God will answer even if there are hundreds and hundreds of false prophets on the other side. You may stand here someday and be called upon to call the fire from Heaven. I hope you’re ready to believe that God will answer that prayer.”
6
Charles keep chuckling. The Republicans are going to win in November. It isn’t completely clear to you the relationship between the candidates’ rhetoric and the prevailing views of Republican voters? Get a clue. The candidates are reflecting the frustrations and anger of millions of Americans. I promise you everything will be clear to you after November 8th 2016.
3
NYT rocking the Apocalypse title ... too.
Not GOP; more non-theistic computationalist . . . not sure what that is, but I'll think of something.
Just saying, gots a physics-based apocalypse sooner or later story; that when-not-if self-organized criticality phenom. Periodic perturbation.
Regarding human stewardship of earth:
Couple of Franks, Zappa & Vertosick. Mr. Zappa '84; Dr. Vertoscik '06
Dr. Frank Vertosick, author of the brilliant work, "The Genius Within", literally said: “Give up.” Essentially saying: enjoy your life cause you ain’t gonna steward jack; all humans combined aren’t smart enough.
Mr. Zappa’s 1984 words: “My recommended approach would be this: you can bet everything will come to an end. It's going to be ugly and it's going to be a mess, and it's going to be something that somebody did in the name of God.”
" ... my experience leads me to these conclusions: I have not found people of goodwill anywhere in any type of business, connected with any religion, nobody worth trusting, nobody who is ever secure enough in their own beliefs that they would trust themselves. I have not known anyone who wasn't willing to sell out for a nickel and any one of them is a potential murderer in terms of either pushing the button themselves for religious or political reasons or some sort of bizarre fantasy they have in their own mind that the way they see things is superior to the way that somebody else sees things. What I'm saying is that is human nature."
http://ow.ly/XdEC7
Not GOP; more non-theistic computationalist . . . not sure what that is, but I'll think of something.
Just saying, gots a physics-based apocalypse sooner or later story; that when-not-if self-organized criticality phenom. Periodic perturbation.
Regarding human stewardship of earth:
Couple of Franks, Zappa & Vertosick. Mr. Zappa '84; Dr. Vertoscik '06
Dr. Frank Vertosick, author of the brilliant work, "The Genius Within", literally said: “Give up.” Essentially saying: enjoy your life cause you ain’t gonna steward jack; all humans combined aren’t smart enough.
Mr. Zappa’s 1984 words: “My recommended approach would be this: you can bet everything will come to an end. It's going to be ugly and it's going to be a mess, and it's going to be something that somebody did in the name of God.”
" ... my experience leads me to these conclusions: I have not found people of goodwill anywhere in any type of business, connected with any religion, nobody worth trusting, nobody who is ever secure enough in their own beliefs that they would trust themselves. I have not known anyone who wasn't willing to sell out for a nickel and any one of them is a potential murderer in terms of either pushing the button themselves for religious or political reasons or some sort of bizarre fantasy they have in their own mind that the way they see things is superior to the way that somebody else sees things. What I'm saying is that is human nature."
http://ow.ly/XdEC7
In the words of the Doomsayer from Hearthstone:
"The END, is COMING!"
"...Did I miss it?"
I sense a similar result this fall.
"The END, is COMING!"
"...Did I miss it?"
I sense a similar result this fall.
3
The Republican Party has always wanted to take America back to the way things were before the year they began going wrong, whether that year is 2008, 1992, 1968, 1960, 1932, or even 1865.
8
Republican Candidates and Quinnipiac polling reflect one another's pessimism. But regarding the intent to deploy troops to ISIS/ISIL territory to "defeat ISIS," no one ever addresses what we could possibly do after that to preserve the peace. It would be another Iraq, with no functioning government, no utilities for civilians, no law enforcement to counter the inevitable chaos. Beyond that, there is the far-flung network now being developed by ISIS, enticing individuals and small cadres throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and yes, the United States, to perform jihad by killing unbelievers--any unbelievers. So-called boots on the ground would do little to counter the networks that have already been flung beyond the Middle East.
3
Charles Blow expresses an optimism which, hopefully, is the actual mood of the country. Yet, the numbers from the recent Quinnipiac Poll of Republican pessimism – imbedded in the online version of Mr. Blow’s column – clearly suggest that the G.O.P. supporters feel quite differently.
In order for Mr. Blow to be correct about the gloom of the Republican candidates being at odds with reality and not persuasive to most voters, there will need to be an enormous turnout in November by Democratic voters. Unfortunately, showing up to vote has been a weakness of Democrats – especially young ones – and a strength of Republicans of all ages.
For years, Republican politicians have been lacking in positive ideas and have relied upon scare tactics. It worked for them in 2000 and again in 2004. Many of us would like to be able to share Mr. Blow’s belief that the G.O.P. approach will not work in 2016.
In order for Mr. Blow to be correct about the gloom of the Republican candidates being at odds with reality and not persuasive to most voters, there will need to be an enormous turnout in November by Democratic voters. Unfortunately, showing up to vote has been a weakness of Democrats – especially young ones – and a strength of Republicans of all ages.
For years, Republican politicians have been lacking in positive ideas and have relied upon scare tactics. It worked for them in 2000 and again in 2004. Many of us would like to be able to share Mr. Blow’s belief that the G.O.P. approach will not work in 2016.
6
“There’s a number of things that the next president is going to have to do to clean up this mess.”
Well, yeah, but exactly WHAT are they??
The Republicans don't have a clue, and, as to the Democrats, I am coming more and more to believe Bernie's obsession with 'Money-in-Politics' (we used to call it: 'Political Pork') is the only solution that is likely to save our Democracy from utter failure.
Well, yeah, but exactly WHAT are they??
The Republicans don't have a clue, and, as to the Democrats, I am coming more and more to believe Bernie's obsession with 'Money-in-Politics' (we used to call it: 'Political Pork') is the only solution that is likely to save our Democracy from utter failure.
3
Bernie Sanders....does have a positive view .....and is gaining ground with his
projection of inclusiveness of We The People....who have funded his campaign
and....this is indeed ....hope ....to change the campaign funding permitted
by the infamous Roberts Court ...Citizens United...who fund the Republicans...
and Hillary Clinton...
So...how about speaking about what Bernie Sanders message is...
How about this Charles Blow....because...Bernie IS on your side..you know !!!
projection of inclusiveness of We The People....who have funded his campaign
and....this is indeed ....hope ....to change the campaign funding permitted
by the infamous Roberts Court ...Citizens United...who fund the Republicans...
and Hillary Clinton...
So...how about speaking about what Bernie Sanders message is...
How about this Charles Blow....because...Bernie IS on your side..you know !!!
3
"It isn’t completely clear to me . . . Are the candidates merely a reflection of the disaffected base, are the candidates helping to create the disaffection?"
You're getting warmer!
Please please PLEASE, NY Times, get a mole inside the GOP head shed to uncover the deliberate party-wide conspiracy to defraud America about our vast improvement in well-being since 2001-2008. The Godzilla future being peddled by these Republicans is no more fearsome than a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon. Cut a few strings and it blows away in a strong wind.
You're getting warmer!
Please please PLEASE, NY Times, get a mole inside the GOP head shed to uncover the deliberate party-wide conspiracy to defraud America about our vast improvement in well-being since 2001-2008. The Godzilla future being peddled by these Republicans is no more fearsome than a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon. Cut a few strings and it blows away in a strong wind.
2
Well, as my mother read to me, lo, these many years ago ..........
Henny Penny warned us that, "The sky is falling." ....... "The sky is falling."
Henny Penny warned us that, "The sky is falling." ....... "The sky is falling."
2
Charles must be talking about the Dem Debate last night....the GOP debate last week was passionate and exciting...............obviously he hates Trump. But, the rest of the country likes his message about making America great again, about protecting our borders and jobs........Blow needs to get out of his ivory tower more..................
3
"But even as the Democratic candidates point to very real concerns, they seem to my mind also able to offer a vision of hopefulness and idealism."
After watching the Democratic debate, on Sunday, I think that yes, the Democrats are hopeful and idealistic, but they have to get more specific.
=================================================
For Hillary Clinton I suggest pushing the idea of the value of a woman president is huge. She seems ashamed to push this, but I think this is a mistake that could cost her the election.
In fact, I would suggest that she use the "V" sign, made famous by Churchill to push it, again and again. She could make the "V" sign with both hands and bring them together to form a "W" for woman.
I believe that having a woman president would be a powerful symbol to encourage both women and men ito rise up, for years to come. As Jesse Jackson said:
"Keep hope alive!"
==============
After watching the Democratic debate, on Sunday, I think that yes, the Democrats are hopeful and idealistic, but they have to get more specific.
=================================================
For Hillary Clinton I suggest pushing the idea of the value of a woman president is huge. She seems ashamed to push this, but I think this is a mistake that could cost her the election.
In fact, I would suggest that she use the "V" sign, made famous by Churchill to push it, again and again. She could make the "V" sign with both hands and bring them together to form a "W" for woman.
I believe that having a woman president would be a powerful symbol to encourage both women and men ito rise up, for years to come. As Jesse Jackson said:
"Keep hope alive!"
==============
1
Let me add that talk, alone, tends to go in one ear and out the other ear. This encourages negative attacks which hit home. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders go negative, as well, in order to have impact.
But, again, I suggest the use of symbols like the double (V V) for Clinton. Recall how Pres Bush was referred to as "W", so why not push the idea of a woman president with a (V V), as well?
L. Stevenson said: "Man is a creature who lives not on bread alone, but principally by CATCHWORDS."
But, again, I suggest the use of symbols like the double (V V) for Clinton. Recall how Pres Bush was referred to as "W", so why not push the idea of a woman president with a (V V), as well?
L. Stevenson said: "Man is a creature who lives not on bread alone, but principally by CATCHWORDS."
1
To paraphrase Mr. SORKIN's cleverly penned 'The American President' screenplay..."The GOP wants to do two things and two things only...make you afraid of it & tell you who's to blame for it...that is how you win elections"
Sadly....life imitating art...
Sadly....life imitating art...
4
Bush said: “We have the mess in Washington, D.C.” Later, on Hillary Clinton: “She wants to continue down the path of Iran, Benghazi, the Russian reset, Dodd-Frank, all the things that have — that have gone wrong in this country. She would be a national security mess.”
Interesting how he left the biggest "mess" of all. Iraq, off that list.
Interesting how he left the biggest "mess" of all. Iraq, off that list.
12
"It isn’t completely clear to me the relationship between the candidates’ rhetoric and the prevailing views of Republican voters"? Ever hear of FOX News? Sheldon Adelson & the Crotch Brothers?
4
If you don't have the Apocalypse on the rise how can one justify continue supporting the endeavors of Billionaires. Why ALEC & the KOCH's have already shown their heroic ways of saving money. In Flint you poison & perhaps killed 10 people who contacted Legionnaire's Disease to save $100 a day. The NRA does the same by weeding our black and brown communities by offering up their (NRA) tool of choice. There was one comment that resonated to me last night and it is one that would change this country from the poorer from the inside out and it came from OMalley. Start w/the cities. The infrastructure, the training, the focus, the wealth needs to be spent there. Our Reservations deserve such respect as well. If I could post a link I would but if you google Forbes story on Dr. MI. Lead Flint H2O she takes you on a cycle that I knew but didn't. Worth a search. Peace
2
Well, let's think about how things are going, Mr. Blow. The economy is and has been on the edge of disaster for the past 7 years. Foreign affairs, well if there has been a strategy no one knows what it is. The world is not a safer place and presidential leadership has been weak, to put it mildly. Obama has governed by executive order, blaming it on the opposition, but in fact making no effort to govern as our system is set up. He whines about republicans and lectures from the podium. I'm not sure about you, Mr. Blow, but most people don't appreciate being lectured, especially from a bully pulpit. Hope and change? Are you kidding? More like I'm smarter than you and you should realize that. It'll be quite entertaining to read your column if a republican president acts this way, as I'm sure you'll be squealing.
1
To borrow your words, "Are you kidding?" You're wrong on the economy, by just about any measure--although wages have stayed flat even in the face of growth. (Stagnant wages are, of course, not a problem Republicans are much interested in, as they oppose even raising the minimum wage.) A majority of your fellow citizens do NOT want another war to finance in the middle east (unlike the 76% of Republicans who'd like to go ahead--and remove all the progress made in getting the deficit down). If things are as bad as you say, ask yourself which party has held both the House and the Senate the past few years--and worked so assiduously to thwart anything attempted by the President and his administration.
Democratic House candidates won a majority of the vote nationwide, last time around; thanks to Republican gerrymandering, or legalized vote stealing, they carried the House. President Obama was elected twice by substantial margins, so their unyielding opposition is actually opposition to all of us, your fellow citizens, who elected this president twice. Can you process that? Bush--who didn't even win the popular vote in 2000--got far more cooperation from many Democrats (the war in Iraq, No Child Left Behind, John Roberts & Sam Alito, covert surveillance of the citizenry, ..). A lot of us are GLAD the President has finally acted in the face of their intransigence. We're not smarter, we just can't miss seeing what's shoved in our faces!
Democratic House candidates won a majority of the vote nationwide, last time around; thanks to Republican gerrymandering, or legalized vote stealing, they carried the House. President Obama was elected twice by substantial margins, so their unyielding opposition is actually opposition to all of us, your fellow citizens, who elected this president twice. Can you process that? Bush--who didn't even win the popular vote in 2000--got far more cooperation from many Democrats (the war in Iraq, No Child Left Behind, John Roberts & Sam Alito, covert surveillance of the citizenry, ..). A lot of us are GLAD the President has finally acted in the face of their intransigence. We're not smarter, we just can't miss seeing what's shoved in our faces!
7
If Republicans believe the nation is a mess, then shouldn't they be required to answer for it? Who's been in charge of Congress for the last three terms? Democrats? Nope. It's been the GOP, plain and simple. What have they accomplished. Absolutely NOTHING. Why? Because they have no plan, no goals, nothing. Their only accomplishments have been obstructionism and shutting down the government, a huge fiasco. It's a mystery to me why anyone would think the Republican Party has anything good in mind for this country when their only goal for decades has been to tear it down.
13
I understand that these rightwinger biblethumpers are in a tizzy because ISIS wants the west to come fight them on the plains in Syria so that the doomsday prophecies can be fulfilled. The rightwing Republicants are helping out by choosing the Anti-Christ as the leader of the party. I can see why they are so fightened!! I don't know that it will happen, but I think they are thinking of changing the end of the national anthem to say, "the land of the frightened and the home of the cowards"!
3
The budget for this year, drawn by both Republicans and Democrats and signed
by the president, allocates over 600BILLION dollars for military spending. Follow the money, please. The parties really don't matter anymore, and I am tired of this sham not being called out. What sank a once great nation? Fear and Greed 24/7 Greed and Fear. Throw in some phony religiosity and here we are.
by the president, allocates over 600BILLION dollars for military spending. Follow the money, please. The parties really don't matter anymore, and I am tired of this sham not being called out. What sank a once great nation? Fear and Greed 24/7 Greed and Fear. Throw in some phony religiosity and here we are.
10
The Republican candidates' apocalyptic rhetoric simply mimics the apocalyptic sermons of Iowa's evangelicals.
8
Mr Blow
You are capable of a more reasoned
review of the debate. This is not up to your standard.
The questions asked were not particularly helpful in drawing out the candidates. There is a media drought in this campaign for both Republicans and Democrats.
Too much focus on Trump and Clinton without really evaluating Trump and challenging Clinton. Whatshisname from MD gets ignored.
You are capable of a more reasoned
review of the debate. This is not up to your standard.
The questions asked were not particularly helpful in drawing out the candidates. There is a media drought in this campaign for both Republicans and Democrats.
Too much focus on Trump and Clinton without really evaluating Trump and challenging Clinton. Whatshisname from MD gets ignored.
1
I am so grateful that you refrain from including the proper name of the real estate "developer". If I never hear or see it again, it will be too soon.
14
They've been brainwashed with talking points.
Makes me wonder if they can actually think.
Makes me wonder if they can actually think.
8
The Republican Party is lost in the wilderness of a World changing faster than they comprehend. The sunny optimism of Ronald Reagan, their champion, has long been forgotten.
I guess it's the difference the fire and brimstone of the Book of Revelation and the loving Jesus Christ of Gospels. Of course, Revelation is the last book of the Bible.
I guess it's the difference the fire and brimstone of the Book of Revelation and the loving Jesus Christ of Gospels. Of course, Revelation is the last book of the Bible.
2
"The Republican Party is lost in the wilderness of a World changing faster than they comprehend."
It's not only Republicans yearning for a return to the economic golden age of the Post-War years. Try reading Kristof or Robert Reich's articles sometimes. Long gone......
It's not only Republicans yearning for a return to the economic golden age of the Post-War years. Try reading Kristof or Robert Reich's articles sometimes. Long gone......
What we have is a faux democracy, littered with the best while the worst clamor to be the 'top dog'. While the mainstream media laughs all the way to the bank, the citizens of this fair land, are subjected to a dog and pony show. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pillars of the country have wobbled and are about to crumble and the 4th estate carries on because the dollars are pouring in. Yes, this nation is a mess, but not for the reasons these contentious miscreants would like us to believe.
8
If I were an anti-intellectual, fascist, bigot, I'd be scared for the future of America too.
15
EdgeNinja, a rational, liberal educated person should also be scared of the future of America. We're in deep trouble.
3
What's sad is that it seems that no decent person will run for the highest office in the land. Instead, we have only those who seek power, who play the blame game, who cannot see a path toward uniting rather than dividing the country. Which is why Trump's message is so dangerous, as it's a "hopeful" message cloaked in hate: let's make America great again, but let's exclude Americans.
3
As a life long democrat, I've not watched many Republican primary debates over the years. But this year, for some reason, I've tuned it. The lesson i've learned is that next time around, I will not.
Yes, primaries are all about the message of the base. I welcome 2016 as the redaction process creates a more civil tone and less frightening image of the America I'm experience.
Yes, primaries are all about the message of the base. I welcome 2016 as the redaction process creates a more civil tone and less frightening image of the America I'm experience.
1
I think we are seeing the convergence of the evangelical "End Times" obsession with Republican desperation to keep our government in the hands of secular upper-class white males. Both have to create apocalyptic scenarios and fear of change to keep their grip on the hearts and minds of a middle class on a slippery slope.
1
The Republicans are pandering to several constituencies. To the xenophobic, they are trying to make it seem that the international scene's problems are the current administration's fault, and some are outwardly fostering even more xenophobia. To the social conservative theocrats, most are playing the anti-gay card, the anti-abortion card, and the "God is on our side" card. To the hard core racists and bigots, some are playing the matching cards in a muted way, but doing nothing to fight back against the stains of racism and bigotry. To the gun-owning crowd, most are echoing the corporate line of the NRA, misinterpreting the 2nd Amendment's nuanced clauses regarding regulated militias, and echoing the unfounded fear that government is opposed to gun ownership and that the Democrats will take away all guns. And to the economically uniformed, the GOP hides its love of "corporate personhood" and close affinity with the super-wealthy under the facade of "flat income taxation" and opposition to any form of asset (i.e., wealth) taxation.
Now, the intelligent candidate seeking nomination from equally intelligent and open-minded voters would probably not want to build up his or her political base on xenophobia and bigotry, nor on misinformation about 2nd Amendment intentions or on the inequities of "corporate personhood" or "flat taxes" or on the perpetuation of wealth dominance in the political system, but this is by and large exactly what the GOP candidates are doing.
Now, the intelligent candidate seeking nomination from equally intelligent and open-minded voters would probably not want to build up his or her political base on xenophobia and bigotry, nor on misinformation about 2nd Amendment intentions or on the inequities of "corporate personhood" or "flat taxes" or on the perpetuation of wealth dominance in the political system, but this is by and large exactly what the GOP candidates are doing.
4
I have yet to hear a Republican candidate, other than Gov. Kasich, preach the value of unity and working together to solve problems. What I do hear is the "I" word incessantly, as if a President can wave a magic wand and, say, repeal Obamacare him/herself.
The Republicans haven't told their base that they are likely to lose their majority in Congress in 2016. They also haven't told them that a President is powerless to change many of the issues they claim they will fix "day one."
In what may be the most important election in our lifetimes, due to the naming of at least three SCOTUS justices during the next President's term of office, the Republicans are betting on the low-information voter. Not that their philosophy on this has ever changed. Sell that fear is their mantra.
The Republicans haven't told their base that they are likely to lose their majority in Congress in 2016. They also haven't told them that a President is powerless to change many of the issues they claim they will fix "day one."
In what may be the most important election in our lifetimes, due to the naming of at least three SCOTUS justices during the next President's term of office, the Republicans are betting on the low-information voter. Not that their philosophy on this has ever changed. Sell that fear is their mantra.
4
Bernie Sanders main point is the inherent corruption of our campaign financ system and lobbyists, by which a handful of billionaires and the ultra-wealthy are able to control policy outcomes.
Wall streets success in evading regulation and oversight, is just a subset of that larger problem.
Hillary Clinton continues to appear blind, deaf and dumb on Sanders main argument for his becoming president. More than anything else, I believe this is why Bernie has a chance to win, and ultimately may well do so.
Hillary is afraid to give up the advantage of big money contributions, so she defends the status quo. But that's the problem, the central problem this country faces.
Give Bernie some credit for raising money from the wee folk, and eschewing fat cat donations from people who at some point may seek favors in return for their financial support.
Wall streets success in evading regulation and oversight, is just a subset of that larger problem.
Hillary Clinton continues to appear blind, deaf and dumb on Sanders main argument for his becoming president. More than anything else, I believe this is why Bernie has a chance to win, and ultimately may well do so.
Hillary is afraid to give up the advantage of big money contributions, so she defends the status quo. But that's the problem, the central problem this country faces.
Give Bernie some credit for raising money from the wee folk, and eschewing fat cat donations from people who at some point may seek favors in return for their financial support.
6
I was born in 1943, just as WW II and Roosevelt were bringing the Depression to an end. From what I've read, and from what my mother told me, the Depression was worse than anything this country has faced since that time.
I fail to be snowed by the GOP's whining.
I fail to be snowed by the GOP's whining.
8
"The real estate developer"--Mr. Blow, I love it, staying true to your vow not to mention the unmentionable.
From the ACA to Syria to immigration reform, the G.O.P. front runners only ideas include "repealing" our landmark healthcare law that provides essential care for many that would otherwise not have it, "making and glow" in the Middle East, and building Great Walls along our southern border. This is not responsible leadership. It preys on basic fears, more Marvel Comic villain than pragmatic, rational 2st Century leadership.
From the ACA to Syria to immigration reform, the G.O.P. front runners only ideas include "repealing" our landmark healthcare law that provides essential care for many that would otherwise not have it, "making and glow" in the Middle East, and building Great Walls along our southern border. This is not responsible leadership. It preys on basic fears, more Marvel Comic villain than pragmatic, rational 2st Century leadership.
5
On today, of all days, the message Mr Blow needs to be preaching and all of us need to be facilitating is to get out the black vote not only for this presidential election but for all of the other national, state and local elections. We need to have on all levels government that respects and protects the rights of all American citizens and prospective citizens without regard to race, gender or religion. As long as we let any government race be determined by the Anglo, Protestant males, we're giving up on the future
I've remained a Registered Republican for the past six years primarily believing the party would sooner or later do an about face towards normalcy. The Grand Old Party new cynical march and constant manipulative twisting of public opinion is choking me out. I feel compelled to breathe in fresh air.
A life time supportive member I've volunteered my time, donated when I could and hold a flawless attendance record at every election. Perhaps I will be missed as I disenroll.
A life time supportive member I've volunteered my time, donated when I could and hold a flawless attendance record at every election. Perhaps I will be missed as I disenroll.
1
There's no doubt that the GOP offers a lot of gloom and doom. But the Dems are even worse, because they both predict a disastrous future and refuse to acknowledge real problems.
Our children will be doomed to lives of Dickensian poverty and ignorance unless we give free college to all, women will become chattel with no control over their own bodies, the oceans will rise and swallow up the Eastern seaboard.
Yet no admission that Obamacare has been a tangled, inefficient mess, no admission of the basic market truth that 11 million low-skill workers depress wages, and no admission that radical Islam and a revived Russia are emerging dangers in the world.
Our children will be doomed to lives of Dickensian poverty and ignorance unless we give free college to all, women will become chattel with no control over their own bodies, the oceans will rise and swallow up the Eastern seaboard.
Yet no admission that Obamacare has been a tangled, inefficient mess, no admission of the basic market truth that 11 million low-skill workers depress wages, and no admission that radical Islam and a revived Russia are emerging dangers in the world.
1
All this public obsession with the Apocalypse - that figurative reference in Revelations having to do with the "end" of the earth, which also just so happens to come at the "end" of the Bible (co coincidence, I'm sure) - makes me as someone who was taught as a kid about religion but since moved on as an adult, feel a little creeped-out in it's overt and pervasive inclusion in the course of daily conversation. Why are we talking fables as literal truth relative to the diverse modern-day society we currently live? Are we literally going back to the Dark Ages in the way we think?
If so, then this phenomenon slightly reminds me of a similar mentality supposedly overtaking another large and diverse group of people known as Muslims, who according to most reports are also all universally bent on ending the world.
It's interesting how both sides of the equation are both going in the same direction, perhaps even cancelling each side out. Fight as we might against ISIS and its ideology, all the while calling it "evil", shouldn't maybe we be asking ourselves who we are to make such a judgement? For unless we don't - even if our army does wipe them off the face of the earth - after they're gone we may find ourselves alone to simply fight among ourselves over who's good and who's bad - like the GOP and the Democrats are doing between themselves right now. The Apocalypse entails a lot of seals broken and battle horns being blown - and they all sound messy.
If so, then this phenomenon slightly reminds me of a similar mentality supposedly overtaking another large and diverse group of people known as Muslims, who according to most reports are also all universally bent on ending the world.
It's interesting how both sides of the equation are both going in the same direction, perhaps even cancelling each side out. Fight as we might against ISIS and its ideology, all the while calling it "evil", shouldn't maybe we be asking ourselves who we are to make such a judgement? For unless we don't - even if our army does wipe them off the face of the earth - after they're gone we may find ourselves alone to simply fight among ourselves over who's good and who's bad - like the GOP and the Democrats are doing between themselves right now. The Apocalypse entails a lot of seals broken and battle horns being blown - and they all sound messy.
6
We are doing as well as we can as a country now, thanks entirely to Barack Obama. The republican congress has successfully stymied almost everything he has tried to pass to help our country just about since he was elected. He only had a democrat majority for a few months as Franken's election was dragged on for months and by then Ted Kennedy had stopped being able to serve. They all mentioned joblessness, which is 5% less than when Obama was elected. They refused to sign on to an infrastructure bill that would have given the whole country an economic boost. Yet they are all so negative. And they have no details on any fix they might someday propose, other than to carpet bomb another middle eastern country just because we can. Only two more weeks and some other state can have every TV show they watch bombarded with Marco, Donald, Jeb!, etc. commercials. We in Iowa have had enough to last a lifetime.
11
In the spirit of never mentioning a certain name again, how about replacing 'real estate developer" with "four time bankruptcy declarer". Really his only possible qualification for president is that he was able to convince banks to keep loaning him money after the BKs
9
Our military is the best and strongest in the world. Our economy is also the strongest in the world. Check the objective facts. This is not to say that the United States is perfect. But persisting in running down our country is a real turn-off.
9
Listening to the Republicans, you have to wonder if they're living in the same country as the rest of us. I just spoke to a Republican friend, who is convinced that we should all vote against anyone who wants to raise taxes, because the economy is "too fragile" and that we'll start shedding jobs again if the Feds raise taxes. Nonsense. If we don't raise taxes on the wealthy, we're going to lose our middle class.
Republicans constantly worry about low-income citizens and welfare cheats, but the true welfare cheats are the 1% who do everything in their power to avoid paying taxes like the rest of us. It's the 1% who avoid their small-d democratic responsibility and ensure that the rest of us make up for the loss. Those are the ones who should pay, but I seriously doubt even if their taxes double they'll "suffer" like the rest of us.
The Republican candidates are trying to convince the rest of Americans that we're all in the same boat, but theirs is a luxury liner.
Republicans constantly worry about low-income citizens and welfare cheats, but the true welfare cheats are the 1% who do everything in their power to avoid paying taxes like the rest of us. It's the 1% who avoid their small-d democratic responsibility and ensure that the rest of us make up for the loss. Those are the ones who should pay, but I seriously doubt even if their taxes double they'll "suffer" like the rest of us.
The Republican candidates are trying to convince the rest of Americans that we're all in the same boat, but theirs is a luxury liner.
18
I don't know if it is specific to one party or to one political ideology, but there certainly is a sizeable (if judged by internet content) chunk of the population that has managed to convince themselves that we are living in the worst of times. Apparently, no one has ever suffered any sort of unemployment, international conflict, taxation, etc before today. Frequently, this is followed by something about Obama and tyranny, or Obama and weak leadership. Sometimes both follow.
9
Mr. Blow is continuing the sort of Republican vs. Democrat head bashing that get us nowhere. You are aware that the GOP took over Congress largely over economic issues and Obamacare.
As stated by Sen. Sanders, it is the press that seems to want to keep a fight going between Republicans and Democrats, not most ordinary Americans. Until too big to fail becomes "fixed that", both parties will be opposite sides of the same coin.
As stated by Sen. Sanders, it is the press that seems to want to keep a fight going between Republicans and Democrats, not most ordinary Americans. Until too big to fail becomes "fixed that", both parties will be opposite sides of the same coin.
1
None of the 7 Horsemen of the GOP Apocalypse can stand up to close scrutiny. How many of these bogots could survive 11 hours of an attack on their past and present lives by a Benghazi-style Hit Squad. It is in comprehensible how so many voters cznnot see through the thinly veiled lies and distortions that spew nonstop from the mouths of these creatures. Is the Obama hatred factor going to be the motivator for a majority of the voting public? I refuse to believe that Americans will elect any of these racist hypocrites that represent the Republican Party of No.
1
The rights love of guns is as phony as their love of the rights of the unborn. The rights love of Christianity is as phony as their phony as their love of our troops. For Christians are taught to love thy neighbor as they would love themselves and if the treatment of our troops is a sign of our love for them we should all be appalled. Is it logical to love the unborn and discard them after they are born? Is it logical to plan to build a military more suited for battle on the beaches of Normandy than to rebuild our crumbling cities? How many times over must we be able to destroy all of mankind? When they say they are the champions of the middle class and then deny people a living wage we say little. When it is fashionable for first generation Americans running for office to say we must close our borders we applaud. When the party of the right looks at world like it’s a western town that needs a no nonsense marshal to ride herd on it we support them. When we want respect for our captured sailors when we can’t even respect our twice elected president. When the toughest thing a guy from Jersey has ever done is to make kids late for school by closing lanes on the George Washington bridge in a hissy fit we call him tough. And the beat goes on! Where is Mr. Spock when we need some logic?
1
The GOP worked very hard decades ago to plant this seed in the American consciousness, and succeeded quite well. That government was the problem, that liberals want to undermine the US., that we are one day away from a Stalinist era ourselves. If you recall this was Reagan's M.O., and to show how intellectually vapid most Republicans are, they have just been repeating it over and over for thirty plus years. Like the robots on that Disney ride, no matter how many times you ride it, they parrot the lines. Moving right along...
2
Since Reagan Republicans have identified the government as the problem. And now we have a bevy of Republicans who are clueless as to how to improve the government they say they want to lead. This is a sure fire recipy for self fulfilling disaster as they continue to blame government without taking responsibility for their own ineptitude.
2
Perhaps if the 4th Estate were to publish some stories about the real state of the Union more people would be filled with some hope, but whenever McConnell or Ryan, etal, get in front of a microphone they are spewing some lie or another about the President, or the state of the Nation due to the President's lack of American values, or something.
