This newspaper and almost all other venues are ignoring the blockbuster news of this debate. Trump from the beginning has excoriated every politician of both parties for taking contributions, as only he was "self financing" his election. He never said or implied that it would only be the nomination phase, as the principle that this insulates him from powerful interests was for the entire election including the general against party nominees.
When queried, He responded, " I have not decided yet whether I will accept contributions when I am the party's nominee against Clinton" Not one of those on the dais, who had been demeaned as pandering to those who buy their favors, reacted to this bombshell, and I've only read a single article on Politico about his turn around
This independence, that he cared enough about his country to use a few billion dollars of his own money had impressed me, in spite of my awareness of his severe deficiencies. Now, he is nothing more than a huckster, who has under the guise of patriot, has promoted his brand and spread hatred against those not of the dominant ethnic or religious group in our country.
The tragedy is that the only person who can stop his nomination is a Dominionist Christian, that even among evangelicals is considered a radical and dangerous sect. Cruz is not only willing, but eager to destroy the glue of the world's economic system -- the full faith and credit of the US Dollar, to achieve his ends.
AlRodbell.com
When queried, He responded, " I have not decided yet whether I will accept contributions when I am the party's nominee against Clinton" Not one of those on the dais, who had been demeaned as pandering to those who buy their favors, reacted to this bombshell, and I've only read a single article on Politico about his turn around
This independence, that he cared enough about his country to use a few billion dollars of his own money had impressed me, in spite of my awareness of his severe deficiencies. Now, he is nothing more than a huckster, who has under the guise of patriot, has promoted his brand and spread hatred against those not of the dominant ethnic or religious group in our country.
The tragedy is that the only person who can stop his nomination is a Dominionist Christian, that even among evangelicals is considered a radical and dangerous sect. Cruz is not only willing, but eager to destroy the glue of the world's economic system -- the full faith and credit of the US Dollar, to achieve his ends.
AlRodbell.com
5
Strange - almost all of those who support Trump here write calm and civil comments, and a half of those who oppose Trump use name-calling and juvenile insults... Really strange.
1
I´ve always found it incredible the ignorance of most politicians in the US in relation to Foreign Policy. It has been known , since Reagan´s time , that most politicians learn about foreign lands from The State Dept. of Hollywood. as most probably have never traveled much, even less lived in another land with other people, Of course never speaking a foreign language, Bush is an exception.( For Cruz and Rubio spanish is their mother tongue. ).
And those are the people who decide what happens in the world !!
Truly amazing.
And those are the people who decide what happens in the world !!
Truly amazing.
1
I think Mr. Trump is a bully and a demagogue, appealing to people's baser instincts. That being said, why does it seem that most NYT articles on Trump that purport to be news coverage read like opinion pieces?
The Times disrespects its readers and does itself a disservice when it fails to separate its editorial bias from news. Whatever happened to journalistic objectivity?
The Times disrespects its readers and does itself a disservice when it fails to separate its editorial bias from news. Whatever happened to journalistic objectivity?
1
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian problem, for all the so called naivety of Trump on Foreign Policy and in contrast with Rubio and Cruz, who discarded any possibility of peace accords since their view is that the Palestinian Authority along with Hamas have no interest in peace with Israel but the destruction of Israel, which might also explain Obama's zero progress in this regard, Trump was, at least, open-minded in his desire to try to broker a peace agreement and perhaps a solution. The same can be said about Cuba. The 50 plus year embargo has done nothing except hurt the Cuban people. Trump is right again as was President Obama. Eventually, the Castro regime will fall much more easily as the US allows the Cuban economy to flourish.
On tariffs. the truth is Obama used it to stop the flow of cheap tires from China, and yes China retaliated. But Trump is right that China has very strict rules, pro-China rules that hinders the ability of American companies to do well in China. Even Boeing had to give up technological knowledge to the Chinese in order to have a presence in China-- the eventual goal to make their own jets to compete against Boeing, consistent with China's policy of "stealing" US know-how at any opportunity. The message is that with a Trump Administration the lopsided trades will stop, that the borders will be secured and the laws enforced, particularly with a Republican-controlled Congress.
On tariffs. the truth is Obama used it to stop the flow of cheap tires from China, and yes China retaliated. But Trump is right that China has very strict rules, pro-China rules that hinders the ability of American companies to do well in China. Even Boeing had to give up technological knowledge to the Chinese in order to have a presence in China-- the eventual goal to make their own jets to compete against Boeing, consistent with China's policy of "stealing" US know-how at any opportunity. The message is that with a Trump Administration the lopsided trades will stop, that the borders will be secured and the laws enforced, particularly with a Republican-controlled Congress.
3
It seems that Mr. Trump is selling merely ”beautiful” and ”great” things and the voters are eagerly buying. But as Walter Mondale said ”where’s the beef?”
2
CNN moderators led a lengthy discussion last night about how to "save" social security but never asked how the candidates felt about raising the $116500 wage cap for income contributions. This is the obvious solution and "saved" social security in 1983. Why is this such a well kept secret? Why don't the elites holding the microphone endorse this solution? Could the answer be that they simply don't want to pay? Blaming fox news for American's ignorance is a red herring
6
I read these comments (self-abuse) and it mystifies me at how ignorant these progressive/liberal/leftist's posters blovinate. I take comfort, in knowing that the moderators who do not post 90% of my comments, also do not allow other conservative, well-reasoned, mature, thought-provoking, intelligent posts either.
1
Whether the likes of Trump, Cruz, or Rubio are ranting and raving or "moderating" their voices, the basic stridency of their "message" is really the same! It's the message, as well as the packaging, that should cause sane voters to shun them all.
11
What a damaged human being Trump is, "They're voting out of love." The Donald tells us because he desperately needs it. At his "press conference" he produces steaks, water, wine all stamped with the Trump name to refute Romney's remarks. His skin is so thin, he has to savagely attack anyone who questions him. He promotes violence at his rallies, when it happens he claims no responsibility.
All politicians have flaws. But the Donald has so many. His ideas on race, women are repugnant. He has vague ideas, no actual policy. The world worries that this walking disaster could possibly be elected. Donald ignores all those criticisms, it's only important to him that the crowds at his rallies love him.
All politicians have flaws. But the Donald has so many. His ideas on race, women are repugnant. He has vague ideas, no actual policy. The world worries that this walking disaster could possibly be elected. Donald ignores all those criticisms, it's only important to him that the crowds at his rallies love him.
6
At least, Trump is an honest neanderthal bigot.
I'd take him over "glowing desert" Cruz any day.
The Republican's dog whistle politics since Reagan's first campaign is almost completely responsible for this movement.
President Obama's swallowing of "a rising tide lifts all vessels" dogma in 2009 just added spice to the mix.
That is why I support Bernie over field-marshal bankster Clinton.
http://jeffsachs.org/2016/02/hillary-is-the-candidate-of-the-war-machine/
I'd take him over "glowing desert" Cruz any day.
The Republican's dog whistle politics since Reagan's first campaign is almost completely responsible for this movement.
President Obama's swallowing of "a rising tide lifts all vessels" dogma in 2009 just added spice to the mix.
That is why I support Bernie over field-marshal bankster Clinton.
http://jeffsachs.org/2016/02/hillary-is-the-candidate-of-the-war-machine/
5
This is a dramatic game-changer.
It looked like the Republican Party would be destroying itself between now and the national presidential election in November. Last night's Republican debate was a clear, surprising, and impressive sign that the Party realized it was committing suicide and would be handing the White House to Hillary Clinton if continued as it was; last night told us that the Party, however reluctantly, would get behind Trump and end the circus that had been hurting it and helping Democrats. Democrats need to respect the fact that they will be facing a strong opponent in the fall need to now prevent Bernie Sanders from going too far and doing too much damage to Clinton as she goes through the process of winning the nomination.
