I don't think Trump should worry about Iowa. He is hardly one to share such conservative values as the people who live there. I don't think Iowa represents the values of the total United States, only their state. The same goes for Hilary and Bernie. Bernie did well in Iowa, but that is surely his demographic. Wait until he gets to a state that has more diversity, then we will see who has the voters attention.
Bernie Sander's campaign reminds me of a an elementary school student council election. He’s a fifth grader promising chocolate milk and extra recess. All he is going to be able to deliver is taxes.
1
I pay my taxes. In return, I can have endless bloodshed and a country run by corporations, or I can have chocolate milk and endless recess. Yes, please, I will take the latter.
2
Iowa is a small state that does not represent America. Why do we have three small conservative states start the primary series and ones that are mainly white and do not have large cities with large minority populations. It is time for our government and parties to recognize that we are different. we start with states with large christian right populations that are not the average in this country. We do not get the candidates that we should esp in the Republican party.
The Donald Trump phenomenon can now be explained in a ground breaking piece of analysis. He is an accidental master of Zen, even though he thinks the word is a European pronunciation of "then". He certainly is not mislead by rational thought. He has removed the rational and the intellectual from his mind. He doesn't attempt to stop his thoughts, every speech is a rambling, stream of consciousness. Zen is something a person does, he tweets,looks at polls, inspired by the late Marvin Gay wonders, "what's going on" and is "The Donald". Zen masters say doubt is poison, he will never need an antidote. If you look at him as a Zen savant, it changes your perspective. The man's ethereal solipsism transcends his non existent self analysis. The Zen master Hsi Tang did have some prescient advice for Trump though, "Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes. it obstructs your vision"
Out of the 99 counties in Iowa 26 are sanctuary havens. The so-called righteous evangelicals are helping to Harbor , House , educate , and employ illegal Aliens at the expense of their American neighbors. Yet all the Republicans are talking about building a wall, against Amnesty for illegal's, no path to citizenship, yet cruz and Rubio professed to be the best of the evangelicals, are in second and third place! Santorum won last year. I don t get it.
I like to follow the money to know who may be buying influence. Two major supporters of Hillary are Monsanto and Exxon.
Troubling to me is the Clinton/Monsanto connection--Jerry Crawford, top Monsanto lobbyist, now works for the Clinton campaign. Monsanto and Exxon have donated hundreds of thousands to Bill Clinton's 'Global Initiative", designed to "solve the world's problems".
Even if Bill's non-profit could not legally donate to Hillary, after years of fundraisers, it seems plausible that these megasize donors might have some influence on Hillary's thinking. She supports the use of GMOs, a sector in which Monsanto is king.
Her support of the TPP, if passed, allows Monsanto to further riddle the world with GMO crops. The TPP will promote child labor in foreign countries, acceptance of inferior/contaminated products from the Pacific Rim, while alleviating Americans of their jobs.
The TPP gives member companies the same status, legally, as a country--they are called "Investor States", with the power to bring down governments with expensive lawsuits. And then there is all the money Hillary has earned, or accepted, from Wall St.
The question of undue influence cannot be raised in the Sanders' campaign, as he has always hewed to the course he believes in, and if he has changed his mind on an issue, he is always forthright in explaining why.
Sanders' progressive plans are entirely realistic. One only has to look to Europe or Canada to see their success.
Troubling to me is the Clinton/Monsanto connection--Jerry Crawford, top Monsanto lobbyist, now works for the Clinton campaign. Monsanto and Exxon have donated hundreds of thousands to Bill Clinton's 'Global Initiative", designed to "solve the world's problems".
Even if Bill's non-profit could not legally donate to Hillary, after years of fundraisers, it seems plausible that these megasize donors might have some influence on Hillary's thinking. She supports the use of GMOs, a sector in which Monsanto is king.
Her support of the TPP, if passed, allows Monsanto to further riddle the world with GMO crops. The TPP will promote child labor in foreign countries, acceptance of inferior/contaminated products from the Pacific Rim, while alleviating Americans of their jobs.
The TPP gives member companies the same status, legally, as a country--they are called "Investor States", with the power to bring down governments with expensive lawsuits. And then there is all the money Hillary has earned, or accepted, from Wall St.
The question of undue influence cannot be raised in the Sanders' campaign, as he has always hewed to the course he believes in, and if he has changed his mind on an issue, he is always forthright in explaining why.
Sanders' progressive plans are entirely realistic. One only has to look to Europe or Canada to see their success.
4
As a high school student in government class, watching the election and debates seem very unprofessional, and I disagree with the way the votes work, Bernie seems like a well candidate for 2016 because he has great plans and wants to rebuild the middle class. Unlike Donald Trump that seems to only want publicity and won't votes from Iowa. Im hoping everyone in Iowa even though it’s has such a small population choices the right choice for this country for the future.
1
Although I didn't know much about politics, it's brought my attention this year. Mostly because of government class, but mainly because this election seems really close regarding the debates in Iowa. My respects for everyones choice but my vote goes for Sanders. His ideas are actually decent and understanding.
4
Nice Lauren, you pulled out the FDR card. It would be interesting to compare the ideas of Bernie Sanders to the New Deal policies of FDR. Can Bernie go down as one of the great American presidents or will Americans ignore him as a socialist quack?
I don't feel like it is right that Iowa gets to vote go frist. What about the states that are mostly at the end of the election and don't get the chance to say what they think. I feel like a lot of people are getting pulled in more by what other people say and not think about what they want. So by hearing other peoples' comments will effect people thinking differently .
4
Why don't all the states vote on the same day? That only seems fair because whoever wins Iowas votes has an advantage because that could influence the other states to vote for the winning candidate. Where if all states voted on the same day, then no votes could be altered.
We have interesting candidates this election. Media has had a big influence on this election and I think it has made more of a negative impact on the candidates than a positive one. Especially for Trump, he needs to think before he speaks.
We have interesting candidates this election. Media has had a big influence on this election and I think it has made more of a negative impact on the candidates than a positive one. Especially for Trump, he needs to think before he speaks.
4
I am a high school student and new voter in a very small and liberal town. Honestly, Trump is more of a celebrity rather than a politician. His negative comments on specific groups other than white rich males have gone too far. He is trying to benefit them rather than bring a solution to light on some of the various issues going on with race and gender. If anything, he is feeding into the stereotypes that our society has created. And its's actually not all his fault, I highly blame the media for exploiting him and letting him get away with a few comments that shouldn't have been said nor published. I just don't understand why politics has become such a negative and vindictive thing here in the U.S. I really hope that Iowa comes through and doesn't vote Trump in so we don't have to even worry about a what if situation if he gets elected.
7
As a new voter, I see Donald Trump as a businessman, and a good one. A good idea to think about is how he could get our country out of debt using his business tactics. On the other hand, Bernie Sanders is giving hope to many young students who wish to create a future through schooling but minimize their debt. It makes sense how they are receiving large support from first time voters, and I like the idea of not having to pay for my schooling many years after graduating. Also, why is the media focused on Iowa, when there are much larger states with a larger voting force. Take California for example, with a much larger delegate count when compared to Iowa. Why would candidate's waste so much attention on just a few votes?
5
I'm a new voter so i may not know what i’m talking about. I have to say that it's kinda unfair that Iowa gets to go first. Shouldn't there be more than one state that goes at the same time. It would make sense to me .
4
As a young, new voter, being exposed to all of the debates and different information about this election on a regular basis is eye opening. Learning about caucuses, and what states go first or last is really interesting, but I still have many questions, such as, why Iowa gets to go first. Out of all of the states, how did Iowa get selected to go first? What determines when each state has their caucus? I am from Washington state, and I am aware that our caucuses aren't until March (Democratic), and May (Republican), leaving our votes to not make much of an impact. I mean, the first caucus determines how the rest of the election will go, so why don't other states get a chance to go first and have a larger impact on the election?
4
I want to get away from all the white noise that is going on with this election. there are so many great proposals and there are also horrible ones. I am a Democrat and am proud to be one. I like progressive ideas that will change and being an 18 year old, I finally get to have a say in what goes on in this great country of ours. Right now I know our political system is very corrupt with big business covering themselves with financing the candidates they think will pass legislature that will "better" their business, not The People. Everyone uses the emotional argument of "helping our children" to gain momentum and power. There is a lot of truth to that because the next generation will have to carry on, and hopefully improve our system. The term i would like to use instead of "improve" is reform. We as a nation need to stop pumping so much of our tax money into bettering people who are well off already because that is selfish behavior. Instead we need to start helping the people in need like the homeless or even people who are trying to achieve a higher form of education. Our military is very strong already so why do we need to put more money into it? We need to focus more on The People and not on people-from-foreign-lands. If we accomplish all of this then we better not revert back to our old ways because we would be insane. The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over but expecting a different result.
10
Think about it. If Donald Trump is president and we do build a wall. They still have planes and boats to get into the United States. Unless we build a wall across the southern border which then there are still airplanes. What do you think other countries will think if they see us shut off another country. They'll probably consider us a young North Korea. Shutting out everyone and just thinking about us and us alone. Is this really what we want for our country.
6
Trumps vision is myopic, his ideas are insular and he is already despised abroad.
3
Welcome to the 2016 election, full of childish arguing and Trump getting more votes. I wonder what people are thinking when they vote for Trump, because he is a man who does not know what he's doing, and will not talk about actual issues in America or in other countries. He is using fear to influence voters to side with him, and getting people angry over issues that he talks about. The Democratic debates seem less annoying, and more focused on issues. So line up everyone for the 2016 political soap opera where no one knows what's going to happen, unless you stop listening to Trump.
4
to tell the truth republicans are more like a soap opera because they complain all the time while the democrats are talking about actual issues.
1
The only reason Cruz is winning right now is because he wants to put Christianity into every thing he can, and Iowa generally being a Christian dominate state shows why he's winning. I still just don't think he's a good candidate. Trump has drawn me away from voting for him and I'm sure most know why. But the only person I see myself voting for is Sanders, but even still I don't agree how he's going to go about paying for all these things that he wants.
2
How can the voters of Iowa NOT support someone on the edge when ALL the Republican candidates are extremists? Every single Republican primary is going to elect an extremist.
2
I won't vote for Donald Trump
He'll turn our country into a Dump
They say our country will never fall
But that'll happen if we build a wall
When I was a kid I loved Bert and Ernie
Must be why I support Bernie
That socialist can come right in
Maybe our country might actually win
It's sad to think Hillary could win
Nobody trusts her, her veil is thin
We see right through your lies Hillary
For now, I'm done, these Politics are killin' me
He'll turn our country into a Dump
They say our country will never fall
But that'll happen if we build a wall
When I was a kid I loved Bert and Ernie
Must be why I support Bernie
That socialist can come right in
Maybe our country might actually win
It's sad to think Hillary could win
Nobody trusts her, her veil is thin
We see right through your lies Hillary
For now, I'm done, these Politics are killin' me
17
hit me in the soul
Whoever wrote this must be dumb
He's got me feeling a little Numb
I'll Pokemon battle this kid so hard
He'll be running from my rare card
I'll burn him with my words and Charizard
Trump is the candidate for people
Bernie's nothing, he'll Bern down my steeple
How can you think you're opinion is correct
All I needed was this poem for you to get wrecked
He's got me feeling a little Numb
I'll Pokemon battle this kid so hard
He'll be running from my rare card
I'll burn him with my words and Charizard
Trump is the candidate for people
Bernie's nothing, he'll Bern down my steeple
How can you think you're opinion is correct
All I needed was this poem for you to get wrecked
As a first time voter. I'm wondering why we picked Iowa to be the first state for the caucus? Why would we not pick a larger state with more population in it to show a larger overview of how the people are feeling about the candidate. I understand that it's tradition now but why was it stated in Iowa?
2
Think about it. If Donald Trump is president and we do build a wall. They still have planes and boats to get into the United States. unless we build a wall across the southern border which then there are still airplanes. What do you think other countries will think if they see us shut off another country. they'll probably consider us a young North Korea. shutting out everyone and just thinking about us and us alone. Is this really what we want for our country.
3
Welcome to the 2016 election, full of childish arguing and Trump getting more votes. I wonder what people are thinking when they vote for Trump, because he is a man who does not know what he's doing, and will not talk about actual issues in America or in other countries. He is using fear to influence voters to side with him, and getting people angry over issues that he talks about. The Democratic debates seem less annoying, and more focused on issues. So line up everyone for the 2016 political soap opera where no one knows what's going to happen, unless you watch stop listening to Trump.
1
Being a high school senior in an American Government class, I like to remain unbiased. For the 2016 election my peers and myself have witnessed some extreme candidates, with intangible proposals and outlandish solutions. From all I have heard, read, and seen Bernie Sanders appears the most level headed candidate up to this point, he has realistic ideas, and carries a era of knowledge. But I also believe that no matter who becomes the future president, none will be able to prevent credit margin from exploding sending us into another deep dark rescission. What we need is another man as great as FDR.
6
Trump has said a lot of things that has drawn me to think he might not be the best candidate but other things that I agree with. If he wins then I will be very shocked and maybe a little worried. If Iowa votes for him, then I won't understand. He's said things about the people of Iowa that I'd think would cause them to vote for someone else.
1
It seems like the media involved in the caucuses have a bit more influence on this election than they should. Yes they will mostly be focusing on the winner of the caucus, but they have the power to direct the attention of the viewer to runner ups depending on their preference. I'd like to think that media bias is very minimal, and it often is, but there are still several sources that might manipulate this power without the viewer even realizing it.
1
The Iowa caucus is a crucial milestone for all the candidates in this race so far. It looks as though it's basically between Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. However unfortunate that reality is, this caucus will ultimately determine where the presidential race will go because behind Iowa will follow the rest of America's decisions.
I encourage American citizens to understand that the popular vote or even the most advertised candidate should not be your choice soley because they could be the winner. Stand behind the candidates you believe will represent your decisions the best.
I encourage American citizens to understand that the popular vote or even the most advertised candidate should not be your choice soley because they could be the winner. Stand behind the candidates you believe will represent your decisions the best.
2
I am a new voter and i have learned a lot about the election and how politics work. I think it is very interesting how this first caucus determines how the rest of the election will go. I am not sure if this system is very fair, Iowa gets so much attention and it is so small. Other large states with a lot more voters do not get any media, and this might not be the best way to do things. The winners of this caucus usually have a strong lead in the rest of the election. So far to me it looks like Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders have a large chance of staying at the top. I feel like both of those candidates are very extreme and i am interested to see how it will end up.
2
@Delainey Boyes
Actually, Bernie Sanders is not extreme; he's trying to reset our democracy back to a time before it was corrupted by money.
Actually, Bernie Sanders is not extreme; he's trying to reset our democracy back to a time before it was corrupted by money.
3
It's Caucus Day!
The Republican/Tea Party establishment and mainstream are clamoring for a consensus candidate to take on Trump and Cruz. Rubio is the current favorite to fill this role, especially if he comes in at as a strong 3rd in Iowa.
After tonight, the occupants of the clown car will get a little smaller: honk and say good-bye to Huckabee and Santorum.
And after New Hampshire next week, it'll likely be Carson, Fiorina and Christie exiting.
The Republican/Tea Party establishment and mainstream are clamoring for a consensus candidate to take on Trump and Cruz. Rubio is the current favorite to fill this role, especially if he comes in at as a strong 3rd in Iowa.
After tonight, the occupants of the clown car will get a little smaller: honk and say good-bye to Huckabee and Santorum.
And after New Hampshire next week, it'll likely be Carson, Fiorina and Christie exiting.
1
Trump has said a lot of things that has drawn me to think he might not be the best candidate but other things that I agree with. If he wins then I will be very shocked and maybe a little worried.
I think that the whole Iowa ordeal needs to get changed. I would propose rotating though all of the states in the country every election, or even at random. I think that it would give other, smaller candidates a chance to run.
1
The most important thing an American President needs to know about foreign affairs is not to think you know more than you do, especially of the kind where you think you know better what the people of other countries want than they themselves know—perhaps because you have special insight into the universal dreams, hopes, and fears of all human beings. The deciders of our national interest shouldn’t welcome prophets and philosophers into their circles.
If it's true, like this article says, that Bernie Sanders is giving Donald Trump and Ted Cruz a run for their money in Iowa (Hilary not so much), then why does the media put most of it's focus on Hilary Clinton. No question mark because it's rhetorical. If the billionaires who own and control over 90% of all newspapers, magazines, television and radio programs, who do you think they want to promote. (Again rhetorical.) Yes, Hilary Clinton, because she's really a Republican in Democratic clothing. I feel the Bern!
4
YES! Bennie is on the back burners in the media, yet he is going to go undetected probably till the end.
So, how can he get more coverage? Emails, tweets, facebook are all good ways but they're limited to people who use them. And more liberal sources like Truthdigg, is too obscure and its liberal coverage puts most people off. But even more ignored by the media than Sanders, is O'Malley. The tiny group of black voters in Iowa were saying on NPR that only O'Malley came to their neighborhood and visited and talked with people and business owners. No one else. Not even Bernie.
The only good thing about the Iowa results will be fewer angry clowns on the G.O.P. side of the ledger. Politics in the U.S. has sadly turned into a 3 ring circus.
3
I'd love to see Sanders join Mrs. Clinton as her Vice President. He would, I think keep her pointed in the right direction and bring with him something of a bridge to the Congress. I suppose that this is an impossible dream.
The NYtimes and cronies continue to insist that Bernie is "Radical". What is radical is the extreme wealth inequality, the vast transfer of our nations GDP to a few billionaires and the continued resistance to asking those billionaires to meaningfully contribute to our nations health and social fabric.
What is radical is the idea that we cannot afford to support veterans, student, elderly and the poor (however (un) deserving we subjectively think they are from afar.) What is radical is the idea that corporations have human rights and protections that increasingly exceed those of individual citizens, and that they are untouchable to regulators, the IRS, or the courts.
That is what is radical.
That is what is driving the outpouring of enthusiasm for Sanders.
What is radical is the idea that we cannot afford to support veterans, student, elderly and the poor (however (un) deserving we subjectively think they are from afar.) What is radical is the idea that corporations have human rights and protections that increasingly exceed those of individual citizens, and that they are untouchable to regulators, the IRS, or the courts.
That is what is radical.
That is what is driving the outpouring of enthusiasm for Sanders.
7
It's totally illogical that a few people in Iowa could have any decisive impact on the presidential election. This has been nothing but a money making reality show for Iowa and thank goodness it will soon be over. Quite frankly, I couldn't care less what Iowa does.
2
This first caucus meeting doesn't settle everything because Iowa gets the first meeting out of tradition. But how do people from Washington have say in the process. Small towns do make a big difference.
As a high school student I am just beginning to learn about caucuses. I was unaware of them and the impact they have on political campaigns until this year and I am surprised by the amount of influence they have on the candidates and voters. What I don't understand is why the first caucus takes place in Iowa. When did this begin and how was Iowa chosen as the first state to have a caucus? Also how were the dates for the following states chosen?
4
Sam, you are dangerous. We need more like you. Keep punching.
2
Sam, Here is an explanation of how Iowa has the first caucuses in the US. If you Google it, you can find much more on the subject.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2004/01/why_do...
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2004/01/why_do...
2
I don't really know who I support in this election. I agree with some of the things each side says. This election seems like it's a joke especially because Donald Trump is doing pretty good.
2
The elder gentleman in the video touched on a key point that I believe rings true to many of Trump's supporters. He said that he supports Trump because he is not a politician and seems like the kind of leader who would do his best to "get things done". I am an 18 year old student taking government class in Washington state, this will be my first year voting and it is the first year I have truly paid attention to political debates and other such events. For me it is already apparent that our political system has some major flaws and it does not surprise me at all that people want change, not the kind of change Obama promised us, but change in leaders and change in the way that problems are attacked. I would agree with anyone who says that this political race is somewhat of a circus, and that goes for both the right and the left. I do not agree wholeheartedly with either the Republican or democratic side but in a society where one must choose, I identify as republican. In saying this I would have to say that at this point my vote is for Trump because just like most of his supporters I believe that outside money corrupts our politicians and because of the fact that candidates on both sides are constantly changing "their" opinion to appeal to a certain group, I want a leader who has solid views and is not so easily swayed as most of today's politicians. Electing Donald Trump may be a complete disaster, but our country is in pretty rough shape as it is, so I say: give him a chance
3
@Luke Williams
Donald Trump has indeed changed his opinion on several issues over the years. sometimes more than once. His opinions are chameleon-like in that he changes depending on what will benefit him at the time. He has no experience in governing and hasn't been a very successful businessman either- he's declared bankruptcy four times and had to be bailed out by large banks and investors.
You may want to investigate Bernie Sanders further if your main concern is the influence of money on politics. Bernie doesn't accept Superpac money and he can't be bought. Any changes of opinion he's had (very few) were because his perspective evolved. He wants to get big money out of our politics.
Donald Trump has indeed changed his opinion on several issues over the years. sometimes more than once. His opinions are chameleon-like in that he changes depending on what will benefit him at the time. He has no experience in governing and hasn't been a very successful businessman either- he's declared bankruptcy four times and had to be bailed out by large banks and investors.
You may want to investigate Bernie Sanders further if your main concern is the influence of money on politics. Bernie doesn't accept Superpac money and he can't be bought. Any changes of opinion he's had (very few) were because his perspective evolved. He wants to get big money out of our politics.
2
I think the media has made this election more of a reality t.v show than an election. And the fact that Donald Trump is running and winning just makes it easier. It is interesting to see peoples opinion in the caucuses and with Iowa having such a small population it will be interesting to see who wins for the republicans. I am also interested to see what Donald Trump will do if he doesn't win in Iowa.
4
The 2016 election is literally a circus. Donald Trump has been able to get by with unamerican comments about women and immigrants. Media has given him more attention using all of his outrageous words. But hopefully, I think voters will realize just how bad the country could be if he becomes President. I feel as if this year's election isn't being taken as seriously as it probably should but by the last vote people will think for their Country not themselves.
3
I am a young voter learning about the upcoming election in my Government class. To me the election and debates so far has seemed very unprofessional and childish. I hope that all the media attention doesn't make people overlook what is really best for our country.
3
@Morgan Tinney
The debates have been as you describe on the Republican side. Please watch the Democratic debates; the candidates focused on the issues.
The debates have been as you describe on the Republican side. Please watch the Democratic debates; the candidates focused on the issues.
As a government student in high school, all the media and political business is all new to me. I have never kept up with things like this but I am this year because I am able to vote in the next presidential election. It is weird to me how many different sides to an issue there is and how there are many pros and cons for both.
But there are many questions that I have. For example, why does Iowa get to have the first caucuse? Also, how do they choose which state gets to go first?
I also think the caucuses are kind of pointless because I think the only think that is really important is the voting process.
But there are many questions that I have. For example, why does Iowa get to have the first caucuse? Also, how do they choose which state gets to go first?
I also think the caucuses are kind of pointless because I think the only think that is really important is the voting process.
1
Seeing the results of Iowa's caucus will be interesting, who decided that Iowa gets to vote first? Their results will provide momentum for the candidates they favor. As a student beginning to learn the ins and outs of elections, I believe that the results of the Iowa caucus are very important because they can affect other voters across the nation that may be undecided.
1
I am a young new voter as of this year and I am excited to vote. I really do think though that this campaign is unlike any other and it is interesting to follow debates and learn more about each candidate. As of right now I do not have a favorite candidate because to be honest I would not want any of them to run our country. It seems to me that the democrats have had their time to shine and maybe it would be best if we had a republican step in. It would be nice if the candidates running for president would show us really how to better our country so more people will have an opinion because the president of the United States should not be a joke like it seems to be in this election.
1
Review the candidates' web sites.
Not all of them are jokes.
And beware categorization; grouping as "republican" or "democrat" loses much information. The individuals are important, not the parties.
Not all of them are jokes.
And beware categorization; grouping as "republican" or "democrat" loses much information. The individuals are important, not the parties.
2
I am a senior in high school who just turned 18 and am ready to become involved in questioning our government. Why Iowa? I believe that this is unfair for them to have so much power and it would be better if we alternated which state gets to start it all for each election. It might break Americas tradition but sometimes change is good.
I would also like to remind my readers that every day is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
I would also like to remind my readers that every day is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
3
I am a high school student who will be just a few weeks too young to vote this year and I am interested in the politics of the presidential campaign. I think that the field of candidates are represented well in the video and also that the video does a good job of showing that Iowa is very important because it is the first which means that the entire country will be watching. It was interesting to see the Veteran who supported Trump saying that he is "a get it done kind of guy"
Iowa has a small population, majority white, farm town based on old ideologies. I Believe Trump has been planing his whole plan and publicity to win Iowa, he has focused a lot of attention to show that he is a second amendment enthusiast, and also supports our troops. In a small town People like stuff done the old way of them taking care of themselves and also like to have guns for protection. I believe This is Trumps only chance at winning and if he doe not win Iowa he will go into a downward spiral.
i believe that Bernie sanders is the best candidate for the 2016 election. he wants to rebuild the middle class and focus on the people and the problems we face every day.
unlike Donald trump who is basing his campaign on the persecution on several religious and racial beliefs. he is against the very things that this country was founded open.
unlike Donald trump who is basing his campaign on the persecution on several religious and racial beliefs. he is against the very things that this country was founded open.
3
This is a really weird election year. We have established politicians being pushed out by people who have never held elected office, and the two candidates getting the most social media coverage (Trump and Sanders) are probably the most extreme candidates we've seen in a very long time. You'd think most americans value moderation, but it's rather obvious that this isn't true anymore, even though it has been in the past.
1
My seven decades of life tell me Sanders is not extreme. Rather, he is sober and measured. His speeches are animated because he is moved to solve problems, rather than roll along in the conventional way.
5
i enjoy that we can see both parties and what the turnouts could be. if the people of Iowa wish to see a certain candidate win then that will basically create a flow for states to come. the people in Iowa are being given alot of power right now and with that entire state only representing 1 % of our population it's pretty great to see that such a small percent can have such a big impact on the campaigns to come.
I think it's quite interesting to watch videos and reads newspaper articles like this because it gives you insight on people's view and comments as well as their point of view on any particular situation or event going on in the world. It also may help to see that someone may or may not agree with you on that subject or event. For example, I'm excited for this new election but I'm also not very excited because of some of the candidates running. However, the election really has me thinking about voting. I have yet to register and this election has me motivated to register
2
Please don't continually compare Bernie Sanders to Donald Trump.
Senator Sanders has a cogent program for positive change in the US.
Donald Trump can't, or chooses not to speak in complete sentences.
Donald is talking Hitler/Mussolini/Franco Fascist talk, like addressing a crowd regarding a heckler: "Maybe we should rough him up." This is extremism in its ultimate evil form.
Bernie Sanders says, for example, that a healthcare system run for profit costs more and produces inferior health and shorter lives. The product, rather than being health, must be profit--and the US suffers for this compared to many other countries.
No, don't compare the bankrupted bully to the honorable mayor and senator.
Senator Sanders has a cogent program for positive change in the US.
Donald Trump can't, or chooses not to speak in complete sentences.
Donald is talking Hitler/Mussolini/Franco Fascist talk, like addressing a crowd regarding a heckler: "Maybe we should rough him up." This is extremism in its ultimate evil form.
Bernie Sanders says, for example, that a healthcare system run for profit costs more and produces inferior health and shorter lives. The product, rather than being health, must be profit--and the US suffers for this compared to many other countries.
No, don't compare the bankrupted bully to the honorable mayor and senator.
6
By Iowa going first, it allows a small town make a big difference. However, do they really make a difference?
Iowa is just one percent of the world's population at three million people. I don't think that Iowa will really make a difference. Iowa will not change my vote. If someone else's decision changes your vote how can yo say that you really believe in what you stand for.
Voting is our right and by having the media and other Americans change your vote, you're practically giving your right away as an American.
Iowa is just one percent of the world's population at three million people. I don't think that Iowa will really make a difference. Iowa will not change my vote. If someone else's decision changes your vote how can yo say that you really believe in what you stand for.
Voting is our right and by having the media and other Americans change your vote, you're practically giving your right away as an American.
2
As a senior in high school taking a government class and now understanding what a caucus is I find them to a pretty poor to find a canadate. Over all I find Trump's whole campange to a joke. Yes hes not taking money or run by anyones money he still should have a filter, theres a reason why people dont say sertan things, not because they are run by money but becase they are hurtful and sound unitellagent.
3
How can America truly live up to it's ideals as a nation that values democracy when our election process is so un-democratic?
I am a high school teacher who teaches about government, politics and current events. I am finding it harder than ever to encourage my students that they truly have a voice in this process. I am encouraging Americans to take a step back from the Donald Trump quotes, the Bernie Sanders t-shirts and Hillary's e-mails to examine our process.
We have left our democracy to two political parties that are not interested in democracy but in winning elections. No offense to Iowans who I'm sure are as politically smart and savvy as the media repeatedly points out, but the rest of us want a say in this process as well. If you live in Washington State as we do, how can we have a say in this process?
It is time Americans take back our democracy from the media, the parties and the candidates themselves who refuse to acknowledge a broken system in terrible need of repair.
I am a high school teacher who teaches about government, politics and current events. I am finding it harder than ever to encourage my students that they truly have a voice in this process. I am encouraging Americans to take a step back from the Donald Trump quotes, the Bernie Sanders t-shirts and Hillary's e-mails to examine our process.
We have left our democracy to two political parties that are not interested in democracy but in winning elections. No offense to Iowans who I'm sure are as politically smart and savvy as the media repeatedly points out, but the rest of us want a say in this process as well. If you live in Washington State as we do, how can we have a say in this process?
It is time Americans take back our democracy from the media, the parties and the candidates themselves who refuse to acknowledge a broken system in terrible need of repair.
2
As a student I care deeply about how our nation is run and who is running it, because in the end it is all a ripple affect, whoever gets voted into office will affect us tremendously and we have the power to choose not only who wins the election but what life will be like for all of us. You might say that I am young and my opinion does not matter but I am still a human being and I see how every decision our nation's leaders make affect us, whether it is for better or for worse. So don't vote with hate vote with your mind and ponder the question is this what is best for my family and for my nation? I respect people who have strong views about politics but at times we are blinded by the promises made by so many of the candidates, that we lose sense of reality and what life would really be like if this man ran our country. So before you vote make sure you can see passed the fantasies and look at reality.
2
On the republican side of things I may not agree with all of the ideas and suggestions Trump has made but I am strongly pulled to some. I like the fact that Trump is essentially not 'politically correct' when he speaks his mind on certain issues, because he is telling the truth in things. It truly goes to show that he is more of a media guy then a political guy.
On the democratic side, I feel as if American's can not trust Clinton due to obvious reasons. I like Sanders ideas on 'free' or at least cheaper college and his plans to help out the poor and middle class of America.
On the democratic side, I feel as if American's can not trust Clinton due to obvious reasons. I like Sanders ideas on 'free' or at least cheaper college and his plans to help out the poor and middle class of America.
2
Time and time again we get new candidates that just cant seem to keep their promises. For example Obama promised that he would free those under containment in Guantanamo Bay. This is a promise that still hasn't had any action taken on. We need to be careful exactly who our votes are going to for this reason specifically. Some of these candidates have ideas and have made promises that may intrigue us, but are some of these promises to big to keep?
4
Rechelle, You make a very good point. The President of the United States is not a king or a dictator. The country is divided more than it has been in a long time. The word "promise" shouldn't really apply to campaign proposals. Campaign proposals are sometimes easy to make and impossible to keep because the power of any politician is limited. It is up to each voter to examine the proposals of each candidate and decide whether they are realistic in the context of our political system.
1
Why start in Iowa? Wouldn't it make more sense to have the entire country vote at once? If one candidate does well in Iowa, then some voters are to vote for that candidate also. Even when they may not completely believe with that candidates values. Winning the Iowa caucus gives the candidates an advantage based off of the people in Iowa, when in reality the rest of the country is built up of different types of people that believe in different things.
1
Why does less than 1% of the American population, in the state of Iowa, get to decide on who gets to run? The results of today will affect everyone else's vote in November? As far as I know, the only reason they hold the caucus in Iowa is because they are first to vote. But that doesn't mean they have the best opinion in all of America. Not saying that there may be anywhere better in opinion, but they may get a better range of opinions if the caucus is held somewhere with a larger population?
1
Trump is not fit to be a president but he is a good businessman, which could possibly help America. I think he would only be good for our money situation though.
I am wondering why Iowa gets to decide all of this with such a small population you would think it would take place in a more populated location. Its hard to be convincing to people who can barely understand whats going on in Iowa. Even the big ones in the polls are not getting all the attention they where looking forward to in Iowa.
Why does Iowa get to make these decisions if their only one percent of the american population?
The outcome of the Iowa Caucus although not the most significant event in the election; seems to provide a good insight to which candidates have momentum in the many different demographic groups of the U.S. someone who gains the support of the evangelical community in Iowa will generally have that same support in predominantly evangelical states.
I think that a state with higher population should go first, but it's probably really important to the people who live in Iowa to be heard and have their opinions be essential
Iowa is unpredictable. I think that america is going to be shocked or, it mat go as expected. Who knows ? What do you think?
As a high school student my classmates and I often make decisions as a whole, as one big group at one time to make sure that we are all on the same page and have an equal vote. After seeing this process being so successful I look at caucuses and wonder why Iowa when they are only 1% of US population gets to basically be the starting backbone of elections and possibly the factor in wich chooses our president for possibly the next 8 years. Being that we (americans) live in a democracy we should be able to come up with a better tactic and voting process.
It will be interesting to see what the result of the Iowa caucus will be. I think from the beginning the presidential campaign has been a bit crazy with the different debates and ads, it's been somewhat overwhelming.
What I don't understand is why does Iowa get to be the deciding state? Why can't another state have it's caucus on the same day? Why does Iowa have this right, and why can't it rotate through different states?
What I don't understand is why does Iowa get to be the deciding state? Why can't another state have it's caucus on the same day? Why does Iowa have this right, and why can't it rotate through different states?
I think we need to make the first caucus, which is one of the most important voting decision in the start of a presidential campaign nationally. There should be a larger percent of us choosing and having an opinion on how the future looks for the actual voting in November. Some say if more Trump supporters show up to the caucus, he could take it.
In saying that, the media is making Donald Trump a bigger deal than he actually is resulting in more publicity which is going o get him far more votes.
In saying that, the media is making Donald Trump a bigger deal than he actually is resulting in more publicity which is going o get him far more votes.
I think the real question is... Which REPUBLICAN will get the evangelical vote. If this state is based on the christian values then they'll most likely choose a conservative representative.
1
Bernie's plans frighten people who do not understand that one's reach must exceed one's grasp.
His is a long reach, which has a chance to prevail.
Mrs. Clinton's short reach can return only mediocrity.
I am fed up with timid politicians smothered by mercenary culture.
His is a long reach, which has a chance to prevail.
Mrs. Clinton's short reach can return only mediocrity.
I am fed up with timid politicians smothered by mercenary culture.
5
Its amazing to see how big of and impact the first caucuses have on the outcome of the canadates votes.
People are truly tired of traditional politicians that is for sure.
2
It's funny to see a businessman get more media attention and votes compared to an active politician. This will be an interesting election indeed.
2
All of this talk about how or why Donald trump is leading the polls is exactly why he is leading. His popular manner is making him looked at and his extreme ideas are actually favorable to the majority of people as shown by the recent caucus. Donald Trump is someone that the people believe will bring change to America and truly make it great again.
2
More than a year of these money, money, money... lies, lies, lies... insults, bibles (evangelicals), guns driven so-called primaries? That's "democracy"? Give me a break! Only in the La-la-land, called the US, us, us, me, me country of whatever. I am rich, very rich; I will build a wall; I am the best commander-in-chief, read "war monger"; I will carpet bomb them... and on and on it goes... ! And this uncivilized country of raving nuts wants to tell the world what to do? Good luck. But stay out of my life.