These fools in elephant clothing don't know that the size of government has shrunk under Obama, that the deficit is half what it was under bush ii, that we have been bombing the bejeezus out of Daesh, that We the People have killed one thousand times the number of Americans than have been killed by foreign terrorists, and they didn't know that the republicans have been in control of congress which is the reason it is disfunctional. The don't know these facts because for every democrat reciting those facts there are 10 republicans getting air time disputing those facts with lies. Which get reported as facts.
These fools in elephant clothing don't know that the size of government has shrunk under Obama, that the deficit is half what it was under bush ii, that we have been bombing the bejeezus out of Daesh, that We the People have killed one thousand times the number of Americans than have been killed by foreign terrorists, and they didn't know that the republicans have been in control of congress which is the reason it is disfunctional. The don't know these facts because for every democrat reciting those facts there are 10 republicans getting air time disputing those facts with lies. Which get reported as facts.
2
I'm always suspicious of those who peddle fear in excess of risk.
1
Bernie Sanders smashes everything that's been said this political season with "the game is rigged" and "the system is corrupt". It makes complete sense why the other candidates suggestions and proposals seem ineffective, misdirected, more-of-the-same, diversionary or just so much wishing. Nothing is supposed to change very much, by plan and by design. The 1% have had their way for quite some time and they want it to continue. Its a candidates job to give the appearance of progress by proposal, regardless that the proposals won't succeed in the current Congressional climate. In my mind, it's becoming clear. If I want more of the same, I have many candidates to chose among. If I want real change to this corrupt, rigged and broken system, I have only Bernie Sanders. It's time for another TR.
2
The Republicans have engendered fear all right. I am very afraid of these dangerous contenders who want to rid the country of social safety nets, and the advances we have made in Civil Rights. They want to roll back the laws that assures a woman's right to choose and has given all Americans basic health care. They do not want a treaty with Iran, after all it has already produced positive results. In essence they don't want anything that smacks of decency. They are all about guns and war and foisting their religious beliefs on all of us. I am not just frightened, I am totally terrified that one of them might be elected President.
1
I see the doom and gloom attitude from Republicans and others who want to be Republicans in postings on the Internet all the time. The narcissist Trump is so laughable it is sad. He will not take it well when he loses. He wants to be a king not a president and frankly the number of downright stupid voters scares me. Cruz wants this country to be a theocracy. You should have to pass a Civics test in order to vote. So many people do not even know how our government is set up or how it is supposed to work. That includes the Tea Party and the Evangelicals. Bush is tainted by his brother. Carson is not qualified. He thinks Joseph built the pyramids to store grain. Christie is a buffoon from NJ. Huckabee is so steeped in his religious fervor it is scary. Fiorina is not qualified. Rubio is too young and does not have a grasp on the government structure. Rand Paul is the rebel. Did I miss anyone? If so they are not worth commenting on. It should be obvious to the GOP that President Obama was propelled into office by his optimism and hope. They will pout when they do not win again but they do not deserve to win.
Wouldn't it be nice if all folks could unite and elect the best individual for the job? It is done routinely in science and math and technology. Of course, politics is different, at least for now, when one has to viciously attack an opponent, no matter how sensible and practical and positive his/her proposals. Democrats have, to say the least, some idea as to how to advance values we all can live with, enjoy even. On the other hand, the G.O.P. has a crop of naysayers, finding fault in even the best and proven thoughts to make this society of ours better. If they could at least acknowledge the reality in front of their very eyes, instead of insisting in accommodating it to a rigid ideology, and insisting in theories well past their prime, obsolete, and willfully ignorant. But what is so shocking, the lies and innuendos aside, is the deep vulgarity being used, an insult even to the english language, otherwise so rich in potential expression.
An apocalyptic view of the world is dangerous, especially if underpinned by a theology. But there may be a silver lining in the GOP doom and gloom: for the first time, American voters may be forced to pay attention to the rest of the world. Americans, especially in the heartland, are quite ignorant about global politics and even geography. Perhaps now they'll be forced to learn the difference between Iran and Iraq, to realize that Africa is a continent, not a country; and that other nations have very different views of the US than the US has of itself. Moreover, Democrats have their own global mythologies, which are just as false as those of conservatives. Da'esh is not a joke, despite Obama's attempts to represent it as such. Radical Islam did not originate in Bush's invasion of Iraq. And endless wars in Africa are not the result of colonialism but of the complicated tangle of ethnic, tribal and economic factors which the countries involved must resolve on their own.
The emphasis on "messes" and crude speech of the republican candidates is, you may be sure, chosen deliberately and with knowledge of the audience they wish to persuade. We've seen it before. Part of the fascist dream is purity, cleanness, an end to messes and mixings and disorders--and everything that is different from the ideology and type of the fascist base is a mess, a disorder, to them. This is why they are nearly uniform in race, set in gender roles, and amenable to slogans in lieu of the "mess" of complex thought. The militarism and will to violence comes from this dream of a "clean", controlled purity--totalitarian, ultimately, should it succeed. We've seen it before, and underestimate its appeal and its danger at our peril.
2
the gop debates include some hyperbolic, disingenuous rhetoric about the sky falling. but it is, in many ways. 19 trillion in debt indicates 19 trillion in mistakes. how long can the policies that generate that debt be ignored? forever? are we to take the debt seriously? and neither party can talk about it, because the dems will demagogue anyone broaching two of the three generators of the debt, i.e. social security and medicare. those two programs must be adjusted regularly, or they will bankrupt us. anyway, Trump is going to win the presidency. He is a political hybrid. He'll be great for the country. I know he's easy to denigrate, because he's a loose canon, but the American populace- the same who voted irresponsibly for Obama, are going to vote irresponsibly for Trump. But this guy is an effective executive. He'll be the best since Reagan.
Most businesses borrow money and are in debt. When a corporation issues bonds it is borrowing money. Are those bonds mistakes? It depends what you're borrowing money for. Borrowing huge sums to fight a disastrous war is really stupid. Hey John from Atlanta, did you support that?
Obamacare has hugely slowed the pace of health care inflation and if it continues to do so it will remove the threat of Medicare damaging our finances. Social Security can be made solvent by removing the cap on paying the tax. One could argue that that's unfair to those who make more than the cap but those folks are doing quite well for themselves in this great country of ours and can well afford to pitch in a little to help those who have worked all their lives and find themselves needing Social Security in their retirement.
Obamacare has hugely slowed the pace of health care inflation and if it continues to do so it will remove the threat of Medicare damaging our finances. Social Security can be made solvent by removing the cap on paying the tax. One could argue that that's unfair to those who make more than the cap but those folks are doing quite well for themselves in this great country of ours and can well afford to pitch in a little to help those who have worked all their lives and find themselves needing Social Security in their retirement.
3
Deep down inside Bush, Christie, Trump, and Cruz know they have nothing to offer other than being loud and obnoxious, and realize the only way to convince their equally loud and obnoxious supporters is to behave the way they are behaving. A bunch of sore losers who only want power. Scary.
3
There is the stunning similarity between the Republicans and the Ayatollahs.
They are making the identical kind of mistakes.
The GOP has put the sign of equation between themselves and democracy.
The Ayatollahs have put the sign of equation between themselves and the faith.
Both sides are equally wrong.
That’s why they cannot stand each other.
They are making the identical kind of mistakes.
The GOP has put the sign of equation between themselves and democracy.
The Ayatollahs have put the sign of equation between themselves and the faith.
Both sides are equally wrong.
That’s why they cannot stand each other.
2
By the term real estate developer I am assuming you mean Donald Trump. He has been drawing huge crowds at his rallies and there is a reason for this. This newspaper states that those in attendance are uneducated folks but that is not true. I know highly educated people who think he is on to something. He is not politically correct which is refreshing and calls a spade a spade. He may be boorish at times but he make sense. The NYT readers feel he is a threat and they are correct. President Obama has not been a success and has divided our country like no other president before him.
He is speaking presently at Liberty University and they are applauding loudly in agreement. If he ever comes to NYC, I will be in attendance. I am college educated and approve of many of his views but not all. If we had had better leadership, he probably would not be as popular as he is.
He is speaking presently at Liberty University and they are applauding loudly in agreement. If he ever comes to NYC, I will be in attendance. I am college educated and approve of many of his views but not all. If we had had better leadership, he probably would not be as popular as he is.
Reading this summary of the latest "sour-the-soul" Republican debate reminded me of why I felt compelled to switch channels. Heartburn. Do those GOP folks really believe half of what they claim to believe. If they do, their households must be a depressing place in which to live.
The contrast between that and even the sometime heated Democratic debate last night was stunning. It boils down to a seven belligerent adolescents whose brains have yet to achieve insight or judgement and who like the color red v three respectful rational hopeful adults focused on deep-seated issues. Comparing these two radically different (up side v down side--open v closed) mind-sets, makes it clear why compromise is difficult if not impossible.
The contrast between that and even the sometime heated Democratic debate last night was stunning. It boils down to a seven belligerent adolescents whose brains have yet to achieve insight or judgement and who like the color red v three respectful rational hopeful adults focused on deep-seated issues. Comparing these two radically different (up side v down side--open v closed) mind-sets, makes it clear why compromise is difficult if not impossible.
5
With all the talk about mess and disaster, the Republican candidates don't say a word about George W. Bush. The truth is that President Obama has spent most of his time in office cleaning up the mess Bush II created, digging us out of a very deep hole. Two wars. An economic collapse. And what do the Republicans want to do if elected? Run the country just the way Bush II did. Lower taxes on the ultra rich and corporations. Get rid of regulations on Wall Street. Scuttle medical insurance reform. Weaken the social safety net. Ramp up the military to beat ISIS (which means send in ground troops, i.e. other people's sons, daughters, husbands and wives). In other words, dig an even deeper hole. Do we really want to see those body bags arriving at Dover Air Force Base again?
9
Charles Blow asks,"Are the candidates merely a reflection of the disaffected base, are the candidates helping to create the disaffection, or do they all exist in a national echo chamber amplifying each other?"
Seriously? Do you not know, that since Willy Horton, that Republican leadership with their dog whistle issues, have been deliberatively cultivating a wider base of debased American voters? Racist? No problem. Welcome. Jingoist? No problem. Religious extremist? No problem. Welcome. They have succeeded in these efforts beyond their wildest dreams. But alas the new and broader Republican base has now come to inform and deform the leadership - alas Trump, Cruz, etc. and the GOP Apocalypse.
Seriously? Do you not know, that since Willy Horton, that Republican leadership with their dog whistle issues, have been deliberatively cultivating a wider base of debased American voters? Racist? No problem. Welcome. Jingoist? No problem. Religious extremist? No problem. Welcome. They have succeeded in these efforts beyond their wildest dreams. But alas the new and broader Republican base has now come to inform and deform the leadership - alas Trump, Cruz, etc. and the GOP Apocalypse.
4
The oldest sales pitch in the world is to tell your potential customer how awful your current provider's product or service is and how yours is going to fix all the problems you just outlined. The repubs are good at the first part, denigrating Obama for every thing under the sun and espousing their apocalyptic world view, but they really don't have the second part down which is to show how they are going to fix the problems that they have just concocted. It's all about false bravado and empty promises that even a first grader could see through. Trump is the worst because his ideas are all sound bites, empty phrases that have a visceral appeal but are vacuous and ignorant: "build a wall" "make America great, again", "beat the Chinese", "keep the Muslims out". Blah, blah, blah. Trump so far has managed to stay on top by attacking his opponents, but a SWOT analysis would show that he has many, many weaknesses that could easily be exploited by his opponent in a general election. He is great on offense but he has yet to be tested very hard on defense and that will turn out to be his Achilles heel.
5
If your true goal is to eliminate as much of U.S. government as possible — so as to give private corporate sector yet more power and unfettered range — then you don't actually need to offer workable plans, ideas, and policies. As a party, you would simply need to be so obstructionist that government becomes stuck, and works less and less well — thereby demonstrating to more citizens that government doesn't work. IMHO, the Democratic Party and the current version of the GOP are not playing by the same rules, or even the same game.
33
An appropriate slogan? "No hope and regression".
3
The lamb sees a fence on the Left and a fence on the Right, so it heads for that open space in the middle.
Dinner is served!
Dinner is served!
2
Is it really an epiphany to NYT writers and readers that politicians on the outside point to all the problems on the inside? This truism holds for both parties. Why else run if all is perfect?
This is just a hit job on the Reps masquerading as analysis and the clapping seals snort their approval.
You want to see negative? Bernie Sanders is negative. The problem for the established parties is that he is right. Both parties have been swamped by money interests and the public is being robbed. HRC and the DNC is completely lost in the Wall Street swamp and the status quo as is the RNC and many of the Reps with Jeb Bush being the poster boy. Neither party's crowned choice (HRC and JB) is the vehicle for economic change wanted by the American public.
Foreign policy shouts it's own story and needs little comment. It is an absolute disaster.
This is just a hit job on the Reps masquerading as analysis and the clapping seals snort their approval.
You want to see negative? Bernie Sanders is negative. The problem for the established parties is that he is right. Both parties have been swamped by money interests and the public is being robbed. HRC and the DNC is completely lost in the Wall Street swamp and the status quo as is the RNC and many of the Reps with Jeb Bush being the poster boy. Neither party's crowned choice (HRC and JB) is the vehicle for economic change wanted by the American public.
Foreign policy shouts it's own story and needs little comment. It is an absolute disaster.
3
Who is Jeb Bush? Doesn't Trump also fit in with Bernie Sanders in being relatively unfettered by outside money interests?
When it comes to inflating mythical beasts to slay, those on the left are surely masters. One only has to think of the war on women (never declared despite Bill Clintons best efforts), the gender pay gap (a reification error turned bogyman to lure the same women voters upon whom ‘war’ has been declared), structural racism keeping POC in poverty (another imaginary monster aimed at attracting the every gullible black vote to the Democrat Party), and let us not forget that other demon lurking around corner, Islamophobia (the fact that are mosques in this country following 9/11 is a sure sign that America is not an Islamophobic country. There was no kristallnacht after the towers fell).
1
Maybe not, but there were thousands of Muslims in the streets of New Jersey cheering.
If the GOP wants to see disaster, there's always the mirror.
34
If the GOP wants to ever intersect with Reality again in a meaningful way in our lifetimes, they better get over their Pity Party selves, put down the political crack pipe and wise up. In the last several months there have been REAL wake-up call studies: Young whites are dying at huge rates now from drug overdoses, and older whites are killing themselves by suicides at an alarming clip. If you don't care about the only base you have actually living, you are done for. Writing a million laws to try to control young women's reproduction is not getting even one promised job.
Why not deal with an actual problem for once instead of self-indulgent bonding over hating Obama and Planned Parenthood 24/7?
Why not deal with an actual problem for once instead of self-indulgent bonding over hating Obama and Planned Parenthood 24/7?
21
However, remember that during the Republican National Convention that put in G.W. for the second time, that the most common words repeated ad nauseum was "terror" and "terrorism", and he was re-elected. American voters, particularly Republicans are afraid of their own shadow as you can see by the poll to the left of Blow's column.
20
Yes, when did we become such a tremulous bunch of cowards? How unseemly that the most powerful nation on earth is also the most fearful.
This nation wasn't built by cowards--where did they all come from?
Nor did we descend from cowards: Britain´s brave endurance of the Nazi blitz was one of the rare bright spots of WWII. It's hard to imagine my fellow citizens withstanding a similar siege, these days.
This nation wasn't built by cowards--where did they all come from?
Nor did we descend from cowards: Britain´s brave endurance of the Nazi blitz was one of the rare bright spots of WWII. It's hard to imagine my fellow citizens withstanding a similar siege, these days.
1
I don't watch these debates, just read about them. Assuming no media questioner ever asks a follow-up question such as, In what way is our military a disaster? Not that an answer would be forthcoming, of course not, but seems the duty of "journalists" to try. In fact , they should try at least twice so maybe a handful of viewers might take note of the non answer and the total lack of context or concrete information provided to the uttered statement.
Both men in my family, husband and son served, one in Vietnam and one in Iraq, so a blanket statement that the "military is a disaster" with no facts is offensive to me and many. Perhaps Trump suffers from Tourette' s Syndrome, he should be checked.
Both men in my family, husband and son served, one in Vietnam and one in Iraq, so a blanket statement that the "military is a disaster" with no facts is offensive to me and many. Perhaps Trump suffers from Tourette' s Syndrome, he should be checked.
35
Couldn't agree more. When I hear Trump say that he's going to create the greatest military, I wonder what it is that he thinks we are lacking today? We spend an absurd amount on weaponry that we never use to fight enemies we no longer have, and then ignore the people who have given limbs, eyes, faces and endless amounts of blood.
2
And just what is the Democratic strategy concerning the health and welfare of the United States? They are as bad as Fast Food Restaurants and all you can eat joints. They will give it all to you even if you do not want or need it at any cost (but making it sound like someone else is paying for it).
Both parties are a sham; they want only what is good for them and will keep them in office; they have both abandoned the concept of Representative Government.
Both parties are a sham; they want only what is good for them and will keep them in office; they have both abandoned the concept of Representative Government.
1
Why even have debates when we know that immoral and indecent Hillary is going to win the 2016 elections. America will continue down a river of filth. Without God there can be absolutely no decency in America.
In his 8 yrs of promoting homosexuality, bozo (barack hussein obama) has failed with our U.S. economy, health care, foreign affairs, and has destroyed patriotism, decency, and morality in America. Only 3% of America's attorneys are American of Mexican extraction. Only 3.9% of America's attorneys are Black American. Nearly 90% of America's attorneys are White. Medical school, lets don't even go there. According to Forbes report on the 400 richest Americans, "most of the country’s wealthiest females inherited their fortunes from husbands, fathers and grandfathers. Only 1-2% of wealthy females are self-made." Having bozo (barack hussein obama) warming his buns in the oval office seems more like a token job. I can understand Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa getting the Nobel Peace Price.....but bozo?? Bozo yes, but not the great Mahatma Gandhi??
In his 8 yrs of promoting homosexuality, bozo (barack hussein obama) has failed with our U.S. economy, health care, foreign affairs, and has destroyed patriotism, decency, and morality in America. Only 3% of America's attorneys are American of Mexican extraction. Only 3.9% of America's attorneys are Black American. Nearly 90% of America's attorneys are White. Medical school, lets don't even go there. According to Forbes report on the 400 richest Americans, "most of the country’s wealthiest females inherited their fortunes from husbands, fathers and grandfathers. Only 1-2% of wealthy females are self-made." Having bozo (barack hussein obama) warming his buns in the oval office seems more like a token job. I can understand Martin Luther King and Mother Teresa getting the Nobel Peace Price.....but bozo?? Bozo yes, but not the great Mahatma Gandhi??
1
Which god? Are you a patriot? Do you believe in the constitution? Read the part about separation of church and state. People should leave their gods in their home and church. gods and religion have been destroying this earth since the first snake all salesmen got on a soap box and claimed that a lunar eclipse or comet was a sign from a god that they had a personal relationship with and that you better listen to them. It is time that all religious texts be moved on to the same book shelf as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. I think the sad thing is that we will have to evolve out of this mindset (over who knows how many generations), and none of us walking the planet today will be around to see it. That said, it could go the other way, if people like you out breed people like me. Then again, you think evolution is a hoax right
3
Hate much??
3
Does that post have any point?
3
It is true that the republican regurgitate the same staid pitches on the democrat who then turn around and regurgitate the same staid pitches on the republican follwed by the opinion page writers who regurgitate both flavor of staid pitches.
1
I was recently made aware that the Greek roots of the word apocalypse come from the concept of "revealing" or "lifting the vail." Who knows, the Republican side show might be apocalyptic after all, finally "revealing" to the rest of the nation the hateful heart of this new iteration of the Republican party.
15
What a condescending post. I suspect black people in America have had enough of being told what they should do.
Mr. Blow, honestly, you still don't get it. Who cares anything, even one iota about what the G.O.P. and the Republican candidates do, say or promise? Really, who cares? The great majority of Americans aren't interested. Certainly the Democrats could care less. And so should the majority of African Americans. Republicans continue to promote their policies and rhetoric of enslavement, disenfranchisement, poverty, ignorance, racism and now even fascism. So, why are you interested? No one compelled you to sit through another "dust-dry Republican debate." Cruz, Trump, Rubio and Bush have the same old, same old message namely that big, expensive Democratic government and lack of self-dependency is the cause of all problems. The cure is the same; Let the rich pay less taxes, become richer and the job creators will then let wealth trickle down.
We've heard it all before.
Now Mr. Blow, instead of wasting your time criticizing Republicans and complaining about them how about doing what needs to be done to elect Democrats? How about promoting a message to blacks about how important it is to register (although it is difficult in some states) and get out and vote? How about exhorting blacks to organize and help to create a future of hope rather than the despair of the Republicans.
In other words Mr. Blow if you want change you have to make change happen. Writing and complaining about Republicans achieves nothing. Stop complaining and get into neighborhoods that need help.
We've heard it all before.
Now Mr. Blow, instead of wasting your time criticizing Republicans and complaining about them how about doing what needs to be done to elect Democrats? How about promoting a message to blacks about how important it is to register (although it is difficult in some states) and get out and vote? How about exhorting blacks to organize and help to create a future of hope rather than the despair of the Republicans.
In other words Mr. Blow if you want change you have to make change happen. Writing and complaining about Republicans achieves nothing. Stop complaining and get into neighborhoods that need help.
25
Why just blacks. A democratic vote is a democratic vote regardless of the voter's color. We need people like Charles to continue to shine the light on the the truthfulness (or lack) of what the candidates say, while also reinforcing the message that we are going to get the government we deserve if we don't get out and vote. If registering whites to vote is not a problem, then we need to educate the vast majority of white voters about the issues, because many continue to vote against their interests.
1
He's a columnist, not a candidate.
1
Combining the daily mendacity of propaganda outlets with evangelical End Times scenarios has been the worn out strategy of the GOP for decades now to motivate their bedraggled base with another fear hit.
Marco Rubio wasn't at mass with Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve, he was whining at the gun shop about poor pitiful me, and buying a handgun. These folks are the Eeyore Party, full of doom and hate. What's to like?
Marco Rubio wasn't at mass with Baby Jesus on Christmas Eve, he was whining at the gun shop about poor pitiful me, and buying a handgun. These folks are the Eeyore Party, full of doom and hate. What's to like?
26
On a day when we celebrate the life of a true revolutionary, Charles you need to be reminded that hate, racism, xenophobia and fear-mongering work for the GOP base. Everything else, including the truth is moot!
17
You are right but there are more of us than there are of them.
The GOP has nothing to run on other than fear and loathing. Pretty skimpy reasons to award them a victory in 2016. Particularly disgusting is the viciousness of their attacks; how personal they are.
I believe you're right, Mr. Blow. The Chicken Little in these contests seldom has enough legs to elect. I believe the Democrats will be in very stark contrast to Republican negativity come the general election.
If Americans are anything they love being positive about the future. It's for the Democrats to awaken that native characteristic in ourselves.
I believe you're right, Mr. Blow. The Chicken Little in these contests seldom has enough legs to elect. I believe the Democrats will be in very stark contrast to Republican negativity come the general election.
If Americans are anything they love being positive about the future. It's for the Democrats to awaken that native characteristic in ourselves.
20
Bob,
When all youi got is fear and loathing you pick it up and run with it.
When all youi got is fear and loathing you pick it up and run with it.
1
Yes, it's hard to imagine any sane person voting Republican this year, after watching both parties´debates...but then we seem to have cultivated a significant number of people in this country who are uneducated, i'll-informed, prejudiced, bigoted, misogynistic, racist and otherwise psychologically undeveloped and imbalanced.
And Fox News, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and their ilk have contributed to this morass.
God help us! I don't know if we have the wits to help ourselves anymore. I guess we´ll find out in November.
And Fox News, Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh and their ilk have contributed to this morass.
God help us! I don't know if we have the wits to help ourselves anymore. I guess we´ll find out in November.
1
The national media is failing us. They should be offsetting the GOP's apocalyptic lies with factual opposition. I realize that their silence is an attempt to appear "balanced" but as Mark Twain said " A lie has traveled a thousand miles before the truth has its boots on....".
I cringe at FOX's televised "focus groups" when I see good people express their deep fears on based upon the imaginary nightmares created by FOX.
In particuiar, while the terrorist threat is real, their fear is disproportionate.
I cringe at FOX's televised "focus groups" when I see good people express their deep fears on based upon the imaginary nightmares created by FOX.
In particuiar, while the terrorist threat is real, their fear is disproportionate.
49
Would it be changing the subject to say that the clown bus and its surviving buffoons are the creation of the on-line media?
8
It is off the subject but while the media may egg them on, the Republicans have chosen the low road. Or maybe, for the most part, only low road candidates are applying.
3
You might be right.
I don't have TV. I listen to the radio and read a few blogs on-line. But is not TV still the principal channel for shaping the minds of ordinary people?
I don't have TV. I listen to the radio and read a few blogs on-line. But is not TV still the principal channel for shaping the minds of ordinary people?
1
Uh, no. It is the outcome of having a clown in office for seven years.
I very much agree with today's op-ed. I am a Canadian and here on the 18th of January 2016 it is just another Monday but we have recently rid ourselves of a right wing Christianist Prime Minister and the mood is one of cautious optimism. I particularly enjoyed this op-ed from the Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/01/17/why-canadians-need-not-fre...
I found yesterday's Democratic debate interesting and was most enthused by Senator Sander's repeating every time he got the opportunity that getting big money out of politics was the beginning of fixing everything. I think most of the people I know and respect believe this is the most fundamental truth in restoring America's greatness. Maybe that is Trump's real plan; getting money out of politics would open the door to the new ideas that could restore the country I so admired so many years ago.
Maybe that is why Trump and Bernie are surging, their messages are both about not being bought by Wall Street or Big Business but about restoring a government of Of the people By the people and for the people,
I am hoping that the debates after the nominating conventions is about policy not about who pulls the strings and the primaries decide that all Americans again pull the strings.
http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/01/17/why-canadians-need-not-fre...
I found yesterday's Democratic debate interesting and was most enthused by Senator Sander's repeating every time he got the opportunity that getting big money out of politics was the beginning of fixing everything. I think most of the people I know and respect believe this is the most fundamental truth in restoring America's greatness. Maybe that is Trump's real plan; getting money out of politics would open the door to the new ideas that could restore the country I so admired so many years ago.
Maybe that is why Trump and Bernie are surging, their messages are both about not being bought by Wall Street or Big Business but about restoring a government of Of the people By the people and for the people,
I am hoping that the debates after the nominating conventions is about policy not about who pulls the strings and the primaries decide that all Americans again pull the strings.
22
I loved the word "Christianist"--it rightly conveys the transformation of Christianity from a religious tradition that enshrines love, forgiveness, humility and peace, into an ideology--as it is practiced by the "Christian right" in America.
If there ever is a Second Coming, I suspect Jesus would take a dim view of his "followers" in contemporary America. They behave more like the biblical Pharisees than Jesus and his disciples.
Thanks for your perspective.
If there ever is a Second Coming, I suspect Jesus would take a dim view of his "followers" in contemporary America. They behave more like the biblical Pharisees than Jesus and his disciples.
Thanks for your perspective.
Somehow the wannabe presidential candidates in the next election remind me of Snow White and the 7 dwarfs (is it really necessary for me to define who are the dwarfs?)
1
The Republicans are not stupid. They know well that fear and anxiety render humans susceptible to simplistic formulae that promise an end to anxiety. Thus the candidates can anticipate how they will demonstrate that we are not to be messed with, promising to shoot Russian planes out of the sky, insult any country that does not subscribe to our policies, etc., etc., as if no dire consequences will ensue. In psychology, this is known as magical thinking.
Perhaps this goes to show that intelligence guarantees nothing; these candidates, to a person, let their cynicism and/or their own anxiety trump thoughtful approaches to admittedly very serious problems.
Perhaps this goes to show that intelligence guarantees nothing; these candidates, to a person, let their cynicism and/or their own anxiety trump thoughtful approaches to admittedly very serious problems.
4
The leftist scientists and engineers who developed the Mars lander and rover programs have foiled the GOP's plan to incite fear about a looming invasion of America by Martians. But the current crop of Republican Presidential candidates will no doubt soon be warning those "wrong-values" New Yorkers that King Kong will be taking-down the Empire State Building at any moment if they don't all arm themselves with AR-15s and start praying to the correct GOP-approved religion.
2
Hillary and Bernie are not the only game in town on the Democratic side, even if the media are determined to shove one or the other of them down our throats. Prematurely dividing the Democratic nomination into an either-or contest serves no one well, and the NYT has been as complicit in it as any other news venue.
As things stand, I will go to the polls in November to vote on state and lower-level offices and on ballot questions if there are any; but I will not pull any lever for president. I might keep hoping for a scenario like one out of Gore Vidal's political drama, 'The Best Man', in which the two front-runners each hold the key to a closet containing the other's skeletons, and wind up handing the nomination to a third 'dark horse' to whom no one heretofore had paid much attention.
This useful website, 'On The Issues,' offers quoted views of all declared candidates of three parties (incl. Green) on major issues. Once there, you can click around to see a single candidate's views on many issues, or compare the views of candidates on a single issue. The first page you see will be Martin O'Malley, whom I vastly prefer to 'My Turn!' Hillary or 'Free Stuff!' Bernie. (The GOP is beyond the pale entirely, with the possible, repeat, possible, but not probable, exception of Kasich.)
http://www.ontheissues.org/Martin_O%60Malley.htm
As things stand, I will go to the polls in November to vote on state and lower-level offices and on ballot questions if there are any; but I will not pull any lever for president. I might keep hoping for a scenario like one out of Gore Vidal's political drama, 'The Best Man', in which the two front-runners each hold the key to a closet containing the other's skeletons, and wind up handing the nomination to a third 'dark horse' to whom no one heretofore had paid much attention.
This useful website, 'On The Issues,' offers quoted views of all declared candidates of three parties (incl. Green) on major issues. Once there, you can click around to see a single candidate's views on many issues, or compare the views of candidates on a single issue. The first page you see will be Martin O'Malley, whom I vastly prefer to 'My Turn!' Hillary or 'Free Stuff!' Bernie. (The GOP is beyond the pale entirely, with the possible, repeat, possible, but not probable, exception of Kasich.)
http://www.ontheissues.org/Martin_O%60Malley.htm
Unfortunately ACW, you will help to elect a Trump or Cruz, or even a Rubio. Let's agree that this is not Martin O'Malley's year, maybe next time, but do not waste your vote or we may all get what we do not deserve.
1
Sorry Mr. Blow, I don't have time to think about politics; I'm still recuperating from my excitement over the new Star Wars film and only hope I'm in sufficient good health to down two six packs, a hero and a pizza during the Superbowl. After that, I'm ready for whatever bright and shiny objects corporate America has contrived to keep me on my duff, drooling with complacency.
4
The apocalyptic ethos of this election cycle is something of a perfect storm for Republicans, but one that will ultimately self-destruct, which is exactly the point. The Republican base has been predicting the coming destruction of civilization as we know it since 2008. And like all apocalyptic movements, the end is always nigh and eagerly anticipated.
Optimism for the future offers nothing for the Republican candidates because its base is not looking for fixes, reforms or hope. They want today's world to crash and burn in spectacular fashion. They've been preparing for this "eventuality" since 2008, warning of its imminence and working very diligently toward that end.
Conservatives tend to be teleological in disposition to begin with -- the status quo is what it is because the world is simply designed that way. So when the status quo begins to move in a direction opposite of their designs, they fall back on a design to end all designs. It's preordained, and they're simply seeking the best candidate to carry out their hopes and dreams for the most despairing of all visions for the future.