See my article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/last-nights-republican-debate-game-change...
It looked like the Republican Party would be destroying itself between now and the national presidential election in November. Last night's Republican debate was a clear, surprising, and impressive sign that the Party realized it was committing suicide and would be handing the White House to Hillary Clinton if continued as it was; last night told us that the Party, however reluctantly, would get behind Trump and end the circus that had been hurting it and helping Democrats. Democrats need to respect the fact that they will be facing a strong opponent in the fall need to now prevent Bernie Sanders from going too far and doing too much damage to Clinton as she goes through the process of winning the nomination.
See my article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/last-nights-republican-debate-game-change...
4
Except they are all still a bunch of sociopathic Neanderthals despite being told to tone it down. How easily you are fooled, sad.
10
So let's see, Ignatz: you resort to name calling and insinuate that the commentator is a fool. How typical.
Brian,
Your comment is intriguing.
Tell me about yourself.
Did you support Hillary's vote for the Iraq War Powers Resolution?
Who are you supporting for 2016, in the end?
Do you think I would be wrong to question HRC's mutual respect with Henry Kissinger?
Would you find the attached piece fodder for the Republicans?
Please enlighten me.
http://jeffsachs.org/2016/02/hillary-is-the-candidate-of-the-war-machine/
Your comment is intriguing.
Tell me about yourself.
Did you support Hillary's vote for the Iraq War Powers Resolution?
Who are you supporting for 2016, in the end?
Do you think I would be wrong to question HRC's mutual respect with Henry Kissinger?
Would you find the attached piece fodder for the Republicans?
Please enlighten me.
http://jeffsachs.org/2016/02/hillary-is-the-candidate-of-the-war-machine/
1
Saying nothing except lies at a lower volume does not change the content.
trump clearly knows nothing about anything. Perhaps worse when he was confronted about his direct incitement of violence against people at his rallies blames the people being beaten. He should face criminal charges for directing people to commit criminal acts, which he is on video doing.
trump clearly knows nothing about anything. Perhaps worse when he was confronted about his direct incitement of violence against people at his rallies blames the people being beaten. He should face criminal charges for directing people to commit criminal acts, which he is on video doing.
5
I wish Trump had refrained from vulgarity, foul language, sexism, bigotry, sexism, bigotry etc. etc. He seems to be the only Candidate unafraid to challenge the status quo and the Establishment who have left their base many times over in the lurch to profit themselves and their rich benefactors. He voices the anger, hopes, aspirations, frustrations and fears of the G.O.P. base. And he seems to be the only one willing to reach across the aisle to do 'People's' business. He has gone as far as mentioning and agreeing to the unthinkable - support for President Obama and not to disrupt the financial stability of Social Security. Sadly, we get the whole package with Trump and he would'nt be the front runner without his ominous idiosyncrasies.
1
I believe Kasich is the best candidate at this point, but he is totally un-electable. Why? Because he is too honorable and will not lie to the public. We would do ourselves a favor by accepting that our social/political problems largely arise because voters do not want to listen to candidates who tell them the truth. They want to listen to people who tell them what they want to hear and avoid the hard truth and facts.
1
Was this debate worse than when Clinton and Sanders have promised to break the law because they were afraid of Jorge Ramos and the audience?
It sure felt like Rubio was kissing the ring, knowing he is going to get pummeled in his own backyard but hoping to live to fight another day,
Surely his occasionally showing up in the Senate and running a lackluster and juvenile campaign makes him the early front runner to be governor of Florida.
Look forward to him denying climate change as the state house floats away.
Surely his occasionally showing up in the Senate and running a lackluster and juvenile campaign makes him the early front runner to be governor of Florida.
Look forward to him denying climate change as the state house floats away.
3
Interesting how Marco Rubio blames ALL problems at the VA on lack of work ethic by the employees. It couldn't possibly be because they're understaffed, could it? Maybe response times for the veteran's help hotline would be more efficient if there were more people working the lines. Is that such a radical thought? While I'm sure there are incompetent employees at the VA, just as there are incompetent members of Congress, blaming what is most likely a small group of individuals for a large problem shows his lack of understanding of the bigger picture. Employing more people and eliminating some of the bureaucracy would go much further than going on a firing spree at one of the most important agencies in our government.
3
As someone who has worked in Washington and is familiar with federal employees, the main problem is accountability and incompetence.
For example: Why is a History major federal employee employed as a technical engineering advisor for US Navy Combat Systems programs who is supposed to be reviewing and assessing contractor's progress?
So the solution to this problem guess what it is? The government hires another contractor to keep taps on the main contractor!! while leaving in place the same incompetent federal employees in charge of the new "overseeing contractor"--yes, courtesy of the taxpayer.
I have seen first hand experience, the incompetence and the absurdity taking place within the Federal Government. In the real world, you fire incompetent people, period.
For example: Why is a History major federal employee employed as a technical engineering advisor for US Navy Combat Systems programs who is supposed to be reviewing and assessing contractor's progress?
So the solution to this problem guess what it is? The government hires another contractor to keep taps on the main contractor!! while leaving in place the same incompetent federal employees in charge of the new "overseeing contractor"--yes, courtesy of the taxpayer.
I have seen first hand experience, the incompetence and the absurdity taking place within the Federal Government. In the real world, you fire incompetent people, period.
On a good day they are somewhat less crazy. Crazy but less than normal. How reassuring. Now compare that to the always smart and rational president you currently have. That should simplify the decision at the voting booth. Then again maybe not.
4
What does the civility portend? Likely, the battle is over, although the winner and runners up have not been announced. Likely, Republicans have already had their brokered convention. All that's left to do is to go through the ritual motions this summer.
Without all the brickbats flying, maybe Trump can now show us what kind of polish he's got, if there is any. Personally I'm pulling for Trump to do it, just to see Lawrence O'Donnell get knocked off his soapbox and teach him that eating crow now and then can be healthy for him.
50% more GOP votes cast vs. Dems in the primaries. All due to Trump. He brings in the voters with entertainment and converts them to supporters. Genius.
1
What I saw last night was a subdued Trump, probably told by the Party to restrain himself; and an aggressive bunch of competitors that want to take his place. As for substance, it is clear Trump would run the country as a business, while the others would change everything to their view of what life should be like for all Americans. Both are wrong, our strength is not just our diversity, but our tolerance of other conflicting views and ability to compromise, and you cannot run a country for profits, trade deals are more complicated than jobs and distrust of our policies in the middle east is not just a Muslim idea.
3
Worst debate yet. There was no blood, which is what I was tuning in for. The dumpster fire has been extinguished.
I presume that "lowering the volume" means that the candidates will hurl half as much feces at each other with half the frequency. Which is a quantitative, if not qualitative, improvement.
3
That "civility" you heard is Donald Trump realizing that his inflammatory tone caused violent physical assaults at his rallies. It's the sound of back pedalling on his calls for physical violence. If he thought that he's exercising "freedom of expression", it's because he's too ignorant to know that "fighting words" are not protected. He should be held liable for any violence at his rallies. At the polling booth.
2
For me, Donald Trump suffers a serious case of - megalomania. Why in the world no one in either the press, the media or the public isn't questioning him or calling his campaign out on this is nothing short of a failure of professional duty.
Donald Trump cares only about one thing. Himself and his half-baked real estate businesses and his family's nepotistic high earnings business kingdom.
Is anybody listening???