You can leave this country anytime you like. Something tells me you don't have the stones.
Why not Iowa? So Iowa is an "outlier." So it isn't "representative." So it doesn't predict eventual candidates. What Iowa does do (along with New Hampshire and even South Carolina and Nevada) is offer to opportunity of a small state to have a voice in the process. Iowa offers Americans to see fellow Americans up close and candidates up close in ways that California or he rest of the larger states cannot do. Some state is going to be first, second, etc. unless we start with Super Tuesday. No matter what is done people will criticize and say it's "not fair," or thwarts the process or illogical.
1
I frequently read that Clinton supporters are upset that Sanders supporters have "bought" the Republican lies about Hillary. Well, Sanders supporters are even more upset that Clinton supporters have bought the DNC lies about Bernie. I only hope that each side realizes that denigrating either one is making it easier for the Republicans. Just stop it. We need a Democrat in the White House!
2
You've had a democrat in the white house for nearly 8 years, where did that get you?
I like to follow the money to know who may be buying influence. Two major supporters of Hillary are Monsanto and Exxon.
Troubling to me is the Clinton/Monsanto connection--Jerry Crawford, top Monsanto lobbyist, now works for the Clinton campaign. Monsanto and Exxon have donated hundreds of thousands to Bill Clinton's 'Global Initiative", designed to "solve the world's problems".
Even if Bill's non-profit could not legally donate to Hillary, after years of fundraisers, it seems plausible that these megasize donors might have some influence on Hillary's thinking. She supports the use of GMOs, a sector in which Monsanto is king.
Her support of the TPP, if passed, allows Monsanto to further riddle the world with GMO crops. The TPP will promote child labor in foreign countries, acceptance of inferior/contaminated products from the Pacific Rim, while alleviating Americans of their jobs.
The TPP gives member companies the same status, legally, as a country--they are called "Investor States", with the power to bring down governments with expensive lawsuits. And then there is all the money Hillary has earned, or accepted, from Wall St.
The question of undue influence cannot be raised in the Sanders' campaign, as he has always hewed to the course he believes in, and if he has changed his mind on an issue, he is always forthright in explaining why.
Sanders' progressive plans are entirely realistic. One only has to look to Europe or Canada to see their success.
Troubling to me is the Clinton/Monsanto connection--Jerry Crawford, top Monsanto lobbyist, now works for the Clinton campaign. Monsanto and Exxon have donated hundreds of thousands to Bill Clinton's 'Global Initiative", designed to "solve the world's problems".
Even if Bill's non-profit could not legally donate to Hillary, after years of fundraisers, it seems plausible that these megasize donors might have some influence on Hillary's thinking. She supports the use of GMOs, a sector in which Monsanto is king.
Her support of the TPP, if passed, allows Monsanto to further riddle the world with GMO crops. The TPP will promote child labor in foreign countries, acceptance of inferior/contaminated products from the Pacific Rim, while alleviating Americans of their jobs.
The TPP gives member companies the same status, legally, as a country--they are called "Investor States", with the power to bring down governments with expensive lawsuits. And then there is all the money Hillary has earned, or accepted, from Wall St.
The question of undue influence cannot be raised in the Sanders' campaign, as he has always hewed to the course he believes in, and if he has changed his mind on an issue, he is always forthright in explaining why.
Sanders' progressive plans are entirely realistic. One only has to look to Europe or Canada to see their success.
3
John Adams: "George, who should we make the system give the most influence on the selection of leaders?"
George Washington: "Pig farmers, John; someplace where pigs outnumber people six to one and the people are few and far between. That's who should set the mood and push the whole process in motion,"
Thomas Jefferson: "I like that idea. It will serve "our confederation."
John Adams: "It is union Tom, not a confederation where the Constitution was written to enable armed insurrection."
Thomas Jefferson. "Pig farmers. I like the idea. It fits my view of what the nation should be."
George Washington: "Pig farmers, John; someplace where pigs outnumber people six to one and the people are few and far between. That's who should set the mood and push the whole process in motion,"
Thomas Jefferson: "I like that idea. It will serve "our confederation."
John Adams: "It is union Tom, not a confederation where the Constitution was written to enable armed insurrection."
Thomas Jefferson. "Pig farmers. I like the idea. It fits my view of what the nation should be."
I love what Bernie has brought to the table this election season, but should we Dems nominate him, by the General he will be 75. That's asking a lot for a voter to imagine him serving even one term.
Reagan whom I did not support one iota had his age become a factor. He was "only" 69. and running for re-election brushed back Mondale with a well-timed joke. But he was an incumbent a known commodity.
Yes, I know, we live longer, we're more health conscious, but we are talking about the most nerve racking job on the planet here. We were afraid not so much that John McCain might become President, but of even greater import, that Sarah Palin would be a heart beat from the Presidency. A non-starter there.
I'm supporting Hillary not only because she is the most qualified competent and capable person running but because I want to see Bernie remain in the Senate along with colleagues like Senator Warren, fighting the good fight for a H.Clinton Administration.
As for Bernie's proud appendage he wears on his sleeve, a democratic socialist, please, let's not go there. Republicans will destroy him. They will cherry pick through his 40 years resume, nitpicking every piece of liberal legislation and statements going back to his days as Mayor of Burlington Vermont. We don't need or want that.
DD
Manhattan
Reagan whom I did not support one iota had his age become a factor. He was "only" 69. and running for re-election brushed back Mondale with a well-timed joke. But he was an incumbent a known commodity.
Yes, I know, we live longer, we're more health conscious, but we are talking about the most nerve racking job on the planet here. We were afraid not so much that John McCain might become President, but of even greater import, that Sarah Palin would be a heart beat from the Presidency. A non-starter there.
I'm supporting Hillary not only because she is the most qualified competent and capable person running but because I want to see Bernie remain in the Senate along with colleagues like Senator Warren, fighting the good fight for a H.Clinton Administration.
As for Bernie's proud appendage he wears on his sleeve, a democratic socialist, please, let's not go there. Republicans will destroy him. They will cherry pick through his 40 years resume, nitpicking every piece of liberal legislation and statements going back to his days as Mayor of Burlington Vermont. We don't need or want that.
DD
Manhattan
Something for primary voters leaning toward Ted Cruz to consider is that he trumpets his endorsement by Troy Newman, a man who justifies violence against abortion providers and women who have abortions.
http://www.thenation.com/article/ted-cruz-announces-a-terrifying-new-sup...
http://www.thenation.com/article/ted-cruz-announces-a-terrifying-new-sup...
1
Hillary seems positively delusional with her latest responses to her emails, in will likely get an indictment in the next few months. Blaming the investigation on Republicans (actually it is Obama's State Department) and implying that it is not her fault Top Secret documents were sent to her private email - a clear violation from soup to nuts.
Bernie - 2016. Sound judgment you can trust.
Bernie - 2016. Sound judgment you can trust.
5
Why would any reasonable person vote for the mainstream candidate, Hillary Clinton? Slippery Hillary admits to the truth only when she gets caught in too many lies. She not only rides with the Democrat Party's leadership, but on a reluctant Obama's record of success if you can believe the NY Times editorials.
Members from both Parties are looking for an honest president and many are ready to jump off their Party's bandwagon. What's left is a socialists, Bernie Sanders... or a capitalists, Donald Trump. It has long been known that if you want to make change to have to go to extremes.
Members from both Parties are looking for an honest president and many are ready to jump off their Party's bandwagon. What's left is a socialists, Bernie Sanders... or a capitalists, Donald Trump. It has long been known that if you want to make change to have to go to extremes.
3
Bernie is an outsider? He's been an activist since the 1960s, a political candidate since the 1970s, in political office since 1980, and in the U.S. Congress since 1990 — 25 years in Washington! Just what does it take to become a "deeply experienced, proven political leader"?
We Bernie supporters are on the "ideological fringes"? Since when is a livable minimum wage a "fringe" issue? Or free public education? Or fair taxation?
How can you equate a real outsider, like Trump, to someone who is not *remotely* an outsider, like Sanders?
Your bias isn't even subtle. Was this supposed to be "news"? It reads more like propaganda.
We Bernie supporters are on the "ideological fringes"? Since when is a livable minimum wage a "fringe" issue? Or free public education? Or fair taxation?
How can you equate a real outsider, like Trump, to someone who is not *remotely* an outsider, like Sanders?
Your bias isn't even subtle. Was this supposed to be "news"? It reads more like propaganda.
9
If Democratic voters are fearful of Sanders' inability to accomplish his goals because of economic and partisan obstacles, at least they should find comfort in knowing that he would obviously apply the current administration's agenda as a starting point, not dismantling it. At least give him a shot.
3
Now that the Times has publically formalized what we already knew, would it be too much to ask that their 'journalists' limit their bias to the opinion and editotrial pages, and stick to objective jouranlism in their reporting?
6
When has Bernie ever NOT said how he would pay for something? People repeat this argument despite it being blatantly false!
7
People who write in the media copy what others write.
Once a meme starts, laziness prevails.
Once a meme starts, laziness prevails.
2
Iowa, Iowa, Iowa for months every four years decade after decade.
Why Iowa? It is not in the top ten in terms of being reflective of the USA. It's a lousy system to elect a president when Iowa has its role. (Through caucuses which further exacerbates the off center results/nature of the state.)
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-average-states-in-america-2014-4...
Why Iowa? It is not in the top ten in terms of being reflective of the USA. It's a lousy system to elect a president when Iowa has its role. (Through caucuses which further exacerbates the off center results/nature of the state.)
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-average-states-in-america-2014-4...
Meanwhile is Texas, attorneys are filing requests for deeper background checks on Cruz. They are contesting his right to be in the Senate. No one validated his claim of citizenship by securing documents from Canada. They just took his word for it. Cruz' birth certificate raised question because it has two different surnames for his mother and father. Researchers found evidence his mother was not married and a Canadian, NOT U.S., citizen when Ted was born.
As we have done in our most pivotal moments of our history- let us demonstrate that democracy in America works-may we elect and support a government of the people, by the people and for the people - which shall represent us collectively and fairly, and restore our right to represent all that is decent and fair in our society.
3
One major piece of the puzzle that has gone unmentioned: Congress has not polled above 25% approval for a long time. The last time a majority of the country supported Congress was in 2003. That's through multiple transitions of which party controlled Congress (Democrat-controlled does about 5% better than Republican-controlled, but that's not saying much).
What that means is that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe they are not represented by their government. And you can't successfully run an establishment-oriented campaign under those kind of conditions.
What that means is that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe they are not represented by their government. And you can't successfully run an establishment-oriented campaign under those kind of conditions.
3
I'm so tired of this whole circus! I'll be very happy when it's over, but obviously with the absurdly long election process imposed on us in the U.S. that will be months from now. My quote for today is from a forthcoming book by OB-Gyn Amy Tuteur, which is not about the campaign, but is an appropriate observation on the present state of affairs among the candidates and their supporters:
"The trouble with ignorance is that it feels so much like expertise."
"The trouble with ignorance is that it feels so much like expertise."
2
As the old cliche goes this is when the rubber hits the road in Iowa. No matter the outcome, by early tomorrow the circus will move on to New Hampshire. Winners will gin up the Big Mo, while runners up will cite some anomaly which hindered their campaign at the last minute.
The marathon has finally begun. Fasten your seat belts, folks, we're in for a bumpy ride.
DD
Manhattan
The marathon has finally begun. Fasten your seat belts, folks, we're in for a bumpy ride.
DD
Manhattan
2
And of all these "voters" how many have clear perception and aren't driven by anger and hatred? Very few.
Anger, fear, and hatred obscure and darken perception. So much so that 23% or more of voters are ready and willing to put a mentally ill, narcissistic personality disordered candidate without a single day of government or military experience. In every area of government, Trump has shown himself to be completely incompetent and ignorant in all matters government. Yet his voters don't care. Why? Because they are narcissists also and identify with Trump and his profound psycho spiritual disease. They are ready to hand the keys of the USA over to a lunatic.
And why on Earth does a backwater lke Iowa have such influence? It's definitely not because they have the population or the electoral votes to warrant being first.
This whole election is a reflection of how profoundly psycho spiritually bankrupt the USA has become.
Anger, fear, and hatred obscure and darken perception. So much so that 23% or more of voters are ready and willing to put a mentally ill, narcissistic personality disordered candidate without a single day of government or military experience. In every area of government, Trump has shown himself to be completely incompetent and ignorant in all matters government. Yet his voters don't care. Why? Because they are narcissists also and identify with Trump and his profound psycho spiritual disease. They are ready to hand the keys of the USA over to a lunatic.
And why on Earth does a backwater lke Iowa have such influence? It's definitely not because they have the population or the electoral votes to warrant being first.
This whole election is a reflection of how profoundly psycho spiritually bankrupt the USA has become.
1
Your story mentions "Wall Street greed and the corrupting influence of money in politics". But that implies that politics is inherently virtuous, which it most certainly is not.
I think it would be more accurate to denounce the influence of politics on Wall Street. Going back as far as you care to look, corrupt politicians apply political leverage to extract money from the business class.
I think it would be more accurate to denounce the influence of politics on Wall Street. Going back as far as you care to look, corrupt politicians apply political leverage to extract money from the business class.
I find it hilarious that you can publish an article describing people who are upset about "Wall Street greed and the corrupting influence of money in politics" as being "on the edge" while endorsing the woman who is the chief beneficiary of same.
1
I for one am tired of all the hoopla around Iowa. I think it is huge injustice to all Americans to have one state decide who the candidates will be. Iowa is not even close to being representative of the nation as a whole. The exhaustive money laden campaign with relentless media coverage is off putting, insincere and does harm to the public who does not get a voice in the choice of candidates.
2
Cruz vows that he is a devout Christian. I wonder why he is not called on it because his answer to ISIS is to "carpet bomb" the area and "make the desert glow." From our past bombing many innocent people have been killed, maimed, and dispossessed of their homes. How can a person who believes in Christ believe that this is the solution?
6
I was hoping that after you got your Clinton endorsement out there yesterday, you could start reporting objectively. Terms like "ideological fringes" and "far left" only prove how far the Times has fallen out of touch with the liberal base in our country. How many loyal readers, like myself, have lost respect for the Times over the last several months as you have so obviously and aggressively shilled for Clinton and the Establishment?
14
If Bernie wins this it will be victory for those of us who want campaign finance reform.
7
Hey NYT, what you see as "the voters on the edges", I see differently...
I see it as "the voters on edge" - i.e. anyone making less than $250K/year, but enough to really be a (net, minus entitlements) taxpayer...
These are the people being robbed blind, by both sides of the political establishments, as...
> Republicans completely abdicate their responsibility to "keep the pie growing" - the end to which capitalism is an effective means...Their complicity in job off-shoring and - now - corporate off-shoring is beyond words (especially the ones I'd put into this comment)
> Democrats completely abdicate their responsibility to "lift people beyond poverty", vs. keeping them forever in poverty, as an ostensibly-reliable voting bloc...The irony of establishment Democrats thinking they "own" the voting bloc for certain ethnicities/races is ugly and palpable
What makes me hopeful is that I see that every one of your editors and columnists is "on edge",frantically penning,spinning,and pandering
But - kudos
As I've told more than once,you have all been - perhaps unwitting - handmaidens to the true state of things in this country
Or at least your commentista has been
What started mainly as a progressive echo chamber has happened onto the fundamental wrongs that need to be righted - and quickly
At this point,the value of your stories/opinions is your headlines. They indicate what sort of crowd-sourced wisdom I'll find
Including the (formerly) silent centrist majority
I see it as "the voters on edge" - i.e. anyone making less than $250K/year, but enough to really be a (net, minus entitlements) taxpayer...
These are the people being robbed blind, by both sides of the political establishments, as...
> Republicans completely abdicate their responsibility to "keep the pie growing" - the end to which capitalism is an effective means...Their complicity in job off-shoring and - now - corporate off-shoring is beyond words (especially the ones I'd put into this comment)
> Democrats completely abdicate their responsibility to "lift people beyond poverty", vs. keeping them forever in poverty, as an ostensibly-reliable voting bloc...The irony of establishment Democrats thinking they "own" the voting bloc for certain ethnicities/races is ugly and palpable
What makes me hopeful is that I see that every one of your editors and columnists is "on edge",frantically penning,spinning,and pandering
But - kudos
As I've told more than once,you have all been - perhaps unwitting - handmaidens to the true state of things in this country
Or at least your commentista has been
What started mainly as a progressive echo chamber has happened onto the fundamental wrongs that need to be righted - and quickly
At this point,the value of your stories/opinions is your headlines. They indicate what sort of crowd-sourced wisdom I'll find
Including the (formerly) silent centrist majority
7
Hillary is US Joaquin Guzman. She crime in email. She isn't runing Presidential, She is jailbreaking. Ballot is her escape "tunnel".
1
The NYT, like most of its readers (it's Tribe), ooze contemp for unlike minded. "Iowa, widely derided for being unlike the rest of the United States"
Obama and Trump whistles the tune and America dances.
Civilization is hard to come by in an uncivil society.
Carter and Reagean were very different and you can argue their accomplishments but they were civil. So we're the Bush's and was Bill C. If we elect any Republic other than Trump, we have a chance to reverse the shrill divisive tone spewed by the current Tribal leader and his following herd of Sophmores.
The decisive turn to the left by the Enlightened has steered the discourse toward the gutter.
Obama and Trump whistles the tune and America dances.
Civilization is hard to come by in an uncivil society.
Carter and Reagean were very different and you can argue their accomplishments but they were civil. So we're the Bush's and was Bill C. If we elect any Republic other than Trump, we have a chance to reverse the shrill divisive tone spewed by the current Tribal leader and his following herd of Sophmores.
The decisive turn to the left by the Enlightened has steered the discourse toward the gutter.
NYT has it in for the establishment. I don't know why I bother to read it. Now, I just wasted my time commenting here. I should shut up already.
1
Senator Sanders has been a mayor, a Congressman, and a Senator for 33 years, and has a successful record in each roll. Surely the Times must consider him a " deeply experienced, proven political leaders" and not a "idol-smashing outsider". If not, why not!!! If primaries choose candidates, how can the Times explain "presumptive nominees of a year ago " when nobody asked the voters???
8
Bernie Sanders by most accounts is a very nice and down to earth guy.
What concerns me is his age.
Look how Obama aged on the job.
These are new times and the world has trouble spots all over and at the same time.
Mark my words, if Bernie becomes president he is asking for a coronary.
The decisions are tough, the problems tough and real and the stress within the house itself is frustration with a capital F.
Let Hillary take the Top Job Bernie and you be the VP.
STAN CHUN
Wellington
New Zealand
1 February, 2016.
What concerns me is his age.
Look how Obama aged on the job.
These are new times and the world has trouble spots all over and at the same time.
Mark my words, if Bernie becomes president he is asking for a coronary.
The decisions are tough, the problems tough and real and the stress within the house itself is frustration with a capital F.
Let Hillary take the Top Job Bernie and you be the VP.
STAN CHUN
Wellington
New Zealand
1 February, 2016.
2
"You gotta be in it to win it".
So Iowans, here's some advice from New York: Don't be afraid of a little snow today dumping on your big chance to vote in this critical election. Wherever you are - out in the boondocks or in the cities and towns - get out and vote! Set an example for the rest of us to vote. I believe Bernie and the Donald will win and take this major upheaval in the 2016 American Presidential campaign all the way to the finish line in November.
So Iowans, here's some advice from New York: Don't be afraid of a little snow today dumping on your big chance to vote in this critical election. Wherever you are - out in the boondocks or in the cities and towns - get out and vote! Set an example for the rest of us to vote. I believe Bernie and the Donald will win and take this major upheaval in the 2016 American Presidential campaign all the way to the finish line in November.
2
I really cannot understand why any sane person would vote for Bernie sanders. He's way too old, so how come young people are supporting him? He's way to socialist, so how come adults are supporting him? All the Clinton haters would rather have Sanders run and lose in the general election. This is just like in 2008 when the Clinton haters supported Obama, even though he hadn't a clue, and still doesn't have, how to govern.
If people want to prevent the horrors that will happen if Trump or Cruz wins, they had better wake up and get over their fear of having a woman tell them what to do and having her run our country.
If people want to prevent the horrors that will happen if Trump or Cruz wins, they had better wake up and get over their fear of having a woman tell them what to do and having her run our country.
2
Let me tell you about how 'fringe' Bernie's ideas are: I can step outside my door here in Oxford and enjoy more or less every 'fringe' idea he is asking Americans to fight for. The same is true of our brothers and sisters in France, Germany, Japan, Denmark, etc.
What is fringe is being the only country in the developed world that let's people go bankrupt paying medical bills. Fringe is being one of only two nations on Earth that does not guarantee paid maternity leave for every woman. Fringe is expecting students to wallow in tens of thousands of dollars in debt to get an education. Fringe is allowing police officers to murder unarmed African Americans with impunity.
The US needs to realize that the American 'centre' is in fact off-the-charts radical compared to the broader political ideologies of the industrialised world. The true political centre of the industrialised world lies somewhere to the left of the Democratic party. What makes me a 'socialist' in America also makes me a borderline Tory here in Britain. How do Americans not realise this? How can they not see just how far off the cliff they've gone?
What is fringe is being the only country in the developed world that let's people go bankrupt paying medical bills. Fringe is being one of only two nations on Earth that does not guarantee paid maternity leave for every woman. Fringe is expecting students to wallow in tens of thousands of dollars in debt to get an education. Fringe is allowing police officers to murder unarmed African Americans with impunity.
The US needs to realize that the American 'centre' is in fact off-the-charts radical compared to the broader political ideologies of the industrialised world. The true political centre of the industrialised world lies somewhere to the left of the Democratic party. What makes me a 'socialist' in America also makes me a borderline Tory here in Britain. How do Americans not realise this? How can they not see just how far off the cliff they've gone?
15
The only candidate with experience who comes with a 'Been there Done that' is Hillary Clinton. All others are words!
2
We've all "been there, done that" with Hillary. No thank you. Next.
I love Bernie Sanders and I agree with just about every word that he says. In a democracy where the will of the people was executed by their politicians, he would walk away with not only the Democratic nomination, but the election.
Unfortunately, we live in a democracy where our politicians are owned by corporations and billionaires, and not one of his policies would ever be executed.
Worse, as soon as he explained that he would pay for single payer health care by RAISING TAXES and CHANGING MEDICARE, I had to accept that he will never, ever, never be elected.
Never.
And it's our loss.
Unfortunately, we live in a democracy where our politicians are owned by corporations and billionaires, and not one of his policies would ever be executed.
Worse, as soon as he explained that he would pay for single payer health care by RAISING TAXES and CHANGING MEDICARE, I had to accept that he will never, ever, never be elected.
Never.
And it's our loss.
2
Bernie has good ideas, but they bring uncertainties. I would have expected him to improve on Obama Care and not change it. In fact, Republicans would be laughing all the way for they dest Obama Care and he will be doing them what they have failed to do in Congress.
1
I stopped reading this article. I got fed up with anti - Bernie slant and again the comparison and equating with Trump. I wonder if the New York Times editors sit around and figure out how they can do it without looking like they are doing it.
9
Saw part of a special on this and it looked like most couldn't care less e of one asked why he lost to tell him why he lost a benefit, veterans benefit.
One thing that I have learned during this silly season, aka-run up to the Iowa caucuses-is that most Trump supporters don't need voter i.d., they need simple lessons in civics and government.
The same people who have called for President Obama's imprisonment for Presidential overreach, support a candidate who begins every sentence with the word "I". Singlehandedly he will build a wall to keep out Mexicans, keep Muslims out of our country, and yesterday he "promised" to appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn marriage equality.
The complete lack of understanding of our system of checks and balances is beyond scary. That so many people who hold the right to vote are willing to give power to someone with that same lack of knowledge and understanding is what I have taken away from watching these candidates over the last few months. Iowa may not be representative of our general voting population, but you have to wonder just how deep and wide does governmental ignorance go, and are Iowans just representative of this profound lack of understanding and knowledge.
The same people who have called for President Obama's imprisonment for Presidential overreach, support a candidate who begins every sentence with the word "I". Singlehandedly he will build a wall to keep out Mexicans, keep Muslims out of our country, and yesterday he "promised" to appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn marriage equality.
The complete lack of understanding of our system of checks and balances is beyond scary. That so many people who hold the right to vote are willing to give power to someone with that same lack of knowledge and understanding is what I have taken away from watching these candidates over the last few months. Iowa may not be representative of our general voting population, but you have to wonder just how deep and wide does governmental ignorance go, and are Iowans just representative of this profound lack of understanding and knowledge.
2
Whether Iowa is representative of the general population of the US or not, Iowa has certainly found a way to get noticed and to participate in the choice of candidates of the major parties. Unfortunately, Iowa has had a tough time figuring out what the rest of the country wants and has not been very successful in predicting the winner. So, it should be no surprise that much of the country thinks that Iowa is not particularly relevant as a predictor of the general election.
In the article it is noted that a teacher was supporting Bernie although the union had endorsed Ms Clinton. That is not correct. The members of the AFT and NEA did not endorse anyone- the board or executive committee did. In the case of Communications a Workers of Ametica and National Nurses United, Bernie Sanders was endorsed based upon polling the membership. This pattern repeats with groups like Democracy for America and MoveOn.org, which endorsed Bernie after polling membership.
11
American voters tire of the constrained two-party system and evolution seems closer this year. We can only hope the GOP splits into social conservatives (Christian Coalition), fiscal conservatives (moderate, old-school Republicans), Tea Party odd balls and neoconservatives (loving the MIC and preferring the military to settle international affairs). Similarly the Democratic party could cleave into fiscal conservatives (not only GOPers are fiscally aware), OWS (decentralized thinkers), Greens (the Green Party tends to align bith the DNC for no apparent reason other than the Nader 2000 issue) and moderate old-school Democrats. ,
Voters seem eager to align with atypical candidates as a sign of rebellion. Hillary seemed needlessly favored by the DNC and Democrats are instead gravitating to Bernie. Trump is an odd candidate who has attracted GOP voters who tire of the same old cast of characters and also do not want the RNC controlling the game. Regardless who gets nominated by either party, we can only hope more Independents, Libertarians and smaller party groups draw folks from the stagnant two majority parties.
Some worry about Trump winning the GOP nomination but he can't win a general election because he fails to attract Independents and Democrats. Whoever wins the GOP is guaranteed 35% of the popular vote out of brand loyalty. Same is true for the Democrat nominee… but maybe this year we can break the monied, two party stranglehold on American political theatre.
Voters seem eager to align with atypical candidates as a sign of rebellion. Hillary seemed needlessly favored by the DNC and Democrats are instead gravitating to Bernie. Trump is an odd candidate who has attracted GOP voters who tire of the same old cast of characters and also do not want the RNC controlling the game. Regardless who gets nominated by either party, we can only hope more Independents, Libertarians and smaller party groups draw folks from the stagnant two majority parties.
Some worry about Trump winning the GOP nomination but he can't win a general election because he fails to attract Independents and Democrats. Whoever wins the GOP is guaranteed 35% of the popular vote out of brand loyalty. Same is true for the Democrat nominee… but maybe this year we can break the monied, two party stranglehold on American political theatre.
2
Well I expected the comment section to be full of resentment towards Iowa, and it certainly delivered. As a native Iowan who caucused for the first time at 17 in the 2004 election cycle (turned 18 before November), I can speak with a little authority. I found the caucus experience to be engaging and exciting. I showed up to the event not fully decided and had the opportunity to speak with supporters of many different candidates who pitched me their reasons for supporting each. It was actually a fairly similar scenario to this year's leading Democratic candidates: an established senator, more moderate-leaning (John Kerry) and a more liberal-leaning New England politician (Howard Dean).
Since 1996, Iowa's Democratic caucus winners have gone on to receive the party's nomination every time. In 2008, Obama surprised the country by winning Iowa (despite poor late poll results), gaining momentum that helped carry him to the White House. So yes, the Iowa's caucus is absolutely instrumental to the election process. Many decry Iowa for being too white and not representative of the nation, but I implore you to research Iowa's progressive history dating back to its origin. It was the second state in the U.S. to legalize interracial marriage in 1851. It is home to the oldest mosque in North America, built 1934. And let's not forget, Iowa legalized same-sex marriage in 2009...YEARS before NY and California. Most people criticizing have probably never stepped foot in the state.
Since 1996, Iowa's Democratic caucus winners have gone on to receive the party's nomination every time. In 2008, Obama surprised the country by winning Iowa (despite poor late poll results), gaining momentum that helped carry him to the White House. So yes, the Iowa's caucus is absolutely instrumental to the election process. Many decry Iowa for being too white and not representative of the nation, but I implore you to research Iowa's progressive history dating back to its origin. It was the second state in the U.S. to legalize interracial marriage in 1851. It is home to the oldest mosque in North America, built 1934. And let's not forget, Iowa legalized same-sex marriage in 2009...YEARS before NY and California. Most people criticizing have probably never stepped foot in the state.
4
The Democratic Party is being commandeered by someone who has been a Democrat a scant 9 months. Whether this massive change in direction will amount to anything remains deeply uncertain.
2
Bernie Sanders has had more experience than ANY candidate....
Please NYTImes....get this right for a change...and Bernie has a proven
track record of being on the side of 99 percent of all Americans.
NYTimes ....your bias doesn't fool me or the people of Iowa...
Bernie is not a DEAL MAKER....Bernie is a DEAL BREAKER...that is breaker
of the Citizens United cartel that is keeping the deals that the .01 percenters
keep for themselves.
Go Bernie...as the ONLY candidate worthy of your vote.
Please NYTImes....get this right for a change...and Bernie has a proven
track record of being on the side of 99 percent of all Americans.
NYTimes ....your bias doesn't fool me or the people of Iowa...
Bernie is not a DEAL MAKER....Bernie is a DEAL BREAKER...that is breaker
of the Citizens United cartel that is keeping the deals that the .01 percenters
keep for themselves.
Go Bernie...as the ONLY candidate worthy of your vote.
6
From Flores and Komodo island, Indonesia i support Donald trump become next president of USA since his statement to clean all terrorist from the globe. terrorists have killed many people without any reason. I love Donald Trump since the strong figure to make the peace after kill the terrorist
If you really believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.
Sen. Sanders is one of two Senators who represent 626,562 people in Vermont. Non-Hispanic Whites made up 94% of the population in the 2010 census. When he was mayor of Burlington, he represented 42,417 people. Vermont has the minimum number of electoral votes, 3.
3
Vote for Gil to keep the tradition of politics alive.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAtunJv6NtE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAtunJv6NtE
1
Voters are not rebelling against the "establishment"
Mr. Sanders has been I politics for decades. Longer than Ms. Clinton.
The difference is that the "established" politicians you refer to became very rich by selling access to political power.
Mr. Sanders did not, not did Mr Trump who made his millions in real estate.
Mr. Sanders has been I politics for decades. Longer than Ms. Clinton.
The difference is that the "established" politicians you refer to became very rich by selling access to political power.
Mr. Sanders did not, not did Mr Trump who made his millions in real estate.
8
Trump made his millions BUYING access to political power, which is just as bad, perhaps worse.
He freely admitted this at the first Republican debate
As for candidates getting rich selling access, you need to be much more specific.
He freely admitted this at the first Republican debate
As for candidates getting rich selling access, you need to be much more specific.
1
The bias in this article is shameful. Supporting progressive taxation, meaningful bank regulation, an end to opaque and job killing "free trade" agreements, student loan forgiveness, free college tuition, rebuilding the energy grid to be sustainable, a foreign policy without war as option number one, expanding social security and, yes, universal health care hardly puts one on the fringes. Bernie Sanders' positions are mainstream in every industrially developed democracy and, historically, in the U.S. Mrs. Clinton pro-Wall Street and pro-war stances are the fringe policies - foreign to any true Democratic voter.
22
We can thank Citizens United and the Supremes for the fact that there are Republicans with more money than they will ever use meaningfully. At least the media, the political advisoers, and the vendors to the various campaigns will make some money, even if the candidate flames out.
How many of the 13 Republicans will pack it in after Iowa and New Hampshire? At least 8 or 9 of them should recognize that they have no shot at all and go home.
How many of the 13 Republicans will pack it in after Iowa and New Hampshire? At least 8 or 9 of them should recognize that they have no shot at all and go home.
6
Iowa Caucuses is an extravagant media event like the Superball or Oscar. Every Iowans religious or not are in the act. It also generates more than enough publicity for the ultimate price - making money out in the winter cold.
1
Just as Iowa in years past set the tone for President Santorum and President Huckabee?
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
2
A brief glance at the Reader's Picks versus NYT Picks will tell you who will win Iowa on the Democratic side.
13
My prediction: both parties will nominate someone who is unelectable -- yet one will be elected. Sanders vs. Trump. Democrats will be just as surprised by the appeal of Sanders as Republicans are by the appeal of Trump. And Trump will win because he can pull Democrat voters while Sanders has no chance of pulling Republicans. This will be an election for the history books -- and not in a good way.
2
The flurry of misinformation and ad hominem attacks against Bernie Sanders in the New York TImes gives has a similar aftertaste in my mouth as the misinformation unleashed leading to the Iraq invasion.
It would be interesting to see tomorrow whether the cat gets out of the bag. If it does do the the forces of darkness have a plan B in store or are they at the end of their rope?
It would be interesting to see tomorrow whether the cat gets out of the bag. If it does do the the forces of darkness have a plan B in store or are they at the end of their rope?
16
The misinformation and ad hominem attacks against Hillary Clinton in the comment sections of the Times far exceeds those contained in the Times against Sen. Sanders.
3
Iowa voters want continued government subsidies for their ethanol industry. The farmers' self interest is regrettable, but the way that politicians of BOTH parties pander to sustain their ethanol subsidies is appalling. Like many things in this election, it makes no sense.
3
If I read "feel the bern" one more time, I will become ill.
This has become a superficial cult of personality.
This has become a superficial cult of personality.
5
Because of the short attention span of the low-info and ever-harrassed American voter, an encyclopedia-worth of documentation of the value and values of Candidate Sanders must, like all others, be reduced to a simplest sound-bite.
You know that, Will.
And which other candidate is not worshiped beyond reason by a billionaire-financed cult straight out of some zombie horror movie?
You know that, Will.
And which other candidate is not worshiped beyond reason by a billionaire-financed cult straight out of some zombie horror movie?
3
Trump is wiping out all of the candidates who can't afford to go on. All of them except one. Bush 3.
Ironically, that will leave Trump and Bush as the last 2 candidates standing.
Like a Greek Tragedy, all of the people who supported Trump because they were sick of the Bushes are ultimately going to be the very people that handed him the nomination.
Ironically, that will leave Trump and Bush as the last 2 candidates standing.
Like a Greek Tragedy, all of the people who supported Trump because they were sick of the Bushes are ultimately going to be the very people that handed him the nomination.
One fundamental difference between Clinton and Sanders is that Hillary believes money buys elections while Bernie believes people win elections. Democracy is alot of work and requires a politically active citizenry. Clinton's coziness with Wall Street sends the message that she supports the current oligarchy who have effectively taken political power out of the hands of the people. Bernie Sanders is campaigning on the promise of returning that power to the people, "if they want it," to paraphrase Ben Franklin.
The choice between Sanders and Clinton is crystal clear and the outcome of this contest will underscore what kind of government Democratic party voters truly want.
Trump is still a wildcard. No one really knows for sure whether he is a conservative Republican or a liberal Democrat. One thing is for sure though. In a contest between the Donald and Clinton, Trump will win. And he will win against her because he is not handicapped by the banks and special interest groups. For better or worse, he is going to take a pragmatic, business-like approach to governing. Against Bernie Sanders, the outcome is unpredictable and the race post-nomination between them is going to be tight.
The choice between Sanders and Clinton is crystal clear and the outcome of this contest will underscore what kind of government Democratic party voters truly want.