Optimism for the future offers nothing for the Republican candidates because its base is not looking for fixes, reforms or hope. They want today's world to crash and burn in spectacular fashion. They've been preparing for this "eventuality" since 2008, warning of its imminence and working very diligently toward that end.
Conservatives tend to be teleological in disposition to begin with -- the status quo is what it is because the world is simply designed that way. So when the status quo begins to move in a direction opposite of their designs, they fall back on a design to end all designs. It's preordained, and they're simply seeking the best candidate to carry out their hopes and dreams for the most despairing of all visions for the future.
4
Kasich, playing the Mr. Nice Guy right wing contrarian with the positive message to reach the middle of the spectrum, is virtually ignored. The apocalyptic strategy has given them control of both houses of Congress, and a steady increase in the number of governorships, so no doubt it has been quite effective thus far. And with that the subliminal message that in this divided country, only when one party has total control will the gridlock end, thereby conditioning a capitulation response to give them the missing piece of the puzzle.
18 Trillion of national debt, 200 trillion of unfunded long term liabilities,
1 trillion of student loan debt. Decreased velocity of money.
No savings by a vast number of Americans. 50 million on food stamps and 50% of all jobs are government-based. A vast minority of workers support the whole.
Why exactly are Democrats optimistic? More like delusional.
The Big Short blindness all over again. Include the media, both conservative and liberal.
1 trillion of student loan debt. Decreased velocity of money.
No savings by a vast number of Americans. 50 million on food stamps and 50% of all jobs are government-based. A vast minority of workers support the whole.
Why exactly are Democrats optimistic? More like delusional.
The Big Short blindness all over again. Include the media, both conservative and liberal.
1
Mr. Owen, shall we cut our throats? When the glass becomes half empty, it's time to seek help. Without a forward looking vision we will go nowhere, and even you know that's the wrong road to follow.
1
What do YOU propose to do about it? Don't tell me that we need the austerity fairy. Don't tell me we need trickle-down or Voodoo economics.
The claim "a vast minority" (silly oxymoron right there, eh) of WORKERS do not contribute the bulk of the revenue.
Only 46% of the federal income comes from personal income taxes. 34% comes from payroll taxes that are very regressive, hitting those with low earnings most.
The claim "a vast minority" (silly oxymoron right there, eh) of WORKERS do not contribute the bulk of the revenue.
Only 46% of the federal income comes from personal income taxes. 34% comes from payroll taxes that are very regressive, hitting those with low earnings most.
1
Perhaps it is unclear, but I don't support the Republican side. I don't think either side has definite plans about unemployment, but I certainly do not believe that trickle down economics will work in this environment, so I don't think cutting taxes on the wealthy, as the Reps would probably do, would help resolve unemployment.
4
Mr Blow- great article. I think politicians need to obscure and derail any critical thinking by attempting emotionally charged appeals- for the repubs- its apoplectic. This is because our political landscape both right and left is beholden to corporate interests. Although Bernie is all about this elephant in the middle of the room, I don't think he can make it all the way to the top. The powers he rails against will be able to defeat him, there just isn't enough of a base that gets it..
2
The mind of Republican base voter revolves around an apocalyptic vision, so a strategy doom and gloom works well in that space. The core problems of America as seen through that lens, involve a crisis of rights. Voter rights, gay rights, equal rights and a woman's right to decide her own healthcare options. Only by taking all of these rights away, can the march towards an apocalypse be reversed. Who is granting all these rights? The government! Hence, the government is now bad. Since the government is bad, everything else it does must be bad. Taxing rich people must be bad too. Regulating pollution, bad. Forcing me to recognize all these rights, now granted to all of these other people who are occupying what used to be my Puritan country, bad. Nothing sells in the today's Republican Party like a good apocalypse.
8
people are more isolated nowadays, largely due to the internet; instead of interacting with real people, their impressions of the world come from the web sites they visit. since conservatives get their 'news' from conservative sites, and since 'man bites dog' always trumps 'dog bites man', there's a snowballing of alarmist rhetoric to garner 'hits'. Obama nailed it in his state of the union when he put things like the economy and military in perspective (pretty good overall, especially compared to the rest of the world), but the republicans, searching for a message in the absence of their usual best hands - economic problems like inflation or high unemployment, serious national security threats, have to generate alarming 'facts', even if they're (as Obama put it) 'peddling fiction' - lying. the scary part is that the GOP candidates' policy ideas really do nothing about these phantom issues, but do exacerbate income inequality and will reduce the government's ability to improve life for millions of people (see: repeal ACA). the whole alarmist facade is a smokescreen for more giveaways to the ultra-rich.
1
This says for me; "Are the candidates merely a reflection of the disaffected base, are the candidates helping to create the disaffection, or do they all exist in a national echo chamber amplifying each other?
The Echo chamber for Faux News and the equally self-serving right wing-nut pundits. Echo reinforcement of bogus facts and no challenge on details, the thought process that got them 'there' or any hard look under the TeaParty rock. The GOP might prevail (I sure hope not) at enormous cost to ALL American people and our standing in world affairs.
The Echo chamber for Faux News and the equally self-serving right wing-nut pundits. Echo reinforcement of bogus facts and no challenge on details, the thought process that got them 'there' or any hard look under the TeaParty rock. The GOP might prevail (I sure hope not) at enormous cost to ALL American people and our standing in world affairs.
3
When a political party cannot perceive that every penny of public spending is someone's income even as they scrimmage for it, it cannot even begin to apply fiscal policy intelligently.
5
True enough -- but when a party believes, or tries to convince its voters, that every penny raised and spent by a government is a penny lost ... then government is doomed.
The plain fact is that taxes are recycled into the economy -- to ignore this is idiocy.
The plain fact is that taxes are recycled into the economy -- to ignore this is idiocy.
1
Unfortunately Republican party dysfunction for leading the Republic from the Oval Office. But the establishment Democratic party has a similar dysfunction; refusal to admit the centrist / slightly left of center ideology embodied in the presidential candidacy of Hillary Clinton has led to the party's legislative neutering in Congress and virtual extinction in state legislatures and governor's mansions.
As the Republican electorate is in the throes of a "Conservative Spring", Democrats are the beneficiaries of a true progressive game changing populist movement in the candidacy of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Yet mainstream Democrats are just beginning to realize Hillary Clinton's "credibility" gap is the gnawing inescapable feeling she grimly determined to be America's first Madam President at the risk of losing the last branch of the federal government to the "crazy" Republicans.
Hillary Clinton's chances of defeating an energized and unified Republican party led by Donald Trump, with all the points Mr. Blow makes in the op-ed piece notwithstanding, is at present a coin toss. However, Sen. Sanders predictive chances of defeating Donald Trump in a general election are overwhelmingly better.
The African proverb is if there is no weakness within, the strength of the adversary without can do little harm.
As the Republican electorate is in the throes of a "Conservative Spring", Democrats are the beneficiaries of a true progressive game changing populist movement in the candidacy of Sen. Bernie Sanders. Yet mainstream Democrats are just beginning to realize Hillary Clinton's "credibility" gap is the gnawing inescapable feeling she grimly determined to be America's first Madam President at the risk of losing the last branch of the federal government to the "crazy" Republicans.
Hillary Clinton's chances of defeating an energized and unified Republican party led by Donald Trump, with all the points Mr. Blow makes in the op-ed piece notwithstanding, is at present a coin toss. However, Sen. Sanders predictive chances of defeating Donald Trump in a general election are overwhelmingly better.
The African proverb is if there is no weakness within, the strength of the adversary without can do little harm.
1
I think you may be right, Charles, that the Republican candidates and their constituents are operating in an echo chamber. The thing I worry about, though, is that it could be more like a feedback loop that increases and increases until can rupture eardrums. Once the conventions are over and the candidates are chosen the vast majority of Democrats and Republicans will fall in line behind their party's choice, be he/she Jesus Christ or Satan-in-the-flesh. Then it will be up to those who proclaim themselves to be independent to choose our president. If the angry voices have resonated with them we are in for some very interesting years. (Frightening, might say it better.)
4
I would say that Mr. Blow is being optimistic if he thinks that the GOP is going to lose. It's a long way until November and people are still in favor of having a GOP candidate win. That's because they like hearing the GOP talk about personal responsibility as long as it applies to everyone else. They want to hear about non-existent welfare royalty, blacks who deserve to be shot by police, how Obama and Democrats want to take away their gun rights, and how lazy any under- or unemployed Americans are. They prefer to think that they have planned their lives well and the rest of us have been slackers. The GOP wins because the Democrats don't push back and point out, in blunt language (not cursing or exaggerating), how much damage the GOP has done to America, the middle class, and the ability of the government to function for all but the richest.
41
Correct, plus negative nonsense gets way more coverage.
3
The Bible types among them should recognize the story about promising bread and delivering stones, but they are in deep deep denial about the to-the-bone nihilism in the current GOP.
4
They did push back. Did you watch the debate last night?
The GOP candidates peddle fear, mistrust, anxiety. And with good reason. That is what the last GOP president left us with. It's all they know. These candidates are not happy people. They seem sort of miserable and have a miserable view of the world. The GOP has a dismal record with the economy too. Their spending priorities do not help the middle class and their trickle down theory, to borrow form JK Galbraith, are the undigested oats that come out of the rear end of a donkey.
20
No Republican president is going to take any guff from some Middle Eastern Ayatollah, no siree! And our imprisoned journalists and sailors would continue to languish there behind bars until they're leveled in-place by one of Ted Cruz's carpet bombs.
The newly splenetic Marco Rubio has joined the rest of the doomsday-declaring cartoon cut-outs of the GOP presidential clown cavalcade because the Party script gives them NOTHING else to offer the country. No idea; no vision; nothing!
Jeb! seems to be locked on the "disastrous" re-set button with Russia. At last night's Democratic party debate I was pleased to hear Hillary's correction of that historical misinterpretation. She pointed out that, under former President Medvedev, several signal achievements followed the re-set, not the least of which were the multinational sanctions on Iran.
Chris Christie called President Obama a "feckless weakling." Ask Christie's own senior staff in NJ about fecklessness. In the context of cluelessness about the nuclear triad, Donald Trump callled the President "stupid." Ted Cruz has labeled him un-American.
This is all the GOP has to offer. Let's hope that American voters are smart enough to consign such nihilism to the dustbin it deserves.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
The newly splenetic Marco Rubio has joined the rest of the doomsday-declaring cartoon cut-outs of the GOP presidential clown cavalcade because the Party script gives them NOTHING else to offer the country. No idea; no vision; nothing!
Jeb! seems to be locked on the "disastrous" re-set button with Russia. At last night's Democratic party debate I was pleased to hear Hillary's correction of that historical misinterpretation. She pointed out that, under former President Medvedev, several signal achievements followed the re-set, not the least of which were the multinational sanctions on Iran.
Chris Christie called President Obama a "feckless weakling." Ask Christie's own senior staff in NJ about fecklessness. In the context of cluelessness about the nuclear triad, Donald Trump callled the President "stupid." Ted Cruz has labeled him un-American.
This is all the GOP has to offer. Let's hope that American voters are smart enough to consign such nihilism to the dustbin it deserves.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
11
"Selling wolf tickets and gorilla milk" was the street vernacular from my South Side Chicago street era to describe a bluffing bloviating blustery boastful person who was all talk and no action. The Republican 2016 candidates are a pack of draft dodging military service evaders who were never ever bravely patriotic nor honorable enough to ever volunteer to wear the military uniform of any American armed force. The 0.75% of Americans who have volunteered to serve in the military since 9/11/01 deserve and need better. America spends more on it's military than the next eight nations combined. America spends 8x the Russian military and 3x the Chinese military expenditure.
While China has the nominal second world economy based upon GDP with 4x as many people as America which has the number one nominal GDP, on a per capita basis China ranks 80th near Bulgaria. China has 10x as many people as Japan which ranks third in the world in terms of nominal GDP. And unlike China, Japan, Russia and Europe all of which have rapidly aging and shrinking populations, thanks to a significant native and immigrant brown and black population, America is growing and more youthful.
While China has the nominal second world economy based upon GDP with 4x as many people as America which has the number one nominal GDP, on a per capita basis China ranks 80th near Bulgaria. China has 10x as many people as Japan which ranks third in the world in terms of nominal GDP. And unlike China, Japan, Russia and Europe all of which have rapidly aging and shrinking populations, thanks to a significant native and immigrant brown and black population, America is growing and more youthful.
3
President Obama's Hope-and-Change, Yes-We-Can message of 2008 is wearing very thin these days with millions of voters of all races, religions and national origins, including many of his once most devoted supporters. Mr. Blow, meanwhile,
basically oblivious of the coming electoral storm, continues to trudge forward with President Obama, thus helping to make it more and more likely that a President named Trump is coming.
basically oblivious of the coming electoral storm, continues to trudge forward with President Obama, thus helping to make it more and more likely that a President named Trump is coming.
5
The whole "winter is coming" imagery is not exactly a ringing endorsement for the trump. Lots and lots of us are doing just fine thank you very much and trying to talk down the health of this country is disgusting and childish
5
Nine mein Heir. Das boot on da ground Trump keeps talking about are his own brown shirt wearing propaganda-bewildered supporters marching through American streets, and thinking Americans know this.
We already know that Trump is a great admirer of Putin. It seems that he has taken much of his tactical playbook from one Benito Mussolini. Create a fictional boogeyman of "those people", stir nationalist feelings of fear and hate, promise a glorious future empire... sound familiar? Fascism has been tried in several forms, and it never ended well.
I agree that change is coming. Personally, I would prefer positive change that actually benefits people. If you want something to be outraged about, go see "The Big Short". It will make you wonder how on earth can institutionalized financial fraud against working Americans be the standard business model in our country.
One candidate is willing to take a stand for working Americans. His name is Bernie Sanders - check him out.
https://berniesanders.com/issues/
We already know that Trump is a great admirer of Putin. It seems that he has taken much of his tactical playbook from one Benito Mussolini. Create a fictional boogeyman of "those people", stir nationalist feelings of fear and hate, promise a glorious future empire... sound familiar? Fascism has been tried in several forms, and it never ended well.
I agree that change is coming. Personally, I would prefer positive change that actually benefits people. If you want something to be outraged about, go see "The Big Short". It will make you wonder how on earth can institutionalized financial fraud against working Americans be the standard business model in our country.
One candidate is willing to take a stand for working Americans. His name is Bernie Sanders - check him out.
https://berniesanders.com/issues/
4
Of course, Mr. Blow is right. Reagan: "It's morning in America." Obama: "Hope and change." So simple, so upbeat. Every American want to have confidence in an optimistic president. All current Republican presidential candidates now? Nothing positive. All current Democratic candidates? Haven't heard anything really positive there, either. No wonder voters are disengaged.
1
The first step to solving any problem is understanding its causes. Hillary shows that she understands the causes of many current problems.
1
Excellent point, JTS.
Since Obama's first day in office, Republicans have offered NOTHING but negative (and often unfair) criticism.
After seven long years, "tearing down" is pretty much all the GOP knows.
Since Obama's first day in office, Republicans have offered NOTHING but negative (and often unfair) criticism.
After seven long years, "tearing down" is pretty much all the GOP knows.
It is beyond absurd for these republicans to describe the country in 2016 as a mess. Where were they in 2009 when the economy was in a death spiral and shedding 500,000 jobs per month, the financial system was on the verge of collapse, the American auto industry was facing extinction, the budget deficit exceeded a trillion dollars and the country was bogged down in two costly wars with no end in sight? Have they forgotten that all of those calamities were the result of republican policy choices? I'm pretty sure most voters have not forgotten.
19
They find it useful to blame everything that ever went wrong on Obama. Even things that happened before he was President, like the Iraq & Afghanistan disasters and the financial melt down. And if that doesn't work, bad things must have been caused by the liberal media (even though most of the media now are creatures of big corporations). As one of Cheney's henchmen said, "we make our own reality."
2
What has folks on edge is, we are heading for two distinct events. A coronation followed by more dysfunction. At least we know what we will get, with the Clintons, " House of Cards"
1
There are no kings in real democracies.
The Republican candidates compensate for their empty platforms and vacuous charges with this inflated rhetoric. They never substantiate charges, like Rubio saying that he must save America before it's too late, but verbally upping the ante for this election makes an easy sound bite.
7
But waging more war can be a positive message; republican candidates offer an uplifting vision for those who love the smell of napalm and profiteering in the morning.
18
Look, it's going to come down to Mister "New York values" versus the Lone Star Ivy League/Wall Street indebted Canadian Cowboy. Yippie Ka-Yeh! They're the hot properties in the GOP free-for-all. No one comes close to the fear and bellicosity emanating from their pie holes. Trump has some whoppers to tell, but leave it to the oleaginous, sneering Rafael to rival Joe McCarthy and Dick Cheney, to top the man from a that very liberal, and Jewish, Manhattan to top the Trumpster. Those who have never been to New York except beg for money or get loans from Goldman Sachs, a Jewish investment firm, sure have a lot of gall to not only know but profess to convey his distorted views to the rest of the nation on what "New York values" definitively are.
Recently, I saw a video (a real verifiable video) of Rafael Nanook Cruz of the North preaching before a group of folks, proclaiming, "The Earth is on fire." A child can be heard in the background questioning his mother about this, when blunderbuss Rafael interrupts any attempt by Mom to soothe the child by repeating, in an even louder tone, speaking directly to the child, "Yes, the Earth is on fire."
Good God, what stories must this man tell his daughters at bed time? When a man can inject that sense of fear into a child and not stop to think of the repercussions, one can only imagine the zealotry he would employ if given the reins that presidential power entails. Atlas may shrug, but the world shudders.
DD
Manhattan
Recently, I saw a video (a real verifiable video) of Rafael Nanook Cruz of the North preaching before a group of folks, proclaiming, "The Earth is on fire." A child can be heard in the background questioning his mother about this, when blunderbuss Rafael interrupts any attempt by Mom to soothe the child by repeating, in an even louder tone, speaking directly to the child, "Yes, the Earth is on fire."
Good God, what stories must this man tell his daughters at bed time? When a man can inject that sense of fear into a child and not stop to think of the repercussions, one can only imagine the zealotry he would employ if given the reins that presidential power entails. Atlas may shrug, but the world shudders.
DD
Manhattan
13
Being born in Canada does NOT necessarily convey wisdom.
We were delighted with Obama's State of the Union Address. The Republican party needs to have a more positive message for the future of our children. This relentless attack against institutions, women and minorities is awful to watch.
Basically Obama has done everything he can do to shore up the USA using executive orders without a Congress. He basically averted WWIII by this Iran deal and slowing of their nuclear program.
Plus dealing with Iran diplomatically achieved a better result than a war would.
I also believe he has put our country on the right track for clean energy by making a moratorium on coal leases. Already the coal industry was producing less and one of the biggest coal companies just went bankrupt. The message to the utilities and markets, states is that the coal is staying in the ground.
Cruz seriously may not be able to be president because of his Canadian birth. George Wallace was born in Arizona before it was a state and it became a state after the fact legitimizing his presidential run. John McCain was born in USA territory of Panama on a military base and it could be argued USA soil.
Donald Trump character: Two women divorced him saying he was a bad husband. Then that Donald disinherited his older brother by changing the will. The family had to sue for a grandchild who was disabled. Plus the bankrupt on the edge behavior.
The GOP has to come up with a more positive message and more likable messengers.
Basically Obama has done everything he can do to shore up the USA using executive orders without a Congress. He basically averted WWIII by this Iran deal and slowing of their nuclear program.
Plus dealing with Iran diplomatically achieved a better result than a war would.
I also believe he has put our country on the right track for clean energy by making a moratorium on coal leases. Already the coal industry was producing less and one of the biggest coal companies just went bankrupt. The message to the utilities and markets, states is that the coal is staying in the ground.
Cruz seriously may not be able to be president because of his Canadian birth. George Wallace was born in Arizona before it was a state and it became a state after the fact legitimizing his presidential run. John McCain was born in USA territory of Panama on a military base and it could be argued USA soil.
Donald Trump character: Two women divorced him saying he was a bad husband. Then that Donald disinherited his older brother by changing the will. The family had to sue for a grandchild who was disabled. Plus the bankrupt on the edge behavior.
The GOP has to come up with a more positive message and more likable messengers.
10
Actually, for the GOP, ANY message is more positive and likeable than any of the politicl escrement spewing so copiously from their megaphone.
Pronouncements about doom and gloom are preparations for anti-democratic policies in the name of making America great again--to be expected from a bully who thinks that political debate is the indulgence of personal attack, not discussion of policies states as more than slogans.
13
The Republicans endless drumbeat of misery echoed by their political media is a primary factor degrading American happiness today. Add to this racist-baiting and a policy of cultural division, and a political strategy of scorched-earth legislative denial, and we can see Republican messaging is at least a major reason Americans feel negative about the future. Echo chamber is a good metaphor. Shameful, from a party that used to try to build the future.
13
Watching the differences in the substance of the debates between Democrats and Republicans is like comparing the McNeil-Lehrer Report to a mixed martial arts match. The current batch of Republican candidates (except for Kasich) make Barry Goldwater look like a moderate. But this is what we are faced with. There is such an enormous degree of disgust with the status quo in Washington, demagogues such as Trump and Cruz are being trumpeted as saviors. It is sickening.
26
The Republicans' negative message, as Mr. Blow's critics argue, conforms to the universal strategy of any challenger seeking to oust an incumbent party. But their indictment extends beyond the people in power, to the country, itself.
Trump's tendency to label whole sectors of the population 'losers' owes much to Romney's assertion in the last election that nearly half the electorate depended so much on government aid that it could not vote in favor of the country's interests. In like manner, Huckabee's appeal to Christians to resist the SC's decision on gay marriage, and his attack on Muslim Americans, betray a sense that America has abandoned its reliance on the God of the Bible.
On a broader front, GOP-dominated legislatures have enacted voter registration laws whose true purpose involves a reduction of the Democratic electoral base. Although the positive response to Trump's plan to deport millions of illegal aliens stems partially from practical concerns over jobs and law enforcement, it also reflects conservative fear of the political implications of demographic trends. The obsession of a small minority of Americans with the acquisition of large arsenals, to protect themselves against ubiquitous predators, moreover, betrays an anxiety about their fellow citizens more characteristic of conservatives than of the population as a whole.
Thus, GOP warnings about the need to 'take the country back' targets not only Democratic politicians, but their supporters as well.
Trump's tendency to label whole sectors of the population 'losers' owes much to Romney's assertion in the last election that nearly half the electorate depended so much on government aid that it could not vote in favor of the country's interests. In like manner, Huckabee's appeal to Christians to resist the SC's decision on gay marriage, and his attack on Muslim Americans, betray a sense that America has abandoned its reliance on the God of the Bible.
On a broader front, GOP-dominated legislatures have enacted voter registration laws whose true purpose involves a reduction of the Democratic electoral base. Although the positive response to Trump's plan to deport millions of illegal aliens stems partially from practical concerns over jobs and law enforcement, it also reflects conservative fear of the political implications of demographic trends. The obsession of a small minority of Americans with the acquisition of large arsenals, to protect themselves against ubiquitous predators, moreover, betrays an anxiety about their fellow citizens more characteristic of conservatives than of the population as a whole.
Thus, GOP warnings about the need to 'take the country back' targets not only Democratic politicians, but their supporters as well.
11
Mr. Blow gives us the best description of the republican strategy yet, "it is as if they must inflate some mythical beast so that they will appear more valiant in their quest to slay it." Exactly. Fear, anger, hate, war. Mythical monsters. We must simply always remember that each of them have one or more BIG democracy-destroying money masters like the Koch brothers and Sheldon Adelson behind them and they have to tiptoe around to make sure they don't cross their money masters. As Dictator Grover Norquist, author and enforcer of the "no new taxes" pledge they all took, so succinctly put it the money masters will do the thinking - their operatives are just empty suits. Mission accomplished DGN.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grover_Norquist
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grover_Norquist
32
You need to add George soros to this mix, only he's a Dem fan
The Democrats have their own apocalypse: it's called climate change.
3
That is a world-wide apocalypse, one that the Republicans still fail to deny. Income redistribution to the top 1% is a numerical fact that has been reliably demonstrated in respected studies. There is a difference between discussing real challenges the country faces, and the vague fear-mongering and race-baiting being done by the Republican candidates. Facts do matter, if not in the Republican primary campaign, then in Real Life.
2
The effects of climate change won't discriminate by political affiliation. It will be everyone's apocalypse.
2
That's not a Democratic apocalypse. That's a human apocalypse.
1
Angry, aging white people are facing an Apocalypse: their sort of America is vanishing. The GOP is caught in this demographic trap. Good.
12
Nice column - glad you didn't focus on aspects of the candidates sex lives that we don't have information about (like Ross Douthat did yesterday).
3
Gloom and Doom? I guess Mr. Blow doesn't listen to Democrats concerned about climate change. Mr. Blow has not heard the Democrats talk about Wall Street and the oligarchy of the 1%. Mr. Blow has not heard Democrats complaining about how income inequality has grown so much during the last seven years. No wonder America is so divided; the media, like Charles Blow, want it that way.
4
Concerns about climate change, oligarchy and the 1% and income inequality are real concerns based in fact. Statements like "our country is a mess" or "our military is a disaster" are hyperbolic at best and serve only to agitate the feeble minded base of the republican party. Until the GOP can offer candidates rooted in reality instead of fantasy, the majority of the country will continue to elect more reasonable candidates. If you perceive the country as divided and want to find the source of your perception, don't blame the media; look in the mirror.
2
I think America is not divided because "the media...want it that way" but rather because people really differ in how much they understand and what they see as important, and in how they interpret what's happening in society. And Democrats tend to focus on the most important and consequential issues, whereas the Republicans don't know what's important and what's less so.
Maybe a lesson could be learned by having these Republican candidates read Harry S. Truman's biography. He was the essence of decency, integrity and dignity as he occupied the White House. Unfortunately, the GOP candidates are actors on the world stage who have no vision and no class.
14
There's a lovely three-volume biography of Theodore Roosevelt out there.
The Republican candidates should read it. They can get a glimpse of what they could be.
The Republican candidates should read it. They can get a glimpse of what they could be.
The major difference between the Repulblican and Democrat Debates....was Substantive Content. The Republicans had None. The Democrats were, in comparison, Overwhelming. The Republicans....Vaccuous. The Democrats...
Full and Continuous. My only fear, having watched both....is that most average people will only Value the Emotional and Perceotual, besides Prior Belief. There was, in both, a lot of "sound and fury". The Republican debate was
"signifying nothing". With hopes that "Substance" Counts.
Full and Continuous. My only fear, having watched both....is that most average people will only Value the Emotional and Perceotual, besides Prior Belief. There was, in both, a lot of "sound and fury". The Republican debate was
"signifying nothing". With hopes that "Substance" Counts.
12
Congratulations, Mr. Blow, on avoiding the developer's name. Nobody else seems able to do that.
18
What's incomprehensible to me is that all this doom and gloom is totally out of touch with the numerical reality of the state of the union and the economy. By all rational measures, we're doing just fine. Yes, we still have too many people on welfare, but if big business would turn loose some of their zillions they could improve wages and employ more people. Yes, insurance for all is still not achieved, but it has become achievable with some cooperation from the dunderheads at the state level who are denying their citizens a really good deal. Yes, we need a stronger military and improvements in the infrastructure, but this can only come with loosening the purse strings not tightening them...which would also improve the already improved jobless rate by employing the people who build things like bridges and roads. We're doing better, but the Republicans are both blind and deaf to the facts and in fact blocking progress to do even better.
32
I think one major characteristic of Republican voters and their candidates right now is that they are "fear and fantasy"-based in their thoughts and opinions, rather than reality-based and factually-based. Democrats have short-comings also, but at least their thinking is based more on reality--the way things really are--and on people--the way they really are--as opposed to how Republicans fantasize that they should be. Democrats try to include all Americans, Republicans only the ones that look and think like they do. And, in terms of values, Republicans really do NOT believe that all are created equal, or that all should have equal opportunity. They don't really believe in what we profess to be our American values.
The appeal of this doom & gloom given out from the GOP & its insistence that the takers are taking from the REAL Americans feeds right into the working class white (mostly male) angst that has been festering for about 3 decades.
Some examples:
When the world was switching to computers, women held mostly administrative jobs & were the first to be trained in office applications. Never being able to rely on their brawn, they used their brains and creativity to become instrumental and necessary to have offices run in a new age. When the opportunity arose to advance their careers by furthering their educations, they became more valuable.
Working class men were much slower to adapt to a changing world. It is always easier to complain about the way things were or should be than how they actually are. Robotics are now doing the job of what used to be several human bodies. That is not going away. And anytime corporations can produce more revenue and wealth for their shareholders, they will take it anywhere in the world to save on cost so those factories are not coming back.
Everyone knows some lazy jerk in any job but the GOP sold a bill of goods about unions to the point where union members abandoned their own interests. They would always survive because they worked hard, they didn't need to be lumped into unions with bums.
But jobs didn't come back, those who adapted moved on and things stayed the same for working class citizens who didn't. So, a new bogeyman needed to be created.
Some examples:
When the world was switching to computers, women held mostly administrative jobs & were the first to be trained in office applications. Never being able to rely on their brawn, they used their brains and creativity to become instrumental and necessary to have offices run in a new age. When the opportunity arose to advance their careers by furthering their educations, they became more valuable.
Working class men were much slower to adapt to a changing world. It is always easier to complain about the way things were or should be than how they actually are. Robotics are now doing the job of what used to be several human bodies. That is not going away. And anytime corporations can produce more revenue and wealth for their shareholders, they will take it anywhere in the world to save on cost so those factories are not coming back.
Everyone knows some lazy jerk in any job but the GOP sold a bill of goods about unions to the point where union members abandoned their own interests. They would always survive because they worked hard, they didn't need to be lumped into unions with bums.
But jobs didn't come back, those who adapted moved on and things stayed the same for working class citizens who didn't. So, a new bogeyman needed to be created.
14
We're assuming that people want to be happy and content in their lives. Taking one look at Fox News viewership readily disproves that assumption. A huge segment of the population apparently likes to be angry.
36
. . . and that that these are The End Times- that's what he means by "the world is on fire." Unfortunately, for the rest of us, he has a lot of co-conspirators in his self-fulfilling prophecy. How do we argue against circular, insular, illogic?
1
It's interesting that with all the doom and gloom the Republican candidates proclaim that no commentators I have heard have commented on that the governors and former governors and even the senators and former senators continuously say how well their states are doing but that it is the country as a whole that is doing poorly. If one were to believe them it would mean that the only places in the country that are doing poorly are New York and California (even Massachusetts has a Republican governor so has redeemed itself) and that they are dragging the rest of the country down.
Even Donald Trump talks about how well he is doing despite having a president whom he accuses of doing everything in his power to tear down private enterprise.
Even Donald Trump talks about how well he is doing despite having a president whom he accuses of doing everything in his power to tear down private enterprise.
25
The GOP candidates collectively remind me of a group of kids trying to top each other telling each other spooky stories around a campfire. Naturally the biggest bullies are the most manipulative and hyperbolic, including the occasionally coherent but fatally compromised, Christie, and some of most naive and limited, like Marco Rubio, sounding more desperate and frankly, actually frightened by their and his own rhetoric. To then suggest that each of these Henny Pennies is the man or woman who will single-handedly prevent the sky from collapsing on our heads would be funny if they hadn't managed to convince a significant chunk of Americans to believe in both fantasies.
24
Personally I wish Joe Biden had felt able to make a run for president. Just watching his simile and demeanor as he sat listening to President Obama deliver the State of the Union speech made me feel good, positive. After months and months and months of snarling negativity how wonderful it was to gaze upon a face full of kindness and optimism.