Donald Trump cares only about one thing. Himself and his half-baked real estate businesses and his family's nepotistic high earnings business kingdom.
Is anybody listening???
1
Trump suffers for you? Bless his heart!
1
Last night's debate proved one thing: These guys have nothing to say even when they're civil. Hopeless.
3
Perhaps my ears deceived me, but I thought I heard John Kasich say that the Obama administration was acting properly by sending a fleet of warships to the South China sea and Donald Trump say that he agreed with President Obama that the embargo on Cuba should end. Could it be that at least some Republican candidates are finally acknowledging that Obama has done a few things right? Of course, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio would never go that far: their style of politicking allows them only to paint their Democratic opponents as mortal enemies who, like ISIS, must be destroyed or rendered impotent.
5
I have been watching presidential politics since I was a kid when my mom and dad argued about and then split their vote for Kennedy-Nixon. I was in jr high when Goldwater ran and then high school during the chaotic '68 convention in Chicago. I've watched the so-called Reagan revolution, Dukakis riding a military tank, Palin coming up empty in debates, etc. but through it all, I've had a belief that common sense of the American electorate eventually prevails. This year, I think that thought is delusional. I am trying to figure out whether this country has really lost something or whether I was fooling myself all along. But viewing (and I watched every one) of the GOP debates and especially seeing the number of voters who support Trump makes me wonder where my country has gone. The candidates don't scare me- the electorate does.
4
If next Tuesday is the end for Rubio, then everyone will immediately point to his debate meltdown in New Hampshire on Feb. 6 as the reason. This would be incorrect. First, he actually got more of the late-deciding vote in NH (12%) than his overall share of the vote there (10.6%). Second, if NH was the decider of his fate, then he should have sank in South Carolina and Nevada. Instead, he beat out Cruz for second place in both states. Third, NH did not prevent him from consolidating the "establishment" lane because had Rubio finished second there, Kasich would have finished third, and I think Kasich would have stayed in with a third-place finish. He seemed determined from the get-go to stay in to at least Ohio.
So what did do Rubio in? 4 things come to mind:
1. This was simply the wrong year to be an Establishment Republican. He won the lion's share of endorsements and that actually hurt him with the base. Don't forget that outsiders have been 1-2 in Republican polling for the last several months (Trump-Cruz, and before that Trump-Carson).
2. His work on the "Gang of 8" immigration reform bill was absolute poison for a base for whom illegal immigration is perhaps the most important issue.
3. The "small hands" debate in Detroit on March 3 did hurt him quite a bit. He soiled his image in a futile attempt to take down Trump.
4. He had no "lock-down" constituency within the Republican electorate. He was acceptable to many, but loved by few.
So what did do Rubio in? 4 things come to mind:
1. This was simply the wrong year to be an Establishment Republican. He won the lion's share of endorsements and that actually hurt him with the base. Don't forget that outsiders have been 1-2 in Republican polling for the last several months (Trump-Cruz, and before that Trump-Carson).
2. His work on the "Gang of 8" immigration reform bill was absolute poison for a base for whom illegal immigration is perhaps the most important issue.
3. The "small hands" debate in Detroit on March 3 did hurt him quite a bit. He soiled his image in a futile attempt to take down Trump.
4. He had no "lock-down" constituency within the Republican electorate. He was acceptable to many, but loved by few.
1
Last night Marco Rubio missed his best and only chance at winning his home state. He does well when talking about policy but it's a bit late to appeal to the base with that approach. Let's face it. The base doesn't care about policy or facts. They just want a brawler. A guy with some brass. The one thing Marco could have done to change the entire dynamic of the campaign would have been to say "If Donald J. Trump becomes the nominee of the Republican party I will not support him. Period. End of story." I realize that would have been a Hail Mary pass but with 4 days to go while you're 20 points down in your home state there was nothing to lose AND it would have been the punch heard round the world and showed some balls. Sorry Little Marco. You blew it.
3
Rubio, the establishment wind up doll, completely abandoned the latest strategy of attacking Trump. It only brought him down in the polls.
His rally before the debate only brought in a handful of people in a football stadium. Was he expecting to fill the stadium?
His stance on climate change a hallmark to one of many reasons Marco is out of touch with the real world. The fact he was even asked the question in a republican debate was a miracle. His answer proved the man cannot think for himself and is merely a puppet for the like of the Koch brothers. Maybe he should have quoted one of the "scientists" who work for the Koch brothers.
And raising the retirement age eventually to 70? This is the part these politicians simply don't get. Social security is MY MONEY. I don't want to wait until 70 to get it. I may not be functional at 70.
Trump's appeal to many disenfranchised people is clear. There's a lot about him that's concerning in becoming president. But I would take my chances with him knowing he's his own man and nobody is pulling his strings. The fact he's labeled a "liberal" by the wing nuts to his left and right is actually a selling point for me.
His rally before the debate only brought in a handful of people in a football stadium. Was he expecting to fill the stadium?
His stance on climate change a hallmark to one of many reasons Marco is out of touch with the real world. The fact he was even asked the question in a republican debate was a miracle. His answer proved the man cannot think for himself and is merely a puppet for the like of the Koch brothers. Maybe he should have quoted one of the "scientists" who work for the Koch brothers.
And raising the retirement age eventually to 70? This is the part these politicians simply don't get. Social security is MY MONEY. I don't want to wait until 70 to get it. I may not be functional at 70.
Trump's appeal to many disenfranchised people is clear. There's a lot about him that's concerning in becoming president. But I would take my chances with him knowing he's his own man and nobody is pulling his strings. The fact he's labeled a "liberal" by the wing nuts to his left and right is actually a selling point for me.
1
There's a primary in Illinois next Tuesday too. You'd never know it from reading this "rag." Maybe it's time to switch back to local.
1
Trump and Hillary will win...We will now return to our regular scheduled programming.
Donald Trump justifies his overseas manufacturing by saying that it is purely a business decision, that he is merely taking advantage of a situation that allows him to do this. So, when he becomes “the greatest jobs-creating President in history,” what is he going to do to move manufacturing jobs to the US?
As of January 2016, the average factory worker in the US makes $11.69 per hour (according to PayScale). The average Chinese factory worker makes less than a tenth of that (Huffington Post). The cost of living in China is about half that of the US. That means that the average factory worker in China is willing to live at 1/5 the living standard of American workers. They don’t own cars, they don’t have their own apartment or home (they live in barracks), etc. Is the American worker willing to take an 80% cut in their standard of living to bring jobs back to the US? I don’t think so, given the anger that exists because wages have remained flat over the past generation.
Mr. Trump and the other candidates present China as the sole villain, manipulating currency and dumping cheap products in the US to kill American jobs. But most of the products that are imported from China are made by US brands, like Trump’s (and Apple, etc.) who CHOOSE to move their manufacturing elsewhere to make more money. Will Trump make a pledge to move his manufacturing back to the US at a higher cost for the good of the American worker? Not so far.
As of January 2016, the average factory worker in the US makes $11.69 per hour (according to PayScale). The average Chinese factory worker makes less than a tenth of that (Huffington Post). The cost of living in China is about half that of the US. That means that the average factory worker in China is willing to live at 1/5 the living standard of American workers. They don’t own cars, they don’t have their own apartment or home (they live in barracks), etc. Is the American worker willing to take an 80% cut in their standard of living to bring jobs back to the US? I don’t think so, given the anger that exists because wages have remained flat over the past generation.