Trump is still a wildcard. No one really knows for sure whether he is a conservative Republican or a liberal Democrat. One thing is for sure though. In a contest between the Donald and Clinton, Trump will win. And he will win against her because he is not handicapped by the banks and special interest groups. For better or worse, he is going to take a pragmatic, business-like approach to governing. Against Bernie Sanders, the outcome is unpredictable and the race post-nomination between them is going to be tight.
9
"Clinton's coziness with Wall Street sends the message that she supports the current oligarchy who have effectively taken political power out of the hands of the people."
Paul Krugman and Barney Frank support Hillary Clinton's plan to reign in Wall Street over that of Sen. Sanders. Maybe she doesn't support the oligarchy.
Paul Krugman and Barney Frank support Hillary Clinton's plan to reign in Wall Street over that of Sen. Sanders. Maybe she doesn't support the oligarchy.
2
Hedge fund manager and currency manipulator, George Soros, has just committed $6MM to Hillary's campaign. I guess that tells you who Wall Street supports.
6
Maybe pigs will fly.
Why isn't David Koch worried about his Southampton mansion being destroyed by rising sea level? Because he'll have his congressional toadies provide free homeowner's insurance.
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/david-koch-calvin-klein-s-hea...
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/david-koch-calvin-klein-s-hea...
2
Regardless of the outcome, many in the media are going to interpret it to mean that Trump and Sanders won. It is a win-win for both of them because many in the media don't want the race to end. Sanders is cute. Many expect Trump to fall off the wall like Humpty Dumpty so they figure no harm is done.
1
Look for campaign money from Corporations or major shareholders of Television enterprises being sent to any campaign that is turned around back into the Television industry for campaign ads. Imagine them getting someone elected then getting their money back. If I thought of it, someone probably did it.
Whatever happened to bumper stickers and badges? Make your own campaign banners for your car or home. Your donations are just making the media and those that own it wildly rich.
Whatever happened to bumper stickers and badges? Make your own campaign banners for your car or home. Your donations are just making the media and those that own it wildly rich.
I think Hillary is a lot like Richard M. Nixon. An incredibly smart, politically savvy young person with great promise, who earlier in their careers believed very strongly in and was strongly committed to a set of values.
But over time, both got seduced by power which eroded those values and made greed the defining value of their existence. They both grew into paranoid elitists who had lost sight of the role of the politician in relation to the people and came to believe in their own god given right to rule without regard for law.
I think Elizabeth Warren echo's these thoughts
here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mJ-U76nfg
But over time, both got seduced by power which eroded those values and made greed the defining value of their existence. They both grew into paranoid elitists who had lost sight of the role of the politician in relation to the people and came to believe in their own god given right to rule without regard for law.
I think Elizabeth Warren echo's these thoughts
here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12mJ-U76nfg
14
Definitely watch the YouTube link in the above post. Wow.
4
@Sam Peters,
I just finished looking at the video you were kind to link with your comment. It is the definition of self-explanatory. It is also irrefutable. More people need to see and hear this. Thank you, Elizabeth Warren and thank you, Sam Peters for pointing the way to this. Thank you, thank you and again, thank you.
1-31-16@11:31 pm et
I just finished looking at the video you were kind to link with your comment. It is the definition of self-explanatory. It is also irrefutable. More people need to see and hear this. Thank you, Elizabeth Warren and thank you, Sam Peters for pointing the way to this. Thank you, thank you and again, thank you.
1-31-16@11:31 pm et
5
Agreed. Definitely watch the video. This is what it's all about.
Hillary is currently at a Wall Street fundraiser. hellllllllllllll-O!
17
I just saw where progressive/liberal hedge fund manager and currency manipulator, George Soros, is throwing millions of dollars into Hillarys's campaign. I guess that tells us who Wall Street is backing.
15
The "far left" thinks he didn't go far enough. Uh, I think most people in the country regardless of political party affiliation wanted Obama to do more to curb abuses on Wall Street or prosecuting them when they clearly break the law.
17
Beware of The Outsider title. Democratic Socialist is a common and often dominate title for winning parties in Europe but Senator Sanders use of the term is what was central Democratic Party beliefs before the slowly rightward drift of the party ending with Clinton and Obama policies of late.
Sanders in the Senate was allocated committee responsibilities by the party without protest, he is an outsider only in that his issues of inequality, broad healthcare, the financial sectors usury and more reasoned use of our military might are dangerous undertaking for politicians on the make with high end funding sources.
It surely should be clear that these concerns he espouses are not outside the awareness of our people, that for the bulk of the population, excluding its top layer, things have gone wrong. This election may show that the term better fits a cautious New York Times trying to hold to a center that has shifted away. Trump is appealing to some differing concerns of white working class Americans, but their real threats are what Bernie recognizes, and when they hear him they may recognizes that as well. Could be a very interesting year.
Sanders in the Senate was allocated committee responsibilities by the party without protest, he is an outsider only in that his issues of inequality, broad healthcare, the financial sectors usury and more reasoned use of our military might are dangerous undertaking for politicians on the make with high end funding sources.
It surely should be clear that these concerns he espouses are not outside the awareness of our people, that for the bulk of the population, excluding its top layer, things have gone wrong. This election may show that the term better fits a cautious New York Times trying to hold to a center that has shifted away. Trump is appealing to some differing concerns of white working class Americans, but their real threats are what Bernie recognizes, and when they hear him they may recognizes that as well. Could be a very interesting year.
11
60,000 Television ads in Iowa alone? The Television industry won the Caucuses already and they win all elections. They might be laughing all the way to the banks.
1
Well the media does not make it a horse race for nothin'
1
Hillary has already lost just by the fact that Sanders is making a race of it. It shows what an incredibly weak candidate she actually is.
22
She also polls as the weaker candidate when matched against the GOP candidates; Sanders polls much stronger against the GOP.
10
You realize that she got more votes in the 2008 primaries than Obama did.
1
George Soros just dropped $6 million into a Super PAC. One of 3 that hold over $100 million for one candidate. But there is no quid pro quo. Nope. No one cares what the middle class voter thinks or wants.
Big money has taken over
Big money has taken over
14
I am okay with all the hooplah over the primaries; but I am reminded of my wish that when it comes to election day - no votes are reported - anywhere - until the last vote is cast.
8
"We've always done it this way!"
"It's tradition!"
"If people are serious, they will caucus!"
"No one ever said freedom would be free!"
Did I cover all the explanations?
This entire excruciating "caucus" exercise is a farcical, highly engineered, "adult" version of class elections in junior high school. Nothing more! But at least the pre-teens make no pretenses about their comical exercise being about anything other than voting for the "cool kids" or, these days, the ones with the wealthiest parents to finance a slick campaign.
To somehow claim that dragging people out of their homes on Monday night to negotiate slick roads and sidewalks, so as to then be herded into a smelly school gym and then be publicly divided into two (or three or 10 groups) based on political preference, is somehow fair and democratic! [I fully expect that those dashing in at 7:01 pm are reprimanded in a fashion that would make any junior high administrator proud! Is there detention for those who arrive late?]
Secret ballot? NO
Handicap accessible? WHO KNOWS?
Impartially counted by neutral functionaries? NO! NO! NO!
Subject to public intimidation, shaming, etc.? ABSOLUTELY
Conducive to participation? NO NO NO
And this is what we have been "leading up to" for nearly a year?
New Hampshire, white bread postage stamp that it is, at least has booths and ballots!
"It's tradition!"
"If people are serious, they will caucus!"
"No one ever said freedom would be free!"
Did I cover all the explanations?
This entire excruciating "caucus" exercise is a farcical, highly engineered, "adult" version of class elections in junior high school. Nothing more! But at least the pre-teens make no pretenses about their comical exercise being about anything other than voting for the "cool kids" or, these days, the ones with the wealthiest parents to finance a slick campaign.
To somehow claim that dragging people out of their homes on Monday night to negotiate slick roads and sidewalks, so as to then be herded into a smelly school gym and then be publicly divided into two (or three or 10 groups) based on political preference, is somehow fair and democratic! [I fully expect that those dashing in at 7:01 pm are reprimanded in a fashion that would make any junior high administrator proud! Is there detention for those who arrive late?]
Secret ballot? NO
Handicap accessible? WHO KNOWS?
Impartially counted by neutral functionaries? NO! NO! NO!
Subject to public intimidation, shaming, etc.? ABSOLUTELY
Conducive to participation? NO NO NO
And this is what we have been "leading up to" for nearly a year?
New Hampshire, white bread postage stamp that it is, at least has booths and ballots!
3
Have you ever been to a caucus...in America? We have them in Washington state, and though, I'll admit, voting takes less time, it's really not that big of a hassle to spend a few hours listening to my fellow party members before actually voting. Hearing other people's views is not "intimidation," it's how adult human beings make decisions, and sometimes, change their minds.
BTW, my husband's in a wheelchair, and we've never had to ford a moat or other obstacle to get into our Democratic Caucus.
BTW, my husband's in a wheelchair, and we've never had to ford a moat or other obstacle to get into our Democratic Caucus.
9
You are grasping at straws, Julie because you, personally, appear to have a penchant for spending freezing Monday nights in school gyms. That is a personal choice which may not work for most folks. Tradition? NO. Dysfunctional?
Once again I repeat:
Secret ballot? NO
Handicap accessible? WHO KNOWS? (You got a ramp for your husband; that's once in a row. Why should a frail individual be FORCED to leave the house to participate, or remain disenfranchised?)
Impartially counted by neutral functionaries? NO! NO! NO! Party functionaries count, not neutral poll workers.
Subject to public intimidation, shaming, etc.? ABSOLUTELY! If I have to stand in a crowd to identify who I am voting for, rather than privately marking my ballot, you damn right it can be intimidating, especially in a small town where gossip ("Marge caucused with Bernie the Red!") travels faster than the speed of light and everybody knows pretty much everybody else.
Conducive to participation? NO NO NO The miserable percentages that trudge on Monday night speaks for itself. [I will admit that off-year municipal and special elections often have equally dreadful participation with ballots, but these are barely publicized races for town council or water boards.]
You may enjoy being herded in a smelly gym but there are those of us who would prefer to exercise our right to vote in a thoughtful, private matter at our kitchen table voting absentee. I should not have to agree to be publicly herded to "vote."
Once again I repeat:
Secret ballot? NO
Handicap accessible? WHO KNOWS? (You got a ramp for your husband; that's once in a row. Why should a frail individual be FORCED to leave the house to participate, or remain disenfranchised?)
Impartially counted by neutral functionaries? NO! NO! NO! Party functionaries count, not neutral poll workers.
Subject to public intimidation, shaming, etc.? ABSOLUTELY! If I have to stand in a crowd to identify who I am voting for, rather than privately marking my ballot, you damn right it can be intimidating, especially in a small town where gossip ("Marge caucused with Bernie the Red!") travels faster than the speed of light and everybody knows pretty much everybody else.
Conducive to participation? NO NO NO The miserable percentages that trudge on Monday night speaks for itself. [I will admit that off-year municipal and special elections often have equally dreadful participation with ballots, but these are barely publicized races for town council or water boards.]
You may enjoy being herded in a smelly gym but there are those of us who would prefer to exercise our right to vote in a thoughtful, private matter at our kitchen table voting absentee. I should not have to agree to be publicly herded to "vote."
Upwising: could you be any more snide and condescending? Democracy is wasted on people like you.
"Voters on the ideological edges".
Sanders platform includes single payer, a financial transaction, breaking up the too big to fail banks, decreasing the overrepresentation of the wealthy, increasing Social Security benefits - all the policies that enjoy huge public support.
Sanders platform includes single payer, a financial transaction, breaking up the too big to fail banks, decreasing the overrepresentation of the wealthy, increasing Social Security benefits - all the policies that enjoy huge public support.
31
Bernie and Trump aren't comparable; one serves the people while the other is self serving. I hope it comes down to the both of them because Bernie will destroy him.
20
if it does come to a choice between trump and sanders, and americans choose trump, then they will deserve th fate they will assuredly suffer
stupidity has consequences
stupidity has consequences
8
Every poll on Trump Vs. Sanders has Sanders winning. Those with Clinton vs. Trump have Trump winning. Worth thinking about.
16
Even if Clinton wins the caucuses, the fact it is even close shows how weak a candidate she is overall.
14
In the last few election cycles, Liberals dismissed the GOP as am party of 'White old men'. Ironically it is a white old man who is now widely touted as the savior of liberal values.
11
Thank god for that white old man.
19
I find it difficult to believe that you think an admitted socialist is a savior of liberal values. If that is true liberals need to live in a socialist country somewhere else.
1
GOP….nope I will pass on that… that has already been done in history. The definition of insanity is when you keep doing the same thing but expect a different outcome.
Trump reads "Hitler's Speeches" before bed and says "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters."
Cruz at 18 years old stated that he aspires to "take over the world, world domination, you know, rule everything," he continued. "Rich, powerful, that sort of stuff." He wants to “carpet bomb the Islamic State”.
Cruz has also said that “We will carpet bomb them into oblivion. I don’t know if sand can glow in the dark, but we’re going to find out.” this vs an experience President Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, it futility, its stupidity.”
The GOP uses gerrymandering, voter restrictions, limiting information freedoms, economic warfare defunding the country’s budget, destabilizes the country using fear tactics, provoking: racism, hyper-right religion, confederacy all to control the American voters.
Why would any American Family let any of these guys determine how their children are raised?
Trump reads "Hitler's Speeches" before bed and says "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn't lose voters."
Cruz at 18 years old stated that he aspires to "take over the world, world domination, you know, rule everything," he continued. "Rich, powerful, that sort of stuff." He wants to “carpet bomb the Islamic State”.
Cruz has also said that “We will carpet bomb them into oblivion. I don’t know if sand can glow in the dark, but we’re going to find out.” this vs an experience President Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, it futility, its stupidity.”
The GOP uses gerrymandering, voter restrictions, limiting information freedoms, economic warfare defunding the country’s budget, destabilizes the country using fear tactics, provoking: racism, hyper-right religion, confederacy all to control the American voters.
Why would any American Family let any of these guys determine how their children are raised?
11
The bleach-blond ditz in the photo that accompanies this story is the textbook example of the sort of "loser" Trump is talking about. What motivates such losers to support him, when he's been clear that he is disgusted by them? Can they not see that he'll ignore them if he gets into office? I thought they were angry that they were being ignored by the current crop of political figures?
Maybe they need to quit trying to look for a new politician to support and ask themselves what is it about them as people and the causes they support that leads everyone in office to ignore them?
Maybe they need to quit trying to look for a new politician to support and ask themselves what is it about them as people and the causes they support that leads everyone in office to ignore them?
4
Hopefully, the voters will wise up and send Trump's Clown Car and Hillary (reverse) Carpetbagger into the ditch.
18
Well, if they're getting that many votes, they're not really the "fringe" anymore, are they?
19
It's extremely irksome that the corporate media continue to describe Bernie Sanders as being "on the fringe." His views are shared by large majorities of the American people. You name it, universal healthcare, trade policy, jobs, income inequality, Wall Street and undue influence of plutocrats, free tuition , the American people join Bernie on the "fringe." Who establishes the "center," the Chamber of Commerce? I don't think people are buying it any more. To parphrase George W. Bush, the people are catapulting the corporate propaganda.
29
Bernie Sanders is a second term Senator and was a member of the House of Representatives for quite a few years. What does it say that he hasn't gotten any Senate supporters and only two House members to support him? Compared to Hillary with 39 Senators and 153 House members as Superdelegates. I think it says that people who have worked with him, don't think he is up to the job.
4
Perhaps the Clinton machine is so powerful and the Congressional corruption is so great that an honest man sticks out like a sore thumb; none of the other Congress people can stand the pain of standing alone as Sanders does; with the pain that will be inflicted if they go against the corrupt institutions, what do you get: a strong individual who is strong enough to stand alone and take the heat generated.
Go Bernie!
Go Bernie!
14
I think the answer is simpler than that, they know him and don't think he is cut from the right cloth for the Presidency.
1
Dude! Get a grip! Congress as an institution (and by extension the folks that compose that august deliberative body) enjoys a favourable rating BELOW that of hemorrhoids, clogged toilets, and cockroaches! And with good cause! They have earned it! You are living in la-la land if you somehow haven't grasped the obvious glaring fact that with, few exceptions, Congress-critters of BOTH parties are bought and sold tools.
The fact that Bernie is rejected by the herd of corrupt jackals on Capitol Hill is, perhaps, one of his strongest endorsements.
The fact that Bernie is rejected by the herd of corrupt jackals on Capitol Hill is, perhaps, one of his strongest endorsements.
21
Let us not forget, that Hillary's close personal friend, Mexican Multi-Billionaire, Carlos Slim, bought a majority interest in the NY Times in January of last year...
Should we believe it is it a coincidence that these biased pro-Clinton articles started turning up at right about he same time?
No... Let the NY Times, who has failed to disclose this fact, explain it first... Only then, should we make up our minds...
I've already made up my mind... And I'm voting for the Man of the People... Bernie Sanders...
Should we believe it is it a coincidence that these biased pro-Clinton articles started turning up at right about he same time?
No... Let the NY Times, who has failed to disclose this fact, explain it first... Only then, should we make up our minds...
I've already made up my mind... And I'm voting for the Man of the People... Bernie Sanders...
34
Saban owns Univision and has dominated about 1/2 of HRC's war chest. Soros just dumped another $6 million to Hillary.
Saban once said to control American politics you must control the media. Well he has and he does and his puppet is HRC
Saban once said to control American politics you must control the media. Well he has and he does and his puppet is HRC
13
Thanks for this information. Many of us have wondered about this once accomplished newspaper's tilt toward Clinton propaganda. It's one thing to have a stance--another to make it dominate all election coverage and bleed into the columnists' supposedly independent positions.
15
Clintons have very many close personal friends with buckets of money.
1
I found this a useful article, trying to get below the surface on voter attitudes. But here's the irony I haven't seen described, although I confess I may just have missed it. On the Republican side, the front runner Mr. Trump disdains "losers" and apparently has made his TV career by deeming people "losers". But, when I read or listen to the views of his supporters, I think most of them could fairly be described - and might even describe themselves - as being the losers in America, and then projecting their own loser status on America itself. It's a sad affair.
1
Donald Trump is the would-be American equivalent of Hugo Chavez. That's scary.
1
I suspect that this election is going to pivot on the women's vote, but not in the way many predict. Overlooked by a lot of pundits is the real possibility that Clinton could pull a sizable share of moderate Republican women, who are tired of the knuckle-dragging bluster and bullying of the current GOP candidates. Despite his surging in the polls, I still doubt Sanders' viability in the long-term, particularly given the $900 million the Koch brothers have pledged to spend on this election.
Ironically, if Trump manages to secure the Republican nomination, his own wealth might neutralize the Koch's money, but his mouth will certainly drive off a wide range of moderates on both sides. That likely includes a hoard of women offended by his incredibly tactless, sexist remarks.
If it weren't such a critical election, the entertainment value would be far beyond any of Trump's prior entertainment efforts.
Ironically, if Trump manages to secure the Republican nomination, his own wealth might neutralize the Koch's money, but his mouth will certainly drive off a wide range of moderates on both sides. That likely includes a hoard of women offended by his incredibly tactless, sexist remarks.
If it weren't such a critical election, the entertainment value would be far beyond any of Trump's prior entertainment efforts.
2
That possibility indeed has been overlooked. Because it is ridiculous, and without any basis in fact, or poll, or common sense. The data show that Hillary's highest unfavorables are among conservative women voters.
4
That's why I said "moderate" Republican women. There are a few of those left.
1
Authoritarianism. Political scientists use the term authoritarianism to describe a way of governing that values order and control over personal freedom. A government run by authoritarianism is usually headed by a dictator.
From a national poll conducted at the end of December 2015, it was found that the most significant factor in who the republican vote for is “authoritarianism” followed by fear of terrorism, though the former was far more significant than the latter.”
“Authoritarians OBEY. They rally to and follow strong leaders. And they respond aggressively to outsiders, especially when they feel threatened.”
In the poll “a set of four simple survey questions that political scientists have employed since 1992 to measure inclination toward authoritarianism. These questions pertain to child-rearing: whether it is more important for the voter to have a child who is respectful or independent; obedient or self-reliant; well-behaved or considerate; and well-mannered or curious. Respondents who pick the first option in each of these questions are strongly authoritarian.” (Politico)
How do you think any of these "Guys" would answer the questions above? Worse yet, why would any American family want any of these guys to determine how their children are raised? The questions above should have been included in the debate.
From a national poll conducted at the end of December 2015, it was found that the most significant factor in who the republican vote for is “authoritarianism” followed by fear of terrorism, though the former was far more significant than the latter.”
“Authoritarians OBEY. They rally to and follow strong leaders. And they respond aggressively to outsiders, especially when they feel threatened.”
In the poll “a set of four simple survey questions that political scientists have employed since 1992 to measure inclination toward authoritarianism. These questions pertain to child-rearing: whether it is more important for the voter to have a child who is respectful or independent; obedient or self-reliant; well-behaved or considerate; and well-mannered or curious. Respondents who pick the first option in each of these questions are strongly authoritarian.” (Politico)
How do you think any of these "Guys" would answer the questions above? Worse yet, why would any American family want any of these guys to determine how their children are raised? The questions above should have been included in the debate.
2
Yes dictatorship or a dictator (authoritarian rule by an individual) usually springs from the Right while totalitarianism (authoritarian rule by a bureaucracy) usually spring from the left.
I think those will be your choices if its Trump vs Clinton
I think those will be your choices if its Trump vs Clinton
1
You manipulate the definition.
In the broadest sense, totalitarianism is characterized by strong central rule that attempts to control and direct all aspects of individual life through coercion and repression. Examples of such centralized totalitarian rule include the totalitarian states of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin were the first examples of decentralized or popular totalitarianism, in which the state achieved overwhelming popular support for its leadership. This support was not spontaneous; its genesis depended on a charismatic leader; and it was made possible only by modern developments in communication and transportation.
The GOP uses gerrymandering, voter restrictions, limiting information freedoms, economic warfare defunding the country’s budget, destabilizes the country using fear tactics, provoking: racism, hyper-right religion, confederacy. Koch spending a billion dollars to achieve the end goal. Trump now being the charismatic leader to float to the top of the bowl.
In the broadest sense, totalitarianism is characterized by strong central rule that attempts to control and direct all aspects of individual life through coercion and repression. Examples of such centralized totalitarian rule include the totalitarian states of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin were the first examples of decentralized or popular totalitarianism, in which the state achieved overwhelming popular support for its leadership. This support was not spontaneous; its genesis depended on a charismatic leader; and it was made possible only by modern developments in communication and transportation.
The GOP uses gerrymandering, voter restrictions, limiting information freedoms, economic warfare defunding the country’s budget, destabilizes the country using fear tactics, provoking: racism, hyper-right religion, confederacy. Koch spending a billion dollars to achieve the end goal. Trump now being the charismatic leader to float to the top of the bowl.
1
Bernie’s strong position in "democratic socialism" is a direct result of problems with capitalism. The problems with our government and industry have impeded the needs of the people.
Today’s Capitalism is a struggle between “Responsible" and “Crony/Turbo Capitalism”.
Responsible Capitalism: (Democrats)
An extensive welfare state to protect those who are unemployed or on low incomes.
A progressive tax system with high earners paying a higher % of their income to fund government spending.
Most industries would be private sector, the government might take responsibility for social benefits like health care, education, public transport.
A willingness to regulate monopolies and protect rights of workers.
Responsible capitalism is similar to concepts of social market economy.
Today’s capitalism is now “crony/turbo capitalism.
Crony/turbo Capitalism (Koch/GOP)
Leaders buy off politicians in return for favors along with no financial regulation, privatization and lower tax on high earners.)
Absence of regulation for banking /finance system. This encourages banks to take risks and pursue profit through complex financial derivatives rather than basic principles of attracting deposits and lending.
Less regulation on abuse of monopoly power.
Lower income tax/lower capital gains tax giving greater rewards to high income earners.
An unregulated labor market, easy to hire and fire workers, very limited regulation about working conditions.
Only supports top 1%
Today’s Capitalism is a struggle between “Responsible" and “Crony/Turbo Capitalism”.
Responsible Capitalism: (Democrats)
An extensive welfare state to protect those who are unemployed or on low incomes.
A progressive tax system with high earners paying a higher % of their income to fund government spending.
Most industries would be private sector, the government might take responsibility for social benefits like health care, education, public transport.
A willingness to regulate monopolies and protect rights of workers.
Responsible capitalism is similar to concepts of social market economy.
Today’s capitalism is now “crony/turbo capitalism.
Crony/turbo Capitalism (Koch/GOP)
Leaders buy off politicians in return for favors along with no financial regulation, privatization and lower tax on high earners.)
Absence of regulation for banking /finance system. This encourages banks to take risks and pursue profit through complex financial derivatives rather than basic principles of attracting deposits and lending.
Less regulation on abuse of monopoly power.
Lower income tax/lower capital gains tax giving greater rewards to high income earners.
An unregulated labor market, easy to hire and fire workers, very limited regulation about working conditions.
Only supports top 1%
3
Fascinating and good work by Trip Gabriel. Romney's strategist in 2012, Stuart Stevens, predicted that disruptive signals will emerge tomorrow. "This thing is just beginning". It's no surprise that all the Republican candidates save Trump, Cruz and Rubio have been marginalized in Iowa. Among all 13 of the GOP wannabe POTUSes, not a one is electable or qualified for the Presidency and appealing to the Evangelical Christian right isn't the way to a Republican government of separation of church and state. A bold progressive message by Bernie Sanders, the grassroots Democratic Independent candidate, appeals to fringe and young and millennial voters, who do not want to vote for Hillary Clinton who is representing the status quo. After GWBush's presidency, President Obama won two terms because he electrified the country with the breath of possibility (yes, we can!) and change after the establishments' two bloody wars in the Middle East. The polls don't carry much weight (except for yesterday's DMR poll, which has been fairly accurate in past years prognostications). We shall have to wait until tomorrow night for the Iowa Caucus results to be counted, and the parties' laurels distributed. Couldn't Iowa and New Hampshire take their places in line with the rest of the 48 states instead of kicking off this extraordinary Presidential Campaign brouhaha which will turn into "The Crimean War" in March and April, after Iowa, as Stuart Stevens, Romney's campaign strategy guru stated?
1
Thank the Gods that the Iowa primary caucuses are almost over! Now I won't have the hear until 2020 how this completely atypical farm state is somehow central to America's destiny. Iowa is so unlike modern America that the rest of the country should change the name of Iowa's primary from the Iowa caucuses to the Iowa Caucasians, 'cause only old angry old white people are going to show up to vote - especially for the GOP. Bah, I say! Bah and bah again!
7
I have participated in the Iowa Democratic caucuses since 1968. We chose McCarthy, undecided, undecided, Carter, Mondale, Gephardt, Harkin, Clinton, Gore, Kerry, Obama and Obama. I am unable to understand why anyone outside of Iowa pays any attention to the Iowa caucus,
How much would it cost to mail a ballot to every registered Democrat in Iowa? Far less than the stupid candidates have spent in Iowa this year.
How much would it cost to mail a ballot to every registered Democrat in Iowa? Far less than the stupid candidates have spent in Iowa this year.
9
I am fully confident that Hillary Clinton will preserve Obama's policies - in formaldehyde, like a museum specimen. "Incrementalism" means letting the same people cash in for just a little longer, until the whole system collapses from disgust and neglect and they can abscond to their domed, floating islands.
20
No one talks of the similarities between Trump and Ross Perot, who also supported American jobs over free trade treaties.
Perot said if the US passed Nafta and Cafta the workers would hear a giant sucking sound of jobs leaving the country. It happened.
No Trump, a better spoken, better looking version of the maverick billionaire Perot comes along and does the same thing.
If Perot had beaten Bill Clinton, we might live in completely different country, with fewer wars and more jobs.
Perot said if the US passed Nafta and Cafta the workers would hear a giant sucking sound of jobs leaving the country. It happened.
No Trump, a better spoken, better looking version of the maverick billionaire Perot comes along and does the same thing.
If Perot had beaten Bill Clinton, we might live in completely different country, with fewer wars and more jobs.
8
Perot was right and he might have won if he hadn't revealed himself to be such an eccentric crank.
1
In Iowa, Voters on the Edges May Set Tone for Primaries
By TRIP GABRIEL
As the caucuses loom on Monday, voters on the ideological fringes have amplified a national grass-roots rebellion against establishment politicians.
[ Sorry, but I am hurt and offended by this article. Supporting Bernie Sanders does not mean being on the edge or fringe, it mean supporting a true moderate figure. I will have trouble forgetting so slanted, so unfair an article. ]
By TRIP GABRIEL
As the caucuses loom on Monday, voters on the ideological fringes have amplified a national grass-roots rebellion against establishment politicians.
[ Sorry, but I am hurt and offended by this article. Supporting Bernie Sanders does not mean being on the edge or fringe, it mean supporting a true moderate figure. I will have trouble forgetting so slanted, so unfair an article. ]
22
If Trump wins, then that's what this country deserves.
Just like Germany wanted Hitler, they got Hitler, then they got what they deserved. (Some of what they deserved at least. Frankly, after the war, Germany, Italy and Japan should have been divided up and given to the countries they invaded. To me, those countries shouldn't even exist on a map anymore They should be called, France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, China, etc...)
The last Republican president we had was responsible for 500,000 innocent people being murdered in a country that did absolutely nothing to us. And he led us down a path that resulted in deaths of 5000+ GI's, 38,000+ GI's wounded and over $2,000,000,000,000+ tax dollars wasted (or "transferred", if you prefer, into the hands of Bush's closest friends - like Erik Prince)
Obviously, a lot of people in this country think this was a great thing, as they can't wait to have that experience all over again - but, in Iran this time.
By all mean, vote Trump, and flush this country into the sewer where a country that would vote for him belongs.
Don't like the sewer? Then vote for someone who doesn't belong there - And save this poor country from itself.
Just like Germany wanted Hitler, they got Hitler, then they got what they deserved. (Some of what they deserved at least. Frankly, after the war, Germany, Italy and Japan should have been divided up and given to the countries they invaded. To me, those countries shouldn't even exist on a map anymore They should be called, France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, China, etc...)
The last Republican president we had was responsible for 500,000 innocent people being murdered in a country that did absolutely nothing to us. And he led us down a path that resulted in deaths of 5000+ GI's, 38,000+ GI's wounded and over $2,000,000,000,000+ tax dollars wasted (or "transferred", if you prefer, into the hands of Bush's closest friends - like Erik Prince)
Obviously, a lot of people in this country think this was a great thing, as they can't wait to have that experience all over again - but, in Iran this time.
By all mean, vote Trump, and flush this country into the sewer where a country that would vote for him belongs.
Don't like the sewer? Then vote for someone who doesn't belong there - And save this poor country from itself.
16
I've been trying to convey these sentiments for months. Perfect!!! Thank you.
4
One reason to initiate mandatory National Service, with no Cheney/Bush deferments for hangnails and hangovers; National Service, or the military. Why should 1% of the population, usually recruited from economically depressed areas, fight for the 1% who own most of everything? It's grotesque, but I guess, as long as we all sing the Star Spangled Banner at the Superbowl, we're really just one nation under God - got that chumps?
4
Amen to that idea!
But, I think the rich will always find a way out. They always do. And we'll still be where we are now.
Your point about those who have nothing to gain by their soldering doing the fighting is, unfortunately, the norm for wars historically.
Blacks fought for a still racist U.S.
The poor fought for the Oligarchs of Russia.
Many poor in this country fought, and many died, for a War Of Choice in a country that did nothing to us, all for Bushes vanity.
You don't want any more needless wars? Vote Democratic.
If Gore's presidency hadn't been stolen and given to Bush, we would have never gone into Iraq. And over 500,000 people he was responsible for murdering would still be alive today.
The Bush Wars created massive profits for his fellow Republicans.
Democrats are not invested in war. Thus, they don't go to war, unless they absolutely have to.
But, I think the rich will always find a way out. They always do. And we'll still be where we are now.
Your point about those who have nothing to gain by their soldering doing the fighting is, unfortunately, the norm for wars historically.
Blacks fought for a still racist U.S.
The poor fought for the Oligarchs of Russia.
Many poor in this country fought, and many died, for a War Of Choice in a country that did nothing to us, all for Bushes vanity.
You don't want any more needless wars? Vote Democratic.
If Gore's presidency hadn't been stolen and given to Bush, we would have never gone into Iraq. And over 500,000 people he was responsible for murdering would still be alive today.
The Bush Wars created massive profits for his fellow Republicans.
Democrats are not invested in war. Thus, they don't go to war, unless they absolutely have to.
How can the people who are actually paying attention and voting possibly be described as "fringe"? Halting the explosion of federal debt is not "fringe". Stopping endless war is not "fringe". Resisting limitless surveillance is not "fringe". Holding banks and corporations responsible for their behavior rather than bailing them out is not "fringe". Demanding an immigration system that is welcoming but cautious is not "fringe".
16
Not in line with the elitist mantra of the NY Times...FRINGE!
6
Post-Crash Economic pain, two festering wars, "Tammany Hall" political Establishments and billionaire donors calling the shots from behind are the reasons for the rebellions in both parties under the banners of "Democratic Socialism" & "National Socialism". U.S., the world's strongest, richest, stable democracy need not worry about what happened in Weimar Republic or Tsarist Russia. This 'shock treatment' would cleanse the Republic of the accumulated dross and re-energize the our democracy.
1
“Bernie says all the right things, what everybody wants to hear,” Ms. Rivas said, “But I don’t know where he’d get the money to do it.”
We know where Hillary gets her money, though, don't we?
We know where Hillary gets her money, though, don't we?
21
Time for a National Primary.
12
Great minds think alike!
2
It is way past time that we stop making a bunch of radical Christians the measure of how an election year will go. They believe in some hokum from 4BC and vote based on the three-Gs -- guns, god, and (anti-) gay.
If they go for Trump, or Cruz, who really should care? Trump or Cruz clearly. But the choice between Mr. Sanders or Ms Clinton is not going to be decided by this group of people. There are a lot of us in the rest of the country that influence a whole lot more electoral votes than the six Iowa does. And those six are going for the candidate with an (R) after his/her name.
Let's get past this chatting quilting-bee nonsense and onto the real process of picking our presidential candidates. Seriously 6 hardly more than 1% of the Electoral College is at stake here, this is pure nonsense.
If they go for Trump, or Cruz, who really should care? Trump or Cruz clearly. But the choice between Mr. Sanders or Ms Clinton is not going to be decided by this group of people. There are a lot of us in the rest of the country that influence a whole lot more electoral votes than the six Iowa does. And those six are going for the candidate with an (R) after his/her name.
Let's get past this chatting quilting-bee nonsense and onto the real process of picking our presidential candidates. Seriously 6 hardly more than 1% of the Electoral College is at stake here, this is pure nonsense.
10
Funny thing Joe, the Iowans you are ridiculing as mindless, Bible clinging rubes were heroes to the liberals when Obama won the Iowa primary.
Now Iowans are the dregs of society.
What a difference a presidential cycle makes.
Now Iowans are the dregs of society.
What a difference a presidential cycle makes.
5
@DCBarrister, yup, we ended up with Obama instead of Clinton. Rubes indeed. You made my point.
1
This is too complicated. Just pull a lever.
2
If there are still some Iowans who are not sure about the need for a political revolution, I encourage them to watch tonight's segment of 60 Minutes "Anonymous Inc.," about the numerous law firms willing to help corrupt officials launder money.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/anonymous-inc-60-minutes-steve-kroft-investi...
Thank you CBS and Global Witness for bringing us this incredible eye opener. Folks, these things are happening because our corrupt politicians let them happen.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/anonymous-inc-60-minutes-steve-kroft-investi...