PS Bernie Sanders for all his good ideas will never be elected president. Someone who is tagged with the word Socialist isn't going to fly in most of the country that doesn't reside near one of our ocean borders. Let's get behind Hillary and more importantly let's get this election over with already.
PS Bernie Sanders for all his good ideas will never be elected president. Someone who is tagged with the word Socialist isn't going to fly in most of the country that doesn't reside near one of our ocean borders. Let's get behind Hillary and more importantly let's get this election over with already.
24
@ Aurel: I agree with you that someone with the word 'Socialist' is not going to attract a majority of the voters in this country since a large percentage confuse that word with being a commie pure.
In addition, Sanders main beef is with the outrageous influence money has on on elections on these shores as well as politics, a problem that has completely gotten out of hand after Citizens United.
That problem will not be solved in a jiffy, but will take many years. He gets the most passionate about Wall Street, and the once again 'too big to fail' banks. But that seems his single most important project he is running on, equally not achievable any time soon, and frankly starts boring this Democrat.
In addition, Sanders main beef is with the outrageous influence money has on on elections on these shores as well as politics, a problem that has completely gotten out of hand after Citizens United.
That problem will not be solved in a jiffy, but will take many years. He gets the most passionate about Wall Street, and the once again 'too big to fail' banks. But that seems his single most important project he is running on, equally not achievable any time soon, and frankly starts boring this Democrat.
2
Tell the truth about feelings for Sanders. His being Jewish is the reason why he will never be elected President. Yet the American people made a huge mistake when they elected Obama solely because of his skin color.
The main problems with the GOP apocalypse are 1) the rhetoric is ridiculously over-the-top, and 2) it's almost universally policy-free, the only thing making it an apocalypse is that the Democrats can be blamed, fairly or not. The world will never be perfect this side of Heaven, but taking every negative spin and saying it's the Democrats fault even when the same things occurred during Republican administrations is not persuasive. Even worse is the GOP spinning the apocalypse from events that, if Republicans had done it, they would be wanting to put another head on Mt Rushmore.
Don't just tell me things are "bad", you have to explain WHY they're bad and HOW your policies would fix it. Anything else is cynical hypocrisy.
Don't just tell me things are "bad", you have to explain WHY they're bad and HOW your policies would fix it. Anything else is cynical hypocrisy.
9
Most people’s “voter mood” is set by their economic situation. If you are doing well, then your mood is upbeat, and you will view what is going on in the larger world around you in a similar vein. But if you are economically hurting, that will set your mood as angry and pessimistic, and everything else is just more evidence that things are a mess.
Is the US better off now than it was 7 years ago? By many objective measures, it is. But many for many, things have not improved and are even worse. The fact that the country as a whole is doing better doesn’t make them feel better; it only exacerbates their sense that they are being left behind. For these voters, there are two ways forward: to fight to reclaim the past, or else accept that the world itself is changing and that you need find a way to change with it. The latter is very difficult, especially for the white middle class, which has enjoyed privilege in the past and has difficulty accepting a need to change.
What the Democrats offer in terms of healthcare, better access to (re)education, greater social equality, etc. are in the long run going to be more useful to the angry voters than what the Republicans offer, namely guns, social stratification, and closed borders. But because what the Republicans offer is a return to the past, it feels more reassuring and more “American.” The Democrats need to find a way to connect to this group of voters, or they will have a difficult time in November.
Is the US better off now than it was 7 years ago? By many objective measures, it is. But many for many, things have not improved and are even worse. The fact that the country as a whole is doing better doesn’t make them feel better; it only exacerbates their sense that they are being left behind. For these voters, there are two ways forward: to fight to reclaim the past, or else accept that the world itself is changing and that you need find a way to change with it. The latter is very difficult, especially for the white middle class, which has enjoyed privilege in the past and has difficulty accepting a need to change.
What the Democrats offer in terms of healthcare, better access to (re)education, greater social equality, etc. are in the long run going to be more useful to the angry voters than what the Republicans offer, namely guns, social stratification, and closed borders. But because what the Republicans offer is a return to the past, it feels more reassuring and more “American.” The Democrats need to find a way to connect to this group of voters, or they will have a difficult time in November.
3
Nice comments but I would say that many people’s “voter mood” is set less by their economic situation than by their personality structure. Many indeed experience fear, anxiety, vulnerability, anger, frustration, etc, but for "psychological" reasons more than environmental ones. But being less psychologically-minded, less self-awareness, they look for and search for external reasons to explain what they feel, and blame some prominent person or force in society for how they feel, rather than owning their own feelings as their own, and trying to understand why they feel the way they do. I came from a family, for example, where everyone in it was always angry, not matter who was president, or which party. They always found others to be angry at, to criticize, to sound off about, while not knowing how to actually make things better for themselves. Ask an angry person what they're angry at, and note all the external things they bring up. But it may be more a case of that's just how they feel. Period.
Wow Charles - after your unrelentingly bleak columns about the injustice and inequity of this and that, and the lack of concrete action by politicians and lay people I'm surprised that you're now accusing the Republicans of being bleak.
Touche on your hypocritical boldness on calling them out on it.
Touche on your hypocritical boldness on calling them out on it.
4
"The real estate developer", Charles, has a first name - it's "O-S-C-A-R"(sic) - it's Donald. The sky won't fall if you call Trump by his name, though it looks like the UK is planning to bar Donald Trump from entering Blighty because he has "violated the country's laws on hate speech". OK, bleak, pessimistic and apocalyptic tone during the recent eminently forgettable squabbling debate among the seven winnowed GOP wannabe POTUSes. The Republicans have posited the US as a fearful chimera to their low-info base, not as the greatest country in the world today that needs to confront and solve challenges as Hercules did in ancient Greek myths of yore. Hopefully the positive vision of the Democrtic Party will win more votes later this year - but last night's Democratic Debate left Sanders, O'Malley and HRC in the dust after their rhinoceros dance. 91%of Registered Republican voters are dissatisfied "with the way things are going in the nation today" (Quinnipiac Poll), and the Republican Tea Party candidates are still beating their dead horse in favour of the NRA, more guns. climate change denial, the mess, disaster, tar pit and quag that was the legacy of their last President (#43, G.W.Bush). We hope a positive vision of America will win more votes than the fear and anger expressed by the 7 GOP dwarves ("Sleepy" - Carson, "Grumpy"- Trump, "Bashful" - Jeb, "Dopey' - Cruz, etc.) Time will tell, meanwhile the polls "don't mean a thing if they ain't got that swing" as Ella sang!
4
Oh heck how many republicans are really out there? Probably the same percentage as reported households that own guns around 35%. They can own all the guns they want but they only get one vote. Lets get everybody out to vote! We need to keep the change thats happening improving and get the people influencing government not money!
2
I wish Charles were a better writer. I agree with his points, but there is nothing entertaining here.
1
And of course, what we want is to be entertained, not to understand an issue or to be better able to more thoughtfully solve any real-world problems.
1
Republican platform: If it aint broke, break it. If it's broke, don't fix it.
46
And of course the utterly surreal: Jeb!'s declaration that anyone who believes we're better off today than when Barack Obama took office is living in an alternate Universe. That fairly well demonsrates the GOP's tenuous grasp of reality these past eight years.
29
And of course by the same argument Jeb should be looking at how the country was doing when his brother ended his term, versus how it is now, and how it was when Clinton ended his term. Or how it was when Reagan ended his term, compared to when Clinton ended his. The facts are clearly that the country does better economically, and in most other ways, under democratic presidents than under Republican presidents. And the country is less war-like, as well, and more diplomatic.
War is always a terrible failure, any way you look at it. No one really wins, everyone really loses, once we go to war.
War is always a terrible failure, any way you look at it. No one really wins, everyone really loses, once we go to war.
1
As in, "my brother kept us safe." Indeed, what universe does Jeb! live in?
1
Blow says: "It isn’t completely clear to me the relationship between the candidates’ rhetoric and the prevailing views of Republican voters"
To me it's very clear. Fox, Limbaugh and the army of local right-wing TV and radio hosts have worked hard over the last 8 years to create the narrative that Obama has failed. They predicted he would be a "disaster" and cannot under any circumstances give him any credit and, indeed, must constantly portray Obama as a failure despite his many substantial successes. To me the biggest lesson so far in this campaign is that Republicans can never admit being wrong or updating their "ideas" to changing facts.
It's against this backdrop that the Republican politicians create their own narratives of doom and gloom.
To me it's very clear. Fox, Limbaugh and the army of local right-wing TV and radio hosts have worked hard over the last 8 years to create the narrative that Obama has failed. They predicted he would be a "disaster" and cannot under any circumstances give him any credit and, indeed, must constantly portray Obama as a failure despite his many substantial successes. To me the biggest lesson so far in this campaign is that Republicans can never admit being wrong or updating their "ideas" to changing facts.
It's against this backdrop that the Republican politicians create their own narratives of doom and gloom.
8
The Republicans have a 7 word platform:
What to fear and who to blame.
They have nothing more to offer.
What to fear and who to blame.
They have nothing more to offer.
8
With just about all of their policies having been proven unworkable, the GOP has nothing to offer. Fear and loathing is all they've got.
8
At least part of the problem is that it's a "digital age"--a Manichean age--it's either 1 or 0, good or evil, black or white. We all should read an old book by Benjamin Farrington on the origins of Greek Science. Often criticized for overstatement, his Head and Hand in Ancient Greece is nevertheless a tour de force of at least insight (if you like that sort of thing) into the relationships between such productive activities as making pottery and the major categories of Greek thought. Substitute "using computers" for pottery and "modern political culture" for Greek thought and see what you can come up with. If nothing else, it's a lot of fun. Digital activity linked to apocalyptic thinking...hmmm?
Ones and zeroes, properly constituted and examined, can produce and display untold billions of shades of gray. You just have to know how, and that how is based on physical reality, not ideological purity or a circumscribed, insular groupthink .
You can build all the bridges you want based on 2 + 2 = 5, and you can "believe in your gut" all you want about those bridges, but they won't work out well. At least, I'm not driving over one.
After you...
You can build all the bridges you want based on 2 + 2 = 5, and you can "believe in your gut" all you want about those bridges, but they won't work out well. At least, I'm not driving over one.
After you...
The republicans will do what they do best if elected. Start a couple wars to keep their military-industrial complex buddies happy. Let Wall Street run wild to keep those boys content.Try to dismantle any social safety net they can and then show up and tell us their here to save us. Sound familiar?
9
Yeah, well, Republicans are a bit negative, but at least they'll promise not to raise my gasoline taxes.
1
Really? Are they going to pay for the damage to your car made by the pot holes that won't be fixed because of lack of funds?
2
Natter on about Republican candidates but most of them look good by comparison to what the DIMS offer. Sanders -- a self admitted socialist who proposes sweeping programs but no means of paying for them. Then we have the pant suited one and her corruption and scandals. Certainly, those who play identity politics may support HRC, but who else? The progressive left may decide Bernie can't win and shift to HRC, but they will do so reluctantly and HRC won't get out the vote, which the DIMS need to win. If she is elected we'll all have to keep checking our pockets to make sure she hasn't taken every last penny.
And those who believe the Obama administration has created a bed of roses and we should keep going down that path must not be thinking clearly. Far from a robust economy, we have slow growth, low real employment, a devastated middle class and debt that is a ticking time bomb. Jobs have been created but what kind of jobs? Service sector, retail, part time jobs. We've outsourced or eliminated through technology and mergers millions of good paying jobs. That obviously isn't entirely Obama's fault, but trumpeting a 5% unemployment rate is beyond political spin.
Internationally? The middle east is in chaos, we can't control Russia or China and our allies don't trust us.
So -- I'm not enamored by any of the Repubs, but the DIMS are laughable.
And those who believe the Obama administration has created a bed of roses and we should keep going down that path must not be thinking clearly. Far from a robust economy, we have slow growth, low real employment, a devastated middle class and debt that is a ticking time bomb. Jobs have been created but what kind of jobs? Service sector, retail, part time jobs. We've outsourced or eliminated through technology and mergers millions of good paying jobs. That obviously isn't entirely Obama's fault, but trumpeting a 5% unemployment rate is beyond political spin.
Internationally? The middle east is in chaos, we can't control Russia or China and our allies don't trust us.
So -- I'm not enamored by any of the Repubs, but the DIMS are laughable.
2
Some of the Democrats and their approaches may be laughable, but the entire GOP effort would be comic if it were not so tragic: proposals that are stupid, blinkered to reality, informed by failed theory and ideology long since shown useless by the tests of time, all based on pandering to the worst angels of human nature (misoneism - fear of the new; xenophobia - fear of the other; anti-intellectualism - fear of the facts; anger, frustration, and on and on).
I dismiss out of hand about 99% of what the GOP and their apparatchiks say based on the following statement:
Every complex problem has solutions that are simple, obvious, and WRONG.
I dismiss out of hand about 99% of what the GOP and their apparatchiks say based on the following statement:
Every complex problem has solutions that are simple, obvious, and WRONG.
2
Since when can US control Russia and China? We never have and never will. Those are sovereign countries that act independently to protect their own interests as they see it.
3
Captain
you may be out of your depth. There are many problems (immigration, health care, foreign policy, the economy, the debt) that require better solutions than raising taxes and strutting & fretting. Calling someone xenophobic because they favor tougher rules and controlling our border is n't a very thought out response. See, you guys on the left want to characterize every repub as a redneck bible toting gun loving hater of anyone who isn't white but that simply isn't so. Now, I'm fearful of the far right, but I'm not sure I fear them anymore than the lunatic far left. And what facts specifically do you think repubs fear?
Richie -- come on, listen to the Fonz. Of course they are sovereign nations. But -- sovereign nations know that actions have consequences and I think both Russia (obviously) and China are less fearful of consequences from us now than they have been for a long time.
you may be out of your depth. There are many problems (immigration, health care, foreign policy, the economy, the debt) that require better solutions than raising taxes and strutting & fretting. Calling someone xenophobic because they favor tougher rules and controlling our border is n't a very thought out response. See, you guys on the left want to characterize every repub as a redneck bible toting gun loving hater of anyone who isn't white but that simply isn't so. Now, I'm fearful of the far right, but I'm not sure I fear them anymore than the lunatic far left. And what facts specifically do you think repubs fear?
Richie -- come on, listen to the Fonz. Of course they are sovereign nations. But -- sovereign nations know that actions have consequences and I think both Russia (obviously) and China are less fearful of consequences from us now than they have been for a long time.
What Republicans mean when they say Hillary will be a "disaster" is that her victory will be a "disaster" for them. Deep down they know they're going to lose. On that, I agree.
16
And when Trump's nomination actually destroys the Republican party, we can call it the GOPocalypse.
11
I wouldn't exclude Dr.Ben from the doom and gloom crowd. He commented "if Hillary becomes President in 2016,America,as we know it will cease to exist" That's rather gloomy. The debate was enough to induce nightmares. I really don't see this version of a failed America the GOP field is ramming down the throats of voters.
5
Seventh Day Adventism is an apocalyptic religion.
2
Yes, robotic, negative and in the case of you know who, dangerously demagogic. As you did mention the Dem candidates and their messages, how does the presumptive candidate, Mrs. Clinton expand her message?
Running as the third term of Mr. Obama may thrill some (by no means all) African-Americans, but it is a big turn-off for a lot of independent and cross-over voters. She is going to get the feminist and Planned Parenthood crowd anyway, so why not say safe, rare, and legal as she once did and not " our bodies, our lives, butt out". That turns off some persuadable voters. Most importantly present some fresh new ideas and highlight them. It's time lady you said, "I respect the President, but I'm not him and I'll be my own person and here is how it will be". Otherwise, one of the negative ones (maybe even the demagogue) will be taking the oath.
Running as the third term of Mr. Obama may thrill some (by no means all) African-Americans, but it is a big turn-off for a lot of independent and cross-over voters. She is going to get the feminist and Planned Parenthood crowd anyway, so why not say safe, rare, and legal as she once did and not " our bodies, our lives, butt out". That turns off some persuadable voters. Most importantly present some fresh new ideas and highlight them. It's time lady you said, "I respect the President, but I'm not him and I'll be my own person and here is how it will be". Otherwise, one of the negative ones (maybe even the demagogue) will be taking the oath.
3
The GOP brought this apocalyptical outlook upon themselves when they gerrymandered districts to make sure those districts always remained republican. That way, the extremists of the Tea Party were elected and infected their system, pushing the GOP ever more to the right, rewarding only those who are the most outrageous. There is little moderating influence to bring candidates back to the center. Without redistricting to provide fair elections, the Republicans will continue to be the architects of their own destruction.
10
It's not pessimism, it's fear-mongering. Sowing fear while promising protection through simplistic solutions is the tried and true formula of the politician---or party--- with no vision.
9
The Republican universe is an echo chamber in which leaders and followers reinforce an ideology of hatred. There is no positive message in the GOP ideology; it is all about instilling fear of non-whites, non-Christians and vilifying the political opposition with shameful personal attacks.
According to Republicans we should be afraid...very, afraid. Not just of hostile countries, foreign terrorists, but we must be suspicious and afraid of our non-white neighbors. Are they Christians? If not, be afraid. We must arm ourselves with assault weapons to defend our homes, carry weapons on the streets to protect our lives. Shoot first...you have a right to be afraid.
Republicans have demeaned President Obama since his first election, but they have also demonstrated new lows...they are all about getting into the gutter to make their personal attacks. Recall that representative Wilson interrupted President Obama's speech to congress calling him a liar. Wilson has been reelected by large margins following his despicable behavior. This past week Christie called President Obama a petulant child. For the last 2 years Hilary Clinton has been targeted by Republicans calling her a liar and alleging she was complicit in the Benghazi terrorists attack. The more Republicans attack the character of Democrats, the more the Republican base cheers them on.
Quite simply, Republican leaders and voters are sick. They are blinded by seething hatred of all non-whites, non-Christians.
According to Republicans we should be afraid...very, afraid. Not just of hostile countries, foreign terrorists, but we must be suspicious and afraid of our non-white neighbors. Are they Christians? If not, be afraid. We must arm ourselves with assault weapons to defend our homes, carry weapons on the streets to protect our lives. Shoot first...you have a right to be afraid.
Republicans have demeaned President Obama since his first election, but they have also demonstrated new lows...they are all about getting into the gutter to make their personal attacks. Recall that representative Wilson interrupted President Obama's speech to congress calling him a liar. Wilson has been reelected by large margins following his despicable behavior. This past week Christie called President Obama a petulant child. For the last 2 years Hilary Clinton has been targeted by Republicans calling her a liar and alleging she was complicit in the Benghazi terrorists attack. The more Republicans attack the character of Democrats, the more the Republican base cheers them on.
Quite simply, Republican leaders and voters are sick. They are blinded by seething hatred of all non-whites, non-Christians.
7
These people aren't Christians--i.e. followers of Christ. They're religionists. Plain and simple.
1
Mr. Blow is delusional in his comments that Clinton must build on the Obama legacy. Obama was the worst since Carter. Totally ineffective. Exacerbated race issues in this country. A politician who hated the negotiations required of an effective leader. He was an amateur over his head. Valerie Jarrett was his puppeteer and she knew nothing to help him.
1
What a surprise. You're from Iowa. How are those corn subsidies doing for ya? I don't think Obama affected those much. Oh yeah, and I'll bet gas for your tractors costs less too. Yup, that black guy has been just terrible..
2
OK, so you've bought into the GOP narrative that Obama stunk. Also, following the GOP line, you present no alternative options. But, what, in your opinion, should Obama have done? And how? Especially given the blind, rageful response of the congressional and senatorial GOP to defy, deflect, derail, deride, and defeat ANYthing President Obama wanted. Obama could have presented a bill advocating funding and a holiday for motherhood, the flag, and apple pie, and the GOP would have railed against his socialist overreach...
Telling us Obama stinks is childish; proposing specific alternatives would be useful. But you, and the GOP, don't. Why? Because you have been captured by the Faux News echo chamber that preys on your fears? Why?
Think for yourself: it's hard and painful at times, but it will set you free.
Telling us Obama stinks is childish; proposing specific alternatives would be useful. But you, and the GOP, don't. Why? Because you have been captured by the Faux News echo chamber that preys on your fears? Why?
Think for yourself: it's hard and painful at times, but it will set you free.
2
I deeply appreciate use of "real estate developer" as a way of avoiding further attention to that particular candidate. However, may I suggest "carnival barker" for future columns?
3
Or "the salesman".
The perception of the state of this country between voters in both parties is night and day. Republicans believe the only way to stop our foes is through military action, yawn. Their chest-thumping, chicken hawkishness is so 2003. Smart people learn from their mistakes. The GOP has a lot of growing up to do of they ever want to face reality and govern again
3
If the GOP narrative is full of doom and gloom, there's a twisted logic to it that makes perfect sense.
1) Everything that is wrong with the world is the fault of liberals - and as long as there are liberals nothing will get better.
2) Government is not the answer to our problems, so there is no reason to expect things to get better even if Republicans take control of it. Keeping things from getting worse is the best we can hope for.
3) The world is a terrible place, and only Republicans can keep us safe from it - especially those liberals. (See point #1.)
4) This is the point they don't acknowledge. They don't care about fixing the world - they just want to protect their power and wealth as it goes to Hell, and maybe grab some more while they are at it. Deliberately diminishing expectations makes that an easier scam to pull off.
1) Everything that is wrong with the world is the fault of liberals - and as long as there are liberals nothing will get better.
2) Government is not the answer to our problems, so there is no reason to expect things to get better even if Republicans take control of it. Keeping things from getting worse is the best we can hope for.
3) The world is a terrible place, and only Republicans can keep us safe from it - especially those liberals. (See point #1.)
4) This is the point they don't acknowledge. They don't care about fixing the world - they just want to protect their power and wealth as it goes to Hell, and maybe grab some more while they are at it. Deliberately diminishing expectations makes that an easier scam to pull off.
6
Ted Cruz was asked the first question in the last debate. It was on the economy. He chose instead to rave about HRC, or was it Obama: whatever, he never answered the question.
Fifteen minutes later I switched channels. It was the same-old.
It was boring.
Not one answered a question, directly, calmly, with a reasoned position.
Not one.
And since I have heard all their one-liners a thousand times before, I flipped, bored.
The Silly-Season was last year, boys.
This year you're supposed to be serious and intelligently offer your proposals.
Do it - or you're going to lose.
Another 10 months of hot air?
It's not really Donald Trump that's destroying the R-party.
It's every one of them.
And, gaud, are they boring!
How to make the Apocalypse an eyeroll and a yawn....
Fifteen minutes later I switched channels. It was the same-old.
It was boring.
Not one answered a question, directly, calmly, with a reasoned position.
Not one.
And since I have heard all their one-liners a thousand times before, I flipped, bored.
The Silly-Season was last year, boys.
This year you're supposed to be serious and intelligently offer your proposals.
Do it - or you're going to lose.
Another 10 months of hot air?
It's not really Donald Trump that's destroying the R-party.
It's every one of them.
And, gaud, are they boring!
How to make the Apocalypse an eyeroll and a yawn....
4
Anger works to energize the voter base. Since there are not more non-elderly, white male voters in the population, the GOP/T must scare this minority enough to get them to vote. So this strategy will work. The Dems need to get moving on registration, and then encourage their voters to vote.
The GOP/T voter has the mind-set that what they complain about will be fixed by Trump or Cruz or Rubio, but nothing else will change. The GOP/T depend on this ignorance of how complex systems function.
The GOP/T voter has the mind-set that what they complain about will be fixed by Trump or Cruz or Rubio, but nothing else will change. The GOP/T depend on this ignorance of how complex systems function.
4
To appropriate the title of a recent movie, "their brand is crisis." The GOP wants us to think the world is on fire and only they can put it out. The only problem is, they have no fresh ideas. All they say is that President Obama is weak, they are strong and the whole world will bow to their will because they are tough. Delusional.
3
The GOP has nothing to offer but hate and fear. Their "presidential" wannabes spout hate to a base of people too stupid to realize that hate does nothing positive for them or their future.
8
Mr. Blow, you are absolutely correct, and the time is coming.
At this moment, the Republicans are working the "conversion narrative." The sinners must be re-born and the apostates thrown from the temple. Their true current audience, "evangelical voters," understand the path of this righteousness.
In a few short months, President Obama will be declared "wrong-headed" and not "wrong-spirited." The middle ground will be taken with rationality and not passion. The jeremiad will be replaced by the psalm.
At this moment, the Republicans are working the "conversion narrative." The sinners must be re-born and the apostates thrown from the temple. Their true current audience, "evangelical voters," understand the path of this righteousness.
In a few short months, President Obama will be declared "wrong-headed" and not "wrong-spirited." The middle ground will be taken with rationality and not passion. The jeremiad will be replaced by the psalm.
4
America should be frightened. There is a shadow government of oligarchs, corporations and banks ruling us via their shills, the GOP.
If we do not wake up to this reality, we will certainly be scratching our heads wondering, after waking from the sleep of denial, what happened to our rights? Those rights are gradually being put through the oligarchic - corporate -banking shredder; the Constitution is an inconvenience for those who lust for profit.
Armageddon? Serfdom is what we have to look forward to if we do not face reality. Read Hanna Arendt's "Origins of Totalitarianism" and Jack London's "The Iron Heel" and see if that doesn't jolt you out of your sleep of denial.
The GOP is the storm trooper in the employ of the oligarchs and corporations; it won't be a bloody fight but it will be effective. Wake up and do something about the GOP lemming base and give the current GOP snake-oil salesmen the boot. The vote - and education - is still a viable tool against the enemy of Democracy. Use it before it's too late.
If we do not wake up to this reality, we will certainly be scratching our heads wondering, after waking from the sleep of denial, what happened to our rights? Those rights are gradually being put through the oligarchic - corporate -banking shredder; the Constitution is an inconvenience for those who lust for profit.
Armageddon? Serfdom is what we have to look forward to if we do not face reality. Read Hanna Arendt's "Origins of Totalitarianism" and Jack London's "The Iron Heel" and see if that doesn't jolt you out of your sleep of denial.
The GOP is the storm trooper in the employ of the oligarchs and corporations; it won't be a bloody fight but it will be effective. Wake up and do something about the GOP lemming base and give the current GOP snake-oil salesmen the boot. The vote - and education - is still a viable tool against the enemy of Democracy. Use it before it's too late.
6
To Eddie Lew's list of books to read I would add Sinclair Lewis' book "It Can't Happen Here"
Mr. Blow gets a happy face for supporting his point with applicable quotes from the candidates. But considering the fact that the GOP controls both houses of congress, as well as a majority of governorships and state houses, the anti-DC strategy appears to be effective as a vote getter. And considering the fact that most of our government is Republican these days, perhaps it's time for the Democrats to start playing the anti-government card? For instance, look at the mess the Republican governor in Michigan just created in the city of Flint, leaving the city with perhaps thousands of brain damaged kids from lead poisoning, and who knows how many adults will suffer kidney failure as a result of GOP indifference and neglect? And all to save a few bucks on the city's water bill that may now cost a billion or more to fix.
2
I'm sure Mr. Blow knows this, but the Republicans are merely playing, once again, to their base: white evangelical Christians. On the religious front, a complete societal collapse will lead, in their minds, to the Rapture and the Second Coming. Only the virtuous (i.e., those same white evangelical Christians) will be saved, while the rest of us, including Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, the ACLU, the NAACP, Planned Parenthood and the entire membership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will be cast into hellfire.
On a less exalted note, those same white evangelical Christians know that being white is no longer the privilege that it used to be, and they're very, very angry about that. So yes, by all means, bring on the apocalypse! It sure beats the heck out of living peacefully in a multiracial, multicultural society in which gay people can get married and women are allowed to terminate pregnancies without the permission of some government functionary.
On a less exalted note, those same white evangelical Christians know that being white is no longer the privilege that it used to be, and they're very, very angry about that. So yes, by all means, bring on the apocalypse! It sure beats the heck out of living peacefully in a multiracial, multicultural society in which gay people can get married and women are allowed to terminate pregnancies without the permission of some government functionary.
2
I'd rather live eternally enfolded in Satan's hell-fire than the anywhere near inhumane, dystopian, dysfunctional, world the contemporary GOP envisions. Because, as a poor and powerless wage slave, how could I tell the difference?
"'I've got mine so the Devil take the hindmost" is nether the basic formulation of the American Dream nor justifiable as a life philosophy.
"'I've got mine so the Devil take the hindmost" is nether the basic formulation of the American Dream nor justifiable as a life philosophy.
2
Conservative ideology and traits all have a common denominator that few people seem to figure out. It is biological. We were all born with fear in our DNA due to to evolution. Conservatives clearly have more of the stuff than anyone else on the political spectrum. They cannot be blamed for how they were born any more than gays. The sad part is they don't even recognize how destructive their fear is because it is sub-conscious. While useful in caveman days, it threatens us all today.
1
At least the Republicans are able to snag a prime-time debate viewing spot and people are watching. How many people actually watched the democratic debate last night over a long weekend? That is a rhetorical question. The one before that was on a Saturday night the lowest-viewing night of TV. People are talking about the Republican debates but not so much about the less viewed opposition. This should make the Republicans feel proud that they have a large audience.
But it was broadcast on free TV. It could be recorded to view anytime.
1
The United States is determined to self-destruct. One party would do it in slow motion and in a somewhat feckless way. The other party would do it a top speed and with maximum viciousness. But our growth industries, across Administrations and Congresses, are prisons and the military-industrial complex.
Memo to self: become friends with Larry Ellison and go live on Lanai, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean as an air and sea moat!
Memo to self: become friends with Larry Ellison and go live on Lanai, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean as an air and sea moat!
News Flash: you probably won't like hanging out with Ellison...lots of people don't.
1
The bleak tone of the Republican debates foreshadows the bleak future that a Republican presidential victory foretells.
All things considered, the word "mess" is a pretty nice adjective to attach to the Republican Debate debacle. There are many better descriptors.
All things considered, the word "mess" is a pretty nice adjective to attach to the Republican Debate debacle. There are many better descriptors.
4
The reason the country's a mess is because, at least according to this bunch, government is always the problem. They are nothing more or less than the "Harney County Committee of Safety" in expensive suits.
2
So far the only actual solution to any problem has been Trump's proposal to build that wall along our southern border. I hear that he's shifting this proposal to build the wall on the northern border instead. Canada has said they'll pay for it on the condition that it keeps Cruz on our side of the wall.
5
Good one.
2
It should be evident to most people at this point that the Republican party is in complete disarray and lacks a platform of principals Were it not for that Trump wouldn't be the leading candidate in the polls. And for many people like me who've voted predominantly Republican in the past the party's direction is problematic. But I wouldn't place Sanders in the "hope and change" camp unless you are as far left as he is. He campaigns hard on what he views as broken in this country. Hillary delivers a more centrist and, therefore, positive message. She increasingly is sending a message that defines herself as building on Obama's Presidency. The two Republican candidates who don't espouse the apocalypse are Kasich and Bush, both of whom increasingly seem irrelevant in the polls.
2
Most analysts of any political stripe would agree that George W Bush's presidency was the most damaging in living memory. In the election following his second term, Democratic presidential candidates made similarly scathing assessments of his tenure to today's Republican presidential candidates. Only one Democratic presidential candidate sounded a convincingly hopeful note, and he was the one elected.
8
Bernie Sanders could be more effective in capturing some of that Republican nostalgia for the golden years of yore.
Perhaps he should say, "Remember 1950s America? An America that was successful and a world leader? An America in which the majority of workers were unionized, the marginal tax rate on the wealthy was over 70%, the GI Bill sent people to college for free, and CEOs only made 20 times what their employees made?"
It's funny how many people pine for the 1950s without remembering how we got there. Or perhaps the part they're really pining for is the racial disparity that allowed only certain people access to that middle class life.