Mr. Trump and the other candidates present China as the sole villain, manipulating currency and dumping cheap products in the US to kill American jobs. But most of the products that are imported from China are made by US brands, like Trump’s (and Apple, etc.) who CHOOSE to move their manufacturing elsewhere to make more money. Will Trump make a pledge to move his manufacturing back to the US at a higher cost for the good of the American worker? Not so far.
3
If you want to see what the U.S. will be like under a Trump economy, go to Wal-mart or Target, and basically tack on 30% onto every single item you see in the aisles. This includes all of the items that were imported from China, or Vietnam, or Sri Lanka, or Mexico, and yes, it will also include items made right here in the U.S. (if they don't have to compete against cheaper, imported products, why should they forego profits?).
And where will all of these jobs be -- these great, high paying manufacturing jobs? Sure, they may be a few, but not nearly enough to justify the higher prices for everything we're all suddenly having to pay. And even if Carrier, or Ford repatriates a factory, they'll have nowhere near the number of customers that they used to, because unless U.S. customers are suddenly going to buy 2x or 3x as many cars, HVAC units or tractors as they used to, there won't be enough buyers since the overseas customers will have dried up, thanks to the retaliatory tarriffs against U.S. goods.
And worst of all, if we "punish" China enough so that their economy tilts into recession or worse, watch the entire global economy tank. Then you can get ready for massive formerly good-paying manufacturing layoffs.
But then, maybe that's the Trump master plan: to get all of the undocumented workers from Mexico and Central America to "self deport", because there will be no jobs here... for anyone.
Well played, Donald. Pass the steaks and water.
And where will all of these jobs be -- these great, high paying manufacturing jobs? Sure, they may be a few, but not nearly enough to justify the higher prices for everything we're all suddenly having to pay. And even if Carrier, or Ford repatriates a factory, they'll have nowhere near the number of customers that they used to, because unless U.S. customers are suddenly going to buy 2x or 3x as many cars, HVAC units or tractors as they used to, there won't be enough buyers since the overseas customers will have dried up, thanks to the retaliatory tarriffs against U.S. goods.
And worst of all, if we "punish" China enough so that their economy tilts into recession or worse, watch the entire global economy tank. Then you can get ready for massive formerly good-paying manufacturing layoffs.
But then, maybe that's the Trump master plan: to get all of the undocumented workers from Mexico and Central America to "self deport", because there will be no jobs here... for anyone.
Well played, Donald. Pass the steaks and water.
3
We have to listen carefully to these guys, and not be concerned about who "won" the debate and who "sounded" Presidential.
They are not concerned about most people. Only about being elected.
Oratory skills often pass for intelligence and caring for the public good. And, say it loud and quickly enough, and you can sound like an expert.
Marco Rubio has no sense of the real world. Or, he chooses to ignore it for political expediency.
With Marco Rubio, who would increase the social security age even higher, people currenty "his age or younger" won't reach social security retirement age until eventually 70.
What world does he live in where people over 50 or 55 who have lost their jobs can get a new job that can even pay their most basic bills? Or where people over 60 can retain their jobs as the younger generations move into the workforce?
What world does he live in where people working in physical labor jobs can continue to work until even the current early retirement age of 62, never mind longer?
Ted Cruz endorsed privatizing social security without saying the word "privatize."
In Ted Cruz's world, millions of people who live paycheck to paycheck, a reality that will not change in the future, will find extra money to put aside in tax-deferred "new" retirement accounts that they can manage on their own.
However, people living from paycheck to paycheck cannot even contribute to the tax-defered retirement vehicles that are now available to them.
They are not concerned about most people. Only about being elected.
Oratory skills often pass for intelligence and caring for the public good. And, say it loud and quickly enough, and you can sound like an expert.
Marco Rubio has no sense of the real world. Or, he chooses to ignore it for political expediency.
With Marco Rubio, who would increase the social security age even higher, people currenty "his age or younger" won't reach social security retirement age until eventually 70.
What world does he live in where people over 50 or 55 who have lost their jobs can get a new job that can even pay their most basic bills? Or where people over 60 can retain their jobs as the younger generations move into the workforce?
What world does he live in where people working in physical labor jobs can continue to work until even the current early retirement age of 62, never mind longer?
Ted Cruz endorsed privatizing social security without saying the word "privatize."
In Ted Cruz's world, millions of people who live paycheck to paycheck, a reality that will not change in the future, will find extra money to put aside in tax-deferred "new" retirement accounts that they can manage on their own.
However, people living from paycheck to paycheck cannot even contribute to the tax-defered retirement vehicles that are now available to them.
58
Spot on!
Reminds me of the 2012 Romney line: "go ahead, borrow money from your parents and start a business ..."
How can people get so far ahead in the political process without having a clue as to the state of the average American family's financial situation?
Reminds me of the 2012 Romney line: "go ahead, borrow money from your parents and start a business ..."
How can people get so far ahead in the political process without having a clue as to the state of the average American family's financial situation?
4
I just love all of these political hacks who are supported on the backs of us worker bees who have no sense of reality. They are void of common sense and rally have no sense of what it means to be working poor. They are clueless. Rubio and Cruz are hacks at best. Rubio racks up thousands in credit card bills, has a sugar daddy to support him and HIS wife or takes it out of campaign funds. What a racket. We must all come to grips that ALL politicians LIE, like all the time. Take what they say with a very large grain of sand..................that includes the dems too.
Your comments AB are right on target and you haven't even mentioned the fact that the life expectancies of those at the lower levels of income are dramatically shorter than for the upper middle class and the wealthy. I could buy the argument for greater means testing of Social Security benefits to enhance the solvency of the program, but if anything the retirement age should be reduced not increased to help the poor, who need SS the most. Privatizing Social Security would be a massive gift to the already bloated financial service industry.
2
Based on the cable-TV entertainment industry's line-up of so-called "debates" this ratings season, and the paucity of substantive and follow-up questions that the panels of celebrity questioners ask, I'd have to say that "broadcast journalism" has become an oxymoron, and that CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News are an insult to the intelligence of the American electorate, and that they have defiled the profession for which their colleagues from a former era worked so hard to establish.
15
You nailed it, Cowboy. The mass media news networks have become totally invested in and intertwined with the campaigns, dependent on ginning up and amplifying the insanity to sell advertising time. Somewhere in Heaven, Walter Cronkite is weeping.
3
As when Cronkite declared the unconditional surrender of all US forces operating in SE Asia?
The comments about Tiananmen Square are unsettling; once again Kasich is closest to the truth while Trump pretty much said "business with China first, democracy or maybe even humanity second". Trump’s constant chant re: the “art of the deal” is not music to my ears, not outsider status ringing a true tone. It’s a 1% world view, that money comes first and he told us, in case we forget later on, that “I’m a businessman, and I have to do what I have to do,” Wouldn’t that idea fall completely in line with outsourcing, which he says he’s going to stop, like the kid with his finger in the dyke? Also, all that love for country -- what kind of public service has Trump engaged in prior to this; what love for country and fellow Americans was in play, in, say “you’re fired"? Still, the most troublesome comment was about the rallies. He said, essentially, wink-wink, it wasn’t that bad. A president who invokes violence in places of democratic exchange is really truly that bad.
13
Tiananmen Square, happened I believe in 1989? Clinton gave them favored nation status. Based on what exactly? Their sterling record on human rights? Bush let it slide as well as Obama. So you're point is what exactly?
1
Observations from a foreigner:
This was a more substantive debate but what is clear is that every Republican Presidential wannabe would send troops into Syria.
What is not clear - who is the enemy? Is it Assad's forces, the National Defense forces, Alawite militias, Hezbollah, al-Nusra Front, ISIL? Some of these groups are friends with one another, others are enemies. When an American soldier is walking on the ground, how would they know the difference?