Thank you CBS and Global Witness for bringing us this incredible eye opener. Folks, these things are happening because our corrupt politicians let them happen.
14
I may have missed it on the thread, but no one's talking much about the weather. Half the state is covered by a blizzard watch that extends from Monday night to Wednesday morning. Only southeastern third of Iowa looks like it will have passable voting weather.
From the National Weather Service --
http://www.weather.gov/crh/weatherstory?sid=dmx&embed=#.Vq6x21pH3-k
From the National Weather Service --
http://www.weather.gov/crh/weatherstory?sid=dmx&embed=#.Vq6x21pH3-k
2
The electorate still hopes Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Even if they haven't seen the movie, it's in their hearts.
24
Bernie Sanders, of course!
Democrats have no chance with these two fatally flawed candidates. Americans are sick to death of "progressive" nonsense.
1
I read the comments in the NYTIMES very thoroughly. I have found it interesting that Democrats refer to their candidates by informal first names, as if they were friends. Republicans refer to their candidates by last names, as if they were bosses. Even the media tends to do it. I think it's a subconscious trend that speaks volumes.
8
Very interesting observation there.
I would love to see a general psychological breakdown of those who vote Democrat vs Republicans.
I did see a study last year, published in the Times I believe, that showed that, while their brains were of similar size, the areas of the brain dealing with fear and danger are more developed and more active in Republicans. Where-as, in Democrats, the areas of creation and forward thinking were more developed and more active. No surprise really.
Of course, for some, "facts" are just "opinions" if you don't agree with them. 2 + 2 = "Who knows for sure?", for far too many people in this country.
I think the name thing probably comes down to this: Democrats are more caring and compassionate than Republicans.
Republicans think greed and selfishness are virtues.
And they LOVE institutions! All, except the government. Which they hate so much, that they'll spend a billion dollars just to be a part of it.
The hypocrisy is really something to see.
I would love to see a general psychological breakdown of those who vote Democrat vs Republicans.
I did see a study last year, published in the Times I believe, that showed that, while their brains were of similar size, the areas of the brain dealing with fear and danger are more developed and more active in Republicans. Where-as, in Democrats, the areas of creation and forward thinking were more developed and more active. No surprise really.
Of course, for some, "facts" are just "opinions" if you don't agree with them. 2 + 2 = "Who knows for sure?", for far too many people in this country.
I think the name thing probably comes down to this: Democrats are more caring and compassionate than Republicans.
Republicans think greed and selfishness are virtues.
And they LOVE institutions! All, except the government. Which they hate so much, that they'll spend a billion dollars just to be a part of it.
The hypocrisy is really something to see.
1
Already the Republican candidates have been calling Sanders a communist and socialist who wants to raise taxes 90%. While this would not be true - although he does intend to raise taxes on the wealthiest considerably, the nonprofit Tax Policy Center said that it is hard "to grasp the enormity" which would be more than $1 trillion per year. This is indeed a fringe and unrealistic position as well as campaign promise.
It is surprising that promises such as this, in addition to 2,000 mile walls that another country would voluntarily pay for; deporting 11 million men, women and children with some kind of magical funding; and invoking the idea of a theocracy that controls every woman's uterus are seen as winning propositions for this election.
The country is very diverse, unlike Iowa (and New Hampshire), and any candidate must be able to win a general election. This is not a fantasy sports event, but a very consequential election. Hopefully, sanity will be restored, and the good citizens of these states will lead the way.
It is surprising that promises such as this, in addition to 2,000 mile walls that another country would voluntarily pay for; deporting 11 million men, women and children with some kind of magical funding; and invoking the idea of a theocracy that controls every woman's uterus are seen as winning propositions for this election.
The country is very diverse, unlike Iowa (and New Hampshire), and any candidate must be able to win a general election. This is not a fantasy sports event, but a very consequential election. Hopefully, sanity will be restored, and the good citizens of these states will lead the way.
1
Voters on the edge? 43% of the Iowa democratic caucus attendees say they are social;its. I thought socialists were the edge. And who goes to a Iowa caucus besides the far out edge or the rank and file? Only 57% of the eligible voters even turned out for the general election in 2012. What are we going to get for a turn out for a caucus???Maybe 1%?
Why should the rest of the nation pay any credence to such a out dated system.
Why should the rest of the nation pay any credence to such a out dated system.
4
Feel the BERN.
Why? Judgment, judgment, judgment. He has it.
She's always explaining her lack of it.
BERNIE 2016.
Why? Judgment, judgment, judgment. He has it.
She's always explaining her lack of it.
BERNIE 2016.
26
Whenever I read a pro-Hillary biased New York Times piece, I go directly to donate another $20 to Bernie. My version of a drinking game.
40
I am concerned by the undue influence people like "Just Curious" hold over Bernie Sanders.
If you give money to a candidate, you will inevitably come looking for favors.
I can't vote for Bernie Sanders knowing that he's bought and paid for by people like "Just Curious"
If you give money to a candidate, you will inevitably come looking for favors.
I can't vote for Bernie Sanders knowing that he's bought and paid for by people like "Just Curious"
1
Good one!
RE: The embrace of Mr. Sanders and Mr. Trump, visible nationally in huge rallies, has stirred Iowa’s latent Midwest populism, with voters angry about the hollowing out of the middle class, Wall Street greed and the corrupting influence of money in politics. It has created two insurgents who in some ways are opposite sides of the same coin.
Clinton is unpopular because she's as crooked as the day is long. Private server, vilifying victims of sexual harassment and rape, stealing furnishings from the White House when she left, charging colleges & universities $100Ks for speaking to students. Trump is popular because he tells the self appointed PC police and the media to go jump in a lake.
Clinton is unpopular because she's as crooked as the day is long. Private server, vilifying victims of sexual harassment and rape, stealing furnishings from the White House when she left, charging colleges & universities $100Ks for speaking to students. Trump is popular because he tells the self appointed PC police and the media to go jump in a lake.
11
To her credit HRC never vilified or spoke disparagingly of the women Bill had affairs with. Find a factual source and give us the link please.
4
An interesting thing has been the role of Republican operatives and commentators fictitiously supporting Bernie Sanders to spew invective about Hillary Clinton. There have been a number of articles on this now. Methinks when the comments sound like a repeat of Fox propaganda, it may not be a true believer.
2
http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/women-struggling-to-reconcile-h...
“We have to destroy her story,” Hillary Clinton said in 1991 of Connie Hamzy, one of the first women to come forward during her husband’s first presidential campaign, according to George Stephanopoulos, a former Clinton administration aide who described the events in his memoir, “All Too Human.’’ (Three people signed sworn affidavits saying Hamzy’s story was false.)
When Gennifer Flowers later surfaced, saying she had had a long affair with Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton undertook an “aggressive, explicit direction of the campaign to discredit” Flowers, according to an exhaustive biography of Hillary Clinton, “A Woman in Charge,” by Carl Bernstein.
Hillary Clinton referred to Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern who had an affair with the 42nd president, as a “narcissistic loony toon,” according to one of her closest confidantes, Diane Blair, whose diaries were released to the University of Arkansas after her death in 2000.
“We have to destroy her story,” Hillary Clinton said in 1991 of Connie Hamzy, one of the first women to come forward during her husband’s first presidential campaign, according to George Stephanopoulos, a former Clinton administration aide who described the events in his memoir, “All Too Human.’’ (Three people signed sworn affidavits saying Hamzy’s story was false.)
When Gennifer Flowers later surfaced, saying she had had a long affair with Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton undertook an “aggressive, explicit direction of the campaign to discredit” Flowers, according to an exhaustive biography of Hillary Clinton, “A Woman in Charge,” by Carl Bernstein.
Hillary Clinton referred to Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern who had an affair with the 42nd president, as a “narcissistic loony toon,” according to one of her closest confidantes, Diane Blair, whose diaries were released to the University of Arkansas after her death in 2000.
2
I am still unclear how any of this matters any more than it did when Santorum or Huckabee won Iowa.
38
I am equally unclear down here in Florida as you are in Montana; my take: Iowa & New Hampshire are first but largely unrepresentative.
The media. Love. It.
Nothing else to cover and big ad buys.
Good thing? it will narrow the field.
Cynical ? Yes.
Historically true? I think so.
Am I concerned about the remaining slate?
I'll have to get back to you on that.
The media. Love. It.
Nothing else to cover and big ad buys.
Good thing? it will narrow the field.
Cynical ? Yes.
Historically true? I think so.
Am I concerned about the remaining slate?
I'll have to get back to you on that.
Don't know about Iowans, but for me this is a decisive election on The American Dream. More specifically, on the right to dream at all. My dream is of a country where every person who works can own or rent a modest home in a safe neighborhood, never worry about getting or paying for the medical care they need when they need it, get the education and training they need to use their talents and raise their income in an ever-changing marketplace, has time and energy for family and leisure activities outside of work, retire in financial security, and be anywhere in America without fear as a constant companion. It is not a dream of great wealth, possible for the few, because I don't believe that great wealth is necessary for or even conducive to contentment and a full, meaningful life. Republican candidates tell us to dream big but we're on our own. Less government and lower taxes, work harder and longer hours, and our dreams will come true. One Democrat tells us to not even dream but trust that things will work out for the best, eventually. Only Bernie Sanders shares my modest dream for my children and grandchildren and believes it can come true, not easily, not for free, but sooner, rather than eventually. He believes that our government, of, by and for the people, can serve the modest dreamers like me as well as the millionaires and wannabe billionaires. Maybe that makes Sanders a dreamer too, but where would America be without its dreamers?
84
Brilliant comment.
The majority feel as you do, as they will show the nation, in Iowa tomorrow, in New Hampshire on February 9th., and thereafter, until November when Bernie Sanders becomes the President elect, waiting to be sworn in, in January 2017.
Americans can be slow to act, but when they do, watch out !!
The majority feel as you do, as they will show the nation, in Iowa tomorrow, in New Hampshire on February 9th., and thereafter, until November when Bernie Sanders becomes the President elect, waiting to be sworn in, in January 2017.
Americans can be slow to act, but when they do, watch out !!
9
From a fellow Georgian, you hit the nail on the head. At least there are two of us in this State.
1
"My dream is of a country where every person who works can own or rent a modest home in a safe neighborhood, never worry about getting or paying for the medical care they need when they need it, get the education and training they need to use their talents and raise their income in an ever-changing marketplace, has time and energy for family and leisure activities outside of work, retire in financial security, and be anywhere in America without fear as a constant companion."
Wow! A solid income, financial security and time off for leisure! As per usual with left wingers this Utopia is financed by taxes on 'other people' - after all, for them, the only 'fair taxes' are ones the others pay, not any that I pay.
Maybe you'll get to that 'no worries' Utopia after you muster past the pearly gates.... But it ain't happening here in our vale of tears, pilgrim....
Wow! A solid income, financial security and time off for leisure! As per usual with left wingers this Utopia is financed by taxes on 'other people' - after all, for them, the only 'fair taxes' are ones the others pay, not any that I pay.
Maybe you'll get to that 'no worries' Utopia after you muster past the pearly gates.... But it ain't happening here in our vale of tears, pilgrim....
1
The Iowa Caucuses, here at last! The day after, the candidates who win "Iowa", can take that and $4.95 to any Starbucks in the country and get a grande latte. If a tribe in the deep Amazon picked the candidates, it would be as meaningful.
24
Neither sex, religion or wealth are good attributes to be a good president!
3
Barney Frank, retired D congressman, a supporter of Clinton, has hit the political shows this weekend telling viewers to vote for Clinton and to dismiss Sanders. Guess what Barney does now that he has left Congress, he sits on the Board of Signature Bank. He used to rail against the big banks and now he advises them with inside information and knowledge. Is it any wonder he is stomping for Hillary Clinton? My support for Bernie Sanders grows stronger as each day passes!
24
We've seen what moderate "Hope and Change" looks like... Yeah, I admit it brought us back from the brink of George W's total disaster. But the steady decline of the American Middle-Class due to the oligarch's globalized economy continues for most of us...
It's time for real Hope and Change, Folks...
I'm voting for Bernie Sanders.
It's time for real Hope and Change, Folks...
I'm voting for Bernie Sanders.
31
bernie is your last hope
15
Have you ever heard of the "Forlorn Hope"? Bernie Sanders has many admirable characteristics, but the ability to be elected in different parts of the country is nonexistent. Hillary Clinton is something like 30 points higher than he is in South Carolina, for example.
2
@SMB: Look at the polls just six months ago... As Bernie's ideas becomes more well known, his poll numbers rise... Hillary is a known commodity... And her poll numbers show the opposite trend from six months ago... a steady decline...
When people in South Carolina, for example, start paying attention, those numbers will change... Especially among black voters... and especially, if Bernie takes both Iowa and New Hampshire...
When people in South Carolina, for example, start paying attention, those numbers will change... Especially among black voters... and especially, if Bernie takes both Iowa and New Hampshire...
9
What a waste of time! Iowa has just about zero intersect with my life experience, values and concerns. What kind of idiots does the NYTimes think we are to suggest that we should to give Iowa an ounce of consideration for their choices of a presidential candidate?
5
See Jack in NY you are considered a straightforward guy and well liked. In Iowa you are considered rude. In LA we don't talk to strangers. Its because of this diversity the democratic process it the best system for us.
3
Once again, false equivalence between Trumplestiltskin and Bernie Sanders is Times' explicit political narrative. Does this required policy come down directly from Carolyn Ryan or Dean Baquet?
It's as much a staple as the three years of describing Hillary Clinton as the "presumptive" or "inevitable" candidate.
Bernie Sanders is honest. The Times not in the least.
It's as much a staple as the three years of describing Hillary Clinton as the "presumptive" or "inevitable" candidate.
Bernie Sanders is honest. The Times not in the least.
24
Bernie Saunders enjoyed his freedom as an independent - he did not have to walk the democratic party line nor vote in line to show his affinity with the party. Now he expects to swing in with the support of many young people who have also not taken the time to vote before, to educate themselves on the extent to which Congress will still be controlled by Republicans making Bernie's promises unworkable. Bernie could not even work with the Democrats on the same philosophical side of the aisle. How could we possibly thing that he can work with the Republicans to make any of his platform actually happen in any way.
5
Iowa has 6 electoral votes and New Hampshire has 4. Both states are more than 90% White, hardly representative of the US. The pundits are talking as if the nominations will be decided in these two small states. Craziness.
11
The fringes driving Trump and Sanders to early victories may result in a Trump presidency. The People are playing with fire and risking the world.
1
Why does a voter have to be on the "edge" to support Bernie Sanders? I find this idea ridiculous, as though the New York Times reporter were making Sanders supporters out to be extreme when I find them complete reasonable.
30
Sanders supporters are not only reasonable, but likely in the majority...
Can the "edge" be the majority?
In the NY Times, apparently so...
If the "edge" continues to grow, at some point, the decreasing foundation will give way and topple...
It's simple physics, Folks.
Can the "edge" be the majority?
In the NY Times, apparently so...
If the "edge" continues to grow, at some point, the decreasing foundation will give way and topple...
It's simple physics, Folks.
14
Its a trick we learned as kids. You win the argument if you can make the other person feel marginalized and then feel like they have to compete to justify themselves...which marginalizes them more.
Just go forward in confidence and media outlets will follow you in time. You have the power they don't.
Just go forward in confidence and media outlets will follow you in time. You have the power they don't.
5
This indiscriminate conflation of Sanders and Trump with an "anti-establishment" throw the bums out politics is highly irresponsible journalism.
The media seems to have seized on this anti-esablishment narrative to avoid a discussion of the policy and politics represented by Sanders.
It's beneath the NY Times' journalistic standards.
The media seems to have seized on this anti-esablishment narrative to avoid a discussion of the policy and politics represented by Sanders.
It's beneath the NY Times' journalistic standards.
24
If Santorum and Huckabee were their last two winners, how does Iowa set the tone for the rest of the country? How can a state with such skewed demographics represent the way America feels about anything?
11
It's time for Trump to produce his *real* birth certificate and prove beyond any shadow of doubt that he's not Muslim!
8
Well, if you'd only listened to Cruz, you would know that Trump wasn't even born in America, but in New York.
Not worried about Donald being American, I am worried about his hair being from the planet earth. Thank god the x-files is back cause someone needs to look into that.
1
We are electing a president, not an all-powerful dictator. The president has to work within the boundaries of constitutional authority and political reality. The president has to persuade members of the House and Senate to vote for changes that require legislation. And we need a Supreme Court that won't overturn such legislation.
Do you think big business, with all their billions to spend on lobbyists, will sit back and allow an overnight political revolution to take place? No, me neither.
We live in a Citizens United world, where lobbyists can visit legislators and wave millions of dollars before their eyes, explaining that if they vote the right way, the money will be theirs — otherwise, it will go to their opponent in the next election.
This is the world we live in.
Political change is possible, but it won't happen overnight. Democrats have to play the long game, supporting and working to elect Democrats at every level of government. This is the game that the Koch brothers have been playing for over 30 years. That's where real political change happens. Democrats need to realize this and work to turn political change to our favor.
We need to stop making plans that would only work in a fantasy world and start making plans that will work in the real world.
Meanwhile, we need to elect a president who understands politics in the real world and who can get things done.
Do you think big business, with all their billions to spend on lobbyists, will sit back and allow an overnight political revolution to take place? No, me neither.
We live in a Citizens United world, where lobbyists can visit legislators and wave millions of dollars before their eyes, explaining that if they vote the right way, the money will be theirs — otherwise, it will go to their opponent in the next election.
This is the world we live in.
Political change is possible, but it won't happen overnight. Democrats have to play the long game, supporting and working to elect Democrats at every level of government. This is the game that the Koch brothers have been playing for over 30 years. That's where real political change happens. Democrats need to realize this and work to turn political change to our favor.
We need to stop making plans that would only work in a fantasy world and start making plans that will work in the real world.
Meanwhile, we need to elect a president who understands politics in the real world and who can get things done.
4
@DS,
Ok, thanks for pointing out the obvious about Citizens United. Democrats need to realize this? That's a broad statement, isn't it? Which Democrats did you have in mind? Could you please explain or given an example of fantasy world vs real world? Because that could mean anything.
I bid you peace.
1-31-16@7:32 pm et
Ok, thanks for pointing out the obvious about Citizens United. Democrats need to realize this? That's a broad statement, isn't it? Which Democrats did you have in mind? Could you please explain or given an example of fantasy world vs real world? Because that could mean anything.
I bid you peace.
1-31-16@7:32 pm et
7
Your acceptance of the current corruption is implicit in your writing.
7
I gather the doyenne of Goldman Sachs, and Wall Street, the cunning Lady Hillary, is your hero ?
Pity, with your grasp of how corrupt government is, you could decide to come into the light, make a difference, and vote for the man of integrity, Mr. Sanders, from Vermont, by way of Brooklyn.
He represents the America, and Americans, I used to encounter several decades ago. Decent, dependable, and never failing to do that which is right.
Pity, with your grasp of how corrupt government is, you could decide to come into the light, make a difference, and vote for the man of integrity, Mr. Sanders, from Vermont, by way of Brooklyn.
He represents the America, and Americans, I used to encounter several decades ago. Decent, dependable, and never failing to do that which is right.
2
Fareed Zakaria pointed out on GPS today what I haven't heard from any other source: Not only are Trump and Sanders "flip sides of the same coin," but in a sense Trump and Cruz are too !
While Cruz is running on an appeal to finally force through radical pro-business ideas, like a flat tax that would accelerate the wealth gains by the top 1%, and balancing it out with a strong appeal to evangelical Christians, Trump is running as much more of an economic liberal. That is contained within the epithet "populist," but Trump has effectively sold himself as a "conservative," What Trump means by "conservative" is that he will conserve the status of the white middle class relative to the gains that minorities have made towards economic equality.
Trump's supporters just want their "glory days" back; they don't really want to experiment with the changes proposed by the radical Republican business caste- like a flat tax. They're not interested in ideological consistency, they just want the pain and the worry to end. Any strategy that moves towards that goal they will support, even if it's the same kind of economic protectionism that is popular among Democrats.
Trumps voters are more willing to take care of Christian values on their own time, and less enthusiastic about having them imposed from the government; ironically, Cruz has no problem with Big Brother doing that !
At least Trump and Cruz are offering a real choice to the dissatisfied; Their agendas are vastly different.
While Cruz is running on an appeal to finally force through radical pro-business ideas, like a flat tax that would accelerate the wealth gains by the top 1%, and balancing it out with a strong appeal to evangelical Christians, Trump is running as much more of an economic liberal. That is contained within the epithet "populist," but Trump has effectively sold himself as a "conservative," What Trump means by "conservative" is that he will conserve the status of the white middle class relative to the gains that minorities have made towards economic equality.
Trump's supporters just want their "glory days" back; they don't really want to experiment with the changes proposed by the radical Republican business caste- like a flat tax. They're not interested in ideological consistency, they just want the pain and the worry to end. Any strategy that moves towards that goal they will support, even if it's the same kind of economic protectionism that is popular among Democrats.
Trumps voters are more willing to take care of Christian values on their own time, and less enthusiastic about having them imposed from the government; ironically, Cruz has no problem with Big Brother doing that !
At least Trump and Cruz are offering a real choice to the dissatisfied; Their agendas are vastly different.
3
Trump will dominate in the majority of Republican primaries, and the entire nation may vote against the Democrats unless a new candidate for the Democrats is brought into the race. Bloomberg will take votes away from the Republicans. Biden should run , Clinton is a disaster waiting to be exposed.
5
Sanders is just a reflection the Democratic party.
The Democratic party has espoused a Socialist agenda for a long time now. Open borders, Socialized medicine, political correctness ( Shutting down free speech) all kinds of goodies for the poor like free phones (with texting), etc.
The Democratic party has espoused a Socialist agenda for a long time now. Open borders, Socialized medicine, political correctness ( Shutting down free speech) all kinds of goodies for the poor like free phones (with texting), etc.
1
Individuals who receive government phones are restricted to communications between themselves and service providers. In addition, there are considerable hoops to jump through before they get the "goodies." As for political correctness, please note that the poor packing job training programs actually prefer a hand, not a handout.
1
Obama has deported more illegal immigrants than any other president. Free speech means the government can't censor you. Show me where the Dens have clamped down on this. And the free phones are from the Lifeline program, started by Reagan and expanded under George W. Bush.
You are emblematic of today's GOP. *Completely* fact-free and angry over nothing. No wonder Trump is popular.
You are emblematic of today's GOP. *Completely* fact-free and angry over nothing. No wonder Trump is popular.
9
Free speech means the government can't censor you. Show me where the Dens have clamped down on this.
Most colleges and universities.
Most colleges and universities.
The Iowa Caucasians are the most overrated polling exercise in the world. The last two Republicant winners were President Santorum and before him, President Huckleberry.
Amazingly, after tomorrow night, Iowa will recede into the mist for another four years, like Brigadoon.
Amazingly, after tomorrow night, Iowa will recede into the mist for another four years, like Brigadoon.
9
"Both Democrats and Republicans have seen their presumptive nominees of a year ago — deeply experienced, proven political leaders — brushed aside by Iowans in favor of idol-smashing outsiders."
No, not both parties, only the republican party has brushed aside its "leaders" and is supporting idol smashing outsiders. Hillary leads the poll in Iowa. How can this falseness be published?
No, not both parties, only the republican party has brushed aside its "leaders" and is supporting idol smashing outsiders. Hillary leads the poll in Iowa. How can this falseness be published?
2
To suggest that Sanders represents the angry outsider fringe of the Democratic party the same way Trump does for the Republicans is an egregious example of drawing a false equivalence between opposites. Someone who points out the reality of inequality in America and actual role of money and unlimited corporate spending on our democracy is not the equivalent of someone who stirs up anger with myths about immigration and terrorism. The Times' portrayal of Sanders as the Left's Trump is a shameful caricature of "balance."
27
It's time for a national primary.
Iowa--especially the most extreme voters in an exceptionally homogenous state --should not be shaping the nomination process anymore. It's time to move on. It's time to make the process less about spectacle and months/years of meaningless wind from pundits and talking heads fogging up the national discourse.
Iowa--especially the most extreme voters in an exceptionally homogenous state --should not be shaping the nomination process anymore. It's time to move on. It's time to make the process less about spectacle and months/years of meaningless wind from pundits and talking heads fogging up the national discourse.
5
The big problem with this article is that Iowa itself is on the edge.
4
I believe that it is actually mainstream voters with whom the establishment politicians are out of sync in this election season, rather than the other way around as the article implies.
7
http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-01-31/jane-sanders-tells...
Jane Sanders, speaking for her husband, Bernie -
"On Friday morning in the southeastern corner of Iowa, Jane Sanders spoke in Fort Madison to some two-dozen volunteers for her husband’s presidential campaign. They told her why they were supporting Bernie, and she put her hand to her chest in gratitude.
A railway engineer said that his three children owed nearly $200,000 in college student debt, with interest rates three times higher than the one he and his wife, a nurse and like him a veteran, had on their home. “Crazy,” Sanders gasped."
“It’s happening everywhere else! Every other place in the world has national healthcare. They have free tuition. They have price controls on prescription drugs. It hasn’t happened here, but now is the time. And with your help, we’ll be able to accomplish this. Please, please, please caucus—and bring ten people with you.”
Jane Sanders, speaking for her husband, Bernie -
"On Friday morning in the southeastern corner of Iowa, Jane Sanders spoke in Fort Madison to some two-dozen volunteers for her husband’s presidential campaign. They told her why they were supporting Bernie, and she put her hand to her chest in gratitude.
A railway engineer said that his three children owed nearly $200,000 in college student debt, with interest rates three times higher than the one he and his wife, a nurse and like him a veteran, had on their home. “Crazy,” Sanders gasped."
“It’s happening everywhere else! Every other place in the world has national healthcare. They have free tuition. They have price controls on prescription drugs. It hasn’t happened here, but now is the time. And with your help, we’ll be able to accomplish this. Please, please, please caucus—and bring ten people with you.”
15
To try to answer the Medicare for All Sanders plan, otherwise known as Single Payer, following are the facts, which Hillary, and her big contributors, Big Insurance, do not want you to know -
I am a Medicare recipient, and as such I have Part A, Part B, and Part D.
Part A is for in-hospital care; Part B is for doctors visits, and the like; Part D is for prescription drugs.
Part A pays 80% of hospital care, and if I wish I can cover the other 20% with supplemental insurance.
Part B pays doctors visits, with no copayment, and some minor deductible.
Part D pays for prescription drugs, and I was amazed to discover recently, there was no deductible.
All of the above costs me $382.00 per quarter, or $1,528.00 per annum.
Now my wife who has not reached retirement age, pays $1,500 plus per MONTH, $19,000 per annum, for lesser care, with all manner of deductibles, and copayments.
Single payer would save her a minimum $17,000 plus per annum, and for ordinary working people, the savings would be anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per annum.
The 47 million uninsured premiums would be paid for through a tax of 2% or so, I believe, and guess what, that tax still does minor damage to the massive premium savings that everyone will enjoy.
Who gets hurts ?? Only the Insurance Companies.
That is why Hillary and her ilk are ranting and raving about the fictional damage Single Payer would do, and remember she is now trying to back-up and lay claim to Bernies' plan.
I am a Medicare recipient, and as such I have Part A, Part B, and Part D.
Part A is for in-hospital care; Part B is for doctors visits, and the like; Part D is for prescription drugs.
Part A pays 80% of hospital care, and if I wish I can cover the other 20% with supplemental insurance.
Part B pays doctors visits, with no copayment, and some minor deductible.
Part D pays for prescription drugs, and I was amazed to discover recently, there was no deductible.
All of the above costs me $382.00 per quarter, or $1,528.00 per annum.
Now my wife who has not reached retirement age, pays $1,500 plus per MONTH, $19,000 per annum, for lesser care, with all manner of deductibles, and copayments.
Single payer would save her a minimum $17,000 plus per annum, and for ordinary working people, the savings would be anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per annum.
The 47 million uninsured premiums would be paid for through a tax of 2% or so, I believe, and guess what, that tax still does minor damage to the massive premium savings that everyone will enjoy.
Who gets hurts ?? Only the Insurance Companies.
That is why Hillary and her ilk are ranting and raving about the fictional damage Single Payer would do, and remember she is now trying to back-up and lay claim to Bernies' plan.
28
Agreed. HRC can't even hide the fact that she is stumping for Big Insurance! Personally, I would rather see us pay our premiums to Medicare than an increase in our taxes to be covered by Medicare. Medicare for all.
4
Americans are tired about the insiders who cannot agree on anything. Our democratic system is about solving problems with compromise solutions. Americans are further tired of terrorist attacks, no progress in the Middle East, and disrespect of the US.
Donald Trump will win the 2016 Presidential elections by a landslide victory, like Ronald Reagan.
Donald Trump will win the 2016 Presidential elections by a landslide victory, like Ronald Reagan.
2
Iowa is only important to the news cycle and hype machines.
This whole process is a joke.
This whole process is a joke.
9
"Among Republicans, more than six in 10 described themselves as “devoutly religious” in the same poll, for The Des Moines Register."
Well, there you have it. The answer can be found in the dictionary.
Delusion: A persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence, especially as a sign of a psychiatric condition.
Well, there you have it. The answer can be found in the dictionary.
Delusion: A persistent false belief held in the face of strong contradictory evidence, especially as a sign of a psychiatric condition.
5
obviously not as intelligent or perceptive as a man like you, charlie.
5
I like this from the Washington Post yesterday: ""Three out of every five Americans views Donald Trump unfavorably, according to Gallup's most recent two-week average for all of the candidates. That's the highest among the Republicans and the highest of any candidate in the race at this point."
7
Bernie Sanders is the only candidate I would buy a used car from.
152
@Murphy's Law,
You've turned that saying upside down. Well done.
1-31-16@6:01 pm et
You've turned that saying upside down. Well done.
1-31-16@6:01 pm et
5
bernie sanders has more integrity than to be a used car salesman
6
Yeah, perhaps, but I want our president to be better than a good used car salesman.
1
From Iowa Gazette:
"According to the report, by Sept. 30, Hillary Clinton had received $6.42 million in donations toward her 2016 presidential campaign from employees and PACs of banks, credit card companies, securities and investment firms, accounting firms and insurance companies — organizations commonly called Wall Street groups.
Now what about her Iowa donations?
Fact Checker turned to the Federal Election Commission. According to its 2016 Presidential Campaign Finance data, Clinton got $111,584 in contributions from Iowans through Sept. 30."
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/fact-check/factchecker...
"According to the report, by Sept. 30, Hillary Clinton had received $6.42 million in donations toward her 2016 presidential campaign from employees and PACs of banks, credit card companies, securities and investment firms, accounting firms and insurance companies — organizations commonly called Wall Street groups.
Now what about her Iowa donations?
Fact Checker turned to the Federal Election Commission. According to its 2016 Presidential Campaign Finance data, Clinton got $111,584 in contributions from Iowans through Sept. 30."
http://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/government/fact-check/factchecker...
6
Why should most of America care how Iowa or New Hampshire goes. I am waiting for meaningful numbers. Call me back after NY and California have their primaries.
4
“Hillary speaks to that, too, but she’s not as unique as Bernie Sanders, and in every election some people want the unique, the new, the untried.”
So said Tom Harkin, but Sanders' appeal is not that he's "unique, new or untried. It isn't novelty, it's that he sees what everyone knows is wrong with the economy and our government, and genuinely wants to correct it!
Hillary, by contrast, is NOT genuine--she says whatever will get votes...and now that Sanders is a real threat to her coronation, all of a sudden she's a "Progressive!" Nobody buys it. As Lincoln observed, "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time...but you can't fool ALLof the people ALL of the time!"
Hillary hasn't yet learned that lesson. People see her as part of the problem...and Bernie as part of the solution!
So said Tom Harkin, but Sanders' appeal is not that he's "unique, new or untried. It isn't novelty, it's that he sees what everyone knows is wrong with the economy and our government, and genuinely wants to correct it!
Hillary, by contrast, is NOT genuine--she says whatever will get votes...and now that Sanders is a real threat to her coronation, all of a sudden she's a "Progressive!" Nobody buys it. As Lincoln observed, "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time...but you can't fool ALLof the people ALL of the time!"
Hillary hasn't yet learned that lesson. People see her as part of the problem...and Bernie as part of the solution!
22
Fact check: This post implies that Tom Harkin is endorsing Bernie. He is not. Harkin is a Hillary supporter. Harkin has served Iowa and the country in an exemplary manner for over 30 years - sponsored the ADA - so his support is noteworthy, but hidden in both the article and the post.
3
C'mon Iowa, please cut through the hype and vote for the only real non-politician in the race:
Dr. Ben Carson!
Dr. Ben Carson!
3
I hope to wake up on Tues. to see that the good people of Iowa have voted 100% write in "none of the above". In a country of 300 million, this is best we can do?
5
My thoughts exactly.
3
Dr. Ben Carson will heal, revive and inspire America!
1
It's significant that the GOP now waffles on about programs for the poor. They avoid the reality that without a strong middle class there is no hope for the poor to escape poverty. The middle class has always been the reservoir of American decency that reaches out in sympathy to the less fortunate. For the GOP, talk of helping the poor is just more hypocritical electioneering, hiding the fact that the destruction of the middle class is their aim.
Trump and Sanders speak more directly to the problem of poverty but show little appreciation of the role of the middle class as the bastion of American prosperity and success.
Trump and Sanders speak more directly to the problem of poverty but show little appreciation of the role of the middle class as the bastion of American prosperity and success.
Sanders has a great appreciation for the problem of poverty and the role of the middle class. It's a pity that you didn't take the time to read up on it. Just following what little the news media feeds you is a real shame. http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-economic-inequality/
14
I want to wake up on tues. to see that 100% of Ioans have written in "none of the above". Honestly, in a country of 300 million, this is the best we can do?
In the south, Mr. Sanders supporters may wish to pronounce his first name as Bernerd. It will sound more familiar to our southern cousins.
5
"deeply experienced, proven political leaders — brushed aside by Iowans in favor of idol-smashing outsiders." There you go again, NY Times.
Bernie Sanders is not a deeply experienced, proven political leader?????
And you claim him to be an idol-smashing outsider. He is as much an insider as the "idol" you have endorsed.
Bernie Sanders is not a deeply experienced, proven political leader?????
And you claim him to be an idol-smashing outsider. He is as much an insider as the "idol" you have endorsed.
12
Dr. Benjamin Solomon Carson is that outsider who will heal our land.
Expect a miracle!
Expect a miracle!
1
We will soon whether People in Iowa are savvy, or gullible; wise or stupid. But if it wasn't so sad, it'd be like watching the monkey's at the zoo thrown feces at the passers by, and each other. Trump's popularity suggests that flinging ones feces is the modern day path to political success. In that lies his one actual qualification to be the republican hope.
3
As first-time voter voter of color with plans to serve in the federal government after graduation, there was never any doubt in my mind growing up that I would never vote Republican; many in my age bracket feel the exact same way. What the elites of the DNC, don't understand however, is that this doesn't mean our support is their sole domain.
I've been incredibly disappointed with the Times' coverage of the Democratic bracket. As one of the [supposedly] leading publications on the planet, you'd think the writers at the Times would be able to convey their bias with a greater degree of sophistication than what has been shown over the last few months.
I don't sense very much enthusiasm among anyone I know, of any age group, for a Clinton return to the White House. The bulk of my age group are behind Sanders no doubt, with many lamenting Senator Warren's decision not to run, and others holding their breath for the launching of a Bloomberg campaign.
The pundits will neglect the importance of youth support, so enamored of pointing out that our support doesn't matter because we don't get out the vote. Has anyone ever stopped to consider that younger people, who are tired of seeing our brothers and sisters sent out to meaningless wars, tired of the lack of strong public high schools, and tired of lack of meaningful work opportunities outside of finance, consulting, and more graduate school, simply won't condone mediocrity in our politics?