Perhaps he should say, "Remember 1950s America? An America that was successful and a world leader? An America in which the majority of workers were unionized, the marginal tax rate on the wealthy was over 70%, the GI Bill sent people to college for free, and CEOs only made 20 times what their employees made?"
It's funny how many people pine for the 1950s without remembering how we got there. Or perhaps the part they're really pining for is the racial disparity that allowed only certain people access to that middle class life.
1
Very few people pined for racial disparity in the 1950s. Men like my father were still too busy trying to catch up on their interrupted educations and marrying their sweethearts and being glad they were alive to think twice about putting down black people.
And there were plenty of men like my father who objected to racist talk and got their noses busted for voicing their disgust.
Except for your last sentence, I agree with your comment.
And there were plenty of men like my father who objected to racist talk and got their noses busted for voicing their disgust.
Except for your last sentence, I agree with your comment.
I'm still waiting for a candidate of any party to address the endless imperialist interventions around the world waged in the service of bankers, corporate capitalists, and the rest of those who would be masters of the universe. All we have are variations of politics as entertainment. Any candidate who actually begins to speak of realistic solutions will quickly be pronounced unelectable and lacking in seriousness by the NY Times and others who decide what gets covered and how. Here's a rule of thumb: Eschew any candidate who is proclaimed to be serious by the commentariat. It was the serious people in the military, on Wall Street, in Congress, and in the press who led us into the incessant wars, oppression, and theft by those in power, and they are the ones to insist on continuing with the same policies. The clowns of whom Mr. Blow wrote will leave things as they are or make them worse around the edges. Perhaps Mr. Sanders is the better of the evils, but even he consistently has voted for more and more funding for military ventures that help the super rich that he bemoans. As to Ms. Clinton, she's been consistently soaked in blood and would offer no respite. If you want to vote, go ahead, but don't expect your vote to change any of the substantive truth concerning our situation. The electoral system has been set up to ensure the continuation of what we have, and that's not good for children and other innocent creatures.
The irony of Governor Christie saying someone has to clean up this "mess" is not lost on his extremely dissatisfied constituents here in New Jersey! As to the Republicans chant that the "sky is falling" one needs only to look at their flip/flop on the "National Security Emergency" regarding our dependence on foreign oil. Under President Obama we now have so much of it the Republicans demanded we export it for the first time in 30 years! Three years ago the "prophets of doom" predicted if Mr. Obama was re-elected gas would be over $5 a gallon. Yesterday, I paid $1.55 a gallon to fuel my hybrid car which - thanks to a new focus on "clean" technologies - gets 40 mpg. The Democrats need to push back with a detailed telling of their many successes, as well as their optimistic vision of our future.
3
The real danger than the poll numbers reveal is that the GOP crowd is being primed for another Middle East War, or really an extension of the existing war that has now lasted 14 years. This has nothing to do with American safety, but everything to do with the campaign contributions that come from military contractors. They don't care that there are real people in the "boots on the ground." Shedding blood for oil worked for Bush, so why not try it again?
But Obama's message of hope and optimism misses the mark as well. The recovery has left 90% of workers with the same stagnant wages they had at the start of his presidency. But the top 1% has done spectacularly well and Clinton and the entire GOP crowd intend to keep things that way.
If Sanders doesn't win the nomination what are his followers that believe his message of entrenched corruption in both party's to do? If they stay home the GOP might win. If they vote for Clinton they will betray the very values that they have about a system that has been bought and paid for. Their only real option is a third party. But none of the third parties, like the Green's have a party apparatus to actually function as a political force. Our vote would go to local unknown's simple as a protest. Maybe a real Social-Democratic party can emerge from this mess.
Things are bleak, but not for the reasons the GOP would claim. Where is Ralph Nader when we really need him?
But Obama's message of hope and optimism misses the mark as well. The recovery has left 90% of workers with the same stagnant wages they had at the start of his presidency. But the top 1% has done spectacularly well and Clinton and the entire GOP crowd intend to keep things that way.
If Sanders doesn't win the nomination what are his followers that believe his message of entrenched corruption in both party's to do? If they stay home the GOP might win. If they vote for Clinton they will betray the very values that they have about a system that has been bought and paid for. Their only real option is a third party. But none of the third parties, like the Green's have a party apparatus to actually function as a political force. Our vote would go to local unknown's simple as a protest. Maybe a real Social-Democratic party can emerge from this mess.
Things are bleak, but not for the reasons the GOP would claim. Where is Ralph Nader when we really need him?
1
OH GOD PLEASE KEEP NADER OUT OF THIS! Love the guy, but we don't need the center-left vote split again as it was in 2000. We would likely have elected Gore without Nader's untimely attempt at bootstrapping a third party.
Please, Please, PLEASE don't split the vote again!
Please, Please, PLEASE don't split the vote again!
1
The GOP preach the apocalypse because that will be the result for America if one of their candidates make the Oval Office.
Mind you with the current anti-science, anti-progressive, anti-government, anti-truth, faux-patriotic, undereducated state of American society mixed with a national weakness for Fox induced scaremongering .....
Maybe a political apocalypse would be the only thing that will make Americans finally wake up and take notice.
Mind you with the current anti-science, anti-progressive, anti-government, anti-truth, faux-patriotic, undereducated state of American society mixed with a national weakness for Fox induced scaremongering .....
Maybe a political apocalypse would be the only thing that will make Americans finally wake up and take notice.
What do you mean, Charles, when you say the Republicans have no policies/solutions?
War, somewhere, we don't know exactly where, but war.
No government help for the less advantaged - end Obamacare, lessen all government safety net measures.
Reduce taxes for the wealthy.
Put women and their silly healthcare and employment issues where they were in the 19th century.
Reduce/eliminate the numbers of those "others;" racially purify our country.
Increase the influence the wealthy have on government.
Many other "solutions/policies." There's just no end to the list of things they can and want to do to, I mean for, our country.
War, somewhere, we don't know exactly where, but war.
No government help for the less advantaged - end Obamacare, lessen all government safety net measures.
Reduce taxes for the wealthy.
Put women and their silly healthcare and employment issues where they were in the 19th century.
Reduce/eliminate the numbers of those "others;" racially purify our country.
Increase the influence the wealthy have on government.
Many other "solutions/policies." There's just no end to the list of things they can and want to do to, I mean for, our country.
5
Because of his religion, I don't know what Ted Cruz would do about an "impending apocalypse". He would be a very scary person to have in control of the most powerful military and atomic bombs. Would he see him and his as saved and to hell with the non-believers?
1
Democrat candidates prophesize a global warming apocalypse that will exterminate humankind. They characterize law enforcement efforts to combat urban violence as a war against young black male. Democrat candidates much of the U.S. electorate as hateful, fearful and xenophobic. They warn Central Americans are doomed unless ranted asylum in the United States. The GOP warnings that ISIS may inspire more lone-wolf attacks like San Bernardino seemed mild by comparison.
1
Your comments deserve a rebuttal:
"Democrat candidates prophesize a global warming apocalypse..."
Well, this is the professional opinion of the vast majority of scientists in the field. Democrats propose solutions - they don't just spout doom and gloom. The recent Paris summit represents an optimistic international consensus in this area.
"They characterize law enforcement efforts..."
The evidence is there. Young black males are treated differently by police, often with tragic consequences. Proposed solutions are not meant to undercut good law enforcement, but to make it more effective and just.
"Democrat candidates much of the U.S. electorate as hateful..."
It is Republican candidates who appeal to hate, fear and xenophobia. Knee-jerk reactions to immigration, both legal and illegal, are unhelpful. Democratics appeal to the positive outlooks of the electorate.
"They warn Central Americans are doomed..."
Haven't heard that, but offering asylum to political refugees is not just humane, it is consistent with international law.
"The GOP warnings that ISIS may inspire..."
If only this correctly characterized GOP warnings about ISIS. Republican candidates engage in exaggeration - ISIS as an existential threat. The mischaracterization of Al Qaeda after 9-11 helped the Bush administration justify the disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003 that is at the root of much of the chaos in the middle east now.
I urge you to open your mind a bit about these issues.
"Democrat candidates prophesize a global warming apocalypse..."
Well, this is the professional opinion of the vast majority of scientists in the field. Democrats propose solutions - they don't just spout doom and gloom. The recent Paris summit represents an optimistic international consensus in this area.
"They characterize law enforcement efforts..."
The evidence is there. Young black males are treated differently by police, often with tragic consequences. Proposed solutions are not meant to undercut good law enforcement, but to make it more effective and just.
"Democrat candidates much of the U.S. electorate as hateful..."
It is Republican candidates who appeal to hate, fear and xenophobia. Knee-jerk reactions to immigration, both legal and illegal, are unhelpful. Democratics appeal to the positive outlooks of the electorate.
"They warn Central Americans are doomed..."
Haven't heard that, but offering asylum to political refugees is not just humane, it is consistent with international law.
"The GOP warnings that ISIS may inspire..."
If only this correctly characterized GOP warnings about ISIS. Republican candidates engage in exaggeration - ISIS as an existential threat. The mischaracterization of Al Qaeda after 9-11 helped the Bush administration justify the disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003 that is at the root of much of the chaos in the middle east now.
I urge you to open your mind a bit about these issues.
2
In Canada, we recently turfed our Conservative government who had adopted the same negative tone as their American cousins as their primary campaign strategy. It got old real fast. Mr Trudeau presented a breath of freah air, which I believe went a long way towards winning the election. If one of these candidates affected a Reagan Morning in America moment, they'd probably run away with it.
2
Republican rhetoric may change but their ideas are not new but old and fail time and time again.
Maybe the Democrats don't have any new ideas either but they also don't recognize some of their own Old ideas have failed also when tried. Never has any government formed in the USA has even tried to try the new socialism Sanders is talking about. You can't say his ideas wont work without trying it. Maybe it too will fail but we need to at least try them.
Maybe the Democrats don't have any new ideas either but they also don't recognize some of their own Old ideas have failed also when tried. Never has any government formed in the USA has even tried to try the new socialism Sanders is talking about. You can't say his ideas wont work without trying it. Maybe it too will fail but we need to at least try them.
3
"Republicans are missing the second shoe. They are describing a coming apocalypse from which we must be saved, not a future that is full of light."
The Republicans are not missing their second shoe. They are hiding it in the closet because it is old and worn out. They don't have any policy proposals beyond what they have proposed for decades - tax cuts for "job creators (the rich), trickled down, supply side theories that have worn thin in the face of the worst wealth inequality since the Gilded Age.
Add to this attacks on Social Security, Medicare, the A.C.A. and the poor all in the name of fiscal responsibility to correct a national debt that is largely the responsibility of past Republican administrations and you don't have a second shoe you really want to put on display.
The Republicans are not missing their second shoe. They are hiding it in the closet because it is old and worn out. They don't have any policy proposals beyond what they have proposed for decades - tax cuts for "job creators (the rich), trickled down, supply side theories that have worn thin in the face of the worst wealth inequality since the Gilded Age.
Add to this attacks on Social Security, Medicare, the A.C.A. and the poor all in the name of fiscal responsibility to correct a national debt that is largely the responsibility of past Republican administrations and you don't have a second shoe you really want to put on display.
5
I disagree --- they will not put forth a positive message, because they do not have a positive message. The Republicans have not governed in the last decade---the parties entire message is based on portraying the President as an aloof outsider whose goal is creating a socialists state. The follow-up to that sole message is describing a country in the middle of a Mad Max movie --- that's the GOP's entire message, no more, no less --- not a lot of room for policies that would turn this country around.
3
And then there was Marco Rubio on Sunday morning news television, slamming the release of the Iranian prisoners. In the robotic, memorized fashion of a middle school student reciting a speech, he proclaimed that we have a "weak president" and that when he is president the world will know that the US is no longer under the command of a weak president. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Rubio is an empty suit if I ever saw one. Moreover, he incorrectly credited Ronald Reagan with freeing the Iranian hostages - when in fact, the Carter administration did all the negotiating and leg work to achieve their release which happened shortly after Reagan's inauguration.
The apocalyptic tone of the GOP candidates is troubling, but I am equally troubled by the lack of substance and sophomoric claims each makes. The Democratic debate last night showed adult, serious discussion of issues. The contrast is jarring and I can only hope that the Democratic candidate prevails in November.
The apocalyptic tone of the GOP candidates is troubling, but I am equally troubled by the lack of substance and sophomoric claims each makes. The Democratic debate last night showed adult, serious discussion of issues. The contrast is jarring and I can only hope that the Democratic candidate prevails in November.
275
Rubio demonstrated his ignorance of the difference between a burqa & a hijab. Much like John McCain who demonstrated his inability to distinguish Sunni from Shia & terrorist from "freedom fighter", the current crop of right wing authoritarian war mongers must inflate their mythical beast(s) so that they will appear more valiant in their quest bring more shock & awe. Feckless belligerence that puts shock & awe before smart power diplomacy assures the proliferation of terrorism & failure in foreign policy.
FDR warned us of ''that small group of selfish men who would clip the wings of the American Eagle in order to feather their own nests.,'' which is really the only group that Republicans represent anymore.
The Republican candidates, and their selfish backers, exploit the fear, anxiety and anger of the tens of millions of Americans who have not recovered from the Great Recession (or, as Money magazine put it a year ago, ''Household Wealth Is the Highest Ever. Probably Not Your Household’s, Though.'') As workers in China, India and elsewhere rise, along with America's 1%, America's once great middle class is falling behind.
It was not the middle class, working people or immigrants who brought about the Great Recession--it was the self-described Masters of the Universe whose only motivation is to feather their own nests at the expense of everyone else.
The apocalyptic Republican rhetoric is designed specifically to distract attention from who created the mess (and who have no interest in doing anything to help average Americans.) The illusion is all they have, and it can't last much longer.
The Republican candidates, and their selfish backers, exploit the fear, anxiety and anger of the tens of millions of Americans who have not recovered from the Great Recession (or, as Money magazine put it a year ago, ''Household Wealth Is the Highest Ever. Probably Not Your Household’s, Though.'') As workers in China, India and elsewhere rise, along with America's 1%, America's once great middle class is falling behind.
It was not the middle class, working people or immigrants who brought about the Great Recession--it was the self-described Masters of the Universe whose only motivation is to feather their own nests at the expense of everyone else.
The apocalyptic Republican rhetoric is designed specifically to distract attention from who created the mess (and who have no interest in doing anything to help average Americans.) The illusion is all they have, and it can't last much longer.
225
Amen. However, you should mention the pertinent fact that the condition of our middle class is not an accident of economic history, rather the result of a carefully developed, calculated plan that is working admirably.
1
"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes."
Dwight D. Eisenhower (R) - January 17, 1961
We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes."
Dwight D. Eisenhower (R) - January 17, 1961
1
Exactly the same tactics used to distract voters from GOP responsibility for the Iraq war and the sprouting of ISIS. "Deny, deny, deny." It works.
2
Occasionally I try to watch FOX News just to see what they are saying. I last about twenty minutes. Every message is apocalyptic, every message full of fear and anger. I believe it is impossible to watch FOX for any length of time without catching the Fear Bug. And so many people do watch, every day, all day. So why wouldn't they all be afraid and angry? They're being told constantly that if they are not angry and afraid, something is wrong with them. Nobody wants something to be wrong about them so they refute that FOX does this. But it does. Rupert Murdoch and Roger Ailes are internal enemies of the the United States. Hopefully, their demographic will die out soon and they will have less of an impact. But can we survive as a unified country until then?
47
All big nations have deep and wide alienation. China deals with it by restricting political power to 65 million Communist Party members and punishing anyone who objects. America gives every one a voice, even the most deeply alienated and angry who form tribes that stake out territory delineated by Us and Them. Tribes aren't born of optimism and happy days. Tribes fight, defend, provide identity for all too alienated to know who they are and must be told. Tribes need to war, vanquish, win and seize as much as they can for their own. Often tribes fight each other -- the current state of the Republican Party. Tribes thrive when fear and uncertainty are ascendant and many seek safe places to congregate with their own kind (safe places they ridicule for others). Tribes don't believe in what's beyond the horizon. Easy gratification from trophies or tokens won from wars distract and divert their members and instill vicarious heroism. Climate Change, Public Health like vaccination or prevention, safe water, clean air -- all beyond the horizon and have no upside. There are no happy tribes because it defeats their purpose and justification. Fear is a tonic and and a constant stream of scare and scarier keeps members from breaking ranks. Drugs, alcohol, are a good substitute. Apocalypse works like a charm for religions and keeps tribes in business. Problem is it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Democracy isn't just running for cover. Chicken little didn't save anyone.
15
Well said.
The country is NOT a mess.
In fact it looks like one of history's greatest experiments in having people from different backgrounds live in relative harmony may just work out.
We just have to stop coddling and enriching the wealthy.
In fact it looks like one of history's greatest experiments in having people from different backgrounds live in relative harmony may just work out.
We just have to stop coddling and enriching the wealthy.
33
We need to stop coddling con artists.
Why lay the blame only on GOP? This is true of vast majority of the professional political artists round the world.
In every democracy politicians resort to Procrustean theory, an arbitrary standard to which exact conformity is forced.
In the Greek myth, Procrustes had a bed, in which he invited every passer-by to spend the night, and where he set to work on them with his smith's hammer, to stretch them to fit. If the guest proved too tall, Procrustes would amputate the excess length; nobody ever fit the bed exactly.
In a Procrustean political solution, instead of finding the best fit line to a data, one first chooses the line one wants, then selects only the data that fits it, disregarding data that does not, so to "prove" some idea. It is a form of rhetorical deception made to forward one set of interests at the expense of others. The unique goal of the Procrustean solution is not win-win, but rather that Procrustes wins and the other loses. In this case, the defeat of the opponent justifies the deceptive means.
It is no wonder that democratic countries are often take myopic actions. Examples of a short-term bias in policy making abound from the ease with which public debt is accumulated and under investment in long-term policies such as education, environmental conservation and basic research.
In every democracy politicians resort to Procrustean theory, an arbitrary standard to which exact conformity is forced.
In the Greek myth, Procrustes had a bed, in which he invited every passer-by to spend the night, and where he set to work on them with his smith's hammer, to stretch them to fit. If the guest proved too tall, Procrustes would amputate the excess length; nobody ever fit the bed exactly.
In a Procrustean political solution, instead of finding the best fit line to a data, one first chooses the line one wants, then selects only the data that fits it, disregarding data that does not, so to "prove" some idea. It is a form of rhetorical deception made to forward one set of interests at the expense of others. The unique goal of the Procrustean solution is not win-win, but rather that Procrustes wins and the other loses. In this case, the defeat of the opponent justifies the deceptive means.
It is no wonder that democratic countries are often take myopic actions. Examples of a short-term bias in policy making abound from the ease with which public debt is accumulated and under investment in long-term policies such as education, environmental conservation and basic research.
5
No democracy can survive lousy schools that don't debunk delusions.
4
I have to hand it to the Republicans for successful negative messaging. I recall GWB coming into office and publicly proclaiming the beginning or a recession after eight years of a good economy under Bill Clinton. And, presto chango, he managed to almost completely destroy the economy by 2008. I can't tell if these guys really believe their nonsense, or if they use it as a tool. The most recent example is Flint, which I see as comparable for Katrina. Don't prepare, put incompetent people in charge, deny that there's a problem, and then, when all is lost, blame the federal government. For a group that has such a high opinion of its brains and ability, they don't seem to be able to do anything right.
59
I took Charles Blow's quiz myself, and found I was in agreement with the 91%: I am not satisfied with how things are going with the nation.
Then I answered each of the next questions, and disagreed with all of them.
My pessimism has come from the fact that we are dysfunctional; that we cannot even band together enough to agree on what is a problem let alone agree on solutions. It comes from a Congress that has gotten itself elected on the premise it is unnecessary, and should really be eliminated with the rest of the federal government.
The GOP debates have cemented my belief that the GOP owns the dysfunction: they offer pessimism, ire, insults, nativism, war-mongering, fear, dread and anxiety. But they also offer the same old re-treaded policies, or a vision of dismantling government as their solutions. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
To be clear, I am not voting for change this year: I will be voting for someone who will veto the worst that our legislature drums up, and who'll protect any seats on the Supreme Court. I am voting for a someone who will keep a finger in the dike until our sanity returns.
Then I answered each of the next questions, and disagreed with all of them.
My pessimism has come from the fact that we are dysfunctional; that we cannot even band together enough to agree on what is a problem let alone agree on solutions. It comes from a Congress that has gotten itself elected on the premise it is unnecessary, and should really be eliminated with the rest of the federal government.
The GOP debates have cemented my belief that the GOP owns the dysfunction: they offer pessimism, ire, insults, nativism, war-mongering, fear, dread and anxiety. But they also offer the same old re-treaded policies, or a vision of dismantling government as their solutions. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
To be clear, I am not voting for change this year: I will be voting for someone who will veto the worst that our legislature drums up, and who'll protect any seats on the Supreme Court. I am voting for a someone who will keep a finger in the dike until our sanity returns.
51
'Dysfunctional' doesn't quite fit, Cathy. Try 'Just Plain Stupid' - excrutiatingly precise when applied to Republicans.
Brava, well said.
1
Everything is doom and gloom with the Republicsns? At least they recognize some of thr major problems. To bad the Republicans don't have a issue like global warming. The world is going to end by 2050 according to some . How can terrorism and unemployment compare?
7
This planet will survive humans. Our worst problem is the ignoramuses among us. Ignorance can be cured with better schools.
2
The concept of triage is unknown in the Gross Oligarchic Product.
3
Please stop misconstruing an issue to make it fit your ideology. NOBODY is saying the world is going to end. The world will go on, but in a much different and difficult set of environmental circumstances, that will make survival much harder. It doesn't have to be that way, but the people now that profit from the status quo would have you believe that everything is just dandy, so just keep buying what they're selling. In your case is sounds like they've succeeded.
1
"Disaster" and "Mess" appear to be the key words at last week's GOP debate. And surely those words describe the policies, rancor and persona of the seven candidates. They have all looked in the mirror and ratified Pogo's famous words: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
39
They (and a majority of America's uber-intellilgent voters) also ratified the Santayana-admonition about the fate of those who don't (or won't) 'remember' history.
yes, absolutely the candidates are a reflection of the voters they're reaching out to. 100%.
Republicans haven't had an original thought since I started paying attention to what they have to say.
War....going, not ending, taxes...reducing the burden on the wealthy, rolling back equal rights....see Voting Rights Acts, gay rights, women's right to reproductive healthcare, are the issues du jour of the right.
the other thing they're very big on is trying to convince themselves that everything President Obama has done was wrong and/or bad. they used to be specific ie the economy, jobs, gas prices, spending, the deficit....but all those things have move decidedly positive over the past 7 years. So not they just make up issues without any basis in fact.
What a party.
Republicans haven't had an original thought since I started paying attention to what they have to say.
War....going, not ending, taxes...reducing the burden on the wealthy, rolling back equal rights....see Voting Rights Acts, gay rights, women's right to reproductive healthcare, are the issues du jour of the right.
the other thing they're very big on is trying to convince themselves that everything President Obama has done was wrong and/or bad. they used to be specific ie the economy, jobs, gas prices, spending, the deficit....but all those things have move decidedly positive over the past 7 years. So not they just make up issues without any basis in fact.
What a party.
54
You, and very likely most pundits, have conveniently forgotten the PLEDGE Mitch McConnel (then the REPUBLICAN minority leader) stood on the floor of the United States Senate and promised - ALOUD - to 'do everything he could' to make Mr. Obama a 'one-term president'. He failed, but God help us, the GOP became the majority party in the Senate in the very next mid-term elections.
1
One has to seriously consider possibility that the GOP party is either schizophrenic or bipolar or that their left arm has no idea what the right one is doing...
More than 6 decades ago they orchestrated a military coup in Iran, overthrew the democratically elected secular government in Tehran and replaced it with the tyrannical dictator general Pahlavi whose oppression created the enormous revolt and brought the Ayatollahs in power.
Then they incited Saddam Hussein to invade Iran and use the chemical weapons to kill the Iranians.
Then they attacked Iraq and imposed the debilitating sanctions against Baghdad for a couple of decades.
Then they invaded Iraq, dethroned the Saddam regime, put the Shiites in power and wasted a few trillion dollars to rebuild Iraq from the economic sanctions imposed upon them by the macho conservatives.
Then they decided to undermine the Assad regime in Syria to stem the rising Shiite regional influence.
Then they demanded the White House to start fighting the ISIS as well as the Assad regime, thus both the Sunnis and the Shiites.
Now they claim that we should launch the Iran War. If you don’t negotiate and compromise, a war is the only other kind of outcome.
We all remember tragically well what their macho attitude created in 2003 and how their “bring it on” credo forced everybody to become instantly meek and obedient.
At least that’s the kind of alternative reality that still exists in their schizophrenic minds...
More than 6 decades ago they orchestrated a military coup in Iran, overthrew the democratically elected secular government in Tehran and replaced it with the tyrannical dictator general Pahlavi whose oppression created the enormous revolt and brought the Ayatollahs in power.
Then they incited Saddam Hussein to invade Iran and use the chemical weapons to kill the Iranians.
Then they attacked Iraq and imposed the debilitating sanctions against Baghdad for a couple of decades.
Then they invaded Iraq, dethroned the Saddam regime, put the Shiites in power and wasted a few trillion dollars to rebuild Iraq from the economic sanctions imposed upon them by the macho conservatives.
Then they decided to undermine the Assad regime in Syria to stem the rising Shiite regional influence.
Then they demanded the White House to start fighting the ISIS as well as the Assad regime, thus both the Sunnis and the Shiites.
Now they claim that we should launch the Iran War. If you don’t negotiate and compromise, a war is the only other kind of outcome.
We all remember tragically well what their macho attitude created in 2003 and how their “bring it on” credo forced everybody to become instantly meek and obedient.
At least that’s the kind of alternative reality that still exists in their schizophrenic minds...
168
Kenan, just one small correction. Its not that the Republican's right arm doesn't know what it's left arm is doing, its that it's right arm doesn't know what it's further right arm is doing.
2
Wow! Blow prefers the message of Democrats to Republicans. Who would have seen that coming? Speaking of bleak themes, who is constantly peddling the apocalypse of global warming, class warfare and political intolerance? Make America Great Again may be simple jingosim, but it's much more positive than the snarling themes coming out of last night's debate.
10
But he who must not be named should at least give a hint as to how he would do it, doesn't he? Build a wall-really?
19
Point made, there are fears and negatives being bandied about by the Dems, also. What is strongly different between the Candidates from the Repubs and the Dems is that the Dems have offered some clear ideas of EXACTLY what they plan for the future and how they will do it while the Republicans still offer nothing but voodoo economic plans of tax cuts that will raise more revenue than before, the spectre of overturning the Affordable Health Care Act but never offering ANY alternative to help people (me, for example) get insurance (I have preexisting conditions and every health insurance provider would have, in the bad old days refused coverage for anything to do with the preexisting conditions for 18 months, which probably means everything since they get to decide what is and isn't related to those conditions and then at the end of that period they get to decide what they will and won't cover going forward and there is no appeal process outside of arbitration which they control!) and a refusal to deal with immigration reform, which by the way I am not sure that I am in favor of any amnesty plan of any kind, but we could discuss reform. The Dems have some concrete plans, the Repubs have only their fear mongering.
The trouble is that global warming and class warfare (by the very rich against the rest) are very real.
6
Surprised Mr. Blow did not expound on the universal agreement of the GOP naysayers that police must always be backed by the President under all circumstances and that the generals should be allowed to dictate military strategy. This is how fascism arises from programming the electorate to believe we are about to go over the cliff unless law and order is restored nationally and universally. Of course under all circumstances we must do as we are told by the NRA and worship the second amendment according to the GOP candidates.
111
How about it if the current President supported the police just once? For a start instead of always choosing sides because of the color of a person's skin.
No it is not the black part of Obama that I cannot stand it is the white half.
No it is not the black part of Obama that I cannot stand it is the white half.
1
Just listen to right wing talk radio. I force myself to listen to Rush as least once a week and I recall back when GW Bush and the Republicans held all the cards, he said Republicans in office were not conservatives and that hasn't changed even today.
15
For the perty of "American exceptionalism", where is the exceptionalism?
Oh, exceptionally depressing and nasty. I get it!
Oh, exceptionally depressing and nasty. I get it!
14
I have to repeat myself. Republicans are pessimists. In my red flyover state, the most recent poll shows over 80% of Republicans are dissatisfied with the direction of the state and country, even though Republicans dominate the state legislature and almost all state wide elected offices and this persistent ingrained pessimism rarely changes. I have rarely, if ever, met an optimistic conservative in my 65 years on the planet.
60
Indeed, aren't there several studies that show the amygdala (flight or fright "reptile" brain) is larger and fires more frequently in those who identify as conservative? If so, then being conservative isn't a "life-style" choice. Now what?
1
And most anti-government rightists live in red-states that simply would not exist without help from the same Federal Government they claim to hate. Literally biting the hand that feeds they and their kids.
Well, they t'ain't the brightest bulbs on the red-state chandelier.
Well, they t'ain't the brightest bulbs on the red-state chandelier.
2
I just found it an oxymoron at a Tea Party rally where over 85% reluctantly agreed they or their family got money from the government in some form (farm programs, social security, medicare, etc.) but when asked which program they would cut to "reduce spending", it was always a federal program they did not use.
3
I feel as if I hear endlessly on news programs about how some percent or other of Americans polled say that the country is on the wrong track, headed in the wrong direction, or something to that effect. The person so reporting seems to think that this is a worthy statistic worth taking into account. So if people running to be president are paying attention to such numbers, I would not be surprised. Why it gets so amped up seems to me to be about trying to stand out in the crowd, trying to deny President Obama any accomplishments, and getting caught up in their own spin to such an extent that they've lost track of what the facts are.
But last night I listened to the Democratic debate, and soon after looked at the homepage on this website, and I have to say that I must have been watching a different debate. I am more than frustrated with that news coverage of last night's debate. The debate seemed to the media outlet covering it to be mostly about Bernie Sanders, and I could see that, and yet the article most prominent on the homepage here indicated it was about Hillary Clinton. It takes a fair amount to get me to change my media habits, but I do not want to spend my time trying to sift out reporting bias when I read what is presented as news.
But last night I listened to the Democratic debate, and soon after looked at the homepage on this website, and I have to say that I must have been watching a different debate. I am more than frustrated with that news coverage of last night's debate. The debate seemed to the media outlet covering it to be mostly about Bernie Sanders, and I could see that, and yet the article most prominent on the homepage here indicated it was about Hillary Clinton. It takes a fair amount to get me to change my media habits, but I do not want to spend my time trying to sift out reporting bias when I read what is presented as news.
54
Why not? Conservatives have to do it constantly. it's why so many Conservatives no longer take the local newspaper. When I tel someone I saw something in the Charlotte Disturber they say, "Are you still reading that Liberal rag?" I have to admit I do but only to see how Charlotte is again misspending my tax dollars.
There is no news without bias, and never has been - who do you think pays for the news? Americans are exceptionally trusting in this regard, whereas people in other countries have long since learned to parse what's presented by their media. It's time Americans turned off their TVs and took advantage of the wide variety of news sources from across the English-speaking world.
1
But since the dawn of writing one has had to sort through competing POVs. That never changes. Flex those critical thinking skills and be glad you have them.
1
Huh? The progressives are peddling a true apocalypse in the form of global warming, with millions dying from rising sea waters and mass starvation and superstorms and all manner of humanity-caused catastrophe. The optimistic progressives, for gosh sakes, see all that as a planetary re-set, and not necessarily a bad thing. Can't beat that for gloom. And while the planet warms, growing inequality will lead to riots, insurrection, and a breakdown of social order. All of this is stoked in these pages and, indeed, by this columnist. It is true that the Republicans are pretty gloomy these days, but they certainly haven't monopolized fear-mongering, and I don't see in my own party - Democrat - the hopeful, idealist message you describe. I see divisiveness.