I suspect that in the end, if someone shot at an American, that person would be considered an enemy. By the time Americans flee Syria, everyone will be shooting at Americans. There is no precision in war. Americans have no business in Syria.
This is absolutely insane.
This was a more substantive debate but what is clear is that every Republican Presidential wannabe would send troops into Syria.
What is not clear - who is the enemy? Is it Assad's forces, the National Defense forces, Alawite militias, Hezbollah, al-Nusra Front, ISIL? Some of these groups are friends with one another, others are enemies. When an American soldier is walking on the ground, how would they know the difference?
I suspect that in the end, if someone shot at an American, that person would be considered an enemy. By the time Americans flee Syria, everyone will be shooting at Americans. There is no precision in war. Americans have no business in Syria.
This is absolutely insane.
28
Got sick to my stomach hearing these candidates swear to their devotion to Israel. Bought and paid for Rubio uses the catch words, ''the poor innocent Israelis have nobody to negotiate with''. The other Israeli flunky Cruz, brings up the fact that a ''terrorist'' Palestinian murdered an American hero making it sound like the poor hopeless Palestinian knew he was stabbing an American hero, looking to ferment trouble between us the Pals., and the idiot moderators except it as fact, never questioning anybody regarding Israel. Trump used the word, ''neutral'' and is treated like he was a child molester, proving what I have been saying for decades, we were never honest brokers from the getgo. The sad part about this is, not only have the hapless Pals. paid the price for our dishonesty, but because God works in mysterious ways, we and Israel are not living peaceful lives. What we Americans need is one 6 year term, candidates funded by, ''We The People'', and not by the we the trouble making motivated billionaires.
21
In practically everything he says, Trump is proving he's more pro-Israel than maybe he's even aware. Like when he's talking about tough interrogation tactics or going after terrorist's families, he probably got all those ideas after watching the Israelis doing it for so long to the Palestinians. I'll bet he and Bibi are going to get along just fine.
“I’m a businessman, and I have to do what I have to do,”
Right. So money and worker docility come first, not the American worker.
Of course it's cheaper, to manufacture overseas with labor that doesn't even make a dollar a day, or to hire people who are on limited visas so that they are afraid to complain about anything!
The question is, why an earth do his supporters think he's on their side? He's got a track record that shows anything BUT!
Right. So money and worker docility come first, not the American worker.
Of course it's cheaper, to manufacture overseas with labor that doesn't even make a dollar a day, or to hire people who are on limited visas so that they are afraid to complain about anything!
The question is, why an earth do his supporters think he's on their side? He's got a track record that shows anything BUT!
11
Also, retrieving manufacturing jobs from China will actually mean, paying more for stuff at Walmart. Who will that hurt? Low income Americans! Let the Chinese keep those jobs, and let's talk about the education needed for the higher paying jobs of the future.
1
John Kasich acts like the adult in the room--civil and moderate of tone--but do listen to his message: still very conservative. It is just the other 3 candidates are all shrills and extremes. The saddest is that voters have accepted this behaviors.
4
The Republicans plan:
Cut taxes for the Wealthy
Cut taxes for Corporations (the other Republican "people")
Vastly Increase Military spending
Invade the Middle East (again)
Balance the Budget
Anyone who votes for these clowns must have flunked basic arithmetic.
Cut taxes for the Wealthy
Cut taxes for Corporations (the other Republican "people")
Vastly Increase Military spending
Invade the Middle East (again)
Balance the Budget
Anyone who votes for these clowns must have flunked basic arithmetic.
21
News Flash:
"America's High School Graduates Look Like Other Countries' High School Dropouts" in basic math skills.
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/03/10/469831485/americas-high-school...
Let's hear it from the "American Exceptionalism" crowd!!! Before you can recover from a problem, you have to admit that you have one.
"America's High School Graduates Look Like Other Countries' High School Dropouts" in basic math skills.
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/03/10/469831485/americas-high-school...
Let's hear it from the "American Exceptionalism" crowd!!! Before you can recover from a problem, you have to admit that you have one.
4
I find it interesting that Trump supporters will resist any real facts about Trump's actual belief and behaviours... I suspect they don't want to burst their bubble... the fantasy that someone who says things they say may be a fraud.
1. Immigrants taking over our jobs? Trump has applied for a record number of Foreign worker visas for his businesses. For example at his resorts, he applied for 500 foreign worker visas for Mexicans and employed 17 locals in the same time period
2. On shipping jobs overseas. Trump outsources his clothes line production to Mexico and China.
3. Promising to build a wall and to get Mexico to pay for it. The wall will cost $12Bn. Trump says that he can leverage the US's $54Bn trade deficit with Mexico to make them pay. Well he can't. Why? Because most of the $54Bn is made up of private business deals... like Trump's businesses that outsource to Mexico.
4. Muslim's hate us. The only person I've heard running America down is Trump. Yet the economy has recovered at a record rate and unemployment is at a low.
5. He is a man of the people. His four failed bankruptcies within 6 years injured the companies that were owed money and the pensions of all the workers who were relying on those businesses. Yet Trump uses Chapter 11 as a tool and gambles with others peoples' money and lives to make a fast buck.
Trump is a flim flam man that squeezes money out of the 'poorly educated' because they take him at his word.
1. Immigrants taking over our jobs? Trump has applied for a record number of Foreign worker visas for his businesses. For example at his resorts, he applied for 500 foreign worker visas for Mexicans and employed 17 locals in the same time period
2. On shipping jobs overseas. Trump outsources his clothes line production to Mexico and China.
3. Promising to build a wall and to get Mexico to pay for it. The wall will cost $12Bn. Trump says that he can leverage the US's $54Bn trade deficit with Mexico to make them pay. Well he can't. Why? Because most of the $54Bn is made up of private business deals... like Trump's businesses that outsource to Mexico.
4. Muslim's hate us. The only person I've heard running America down is Trump. Yet the economy has recovered at a record rate and unemployment is at a low.
5. He is a man of the people. His four failed bankruptcies within 6 years injured the companies that were owed money and the pensions of all the workers who were relying on those businesses. Yet Trump uses Chapter 11 as a tool and gambles with others peoples' money and lives to make a fast buck.
Trump is a flim flam man that squeezes money out of the 'poorly educated' because they take him at his word.
22
Obama's supporters were equally unwilling to listen to reason. If anything, they should understand more than anyone how easy it is to ignore red flags and only see what you want to see.
Again, there were the silliest arguments made by not only Trump, but by most of the assembled candidates on stage yesterday, without hardly any fact checking by the moderators.
Now also-ran Rubio needs to learn a bit of history, poor guy. He declared that every time that Israel had 'given up some of its territory such as Gaza, Samaria and Judea, Palestinians started wanting more.
Since when, I wonder, were Judea and Samaria - which used to be Transjordania and is now called the West Bank - and Gaza ever considered to a part of Israel proper since its founding in 1948?
As to Trump and his talking about more policy than in prior debates, he never answered how he could achieve any of his goals, falling back on his usual line of only I can make Great Deals, OK, and make America Great again, OK.
Well, and Cruz is still Cruz, as dangerous as Trump, with the exception that he can string a whole sentence together while praising the glory that will be the US under his leadership.
Now also-ran Rubio needs to learn a bit of history, poor guy. He declared that every time that Israel had 'given up some of its territory such as Gaza, Samaria and Judea, Palestinians started wanting more.
Since when, I wonder, were Judea and Samaria - which used to be Transjordania and is now called the West Bank - and Gaza ever considered to a part of Israel proper since its founding in 1948?