I've been incredibly disappointed with the Times' coverage of the Democratic bracket. As one of the [supposedly] leading publications on the planet, you'd think the writers at the Times would be able to convey their bias with a greater degree of sophistication than what has been shown over the last few months.
I don't sense very much enthusiasm among anyone I know, of any age group, for a Clinton return to the White House. The bulk of my age group are behind Sanders no doubt, with many lamenting Senator Warren's decision not to run, and others holding their breath for the launching of a Bloomberg campaign.
The pundits will neglect the importance of youth support, so enamored of pointing out that our support doesn't matter because we don't get out the vote. Has anyone ever stopped to consider that younger people, who are tired of seeing our brothers and sisters sent out to meaningless wars, tired of the lack of strong public high schools, and tired of lack of meaningful work opportunities outside of finance, consulting, and more graduate school, simply won't condone mediocrity in our politics?
42
You are a very clear thinker, and you write very well, too!
4
Excellent comment, and I believe Mr. Sanders may choose Elizabeth Warren as his Vice President, so we get two people, with impeccable credentials, and unimpeachable integrity, in the White House, representing the people, all of the people, for the first time in decades.
And contrary to what the elites would have you believe, Congress will work with Bernie Sanders, especially after his win, which will be of historic proportions.
Great change is about to occur.
And contrary to what the elites would have you believe, Congress will work with Bernie Sanders, especially after his win, which will be of historic proportions.
Great change is about to occur.
16
mk468, While I am sure this was meant in a well-intentioned way, there is a condescending air about your compliment - as if the default expectation were that Slappy would not be a good writer. Otherwise, why would you point that out? Further implications do not need to be stated here.
Slappy, I 100% agree with you regarding all your points. I think there is a large part of the electorate that is refreshed to see that there is a politician willing to take the lead on the issues that matter to them. I am glad you brought up Senator Warren, who falls into the same profile and someone I would have easily thrown my support behind too. I hope that she considers a run in the future.
Slappy, I 100% agree with you regarding all your points. I think there is a large part of the electorate that is refreshed to see that there is a politician willing to take the lead on the issues that matter to them. I am glad you brought up Senator Warren, who falls into the same profile and someone I would have easily thrown my support behind too. I hope that she considers a run in the future.
2
Simplicity can be beautiful. But the harsh reality is this: we live in a changing world and this country is becoming more diverse. We are no Denmark. The pipe dream of a senator from a gun loving rural state is much needed (for people refused to face the realities). Income inequality is very real but the solution cannot be just simply taxing the riches. There are many reasons behind the inequality but completely faulting the system is just too easy!
I am a naturalized US citizen (born in Taiwan, ROC). I bear witness of the American Dream and I am still working hard to improve the life of my family. Even though the meritocratic system is not completely fair, I will not want to destroy it. We really don't need a revolution. Socialism can never work because of the human nature. We are no ants nor bees. Certainly, working three jobs in order to make ends meet is very sad. But improving knowledge and skill starting from school days is becoming a lifelong thing. For college students, the average incomes after graduation for any major is not a secret.
This country is not ready and I doubt will ever ready to elect a socialist. We human are selfish. Altruism may only work to some extent in homogeneous populations. Countries like Denmark is homogeneous (before the influx of refugees). The causes of income inequality are multiple and complicated but globalization and meritocracy are still the best options.
I am a naturalized US citizen (born in Taiwan, ROC). I bear witness of the American Dream and I am still working hard to improve the life of my family. Even though the meritocratic system is not completely fair, I will not want to destroy it. We really don't need a revolution. Socialism can never work because of the human nature. We are no ants nor bees. Certainly, working three jobs in order to make ends meet is very sad. But improving knowledge and skill starting from school days is becoming a lifelong thing. For college students, the average incomes after graduation for any major is not a secret.
This country is not ready and I doubt will ever ready to elect a socialist. We human are selfish. Altruism may only work to some extent in homogeneous populations. Countries like Denmark is homogeneous (before the influx of refugees). The causes of income inequality are multiple and complicated but globalization and meritocracy are still the best options.
5
We already elected a socialist President and he was so popular that he was re-elected 3 more times, and they had to pass a bill to prevent him from running again. His name was FDR. Many of Sanders' ideas mirror his. http://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/bernie-sanderss-new-deal-socialism
18
Socialist DEMOCRAT. And yes, we are very ready, and very urgently in need of his emphasis on fairness! This country needs an emphasis on the middle class. The laws are no longer fair nor fairly applied. The same can be said for taxes, which so many mega corporations dodge.
You do know that in the eight years of the Eisenhower era, those individuals with an annual income of over $200,000 paid a tax rate of 91%, right? He actually lowered it, it was 92% when he entered office. That's why the middle class was so prosperous. It's been whittled away by special interests over the decades since, and there's now no tax money to fix our infrastructure. It's really not as complicated as you have been led to believe.
How are we going to pay for all the tax cuts for the rich, subsidies for entrenched special interests, and deregulation for extraction and 'finance'?
8
With tax reform, REAL "tax-reform" that broadens the base ( everybody above the poverty level contributed ) and lower the 'rate' ( a flat 10% income tax rate for everyone )
www. Carson2016.com
www. Carson2016.com
1
I think Bernie Sanders would be like a Ronald Reagan for liberals. Sanders would have conservatives screaming at their TVs, while the nice, smiling old man undoes the damage done since Reagan.
23
As Iowa goes, so goes what? It may not be New Hampshire or South Carolina or in fact anywhere? Iowa does not represent America any more than Washington, DC represents America. Its demographics, racial make up, are representative only of Iowa. Far too much significance is placed on this state both by the media and the politicians. Time for a reality check. At most a few hundred thousand Republicans and Democrats will claim a temporary headline that will be forgotten the day after the day after tomorrow.
2
Are you also asking if Trump supporters are registered to vote? Don't they also have to be registered Republicans?
I worked a caucus many years ago in another state and we had to turn people away who didn't know you had to be registered to caucus.
I worked a caucus many years ago in another state and we had to turn people away who didn't know you had to be registered to caucus.
1
Apparently one can register to vote on election day in Iowa. I don't know it this caucus is considered an election, however. Those who are already registered can choose to change party at the caucus.
http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/edr.html
http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/edr.html
I read in the NYT that in Iowa you could " same day register" and participate in the caucus. So at least in Iowa being registered at the time of the poll seems less important than intention to caucus.
1
People are truly tired of traditional politicians that is for sure.
10
In 1999, Bill Clinton, the other half of the Clinton team, signed the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act which repealed Glass-Steagall and led to the financial crisis of 2007. Representative Bernie Sanders voted NAY. In 2002, Senator Hillary Clinton voted for George W. Bush's disastrous invasion of Iraq. Representative Bernie Sanders voted NAY. In 2011, Hillary was the principal advocate of the overthrow of Gaddafi which led to chaos in Libya and the rise of ISIL. Bernie advised against it. The number of Americans living in poverty has doubled since 1974, but Hillary talks about the Middle Class; Bernie talks about the poor. Wall Street PACs back Hillary; the people back Bernie. I wish I lived in Iowa and could caucus for Bernie.
53
It is utterly fatuous to say that repealing Glass-Steagall led to the financial crisis--except in Fox-land, where alternative reality reigns. There were many steps and many culprits beginning with Greenspan and cheap money, leading on to corrupt rating agencies, and to the SEC led by a Bush nominee, Cox, asleep at a wheel for which head hadn't read the operating instructions.
3
In 2003 Sanders confronted Greenspan telling him how out of touch with reality he was. Five years latter Greenspan admitted Sanders was correct. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJaW32ZTyKE
16
Actually, it's quite simple really, and unfortunately very real. I don't watch FOX, or any other news on TV for that matter, so I am a bit ignorant to the media spin, but I do follow politics quite closely, and allowing banks to gamble with securities IS what paved the road for the banking crisis.
8
In a Page 1 screaming headline following the U.S. presidential election of Nov. 2, 2004, London's Daily Mirror asked, "How can 59,054,087 people be so DUMB?".
Should Donald Trump end up as the Republican nominee and, more importantly, should he win the general election, that same British newspaper might well paraphrase Mr. Trump’s "How stupid are the people of Iowa?" by asking, "How stupid are the people of the United States?".
Should Donald Trump end up as the Republican nominee and, more importantly, should he win the general election, that same British newspaper might well paraphrase Mr. Trump’s "How stupid are the people of Iowa?" by asking, "How stupid are the people of the United States?".
9
So, as you note, a snowstorm might hit Iowa tomorrow, caucus night, and how it might affect turnout. If it's a big one, come Tuesday morning, Groundhog Day, there may be quite a few film crews stuck in the snow out in the boonies while covering some silly public ritual again.
The Republicans continue to push for a Sanders victory. read:
"Republicans Run Ad Against Sanders – Because They Want Him to Win"
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-01-26/republicans-run-ad-agains...
Says it all.
"Republicans Run Ad Against Sanders – Because They Want Him to Win"
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-01-26/republicans-run-ad-agains...
Says it all.
4
Can the caucus practice be instituted in Michigan? Would love for all this loving media attention to be lavished on Flint and Detroit. And, no, the candidates wouldn't be allowed to bus in their own bottled water.
3
Really really surprised how little analysis I see about the impact of the marginal candidate' s supporters when everyone is asked to vote in the individual caucuses. this seems especially important, and maybe decisive, when it is this close among the front runners. Will Carson's supporters ultimately caucus for Cruz when they see he cannot come close to winning? Will the other "establishment" candidates supporters rally around Rubio? Why is no one reporting on this?
1
The Times has yet to catch on to the fact that much of Trump's and Sanders' support comes not from ideology but from an electorate which is tired of politicians lacking in credibility, who view them as opportunists who merely spout the latest focus group tested, ad agency massaged slogans, slogans which will change with the next set of poll data or rich donor's contribution. Sanders' and Trump's credibility with many voters does not stem nearly as much from ideology or, even, policy, as from the reality that they do not fit the sadly all-too-true stereotype, thus giving them credibility or, at least, the hope for such.
11
I was a bit shocked initially at the grouping of Bernie and Trump, but I think you hit the nail on the head. Well said. Shame on you NYT.
2
You have to put on a great show to win the non-college Republican vote. Trump winning would make a great Hollywood movie.
To borrow a term, the GOP is a whining loser; and it's without a decent presidential candidate among its currently apparent leaders. That said, I note that the Texas establishment, essentially Tea Partiers, are becoming fearful of a Trump candidacy (over Cruz, of course). At the moment I'm now leaning to the view that Trump, the mouth, is much to be preferred over Cruz (Tea)) and Rubio (neoconian "establishment"?). Trump serves up a dish of utterly unknown and suspicious gruel that's unappetizing to the super right and to the establishment, both of which seek a comfortably dependable leader.
When Republicans get this sorted out on their own behalf, then the rest of us can examine the carnage and go from there. In the meantime, treat the matter as entertainment.
When Republicans get this sorted out on their own behalf, then the rest of us can examine the carnage and go from there. In the meantime, treat the matter as entertainment.
This latest revelation about Hillary was the final nail in her coffin, she does not have the trust of the voter, & will not win. That leaves Bernie, who should have represented himself as a progressive Independent, & not as a Socialist. Too many associate the word Socialist with the Nazi Party, & the Soviet Union. Yes I know that we already have socialism,& most of the world have Socialist Governments but try to explain that to the American public. In order to get the attention of the average American voter you must speak to them as you would a child that believes in Santa Claus, which is the same as saying I'm a God fearing person.
4
Can't disagree with your wanting Sanders' to rebrand himself, but in turn he is educating the US public (as impossible as that seems). The fact that he may get about 25% of the entire US vote is impressive. Most of these voters are educated and intelligent and the label he chose doesn't faze them. Both Britain and Canada elected socialists recently, against all odds the lousy media coverage. It can happen here.
9
Julio,
Lets hope !
Lets hope !
1
Neither of the two US political parties are for real because their rules are not determined by their memberships, but rather by 50 different state governments.
This particular state-mandated exercise is deeply flawed because there is no assurance that any participant has the interests of the party they choose to caucus with in mind, and the process is vulnerable to bullying and small town gossip.
This particular state-mandated exercise is deeply flawed because there is no assurance that any participant has the interests of the party they choose to caucus with in mind, and the process is vulnerable to bullying and small town gossip.
Here is a perfect example of why we Sanders' supporters are not the ones at the fringes. Hillary Clinton in 1994 herself supported a single-payer system. No one called her an ideological extremist back then. Since 1994, Ms. Clinton has received $13.2 million from the healthcare industry. Now she sings a different tune. http://www.ibtimes.com/political-capital/hillary-clinton-gets-13-million...
If only First Lady Hillary Clinton were running for president...
If only First Lady Hillary Clinton were running for president...
10
They most certainly did call her an extremist, were you asleep?
Ah, Iowa.
The Pitchfork State.
Go Sanders!
The Pitchfork State.
Go Sanders!
12
I find the notion of "establishment" as automatically bad to be very disturbing.
For POTUS, I want an established president, one who has deep and broad knowledge of any given topic, who understands the dynamics of particular relationships, who is battle-scarred from the trial-and-error involved with navigating and negotiating all of the interests that comprise the political process. That's as "establishment" as it gets.
"New" and "fringe" are not necessarily tantamount to "effective," "knowledgeable," or any other meaningful synonym ascribed to the current anti-establishment strain coursing its way through the national conversation.
I'd rather improve upon what I have than re-invent the wheel.
For POTUS, I want an established president, one who has deep and broad knowledge of any given topic, who understands the dynamics of particular relationships, who is battle-scarred from the trial-and-error involved with navigating and negotiating all of the interests that comprise the political process. That's as "establishment" as it gets.
"New" and "fringe" are not necessarily tantamount to "effective," "knowledgeable," or any other meaningful synonym ascribed to the current anti-establishment strain coursing its way through the national conversation.
I'd rather improve upon what I have than re-invent the wheel.
4
You may get your wish, but then don't complain about it afterwards.
2
We are witnessing the demise of the elite liberal two headed monster.
Obama and his supporters neglected the base of the Democratic party, ignoring millions of ordinary, middle class White voters. Obama denigrated, dismissed and used the establishment news media to shut every Republican who doesn't worship Obama out of the political process.
What we are seeing is a clear statement from a growing majority of ordinary Americans that the establishment political and news media party is over.
Obama and his supporters neglected the base of the Democratic party, ignoring millions of ordinary, middle class White voters. Obama denigrated, dismissed and used the establishment news media to shut every Republican who doesn't worship Obama out of the political process.
What we are seeing is a clear statement from a growing majority of ordinary Americans that the establishment political and news media party is over.
5
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Must read(again and again) by all the voters before election (till Nov 2016)!
Associate the characters in that book with current candidates!
Must read(again and again) by all the voters before election (till Nov 2016)!
Associate the characters in that book with current candidates!
1
Go read the comments from the Times endorsement of Hillary . 90% of them are calling out Hilary as a liar and a crook. 100 million + in bribes from Wall Street and large corporations . She is a shill and everyone knows it.
12
As Vito Corleone said, when he gathered the 5 families togehter, " How did things ever get like this " Corrupt Clintons. a Socialist, and The Donald. Great choices. We may need another era of a Jimmy Carter or Gerry Ford calm down administration, as in do no harm, as in do nothing.
All of the constant continual endless discussion and evaluation of something as useless overhyped and arcane as the Iowa caucuses is mind boggling.
5
If people DON'T WANT another Recession, Citizens United, the shut down of Government, hate and ignorance, the loss of benefits, "white collar" Wall Street crimes,the Rich not paying their "fair share" of taxes, bad Trade Agreements, MONEY in Politics....then, vote for Bernie Sanders. This country needs him...now. He's been a Senator for a long time, and he knows all the players in Congress. Both Parties better stop taking the AMERICAN people for granted, and acting like folks don't know what's going on. The Clinton's need to take their money and retire.
14
Is it "edgy" Iowa voters who will set the primary tone or is it the power of perception influenced by pundits and polls (regarding who's winning and who's losing) that activates the herd instinct and potentially changes voting behavior.
3
My reasons for supporting Sanders are simple:
He understands that "getting money out of politics" is the common ground for people on either side of the political spectrum. You don't have to agree with all his proposals to agree that making elections less corrupt will probably help your voice get heard (unless you're a billionaire.) And he's the only candidate who's serious about doing that.
People seem to feel Hillary is more realistic about dealing with Congress. But she also creates less enthusiasm, which means that she will create lower voter turnout, which makes it more likely that she will be dealing with the same intractable Republican Congress that Obama had to deal with. If we want real change, we have to take a shot at the exact kind of revolution Sanders is offering. Otherwise, we get the same government dysfunction Obama faced.
Young people who support Sanders aren't just naive liberals. People above 50 seem to fear this is the McGovern campaign all over again. But unlike 1972, there is no "silent majority" of middle class people who like the status quo. The silent majority is gone. That's why we need to push through real change.
This country is an oligarchy. We don't need a powerful liberal oligarch. We need to end the oligarchy. This could be our last chance to do it.
He understands that "getting money out of politics" is the common ground for people on either side of the political spectrum. You don't have to agree with all his proposals to agree that making elections less corrupt will probably help your voice get heard (unless you're a billionaire.) And he's the only candidate who's serious about doing that.
People seem to feel Hillary is more realistic about dealing with Congress. But she also creates less enthusiasm, which means that she will create lower voter turnout, which makes it more likely that she will be dealing with the same intractable Republican Congress that Obama had to deal with. If we want real change, we have to take a shot at the exact kind of revolution Sanders is offering. Otherwise, we get the same government dysfunction Obama faced.
Young people who support Sanders aren't just naive liberals. People above 50 seem to fear this is the McGovern campaign all over again. But unlike 1972, there is no "silent majority" of middle class people who like the status quo. The silent majority is gone. That's why we need to push through real change.
This country is an oligarchy. We don't need a powerful liberal oligarch. We need to end the oligarchy. This could be our last chance to do it.
17
The obsession with the Iowa caucuses is mystifying. They haven't been indicators of anything since the year 2000. In 2012 they got the vote wrong twice, and then Ron Paul took all the Republican delegates to the convention despite the fact that he had not won. All candidates have spent $40 million on ads for tomorrow's conclaves. A blizzard is rumored, so turnout will be suspect no matter what. Added to this is the general conclusion that evangelical tea-party types. who are not even representative of Iowa voters dominate the Republican caucuses. Afterward we go to New Hampshire where there are almost no minority voters. The CW says if a candidate doesn't place at least third in these two contests they are finished. This is all bordering on insanity. And when you add the additional insanity created by Citizen's United unlimited spending, you get a system as constrained and restrictive as in Iran's elections. This is not representative democracy. It is a parody of itself. No wonder people don't vote.
75
I am an educated Black voter, registered Republican and Trump supporter in Washington DC. I will put that aside for a moment to point out a fact that is bipartisan:
It blows my mind to watch the 2016 election.
Regardless of political stripe, EVERY news media political pundit, every news commentator who has spoken on a major news network in America stares at the Iowa caucuses happening next week--completely wrong on every single second of the 2016 campaign.
Let me repeat this.
Not one major news organization in the United States of America has gotten the 2016 election right. I'll try saying it another way. Every member of the news media in our country has been wrong. Every day. For 7 months. All of them.
I grew up during Reagan's 2nd term. So I am not that old. But I have a degree in American History. We have never had a presidential election in America where every single news organization has been completely wrong before.
This is going to be fun ride.
America is finally deciding who we want as President the way our founders intended. I can see the end of the electoral college in my lifetime, or at least a tweaking of it to make our elections fairer.
Change has come.
Obama didn't deliver it, he caused it.
It blows my mind to watch the 2016 election.
Regardless of political stripe, EVERY news media political pundit, every news commentator who has spoken on a major news network in America stares at the Iowa caucuses happening next week--completely wrong on every single second of the 2016 campaign.
Let me repeat this.
Not one major news organization in the United States of America has gotten the 2016 election right. I'll try saying it another way. Every member of the news media in our country has been wrong. Every day. For 7 months. All of them.
I grew up during Reagan's 2nd term. So I am not that old. But I have a degree in American History. We have never had a presidential election in America where every single news organization has been completely wrong before.
This is going to be fun ride.
America is finally deciding who we want as President the way our founders intended. I can see the end of the electoral college in my lifetime, or at least a tweaking of it to make our elections fairer.
Change has come.
Obama didn't deliver it, he caused it.
8
I always find it fascinating to hear from black voters who like Trump when Trump is wealthy only because he inherited his father's fortune, a real estate empire directly built on refusing to rent to black people -- for which his father was sued in court multiple times, including when the younger Trump was working directly for him, and had to pay millions in damages -- and then still continued not to rent to black families and was sued again, successfully.
7
"I am an educated Black voter, registered Republican and Trump supporter..."
Rachel, it's called "Stockholm Syndrome"
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
Rachel, it's called "Stockholm Syndrome"
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
In the last two Iowa GOP primaries the fringe edge voters selected Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum. Clinton Is not the name of Iowa primary Democratic victory for voters on the edge. Confusing tone and rhetoric with substance and practical governing is mostly distracting mass media enterainment.
1
[[“There’s a tremendous amount of anti-establishment, anti-Washington sentiment here, and I would not be surprised if an outsider on both sides wins,”]]
That's nonsense. Reject all of those federal subsidies and mandates for corn and soybean and THEN tell me about the anti-establishment, anti-Washington sentiment in Iowa.
As loony tunes as he might be, only Ted Cruz on the republican side called the ethanol fuel mandate into question. If Cruz could prove he was Jesus Christ come back to life, but he spoke out against ethanol mandates, the Iowa governor would side with Trump.
Also, regarding anti-establishment sentiment, Branstad was just re-elected to his sixth term as governor, so we can take his comments with a grain of salt…or a kernel of corn I suppose.
That's nonsense. Reject all of those federal subsidies and mandates for corn and soybean and THEN tell me about the anti-establishment, anti-Washington sentiment in Iowa.
As loony tunes as he might be, only Ted Cruz on the republican side called the ethanol fuel mandate into question. If Cruz could prove he was Jesus Christ come back to life, but he spoke out against ethanol mandates, the Iowa governor would side with Trump.
Also, regarding anti-establishment sentiment, Branstad was just re-elected to his sixth term as governor, so we can take his comments with a grain of salt…or a kernel of corn I suppose.
2
Dear Public Editor - It looks like it is again up to you to correct the record. What evidence is there that Bernie Sander's plan is "high tax"? What evidence is there that the initiatives he favors results in "Big Government", whatever that means? Trip Gabriel is not writing an editorial, he should stick to the facts. As an example of his journalistic sloppiness, I note that for the vast majority of Americans, federal tax brackets are expected to remain stable . And for those who will see an increase, their marginal rate will be lower than it was under Ronald Reagan!
18
... and one wonders exactly what kind of trip trip is on
4
Is it possible, that circus-like, political events events like the Iowa caucus--and the media frenzy it generates-- are part of the 'anti-establishment' sentiment?
There seems to be little correlation--except in 2008 when Obama won--between what happens in Iowa and what happens in the election. Just thinking.
There seems to be little correlation--except in 2008 when Obama won--between what happens in Iowa and what happens in the election. Just thinking.
1
Be careful what you wish for, you may get it (and all the unintended consequences as well).
I am a citizen of a Western democracy with a big picture window opening on the United States of America. It is increasingly difficult to impress upon my neighbours how different Canada is from the USA. We watch American television, we eat American food, we live on the USA's internet but we are a Western Democracy and the USA is an edge nation part Western Democracy part oligarchic autocratic Russia.
What Bernie Sanders is demanding is long established in Canada. Single payer healthcare, affordable universities, quality education for all, a limit on political donations, and government accountability to the citizenry. In Canada these are not socialist ideas, these are conservative, centrist and left wing ideas. Our Supreme Court is charged to represent justice and the welfare of Canada's citizens our laws are there to provide justice not pit citizen against citizen or citizen against government or corporation.
Ten years ago Canada's Conservative Party had its romance with America's Republican Party and selected Stephen Harper as its leader. Most Canadians will tell you Harper has been the most divisive leader in our history.
With Harper gone we are starting to see how bizarre a nation the USA has become.
In a bizarre nation I might suggest all voters are on the edge and might suggest that the most bizarre political figures are those supposedly in middle who believe the nation can continue teetering on the edge.
What Bernie Sanders is demanding is long established in Canada. Single payer healthcare, affordable universities, quality education for all, a limit on political donations, and government accountability to the citizenry. In Canada these are not socialist ideas, these are conservative, centrist and left wing ideas. Our Supreme Court is charged to represent justice and the welfare of Canada's citizens our laws are there to provide justice not pit citizen against citizen or citizen against government or corporation.
Ten years ago Canada's Conservative Party had its romance with America's Republican Party and selected Stephen Harper as its leader. Most Canadians will tell you Harper has been the most divisive leader in our history.
With Harper gone we are starting to see how bizarre a nation the USA has become.
In a bizarre nation I might suggest all voters are on the edge and might suggest that the most bizarre political figures are those supposedly in middle who believe the nation can continue teetering on the edge.
27
The bigger picture is that we, as a nation, are ruled by those who can pay huge bucks to buy votes via dark money ads and support of their, not the majority, and certainly not the majority of informed folks. Read: "It's Even Worse Than It Looks," and/or: "The Party is Over," two authoritative books by Congressional Scholars and a former Republican staffer. Both enlightening, both say we need a major political overhaul, with the most sensible solutions.
2
This is ridiculous. It's pure spectacle now. We need a national primary.
5
I still don't understand why Iowa sets the tone for the rest of America especially as it not representative of all Americans which has be repeated ad nauseam. But that said the fact is Iowa does set the tone. Since Iowans are a very disgruntled lot with the status quo, their shift to the extreme fringes, both Republican and Democrat will set a very dangerous precedent. Trump and Bernie Sanders represent the extreme right and extreme left, where never the twain shall meet. The only upside is that the despicable Cruz will be chucked out!! ( at least, I hope! )
Bernie Sanders, although not a Democrat, is the true Democratic Party because he clearly stands for the ordinary working person, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion, occupation, education or any other divisive label. He knows where the power is now and where it should be and could be if enough of us stood together, stopped being distracted by culture war propaganda and divided by racial animosity and religious paranoia. We all want and need the same things and we can have those things when our elected representatives know who they work for. Democracy that works for the many, not the few. Not "free stuff" but the things working people and taxpayers have earned and not received.
16
I for one bitterly resent the Times' characterization of people like myself -- who support the idea of adopting a health care system which, for the better part of 50 years, has produced better health outcomes at far lower cost in every "first world" nation worldwide *except* the US of A -- as members of some kind of "ideological fringe."
I will refrain from using the epithets that might prevent my comment from being printed -- but boy am I thinking them!
I will refrain from using the epithets that might prevent my comment from being printed -- but boy am I thinking them!
41
How is it that we've ceded so much control over our election process to Iowa? How different the national discussion would be if the first primary were held in New York. Are we all helpless to change this?
2
I've made several comments today.
As a Black attorney in Washington DC who supports Donald Trump, I am the educated, Black Conservative the NYT and the establishment news media wants you to believe doesn't exist.
No problem. Iowa is hours away from speaking for me, and millions of us.
It's time for Obama and the liberal elite to take a hike.
If you can't respect ordinary Americans or let us participate in how our country is governed, we will simply vote establishment politicians out, show Obama the door and render the Obama Groupie news media obsolete.
For the first time in American History we want the truth.
As a Black attorney in Washington DC who supports Donald Trump, I am the educated, Black Conservative the NYT and the establishment news media wants you to believe doesn't exist.
No problem. Iowa is hours away from speaking for me, and millions of us.
It's time for Obama and the liberal elite to take a hike.
If you can't respect ordinary Americans or let us participate in how our country is governed, we will simply vote establishment politicians out, show Obama the door and render the Obama Groupie news media obsolete.
For the first time in American History we want the truth.
7
"If you can't respect ordinary Americans or let us participate in how our country is governed, " is exactly the problem with the Republicans in our red state.
2
I wonder how many other Donald Trump supporters think he is running against President Obama. Also, if the definition of ordinary Americans were that they were those who support Donald Trump, it would certainly be true that no one would respect them - for good reason. Fortunately, judging by polls of the general electorate, most ordinary Americans think Donald Trump is a lying, racist, fascist, xenophobic, misogynistic buffoon.
3
Today is January 31, 2016.
Barack Obama has delivered 11 speeches/statements attacking Donald Trump for every one speech by Democratic candidates attacking Trump.
Let me repeat this.
Whether it's Obama, inviting himself to give long winded interviews chock full of unwanted opinions on an election he's not running in, or Obama WH surrogates, the Obama WH has waged more media attacks on Trump than ALL of the candidates running for President in 2016.
Did you get that? The Obama WH is in campaign mode against Trump. Again. I live and work in Washington DC, I attended the White House Correspondents Dinner and stood in the ballroom listening to Barack Obama going after Trump as if Trump were running against him in 2012. And here Obama is again, going after Trump.
Has anyone told Obama he's not running for President in 2016?
I've just returned from Europe. Donald Trump is getting nearly 20 times the media coverage as Obama. The truth is Obama is done, finished, over with and it galls Obama that nobody cares what he says or does anymore.
So if it seems like Obama is on the 2016 ballot, blame Obama, not Trump and certainly not the American people who have rejected Obama and are turning to Trump.
Barack Obama has delivered 11 speeches/statements attacking Donald Trump for every one speech by Democratic candidates attacking Trump.
Let me repeat this.
Whether it's Obama, inviting himself to give long winded interviews chock full of unwanted opinions on an election he's not running in, or Obama WH surrogates, the Obama WH has waged more media attacks on Trump than ALL of the candidates running for President in 2016.
Did you get that? The Obama WH is in campaign mode against Trump. Again. I live and work in Washington DC, I attended the White House Correspondents Dinner and stood in the ballroom listening to Barack Obama going after Trump as if Trump were running against him in 2012. And here Obama is again, going after Trump.
Has anyone told Obama he's not running for President in 2016?
I've just returned from Europe. Donald Trump is getting nearly 20 times the media coverage as Obama. The truth is Obama is done, finished, over with and it galls Obama that nobody cares what he says or does anymore.
So if it seems like Obama is on the 2016 ballot, blame Obama, not Trump and certainly not the American people who have rejected Obama and are turning to Trump.
4
This quote from Yoda seems appropriate for disaffected Iowa voters Republican and Democrat, "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering."
For people who say Bernie couldn't get his plans through a recalcitrant Republican congress, remember that those who have been predicting a Republican hold on the House and strength in the Senate and state governments are the same people who didn't see this political revolution coming, from the right or the left.
There are more Republican senate seats up for grabs this time (opposite of 2014) and there are plenty of downticket progressive candidates who are ignored for now at this early stage, but will become more visible closer to the election.
See, e.g., http://boldprogressives.org/candidates/
There are more Republican senate seats up for grabs this time (opposite of 2014) and there are plenty of downticket progressive candidates who are ignored for now at this early stage, but will become more visible closer to the election.
See, e.g., http://boldprogressives.org/candidates/
20
Not to Iowans: It is your constitutional right to vote for whomever you want. But please don't let your anger create a political mess for the rest of us to clean up later. Trump and Sanders may say things others don't but neither of them have a ghost of a chance on delivering on anything you are angry about. The mainstream politicians may have failed us but they are our only hope in this election dominated by small people. Think about what comes after the caucuses and primaries. It is a complicated challengin world out there and platitudes are going to advance our interests or protect us.
36
Not delivering on anything Americans are angry about sure worked out for Barack Obama.
Why can't Trump and Sanders play?
Why can't Trump and Sanders play?
8
Dear kad427,
As a Senator, Hillary helped sponsor the Iraq War, and the Patriot Act. Her name has been in the public more than Sanders', thanks to being a First Lady, a hawkish Secretary of State and numerous scandals.
If you are alluding to her as a mainstream politician who is one of our only hopes, perhaps you also favor her support by Monsanto, Exxon and Syngenta, when Americans stand against GMOs and global warming.
If you like the TPP, which confers upon corporations the same status as countries, and allows member companies to sue governments who refuse their products, and helps Monsanto and Syngenta spread GMOs throughout the world, while accelerating child labor in poor Pacific Rim countries, and permitting acceptance of inferior quality drugs and foodstuffs from same, then Hillary is for you. She's mainstream.
On the Republican side, a mainstream top candidate is impossible to find. They're all so far to the right, be it in hatred toward immigrants, love of wealth for the very rich, extremist Christianity, or getting "more boots on the ground" in the Middle East, that they don't seem to mirror the American voter at all.
Do-able plans to effect change in America are needed, and Sanders has them. If you want more of the same type of government, the same old-same old, sure, choose someone who you consider mainstream.
As a Senator, Hillary helped sponsor the Iraq War, and the Patriot Act. Her name has been in the public more than Sanders', thanks to being a First Lady, a hawkish Secretary of State and numerous scandals.
If you are alluding to her as a mainstream politician who is one of our only hopes, perhaps you also favor her support by Monsanto, Exxon and Syngenta, when Americans stand against GMOs and global warming.
If you like the TPP, which confers upon corporations the same status as countries, and allows member companies to sue governments who refuse their products, and helps Monsanto and Syngenta spread GMOs throughout the world, while accelerating child labor in poor Pacific Rim countries, and permitting acceptance of inferior quality drugs and foodstuffs from same, then Hillary is for you. She's mainstream.
On the Republican side, a mainstream top candidate is impossible to find. They're all so far to the right, be it in hatred toward immigrants, love of wealth for the very rich, extremist Christianity, or getting "more boots on the ground" in the Middle East, that they don't seem to mirror the American voter at all.
Do-able plans to effect change in America are needed, and Sanders has them. If you want more of the same type of government, the same old-same old, sure, choose someone who you consider mainstream.
In 2008, Mike Huckabee won the Republican Iowa Caucas. I don't think that worked out for him from there onward.
In 2012, Rick Santorum shared first place in the Republican Iowa Caucas. I don't think that worked out for him from there onward.
The media hypes these caucuses -- "its just business."
But in the end everyone will look to New Hampshire and that trend will follow from there.
In 2012, Rick Santorum shared first place in the Republican Iowa Caucas. I don't think that worked out for him from there onward.
The media hypes these caucuses -- "its just business."
But in the end everyone will look to New Hampshire and that trend will follow from there.
@Ron Cohen: If you don't know how Bernie will pay for his proposals, you're not trying very hard. Check this:
https://berniesanders.com/issues/how-bernie-pays-for-his-proposals/
You're welcome.
As to how he will break up the big banks, it will, as Bernie has said over and over and over again, require a populist movement behind him. He has made clear he will not got it alone, as Obama did once elected, but will count on the support of all the people who want a change. Of course it won't be a walk in the park, but if you don't try, nothing changes.
https://berniesanders.com/issues/how-bernie-pays-for-his-proposals/
You're welcome.
As to how he will break up the big banks, it will, as Bernie has said over and over and over again, require a populist movement behind him. He has made clear he will not got it alone, as Obama did once elected, but will count on the support of all the people who want a change. Of course it won't be a walk in the park, but if you don't try, nothing changes.
21
I think the big question is if nonwhite voters will show up at the polls for Mrs. Clinton in large numbers. I don't think they will. At this point they will answer polls in her favor, but they will not show up in the numbers she needs over the long haul.
There is no push like there was for Obama. Instead it will be a matter of organizational "get out the vote" logistics. That might work for a single concentrated effort like Iowa - at least to make it very close - but it is not sustainable in every state. Bernie will win New Hampshire, and the surprise will be that he will win the states where Hillary is relying on nonwhite voters. That will coalesce with increased email scandal scrutiny, Bernie's momentum for the New Hampshire win, and a visible increase in nonwhite endorsers for Bernie. The old establishment power brokers, like Sharpton, will come out for Hillary, but younger, more integrated Blacks and Latino celebrities will switch to Bernie.