13
Democrats believe in science
22
It is the scientists who are warning of an apocalypse. We ignore them at our peril.
32
The "progressives" got this idea from scientists. It is a true potential apocalypse. There is no political advantage in peddling a myth like that. It seems to be an apocalypse that is accepted by 200 countries and many of them not exactly "progressive".
See Douglas McMillan's comment below. He's on target.
See Douglas McMillan's comment below. He's on target.
12
And Climate Change, which I see as a real looming disaster, they consider just a hoax.
128
"And Climate Change, which I see as a real looming disaster, they consider just a hoax."
Certainly. Perhaps because we haven't the North Pole without ice and the disappearance of the polar bears, the coastal cities flooded forever and the their doomsday predictions people like Al Gore predicted.
Perhaps it's the main pro-claimer's hypocrisy of owning energy sucking homes and a jet to fly just himself somewhere, or the movie star proponent who flew his private jet across the International Date Line so he could celebrate his birthday twice in 24 hours.
Or maybe it's the people who are trying to capitalize and enrich themselves on something the rest of us can't see?
Certainly. Perhaps because we haven't the North Pole without ice and the disappearance of the polar bears, the coastal cities flooded forever and the their doomsday predictions people like Al Gore predicted.
Perhaps it's the main pro-claimer's hypocrisy of owning energy sucking homes and a jet to fly just himself somewhere, or the movie star proponent who flew his private jet across the International Date Line so he could celebrate his birthday twice in 24 hours.
Or maybe it's the people who are trying to capitalize and enrich themselves on something the rest of us can't see?
I don't think they "consider" anything really.
They are told something by a Fox-Kids fashion model and it goes into permanent storage without a moment's consideration.
They are told something by a Fox-Kids fashion model and it goes into permanent storage without a moment's consideration.
3
NYHUGUENOT: You need to get out more. There are plenty of problems stacking up in plain site.
2
Here in America the media are a part of the problem, not a part of the solutions.
That’s why we have been on the wrong course for so long.
That’s why we have the chronically corrupted politicians in power.
The every elections our free press fools the voters they don’t have a choice but to vote for the same old.
They assure us that we have to hold our noses and vote for the same parties.
Why?
If we didn’t do it, the equally stinky and corrupted politicians would gain the power.
Every time somebody offers the real solutions our editors ignore them.
That’s why we have been on the wrong course for so long.
Our media assured us that we have to keep repeating the same mistakes endlessly.
Allegedly, if we changed the course, the entire world would think that we are the losers.
The truth is only the losers cannot change the wrong course.
That’s why we have been on the wrong course for so long.
That’s why we have the chronically corrupted politicians in power.
The every elections our free press fools the voters they don’t have a choice but to vote for the same old.
They assure us that we have to hold our noses and vote for the same parties.
Why?
If we didn’t do it, the equally stinky and corrupted politicians would gain the power.
Every time somebody offers the real solutions our editors ignore them.
That’s why we have been on the wrong course for so long.
Our media assured us that we have to keep repeating the same mistakes endlessly.
Allegedly, if we changed the course, the entire world would think that we are the losers.
The truth is only the losers cannot change the wrong course.
13
Please don't blame the media (this is a common ploy for all politicians and especially this crop of Republicans). Saying that "the media" is the problem is a lot like saying "the goverment" is the problem--it is not one giant monolithic beast that rules over us. There is lots of good, meaningful journalism providing a crucial public need out there just as there is lots of sensational, poorly researched and irresponsible so-called journalism and it's our responsibility as citizens to seek the truth. We should not expect it to be wrapped up in a neat package and delivered to our TV sets every evening without some work on our part.
And you always have a very simple solution if you don't get the information you need from "the media": turn off your TV.
And you always have a very simple solution if you don't get the information you need from "the media": turn off your TV.
1
Well good everything is a disaster and/or a mess. But when you ask these candidates what they will do about it you just get a real estate developer answer of: "Yes there is a problem, It is a very bad problem. It is caused by Obama and will be perpetuated by (fill in the democratic candidate). It is a bad problem and should be fixed. I can fix it. Democrats can't and I know why Clinton had to leave the stage. It was disgusting." In other words they have no way to fix things. Even when they suggest something it is a variation on the theme of what they have been doing for the last 30 years which has not worked and has made life in the US worse for a majority of the population. New ideas are lacking. Putting on a good show, degrading one another, talking about bodily fluids and how disgusting women are for theirs is just not telling us how they are going to fix the "mess". None of this is getting us anywhere. We need grown up people with the intellect to do new things to fix this mess not the same old same old. Even Bernie clings to the same old same old though at least he talks about the issues and holds up some possible solutions though still based on us as a nation state as opposed to a global state. We need someone who cal look to a global solution before corporations become the new "kings" of the world and hold us all as serfs. I would rather live in a world democracy than a world corporatocracy wouldn't you?
93
Republicanism has been reduced to a religion, where only fear, fantasy and fiction need apply.
Republicanism left the surly bonds of reality when Ronald Reagan conned the masses into believing the government was out to get them and the GOP proceeded to screw them.
Every Republican is required to master this quote before they go out in public; it represents the heart, soul and Freddy Krueger that is the entire Republican political platform:
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed - and hence clamorous to be led to safety - by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.
-- H. L. Mencken
Hence the endless right-wing fear-mongering about job-killing taxes, job-killing ACA and job-killing Obama that have done nothing but produce millions of jobs since the George W Bush Neo-Con-Artist train wreck.
Hence the endless right-wing panic-and-hysteria-mongering about Ebola, Iran, Cuba to scare Americans to death about things that can be handled in a calm and careful way to produce a positive outcome.
Name a Republican policy that will actually help an American ?
Can anyone ?
Look at the 2001 - 2009 GWB catastrophe - a catastrophically hijacked election followed by a catastrophic attack on America followed by catastrophic tax cuts, a catastrophic war, a catastrophic Citizens Corrupted Supreme Court and a catastrophic economic meltdown.
If you really want to be frightened America, be frightened of Grand Old Catastrophes.
Republicanism left the surly bonds of reality when Ronald Reagan conned the masses into believing the government was out to get them and the GOP proceeded to screw them.
Every Republican is required to master this quote before they go out in public; it represents the heart, soul and Freddy Krueger that is the entire Republican political platform:
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed - and hence clamorous to be led to safety - by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.
-- H. L. Mencken
Hence the endless right-wing fear-mongering about job-killing taxes, job-killing ACA and job-killing Obama that have done nothing but produce millions of jobs since the George W Bush Neo-Con-Artist train wreck.
Hence the endless right-wing panic-and-hysteria-mongering about Ebola, Iran, Cuba to scare Americans to death about things that can be handled in a calm and careful way to produce a positive outcome.
Name a Republican policy that will actually help an American ?
Can anyone ?
Look at the 2001 - 2009 GWB catastrophe - a catastrophically hijacked election followed by a catastrophic attack on America followed by catastrophic tax cuts, a catastrophic war, a catastrophic Citizens Corrupted Supreme Court and a catastrophic economic meltdown.
If you really want to be frightened America, be frightened of Grand Old Catastrophes.
862
Socrates rules!
3
Yes, their tax policies will help any member of the 1% and will really benefit the .01%. Their foreign policies will benefit defense department contractors. Their financial policies will benefit Wall Street. Their healthcare plans will benefit insurers. Their energy plans will benefit oil companies.
5
For an example of the Republican agenda in action, see Wisconsin.
5
"Everything is about arms and war and the Islamic State, guns and taxes and joblessness. "
Think about the R base; then that line makes sense: always scared, always selling the fear that the base eats up. It is a bit frightening - that is, the perpetual fear.
Think about the R base; then that line makes sense: always scared, always selling the fear that the base eats up. It is a bit frightening - that is, the perpetual fear.
54
The only thing we (the Republicans) have to fear is the absence of fear itself.
Republicans in Congress, together with their wild dogs in the media, have spent the last 7 years tossing red meat to their base, which now exists on it, to the exclusion of anything that might actually be good for them. Like fearful humans of all sorts, their "fight or flight" reflex is continually dosing their bloodstream with adrenaline. In the end, it will destroy them. As you note, the question is, when?
42
What's missing here is that Republicans want as little government as possible. This is the reason they have no policies or a concrete platform of how they will govern, because this would contradict their narrative. What they've thus set up is their own inherent contradiction in this vision of apocalypse: without government or policies the only thing they have to offer is the vague "Make America Great Again".
This is basically what the Republicans have been doing since Reagan (remember his put down of Carter buckling to the Iranians?), and are out of desperation they are doubling down on this narrative today. We know what the results are of this "strategy" of theirs, we have the evidence of over 30 years to see what has happened to this country as a result.
This is basically what the Republicans have been doing since Reagan (remember his put down of Carter buckling to the Iranians?), and are out of desperation they are doubling down on this narrative today. We know what the results are of this "strategy" of theirs, we have the evidence of over 30 years to see what has happened to this country as a result.
45
Sometimes it's difficult to figure out what Republicans really think about America. One day they"re saying the country is "a mess." The next, they're talking about "American exceptionalism."
So, what kind of exceptional are they saying we are -- The shining beacon on a hill... or the only family in the apartment complex who doesn't own a vacuum cleaner?
So, what kind of exceptional are they saying we are -- The shining beacon on a hill... or the only family in the apartment complex who doesn't own a vacuum cleaner?
40
thanks for making me laugh about the Republicans. that's getting hard to do.
2
It's hard to understand how Mr. Blow can point to the Dems as "successful politicians." There are no successful politicians these days. It's an oxymoron.
As for the Obama legacy of intellectual superiority, Ms. Clinton clearly doesn't have the intellect. He disdains his opponents and refuses to make politics work, even a little. Hillary would be even worse. Jeb is right: she would be a national security disaster as President, because she already was as Sec State. Emails, anyone?
No, the Republicans don't have a worthy candidate, and neither do the Dems. If only we had the courage to forgo our lemming-like lining-up and say "NO!" to a candidate who fails the test of worthiness on its face.
Write in a worthy name if you must vote. Remember that not to decide is to decide.
As for the Obama legacy of intellectual superiority, Ms. Clinton clearly doesn't have the intellect. He disdains his opponents and refuses to make politics work, even a little. Hillary would be even worse. Jeb is right: she would be a national security disaster as President, because she already was as Sec State. Emails, anyone?
No, the Republicans don't have a worthy candidate, and neither do the Dems. If only we had the courage to forgo our lemming-like lining-up and say "NO!" to a candidate who fails the test of worthiness on its face.
Write in a worthy name if you must vote. Remember that not to decide is to decide.
2
Hillary's emails?
How, for goodness sakes, does using a single blackberry for her private and work emails,have anything to do with presidential qualifications?
How, for goodness sakes, does using a single blackberry for her private and work emails,have anything to do with presidential qualifications?
3
A write-in vote is like an abstention. It's not deciding. Like it or not, one of the two candidates that end up on the final ballot will end up as President.
2
You are joking, right? Sec of State, dealing constantly with confidential/ sensitive/ classified material using her own Blackberry or whatever device? What could go wrong with that? Other than doing an end run around document retention to say nothing of leaving her communications essentially available for hackers. And you want someone with that level of disdain for rules and regulations And national security to be President?
Both Democrats and Republicans alike have been complicit in the wholesale destruction of America's middle class and their signal failure to acknowledge this should cost them dear in the 2016 presidential election. Few if any of these 2016 candidates are offering hope for an actual change to a political system that has been successfully co-opted to do the bidding of the plutocracy whose every line-item request can be read in the fine print of the Federal Register. What will stop the United States' slithering transformation into an oligarch state like Brasil, with its superrich elite and teeming masses in the squalid favelas who scrap for every menial job? Hillary advocates more Free Trade Agreements in a redux of Bill's NAFTA deal, a pact that enabled many further FTAs which have led to the inexorable haemorrhageing of jobs and capital on a one-way flight from the commerce of the United States. Meantime the electorate plays its obsolete games of racism and bigotry as it's led down the path once again by cynical presidential hopefuls who will only deliver it to the known evil of screwing the most revenue out of the middle class remnants while brokering massive tax cuts and preferential deals for the multinational pigs at the top...
15
So Christie threatened that Republicans will go to the White House "next fall" and rip Obama from presidency by his rear end with forcible eviction. Sorry to pile on the bad news, Governor. You and the GOP will do no such thing. Federal law specifies that the current president will hold until the inauguration of the next Chief Executive, January 20, 2017. January is in winter, so "next fall" has nothing to do with Mr. Obama's departure. If the GOP wants to impeach and remove Mr. Obama before next January to fulfill Mr. Christie's belligerence, by all means, have at it. (Would be a ridiculous waste of the world's time, but since when did that stop the GOP from attempting something?) But assuming the failure of that grandstanding, Mr. Obama completes his term of office, with a legacy America can be proud of. Perhaps Mr. Christie can carry out his schemes of violence upon Mrs. Clinton after her swearing in.
31
The GOP is the Apocalypse.
44
Blow: "Are the candidates merely a reflection of the disaffected base, are the candidates helping to create the disaffection, or do they all exist in a national echo chamber amplifying each other?"
Good questions. Not sure of the correct answer, but do not ever recall Republicans ever being so benighted in my 55-plus years of voting.
Good questions. Not sure of the correct answer, but do not ever recall Republicans ever being so benighted in my 55-plus years of voting.
19
Blow: "Are the candidates merely a reflection of the disaffected base, are the candidates helping to create the disaffection, or do they all exist in a national echo chamber amplifying each other?"
Answer: "Yes."
Answer: "Yes."
As always, the pundits got it wrong.
If our free press and the leaders understood the facts correctly, we would not have waged the endless foreign wars for a longer than a century, we would not claim that our economy is in the great shape but we just cannot balance the federal budgets because everything would instantly collapse, we would not be waging the longest war in our national history, we would not cut our taxes in the middle of the conflicts, we would not claim that we could endlessly run the budget deficits because the national debt always stays at the same percentage of the GDP (allegedly 2+2=2), we would not believe that the value of the houses could endlessly rise so we would have prevented the housing bubble and financial meltdown, we would not believe that there is no difference between the corporations and the people or that the things (the corporations) have freedom of speech, or that the money is equal to freedom of speech or that corruption of the elected representatives is equal to freedom and democracy...
We have the two schools of thoughts, one claiming everything is apocalyptic and the other trumpeting that everything is perfect.
Both parties are the followers of both approaches and they switch between them as a pendulum constantly moving left and right, left and right, left and right...
It only depends whether they are in power or in the opposition.
The very next elections they switch their attitudes.
If our free press and the leaders understood the facts correctly, we would not have waged the endless foreign wars for a longer than a century, we would not claim that our economy is in the great shape but we just cannot balance the federal budgets because everything would instantly collapse, we would not be waging the longest war in our national history, we would not cut our taxes in the middle of the conflicts, we would not claim that we could endlessly run the budget deficits because the national debt always stays at the same percentage of the GDP (allegedly 2+2=2), we would not believe that the value of the houses could endlessly rise so we would have prevented the housing bubble and financial meltdown, we would not believe that there is no difference between the corporations and the people or that the things (the corporations) have freedom of speech, or that the money is equal to freedom of speech or that corruption of the elected representatives is equal to freedom and democracy...
We have the two schools of thoughts, one claiming everything is apocalyptic and the other trumpeting that everything is perfect.
Both parties are the followers of both approaches and they switch between them as a pendulum constantly moving left and right, left and right, left and right...
It only depends whether they are in power or in the opposition.
The very next elections they switch their attitudes.
2
Great column.
You point out that Rubio says Hillary is not fit to be Commander In Chief of the United States.
This Commander in Chief of the USA thing seems to have become the general perception, however the POTUS is the CIC of the Armed Forces, not the USA.
You would think an elected official to Congress would know that.
You point out that Rubio says Hillary is not fit to be Commander In Chief of the United States.
This Commander in Chief of the USA thing seems to have become the general perception, however the POTUS is the CIC of the Armed Forces, not the USA.
You would think an elected official to Congress would know that.
34
Rubio probably does know but "USA" encompasses everyone and subtly caters to the fear that BIg Brother is taking away your guns, invading your life, etc.
1
What you describe as "Democrat's hopefulness" seems about being hopeful to grow the insatiable government bureaucracy without those nasty, practical Republicans pestering them about how to pay for "free" college and "free" healthcare on top of "free" rent, food and cable. The evil rich have only so much to tax.
2
I think if you look at the record, it is Republican presidents that like to spend and not pay for that spending: e.g. Reagan's tax cuts, W's tax cuts, W's Iraq war, W's Medicare drug plan. Most of the spending proposed by Democrats is paid for by increasing taxes or offsetting the cost elsewhere. No Democrat believes or proposes that any programs such as tuition-free college or healthcare are actually "free," but they are paid for. That's a big difference.
8
Your made up reply tells us everything that we need to know about you.
2
A few years ago someone jiggled some numbers and said that even were we to confiscate all the wealth of the millionaires and billionaires the US government would spend every bit of it in 2 months.
Then what?
Then what?
1
Why this the day after the Democratic debate? Is it because Sanders won against your candidate? He has already won your readership as evidence in comments sections.
7
They ought to confess that they really don't have a clue and get out of the way.
20
Dear Mr. Blow,
Our country is a mess, in my eyes, due to one overriding issue that has been an issue since I was born; racism.
You decry "anger and fear" as motivators yet would "Black Lives Matter" even BE an issue if not enough of our citizens didn't fear the police and become angry enough about that fear to take to the streets and try to do something about it?
White people are buying guns like crazy as if the solution is not only to keep their "different colored" fellow citizens crammed into a ghetto but to shoot them dead if they happen to stroll down a street full of "McMansions" in the suburbs.
The GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE has made the conscious decision to keep it that way with the uncontrollable Donald Trump merely "speaking" what they, and their supporters, all feel. Like Mr. Mackey of "South Park" they make their mantras simple; liberals,mm,bad,guns,mm,good,obamacare,mm,bad,military force,mm,good and on and on....
Yet in the last presidential election, 48% of the voters bought a "water downed" version of this same message. In 2016, I expect that number to be even greater.
The old "land 'o' the free" is having major difficulties despite a Civil War and despite vast volumes of legislation to create the "appearance" of equality.
I know this because it took the election of a Black president to bring all the simmering hatred and bigotry to a boil.
And the GOP/TP/K.A. is gleefully stirring that pot hoping to garner just enough votes to control the whole thing.
Our country is a mess, in my eyes, due to one overriding issue that has been an issue since I was born; racism.
You decry "anger and fear" as motivators yet would "Black Lives Matter" even BE an issue if not enough of our citizens didn't fear the police and become angry enough about that fear to take to the streets and try to do something about it?
White people are buying guns like crazy as if the solution is not only to keep their "different colored" fellow citizens crammed into a ghetto but to shoot them dead if they happen to stroll down a street full of "McMansions" in the suburbs.
The GOP/TP/KOCH AFFILIATE has made the conscious decision to keep it that way with the uncontrollable Donald Trump merely "speaking" what they, and their supporters, all feel. Like Mr. Mackey of "South Park" they make their mantras simple; liberals,mm,bad,guns,mm,good,obamacare,mm,bad,military force,mm,good and on and on....
Yet in the last presidential election, 48% of the voters bought a "water downed" version of this same message. In 2016, I expect that number to be even greater.
The old "land 'o' the free" is having major difficulties despite a Civil War and despite vast volumes of legislation to create the "appearance" of equality.
I know this because it took the election of a Black president to bring all the simmering hatred and bigotry to a boil.
And the GOP/TP/K.A. is gleefully stirring that pot hoping to garner just enough votes to control the whole thing.
21
There is precious little justice in the US justice system. That is why people run from the police and get shot in the back.
2
Mx Blow:
Thank you for your sincere concerns for the Republican Party. But we'll manage in our own way. And if we take the presidency, you'll have soul searching to do in opposition.
Thank you for your sincere concerns for the Republican Party. But we'll manage in our own way. And if we take the presidency, you'll have soul searching to do in opposition.
2
What Republican party? The official party, or the hijacking fearmongering, regulation-slayers? If only there was a real Republican party anymore. But if the Republicans win the white house, I'll pour us two big glasses of Flint,MI water, and watch them reconstruct the Titanic by eliminating Dodd-Frank, the EPA, and by voting down hedge fund rules and redefining compromise as Failure. Republican have made civics classes a joke, win-at-all-costs, is the embodiment of the failure of free-market capitalism.
34
And just which "way" is that? Georgie Bush way who brought us into a war we cannot win with lies and incompetence? Are the gaggle of Republican nincompoops who expose themselves to ridicule and scorn in those pathetic "debates" (just what is it they are debating except their own egos?) ready to "manage" anything except tying their own shoelaces? None of them is fit to be a dogcatcher let alone a decent POTUS. Take the presidency? In your dreams, sir.
6
It’s the old shell game or if you’re from New York it’s called three card Monte. While they are talking about right to bear arms they are letting lobbyist write laws. While they are talking about right to life they refuse to educate or feed these children they so loved in the womb. While they are talking about loving our troops they cut the troops food stamps. While they wear lapel flags on their chest they refuse to rebuild the country they say they love so much. I cannot put the blame on the right for where we are at in this discourse. I put the blame on we, the people. We the people of America have been voting like rubes who just fell off the turnip truck. Does anyone ever ask how can they love babies in the womb but not in the streets? Does anyone ever ask if they love our country so much why when they had a chance to serve they did not? Do we ever ask them if they do not believe in climate change to open a window and feel the heat? We applaud when a definitely unfit kid from New Jersey tells us he is going to Washington put our president out of the White House. Now we are in the silly season of who can talk the toughest and who wants to bomb the most nations. Why are they not asked if you truly love our troops we are they treated so poorly? We the people keep looking for the for the shell with the prize under it while they keep picking our pocket
153
"We" don't get to ask those questions, but the news media could. The fact that they do not shows how narrow the range of supposedly acceptable political discourse has become. I suppose reporters might say they cannot ask confrontational questions because it would hurt their rapport with the candidates. I remember Dan Rather asking questions of Richard Nixon that certainly indicated little rapport between them, and he was working for the most mainstream television news organization of them all, CBS.
Every so often I see people with "Question Authority" bumper-stickers. Sadly that is no longer the motivating cry of America's political journalists.
Every so often I see people with "Question Authority" bumper-stickers. Sadly that is no longer the motivating cry of America's political journalists.
6
Maybe if we stop watching they will get the message. We are to blame for not changing the channel. I have grown tired of news readers instead of News reporters.
3
Thanks to cable TV and tabloid news, this country has been force-fed a diet of raw fear, 24/7, for years. How can we expect those who view the world through this distorted lens to be anything other than apocalyptic?
59
Your Telly doesn't have an "off" button?
4
I don't watch it. Many don't seem to have an off button, though.
13
Unfortunately too many people are addicted to the "Telly" news. And it is hard to get away from it even if you cut the cord at home. Waiting rooms in airports and doctor's offices have the news channels on. In the last few years I have noticed though that some doctors have finally turned off the news in favor of HGTV. I can only assume that the ability of the news - as presented by the 24/7 channels - to raise the blood pressure of anyone exposed to it, is the reason some doctors have made the switch.
I see all of the tv news programs - save PBS and BBC- as toxic. I don't watch them. So, it does annoy me when I am in a public place and have it staring me in the face. It is not much different than being locked in a room full of smokers - poisoning the air I breathe. I bring sound blocking ear phones with me for protection.
I see all of the tv news programs - save PBS and BBC- as toxic. I don't watch them. So, it does annoy me when I am in a public place and have it staring me in the face. It is not much different than being locked in a room full of smokers - poisoning the air I breathe. I bring sound blocking ear phones with me for protection.
2
"Is the country better off than it was four/eight years ago?"
The variation of a question that Reagan asked ("Are you better off than you were four years ago?") almost 4 decades ago is not something that GOP candidates want to ask. So they keep repeating the lie that the country is a disaster, hoping that the electorate will accept it as the truth.
Speaking of disaster, Jeb Bush, whose campaign is a disaster, said this during the debate: "...the idea that somehow we’re better off today than the day that Barack Obama was inaugurated president of the United States is totally an alternative universe."
Even the harshest critics of President Obama, assuming they have any sense of decency, will have to concede that the country is better off than it was 8 years ago.
The variation of a question that Reagan asked ("Are you better off than you were four years ago?") almost 4 decades ago is not something that GOP candidates want to ask. So they keep repeating the lie that the country is a disaster, hoping that the electorate will accept it as the truth.
Speaking of disaster, Jeb Bush, whose campaign is a disaster, said this during the debate: "...the idea that somehow we’re better off today than the day that Barack Obama was inaugurated president of the United States is totally an alternative universe."
Even the harshest critics of President Obama, assuming they have any sense of decency, will have to concede that the country is better off than it was 8 years ago.
266
Of course we are better off than we were 8 years ago. A person would have to have their head in the sand not to know that. Look at your IRA if you are lucky enough to have one. Look at how many people have employment (tho we all know wages have kept up). The middle east is still a problem, but it was definitely was not caused by Obama. He's dammed if he does and dammed if he doesn't.
2
It is unfortunate, but few of his critics have any decency.
5
Just watch Jeb! shake his head "no" as he talks. Subliminally even he knows he's a fool.
4
We all know what they are against, but the offer little that they are for. For as many times as the House (and recently the whole Congress) has voted to dismantle the ACA, the GOP does not offer a solid, reasonable replacement for health care. They vaguely indicate that they would keep the more popular elements of the ACA, e.g., eliminating the 'pre-existing condition' block in getting insurance, but want to do away with the mandate which makes that element actually work financially.
The poll beside the column says a lot - and it says nothing. 89% of Republicans think Mr. Obama should "do" more about ISIS. What does that mean? Shall we send our young men and women into combat across the ME & N. Africa? Are these GOP folks willing to send their own sons and daughters to slog through the sands encountering folks who will video tape their sons and daughters being beheaded if they are caught? OR would they like us to 'carpet bomb' the whole area (including women and children) because, after all, civilians living in the area are irrelevant? The GOP candidates grandstand - Mr. Trump will "take care of ISIS" (wonder what he will do on his second day in office?) - Mr. Cruz will carpet bomb - such tough talk, but no real solutions. I hope the GOP voters walk up and begin to actually think about what these guys are saying. If not, we may all find ourselves in a waking nightmare.
The poll beside the column says a lot - and it says nothing. 89% of Republicans think Mr. Obama should "do" more about ISIS. What does that mean? Shall we send our young men and women into combat across the ME & N. Africa? Are these GOP folks willing to send their own sons and daughters to slog through the sands encountering folks who will video tape their sons and daughters being beheaded if they are caught? OR would they like us to 'carpet bomb' the whole area (including women and children) because, after all, civilians living in the area are irrelevant? The GOP candidates grandstand - Mr. Trump will "take care of ISIS" (wonder what he will do on his second day in office?) - Mr. Cruz will carpet bomb - such tough talk, but no real solutions. I hope the GOP voters walk up and begin to actually think about what these guys are saying. If not, we may all find ourselves in a waking nightmare.
23
This country rose as one to be the Arsenal of Democracy and save the world in the 40s. Then rallied it's most brilliant minds and brave souls to step on another world in the 60s.
And now, we are becoming and terrified mess of Casandras, finding the bogeyman lurking in every corner.
World's Police? We're Barney Fife...
And now, we are becoming and terrified mess of Casandras, finding the bogeyman lurking in every corner.
World's Police? We're Barney Fife...
10
Well, unlike the GOP, Cassandra turned out to be right. It would be more accurate to call today's GOP (candidates, strategists and money men alike) a bunch of "Chicken (hawk) Littles" racing around sounding the alarm about a sky that's nowhere close to falling.
2
I agree 100%. It's a stark contrast between doomsday shouting by the GOP and Democratic pragmatic assessment of what ails America, and how to fix it.
The Republicans are trying to scare themselves into the White House. The Democrats are trying to reassure Americans that so much of the hype surrounding GOP fears simply doesn't reflect reality. that yes, there are challenges, but there always are and who better to fix them than us.
Last week was the most Orwellian of the entire campaign. You had a President whose entire State of the Union was built on rejecting the apocalyptic shouting of Trump, Cruz, Rubio et al. Mr. Obama presented real facts, real figures, and a proper pinpointing of continuing problems, some of which can be directly to Republican policies: an unjust tax system, gun violence, rapid acceleration of climate change,, and the looming threat of another economic debacle resulting from weakening of financial regulations.
The GOP debate two days later was straight out of Hollywood, painting America on the Eve of Destruction with Republicans the only ones capable of bringing us back from the brink.
But Democrats can point to real figures and statistics to prove the point and determine policy. The GOP never really spells out what they're planning to do to "save America" other than plans for bigger wars, better deals for "job creators" (assuming there are any), erecting walls to keep out Mexicans and Muslims.
Voters are right to be scared. Very scared.
The Republicans are trying to scare themselves into the White House. The Democrats are trying to reassure Americans that so much of the hype surrounding GOP fears simply doesn't reflect reality. that yes, there are challenges, but there always are and who better to fix them than us.
Last week was the most Orwellian of the entire campaign. You had a President whose entire State of the Union was built on rejecting the apocalyptic shouting of Trump, Cruz, Rubio et al. Mr. Obama presented real facts, real figures, and a proper pinpointing of continuing problems, some of which can be directly to Republican policies: an unjust tax system, gun violence, rapid acceleration of climate change,, and the looming threat of another economic debacle resulting from weakening of financial regulations.
The GOP debate two days later was straight out of Hollywood, painting America on the Eve of Destruction with Republicans the only ones capable of bringing us back from the brink.
But Democrats can point to real figures and statistics to prove the point and determine policy. The GOP never really spells out what they're planning to do to "save America" other than plans for bigger wars, better deals for "job creators" (assuming there are any), erecting walls to keep out Mexicans and Muslims.
Voters are right to be scared. Very scared.
44
The problem Mr. Blow identifies is why it's wrong and irresponsible for the media to keep terming the right wing of the Republican Party as "conservative." A conservative, by definition, wants to "conserve" the status quo. The Republican extremists hate the status quo; in fact, nearly half a century of the "Southern Strategy" has pushed them nauseatingly close to rejecting all of the ideals that make America America. They do not want to "make America great again," because to do so would mean sharing some of the fruits of that greatness to those they've been taught and allowed to hate, in return for handing their vote over to the Greed and Oligarchy Party. They want to replace America with sort of a white-privilege North Korea - as is obvious from their polling.
24
Charles Blow writes "Bernie Sanders has identified Wall Street greed, the “casino capitalist process” and income inequality as the enemy"
The difference between Bernies issue and the other issues is that is what American voters, as opposed to American pundits care about. The overnight voters polls are in as to who won the democratic debate follow :
“The polls:
New Jersey.com True Jersey overwhelmingly for Sanders.
Slate overwhelmingly for Sander
Time overwhelmingly for Sanders
Palm Beach Post overwhelmingly for Sanders
Fox overwhelmingly for Sanders
CBS News strongly for Clinton
Christian Science Monitor unclear winner
And from abroad, the Telegraph, whose analysts proclaimed Clinton the winner but the online poll tagged Sanders the winner by an overwhelming majority. “
Keep in mind NBC NEWS is owned by Comcast in bed with UBC Bank. So that must be a poll of bankers. I checked a few of these polls and overwhelmingly usually means greater that %70 for Bernie. This pretty much proves how clueless all the pundits are. Who are they in bed with?
The difference between Bernies issue and the other issues is that is what American voters, as opposed to American pundits care about. The overnight voters polls are in as to who won the democratic debate follow :
“The polls:
New Jersey.com True Jersey overwhelmingly for Sanders.