As to Trump and his talking about more policy than in prior debates, he never answered how he could achieve any of his goals, falling back on his usual line of only I can make Great Deals, OK, and make America Great again, OK.
Well, and Cruz is still Cruz, as dangerous as Trump, with the exception that he can string a whole sentence together while praising the glory that will be the US under his leadership.
8
These last debates were the best debates so far... but not for the press who think they were boring. What do they want - Bernie and Hilary punching each other on the floor? Cruz throwing glasses at Trump? It is obvious that neither Cruz nor Rubio have any vision for the country, no clue about economics (forget climate change issues), no notion of what compromise means, little intellectual capability, and have only one party line - please don't elect Donald Trump. Bernie wants to tax everyone who is working to pay for everyone who won't or isn't working, and Hilary can't wait to coddle illegals and Muslims, and get her hands on the treasury.
There is no objective press - the NYT and networks are all establishment Democratic Party shills, and Fox is one for the establishment Republicans.
What's happened to our system that we are faced with a press and candidate slate like this?
There is no objective press - the NYT and networks are all establishment Democratic Party shills, and Fox is one for the establishment Republicans.
What's happened to our system that we are faced with a press and candidate slate like this?
3
Reporter: "Mr. Trump - you said you heard from Paul Ryan, have you reached out to anyone in the Republican Party?"
Trump: "I have heard from virtually everybody in the Republican Party."
That's supposed to be an answer to reaching out. Sort of hilarious.
We're supposed to believe "everybody" in the Republican Party has like almost endorsed Trump? Ummm......Mitt, go back to the Northeast or Utah please, and better stay there.
Really? And by the way, wondering how Mitt Romney feels about Paul Ryan's "reach out" to Trump announced publicly by Trump. Kind of makes his ex VP candidate look not so much like a buddy. And therefore, how would their buddyism really have been as Pres and VP, Romney and Ryan?
As far as today. Too bad Ben Carson would not have been given more press time in the debates. We never had the chance to begin to learn anything about his ideas - and ideology. Leave it to a neuro surgeon to say Donald Trump is "cerebral" as he did today. Leave it to Trump to glance at Carson over and over and smile like they are best buddies.
Ah, the political buddy system. How the teams change with the wind, that is hot air wind.
Trump: "I have heard from virtually everybody in the Republican Party."
That's supposed to be an answer to reaching out. Sort of hilarious.
We're supposed to believe "everybody" in the Republican Party has like almost endorsed Trump? Ummm......Mitt, go back to the Northeast or Utah please, and better stay there.
Really? And by the way, wondering how Mitt Romney feels about Paul Ryan's "reach out" to Trump announced publicly by Trump. Kind of makes his ex VP candidate look not so much like a buddy. And therefore, how would their buddyism really have been as Pres and VP, Romney and Ryan?
As far as today. Too bad Ben Carson would not have been given more press time in the debates. We never had the chance to begin to learn anything about his ideas - and ideology. Leave it to a neuro surgeon to say Donald Trump is "cerebral" as he did today. Leave it to Trump to glance at Carson over and over and smile like they are best buddies.
Ah, the political buddy system. How the teams change with the wind, that is hot air wind.
3
And Christ said, "Turn the other cheek." "Love thy neighbor." and "What you do to the lowest among you, you do to me."
Assuming these less than nine second sounds bites were accurate quotations of Christ, where are his followers; what are they saying and doing when confronted by any person with whom they might not agree?
As previously stated you cannot be a good Christian and a Conservative!
Assuming these less than nine second sounds bites were accurate quotations of Christ, where are his followers; what are they saying and doing when confronted by any person with whom they might not agree?
As previously stated you cannot be a good Christian and a Conservative!
10
Jesus never said to reject your free market economy, expand Rome or disobey God's ten laws.
I get sick and tired about these comments that say "Hillary has faults but Ill vote for her..." Every single presidential candidate has faults, she the least of them! She is smart, has good progressive ideas that are realist that will actually be able to be done.
Every other candidate is using the macho man image as if that's all one needs, not a one of them will get as much good done for us.
Every other candidate is using the macho man image as if that's all one needs, not a one of them will get as much good done for us.
18
Most of the "faults" people imagine about Clinton are in fact fiction peddled repeatedly by right wingers until people start to think they have substance. Ask people what has Hillary lied about and they cannot actually offer an example that is not right wing fantasy.
4
Hillary suffers from the familiarity breeds contempt problem. People should open their eyes. Hillary is familiar because more than practically anyone else you can think of she's always been there for women, for children, for workers, for students, for those whose unavoidable circumstances (or pre-existing conditions) have left them vulnerable to predators.
2
As an undecided, well not really undecided...anyone but a Liberal, I watched last night's debate and found that it was, in general, a solidly run affair with ample time for answers to some very challenging questions. The GOP mantra of lower taxes, less government (ergo less waste) and securing our borders which will ensure job creation for any American who wants one is just fine with me.
1
"less government (ergo less waste)"
This mantra is one of the biggest of the big lies that people tell today.
If you buy something, the cost can be broken down into a number of categories. Take health care, for example. The medical publishing company BMJ estimated that "for every dollar pharmaceutical companies spend on "basic research," $19 goes toward promotion and marketing". Are the drug ads that pollute television these days "waste" ? (By the way, the US is just about the only country that allows them.) I think they are.
Corporations "waste" more of your money than government ever could.
This mantra is one of the biggest of the big lies that people tell today.
If you buy something, the cost can be broken down into a number of categories. Take health care, for example. The medical publishing company BMJ estimated that "for every dollar pharmaceutical companies spend on "basic research," $19 goes toward promotion and marketing". Are the drug ads that pollute television these days "waste" ? (By the way, the US is just about the only country that allows them.) I think they are.
Corporations "waste" more of your money than government ever could.
2
One thing Donald Trump is not, is a orator. He paled against the other candidates, especially Rubio who had zingers after zingers.The secret of Trumps success is, he spouts what the people think.Trump is the spokesman for our prejudicial leanings, much like every rabble rouser who came before him.Like every other Rabble Rouser,Scapegoating is a powerful tool it takes our mind off our individual problems, & allows us to blame the weak for our inadequacies.It is a very powerful,aphrodisiac.The problem is they sometimes
come to power, it's history repeating itself.
come to power, it's history repeating itself.
4
This article mentions Trump 60 times, Cruz 9 times, Rubio 11 times, and Kasich 4 times. One could easily skim the article and not know that Kasich is in the room. NY TImes - CANDIDATES POLICIES ON THE ISSUES MATTER! Why not report on all the candidates - especially the one that you endorsed? The media, with the NYT in the lead, has already declared Trump the winner, and your reporting a dis-service to the country. Shame on you. Shame on you. If I was a conspiracy theorist the only conclusion is that you want Trump to win to insure a Democratic victor in November.
2
Donald Trump deserves an Academy Award for her performance so far. He can turn it on and off again at will. His visceral unscripted approach has convinced millions of Americans that he could lead our country. Even if most of the stands he has taken and the things that he has said are all just part of some clever act he has earned my admiration for pulling off such a fabulous performance. And he is so entertaining! The bluster and bravado and macho posturing has been so over the top it almost feels like parody but this is real. Or at least our current incarnation of reality. I just listened to an interview Trump did in 1998 and he's a completely different guy; cordial, charming, but still very affluent and proud of that fact. He only did one bit of name calling when he said that "all lawyers are sleaze." That's the only evidence from the 1998 interview that this is the same person. Amazing. Give this man an Oscar!
2
Since there is, as yet, no way to comment on the trump university coerced evals: since when are students required to SIGN their course evaluations?