The polls that show Hillary leading among nonwhite voters are misleading. They will not show up for her.
There is no push like there was for Obama. Instead it will be a matter of organizational "get out the vote" logistics. That might work for a single concentrated effort like Iowa - at least to make it very close - but it is not sustainable in every state. Bernie will win New Hampshire, and the surprise will be that he will win the states where Hillary is relying on nonwhite voters. That will coalesce with increased email scandal scrutiny, Bernie's momentum for the New Hampshire win, and a visible increase in nonwhite endorsers for Bernie. The old establishment power brokers, like Sharpton, will come out for Hillary, but younger, more integrated Blacks and Latino celebrities will switch to Bernie.
The polls that show Hillary leading among nonwhite voters are misleading. They will not show up for her.
12
I'm on the edge of my seat. You all remember President Santorum and President Huckabee. The Iowa Caucuses. The amuse bouche for the politically overweight.
2
I wish the moderators would make this a NYT Pick. Very well written, Liberty Apples! Thanks for bringing the discussion to earth.
You're very kind. Best. Let's hope that this grotesque campaign take a turn for the best.
1
I wish that any "tone" established by the outcome of the Iowa primary will show that most voters still possess a measure of critical reasoning skills, whether Republican or Democrat. However, I fear that Iowa may show the world that facts, rational thinking and reasoned arguments have given way to anger, fear and simplemindedness.
Interesting that the MSM is unable to correlate the populist distrust of government with the kowtowing to corporate money and interests. Do the hands that feed also act as blinders for the press. The Times endorses Clinton because her reforms are so predictable. Revolutionary change is not imaginable. Meanwhile, was that an endorsement for Kasich? if so, weak tea.
1
Even though I don't live in Iowa, I do believe that this caucus will be the most important elections of my lifetime. Either the foundations of our broken system crack and start a new age in politics, or the status quo media buries the revolution into oblivion. Either we start to come together as a people on a whole, or we remain divided. Either people rise despite the overwhelming weight of money & establishment blackout or we don't. The stakes are huge.
Please Iowans, go out and vote even though it will be snowing. It doesn't matter who you support or how "competent" you think you are, you are entitled to vote and your voice deserves to be heard just as much as anyone else, and this is the true election that matters. The world is watching your state with baited breath.
Please Iowans, go out and vote even though it will be snowing. It doesn't matter who you support or how "competent" you think you are, you are entitled to vote and your voice deserves to be heard just as much as anyone else, and this is the true election that matters. The world is watching your state with baited breath.
3
What is the problem with big banks, wealthy people, and our healthcare system? As far as income inequality, if you want to make more work more hours or get a job that pays more.
No problems with people being wealthy, until they start buying out our elections to benefit themselves. Come on, look at all other candidates, money rules, and it has for a long time. Super PACs going to war with political attach ads (even though some are funny)? Perhaps your perfectly content with the system as it is now, but that is not how most people feel. And most people feel drastic measures need to take place to fix our system
1
Sanders' appeal to younger voters is exciting and important in ways I haven't seen discussed. My husband and I are active in local politics, and one thing that's long concerned us is the average age of the folks serving on our town's Democratic town committee and on local boards. If even a few of those who are invigorated by Senator Sanders join up and participate with us in the years to come we'll all benefit.
16
A lot of people I know feel that voters in Iowa are really dumb and will vote for Trump. I don't believe it. There are Rednecks, White Supremacists and extremist Immigrant haters everywhere including NYC. I think most voters in general recognize Trump's a clown and circus performer and nothing more. Also, the GOP will never allow him in as a nominee. Even the Donald knows it.
2
Iowa no longer is the Iowa from 8 or 16 or 50 years ago. Then it was corn or beans. Now it is banking and internets and new suburban housing. The link with the rest of the US is an unknown.
Democrats who are pushing for Hillary on her experience willfully ignore the "elephant in the room" and I don't mean the GOP. The elephant in this case is that voters on both sides are looking for a non-establishment candidate. With Hillary, Democrats will get painted into a corner with the "establishment candidate." Sanders offers an opportunity not only to energize the Democratic base, but also to peel off far more disaffected middle-class and poor voters who would otherwise vote for Trump.
11
One positive outcome will be that one of Trump and Cruz LOSES.
Trump takes the position "If I believe it, it has to be the truth." He also brags a lot, even when the facts are different (declaring bankruptcy over the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Altlantic City; losing money on the purchase of the Plaza Hotel in NY when the next two owners each DOUBLED their money). He really isn't such a great businessman or negotiator.
Cruz is an obnoxious man, who thinks he is always the smartest guy in the room, and never fails to tell you so. Even those who know him well, such as other US Senators, do not like him.
At least one of these two losers will be damaged politically. That is definitely a plus.
I can't wait to see who the Iowans kick in the rear.
Trump takes the position "If I believe it, it has to be the truth." He also brags a lot, even when the facts are different (declaring bankruptcy over the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Altlantic City; losing money on the purchase of the Plaza Hotel in NY when the next two owners each DOUBLED their money). He really isn't such a great businessman or negotiator.
Cruz is an obnoxious man, who thinks he is always the smartest guy in the room, and never fails to tell you so. Even those who know him well, such as other US Senators, do not like him.
At least one of these two losers will be damaged politically. That is definitely a plus.
I can't wait to see who the Iowans kick in the rear.
7
Just one more in the sudden surge of NYTimes hit man misrepresentation of Bernie Sanders, trying to liken him to Trump.
Bernie Sanders is as different from Trump as could be.
Bernie Sanders wants to save America from its worst threat, which is internal: the takeover of our democracy by the rich oligarchs, Wall Street and giant corporations and billionaires buying our elections and politicians.
Trump threatens to worsen our international threat, by driving a billion Muslims toward support of ISIS terrorism.
What the voters need is information on the merits of the Bernie Sanders approach. On this, the NYTimes has been a blackout, filling its election news and opinion with daily TrumpTrumpTrump. Now we finally read NYTimes coverage of Bernie Sanders with this dishonest likening of him to the terrible danger of Trump.
For this election, America would do better without the NYTimes.
Bernie Sanders is as different from Trump as could be.
Bernie Sanders wants to save America from its worst threat, which is internal: the takeover of our democracy by the rich oligarchs, Wall Street and giant corporations and billionaires buying our elections and politicians.
Trump threatens to worsen our international threat, by driving a billion Muslims toward support of ISIS terrorism.
What the voters need is information on the merits of the Bernie Sanders approach. On this, the NYTimes has been a blackout, filling its election news and opinion with daily TrumpTrumpTrump. Now we finally read NYTimes coverage of Bernie Sanders with this dishonest likening of him to the terrible danger of Trump.
For this election, America would do better without the NYTimes.
29
Here's a tongue-in-cheek suggestion for our fellow Iowans from Billy Connolly: "Don't vote, it only encourages them!"
2
It reminds me, I need to get some popcorn and a decent Chardonnay for tomorrow evening.
All I can say for Ioway is that if it chooses another candidate who fails to get the nomination, candidates will stay shy of Iowa the next time around, instead pouring money into NH and SC. So there is an additional pressure on Iowa to get it right this time. But Iowans will vote for whom they want. And we have little idea who that is; it makes this particular caucus a little more engrossing.
All I can say for Ioway is that if it chooses another candidate who fails to get the nomination, candidates will stay shy of Iowa the next time around, instead pouring money into NH and SC. So there is an additional pressure on Iowa to get it right this time. But Iowans will vote for whom they want. And we have little idea who that is; it makes this particular caucus a little more engrossing.
1
What a waste of electrons. The same story every four years: why does Iowa matter/not matter? Why should it/shouldn't it matter? Blah blah. The only people who care about this are editorial writers.
2
Voters on the edge?
What is it going to take for the NYT to admit defeat?
How many wholesale shellackings of the Democratic majority because of Barack Obama have to happen? How many states does Donald Trump have to sweep between Iowa and Super Tuesday for the liberal elite, in their nosebleed Ivory towers hear the message coming from the American people?
We are fed up. And we don't mind making history to prove it.
You're going to wake up this time next year, as President-Elect Trump or Sanders takes the oath of office here in Washington, and finally realize that YOU are the fringe. It's happening.
USA!
What is it going to take for the NYT to admit defeat?
How many wholesale shellackings of the Democratic majority because of Barack Obama have to happen? How many states does Donald Trump have to sweep between Iowa and Super Tuesday for the liberal elite, in their nosebleed Ivory towers hear the message coming from the American people?
We are fed up. And we don't mind making history to prove it.
You're going to wake up this time next year, as President-Elect Trump or Sanders takes the oath of office here in Washington, and finally realize that YOU are the fringe. It's happening.
USA!
13
Most recent prior Republican Iowa Caucus winners: Rick Santorum, 2012; Mike Huckabee, 2008; George W. Bush, 2000 (Steve Forbes running a strong second).
Most recent Democratic Iowa Caucus Winners (in contested races): Barack Obama, 2008; John Kerry, 2004; Al Gore, 2000.
Talking about these two caucuses as if they were of equal significance is fallacious. People who attend the Iowa Democratic Caucus are pretty mainstream by the standards of their party. Iowa Republicans who attend their caucus are coocoo birds. Though, granted, coocoo seems to be the thing to be if you want the Republican nomination this year, so maybe they'll turn their outlier streak around this year.
Most recent Democratic Iowa Caucus Winners (in contested races): Barack Obama, 2008; John Kerry, 2004; Al Gore, 2000.
Talking about these two caucuses as if they were of equal significance is fallacious. People who attend the Iowa Democratic Caucus are pretty mainstream by the standards of their party. Iowa Republicans who attend their caucus are coocoo birds. Though, granted, coocoo seems to be the thing to be if you want the Republican nomination this year, so maybe they'll turn their outlier streak around this year.
6
You have such a short memory. Santorum and Huckabee won Iowa, which meant absolutely nothing.
The Times is just like all the other phony media. You promote every caucus and primary as crucial, and then one week later, forget that and move to the next one.
This is worse than the Oscars having no Black Oscars nominated. All the media is focusing on a state that has no Black voters.
Such a misleading headline. It "may set tone for primaries". You know that Hillary can lose Iowa and New Hampshire, and wipe out Sanders all over the South, but that's not today's story.
The Times is just like all the other phony media. You promote every caucus and primary as crucial, and then one week later, forget that and move to the next one.
This is worse than the Oscars having no Black Oscars nominated. All the media is focusing on a state that has no Black voters.
Such a misleading headline. It "may set tone for primaries". You know that Hillary can lose Iowa and New Hampshire, and wipe out Sanders all over the South, but that's not today's story.
5
I keep reading about how all the things Sanders wants to do are unrealistic. He won’t be able to fund them. He won’t be able to get anything passed in Congress, because he will almost certainly be dealing with a GOP controlled House. To that I have a couple of replies. First, if Clinton is elected, she would be facing the same problem, assuming she would even try to pass anything not pre-approved by her speaking fee employers. And if she did, the only way she would get it through Congress is by having it so watered down with riders, caveats, exceptions, and restrictions on implementation and enforcement that it would be essentially meaningless. Second, even if Sanders couldn’t get anything on his wish list, I’m fairly confident he would use his veto power to prevent anything from getting worse. Like “reforming” Social Security and Medicare. On the other hand, I don’t trust Clinton not to strike a “grand bargain,” much like Obama seemed willing to do at one point. Especially if that would get her some some sort of empty symbolic victory she can point to as her “legacy” achievement.
16
Voters on the edges, the edges, the edges..... . . . .
Will the NY Times ever write something to address how e-v-e-r-y single article that deals with Democratic primary seems to pit its real-life commenters against what the NY Times writes? Can we explain it off like Sanders supporters are more likely to comment on NY Times articles or Hillary supporters more shy? Why is there such big divergence between the NY Times and its reader public.
Then let's go back to the edges, the edges, the edges....
Will the NY Times ever write something to address how e-v-e-r-y single article that deals with Democratic primary seems to pit its real-life commenters against what the NY Times writes? Can we explain it off like Sanders supporters are more likely to comment on NY Times articles or Hillary supporters more shy? Why is there such big divergence between the NY Times and its reader public.
Then let's go back to the edges, the edges, the edges....
15
Wow! This article is an addendum to the NYT endorsement of HRC.
"Whereas Mr. Sanders offers a New Deal-style menu of programs (and is sometimes vague on how to pay for them)..." The parenthetical....is
opinion in a lead article....not even tricky, just blatant. Sanders has addressed
how to pay for spending with specifics...on a particular one....he is right
on....taxing Wall St. investors on transactions!
On the other hand, I see the NYT-selected photo of an old person with a
Bernie sweatshirt as a contradiction to the mainstream media that Sanders
is appealing to the youth vote. (I am not completely without hope for the
NYT.)_ I am a Roosevelt Admin (Franklin) baby and I am in favor of the clear-headed messages coming from Mr. Sanders.
"Whereas Mr. Sanders offers a New Deal-style menu of programs (and is sometimes vague on how to pay for them)..." The parenthetical....is
opinion in a lead article....not even tricky, just blatant. Sanders has addressed
how to pay for spending with specifics...on a particular one....he is right
on....taxing Wall St. investors on transactions!
On the other hand, I see the NYT-selected photo of an old person with a
Bernie sweatshirt as a contradiction to the mainstream media that Sanders
is appealing to the youth vote. (I am not completely without hope for the
NYT.)_ I am a Roosevelt Admin (Franklin) baby and I am in favor of the clear-headed messages coming from Mr. Sanders.
25
So if I read this right, Bernie Sanders' New Deal-style policies to increase wages, expand employment, establish healthcare as a birthright for all Americans, dismantle corrupt campaign finance schemes, rein in Wall St, fix crumbling infrastructure, and secure a better future for ourselves and our children are now "fringe" ideas. If that's truly the case, we're in far deeper trouble than I'd ever imagined.
43
All of which he plans to pay for by getting the Republicans who control Congress to vote for a $1 trillion tax increase annually. Yes, that would be the essence of a fringe idea.
When will Iowa be recognized for what it is - the rightist right of America.
Why not have California and Iowa vote the same day?
Having Iowa set the tone of the race is like having that guy who yells at kids being the face of the neighborhood.
Why not have California and Iowa vote the same day?
Having Iowa set the tone of the race is like having that guy who yells at kids being the face of the neighborhood.
62
California demographics don't mirror the US any more than Iowa does.
US: Non-hispanic white 62%, Latino 17%, black 13%, Asian 5%.
California: Non-hispanic white 38%, Latino 39%, black 6%, Asian 14%.
The state with the demographics closed to the US overall is Illinois:
Non-hispanic white 62%, Latino 16%, Black 14%, Asian 5%.
US: Non-hispanic white 62%, Latino 17%, black 13%, Asian 5%.
California: Non-hispanic white 38%, Latino 39%, black 6%, Asian 14%.
The state with the demographics closed to the US overall is Illinois:
Non-hispanic white 62%, Latino 16%, Black 14%, Asian 5%.
6
Because campaigning in California, given the size of the state, is almost entirely advertising. there might be legitimate complaints about the lack of representativeness of both Iowa and New Hampshire, but a crucial feature of these states is that they are relatively small, so retail politics can make a difference. That is, you can sit in a living room and talk to the candidates you are considering. That gives some opportunity for the less known, less well funded candidates to break out of the pack. If California were the first state, we'd be almost guaranteed to end up with the candidates who were initially best funded. We're already way too close to a plutocracy - there's no point in accelerating the trend.
3
Iowa seems to be the only state where the candidates feel it necessary to be seen eating a pork chop on a stick.
1
If Hillary Clinton gets in there will be four years of endless investigations and attacks that will immobilize the office. She's a negativity magnet..
22
She would be able to investigate right back, and I suspect they have more to hide. Especially the committee chairs who selectively leak information in their attempt to slow down her success.
2
History tells us that Iowa is not a bellwether state - remember Rick Santorum? Nor is it a flyover state as has been the case. But this piece is loaded with the word "may", as even its author is unwilling to commit to any level of certainty about what Iowa wins and losses will really herald.
In the media's race to out-pundit other news organizations it does a disservice to the American people in using the first state's votes to be conclusive of anything. Statements such as, "A Trump victory would demonstrate that if the billionaire developer’s fans, a working-class demographic that is less inclined to vote, can navigate the byzantine caucus process" are off the mark. There's nothing byzantine about it at all - you show up and you vote at a local venue.
I'd expect this from the Boston Herald or the New York Post but I expect more from the NYT. Disappointing.
In the media's race to out-pundit other news organizations it does a disservice to the American people in using the first state's votes to be conclusive of anything. Statements such as, "A Trump victory would demonstrate that if the billionaire developer’s fans, a working-class demographic that is less inclined to vote, can navigate the byzantine caucus process" are off the mark. There's nothing byzantine about it at all - you show up and you vote at a local venue.
I'd expect this from the Boston Herald or the New York Post but I expect more from the NYT. Disappointing.
"Some people." "Fringe."
C'mon. I am about as average as it gets. I've voted in every election since 1988. I voted for Hillary, for goodness sake! Like most voters I know, when election time presents itself, we look at candidates and consider their positions. We weigh those positions with our point of view...and pick.
It is perplexing to think I am somehow on the margins or newly "angry". Bernie is a good candidate, very qualified, smart, and extremely electable. It is just plain silly to suggest otherwise. Seriously, I am not some crazed maniac waving a pitchfork. Yet?
Go Bernie.
C'mon. I am about as average as it gets. I've voted in every election since 1988. I voted for Hillary, for goodness sake! Like most voters I know, when election time presents itself, we look at candidates and consider their positions. We weigh those positions with our point of view...and pick.
It is perplexing to think I am somehow on the margins or newly "angry". Bernie is a good candidate, very qualified, smart, and extremely electable. It is just plain silly to suggest otherwise. Seriously, I am not some crazed maniac waving a pitchfork. Yet?
Go Bernie.
15
A couple points.
It's the Republicans in Iowa who have the problem: of their top four candidates, one's a rich, loudmouthed bully who doesn't know (or care) what he's talking about, two appear to want to institute a theocracy, and the fourth has resolutely refused to stand up for his own positions on immigration.
As for the Dems, they've got two flawed candidates and a third guy who's going noplace. Clinton's just not inspiring, has lots of corporate ties, and a bad habit of going into a crouch. She's also incredibly experienced, and a very, very good politician. Sanders is clearly inspiring people and you have to like his policies for here at home, but the prob is that there's little or no chance he'll get any of the inspirational stuff done, and he's also fudged the numbers on single payer like crazy.
And no, Sanders isn't an NRA fan: he's a politician. And no, Clinton didn't get tons of campaign money from Goldman, Sachs.
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/contrib.php?cycle=2016&id=N00000019
She's a politician.
It might be good to find out what the word, "politician," even means. I mean, find out where it comes from. As well as why it s a Bad Thing that neither Cruz nor Trump are serious pols.
It might also be good to take Julie Mason's advice: folks, don't fall in love with politicians.
It's the Republicans in Iowa who have the problem: of their top four candidates, one's a rich, loudmouthed bully who doesn't know (or care) what he's talking about, two appear to want to institute a theocracy, and the fourth has resolutely refused to stand up for his own positions on immigration.
As for the Dems, they've got two flawed candidates and a third guy who's going noplace. Clinton's just not inspiring, has lots of corporate ties, and a bad habit of going into a crouch. She's also incredibly experienced, and a very, very good politician. Sanders is clearly inspiring people and you have to like his policies for here at home, but the prob is that there's little or no chance he'll get any of the inspirational stuff done, and he's also fudged the numbers on single payer like crazy.
And no, Sanders isn't an NRA fan: he's a politician. And no, Clinton didn't get tons of campaign money from Goldman, Sachs.
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/contrib.php?cycle=2016&id=N00000019
She's a politician.
It might be good to find out what the word, "politician," even means. I mean, find out where it comes from. As well as why it s a Bad Thing that neither Cruz nor Trump are serious pols.
It might also be good to take Julie Mason's advice: folks, don't fall in love with politicians.
Dear Voter, Please do not vote for D. Trump.
Voting for him is just like going into your local convenience store or gas station to buy lottery tickets hoping beyond hope that you will win enough money never to have to work again.
The odds of D. Trump giving you dependable work and a good salary so you can retire with a good retirement income are less than zero; they are zilch; nada; a pipe dream; the ruse of an extremely self-centered man, D. Trump. I beg of you: Protect yourself from the need to feel self important in order to stave off the suffering you feel due to the manipulations of the rich who are selfish, including D. Trump. They do not give a hill of beans about you.
Dear Voter, you are imagining, your are fantasizing, you are engaging in wishful thinking, that this rich man D. Trump will show you how to do what he did, and also show you how to strut with peacock pride like he does.
D. Trump only cares about himself. He is stroking your egos so that you will make him even richer and more self important than he is.
I beg of you: Do not fall into D. Trump's trap. He will not make your horse come in or your lottery ticket the big winning ticket.
D. Trump will make you feel disappointed. He will get you to blame others, not him, for what he does to hurt you.
Please take your head out of the sand.
It is D. Trump and his ilk that continually dump on you.
Do not let them manipulate you anymore.
Voting for him is just like going into your local convenience store or gas station to buy lottery tickets hoping beyond hope that you will win enough money never to have to work again.
The odds of D. Trump giving you dependable work and a good salary so you can retire with a good retirement income are less than zero; they are zilch; nada; a pipe dream; the ruse of an extremely self-centered man, D. Trump. I beg of you: Protect yourself from the need to feel self important in order to stave off the suffering you feel due to the manipulations of the rich who are selfish, including D. Trump. They do not give a hill of beans about you.
Dear Voter, you are imagining, your are fantasizing, you are engaging in wishful thinking, that this rich man D. Trump will show you how to do what he did, and also show you how to strut with peacock pride like he does.
D. Trump only cares about himself. He is stroking your egos so that you will make him even richer and more self important than he is.
I beg of you: Do not fall into D. Trump's trap. He will not make your horse come in or your lottery ticket the big winning ticket.
D. Trump will make you feel disappointed. He will get you to blame others, not him, for what he does to hurt you.
Please take your head out of the sand.
It is D. Trump and his ilk that continually dump on you.
Do not let them manipulate you anymore.
1
I'm not so sure "mild" weather is better for Sanders (i.e. large turnout) than bad weather.
I suspect younger voters are less impacted by bad weather, and younger voters are for Sanders
I suspect younger voters are less impacted by bad weather, and younger voters are for Sanders
4
I only see Iowa mattering to Cruz and possibly Rubio. If Cruz wins, he lives to fight another day; if not, his campaign should be close to over. If Rubio stays close, and Cruz is out, he becomes the traditional Republican standard bearer with a decent shot to beat Trump in future races. If Sanders wins, he may pick up some steam, but he will still have the odds against him after New Hampshire. If he loses, it will be that much more difficult. My hope is for Trump/Sanders to emerge from all of this, but my suspicion is that it will be Rubio & Clinton.
1
It will be good to see Iowa in our rear view mirrors after Monday. If Trump wins the GOP nomination he will be guaranteed to go on to become the GOP Presidential candidate. If Trump loses and is close the same thing will happen. The only way Trump can be hurt by Iowa is if he loses by a large margin. Unfortunately because the press and establishment are so against Trump they will consider any loss margin for Trump a large margin and continue their attacks on him.
Lumping Bernie in with Trump is wrong. Bernie's policies are not fringe but hugely popular as soon as people understand them. People agree with free higher education and health care for all and reigning in big money and getting special interests out of our elections. If people don't vote for Bernie it is because the media have brainwashed people into thinking these things are unrealistic. But the fact is Bernie's positions are deeply popular and mainstream and the media should stop telling people otherwise.
56
I'm supporting Senator Sanders, as a minority American, not because he is on the "ideological fringes" or because he is a "radical." I support him because he has always had the common decency toward every group and I think Iowan voters have been able to see this recently.
Also, I remember in 2008 the dirty tactics that Hillary Clinton used against Pres. Obama, with the ugly rumors about his faith and background. As a minority American, an immigrant American, and an American whose American-ness is always under scrutiny, this one hurt personally for me. Here is Ms. Clinton saying that she "takes him at his word," "as far as she knows":
http://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/03/taking-obama-at-his-word...
Mr. Sanders, while given all the ammunition in the world to go after Ms. Clinton for her e-mail scandals, for her husband's misdeeds, for the Clinton foundation's funding - has never, EVER, touched them. No matter how hard his supporters would like to attack these sore spots, Mr. Sanders has shown class and dignity throughout this entire campaign.
If Ms. Clinton wins the nomination, this may be a poisoned chalice for her, because the Republicans will not pull any punches and the fact that Mr. Sanders did not leverage these attacks in the primaries will make their attacks especially potent. It will come back to bite her in the general elections.
Also, I remember in 2008 the dirty tactics that Hillary Clinton used against Pres. Obama, with the ugly rumors about his faith and background. As a minority American, an immigrant American, and an American whose American-ness is always under scrutiny, this one hurt personally for me. Here is Ms. Clinton saying that she "takes him at his word," "as far as she knows":
http://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2008/03/taking-obama-at-his-word...
Mr. Sanders, while given all the ammunition in the world to go after Ms. Clinton for her e-mail scandals, for her husband's misdeeds, for the Clinton foundation's funding - has never, EVER, touched them. No matter how hard his supporters would like to attack these sore spots, Mr. Sanders has shown class and dignity throughout this entire campaign.
If Ms. Clinton wins the nomination, this may be a poisoned chalice for her, because the Republicans will not pull any punches and the fact that Mr. Sanders did not leverage these attacks in the primaries will make their attacks especially potent. It will come back to bite her in the general elections.
141
It speaks to our President Obama's magnanimous nature that he was able to forgive Ms. Clinton for these duplicitous attacks. I too remember what she and her team did, and I am not so forgiving. I laugh at her wrapping herself in our president's coattails!
3
I must add that, while we Democrats don't really care about these issues (e-mail, Monica Lewinsky, Clinton Foundation), independents, undecideds, and Republican voters who sometimes vote Democrat very much do. I come from a swing state and many of my colleagues from swing voters (think of the Jim Webb types), and believe me they talk about these extracurricular issues more than we Democrats do.
2
When did the American dream slip away from middle-class America?
To all my American friends who have been hoodwinked into supporting Wall Street and corporate interests in the past, who now feel helpless, frustrated and disillusioned with the empty promises of every establishment politician, I applaud your courage to stop voting against your self-interest, embrace radical change and make your nation that shining beacon on the hill once more.
To all my American friends who have been hoodwinked into supporting Wall Street and corporate interests in the past, who now feel helpless, frustrated and disillusioned with the empty promises of every establishment politician, I applaud your courage to stop voting against your self-interest, embrace radical change and make your nation that shining beacon on the hill once more.
54
Hillary Clinton may be "deeply experienced," but "proven"?
Sadly, despite her accomplishments in the area of children's health, she stands out for me as "proof" that a brilliant, hardworking woman is as capable of corruption, deception, greed, and cluelessness (everything middle class and Middle East) as any man. I cannot wait to see a female in the Oval Office. But I'm not willing to put my feminism ahead of my conscience.
I tell my students to follow their conscience, above all else. I hope Iowan voters do the same.
Sadly, despite her accomplishments in the area of children's health, she stands out for me as "proof" that a brilliant, hardworking woman is as capable of corruption, deception, greed, and cluelessness (everything middle class and Middle East) as any man. I cannot wait to see a female in the Oval Office. But I'm not willing to put my feminism ahead of my conscience.
I tell my students to follow their conscience, above all else. I hope Iowan voters do the same.
47
The fact that Iowa matters is just another example of a broken election system.
3
Statistically speaking, both Trumps' and Sanders' supporters sit out the midterms, yet they are irate at the democratic process where you have to vote to be heard politically. "That's not fair". They ought to be raging at their mirrors. If you have never voted or vote if you feel like it, then you have no valid reason to complain. But it is always the people who don't do their part to begin with who wail loudly about their fate. White males are both candidates largest voting block and white males have never experienced a single day of discrimination or 72% gender-based wage reduction, yet they wail loudly. Mostly, it is immaturity in both groups,"full of sound and fury, and signifying nothing".
3
It's odd that a state that is 87 percent non-Hispanic white and has only six electoral votes should set the tone for anything political. The parties should stage regional rather than state primaries.
2
Since when wanting change that is desperately needed "fringe". The NYT has been promoting this canon as if change, although warranted, should be a left field proposal. Mr. Trump seeks to change this country into an oligarchy or if you stay true to his words, a monarchy. All the fringes, meaning they are a tribal minority not interested in a united country, are on the GOP sided. They want to violate the first amendment, the intent of the 2nd amendment, the propositions of one person one vote, actual voting rights, profiling, forget what's written on The Statue of Liberty, and just about every point in the Preamble to the Constitution. Senator Sanders has proven what he is for, and that puts him in the mainstream. Only his label causes pause and the false charge of "free stuff" for others. The truth is we are all democratic socialists. We expect our government to respond to a true majority of people, and support such "socialist" programs like Social Security, Medicare, Public Parks, the military, and courts that deal fairly with our problems. If you are fringe you want these removed. The only top tier candidates in that department are Trump, Cruz, amd Rubio.
33
No thanks to this supposed liberal rag.
The great thing about a revolution, is that people will remember, who was on Bernie's side, and who was just trying to protect the rich, and Clinton.
We are definitely living in trying times here.
At one point in history, one could rely on this publication, to at least somewhat look out for the working class.
The great thing about a revolution, is that people will remember, who was on Bernie's side, and who was just trying to protect the rich, and Clinton.
We are definitely living in trying times here.
At one point in history, one could rely on this publication, to at least somewhat look out for the working class.
14
I continue to be amazed when I see "leftists," writing stuff that if you change two nouns could have been written by a Trump or Cruz supporter.
1
As Iowa goes, so goes the nation? I don't think so, and I was born and raised there.
7
Sanders a fringe candidate? More like an exoplanet with his talk of middle-class tax hikes. That's the third rail of American politics.
3
Yes, we know, ever since Ralph Nader introduced the outlier vote as ruining razor thin margins so that people can break their arms patting themselves on the back for voting their ideology over the bigger picture of pragmatism and needing to win.
Tom Harkin says that Sec. Clinton speaks to the same anxieties of the middle class that Sen. Sanders does...but it is just not true. The NYT and the establishment Democrats in general have tried to get the American people to commit consistent acts of uncritical double-think. You can't tell Goldman Sachs that banker-bashing (remember these people are actual criminals who robbed the American blind) is unproductive and foolish, take their money, and also be on the side of the American middle class. You can't be against same-sex marriage and say you were fighting for gay couples the whole time (old opinions change, old actions do not). You can't take pharmaceuticals companies money and care about how affordable medicine will be. You can't push ruthless crime bills, tell stories about super-predators, and talk about how you are pushing for meaningful prison reform.
Most importantly, you can't say that universal healthcare will never, ever happen, and call yourself a Democrat.
Most importantly, you can't say that universal healthcare will never, ever happen, and call yourself a Democrat.
42
Uh...who exactly said that single payer will never happen, again?
As for campaign contributions, the facts are quite ugly enough without embellishment.
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/contrib.php?cycle=2016&id=N00000019
As for campaign contributions, the facts are quite ugly enough without embellishment.
https://www.opensecrets.org/pres16/contrib.php?cycle=2016&id=N00000019
2
First off- bankers didn't rob. The person that believed they could buy a home at a price over ten times their income is how it all started. If that type of person didn't exist, the 08 recession never would have occurred. Second - a free economy is what permits America to remain at the top globally. Take that away and watch what happens to our way of life. Foolish to attack the very aspect of our freedom that built America in the first place.
We have all faced decisions like the one confronting Iowa Democrats. Pick the known product that has some dings and scratches or do we go with the unknown who promises us everything? The Republican Party would like you to go with the unknown, because they know things that might not bother you as an individual but will give your neighbors serious pause. To help you make that decision, the wealthiest people in our country, those who control the banks, insurance and pharmaceutical industry, are bankrolling super PAC attacks on Hillary Clinton. They tried to scare you off with Benghazi, but that didn't work, now the Republicans keep leaking news about her emails. Another fake issue to scare you away.
If the Republicans succeed at taking scaring voters into picking Bernie Sanders, they will instantly turn their well financed attack machine on Bernie and he will wish he had some deep pocketed backers to help defend him.
What the Republicans will have to say, won't mean much to Bernie supporters but it will turn enough voters that most Democratic members of Congress have already started to run away from him. Ms. Pelosi does not want any talk of taxing the middle class in a campaign ad, or pictures of the Soviet Flag flying in Bernie Sander's office, or pictures of his honeymoon in Russian, or his anti American Sandinista rally attendance. We need to win, We need Hillary.
If the Republicans succeed at taking scaring voters into picking Bernie Sanders, they will instantly turn their well financed attack machine on Bernie and he will wish he had some deep pocketed backers to help defend him.
What the Republicans will have to say, won't mean much to Bernie supporters but it will turn enough voters that most Democratic members of Congress have already started to run away from him. Ms. Pelosi does not want any talk of taxing the middle class in a campaign ad, or pictures of the Soviet Flag flying in Bernie Sander's office, or pictures of his honeymoon in Russian, or his anti American Sandinista rally attendance. We need to win, We need Hillary.
4
Hillary has large investors as well - primarily media (to remain in control of what info gets to the American public with their biased view) and the Middle East. She takes hundreds of millions from countries that treat women like cattle. I'm amazed at how either misinformed or brainwashed so many Americans are
3
You are referring to the foundation, not her campaign. What kind of programs does this foundation support, why shouldn't Mideast money be helping to accomplish these goals?
"What do contributors receive in exchange for donations?
All of our supporters – corporations, non-profits, and individuals – get something in return, which is helping to improve lives around the world. Our contributors give to us because they want to see the circle of opportunity extended around the world; they want to see communities, businesses and governments working together to address problems that we all face but collectively have the know-how and resources to fix. That is what the Clinton Foundation does every day.
- See more at: https://www.clintonfoundation.org/press/facts#sthash.OTStk1aa.dpuf
https://www.clintonfoundation.org/press/facts
"What do contributors receive in exchange for donations?
All of our supporters – corporations, non-profits, and individuals – get something in return, which is helping to improve lives around the world. Our contributors give to us because they want to see the circle of opportunity extended around the world; they want to see communities, businesses and governments working together to address problems that we all face but collectively have the know-how and resources to fix. That is what the Clinton Foundation does every day.
- See more at: https://www.clintonfoundation.org/press/facts#sthash.OTStk1aa.dpuf
https://www.clintonfoundation.org/press/facts
1
Yeah - Mike Huckaby won in Iowa In 2008 and then promptly disappeared. In 2012, Ron Paul won Iowa. Iowa is different, so are New England, the industrial Midwest, California and the Deep South.
We might know something more certain in about April or May.
We might know something more certain in about April or May.
3
The Times has yet to catch on to the fact that much of Trump's and Sanders' support comes not from ideology but from an electorate which is tired of politicians lacking in credibility, who view them as opportunists who merely spout the latest focus group tested, ad agency massaged slogans, slogans which will change with the next set of poll data or rich donor's contribution. Sanders' and Trump's credibility with many voters does not stem nearly as much from ideology or, even, policy, as from the reality that they do not fit the sadly all-too-true stereotype, thus giving them credibility or, at least, the hope for such.
20
It is a travesty to our democracy that Iowa always gets to go first and have such an outsize influence on the nation's choice of President. The two national parties need to show some spine and rotate the order among states. The opinions of white evangelicals are no more important than anyone else's.
5
There may have been a time when Iowa was representative of the country. That time is long past. The fact that Iowa, with about 1/3 the population of the SF Bay Area, has such an outsized influence on American politics is appalling. I live in an area which is not only much more populous, but also much more socially and economically diverse. This area has a much better vision of the future than a bunch of hicks whose main concern is having big brother prop up the price of ethanol. Really, isn't it time to end this farce?