Slate overwhelmingly for Sander
Time overwhelmingly for Sanders
Palm Beach Post overwhelmingly for Sanders
Fox overwhelmingly for Sanders
CBS News strongly for Clinton
Christian Science Monitor unclear winner
And from abroad, the Telegraph, whose analysts proclaimed Clinton the winner but the online poll tagged Sanders the winner by an overwhelming majority. “
Keep in mind NBC NEWS is owned by Comcast in bed with UBC Bank. So that must be a poll of bankers. I checked a few of these polls and overwhelmingly usually means greater that %70 for Bernie. This pretty much proves how clueless all the pundits are. Who are they in bed with?
9
Times bias in favor of Clinton is disappointing.
7
Online polls only reflect how many supporters clicked. Also,how many times they voted. Real polls are not yet out.
1
I don't think the pundits are clueless. I think the pundits are being told what to say. Let's hope that when it comes time to vote that people vote their conscience and not according to what the pundits are saying.
The lack of news coverage on Sanders is genuinely disturbing.
The lack of news coverage on Sanders is genuinely disturbing.
1
"a group of hyperbolic doomsayers"
This nonsense began in Jan. 2009, and has never ceased.
The implication is racial. Subtext: look at what this black president has done to this country. The sky is falling.
A vote for the GOP is a vote for vacuous fantasy.
This nonsense began in Jan. 2009, and has never ceased.
The implication is racial. Subtext: look at what this black president has done to this country. The sky is falling.
A vote for the GOP is a vote for vacuous fantasy.
36
The message of doom plays well with primary politics. It brings easy small minded sound bites to people who have small minded goals.
Where it will not play well is the general election and with sustaining a team. Negative energy begets negative energy. Honestly I'm not sure how the current republican candidates can stand themselves.
If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until it gets so ugly you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. ~Roald Dahl
Where it will not play well is the general election and with sustaining a team. Negative energy begets negative energy. Honestly I'm not sure how the current republican candidates can stand themselves.
If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until it gets so ugly you can hardly bear to look at it. A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. ~Roald Dahl
11
I read somewhere recently that a person has, at fifty, the face they deserve. I think of Carly Fiorina and Ted Cruz and they certainly have the faces they deserve - mean, twisted, pinched. Look at President Obama's face - open, lively, full of life and love, wonderful, genuine smile, great sense of humor - it all shows on his face. I pray no mean-faced person makes it to the White House.
7
This country is not in a hopeful mood. Almost eight years of a large chunk of the media dwelling on the negatives (Fox News and its sister network CNN, also in search of a conservative audience) has left people fearful and dissatisfied. ISIS attacks will play right through this election cycle. So it will come as no surprise if there will be a series a terrorist attacks staged right before the election. Republican strategy and comments are exactly what ISIS seeks, more U.S. military involvement in the Mid East and blanket condemnation of Muslims. Americans have always been fickle and can be easily influenced by the most current events. Republicans are betting terrorism will be front and center in the publics' mind, right up until they walk into that voting booth.
4
Charles, you write largely about race and gender issues, so you will be forgiven for not understanding why so many Americans are upset and anxious after 8 successful years led by President Obama.
The labor participation rate is 62%, the lowest it's been in four decades. Obama constantly talks about monthly job increases and unemployment, but neglects to mention the 10 million Americans no longer actively seeking employment.
Perhaps that doesn't register on your list of needs, but I can assure you that it is a big part of why GOP candidates are out-shouting each other right now.
Let's hold our fire until after the Sanders/Clinton nomination process is more clear. Once the two parties have coalesced on a candidate, we can engage in a real debate about who will correct the 8 years under Obama. If you truly believe that his leadership has been successful, you are on the wrong side of the country (his job approval is among the lowest recorded); and he has deployed divisive rhetoric at every turn to inflame anger among voting blocs.
Obama in the White House has been akin to an inexperienced driver navigating a snow storm behind the wheel of an automobile. Americans cannot stomach too much more of this, and that is why "apocalypse", your word, is connected with our present condition.
The labor participation rate is 62%, the lowest it's been in four decades. Obama constantly talks about monthly job increases and unemployment, but neglects to mention the 10 million Americans no longer actively seeking employment.
Perhaps that doesn't register on your list of needs, but I can assure you that it is a big part of why GOP candidates are out-shouting each other right now.
Let's hold our fire until after the Sanders/Clinton nomination process is more clear. Once the two parties have coalesced on a candidate, we can engage in a real debate about who will correct the 8 years under Obama. If you truly believe that his leadership has been successful, you are on the wrong side of the country (his job approval is among the lowest recorded); and he has deployed divisive rhetoric at every turn to inflame anger among voting blocs.
Obama in the White House has been akin to an inexperienced driver navigating a snow storm behind the wheel of an automobile. Americans cannot stomach too much more of this, and that is why "apocalypse", your word, is connected with our present condition.
3
In your post, I see the usual radio show/pundit talking points. But examine what you're saying a little more closely. Divisive rhetoric? If anything, Obama's has pleaded for communication and compromise between the parties. Please give an example to support your statement.
11
The labor participation rate will of course go down compared to the last four decades because of the demographics of the baby boom and increased life expectancy as well as the diminution of unions which would more adequately protect the employment of more senior members.
Strangely enough, you speak of Obama's inexperience as a reason Americans are turning to even less experienced candidates. The snowstorm Obama has had to navigate is the cold, white reception engineered and exacerbated by the GOP.
Strangely enough, you speak of Obama's inexperience as a reason Americans are turning to even less experienced candidates. The snowstorm Obama has had to navigate is the cold, white reception engineered and exacerbated by the GOP.
14
You are implying his general job approval is among the lowest in history. No, it is about 45%, much higher than the previous White House occupant's. As for the low work force participation, as Krugman and others have pointed out, only a small fraction of those unemployed are people seeking jobs that can't get them. Most of the increase has been due to the baby boomers' retirement. I'm guessing you are aware of these facts, which completely undercut your argument.
12
While I am pretty sure none of the candidates on either side understand it, the massive debt expansion in the economy, aided and abetted by the government, is a ticking time bomb and has already started to explode.
The next President will have the misfortune of this disaster as it unwinds itself.
The best Obama can do is pray it holds off for just a while longer.
The next President will have the misfortune of this disaster as it unwinds itself.
The best Obama can do is pray it holds off for just a while longer.
1
How can anyone hope to reduce their debt while at the same time reducing their income (AKA tax cuts)? Want to reduce the debt - start cutting tax breaks.
6
The President has cut the deficit by two-thirds. The time bomb has been defused. Given that all of the Republicans economic plans have been independently assessed as adding many trillions to the debt, if any of them get elected your timb bomb will become an atomic bomb. Although far from perfect on the deficit, Democratic candidates' proposals are in much better shape regarding the balance between revenue and expenditures.
2
The GOP is up to their usual tricks. Say the lie often enough and people start to believe it. Repeat the doom and gloom and scare the heck out of folks. That and gerrymandering are all they know how to do.
14
There are two possibilities.
First, the GOP candidates are hypocrites catering to the fears of their base. Ever since the 1968 "southern strategy" they have run, and often won, on the "us" against "them" platform. "Them" is defined as those who do not share their view that the 1950s were the lost paradise, when white men ran everything and everyone else knew their place.
The anger has been generated, in good part, because the GOP has promised this but never delivered. The plutocracy that has controlled that party is more interested in tax cuts for the wealthy and lowering business costs by exporting jobs and importing cheap goods. The anger has now become more intense by their realization that demographically the United States will become a majority-minority nation within many of their lifetimes.
But, on the other hand, what if the candidates really believe what they are saying?
First, the GOP candidates are hypocrites catering to the fears of their base. Ever since the 1968 "southern strategy" they have run, and often won, on the "us" against "them" platform. "Them" is defined as those who do not share their view that the 1950s were the lost paradise, when white men ran everything and everyone else knew their place.
The anger has been generated, in good part, because the GOP has promised this but never delivered. The plutocracy that has controlled that party is more interested in tax cuts for the wealthy and lowering business costs by exporting jobs and importing cheap goods. The anger has now become more intense by their realization that demographically the United States will become a majority-minority nation within many of their lifetimes.
But, on the other hand, what if the candidates really believe what they are saying?
5
The apocalypse is always just ahead in Republican politics. But it's just another one of their false promises. Nothing ever goes off the tracks the way they predict. Nothing is ever as awful as they say it will be. Health insurance reform is working ok, not as predicted. We as a country have generally been pretty safe from mass terrorist attacks, not as predicted. The economy has been improving, not as predicted. The wealthy are still doing fine, not as predicted. Immigrants haven't stolen all our jobs, not as predicted. Our country has failed to fail. Shame on us.
10
It appears that perhaps more than the disaffection of its party base, it's rather the misplaced fear of its own extremist fringe, as also the occupation of the centrestage by the rank outsiders like Donald Trump that has driven the Republican campaign for the presidential race towards extreme negativity and projecting an apocalypse.
1
Right. In 2008, before Obama took office we were close to a repetition of Black October in 1929 and the Great Depression that followed. Tens of millions of Americans were living without any effective access to health care, and there was no prospect of that changing -- at least not if the Republicans had anything to say about it. (Remember their retreat from "Romney-care" -- something which Eisenhower, Nixon and Reagan and Bush 1 would all have embraced) once the Democracts moved towards that position.
And they seriously argue that the situation now is somehow worse? Talk about selective memories!
And they seriously argue that the situation now is somehow worse? Talk about selective memories!
14
I think Mr. Blow captured very well the heart of what's so disturbing about these candidates. They couldn't possibly believe much of the disaster they describe. It's is if they just learned English and can only speak in superlatives. and even more frightening than most of the candidates is the realization that millions of voters love what they're peddling, and font confuse them with the facts. but then, who would watch the WWE or Jerry Springer if it was a reasoned, if passionate, interaction?
232
Bernice Sanders speaking "revolution" every other word and his and Hilary's dismal plans to tax everyone they can whenever they can are pessimistic enough for this economy.
2
What's going on here is simply politics. It's a struggle for power. In the case of the Republicans this year, their particular struggle is calling on an ancient ally to help them win hearts and minds of voters: lost cause mythology. Lost cause mythology has a number of aspects, the most important of which are (a) the very human psychological tendency to idealize the past, remembering the positive parts and discounting the less-than-positive parts and (b) the equally human psychological tendency to push inner, mostly self-caused frustrations outward onto scapegoats, blaming others for stirring up trouble that actually (mostly) lies within is and not without us.
The country is especially susceptible to "lost cause" thinking right now for a number of reasons: the near-depression that started in 2007 and that has only slowly resolved, the continued demographic and economic shift to urban and suburban centers away from rural settlements, the growing economic inequality that Piketty's research uncovered and that so many now sense in their daily lives as the media fascinates and hypnotizes by showing (and selling) lifestyles that are increasingly exotic and unattainable except by life's few and very mysterious lottery winners.
The Fascists of 20th Century Europe gained and held power using lost cause ideology, as did the Ku Klux Klan and the defeated white power structure in the American south in the second half of the 19th Century in America. Today's Republicans are at it again.
The country is especially susceptible to "lost cause" thinking right now for a number of reasons: the near-depression that started in 2007 and that has only slowly resolved, the continued demographic and economic shift to urban and suburban centers away from rural settlements, the growing economic inequality that Piketty's research uncovered and that so many now sense in their daily lives as the media fascinates and hypnotizes by showing (and selling) lifestyles that are increasingly exotic and unattainable except by life's few and very mysterious lottery winners.
The Fascists of 20th Century Europe gained and held power using lost cause ideology, as did the Ku Klux Klan and the defeated white power structure in the American south in the second half of the 19th Century in America. Today's Republicans are at it again.
19
Think about what all of these candidates have told us they would do if elected (especially if they keep control of Congress). Lower taxes to the wealthiest Americans to the point that our deficit skyrockets. Roll back as many social programs as possible due the towering deficit. Amend the Constitution to be one man one woman marriage or failing that, give the right to discriminate whenever one wants to, as long as you claim "strongly held religious belief". Eliminate a woman's right to choose. Start a war or two (whether any of our allies join us or not....and probably not). Turn our healthcare over to corporations while removing any restrictions currently in place. Release the financial industry to go wild in the streets without any supervision.
Now that's apocalyptic.
Now that's apocalyptic.
23
Bad things can happen to good people, like G.W. Bush happened to America. It can happen again. All the GOP lacks in terms of levers of power is the Presidency.
9
Not to mention Chris Christie even tried to pique our imagination as his big large foot would impact with President Obama's derriere (although Christie used a crude way of expressing it) "to get Obama out of office" in the fall.
Really? Mr. Christie? The same derriere that was next to you in your Sandy desperation? Remember, when there really was a disaster. A real disaster mess that your president helped you mend?
The only way the Republicans could think of winning is to paint this grim picture and they think they are so good at it. And the word mess. Oh how we can picture messes! Never mind the messes that Barack Obama cleaned up after George Bush flew back to Texas in 2009. Messy banks, messy automobile manufacturers, messy job losses.
Hillary Clinton has alluded her support to President Obama cleaning up those messes. But no one needs a maid's apron to do it.
If they want to speak about messes, perhaps voters would be better off to think about messes of 2008.....It makes Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama look like the biggest mess Cleaners ever.
Republicans make messes, the Ronald Reagan don't speak-about-HIV mess, the let's take away mental health benefits and leave people homeless mess.
The George W. Bush war on terror mess.
Let's really talk about who has cleaned up messes. The Democrats have gotten their hands dirty cleaning up Republican messes, but they did it.
Let's not forget it.
Really? Mr. Christie? The same derriere that was next to you in your Sandy desperation? Remember, when there really was a disaster. A real disaster mess that your president helped you mend?
The only way the Republicans could think of winning is to paint this grim picture and they think they are so good at it. And the word mess. Oh how we can picture messes! Never mind the messes that Barack Obama cleaned up after George Bush flew back to Texas in 2009. Messy banks, messy automobile manufacturers, messy job losses.
Hillary Clinton has alluded her support to President Obama cleaning up those messes. But no one needs a maid's apron to do it.
If they want to speak about messes, perhaps voters would be better off to think about messes of 2008.....It makes Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama look like the biggest mess Cleaners ever.
Republicans make messes, the Ronald Reagan don't speak-about-HIV mess, the let's take away mental health benefits and leave people homeless mess.
The George W. Bush war on terror mess.
Let's really talk about who has cleaned up messes. The Democrats have gotten their hands dirty cleaning up Republican messes, but they did it.
Let's not forget it.
142
It is always easier to criticize than to create, to burn down than to build, to raze than to raise up.
As Teddy Roosevelt's said in his oft quoted speech at the Sorbonne in 1910:
It's not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena...
America talks to one another In every grocery store, school meeting, office, living room and backyard., and mostly, these days, we talk about finding a leader. A man or woman who can lead - truly lead - showing us real world practical progress on those issues that are critical to us.
In order to be able to identify and vote for such a person we need to understand your goals are and how will you accomplish them. What will you do in the next four years with the time, money and power we will give you if we make you our President?
And most importantly, perhaps, how will you make us want to go there with you? We want to look forward to those four years. We want to feel that you need us, that we're an integral part of this nation you envision, that we are the people that you intend to be "of" and "for". We want to dream again.
Tell us, Republicans, what would you build in the ruins of what you would tear down? What would you create in the stead of what you now criticize? What would you raise after you raze?
As Teddy Roosevelt's said in his oft quoted speech at the Sorbonne in 1910:
It's not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena...
America talks to one another In every grocery store, school meeting, office, living room and backyard., and mostly, these days, we talk about finding a leader. A man or woman who can lead - truly lead - showing us real world practical progress on those issues that are critical to us.
In order to be able to identify and vote for such a person we need to understand your goals are and how will you accomplish them. What will you do in the next four years with the time, money and power we will give you if we make you our President?
And most importantly, perhaps, how will you make us want to go there with you? We want to look forward to those four years. We want to feel that you need us, that we're an integral part of this nation you envision, that we are the people that you intend to be "of" and "for". We want to dream again.
Tell us, Republicans, what would you build in the ruins of what you would tear down? What would you create in the stead of what you now criticize? What would you raise after you raze?
25
@Nancy Parker: Don't worry! Paul Ryan's got a plan, all our prayers will be answered, poverty will be wiped out, all will be well. Just wait for it!
Snark.
Snark.
3
They're all projecting. THEY are the mess, the imminent disasters if elected, and one by one they're all trying to off-load that latent realization onto Clinton.
15
YES, MR. BLOW AND IT COULD HAVE OTHER TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES . . .
...as it may become a self fulfilling prophesy. Just look at the media (especially TV and the popular movies) and you will se that much of this thinking has become a part of the unconscious and subconscious ... and consider the "Living Dead" venues the many movies that talk about the coming of the end.
This approach is coming from somewhere and the G. O. P. playing to get appeal from the Born Again and Evangelic crowd is surely part of the problem ... the Bibles and gun demographic.
...as it may become a self fulfilling prophesy. Just look at the media (especially TV and the popular movies) and you will se that much of this thinking has become a part of the unconscious and subconscious ... and consider the "Living Dead" venues the many movies that talk about the coming of the end.
This approach is coming from somewhere and the G. O. P. playing to get appeal from the Born Again and Evangelic crowd is surely part of the problem ... the Bibles and gun demographic.
9
Charles, the GOP'ers can't talk about their own policies, which would be a return to the Dubya years, only worse-erererer, so they construct an alternate Fantasy of Now hoping to prevent a continuation of Dem control of the White House.
GOP'ers dare not tell Americans they want to return to the Bush years - after all, they see Jeb! can't even use his last name anymore - GOP'ers just throwing stuff at the walls (from 17 candidates' campaigns !) hoping enough stuff sticks with enough sectors of the electorate that GOP'ers can take advantage of how hard it is for one party to get 3 consecutive White House terms.
GOP'ers don't care whether their tactics hurt the country or not, they just want to get back to the Oval in order to make judicial appointments:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/04/mitch-mcconnell-obama-judges_n_...
enact the Ryan budget plan, and wage war with Iran.
GOP'ers dare not tell Americans they want to return to the Bush years - after all, they see Jeb! can't even use his last name anymore - GOP'ers just throwing stuff at the walls (from 17 candidates' campaigns !) hoping enough stuff sticks with enough sectors of the electorate that GOP'ers can take advantage of how hard it is for one party to get 3 consecutive White House terms.
GOP'ers don't care whether their tactics hurt the country or not, they just want to get back to the Oval in order to make judicial appointments:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/04/mitch-mcconnell-obama-judges_n_...
enact the Ryan budget plan, and wage war with Iran.
24
Contrasts are in order: Barack Obama lead the UN Security Council permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, with Germany and the European Union to a historic agreement! It shut down 12,000 nuclear centrifuges, poured concrete into the core of an Iranian plutonium reactor, and shipped 8.5 tons of enriched uranium out of Iran, verified by unprecedented access by the International Atomic Agency which certified the conditions placed on Iran had been met. This accord was transacted as US sanctions against Russia for its Crimea activities remained in place, and as the US began exporting oil and gas to international markets (a tankers is steaming from Corpus Christi on the way to Bavaria!), directly into the heart of Russia's monopoly energy markets, its principal source of revenue. Literally overnight, without a shot, in the case of the 10 US sailors, the US turned a hardened adversary into a negotiating partner.
Not one of the Republican candidates who declared, withdrew, or remain in the race possess the will or vision to accomplish this complex landmark accord--shown in their withering reactions to its initiatives and success. One evaluates foes by saying, "he's a nasty guy; nobody likes him." Others wrap themselves in the flag with bellicose quarrels. But they are silent as Michigan's GOP administration serves Flint the leaded kool-aid. If GOP voters are not, the world is watching this group with diminished expectations.
Not one of the Republican candidates who declared, withdrew, or remain in the race possess the will or vision to accomplish this complex landmark accord--shown in their withering reactions to its initiatives and success. One evaluates foes by saying, "he's a nasty guy; nobody likes him." Others wrap themselves in the flag with bellicose quarrels. But they are silent as Michigan's GOP administration serves Flint the leaded kool-aid. If GOP voters are not, the world is watching this group with diminished expectations.
382
But this is yet another example of Republicans claiming that up is down and being completely unhinged from reality.
Each of these candidates has claimed at some point that the Iran deal was disastrous and will lead to an apocalypse (many of them have even used the word "apocalypse."). In their bizarro world, having Iran agree to dismantle their nuclear weapons program is allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons. For them, war is the only acceptable solution; military action is not only the appropriate response to every foreign policy dilemma, but the ONLY appropriate response. They see diplomacy as weakness, and negotiating with the Iranians as "treason."
Each of these candidates has claimed at some point that the Iran deal was disastrous and will lead to an apocalypse (many of them have even used the word "apocalypse."). In their bizarro world, having Iran agree to dismantle their nuclear weapons program is allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons. For them, war is the only acceptable solution; military action is not only the appropriate response to every foreign policy dilemma, but the ONLY appropriate response. They see diplomacy as weakness, and negotiating with the Iranians as "treason."
5
And religion. Don't forget that, Walter. They wrap themselves in their religious coat, as Marco Rubio did in his latest video, as Ted Cruz does constantly, as John Kasich does (he says we need a Judeo-Christian 'Voice of America' targeting the Middle East!!), Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum (yes, they're still running), Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Bobby Jindal ('suspended' campaigns), Jeb! (almost forgot Jeb!) and, of course, that sincerely religious Republican leader, Donald Trump.
I'm sick to death of these people using their god this way. The Founders knew to survive we had to move away from the European model and all their religious wars and discrimination and state religions. They had the wisdom to do the absolutely right thing. Now all these clowns say the Founders didn't mean we have freedom FROM religion, only freedom OF religion!! I guess we're all supposed to pick one - and guess which one will be the only 'acceptable' one. We are NOT a Theocracy, no matter what Ted Cruz and his crazy Dominionist father and followers do or say in trying to make us one. These people want power over all of us. They are serious. They are scary (I am much more frightened of Ted Cruz and how he can affect my life than I am of ISIS). And they must be stopped.
I'm sick to death of these people using their god this way. The Founders knew to survive we had to move away from the European model and all their religious wars and discrimination and state religions. They had the wisdom to do the absolutely right thing. Now all these clowns say the Founders didn't mean we have freedom FROM religion, only freedom OF religion!! I guess we're all supposed to pick one - and guess which one will be the only 'acceptable' one. We are NOT a Theocracy, no matter what Ted Cruz and his crazy Dominionist father and followers do or say in trying to make us one. These people want power over all of us. They are serious. They are scary (I am much more frightened of Ted Cruz and how he can affect my life than I am of ISIS). And they must be stopped.
8
Mr. Rhett, brilliantly stated. I live in Manhattan, supposedly very liberal, and most people I know think the Iran deal makes the US weak. Lack of information, even amongst the well educated, is frighteningly abundant.
2
The deep irony of the R's depiction of the "mess" in Washington is that they are largely responsible for creating it. Throughout the Obama presidency they have done everything they could to subvert the federal government and foment the public's mistrust of it. Now they have the gall to pose as crusaders ready to clean up the "mess." Truly Orwellian, but sadly it's all too likely that many voters will fall for their big lie.
167
Creating the mess then running on fixing it has always worked in the past for Republicans. Why give up on a winning strategy?
4
Sorry to say this, Sanders fans, but if the right wanted to create a candidate to fracture the opposition so as to allow a Republican to win, Bernie would be the model.... angry, deceptive, sometimes incoherent, delusional.... And guess what? That's exactly what the right wants. I wouldn't at all be surprised if he gets a lot of 'stealth contributions' from the right.
A Sanders presidency would be remarkable for it's inability to get anything done, while Wall St and the gun lobby would run amuck, and foreign policy would be left to an arms-manufacturer pandering Congress.
Why do they hate/fear/smear Hillary (they've been doing it for 8 years or more)... because she can DELIVER real change. Maybe she won't usher in a return to Eden, but democracy can't and shouldn't be burdened with getting us there. But Bernie would leave us far closer to the shores of the Styx.
Real, pragmatic reformers are passionate about their flawed heroine. Too many Bernie fans, instead, are playing into the hands of the Koch brothers.
Wake up to the real dangers of Bernie...
A Sanders presidency would be remarkable for it's inability to get anything done, while Wall St and the gun lobby would run amuck, and foreign policy would be left to an arms-manufacturer pandering Congress.
Why do they hate/fear/smear Hillary (they've been doing it for 8 years or more)... because she can DELIVER real change. Maybe she won't usher in a return to Eden, but democracy can't and shouldn't be burdened with getting us there. But Bernie would leave us far closer to the shores of the Styx.
Real, pragmatic reformers are passionate about their flawed heroine. Too many Bernie fans, instead, are playing into the hands of the Koch brothers.
Wake up to the real dangers of Bernie...
11
Last night Bill Maher apologized to Al Gore for his support of Ralph Nader in 2000. If the Democrats lose the White House in November, there will not be enough apologies in the world from Sanders supporters to make up for what will happen to the U.S. Supreme Court.
6
Or they are hoping that people hearing them will run for shelter shouting, "do whatever it takes, don't tell me about it, just do it," while they do what their wealthy donors want them to do. And that is not a pretty sight -- that is the disaster they are planning.
6
In their doom and overwhelming gloom about the current status of America, the Republican candidates are trying to surf the wave built by constant negative media created through Fox Faked News (FFN), right wing radio and hundreds of hard, hard right websites and the anti-Obamaism that infects part of our nation. They all predicted disaster from this president, so, if they have to, they will churn it up on their own
The candidates are also feeding on the general negativity generated through seven years of attacks on Obamacare, attacks that began before any specific plan was even proposed. Because the Republican House refused to back-off, because their comments ranged from "disaster" to the end of all American freedoms, they have a willing cohort of voters who believe, even if they get benefits from it, that the law must be ended. There was even a case mentioned in straight media in recent times about a man in Ky. who is able to live because of the care he gets through expanded Medicare, but then supports the pledge of the newly elected governor to roll it back. How can anyone argue with that level of negativity? You can't. It is unassailable by any reason or logic.
How big this negative wave flowing over voters? It is likely much smaller than the Republican candidates believe. In the end, people vote not mainly to stop bad things, but to have the potential to bring good things to their lives. No Republican has any such plans. The program is all anti-Obama, all the time.
The candidates are also feeding on the general negativity generated through seven years of attacks on Obamacare, attacks that began before any specific plan was even proposed. Because the Republican House refused to back-off, because their comments ranged from "disaster" to the end of all American freedoms, they have a willing cohort of voters who believe, even if they get benefits from it, that the law must be ended. There was even a case mentioned in straight media in recent times about a man in Ky. who is able to live because of the care he gets through expanded Medicare, but then supports the pledge of the newly elected governor to roll it back. How can anyone argue with that level of negativity? You can't. It is unassailable by any reason or logic.
How big this negative wave flowing over voters? It is likely much smaller than the Republican candidates believe. In the end, people vote not mainly to stop bad things, but to have the potential to bring good things to their lives. No Republican has any such plans. The program is all anti-Obama, all the time.
588
I agree, Mr. Terry, and am SO sick of living in the Rupert Mrudoch (fox so-called news/Wall Street Journal)/ESPN/Comcast world of news and entertainment - violence, anger, hate, fear and programs that constantly show women as threatened, weak, victims and/or evil. What a hateful climate they are trying to create to increase their power and profits. Senator Bernie Sanders should add breaking up BIG entertainment/communications/media conglomerates along with banks.
6
I hope you are right! I am very scared; if Hillary is losing to Bernie, what happens when she goes up against Trump, Cruz or Rubio?
I'm alternately fascinated and terrified by this election. The Republican candidates are being crushed by Trump, a man who hasn't offered a single cogent idea about governing. The Democratic side has "Bernie or Bust" supporters who actually say they won't vote at all if Hillary gets the nomination, such is their committment to purity. It all bodes ill for our country.
21
What I think most about this election is we liberals need to watch our P's & Q's when it comes to calling people on the Right low information and living in a bubble. We have our own very entrenched faction that does the very same thing and they will no more listen to reason than the Right.
5
Your article reminds me, CB, how dangerous it is for people like me to judge by our personal criteria. If someone really believes in the Rapture, and many do, it makes sense to get it over ASAP. Why try to believe in progress?
Bernie makes a serious mistake of not understanding America. Issues, yes. But Americans are very conservative. Talk of revolution and of demonizing Wall St is counterproductive. Sure, curb excess. But demonize? No. What on earth kind of state and economy does Bernie imagine if he abolishes Wall St? Or how can he imagine that the POTUS has the power to deliver such promises without Congress?
However, the GOP candidates are beyond shocking. No lies or distortions are out of bounds. We might dismiss them as delusional, but they are the canaries in the mine. And our mine is filled with deadly gas.
Bernie makes a serious mistake of not understanding America. Issues, yes. But Americans are very conservative. Talk of revolution and of demonizing Wall St is counterproductive. Sure, curb excess. But demonize? No. What on earth kind of state and economy does Bernie imagine if he abolishes Wall St? Or how can he imagine that the POTUS has the power to deliver such promises without Congress?
However, the GOP candidates are beyond shocking. No lies or distortions are out of bounds. We might dismiss them as delusional, but they are the canaries in the mine. And our mine is filled with deadly gas.
4
Can't figure you out, Mr. Blow.
Are you saying the Republican candidates should pretend that things are improving here in America and there is a strong reason for optimism?
If so, can you point us to what has made you so hopeful in this column? Has the "Black Lives Matter" group concerns been properly addressed, in your book? And the economic recession still facing black America and working-class white America? Are you cool with that now?
If now, serious voters understand, this is how you translate your ongoing gripes, complaints and legitimate concerns into action. You remain realistic and vote.
Good luck if you are peddling a Pollyannaish future, all to convince readers that the country is truly on a good path, getting better and we all just need to give it more time...
(the dead black lives are unable to comment, and it appears you are forgetting them, and their mothers, here?)
Are you saying the Republican candidates should pretend that things are improving here in America and there is a strong reason for optimism?
If so, can you point us to what has made you so hopeful in this column? Has the "Black Lives Matter" group concerns been properly addressed, in your book? And the economic recession still facing black America and working-class white America? Are you cool with that now?
If now, serious voters understand, this is how you translate your ongoing gripes, complaints and legitimate concerns into action. You remain realistic and vote.
Good luck if you are peddling a Pollyannaish future, all to convince readers that the country is truly on a good path, getting better and we all just need to give it more time...
(the dead black lives are unable to comment, and it appears you are forgetting them, and their mothers, here?)
2
Can't figure you out, Mr. Midway. Are you saying that the protests such as those by the "Black Lives Matter" group haven't led to a needed soul-searching on the part of the American public and that no administrations have taken steps such as additional training, body-cam programs, community outreach, etc.? And that in spite of the roadblocks set up by some of those very same candidates decrying the lack of action, that the economy has improved from the freefall it was in at the end of the last Republican administration? I believe just that the middle class is willing to listen to some of the concerns that Black Lives Matter and Occupy Wall Street have shined a spotlight on is a strong reason for optimism. Your examples are actually examples that we are on a good path. But you would have us find our way back to the road of 2001 - 2008. It appears you are forgetting where that was taking us.
8
The only thing the GOP debate was lacking is the most prominent Republican in America. A war hawk, Wall Street owned defender of NeoLiberal trade policy and a compromiser of everything important to working people. A member of the 1%.
Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Hillary Rodham Clinton.
2
It is the "people", not the President that will "change" things. Absent a Congress that will act ( think Dems in post WW2) and legislate, the President is best as Commander in Chief. Think Lincoln, Roosevelt, Eisenhower and JFK. Finally, real social change comes from the dedication and passion of a single man or woman who begins with a small group. How fitting that we celebrate the birthday of MLK today. " Thought I saw him, walkin' up over the hill,......."
19
Republicans made this bed for themselves when they decided the national good was secondary to regaining the Congress and White House. The loathing of President Obama, the opposition to healthcare reform, the blocking of nearly everything else.