Imagine an abuser, forcing victims to sign glowing evaluations of their abuse! That's the equivalent. Victims of fraud and abuse, BULLIED into SIGNING fallacious documents, now used against them in court.
Yes, imagine if pedophiles did it! "They liked it!"
Imagine if robbers or rappers did it. "They loved it!"
Yup... sure, people just love to be scammed. NOT!
Imagine an abuser, forcing victims to sign glowing evaluations of their abuse! That's the equivalent. Victims of fraud and abuse, BULLIED into SIGNING fallacious documents, now used against them in court.
Yes, imagine if pedophiles did it! "They liked it!"
Imagine if robbers or rappers did it. "They loved it!"
Yup... sure, people just love to be scammed. NOT!
2
Trump's the worst presidential candidate ever foisted on the American electorate, someone said.
Far to the contrary. Trump is the best possible candidate America could have on view at the moment because he has helped to expos the existing, disgraceful rot in the Republican Party.
Far to the contrary. Trump is the best possible candidate America could have on view at the moment because he has helped to expos the existing, disgraceful rot in the Republican Party.
8
On the same day that footage emerged of an individual at a Trump rally punching a protester, Mr. Trump said of the episode, “I don’t like it...."
Of course Trump likes it. Didn't he tell his audiences about protesters being "carried out on stretchers" and how he'd like to punch one in the face? Even when he told his bouncers, "Confiscate his coat" (in the middle of winter!) wasn't he inciting violence?
Of course Trump likes it. Didn't he tell his audiences about protesters being "carried out on stretchers" and how he'd like to punch one in the face? Even when he told his bouncers, "Confiscate his coat" (in the middle of winter!) wasn't he inciting violence?
10
Behold the striking intrusion of civility after Republican debate after debate being akin to a cage fight fest.
Must have been the sea air in Miami, an epiphany of sorts among the GOP gang of three plus one, or just mutual exhaustion?
Without Trump sucking up all the oxygen on stage and absent his acting out as a cover for his incompetency and lack of substance what is left over is just that -- leftovers. Rubio is a consummate light weight and Cruz is just another nightmare for the Republican establishment.
The prospects on both sides of the Red-Blue divide fail the credibility test of purposeful moderation. The quintessential American political problem is the ever widening chasm between the right and the left and the wasteland in the center. Our two party lash up is failing the American people in spades evidence the candidates that rise to the top to seek the most crucial political job in the nation.
When the dust settles in December, America will be left with endless reruns of what has failed time and time again to move us beyond institutionalized rancor and endemic political dysfunction.
Must have been the sea air in Miami, an epiphany of sorts among the GOP gang of three plus one, or just mutual exhaustion?
Without Trump sucking up all the oxygen on stage and absent his acting out as a cover for his incompetency and lack of substance what is left over is just that -- leftovers. Rubio is a consummate light weight and Cruz is just another nightmare for the Republican establishment.
The prospects on both sides of the Red-Blue divide fail the credibility test of purposeful moderation. The quintessential American political problem is the ever widening chasm between the right and the left and the wasteland in the center. Our two party lash up is failing the American people in spades evidence the candidates that rise to the top to seek the most crucial political job in the nation.
When the dust settles in December, America will be left with endless reruns of what has failed time and time again to move us beyond institutionalized rancor and endemic political dysfunction.
1
The biggest misnomer in all of this is that they use Lincoln's name to refer to past greatness of the Party....
This election cycle and their behavior would make Abe spin in his grave and then some....
The stunning lack of intolerance, the lack of civility, the appeal to fear has not been veiled anymore...it is out there for all to see.
The Democrats do not have to spend a great deal of money on production of commercials---it has already been scripted and pronounced by Trump & Co.
Many minorities have already said that they will be voting against Trump....given the rhetoric I would say that the percentages for the Democrats will be exceed even that of Obama coalition.
Given Trump's snake oil approach to electioneering it will be very hard to take him seriously in the general election, let alone believe him.
If the country gets "hoodwinked" into voting for Trump for President, we only have ourselves to blame for not listening and understanding who Trump really is....a salesman who appeals to people's worst fears and anger.
Shame on us if it becomes a reality.
This election cycle and their behavior would make Abe spin in his grave and then some....
The stunning lack of intolerance, the lack of civility, the appeal to fear has not been veiled anymore...it is out there for all to see.
The Democrats do not have to spend a great deal of money on production of commercials---it has already been scripted and pronounced by Trump & Co.
Many minorities have already said that they will be voting against Trump....given the rhetoric I would say that the percentages for the Democrats will be exceed even that of Obama coalition.
Given Trump's snake oil approach to electioneering it will be very hard to take him seriously in the general election, let alone believe him.
If the country gets "hoodwinked" into voting for Trump for President, we only have ourselves to blame for not listening and understanding who Trump really is....a salesman who appeals to people's worst fears and anger.
Shame on us if it becomes a reality.
3
Here's a sobering thought: If it were left to the white people in this country, Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. It thus begs the question: What's wrong with the white people in this country?
7
It doesn't "beg" the question; it "gives rise" to the question or "leads" to the question. Sorry - a pet peeve of mine!
Finally! We had a normal debate . Too little too late. The damage and opinions have already been formed based on pathetic behavior and lies by the Republican candidates.
The purpose of debates is to discuss issues and informs the public so it can make an intelligent decision. We blame people for being stupid and ignorant. The people dispensing the information are entirely responsible for this sorry state of affairs. I personally despise the way they manipulate and obfuscate the truth especially when it comes to elections.
The purpose of debates is to discuss issues and informs the public so it can make an intelligent decision. We blame people for being stupid and ignorant. The people dispensing the information are entirely responsible for this sorry state of affairs. I personally despise the way they manipulate and obfuscate the truth especially when it comes to elections.
2
My brief but spectacular assessment:
(1) Trump has little if any depth as regards policy in almost every area -- foreign affairs, economics, etc. Bluffing is the policy of choice.
(2) Cruz is crash and burn in nearly all policy areas -- make the sand glow. He represents the current rendition of the "southern strategy".
(3) Rubio speaks with apparent knowledge and certainty on policy, but seems to be ignorant of what is to be learned from recent history. For example, his view of relationship with Cuba ignores the obvious fact that we have commonly dealt with nations that didn't embrace our values (e.g. China, USSR, etc.). Another ten years and study might remedy his malady, if political ambitions abate somewhat.
(4) On an ongoing basis Kasich has been the comparative adult, but without results or a serious effect. As a consequence his former political activities have been spared serious scrutiny. No matter.
(1) Trump has little if any depth as regards policy in almost every area -- foreign affairs, economics, etc. Bluffing is the policy of choice.
(2) Cruz is crash and burn in nearly all policy areas -- make the sand glow. He represents the current rendition of the "southern strategy".
(3) Rubio speaks with apparent knowledge and certainty on policy, but seems to be ignorant of what is to be learned from recent history. For example, his view of relationship with Cuba ignores the obvious fact that we have commonly dealt with nations that didn't embrace our values (e.g. China, USSR, etc.). Another ten years and study might remedy his malady, if political ambitions abate somewhat.
(4) On an ongoing basis Kasich has been the comparative adult, but without results or a serious effect. As a consequence his former political activities have been spared serious scrutiny. No matter.
3
The change of tone was calculated and totally unconvincing. To hear the narcissism (and all other things ugly) coming from the leading candidate is thoroughly nauseating irregardless of whether it comes via yelling and name calling or soft-speak. And the others (Kasich aside) seem no more capable or ready to be President than they did when they were making little peepie jokes.