3
Having grown up in Waterloo, I left Iowa for Minneapolis only weeks before my 21st birthday, years before the quadrennial quagmire of political overload began. My two younger sisters and brother followed suit, two of them bailing out before their 19th birthdays. Iowa was pretty much solidly Republican then, and despite recent presidential wins by Democrats, still is. Iowa was losing population in the '60's and '70's. Still is. The house we grew up in, a cavernous 1,200-and-some square feet, is still there, a different color, the ash tree Dad planted as not much more than a broomstick and that grew to a handsome if not stately provider of shade now gone. The major highways and streets have been widened, re-routed, Some that were little more than patchily paved, if not plain rutted dirt, are now major thoroughfares. But, truth be told, the differences are only cosmetic. The people are the same. Truth be told, not much has changed.
Iowa was a drop in the Electoral College Bucket in 1969, and remains a drop in 2016. What has changed is that Iowa has become, every 4 years, the political equivalent of the too-loud coming attraction movie trailers at the Cineplex (that is a major change: the old downtown movie houses and their distinct ambiances are gone), each one promising to be the best movie of the year, if not the best you have ever seen in the past or will see for the rest of your life.
Sometimes the movie is good, occasionally great, but rarely worth the hype.
Iowa was a drop in the Electoral College Bucket in 1969, and remains a drop in 2016. What has changed is that Iowa has become, every 4 years, the political equivalent of the too-loud coming attraction movie trailers at the Cineplex (that is a major change: the old downtown movie houses and their distinct ambiances are gone), each one promising to be the best movie of the year, if not the best you have ever seen in the past or will see for the rest of your life.
Sometimes the movie is good, occasionally great, but rarely worth the hype.
2
I cannot see how Iowa can be the bellwether for what the people want from the 2016 election, given that the state is demographically insignificant and atypical. It comprises .0097 of the US population (with a slightly declining trend since 2010). Its population is 92.1% white (US 77.4); 3.4% African American (13.2); 2.2% Asian (5.4); 5.6% Hispanic (17.4). I love the NYT - think it's the greatest newspaper in the world but I cannot figure out why The Times is hyping the Iowa caucuses as the key to what is to come and providing little discussion of how deeply unrepresentative it is as a state or of how weird its caucus system is. Probably the aim is to compete with all the other news outlets that are doing the same thing. Ok, I get that and, of course, all the hullabaloo is sort of fun. The problem is that the hyper focus on the significance of Iowa risks turning claims for its importance into a self-fulfilling prophecy. And, to me, it's another example of how white people and their concerns continue to take up most of the space when discussing politics in this country. (Disclosure: I am white, female, and old.)
68
It is at least a "demographically representative" as South Carolina, which I posit you fee we should pay attention to.
White 66% (US 77.4%)
African American 27% (US 13.2%)
Asian 1% (US 5.4%)
Moreover, with respect to Democratic politics, Iowa has gone Democratic in 6 of the last 7 Presidential elections, whereas South Carolina hasn't voted for a Democrat for President for 40 years
White 66% (US 77.4%)
African American 27% (US 13.2%)
Asian 1% (US 5.4%)
Moreover, with respect to Democratic politics, Iowa has gone Democratic in 6 of the last 7 Presidential elections, whereas South Carolina hasn't voted for a Democrat for President for 40 years
1
By featuring Iowa so prominently, the media force candidates to cater to Iowa's conservative voters. This draws the candidates far to the right, making them less attractive in the national election, and thereby improving the chances of the Democrat getting elected.
Unfortunately for Democrats, Iowa rarely picks the eventual Republican nominee: they didn't pick McCain in 2008, nor Romney in 2012, both of whom probably fared better than Iowa's winners would have. Still, Iowa exerts a tidal pull that benefits Democrats. Iowa is not a bellwether that tells us who is significant; thanks the the media, it is a siren (in the mythological sense) that lures the unwary from the path leading to the White House.
Let's hope that Iowa remains first and very conservative in the years to come, as the US becomes less white and less conservative.
Unfortunately for Democrats, Iowa rarely picks the eventual Republican nominee: they didn't pick McCain in 2008, nor Romney in 2012, both of whom probably fared better than Iowa's winners would have. Still, Iowa exerts a tidal pull that benefits Democrats. Iowa is not a bellwether that tells us who is significant; thanks the the media, it is a siren (in the mythological sense) that lures the unwary from the path leading to the White House.
Let's hope that Iowa remains first and very conservative in the years to come, as the US becomes less white and less conservative.
1
Iowa is crtainly not a bellweather. It's just a small state, not particulary representative of the country as a whole. The parties have agreed to let it and New hamphire have their brief time in the Sun.
The results in Iowa (as in New hamphire) are indicative of a certain segment of our society, not large, but significant in its way. It is reasonable for the Times to give good coverage of this as an indication of that segment, first to come on-line, as with the somewhat different segment in New Hamphire.
I have seen nothing in the Times that suggests that they think that this is typical of our country - in fact, they have made much of how little it reflects the general population.
(Disclosure: I am white, 80, well educated in my way, with military service. My wife is black, 70, lovely, smart as Hell, well educated, and talented. We are mathematicians by training, musicians by avocation, and live retired on our sailboat.)
We will certainly support Hillary, and in any case, vote Democratic, here in Florida.
The results in Iowa (as in New hamphire) are indicative of a certain segment of our society, not large, but significant in its way. It is reasonable for the Times to give good coverage of this as an indication of that segment, first to come on-line, as with the somewhat different segment in New Hamphire.
I have seen nothing in the Times that suggests that they think that this is typical of our country - in fact, they have made much of how little it reflects the general population.
(Disclosure: I am white, 80, well educated in my way, with military service. My wife is black, 70, lovely, smart as Hell, well educated, and talented. We are mathematicians by training, musicians by avocation, and live retired on our sailboat.)
We will certainly support Hillary, and in any case, vote Democratic, here in Florida.
Much of the anxiety about Sanders dutifully parrots the Clinton talking points about his ability to fund his initiatives and the difficulties of getting his measures through a recalcitrant Congress.
In terms of funding his initiatives, we often forget that taxes are currently at near-historic lows. Inequality was much less of a factor during the postwar era, when income, capital gains, and estate taxes on the wealthiest taxpayers were more than twice what they are today.
Societies make choices. Other Western industrialized countries choose to place much more money into public goods that benefit all citizens, and not permit as much extravagant spending on private goods that benefit only a relative handful of elites.
As for the recalcitrant Congress, at least Sanders is willing to fight the good fight, and unwilling to perpetuate the decades long decline of democracy and transfer of wealth and power to a ruling elite. Our journey back to democracy must begin with a clear-eyed view of how our system has become corrupted. Pres. Obama, for all of his promises of transparency, could not deliver because he is beholden to the DNC and the same financial and corporate elites who control the Clintons. They operate in the shadows.
Bernie Sanders, not beholden to those interests, can expose how they've seized hold of our former democracy. If Congress stands in his way, it will at least be made transparent why. That's a start, and it's an important start.
In terms of funding his initiatives, we often forget that taxes are currently at near-historic lows. Inequality was much less of a factor during the postwar era, when income, capital gains, and estate taxes on the wealthiest taxpayers were more than twice what they are today.
Societies make choices. Other Western industrialized countries choose to place much more money into public goods that benefit all citizens, and not permit as much extravagant spending on private goods that benefit only a relative handful of elites.
As for the recalcitrant Congress, at least Sanders is willing to fight the good fight, and unwilling to perpetuate the decades long decline of democracy and transfer of wealth and power to a ruling elite. Our journey back to democracy must begin with a clear-eyed view of how our system has become corrupted. Pres. Obama, for all of his promises of transparency, could not deliver because he is beholden to the DNC and the same financial and corporate elites who control the Clintons. They operate in the shadows.
Bernie Sanders, not beholden to those interests, can expose how they've seized hold of our former democracy. If Congress stands in his way, it will at least be made transparent why. That's a start, and it's an important start.
50
Neither Mr. Trump nor Mr. Sanders is particularly religious.
Neither of them traffic in religious-political pandemonium.
They are both flourishing in one of the most religious states in the nation.
These are clear and encouraging signs of intelligent life on planet Iowa.
Neither of them traffic in religious-political pandemonium.
They are both flourishing in one of the most religious states in the nation.
These are clear and encouraging signs of intelligent life on planet Iowa.
59
"Religious" people are not often religious as you might define the term. They are generally quite selfish on a matter of fronts and use religion to justify their desires or to shield themselves from criticism. Politicians have of course learned this and they exploit it to the maximum degree.
1
Socrates *** One seems very spiritual, understands every one's religion and respect them all ... the other carries a bible around Iowa he says it was his mothers' ..... total pandering .... Mis-quotes and has no understanding of scripture. and wants to keep everyone but white people out of the country.
1
The now famous last poll in Iowa shows Bernie and Hillary well within the margin of error. Anything could happen.
Trump is soaring out several times beyond the margin of error. That's over, he won.
Trump is soaring out several times beyond the margin of error. That's over, he won.
21
You might be right, but the exception proves the rule. The "Never Trump" contingency who flock to the "middle of the road" GOP candidates might gang up and back anyone but Trump - could be Rubio, could be Cruz.
1
I see a lot of comments saying that Iowa is not a representative sample of America as a whole.
I concur, with some reservations but I'd like to ask people this question:
Why not?
Whatever happened to that "E Pluribus Unum" idea?
The people have been cynically manipulated and divided by the political establishment and the propaganda press and have, as a result, lost control of their own government.
The working class has paid a high price for that, too.
For years, I've argued with neoliberals on these pages that you cannot ever hope to see people-friendly policies emerge in an environment where the public is divided in half.
The people must unite to get real reform.
Find the common ground and you will win. Preach love, not hatred...
I concur, with some reservations but I'd like to ask people this question:
Why not?
Whatever happened to that "E Pluribus Unum" idea?
The people have been cynically manipulated and divided by the political establishment and the propaganda press and have, as a result, lost control of their own government.
The working class has paid a high price for that, too.
For years, I've argued with neoliberals on these pages that you cannot ever hope to see people-friendly policies emerge in an environment where the public is divided in half.
The people must unite to get real reform.
Find the common ground and you will win. Preach love, not hatred...
15
Iowa is certainly as representative as South Carolina. If black voters are underrepresented in Iowa, they are over represented in South Carolina
Moreover, Iowa has gone Democratic in 6 of the last 7 Presidential elections.
South Carolina has not gone Democratic in 40 years.
Moreover, Iowa has gone Democratic in 6 of the last 7 Presidential elections.
South Carolina has not gone Democratic in 40 years.
3
Yes, this "progressive" idea that someone has to "look like you" in order to "be like you" is total nonsense. Another misbegotten fantasy of those who worship at the altar of the great god "Diversity."
5
I suppose if we want to know who the Times will be endorsing in 2020, we just need to see who they assign a full-time reporter to in 2018 (the "presumptive nominee.")
32
Let me guess. This person will be socially liberal, putting a nice smiley face to distract from the fact that their policies, for whatever reason, always seem to benefit banks, healthcare companies, weapons manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, business conglomerates, private prisons, and our beloved telecommunications companies.
25
"It has created two insurgents who in some ways are opposite sides of the same coin" really says it all.
No, I'm not equating the obnoxious and irresponsible Donald Trump with the very fine Bernie Sanders.
But the real issue here is that the American people have been let down by the Repubilcan and Democratic elite.
Liberals and conservatives may disagree on what precisely is wrong, but both sides sense accurately that something is and that the country needs basic reform.
Our jobs and factories and standard of living have been shipped off to low-wage countries like China, destroying the American dream.
Immigrants from low-wage countries come here, often illegally or with dishonestly received H1-B visas, driving down wages and costing people jobs.
Republican and Democratic politicians are in the pay of Wall Street and shady billionaires and no longer work on behalf of the American people.
So while both sides have their ideological preferences, I'm seeing a real willingness to set them aside for the sake of basic reforms like getting the money out of politics and protecting the American worker. These needs are more basic than ideology.
And that's driving the establishment crazy. The recent New York Times editorial endorsing Hillary Clinton is a case in point. One could fairly argue that for example Clinton is more electable than Sanders, but instead, the editorial shows a degree of cluelessness and intellectual dishonesty that touches on the absurd.
No, I'm not equating the obnoxious and irresponsible Donald Trump with the very fine Bernie Sanders.
But the real issue here is that the American people have been let down by the Repubilcan and Democratic elite.
Liberals and conservatives may disagree on what precisely is wrong, but both sides sense accurately that something is and that the country needs basic reform.
Our jobs and factories and standard of living have been shipped off to low-wage countries like China, destroying the American dream.
Immigrants from low-wage countries come here, often illegally or with dishonestly received H1-B visas, driving down wages and costing people jobs.
Republican and Democratic politicians are in the pay of Wall Street and shady billionaires and no longer work on behalf of the American people.
So while both sides have their ideological preferences, I'm seeing a real willingness to set them aside for the sake of basic reforms like getting the money out of politics and protecting the American worker. These needs are more basic than ideology.
And that's driving the establishment crazy. The recent New York Times editorial endorsing Hillary Clinton is a case in point. One could fairly argue that for example Clinton is more electable than Sanders, but instead, the editorial shows a degree of cluelessness and intellectual dishonesty that touches on the absurd.
116
I apologize in advance for the tone of my comment. But since the Republicans have now freed us from the constraints imposed by the doctrine of "Political Correctness" I would simply ask:
What does one care what a bunch of pig farmers think about anything?
What does one care what a bunch of pig farmers think about anything?
6
What's the point of a democracy if you have to listen to pig farmers, huh?
Who would you recommend we listen to? People more like you?
Who would you recommend we listen to? People more like you?
15
Apology accepted. And I'm hardly an apologist for Iowa, but your generalization of the state's population being "pig farmers" is shortsighted and deserves a response.
Des Moines is reported to be the world's third largest insurance town - look it up. There is money in this town. The first digital computer was built in Iowa, and the state's cultural offering to the world includes Simon Estes and Slipknot (neither quite fit the "pig farmer" mold).
More so, you might benefit by listening to what "pig farmers" say - they are highly educated, economically sophisticated, and their million-dollar operations are nothing to gloss over. I can't speak for the rest of the rural population who participate in the caucuses, but the successful Iowa corporate farmer is savvy, and belongs to the 1%.
The media really really seems to promote the notion that this caucus will be a compass for the nomination process. I hope that notion proves false - it should be relevant, but not far-reaching. I find the caucuses antiquated, and their tradition to be subtly sexist and racist. I'll stay home with the kids while my spouse attends - one less otherwise motivated participant. And it'll be largely white - I wonder how many minorities will feel comfortable arguing with a caucasian majority, some who can be colored politically extreme.
Last, how do you farm a pig? Can one be a "farmer of pigs"? Hog Producer is the term you're looking for. Think about that the next time you fry up some bacon.
Des Moines is reported to be the world's third largest insurance town - look it up. There is money in this town. The first digital computer was built in Iowa, and the state's cultural offering to the world includes Simon Estes and Slipknot (neither quite fit the "pig farmer" mold).
More so, you might benefit by listening to what "pig farmers" say - they are highly educated, economically sophisticated, and their million-dollar operations are nothing to gloss over. I can't speak for the rest of the rural population who participate in the caucuses, but the successful Iowa corporate farmer is savvy, and belongs to the 1%.
The media really really seems to promote the notion that this caucus will be a compass for the nomination process. I hope that notion proves false - it should be relevant, but not far-reaching. I find the caucuses antiquated, and their tradition to be subtly sexist and racist. I'll stay home with the kids while my spouse attends - one less otherwise motivated participant. And it'll be largely white - I wonder how many minorities will feel comfortable arguing with a caucasian majority, some who can be colored politically extreme.
Last, how do you farm a pig? Can one be a "farmer of pigs"? Hog Producer is the term you're looking for. Think about that the next time you fry up some bacon.
7
The United States is a republic not a democracy. That serves our interests well in cases where the majority of a voting group are apparently deranged. Hopefully, the Electoral College representatives from Iowa only recently moved there from places that have the proper proportion of libraries to monster truck rallies.
1
"was supposed to be irrelevant this year as the presidential race became nationalized — thanks to widely viewed televised debates and the rise of social media."
No, not quite. It's remained a huge concern due to it instead serving as a bellwether of things to come should Trump win. The political and media backlash against Trump has been as unprecedented as his campaign's success, and Iowa could very well cement that fact that the era of establishment politics shaped by political correctness is over. That is why Iowa is being watched so closely.
I would also point out that the NYT, like most outlets, continues to try and marginalize Trump by pushing the narrative of him "tapping into", "playing on", and "appealing to" voters fear and anger. This is patently wrong. Trump is voicing those concerns and that anger, he is sharing them. He is doing what no politician has done for nearly 60 years, and that is put the voters voice front and center of a campaign. To speak against him, is to deny the public, that is why he is doing so well.
At any rate, one thing is clear. If Trump wins Iowa, it will serve as a loud and stinging rebuke to the status quo and the naysayers intent on maintaining the current effort to remake America in the image of Euro-centric policy. Should he lose Iowa, he will remain a big threat and will still hold the potential to upset the apple cart. Either way, the new narrative of American mediocrity is coming to an end.
No, not quite. It's remained a huge concern due to it instead serving as a bellwether of things to come should Trump win. The political and media backlash against Trump has been as unprecedented as his campaign's success, and Iowa could very well cement that fact that the era of establishment politics shaped by political correctness is over. That is why Iowa is being watched so closely.
I would also point out that the NYT, like most outlets, continues to try and marginalize Trump by pushing the narrative of him "tapping into", "playing on", and "appealing to" voters fear and anger. This is patently wrong. Trump is voicing those concerns and that anger, he is sharing them. He is doing what no politician has done for nearly 60 years, and that is put the voters voice front and center of a campaign. To speak against him, is to deny the public, that is why he is doing so well.
At any rate, one thing is clear. If Trump wins Iowa, it will serve as a loud and stinging rebuke to the status quo and the naysayers intent on maintaining the current effort to remake America in the image of Euro-centric policy. Should he lose Iowa, he will remain a big threat and will still hold the potential to upset the apple cart. Either way, the new narrative of American mediocrity is coming to an end.
6
NAAAAAaaaaahhhhh . . . Trump does not share the anger. Trump is cynically expoiting the anger. Your little riff on "remaking America in the image of Eurocentric policy" is quite bizarre. Have you looked recently? The rich are getting richer yet. American mediocrity would indeed be the result if the electorate falls for the narcissistic Demagoguery of The Donald.
This article, and many similar ones about the upcoming caucuses, illustrate why I, as a liberal, am thrilled that Iowa is (1) socially ultra-conservative and (2) the first state on record in presidential primaries.
Being first, the media gorge themselves on Iowa for months, forcing the candidates to pay disproportionate attention to a small population. Because Iowa is first and so far to the right, Republicans who hope to put a stake in the ground are forced to move far to the right. They can never quite get back to the center by the time November rolls around. So they remain nearly unelectable in a country that still, fundamentally, has a political center.
This is, as Joe Biden recently said, a gift from the Lord to Democrats. We can thank the religious folks of Iowa for arranging that gift.
Being first, the media gorge themselves on Iowa for months, forcing the candidates to pay disproportionate attention to a small population. Because Iowa is first and so far to the right, Republicans who hope to put a stake in the ground are forced to move far to the right. They can never quite get back to the center by the time November rolls around. So they remain nearly unelectable in a country that still, fundamentally, has a political center.
This is, as Joe Biden recently said, a gift from the Lord to Democrats. We can thank the religious folks of Iowa for arranging that gift.
8
Curious - are states that allow same-sex marriage socially ultra-conservative?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Iowa
Socially ultra-conservative - yep in some parts of Iowa, not so much in others.
When you paint generalizations, it might be wise to use a small brush.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage_in_Iowa
Socially ultra-conservative - yep in some parts of Iowa, not so much in others.
When you paint generalizations, it might be wise to use a small brush.
4
Excellent point, but, as we see, one that has been irrelevant to the Republican candidates, who are of the belief that Iowans are very far right in their thinking.
As many articles have pointed out, the Republican caucuses are attended heavily by conservative white men. Neither minorities nor women are well represented. The candidates know who they have to please, and it isn't the open-minded people to whom you refer - who thankfully exist in plentiful numbers in Iowa, but don't seem to attend the caucuses.
As many articles have pointed out, the Republican caucuses are attended heavily by conservative white men. Neither minorities nor women are well represented. The candidates know who they have to please, and it isn't the open-minded people to whom you refer - who thankfully exist in plentiful numbers in Iowa, but don't seem to attend the caucuses.
As a physican I see patiets every day that are suffering because of the chaotic and disorganized health care system. The ACA has made some improvement for the poorest patients. However patients and their families quickly see how inadeqate the system is to care for them in the event of a serious illness. The tragedy of dysfuntional systems: hospitals, mental health care, physical rehabilitation, nursing home care - will become a crisis for all of us at some point. Once we personally experience this crisis we will all wish we had voted for the candidate who actually wants to fix the health system. It takes a bravery to vote for real change. In the face of such dysfunction, voting for real change in this society is not a fringe position.
220
As a Registered Nurse for over 35 years, I agree. We pay for everyone to get medical care now...the hard way...through expensive ER visits passed on to you and me. A great documentary on PBS: "Sick Around the World." Discusses how many countries are effectively doing what we refuse to do; and for usually half, to two-thirds of what we are paying. There are two ways to pay for health care, the hard way [the ACA has effectively slowed the spiraling cost of healthcare, but is not the complete answer. Let's join the rest of the industrialized world both with reasoned healthcare and political policy/elections.
7
It is funny how the goal posts keep on moving for establishment politicians. The New York Times wrote a piece against Mitt Romney in 2012, attacking him for his Goldman Sachs ties:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/us/politics/close-ties-to-goldman-enri...
And this year, it supports Hillary Clinton who has received the third most funding from Goldman out of all the candidates (behind Bush and Rubio). Oh the irony!
Maybe this is why voters are gravitating toward Sanders, who is calling out the system for what it is. Heck, even on the Republican side, Donald Trump has gained much support simply because he refuses to take money from shady actors (another irony, since in any other election cycle he would be one himself).
These are not the "ideological edges" as you put it, but the voice of a frustrated electorate who has witnessed these games for decades. If this election helps bring about multi-decade coalitions based on economics to replace the current ones based on social issues (that has allowed the rich, socially liberal or conservative, to plunder our country), then we are all the better off for it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/us/politics/close-ties-to-goldman-enri...
And this year, it supports Hillary Clinton who has received the third most funding from Goldman out of all the candidates (behind Bush and Rubio). Oh the irony!
Maybe this is why voters are gravitating toward Sanders, who is calling out the system for what it is. Heck, even on the Republican side, Donald Trump has gained much support simply because he refuses to take money from shady actors (another irony, since in any other election cycle he would be one himself).
These are not the "ideological edges" as you put it, but the voice of a frustrated electorate who has witnessed these games for decades. If this election helps bring about multi-decade coalitions based on economics to replace the current ones based on social issues (that has allowed the rich, socially liberal or conservative, to plunder our country), then we are all the better off for it.
224
[[The New York Times wrote a piece against Mitt Romney in 2012, attacking him for his Goldman Sachs ties:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/us/politics/close-ties-to-goldman-enri...
And this year, it supports Hillary Clinton who has received the third most funding from Goldman out of all the candidates (behind Bush and Rubio). Oh the irony!]]
Excellent research! Thanks.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/us/politics/close-ties-to-goldman-enri...
And this year, it supports Hillary Clinton who has received the third most funding from Goldman out of all the candidates (behind Bush and Rubio). Oh the irony!]]
Excellent research! Thanks.
8
Good lord your journalists just won't let up. ANY INFORMED READER (i.e. New York Times readers?) knows that the Iowa caucuses prove ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. NEVER useful in clarifying the eventual nominee nor representative of the country as a whole in any way, it's been a feeding frenzy for the press but for informed voters around the country it's been one big YAWN. No doubt you'd like to get one more debate in before tomorrow's vote when a few hundred GOP hicks go and "caucus"?
10
What is happening in Iowa is just another example of how the Evangelical Movement can skew political events. They are always waiting in the wings to throw their support at the initiative, the candidate, et al, that will further along their attack on "A Women's Right To Choose."
Carly Fiorina was so off the radar when she hit Iowa her numbers were below 1%. But once she started talking up her anti-abortion beliefs and the parts of her personal life that connected with what the Evangelical Movement needed to hear, her percentages rose. But once remarks surfaced about her failures in her professional life, from credible sources, her numbers plummeted and the Evangelicals started to look elsewhere, Dr. Ben Carson for a bit, but eventually, to where they are now, embracing Ted Cruz.
Tie that to the crafty attacks on Hillary Clinton by ALL of the Republican Party, an example being her responsibility for the tragic deaths at Benghazi, to eventually Benghazi being replaced with the latest particular to stick to the wall, Hillary's criminal use of 'servers' and the need for her to be prosecuted, and you get Bernie Sander's image much more positive in the eyes of voters.
So the current "outsider" notion that includes Cruz and Sanders is cooked, fashioned by the likes of Lance Preibus, Chief of the Republican Party cabal, with The Donald being a mix of a good excuse for getting drunk, buying another gun, or just voting against an immigrant loving Democrat .
Carly Fiorina was so off the radar when she hit Iowa her numbers were below 1%. But once she started talking up her anti-abortion beliefs and the parts of her personal life that connected with what the Evangelical Movement needed to hear, her percentages rose. But once remarks surfaced about her failures in her professional life, from credible sources, her numbers plummeted and the Evangelicals started to look elsewhere, Dr. Ben Carson for a bit, but eventually, to where they are now, embracing Ted Cruz.
Tie that to the crafty attacks on Hillary Clinton by ALL of the Republican Party, an example being her responsibility for the tragic deaths at Benghazi, to eventually Benghazi being replaced with the latest particular to stick to the wall, Hillary's criminal use of 'servers' and the need for her to be prosecuted, and you get Bernie Sander's image much more positive in the eyes of voters.
So the current "outsider" notion that includes Cruz and Sanders is cooked, fashioned by the likes of Lance Preibus, Chief of the Republican Party cabal, with The Donald being a mix of a good excuse for getting drunk, buying another gun, or just voting against an immigrant loving Democrat .
3
It's ironic that people from Iowa, a state with a low population of demographically homogenous citizens, rail against so-called elites while imposing such an undue influence over presidential elections. Nothing more needs to be known of the quality of their judgment than that they seem ready to select a lying, racist, fascist, xenophobic, misogynistic buffoon like Donald Trump as a candidate for the presidency. It's bad enough that people that dim can vote let alone choose the candidates. I feel sympathy for the bright people of the state and hope all five of them relocate.
9
Someone from Fargo, north Dakota, making these arguments against Iowa, is really rich.
I'm sure you feel South Carolina is more important, even though they haven't voted for a Democratic Presidential candidate in 40 years.
I'm sure you feel South Carolina is more important, even though they haven't voted for a Democratic Presidential candidate in 40 years.
2
Donald Trump is a unique case. In modern times, there hasn't been a potential candidate from any political party whose election would pose such a danger to the country. That voters of Iowa could provide him even the slightest opportunity to succeed justifiably invites censure, mockery, and scorn from all concerned citizens. It is one thing to support someone who would be a bad president. It is another to support someone who would endanger the fundamental principles of the Republic.
1
South Carolina gets a temporary pass because of Stephen Colbert.
Republican leaders have successfully persuaded the GOP base to vote for them even though they support policies that are in direct conflict with the economic interests of the base: doing nothing about a shattered healthcare system; trade liberalization; tax cuts for the rich and loss of services for the middle class; looking the other way when illegal immigrants flooded the country and coming up with multiple ways for those workers to be able to get jobs, particularly in GOP-controlled states like Texas. The fact that every one of these practices lead to middle class economic malaise and stagnation is a surprise to no one. Except the Republican base, that is.
But the Democrats have a potential trainwreck on their hands. You know what they say about Liberals, right? -- they do not care what the solution is as long as it is mandatory. And you know what that joke is about, right? Obamacare. I supported it. It is a disaster. Why would anybody who takes care of their health be willing to sign for a Bronze Plan (the only one working people can afford) that cost 8 percent of their income after subsidies but does not grant ANY healthcare due to high deductibles and co-pays (tests and checkups are not healthcare). When the higher fines kick in this year and next, Democrats will face open revolt. What planet do these fools live on?
But the Democrats have a potential trainwreck on their hands. You know what they say about Liberals, right? -- they do not care what the solution is as long as it is mandatory. And you know what that joke is about, right? Obamacare. I supported it. It is a disaster. Why would anybody who takes care of their health be willing to sign for a Bronze Plan (the only one working people can afford) that cost 8 percent of their income after subsidies but does not grant ANY healthcare due to high deductibles and co-pays (tests and checkups are not healthcare). When the higher fines kick in this year and next, Democrats will face open revolt. What planet do these fools live on?
7
"The fact that every one of these practices lead to middle class economic malaise and stagnation is a surprise to no one. Except the Republican base, that is."
The GOP has a solution to that problem: blame it on the democrats. Thus, the 2008 housing-bubble collapse (set in place during the W years) magically becomes Obama's fault, as does the collapse of Iraq (another W disaster).
You are right: the GOP is going to continue the war on the middle class, disenfrachising the same people it dupes into voting for them. And this includes Donald Trump. Trump's healthcare solution will obviously be pro-insurance industry, his economic policies and tax policies will obviously favor the 0.01 %, and it will be open season for hate crimes and racism. But his supporters will not see that. They are all hyped up on his shock-jock campaign. He has totally manipulated them.
I have been very skeptical about Sanders even though I like his ideas. This is due to the fact that his ideas haven't been tested, and I can't see how he would get them through Congress. Plus he has no foreign policy experince, and doesn't seem to think foreign policy matters (he never talks about it and deflects questions about it back to his economic agenda).
If the dems actually make him the nominee, I'd vote for him, but actually my fave tickety would be Clinton/Sanders. I am REALLY hoping if she wins she asks him to be VP.
The GOP has a solution to that problem: blame it on the democrats. Thus, the 2008 housing-bubble collapse (set in place during the W years) magically becomes Obama's fault, as does the collapse of Iraq (another W disaster).
You are right: the GOP is going to continue the war on the middle class, disenfrachising the same people it dupes into voting for them. And this includes Donald Trump. Trump's healthcare solution will obviously be pro-insurance industry, his economic policies and tax policies will obviously favor the 0.01 %, and it will be open season for hate crimes and racism. But his supporters will not see that. They are all hyped up on his shock-jock campaign. He has totally manipulated them.
I have been very skeptical about Sanders even though I like his ideas. This is due to the fact that his ideas haven't been tested, and I can't see how he would get them through Congress. Plus he has no foreign policy experince, and doesn't seem to think foreign policy matters (he never talks about it and deflects questions about it back to his economic agenda).
If the dems actually make him the nominee, I'd vote for him, but actually my fave tickety would be Clinton/Sanders. I am REALLY hoping if she wins she asks him to be VP.
1
Let's see...approximately 20% of eligible voters from Iowa, a total of, at most, 125-150,000 people, from a state that is wildly demographically and culturally unrepresentative of the American people at large, are going to caucus tomorrow night.
2
Iowa is no more demographically or culturally unrepresentative than South Carolina, if anything I would argue the reverse.
BTW, what percentage of eligible voters do you think vote in ANY primary election?
BTW, what percentage of eligible voters do you think vote in ANY primary election?
4
William Shakespeare probably said it best, "Much ado about nothing!" The results of the Iowa caucuses in past years never sent any clear signals as to where the rest of the country's votes would be cast. The amount of resources, treasure and effort squandered in Iowa this year could have resolved some far more pressing issues found wanting in this country.
8
It's absurd that a state as small and unrepresentative of most of America as Iowa is to be so influential, but that's a different conversation. Sanders, as the more experienced and effective civil servant, has my vote and I want to thank all the many, many volunteers in Iowa and elsewhere that spend their time and energy working towards change that we need so badly.
25
How is it that when the issues of universal healthcare and higher education are brought up in the USA, the inevitable "how are we going to pay for that?" question always arises? This is the richest country in the world. We have the resources, we just choose to spend them on other things. I can't recall this question of "how do we pay for it" ever arising when we declared war in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet we found the money to engage in that effort for over a decade.
454
Everyone on the regressive, conservative, hard right (including the NYT) is scared to death of Bernie. He has spoken truth to power for fifty years. He knows the heart of hard-working Americans. He does not need a poll or advisors to tell him what to say. With "in the trenches" experience as Mayor, Representative and now Senator, he has vastly more experience with normal people than HRC ever will. I will vote for him as long as I can. You go, you old Vermont hippie! We stopped a war once. We can get you into the White House.
139
Jill said:
" I can't recall this question of "how do we pay for it" ever arising when we declared war in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet we found the money to engage in that effort for over a decade."
We BORROWED that money. The Republicans spent it without including it in the budget. It BLEW UP the deficit.
But when the issue is money for something to strengthen the American people, or our infrastructure, then the question is always "What are you going to CUT to pay for that?" It is never "Is this a good investment?"
We should spend that extra money because it will pay for itself in higher productivity later, as the GI b Bill, the interstates, and other SOCIAL (Bad word, right? Curse word, right?) programs have shown, time and time again.
" I can't recall this question of "how do we pay for it" ever arising when we declared war in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet we found the money to engage in that effort for over a decade."
We BORROWED that money. The Republicans spent it without including it in the budget. It BLEW UP the deficit.
But when the issue is money for something to strengthen the American people, or our infrastructure, then the question is always "What are you going to CUT to pay for that?" It is never "Is this a good investment?"
We should spend that extra money because it will pay for itself in higher productivity later, as the GI b Bill, the interstates, and other SOCIAL (Bad word, right? Curse word, right?) programs have shown, time and time again.
14
"How are we going to pay for it?" is codespeak for, "I don't support this program, but I can't justify my opposition, so I'll hide behind the Big Bad Deficit".
11
I understand Sanders' supporters. I was in college in the 70s and attended rallies protesting Vietnam and Kent State and Watergate. We too thought we were the leading edge of a great revolution. I supported Barrack Obama over Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primaries.
Bernie Sanders has been around longer than I have. He knows very well that his calls for revolution can't succeed in the long run. He must know that major changes are slow in coming and require skill and compromise to achieve. Despite being a passionate orator who has been able to convince a large number of idealistic young people that he can give them everything they want, he doesn't have what it takes to even move the needle incrementally in a progressive direction. He completely ignores the implications of the checks and balances set up by the Constitution of the United States.
This is why Hillary has the support of the majority of people who have lived longer than a couple of decades. We understand passion; we understand idealism; and we understand how change happens. With more life experience, we've become more realistic.
I'm glad that many voters see the deception of Bernie Sanders' promises to change the world with a swoop of his magic wand. He would be unable to work with most of Congress because of his extreme "my way or the highway" positions, and he has no experience with international matters nor foreign leaders. And that's if he could win the general election to begin with.
Bernie Sanders has been around longer than I have. He knows very well that his calls for revolution can't succeed in the long run. He must know that major changes are slow in coming and require skill and compromise to achieve. Despite being a passionate orator who has been able to convince a large number of idealistic young people that he can give them everything they want, he doesn't have what it takes to even move the needle incrementally in a progressive direction. He completely ignores the implications of the checks and balances set up by the Constitution of the United States.
This is why Hillary has the support of the majority of people who have lived longer than a couple of decades. We understand passion; we understand idealism; and we understand how change happens. With more life experience, we've become more realistic.
I'm glad that many voters see the deception of Bernie Sanders' promises to change the world with a swoop of his magic wand. He would be unable to work with most of Congress because of his extreme "my way or the highway" positions, and he has no experience with international matters nor foreign leaders. And that's if he could win the general election to begin with.