Add the call to those who feel marginalized, many due to an African American in the White House, and you have a party that has fed off fear and loathing to the point they have nowhere else to go.
Republicans can't speak well of anything that's happened in the past seven years. The ACA, 5% unemployment, a nuclear deal with Iran, hostages freed, deficit cut by nearly three-fourths - all garbage because they happened while Obama was President.
The candidates all offer supply-side economics and neocon foreign policy as if the past thirty years didn't show the weaknesses of those ideas.
The Republican party is out of ideas...and out of the capacity to think rationally.
It will not likely get better before November has come and gone.
Add the call to those who feel marginalized, many due to an African American in the White House, and you have a party that has fed off fear and loathing to the point they have nowhere else to go.
Republicans can't speak well of anything that's happened in the past seven years. The ACA, 5% unemployment, a nuclear deal with Iran, hostages freed, deficit cut by nearly three-fourths - all garbage because they happened while Obama was President.
The candidates all offer supply-side economics and neocon foreign policy as if the past thirty years didn't show the weaknesses of those ideas.
The Republican party is out of ideas...and out of the capacity to think rationally.
It will not likely get better before November has come and gone.
183
Progressives have a wide mouth problem that those of us in the "average middle" ranks are beginning to identify: bragging about a 5% unemployment rate out of one side of their mouth, and despairing about the poor quality of jobs that are available out of the other. See the credibility gap? Problem has not been solved.
2
It`s hard to move forward when the only gear the Republicans will let us use is reverse.
12
We have offered ideas such as investment in R&D, more affordable college, early learning, a hike in the minimum wage, restraining pay day loan interest rates, investing in our infrastructure from roads and bridges to airports, rail and the electric grid.
And as to unemployment, we've been adding jobs for many tens of months. Private sector jobs. Too many are part time and too many people would like more and/or better work. But I'll take a recovery this long without a double dip so far and the leading economy in the world.
What gets tiresome is an opposition which criticizes without offering any ideas to make things better. That's called whining. It leads literally nowhere.
If you have alternatives, most of us would be happy to read what they are and comment. If all you want to do is call names and whine, we really don't much care.
And as to unemployment, we've been adding jobs for many tens of months. Private sector jobs. Too many are part time and too many people would like more and/or better work. But I'll take a recovery this long without a double dip so far and the leading economy in the world.
What gets tiresome is an opposition which criticizes without offering any ideas to make things better. That's called whining. It leads literally nowhere.
If you have alternatives, most of us would be happy to read what they are and comment. If all you want to do is call names and whine, we really don't much care.
6
I hate to say this, but the lowest common denominator loves the word mess! Using more descriptive language would cause them to run for a dictionary. Even an online version would cause distraction and that would be messy.
Anyhow, last night, was the night before MLK day and all through the debate, not a spitball was thrown, no "You're Fiyad" was state.
It was the real deal. Issues, even complex ones were addressed. Differences surfaced in Health Care, but the candidates complimented each other on Foreign Policy and more. Hillary and Bernie, agreed on how Governor Snyder, (Michigan) needed to be called out on his contemptible handling of Flint, Michigan's toxic water problem. They agreed that global warming was not a Chinese trick, and that we need infrastructure buildout across the country.
Bernie also mentioned how he would help pay for cleaning up the mess, (he never used the republican M word, but one or two might be reading this, so I did). He warned corporate America, that if elected, stashing their bucks under the pillow, the one in the Cayman Islands, will no longer be allowed!!!!
Anyhow, last night, was the night before MLK day and all through the debate, not a spitball was thrown, no "You're Fiyad" was state.
It was the real deal. Issues, even complex ones were addressed. Differences surfaced in Health Care, but the candidates complimented each other on Foreign Policy and more. Hillary and Bernie, agreed on how Governor Snyder, (Michigan) needed to be called out on his contemptible handling of Flint, Michigan's toxic water problem. They agreed that global warming was not a Chinese trick, and that we need infrastructure buildout across the country.
Bernie also mentioned how he would help pay for cleaning up the mess, (he never used the republican M word, but one or two might be reading this, so I did). He warned corporate America, that if elected, stashing their bucks under the pillow, the one in the Cayman Islands, will no longer be allowed!!!!
20
The economy is collapsing pretty quickly. the fact anyone who has stopped looking for work is considered "employed" by the unemployment numbers is telling.
5% unemployment. yeah. ok.
the walmart store closings and the sharp market drop are bad news for the incumbent party. By November the dow could easily be 5000.
Things are pretty bad. Dont kid yourself.
5% unemployment. yeah. ok.
the walmart store closings and the sharp market drop are bad news for the incumbent party. By November the dow could easily be 5000.
Things are pretty bad. Dont kid yourself.
2
And this is the point - you hope it is at 5000 so you can turn around and blame this administration. And it will serve as the basis of specious rhetoric militating for tax policy designed to transfer more wealth to the infamous "job creators."
In related news, I seem to recall the GOP last time promising $2 a gallon gas... And now that we have it, the same team is pointing out that has some fairly dire macro consequences, and if only the keystone pipeline had been built... things would be better.. Oh, right, that doesn't make sense.
And, of course, the fantastical "supply side" fantasy, which is in its own right an oxymoronic phrase, will continue unabated by, you know, reality.
But, while you want things to be "pretty bad," things are not now. Will the Oligarchs engineer a soft market to get the "right" person elected? Probably. Those of us who study high frequency trading watch these manipulation do everyday, as more retail rubes are fleeced, almost on schedule, daily.
Don't kid yourself, the GOP is moribund.
In related news, I seem to recall the GOP last time promising $2 a gallon gas... And now that we have it, the same team is pointing out that has some fairly dire macro consequences, and if only the keystone pipeline had been built... things would be better.. Oh, right, that doesn't make sense.
And, of course, the fantastical "supply side" fantasy, which is in its own right an oxymoronic phrase, will continue unabated by, you know, reality.
But, while you want things to be "pretty bad," things are not now. Will the Oligarchs engineer a soft market to get the "right" person elected? Probably. Those of us who study high frequency trading watch these manipulation do everyday, as more retail rubes are fleeced, almost on schedule, daily.
Don't kid yourself, the GOP is moribund.
35
Globalized capital and parasitic stock market traders have done great damage to us. Perhaps China has done even more damage to us, now that we've built up their middle-class, their military, and their space program. It's shocking to me that anyone blames the POTUS for this state of affairs, especially since he's been blocked and grounded at every move by the GOP.
13
Poor Charles Blow, suffering through all those dire Republican predictions when he could be completely absorbed in the glowing magnificent future painted by Hillary and Bernie: an impotent U.S. aping the failed policies and practices of the UK in the days of the of Bevin and the old Labour Party, where Caucasians are rightly penalized in the name of prosecuting the past, borders are open and Putin and Xi Ping run the world and deal with those bothersome international problems.
2
The President, any President makes a difference. The column today misses in the very way that our President has missed, and yes how those debates miss.I remember a time when before health care was passed, the President asked and asked often: If anyone knows how to reduce costs, will they let him know. As you say raising questions, or imagining inspectors as Mr.Blow sees it seems a Republican past time, but answers lie deeper than pointing to millions granted coverage under a continuing under performing jobs program.
1
They don't have anything. They're simply contrarians. No one's going to build a wall or keep Muslims from entering the country. They won't really repeal Obamacare. They know better than to send troops into Syria. Yes, they'll repeal Dodd-Frank. They'll cut taxes on the wealthy.
They work for the banks and the Kochs and they'll do what they say. First step, get elected. Use fear, guns, religion, whatever. Stay away from all those pesky issues. That stuff will just get you into trouble.
They work for the banks and the Kochs and they'll do what they say. First step, get elected. Use fear, guns, religion, whatever. Stay away from all those pesky issues. That stuff will just get you into trouble.
47
Do you really think they know better than to invade Syria? As (until recently) a lifeliong Republican, I can tell you the main reason for my leaving that party's voter rolls is the decades long proclivity to invade, invade, and invade. No Republican leader since the older Bush has shown any understanding of how to consolidate international support or lead a multi-nation alliance. All I hear is how the military budget has been pared. Nonsense.
22
Seems president Obama has formed those alliances and consolidated international support. Well said !
3
Most political strategists simply copy what has worked in the past while trying to 'improve' upon it. This leads us to this jumping the shark episode of the Republican presidential candidate nomination contest. Every four years candidates compete with each other by trying to appear more conservative than all the other candidates. Every four years the eventual winner tries to move towards the center from the far right. Lately they have had too far to go for most voters. After the election, those on the far right complain that 'if only they could have a real conservative candidate' they would win the general election. They are fools and so are those political strategists.
7
The Republican candidates cannot run on:
- The economy was a disaster, and now it is much better under BHO
- Unemployment now is much better than 2008 when BHO took office
- For the most part the Affordable Care Act has been successful
So to fire up their base, they need to be the purveyors of gloom and doom.
- The economy was a disaster, and now it is much better under BHO
- Unemployment now is much better than 2008 when BHO took office
- For the most part the Affordable Care Act has been successful
So to fire up their base, they need to be the purveyors of gloom and doom.
56
You people on the East Coast can keep telling everyone the economy is much better under BHO, and that unemployment has dropped, but that is just in how you are working the statistics...
Once the unemployment runs out, and people are still not working, they cease to count as officially unemployed, even if they are still looking for work. Do you understand that, how they are convincing you that everyone is back working and the economy is picking up steam?
Do you understand how few people rely on the stock market returns for how good their household economy is doing?
Have you talked to any one not enjoying a Cadillac plan -- which of course were left protected and unaffected under the last Giveaway Budget deal ?
I chuckle, but this it is sad how many readers here are uninformed about the true majority in this country, the ongoing economic struggle, and are ready to declare victory under BHO: his Mission Accomplished moment.
Denial is sad, especially when it comes from comfortable rich people.
Once the unemployment runs out, and people are still not working, they cease to count as officially unemployed, even if they are still looking for work. Do you understand that, how they are convincing you that everyone is back working and the economy is picking up steam?
Do you understand how few people rely on the stock market returns for how good their household economy is doing?
Have you talked to any one not enjoying a Cadillac plan -- which of course were left protected and unaffected under the last Giveaway Budget deal ?
I chuckle, but this it is sad how many readers here are uninformed about the true majority in this country, the ongoing economic struggle, and are ready to declare victory under BHO: his Mission Accomplished moment.
Denial is sad, especially when it comes from comfortable rich people.
2
Just because things did not get better for everyone in the country it does not mean that things did not get better. Proof, look at your 401K in 2008 and compare it to now.
Is the ACA perfect? By no means, however this is a fact, more people are ensured and the rate of increase slowed.
The only believable numbers would those that support your position, other than that it is all contrived and the rest of us, including the CBO, are in denial.
Denial is believing that the only truth is your truth, that is REALLY sad.
Is the ACA perfect? By no means, however this is a fact, more people are ensured and the rate of increase slowed.
The only believable numbers would those that support your position, other than that it is all contrived and the rest of us, including the CBO, are in denial.
Denial is believing that the only truth is your truth, that is REALLY sad.
9
So who are you supporting on the Rep. Side ?
What are their solutions to your unemployment issue ?
What are their solutions to your unemployment issue ?
3
I wish you gad spent a little more time pointing out that many of the dystopic declarations, treated by the candidates as settled fact so they don't have to defend them, are simply nonsense, made up, and with absolutely factual basis whatsoever. The more obvious that becomes, the more Americans will begin wonder if these people are entirely sane. I think it is pretty clear to most that if there is a mess in Washington, it is largely due to Republican monkey-wrenching, their obsessive ambition to point out Obabma's failures even when they don't exist, and even create failure to spite him, and let the public be damned. For their own good, of course.
102
The GOP power brokers knew all along they would not win the White House this year so they did not offer any credible candidates. The did the same with John McCain and Mittens.
Hillary Clinton will get two terms and more than likely her VP will get his or her two terms as well.
Hillary Clinton will get two terms and more than likely her VP will get his or her two terms as well.
11
I like your thinking, Jimmy. But... Obama was elected the first time with a lot of help from the revulsion so many felt against Bush. Second time, Obama earned it totally on merit. But here is a common factor in general elections--an anti-incumbent swing. Any Democratic candidate will start with a handicap of at least 1% of votes.
Sanders would start with no hope of winning the ~270 Electoral College votes needed. HRC can do it, but in a very tight race. If Trump is the GOP nominee, he can take NY and a lot more. And if Bernie keeps raising unrealistic expectations, many of his disappointed supporters will stay at home rather than support HRC.
Sanders would start with no hope of winning the ~270 Electoral College votes needed. HRC can do it, but in a very tight race. If Trump is the GOP nominee, he can take NY and a lot more. And if Bernie keeps raising unrealistic expectations, many of his disappointed supporters will stay at home rather than support HRC.
1
Jimmy: Hilary will be indicted in less than 60 days. Pay attention.
1
Nonsense.
She may have broken some obscure reg but it is not a criminal matter at all.
She will be vindicated and given an apology for making a big deal out of a minor matter.
Sorry, but the GOP is going to have to face the issues and not rely on some amateur way of winning.
She may have broken some obscure reg but it is not a criminal matter at all.
She will be vindicated and given an apology for making a big deal out of a minor matter.
Sorry, but the GOP is going to have to face the issues and not rely on some amateur way of winning.
5
When I would ask my Uncle how he was doing, he'd say
"compared to what?"
Today's GOP wannabes have whited out GW Bush and the mess
he made.
If you spend all your time looking backwards, you are going to walk
into a lot of walls.
Obama inherited a mess, was faced with obstinate obduracy
and still accomplished much.
Word
"compared to what?"
Today's GOP wannabes have whited out GW Bush and the mess
he made.
If you spend all your time looking backwards, you are going to walk
into a lot of walls.
Obama inherited a mess, was faced with obstinate obduracy
and still accomplished much.
Word
283
President Obama expanded our foreign war commitments, while promising to spend money on a healthcare revolution here at home.
He wants to all out fund a remake of the world, and address unmet needs here at home... all while excluding our undocumented immigrant population.
We really do need to elect a grown up who understands you cannot have it all, and somebody will have to pick up the tab. Clearly, it is not going to be the rich elite. These Democrats are too afraid to challenge that.
He wants to all out fund a remake of the world, and address unmet needs here at home... all while excluding our undocumented immigrant population.
We really do need to elect a grown up who understands you cannot have it all, and somebody will have to pick up the tab. Clearly, it is not going to be the rich elite. These Democrats are too afraid to challenge that.
1
Just a couple of things, Chuck.
First off, the opposition party to the current POTUS nearly always has to paint a picture of gloom & doom -- because they are trying to sell voters on the idea that they will come in and fix things.
Second, do you see the incredible irony in your making fun of the ONLY black candidate for POTUS?
First off, the opposition party to the current POTUS nearly always has to paint a picture of gloom & doom -- because they are trying to sell voters on the idea that they will come in and fix things.
Second, do you see the incredible irony in your making fun of the ONLY black candidate for POTUS?
3
Concerned citizen: Ironic, no. Showing that Charles can recognize a fool of any color, yes.
31
That's not ironic at all, unless you're a bigot.
22
The point is, anyone can criticize and point out how bad things are, but this gaggle of Repub candidates have offered NO solutions. Never mind specifics, they offer not even generalities, NO programs to improve anything, beyond "you'll see, it's gonna be great" and other such nonsense.
18
Charles has a point. The dystopia obsessed Republican candidates are a traveling ensemble company of bad political theatre. Improvisation devotee Donald Trump is the current star. Among his signature trademark lines my favorite is "we gotta find out what's going on".The narcissistic Trump has no clue. If Ted Cruz grew a pencil thin 1930's Hollywood mustache, his new found sleazy appearance would be the perfect metaphor for his political ethics. Marco Rubio's,male ingenue appearance, masks a rapacious ambition that has always favored manipulation and political expediency over preparation. Jeb Bush's,whining and pouting about the "star",does not mask the sibling component in his advocacy for another Middle East military debacle. Chris Christie's portrayal of crude political thug was undermined by his role as celebrity sycophant, illustrated by his obsession with "the boss"and disingenuous embrace of Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones on national TV. The rest are bit players.
44
Under the heading "Republican Pessimism" it is noted that 75% think more people carrying guns would make the USA safer. In Britain there are severe restrictions on having a gun and so here the risk of being killed by a gun is only 2% of the risk in USA. In Europe there are more guns but not a great many so the risk is slightly greater than in Britain but still very much less than in USA.
Why do Americans think owning guns makes you safe?
Why do Americans think owning guns makes you safe?
50
Probably for the same reason people think buying $20 worth of lottery tickets gives you a better chance of winning than buying $2 worth.
10
Lottery tickets kill? Wow!
2
On the other hand, was anyone in the nation not on the respective candidate's payrolls, or volunteer committees, actually watching last night's Democratic Party debate?
3
I watched.
6
I flipped around from it to the Critic's Choice Awards to the Canadians/Blackhawks hockey game.
When the debaters started interrupting each other, checked in on the awards which looked like a sober People's Choice Awards show. Went back to the hockey game. The Hawks are certainly a hot team.
When the debaters started interrupting each other, checked in on the awards which looked like a sober People's Choice Awards show. Went back to the hockey game. The Hawks are certainly a hot team.
2
Yeah. A lot of people.
7
Nostradamus time for the Pack
The naysayers cut us no slack,
Their scheme is a beaus
Let the Kochs pollute
Our climate is not out of whack.
And Health Care simply has to go,
And no working plan do they show,
A passel of minions
With Doomsday opinions
Well financed by SuperPac dough!
The naysayers cut us no slack,
Their scheme is a beaus
Let the Kochs pollute
Our climate is not out of whack.
And Health Care simply has to go,
And no working plan do they show,
A passel of minions
With Doomsday opinions
Well financed by SuperPac dough!
48
scheme is a beaut
7
Don't you hate the fact that you cannot edit these things?
18
Well if the alternative is going to be Bush, who is going to act like a rational adult until the minute he is elected, then I'm taking my chances with the other candidates.
Every Bush ran as kind, gentle, and compassionate, and the minute thy were in the White House it was a war and recession, the second wave being exponentially worse than the first.
The GOP candidate list is so offensive and dangerous, only Kasich and Paul could possibly govern without causing irreparable harm to the country.
Every Bush ran as kind, gentle, and compassionate, and the minute thy were in the White House it was a war and recession, the second wave being exponentially worse than the first.
The GOP candidate list is so offensive and dangerous, only Kasich and Paul could possibly govern without causing irreparable harm to the country.
109
I agree with you, except I'd cross Kasich and most definitely Paul off that list.
6
Unless of course you are a woman. Then Kasich wants to send you back to the 19th Century to have a child a year, do as your told and be seen and not heard. Other than that he's just great.
19
Agree on Kasich.
3
All the republican claptrap about Commander in Chief and who is qualified was a sick joke.
The casino bankrupter and Dr. Thorazine BOTH dodged the Viet Nam draft.
Not one of the other Merchants of Doom have ever spent one day in uniform.
Third! Bush says he is the most qualified for C in C. In reality it was Third! Bush whose criminal corruption of the 2000 Florida election gave us the most disastrous Commander in Chief, his brother, the Andover Prep guy cheerleader who used daddy's influence to dodge Viet Nam.
His brother who invaded Afghanistan and allowed Osama bin Laden to sashay, unmolested, out of Tora Bora to lead AQ another decade.
His brother who led The Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq, killed 4,489 GI's, maimed for life 17,000 GI's, slaughtered 800,000 Iraqi civilians, gave Al Qaida a new Field of Dreams, made torture USG policy, subcontracted torture to, among others, Bashar al Assad of Syria and concentrated captured AQ at Camp Bucca where ISIS was founded.
Third! Bush is also using the same neocon artists as advisers his dimwitted brother used.
That's ALOT of qualifications.
The casino bankrupter and Dr. Thorazine BOTH dodged the Viet Nam draft.
Not one of the other Merchants of Doom have ever spent one day in uniform.
Third! Bush says he is the most qualified for C in C. In reality it was Third! Bush whose criminal corruption of the 2000 Florida election gave us the most disastrous Commander in Chief, his brother, the Andover Prep guy cheerleader who used daddy's influence to dodge Viet Nam.
His brother who invaded Afghanistan and allowed Osama bin Laden to sashay, unmolested, out of Tora Bora to lead AQ another decade.
His brother who led The Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq, killed 4,489 GI's, maimed for life 17,000 GI's, slaughtered 800,000 Iraqi civilians, gave Al Qaida a new Field of Dreams, made torture USG policy, subcontracted torture to, among others, Bashar al Assad of Syria and concentrated captured AQ at Camp Bucca where ISIS was founded.
Third! Bush is also using the same neocon artists as advisers his dimwitted brother used.
That's ALOT of qualifications.
890
Tell us all,then, about the glorious military service of Barack Hussein Obama.
Followed by the glorious military service of Bill Clinton.
Hillary didn't volunteer either. Neither did Chelsea -- too busy working the hedge funds?
I am not aware of Bernie Sanders service in the military either, though I am not positive. He is the right age to have served in Vietnam.
Followed by the glorious military service of Bill Clinton.
Hillary didn't volunteer either. Neither did Chelsea -- too busy working the hedge funds?
I am not aware of Bernie Sanders service in the military either, though I am not positive. He is the right age to have served in Vietnam.
3
Well CC, exactly how many countries is Bernie Sanders obsessed with invading, destroying, and then occupying in perpetuity ??? Please, steer me in the right direction. War, more war, and then more war.
51
Perhaps those most insisting on war should have served in some capacity that qualifies them to make assumptions such as "Iran must be nuked" or "All out war is the only answer to Iraq"?
33
The Republicans and their base have lost their collective memory of what it means to be a governing party. They literally don't know what that would look like.
But more importantly, when everything you've claimed would happen - economic collapse, job losses, inflation, etc, etc, etc, doesn't happen, but instead continues the very real trend of Democratic administrations massively outperforming Republicans, they're left with nothing but more dissembling and rabble rousing.
Must suck to to be them.
But more importantly, when everything you've claimed would happen - economic collapse, job losses, inflation, etc, etc, etc, doesn't happen, but instead continues the very real trend of Democratic administrations massively outperforming Republicans, they're left with nothing but more dissembling and rabble rousing.
Must suck to to be them.
315
They are a cult and not a party. You have to believe and swear to magical things, like tax cuts reducing deficits, and global warming being a hoax.
25
Charles is one of the holdouts who completely bought the Chicago huckster's ''Hope and Change'' claptrap even though all the guy brought in was more taxes and spending that never worked out for anyone.
Let's see Charles react to Mr. Obama's insistence on lying about people keeping their doctors and insurance when his staff warned him that people would catch his constant lies about it.
Was there ever a time when Barack did't lie in a speech? Even when talking to children?
Let's see Charles react to Mr. Obama's insistence on lying about people keeping their doctors and insurance when his staff warned him that people would catch his constant lies about it.
Was there ever a time when Barack did't lie in a speech? Even when talking to children?
5
Aside from your strident exaggerations it turns out that Obama isn't actually running. If he was I'd vote for him again.
50
"Republican candidates will have to offer a positive message..." Mr. Blow, the oxymoron isn't yours, it's the state of what was a once a responsible political (okay, I'll say 'ideological") alternative to the Democrats. Not a single one of their entries has come close to offering anything like a coherent idea for leading this nation. In 2008, Barack Obama took the presidency by campaigning on the sunny "hope and change" appeal. He may have been able to follow through on his promises had he been blessed with a Congress that honored the will of the people by working with him to advance his agenda. What we have now are Republicans running for an office who are trashing the very government they clamor to lead. Their dreadful appeals to fear and unreason go hand-in-glove with threats of imminent ISIS sorties on our shores; of the calamitous state of the economy; of a health delivery system that's broken. None of these "wolf at the door" hooks are true, but when has truth walked with the GOP/TP for the past seven years? The Republicans are now Larry, Curly and Moe, with apologies to the Three Stooges. If we truly want a functioning America, and if our heads are on straight, we have no other choice than Bernie Sanders. I hope we consider the alternative: Armageddon.
346
"Hope and change" might have sounded sunny in 2008 -- but you only run on such a slogan if you are basically saying the current administration is hopeless and change is needed ASAP.
It's not as positive as it sounds. Also, today in 2016, we all know what a freakin' disaster this POTUS has been.
It's not as positive as it sounds. Also, today in 2016, we all know what a freakin' disaster this POTUS has been.
4
"We all know...". All of us ? So sorry but you do not speak or think for all humanity, thank god.
31
@Concerned: Seriously? Meaningless words. A disaster? No wonder Trump and Cruz poll well.
24
"...Are the candidates merely a reflection of the disaffected base, are the candidates helping to create the disaffection, or do they all exist in a national echo chamber amplifying each other?"
You left out "or are they all simply bonkers?" In any event the answer to all of the above is yes.
You left out "or are they all simply bonkers?" In any event the answer to all of the above is yes.
161
Conservatives deal in myths. One of those myths is the golden times long ago to which only they can return us. Another constant myth is the wonderful, magical, "free" market which has never existed either. In fact, when Republicans get their way, we seem to get the least free market.
270
Ralph,
You are correct.
Republicans have no trouble talking about the good old days, and then say we need someone in office who isn't a politician.
Are they not aware that the country has been run by politicians from the beginning, and those 'good old days' were the result of decades of politicians running the country ?
Only Eisenhower comes close to being a non-politician, but of course Eisenhower also had a 90% top tax rate and a labor participation rate far below Obama's. If today's GOP saw Eisenhower's policies without attribution, they would have the impeachment papers drawn up before it got dark.
You are correct.
Republicans have no trouble talking about the good old days, and then say we need someone in office who isn't a politician.
Are they not aware that the country has been run by politicians from the beginning, and those 'good old days' were the result of decades of politicians running the country ?
Only Eisenhower comes close to being a non-politician, but of course Eisenhower also had a 90% top tax rate and a labor participation rate far below Obama's. If today's GOP saw Eisenhower's policies without attribution, they would have the impeachment papers drawn up before it got dark.
24
All Generals are political appointees. It's the way our system is designed.
Someone needs to clue the Republicans in on a very common Internet meme: If you want to go back to the good old days then buy American, join a union, and tax a millionaire. Republicans are dead-set against all of those.
[For those of you who would argue that Rs are not against buying American I would refer you to the roll call vote of every piece of legislation that would give tax breaks to companies for on-shoring jobs or otherwise make American jobs more stable, which you can easily access at congress.gov. In the most recent two votes that come immediately to mind, *every* Republican voted against them or took some other action to block them. Here's just one example: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/213780-republicans-block-bi...]
[For those of you who would argue that Rs are not against buying American I would refer you to the roll call vote of every piece of legislation that would give tax breaks to companies for on-shoring jobs or otherwise make American jobs more stable, which you can easily access at congress.gov. In the most recent two votes that come immediately to mind, *every* Republican voted against them or took some other action to block them. Here's just one example: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/213780-republicans-block-bi...]
30
Charles’s refusal to use Trump’s name, replacing it in this instance with “real estate developer”, is becoming annoying; and it was always childish.
What’s more, the tendency of ALL primary candidates to speak in apocalyptic rather than hopeful terms is normal. It’s only when nominees emerge that we typically get an earful about “hope”. Obama’s message of “hope” in 2008 wasn’t stressed until he was battling McCain, and he was quite negative in the Democratic primaries of that election, a fact to which Hillary can attest. Beyond that, we have seven “major” Republican candidates each seeking to distinguish himself from the others, where the Dems really have only two; yet Bernie is nothing if not consistently, wearingly apocalyptic.
What I found most telling in Sunday’s Dem debate is the absoluteness of Bernie’s worldview. What he’s pitching are frontal assaults on all battle lines: banish Wall Street in its entirety to one of Dante’s bolgias, while not even filtering the mass for usable talent; completely eradicate private political speech along with Citizens United, instead of coming up with some compromise that might be actionable; enslave the 1%, because they’re not really human and we need their money; “Medicare for all” and no backsliding. It’s take no prisoners. Hillary is going to clobber this guy.
What I find telling about the Republicans that Charles misses completely is that EACH of them offers a positive message – Charles simply disagrees with them.
What’s more, the tendency of ALL primary candidates to speak in apocalyptic rather than hopeful terms is normal. It’s only when nominees emerge that we typically get an earful about “hope”. Obama’s message of “hope” in 2008 wasn’t stressed until he was battling McCain, and he was quite negative in the Democratic primaries of that election, a fact to which Hillary can attest. Beyond that, we have seven “major” Republican candidates each seeking to distinguish himself from the others, where the Dems really have only two; yet Bernie is nothing if not consistently, wearingly apocalyptic.
What I found most telling in Sunday’s Dem debate is the absoluteness of Bernie’s worldview. What he’s pitching are frontal assaults on all battle lines: banish Wall Street in its entirety to one of Dante’s bolgias, while not even filtering the mass for usable talent; completely eradicate private political speech along with Citizens United, instead of coming up with some compromise that might be actionable; enslave the 1%, because they’re not really human and we need their money; “Medicare for all” and no backsliding. It’s take no prisoners. Hillary is going to clobber this guy.
What I find telling about the Republicans that Charles misses completely is that EACH of them offers a positive message – Charles simply disagrees with them.
23
Please provide a single example of a positive message that Donald Trump has presented in his campaign . . or I should say, that doesn't involve his own self-proclaimed genius?
408
Oh the 1% are human enough at least in the sense that their genome is identical to every other human. For example, information and ideas traverse synapses in the brain the same way in liberals as conservatives. It's the content of that information and those ideas that differs.
And it matters; multiple studies have shown that a high percentage of wealthy people harbor sociopathic tendencies. Personally, I believe the same holds true for conservatives, wealthy or not.
So the wealthy elitists are human. They're just not humane.
And it matters; multiple studies have shown that a high percentage of wealthy people harbor sociopathic tendencies. Personally, I believe the same holds true for conservatives, wealthy or not.
So the wealthy elitists are human. They're just not humane.
98
richard - Then how about ' serially bankrupt casino magnate ', or ' reality teevee star ' as a moniker ? Everyone knows whom Charles is/would be referencing.
95
The negative campaign messaging doesn't just mobilize the "anger" base. It also increases apathy across the political spectrum, which to me is the larger issue.
When less than a quarter of eligible voters show up at the polls in states like Texas and Indiana, a small mobilized minority can win elections and serve the interests of the wealthiest families like the Kochs.
President Obama made an impressive effort to remind Americans who we are in his last SOTU Address. His leadership in climate change, health and safety, foreign policy and shifting the tax burden to the wealthy will be appreciated more in hindsight than in the current rancorous, politicized environment polluted by the dirty money of Big Energy and other plutocratic interests.
The antidote to apathy is voting. The efforts to restrict voting should tell us everything about GOP strategy.
When less than a quarter of eligible voters show up at the polls in states like Texas and Indiana, a small mobilized minority can win elections and serve the interests of the wealthiest families like the Kochs.
President Obama made an impressive effort to remind Americans who we are in his last SOTU Address. His leadership in climate change, health and safety, foreign policy and shifting the tax burden to the wealthy will be appreciated more in hindsight than in the current rancorous, politicized environment polluted by the dirty money of Big Energy and other plutocratic interests.
The antidote to apathy is voting. The efforts to restrict voting should tell us everything about GOP strategy.
605
This is not to say I agree one bit with the idiocy that I see from the GOP.
But it is foolhardy to dismiss the negativity we see, because the American public is clearly "negative" in its angry and fear.
Wages have stagnated for most Americans for the last decade and a half. Finding a living wage job is becoming harder than ever. And what what do elitists like Mr. Blow and the Democratic Party that he represents do?
They chastise and belittle you for your anger.
Sorry, Mr. Blow, but people will not all of a sudden see joy when their lives are so challenging.
But, you would know this if you lived in the real America, like the rest of us.