10
"This is why Hillary has the support of the majority of people who have lived longer than a couple of decades. "
Well, not really. Sanders in fact polls strongly right up to those in late middle age. In any case, for a couple of generations now older people have tended to be more right wing than younger people, both in NA and Europe. This is one reason why the attitudes of everyday Americans have in fact moved rather significantly LEFT over the last twenty years, even though the politicial class has shifted right.
I am one university generation before you, and spent my time in the think of things in Berkeley. Retrospectively, I'll take today's folk and their sociopolitical attitudes every time over those typical than that era. But not 'their' politicians. In what she says, HRC is upfront about her status quo stance, ties to Wall Street, and fascination with armed conflict. Perhaps she even believes in these things (an open question). But how on earth wants more of that?
You can't really move things as easily from the center as from the edges. Sanders in all likelihood would give things a good strong push in the right direction. His humanity would guarantee than not too many would be hurt in the process.
Well, not really. Sanders in fact polls strongly right up to those in late middle age. In any case, for a couple of generations now older people have tended to be more right wing than younger people, both in NA and Europe. This is one reason why the attitudes of everyday Americans have in fact moved rather significantly LEFT over the last twenty years, even though the politicial class has shifted right.
I am one university generation before you, and spent my time in the think of things in Berkeley. Retrospectively, I'll take today's folk and their sociopolitical attitudes every time over those typical than that era. But not 'their' politicians. In what she says, HRC is upfront about her status quo stance, ties to Wall Street, and fascination with armed conflict. Perhaps she even believes in these things (an open question). But how on earth wants more of that?
You can't really move things as easily from the center as from the edges. Sanders in all likelihood would give things a good strong push in the right direction. His humanity would guarantee than not too many would be hurt in the process.
54
Actually, there's a great deal of precedent for clean slate change. It's almost the American norm. Consider Lincoln and slavery. Consider FDR and the New Deal. Teddy Roosevelt's trust busting. Lyndon Johnson's passage of the civil rights and voting rights acts. For that matter, the rush to gay marriage, and the founding of the country itself.
Also, Sanders has not promised to wave a magic wand. The notion that he's my way or the highway is absurd -- he's been in Congress for 30 years and has stuck by his principles while at the same time being willing to sit down with members of the opposition to make workable legislation. What he has said he will do is convince the American people to send a message to Congress -- and that is entirely feasible when you have the right person at the bully pulpit. Within our own lives, we've seen Congress change hands many times.
You've actually highlight one of the things I dislike about Hillary Clinton -- her refusal to get out in front, to take a stand, to acknowledge that major change is both necessary and achievable, and in fact to deny the possibility of change. She's no leader. She's a follower who lets the polls tell her what to do.
Also, Sanders has not promised to wave a magic wand. The notion that he's my way or the highway is absurd -- he's been in Congress for 30 years and has stuck by his principles while at the same time being willing to sit down with members of the opposition to make workable legislation. What he has said he will do is convince the American people to send a message to Congress -- and that is entirely feasible when you have the right person at the bully pulpit. Within our own lives, we've seen Congress change hands many times.
You've actually highlight one of the things I dislike about Hillary Clinton -- her refusal to get out in front, to take a stand, to acknowledge that major change is both necessary and achievable, and in fact to deny the possibility of change. She's no leader. She's a follower who lets the polls tell her what to do.
57
On the contrary, people like myself who were college students in the sixties are well represented among Sanders supporters.
I went to Sanders nationally broadcast speech in July and fully 1/3 of the people attending were aging hippies.
I went to Sanders nationally broadcast speech in July and fully 1/3 of the people attending were aging hippies.
14
Dealing with Congress will be the crux of the president's effectiveness, which is why Bernie's experience stands out: he has lived there, both in the House and the Senate, mostly as an Independent, working between the parties to advance his agenda both on the floor and in committee. None but Kasich come even close.
86
A major point in support of Sanders, missed by a mile by the MSM, is that he will elevate the discussion to reform our broken political, healthcare, and financial system. Will our Done-Nothing Cong. accept this needed change? No.
All the more reason to have Bernie at the Bully Pulpit making the long overdue case for fundamental change. I, for one, am not interested in becoming a third world stooge for Exxon's excesses, or those of many major Wall St, Drug St, or Energy St. Robber Barons and place the heat on both Congress and our Supremely Kangaroo Court.
All the more reason to have Bernie at the Bully Pulpit making the long overdue case for fundamental change. I, for one, am not interested in becoming a third world stooge for Exxon's excesses, or those of many major Wall St, Drug St, or Energy St. Robber Barons and place the heat on both Congress and our Supremely Kangaroo Court.
7
The root cause? Laziness.
“These particular voters have been told for several cycles, ‘All you have to do is vote for me, and it will be 100 percent different.’ It never is."
Does that sound like anyone we know? Sanders may be qualifying his message, but his supporters certainly aren't.
Sanders and Trump are seen as quick fixes; figures who will be more effective than their predecessors because, by virtue of their personalities, the won't bend to the moderating and incrementalizing corruption that pervades Washington.
Well, guess what? The reason Obama didn't deliver a post-racial progressive utopia has nothing to do with spine, and everything to do with political reality.
There's a crucial difference, though - Sanders' promises can easily be thwarted by gridlock, accelerating the cycle of progressive disappointment.
Trump, in the other hand, will be able to "bomb the (explative) out of em" on day one. To me, that's something to fear.
“These particular voters have been told for several cycles, ‘All you have to do is vote for me, and it will be 100 percent different.’ It never is."
Does that sound like anyone we know? Sanders may be qualifying his message, but his supporters certainly aren't.
Sanders and Trump are seen as quick fixes; figures who will be more effective than their predecessors because, by virtue of their personalities, the won't bend to the moderating and incrementalizing corruption that pervades Washington.
Well, guess what? The reason Obama didn't deliver a post-racial progressive utopia has nothing to do with spine, and everything to do with political reality.
There's a crucial difference, though - Sanders' promises can easily be thwarted by gridlock, accelerating the cycle of progressive disappointment.
Trump, in the other hand, will be able to "bomb the (explative) out of em" on day one. To me, that's something to fear.
9
Obama didn't deliver because a) he didn't ask and b) he didn't stand up to the Republicans and c) he didn't take his case to the American people. He wanted everybody to be nice and rational, and it didn't work, because the people are energized by passion and the Republicans will respect you only if you show strength. Other presidents, both Democratic and Republican, have left a strong imprint on the country, even when they had obstructionist majorities in Congress.
14
As a fifth generation Iowan, I think I may be able to speak with a bit more authority. Hillary Clinton is not going to be brushed aside by the Democrats. She will win with support throughout the state. The Republican outcome is difficult to predict. Cruz may be up in the polls, but at the actual caucus meetings his anti-ethanol and anti-wind generation stance seems likely to tamp down his prospects. Trump is a media phenomenon, people came to see his events, but will any of the curious show up at the caucus meetings? Rubio might have been more successful if he had been in Iowa more often.
29
I don't the fact that you are a 5th generation Iowan carries more weight than the many thousands of Iowans showing up at Sanders rallies.
Hillary is worried enough that she hired dirty tricks pro David Brock, who led the effort to destroy Anita Hill, to spread rumors that Bernie is bringing in out of state students to pack the caucuses.
This is an attempt to prevent Iowa college students (who are free to vote at home or at their college address) from going home to caucus, as Bernie has asked. Brock is trying to prevent these Iowan students from participating.
Hillary is worried enough that she hired dirty tricks pro David Brock, who led the effort to destroy Anita Hill, to spread rumors that Bernie is bringing in out of state students to pack the caucuses.
This is an attempt to prevent Iowa college students (who are free to vote at home or at their college address) from going home to caucus, as Bernie has asked. Brock is trying to prevent these Iowan students from participating.
10
Rubio might have been a more successful $enator had he been in the Capitol more, too.
Ethanol from corn mandated to be added to gasloline is good for Iowa, and nobody else.
Ethanol from corn mandated to be added to gasloline is good for Iowa, and nobody else.
2
I represent the quintessential losers in these elections: the Democrats deem me a Republican; and the Republicans deem me a Democrat. In other words, I'm an independent.
Bernie Sanders has many great wishes for Americans, but those are obviously not going to get paid for without a significant increase in tax. With this Congress and the current political climate, he will not achieve almost any of his promises as the president.
Hillary Clinton has many flaws. But she's pragmatic and experienced enough to get things done.
On the GOP side, Tez Cruz would say/do anything for his own benefit. I have seen what he did to get elected as a Senator from Texas. He is, in my opinion, a professional politician with no soul. Plus, he is, by law, not a naturally born American. He is not electable.
Trump said a lot of crazy things. But he is - let's face it - a Rockefeller Republican. He is perhaps 10% as crazy as the Cruz.
Rubio and Bush are more social conservative than I prefer. I wouldn't vote for them, but I wouldn't be upset either if they get elected.
So here we go, if the election were to become Sanders vs. Cruz, that'd be a true disaster for Americans, in my opinion.
Bernie Sanders has many great wishes for Americans, but those are obviously not going to get paid for without a significant increase in tax. With this Congress and the current political climate, he will not achieve almost any of his promises as the president.
Hillary Clinton has many flaws. But she's pragmatic and experienced enough to get things done.
On the GOP side, Tez Cruz would say/do anything for his own benefit. I have seen what he did to get elected as a Senator from Texas. He is, in my opinion, a professional politician with no soul. Plus, he is, by law, not a naturally born American. He is not electable.
Trump said a lot of crazy things. But he is - let's face it - a Rockefeller Republican. He is perhaps 10% as crazy as the Cruz.
Rubio and Bush are more social conservative than I prefer. I wouldn't vote for them, but I wouldn't be upset either if they get elected.
So here we go, if the election were to become Sanders vs. Cruz, that'd be a true disaster for Americans, in my opinion.
11
"Bernie Sanders has many great wishes for Americans, but those are obviously not going to get paid for without a significant increase in tax." Let's do it then. Let's do the significant increase in tax on hedge fund players' capital gains, robo-trades, and all bank derivatives. Let's tax the snot out of the 1% who *managed to double their wealth through the recession. Bernie Sanders forcefully stated how he would finance his "great wishes" and economists have noted that they would all stimulate the moribund middle class and thus our consumer economy. But hey, give us the ol' line about raising our taxes . . .
9
I find it regrettable and depressing when a state that is small, 94% white, skewers elderly and is largely rural is playing an outsize role in choosing the president. I feel the same way about New Hampshire. Why do we allow this insanity to continue?
172
Iowa does not decide the next President, but rather the complete opposite.
Obama won Iowa in 2008. Bush won Iowa in 2000. But otherwise no other non-incumbent candidate has won Iowa and then went on to win the Presidency since 1976. And maybe not even then, since in 1976 Carter actually came in "second" after "Undecided", but was still given the nod as the "winner" in Iowa.
So, if history stays relatively consistent, the winner in Iowa will probably not be elected President.
Obama won Iowa in 2008. Bush won Iowa in 2000. But otherwise no other non-incumbent candidate has won Iowa and then went on to win the Presidency since 1976. And maybe not even then, since in 1976 Carter actually came in "second" after "Undecided", but was still given the nod as the "winner" in Iowa.
So, if history stays relatively consistent, the winner in Iowa will probably not be elected President.
2
Clinton's big money Democratic backers--think super-PAC-- are saying that if she doesn't get the nomination, they'll back Bloomberg. Why do we allow that insanity to continue?
15
Add how the Evangelicals typically throw their support around, typically choosing one candidate to stand behind, and you add a very significant stressor to the skewing.
I'm so tired of the Trump::Bernie comparison. It is a misleading attempt to convince dems that a vote for Bernie is the liberal equivalent on the crazy scale as a vote for Trump. Quite frankly, it's not. The voter suppression and misdirection that the DNC has perpetuated is anti-democratic and anti-american.
322
It's not just ludicrous, it is libelous. Sanders is owed an apology.
There is a world of difference between the democratic socialist and the mendacious racist.
As for the DNC, DWS needs to go.
There is a world of difference between the democratic socialist and the mendacious racist.
As for the DNC, DWS needs to go.
4
Why hasn't any "news" source mentioned that this election is special like no other? For the first time in history we are given the chance to select our candidates. Always before the parties secretly pick the ones THEY want so if one doesn't make it the other will but we have no say in what the party does until now. Both Sanders and Trump are candidates that the people nominated as a message that we are tired of always being left out.
87
I do hope going forward the NYT will remember to say that ALL candidates are "light on how to pay for" their proposals. Have we seen how the GOP is going to pay for more wars, more tax cuts for the wealthy, border walls, and planes, battleships, and tanks?
Frankly, Sanders has said more about how he would pay for his proposals than they have for theirs. (See the short NYT piece on Cruz being asked how he would replace the ACA, for example.) With corporations avoiding taxes to the extent that makes it an art form, we are drowning from lack of federal revenues and lack of demand from stagnant wages, but those can all be changed. Some changes, as Elizabeth Warren reminded us, don't even require an act of Congress. Some just need a president who will choose department heads with the will to enforce laws already on the books. That is only "expensive" in terms of corporate campaign donations.
I suppose Hillary's lack of anything new or different would be the cheap way to go. Just assume that nothing can be changed and the Republicans will always hold on to both Congress and the supremes. Laugh derisively at the thought that the citizens could benefit from the government the way the rich do. That is safe, cautious, conservative. Inspiring? Not so much.
As Bernie's bumper sticker says: a Sandstorm is coming.
Frankly, Sanders has said more about how he would pay for his proposals than they have for theirs. (See the short NYT piece on Cruz being asked how he would replace the ACA, for example.) With corporations avoiding taxes to the extent that makes it an art form, we are drowning from lack of federal revenues and lack of demand from stagnant wages, but those can all be changed. Some changes, as Elizabeth Warren reminded us, don't even require an act of Congress. Some just need a president who will choose department heads with the will to enforce laws already on the books. That is only "expensive" in terms of corporate campaign donations.
I suppose Hillary's lack of anything new or different would be the cheap way to go. Just assume that nothing can be changed and the Republicans will always hold on to both Congress and the supremes. Laugh derisively at the thought that the citizens could benefit from the government the way the rich do. That is safe, cautious, conservative. Inspiring? Not so much.
As Bernie's bumper sticker says: a Sandstorm is coming.
266
Yes! We need true Bernie believers to speak truth to power. I don't know how Bernie's plans will come to pass either but sometimes you have to take a chance on the candidate. I like Bernie a lot and will vote for him in my primary. However, I've resigned myself to the fact that the fix is in for Hillary and will vote for her in the general. Hopefully I'm wrong. Because if Bernie wins Iowa and New Hampshire, we may have another Obama surprise a-comin'. And that would be great for liberal America.
44
The Clintons & their owners are spending a lot of money to undermine the voters' will. Maybe their propaganda machine will prevail. If so, the 1% win again, and the rest of us lose.
Thank you, GoldmanSachs.
Thank you, GoldmanSachs.
201
Actually, Iowa does not really matter that much.
Check the facts. Since 1976, that is for the past forty years, only two non-incumbent Presidential candidates who won in Iowa became President (Bush in 2000 and Obama in 2008).
Iowa is the place where the American conscious can vent its collective frustration.
It is the national protest vote.
After Iowa, people then calm down and decide, more rationally, who will be their candidate for each party.
Check the facts. Since 1976, that is for the past forty years, only two non-incumbent Presidential candidates who won in Iowa became President (Bush in 2000 and Obama in 2008).
Iowa is the place where the American conscious can vent its collective frustration.
It is the national protest vote.
After Iowa, people then calm down and decide, more rationally, who will be their candidate for each party.
2
Or, you could say that the last two presidents were the winners in their Iowa caucus.
The choices are very clear between Sanders and Clinton; Bernie is not beholden to the big money interests while the Clintons have been gorging on speaking fees at the Wall Street trough ever since Bill left office. Sorry, but that is a conflict for the Clintons. You cannot pretend that the millions the Clintons have been raking in has not changed who they are. Millionaires (like the Clintons) and billionaires (like Donald Trump) can make all the promises they want. And we don't have to believe any of them. Their wealth puts them out of touch with ordinary Americans like you and me. How can we trust them? How can we believe them? I don't.
189
"Voters on the Edges...."
The title of the article is exactly what you'd expect from a main-stream media publication perspective. And it's disrespectful to the voters.
But for the rest of the country, the candidates are a breath of fresh air which was unrecognized and dismissed for years by the two parties, the media and the elites and 1%.
I guess the voters are getting their attention now.
The title of the article is exactly what you'd expect from a main-stream media publication perspective. And it's disrespectful to the voters.
But for the rest of the country, the candidates are a breath of fresh air which was unrecognized and dismissed for years by the two parties, the media and the elites and 1%.
I guess the voters are getting their attention now.
113
This morning, I woke up to the news of the NYT endorsed Kasich and HRC! Imagine that....now I know why the NYT has such glowing reports of her all the time. It is shameful that she thought she could cakewalk her way into a coronation- and considering the fact that the DNC has shielded her and is practically running her campaign. I hope Sanders and Trump win Iowa so they can begin the process of putting nails to establishment coffin. Believe me, when they come to my state in a few weeks, I'll be encouraging everyone I know to support them.
I wouldn't be surprised if half of the NYT workers vote for HRC, their bias and favoritism for her is quite obvious, you have to be dead to miss it. Now, let's see if the NYT has courage to post this comment!
I wouldn't be surprised if half of the NYT workers vote for HRC, their bias and favoritism for her is quite obvious, you have to be dead to miss it. Now, let's see if the NYT has courage to post this comment!
137
Glad that the people of Iowa continue in their tradition of being independent-minded in 2016. It will be interesting to see the outcome of the caucuses for both parties.
On the jibe at Bernie Sanders and his programs: contrary to what the Times asserts, Senator Sanders has provided considerable detail as to how he'd pay for his programs.
On the jibe at Bernie Sanders and his programs: contrary to what the Times asserts, Senator Sanders has provided considerable detail as to how he'd pay for his programs.
393
I believe the jibe against Bernie Sanders has little to do with how much detail he has provided in his plans. Rather the jibe highlights how little detail he has provided about how he will get the his plans past congress.
I'll grant you that he has said on multiple occasions that he has experience working with Republicans and those experiences have provided results. However, the plans he is talking about now are so radical that Bernie may have a hard time getting even the Democrats to agree to them.
What are his plans to get his plans enacted into law?
I'll grant you that he has said on multiple occasions that he has experience working with Republicans and those experiences have provided results. However, the plans he is talking about now are so radical that Bernie may have a hard time getting even the Democrats to agree to them.
What are his plans to get his plans enacted into law?
4
I am sick of the Times demeaning Sanders.
201
Sanders has appealed to voters to elect a Congress that will support his program. That may take some time. Prior to that, President Sanders will look to find common ground with Congress-- as he has done successfully during 26 years of service in the House and Senate, as well as achieving reforms through executive branch actions as President Obama has done:
48
I often wonder, what Wall Street is doing about all these dumb farmers. Corn and cows don't matter. June and Ward Cleaver are cozy with anything that involves big money.
Iowa is the nation's leading producer of eggs and a top producer of pork, corn and soybeans.
Let’s face reality here. Bernie and his supporters are not only correct on the issues they are also more numerous than Trump and his supporters who are chasing fogs while viewing the world through the wrong end of the telescope and wallowing in the swamp of warmed-over right-wing Tea-Party misfits and wingnuts.
One thing is guaranteed. Angry will turn into ugly in this political battle !!!
There will not only be no shortage of anger and fireworks of protest or complaint from whoever wins or loses in the Iowa caucuses from either party on Monday, but there will continue to be the launching of additional huge volleys of more anger and fireworks of protest or complaint from all candidates all the way to November with lots of casualties on the floor among candidates of both Democrats and Republicans.
But sanity will triumph over insanity. And the angry dreamer from Vermont will be the next President of the United States.
One thing is guaranteed. Angry will turn into ugly in this political battle !!!
There will not only be no shortage of anger and fireworks of protest or complaint from whoever wins or loses in the Iowa caucuses from either party on Monday, but there will continue to be the launching of additional huge volleys of more anger and fireworks of protest or complaint from all candidates all the way to November with lots of casualties on the floor among candidates of both Democrats and Republicans.
But sanity will triumph over insanity. And the angry dreamer from Vermont will be the next President of the United States.
175
I hope so. I want a Sanders/Warren ticket.
In a way, I feel bad for Hillary. Because I think that she is a good person and means well. But she put this coronation plan into effect and now has the nerve to say that she wants more debates.
She is tied to her husband's policies and that's not fair but on the other hand, that was the "two for the price of one" presidency.
So perhaps I don't feel so bad for her.
it's politics. She can take the heat.
In a way, I feel bad for Hillary. Because I think that she is a good person and means well. But she put this coronation plan into effect and now has the nerve to say that she wants more debates.
She is tied to her husband's policies and that's not fair but on the other hand, that was the "two for the price of one" presidency.
So perhaps I don't feel so bad for her.
it's politics. She can take the heat.
25
Debra, your best comment ever. And that's saying a lot!
3
Is there anything that has less relationship to an election in this country than these caucuses? Why is the media beating the drum for something as meaningless as the Iowa caucuses? Are you folks that bored? Write another article about the Super Bowl then.
6
When I hear political operatives argue that Senator Sanders has the "youth vote" and therefore he will not have seasoned voters, I think, why it is not reasonable to believe that these young people will not have influence on other friends AND family members.
I have grandchildren who are very vocal to the parents with their passion for Senator Sanders.
When I see the crowds that gather for Senator Sanders, I think, each young person might advocate with at least one parent or grandparent to vote Sanders.
The revolution alights with each small voice echoed in the woods.
Go Bernie!
I have grandchildren who are very vocal to the parents with their passion for Senator Sanders.
When I see the crowds that gather for Senator Sanders, I think, each young person might advocate with at least one parent or grandparent to vote Sanders.
The revolution alights with each small voice echoed in the woods.
Go Bernie!
294
JRS,
What a wonderful and inspiring comment!! And, how dangerously myopic, not to mention condescending to dismiss the "youth vote" and that age group's influence. Some seem determined to forget that the young are the future.
With the passion of the young, Bernie continues to light the way!!
Give your grandchildren a hug from me!! ; - )
1-31-16@6:35 pm et
What a wonderful and inspiring comment!! And, how dangerously myopic, not to mention condescending to dismiss the "youth vote" and that age group's influence. Some seem determined to forget that the young are the future.
With the passion of the young, Bernie continues to light the way!!
Give your grandchildren a hug from me!! ; - )
1-31-16@6:35 pm et
8
54 and a Sanders voter.
5
Not to mention that back in 2008, there was a campaign partly by comedian Sarah Silverman to convince young people to get their grandparents to support Obama in Florida and it influenced the election there.
3
I want to add an observation about Trump supporters that I've gleaned from Facebook posts: they often say they want to vote for someone who they think can beat Hillary. I haven't heard that angle covered in the press. His supporters' really exaggerated hatred of Hillary corresponds to the vitriol of Trump, as though his toughness and meanness would ensure a victory. What's also remarkable to me is the number of conservatives on Facebook who absolutely hate Trump. I do believe in the idea of Trump's ceiling of support.
6
Any beautiful woman will tell you the fact, it is worse to get no attention than too much attention. Someday Iowa might become irrelevant and they just might miss all the attention.
5
how about changing the order of primary states and moving CA and TX, or PA and CO, or FL and MI, or TN and OR to the front of the line?
18
I vote for TN and OR! ... well actually I moved to NC so it doesn't matter.
Really, I think we should just go to a national primary. It is much more realistic and with recent advances in the internet/communication the run up to the Iowa caucus is essentially a national campaign anyway. I think the couple of states at a time system just allows the parties to exert more influence on the process.
Really, I think we should just go to a national primary. It is much more realistic and with recent advances in the internet/communication the run up to the Iowa caucus is essentially a national campaign anyway. I think the couple of states at a time system just allows the parties to exert more influence on the process.
1
Iowa, those advising Clinton on foreign policy are the same people that advise Cruz and Rubio. Look up Beacon Global Strategies in Intercept. Look up the roster. Those are the same neocons that worked for Bush on the invasion of Iraq, sold $billions to Saudi in arms under SOS Clinton, as her foundation got millions in return, arms that are killing thousands in Yemen. Those are the ones that want her now to start a war with Iran, Syria and Russia if they could.
30
It's very scary. We have to keep the neocons out of office.
The thing is, who would Trump bring in on his team? Probably the same neocons.
The thing is, who would Trump bring in on his team? Probably the same neocons.
5
I support Bernie' goals in principle, but I'm not convinced when I hear him explain how he's going to pay for them, or how he's going to get them authorized and funded by a recalcitrant Congress. He seems short on details.
For example, he promises to break up the big banks. By what Presidential authority will he do it? We all know Congress would never support him on this.
Hillary, on the other hand, says she will offer the big banks regulatory and tax incentives to down-size. She, too, may need support from Congress, but it seems a less heavy lift, and more likely she could get some limited support and/or use Presidential authority.
There's too much wishful thinking in the Sanders camp, and frankly I'm tired of politicians who over-promise and don't deliver.
For example, he promises to break up the big banks. By what Presidential authority will he do it? We all know Congress would never support him on this.
Hillary, on the other hand, says she will offer the big banks regulatory and tax incentives to down-size. She, too, may need support from Congress, but it seems a less heavy lift, and more likely she could get some limited support and/or use Presidential authority.
There's too much wishful thinking in the Sanders camp, and frankly I'm tired of politicians who over-promise and don't deliver.
82
Senator Sanders has explicitly stated that he needs a like-minded Congress to accomplish his programs. But I'm confident in Senator Sanders' capabilities in any case. After 26 years in the House and Senate, I am confident that, if elected president, he will work tirelessly and effectively with Congress to find solutions that broadly benefit ordinary Americans, both with Democrats and Republicans. A recent example: the successful veterans' health legislation passed by Senators Sanders and McCain. Sanders has also used the amendment process to get his proposals enacted-- he's been called the Amendment King.
Another example of Senator Sanders' ability to forge successful compromises is his mayoral service in Burlington, Vermont. Over multiple terms, he collaborated successfully with diverse groups, including Republican business owners, to implement projects of broad community benefit.
On budgets: Senator Sanders has provided substantial information on how he would pay for his reforms.
While his rhetoric and plans are ambitious, Senator Sanders is pragmatic in implementing his initiatives.
Another example of Senator Sanders' ability to forge successful compromises is his mayoral service in Burlington, Vermont. Over multiple terms, he collaborated successfully with diverse groups, including Republican business owners, to implement projects of broad community benefit.
On budgets: Senator Sanders has provided substantial information on how he would pay for his reforms.
While his rhetoric and plans are ambitious, Senator Sanders is pragmatic in implementing his initiatives.
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Thank you for an insightful comment, Roy. Depressing, but insightful.
2
The thing most politicians don't deliver in part because they never meant what they said in the first place.
"Hillary, on the other hand, says she will offer the big banks regulatory and tax incentives to down-size".
This could mean any number of things including: she's going to push for some trivial program so she can say she tried, or she's she could give them large tax and regulatory incentives under the guise of this plan and they may or may not break up.
"Hillary, on the other hand, says she will offer the big banks regulatory and tax incentives to down-size".
This could mean any number of things including: she's going to push for some trivial program so she can say she tried, or she's she could give them large tax and regulatory incentives under the guise of this plan and they may or may not break up.
10
I want Bernie and Trump to win so that the establishment will see what they have done to the two political parties in the United States.
I will ultimately vote for Hillary but am disgusted at the obvious road-to-the-coronation that the DNC had planned for the "Queen." Six debates at weird days/times when few people normally watch TV, few candidates brave enough to challenge her (thank you Sanders and O'Malley for having the chutzpah to do it) and a media that is salivating over talking about old man Bill's 20+ year old infidelities.
As for Trump, as crazy as he has sounded, at least he is straightforward. He says things off of the top of his head and that would be dangerous for a President, obviously. On the other hand, the carnival barker saved us from the spectre of President Jeb Bush. Jeb got Romney out of the way but his muscle apparently couldn't sway Trump to bow out gracefully. Trump isn't someone you would associate with "grace." And that's why he's winning.
If I'm an "angry voter" about anything, it's what the DNC has done. Hillary will win the nomination because the fix is in. However, I want her to earn it.
So Iowa, feel the Bern
And don't be so quick
To Dump Trump
Let's keep both around for awhile.
I will ultimately vote for Hillary but am disgusted at the obvious road-to-the-coronation that the DNC had planned for the "Queen." Six debates at weird days/times when few people normally watch TV, few candidates brave enough to challenge her (thank you Sanders and O'Malley for having the chutzpah to do it) and a media that is salivating over talking about old man Bill's 20+ year old infidelities.
As for Trump, as crazy as he has sounded, at least he is straightforward. He says things off of the top of his head and that would be dangerous for a President, obviously. On the other hand, the carnival barker saved us from the spectre of President Jeb Bush. Jeb got Romney out of the way but his muscle apparently couldn't sway Trump to bow out gracefully. Trump isn't someone you would associate with "grace." And that's why he's winning.
If I'm an "angry voter" about anything, it's what the DNC has done. Hillary will win the nomination because the fix is in. However, I want her to earn it.
So Iowa, feel the Bern
And don't be so quick
To Dump Trump
Let's keep both around for awhile.
43
This article quotes Tom Harkin, a senator from a largely white state who's been in Washington for 30 years, as the voice of the establishment.
That also describes the supposedly "new, untried" Sanders to a T.
That also describes the supposedly "new, untried" Sanders to a T.
52
For the first time in a very, very long time there is a chance for the people to pick a president who does not have the prior approval of the moneyed so-called elite, i.e., the establishment. Sanders is my choice...easy call, too.
414
"a president who does not have the prior approval of the moneyed so-called elite, i.e., the establishment."
It is more difficult to fool older people than younger ones!
It is more difficult to fool older people than younger ones!
2
"the prior approval of the moneyed so-called elite"
i.e., the New York Times, its owners, advertisers, and readers. Yup.
i.e., the New York Times, its owners, advertisers, and readers. Yup.
3
The election of 2016 is something of a circus. The media allow Trump to get away with all manner of outrageous statements about women and immigrants (The NYT being an exception). The remainder of the Republican presidential field of candidates react in the wake of Trump's ideology.
On the Democratic side, a genuine race is in the making with issues of substance being discussed. The end result of these primaries between Clinton and Sanders may be just how loud money speaks (no swears) in the post Citizens United era of money trumping (no pun intended) politics.
On the Democratic side, a genuine race is in the making with issues of substance being discussed. The end result of these primaries between Clinton and Sanders may be just how loud money speaks (no swears) in the post Citizens United era of money trumping (no pun intended) politics.
72
Trump speaks to those people who think government has failed them on the issue of immigration. Without a border, you don't have a country. This is not outrageous.
4
So stopping illegal immigration, cutting down on use of legal temporary immigration visas, trade deals that send American jobs overseas, allowing the veterans to access private doctors temporarily to ease the backlog, having the government negotiate drug prices for Medicare, etc. aren't issues of substance being discussed?
I beg to differ.
They were all raised and introduced as ideas under Donald Trump.
If you are going to make such sweeping, judgmental statements, get your facts right, please.
I beg to differ.
They were all raised and introduced as ideas under Donald Trump.
If you are going to make such sweeping, judgmental statements, get your facts right, please.
3
So, if Hillary wins, it's money talking, but if Bernie wins the people have spoken? Do you really think that Hillary is winning in the last 5 polls in Iowa because Hillary supporters let big money control them, but Bernie supporters are only voting on their knowledge of policy.
This article is so full of opinion vs fact it's a joke.
"Iowa…was supposed to be irrelevant this year…" Says who?
"The presidential race became nationalized…" When was it not nationalized?
"Both Democrats and Republicans have seen their presumptive nominees of a year ago...brushed aside" Presumptive nominees? A year before the primaries? There is no such thing…or shouldn't be
"I would not be surprised if an outsider on both sides wins,”" How is Sanders an outsider? He's been in Washington for 30 years.
And on and on.
"Iowa…was supposed to be irrelevant this year…" Says who?
"The presidential race became nationalized…" When was it not nationalized?
"Both Democrats and Republicans have seen their presumptive nominees of a year ago...brushed aside" Presumptive nominees? A year before the primaries? There is no such thing…or shouldn't be
"I would not be surprised if an outsider on both sides wins,”" How is Sanders an outsider? He's been in Washington for 30 years.
And on and on.
327
Hillary's "deep experience" come from being first lady (that's an accomplishment?), serving in the senate for a term and a half, and being a one term secretary of state.
Bernie has been in elected office since 1981. He was elected mayor of Burlington three times, was elected a Congressman eight times, and is in his second term as a senator. That's an outsider? That's unelectable?
Bernie has been in elected office since 1981. He was elected mayor of Burlington three times, was elected a Congressman eight times, and is in his second term as a senator. That's an outsider? That's unelectable?
130
All in the State of New Hampshire.
Hillary Clinton has been on a world stage as her preparation for being President.
In other words, if the comparison was a board game, while Bernie plays checkers, Hillary plays chess.
Hillary Clinton has been on a world stage as her preparation for being President.
In other words, if the comparison was a board game, while Bernie plays checkers, Hillary plays chess.
"How is Sanders an outsider? He's been in Washington for 30 years."
Yes! I'd like to hear Trip Gabriel's response to that too.
Yes! I'd like to hear Trip Gabriel's response to that too.
6
I can sort of see the opposite sides of the same coin argument in terms of policy, substance and style. But If you were really looking for an opposite coin to Sanders, it would be a Bloomberg or someone unorthodox in the GOP.
Trump has been around too long as a celebrity who now and then threatens to become political. He's held every single position across the entire political spectrum, leaving this reader to wonder what in his heart he actually believe.
On the stage he's an actor, a personality, a whatever saying whatever to woo the crowd.
Is this a polar opposite: the innovative policy wonk versus the business-comedy strongman? I'm not sure.
But there is a common denominator in that each side has totally upended politics as we know it, injecting a revolutionary style that appeals to the down and out, no matter how feasible their ability to deliver actually is.
Trump has been around too long as a celebrity who now and then threatens to become political. He's held every single position across the entire political spectrum, leaving this reader to wonder what in his heart he actually believe.
On the stage he's an actor, a personality, a whatever saying whatever to woo the crowd.
Is this a polar opposite: the innovative policy wonk versus the business-comedy strongman? I'm not sure.
But there is a common denominator in that each side has totally upended politics as we know it, injecting a revolutionary style that appeals to the down and out, no matter how feasible their ability to deliver actually is.
71
Well, Hillary promises nothing so no one will be disappointed when status quo is what they get. She will continue to "hold Wall Street accountable" with small fines they are allowed to use as tax write-offs. Her formula will be the same as Obama's: Mild public shaming of the absolutely shameless as a sop to the populace. She knows it, and they know it, which is why they support her. She will back a minimum wage increase of $12 an hour achieved over a decade and settle for $10 in fifteen years. She's make college affordable by raising Pell Grants $1,000 a semester. Think small, tinker around the edges and smile for the cameras. Hillary wants to get back in to public housing. It's cheaper than the one they have in Georgetown.
104
Sanders cannot effect change, for corporations rule. Whatever democracy he had has been shattered.
1
Why is this person continually a NYT pick commenter? Because she tows the party line. That being, that Sanders is a "fringe" candidate.
People, Sanders is not really a socialist (despite what he may say) - he's not for getting rid of private property. He's a social democrat. And at that, not even that revolutionary of one. So get over it, and vote for him.
Let's see if the NYT actually publishes this.
People, Sanders is not really a socialist (despite what he may say) - he's not for getting rid of private property. He's a social democrat. And at that, not even that revolutionary of one. So get over it, and vote for him.
Let's see if the NYT actually publishes this.
3