20
So Trump hires foreign workers over Americans and has many of his products manufactured overseas and he excuses it all by saying, “I’m a businessman, and I have to do what I have to do,” but if another businessman does the same thing he's all, "these people are selling out the country to China!!! They're disgraceful!!! Agh!!! Hulk smash!!!"
What the heck is up with that? Classic do as I say not as I do garbage.
It's already clear as day that Trump's actions don't line up with his promises. If he wins the White House I'm betting his supporters are going to learn very quickly that he's just as dishonest as all the other politicians out there.
Get ready to hear his supporters saying, "where are the new jobs for white people Trump? I thought you were going to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. I thought you were going to punish China and Japan! Where's the wall Trump? Where's the mass deportation you promised? Where's the ban on Muslims? How come it's taking you more than a month to defeat ISIS? I thought you were going to kill their families? I thought you were bringing waterboarding back. I thought you were going to overhaul the healthcare system!"
What the heck is up with that? Classic do as I say not as I do garbage.
It's already clear as day that Trump's actions don't line up with his promises. If he wins the White House I'm betting his supporters are going to learn very quickly that he's just as dishonest as all the other politicians out there.
Get ready to hear his supporters saying, "where are the new jobs for white people Trump? I thought you were going to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. I thought you were going to punish China and Japan! Where's the wall Trump? Where's the mass deportation you promised? Where's the ban on Muslims? How come it's taking you more than a month to defeat ISIS? I thought you were going to kill their families? I thought you were bringing waterboarding back. I thought you were going to overhaul the healthcare system!"
6
"Candidates lower the volume."
Is there a volume that makes torture or climate-change denial OK?
Is there a volume that allows for manipulation of religion to attract voters?
Is there a volume where the whisper of a viper makes its venom safe?
Is there a volume that makes torture or climate-change denial OK?
Is there a volume that allows for manipulation of religion to attract voters?
Is there a volume where the whisper of a viper makes its venom safe?
6
Man I'm sick of the general platform of lies that Republicans have created to operate on and continue to spin around any way they need to get the type of votes they seek.
If slavery still existed they would be the ones against abolishment. When all of the land ice melts and raises sea level unbelievably high they will be the ones who say, "It was gonna happen anyway".
Liars lie and these people are liars.
If slavery still existed they would be the ones against abolishment. When all of the land ice melts and raises sea level unbelievably high they will be the ones who say, "It was gonna happen anyway".
Liars lie and these people are liars.
2
Marco Rubio's world view demands free and fair elections in Cuba, freedom of expression in Cuba, human rights to be preserved and upheld in Cuba. When it comes to Muslims, he does not make the same demands. How can he make these claims on Cuba while ignoring the human catastrophe that is happening in Egypt. Summary executions, disappearances, clamping down on the media, wanton murder of Muslim Brotherhood members, an autocratic Sissy calling the shots. It looks like Marco wants his fellow hispanics to enjoy rights that he feels Muslims in Egypt don't deserve. Donald Trump seems more humane in this respect than the chosen boy of the GOP establishment.
A rare example of Donald Trump cooperating with the party.
1
The good news is Trump behaved himself in the debate. He showed restraint and deliberation of thought. The bad news is Trump behaved himself in the debate. He showed restraint and deliberation of thought. It means he's a learner-along-the-way.
"Donald Trump will be a serious GOP nominee and an ever more dangerous Republican candidate for the Democratic Party to run against in the general election for the presidency of the United States." - American Zeitgeist
"Donald Trump will be a serious GOP nominee and an ever more dangerous Republican candidate for the Democratic Party to run against in the general election for the presidency of the United States." - American Zeitgeist
Watch out independents and those who have not yet fully made up their minds about who to vote for. This dialing down debate that was more policy oriented is an attempt to dial back to the center in order to attract you, the undecided and independent. Make no mistake, their true intentions were on full display for the past 7+ years. Don't believe the few words being mouthed now. Be wary of the gift these men are bringing you. Be very careful.
4
Trump can say ridiculous things (toooootallly ignorant) such as lauding China's might in killing lots of pro-democracy kids in Tienanmen Square, because his supporters don't know anything about TS. Some supporters on Twitter thought it was in Germany. No joke.
2
Marco Rubio repeatedly invoked the names of India and China while opposing regulation to control Green house Gas. But he conveniently left out the fact that to total emission from India is less than 1/3 of the Global Average.
Per capita emission in USA is 17.62 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide per Person, in China it is 6.52 Metric Tons and in India it is 1.45 metric tons.
http://www.wri.org/blog/2014/11/6-graphs-explain-world%E2%80%99s-top-10-...
Excerpts from the link above
‘Emissions on a per capita basis bring contributions to climate change down to an individual level. Looking at this metric, the order of our top 10 emitters changes considerably.
Among the top 10 absolute emitters, only two have per capita emissions that are below the world average. Canada, the United States, and Russia emit more than double the global average per person. On the other end of the spectrum, India’s per capita emissions are only one-third of the global average’
China, even though the Emission is more that USA, per capita emission is considerably less that USA.
So MR. Rubio give the correct picture as to what the residents of United states are doing that is contributing to the Global warming on such a large scale. India and China too are going ahead with measures to lower greenhouse Gas emissions even though their per capita emission is substantially less than that of USA
Per capita emission in USA is 17.62 Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide per Person, in China it is 6.52 Metric Tons and in India it is 1.45 metric tons.
http://www.wri.org/blog/2014/11/6-graphs-explain-world%E2%80%99s-top-10-...
Excerpts from the link above
‘Emissions on a per capita basis bring contributions to climate change down to an individual level. Looking at this metric, the order of our top 10 emitters changes considerably.
Among the top 10 absolute emitters, only two have per capita emissions that are below the world average. Canada, the United States, and Russia emit more than double the global average per person. On the other end of the spectrum, India’s per capita emissions are only one-third of the global average’
China, even though the Emission is more that USA, per capita emission is considerably less that USA.
So MR. Rubio give the correct picture as to what the residents of United states are doing that is contributing to the Global warming on such a large scale. India and China too are going ahead with measures to lower greenhouse Gas emissions even though their per capita emission is substantially less than that of USA
3
I heard Rubio defend his debate position on CNN later. Smerconish got it exactly right when he said, "So Rubio's position is what? Do nothing?"
1
Just because someone affects a sagacious tone, it doesn't mitigate their extremist positions.
I've noticed Trump dialing down the volume in an attempt to appear more statesmanlike and thoughtful. Cruz is doing the same, despite his lunacy. Rubio is a hallmark card. Kasich is the avuncular outsider who still believes that businesses are okay to discriminate against GLBT Americans, and that women can't be trusted with their own bodies.
Every person on that stage is foaming at the mouth about ISIS, and Muslims, and global threats that they blow way out of proportion. Listening to these GOP candidates, one would think that World War Three is going to break out any second. If we put one of them in the White House, they'd probably make sure that it did.
Despite a more respectful "tone" the extremism of their positions are still firmly in place. All of them blame either Obama, Clinton, or "the government" for all of the ills in our society. Climate change is now, maybe not a myth, but certainly not "due to human activity" (despite most scientific evidence saying that it is), and besides, you can't "pass laws against nature". Nor, apparently, can you dream up ignorance like this if you tried.
This isn't statesmanship. This is lunacy with a thin, car salesman veneer. I hope the majority of the American people are smart enough to see past the narrow world view of the Republican party, and their screaming alarmist rhetoric. This is no longer funny. This is sincerely dangerous.
I've noticed Trump dialing down the volume in an attempt to appear more statesmanlike and thoughtful. Cruz is doing the same, despite his lunacy. Rubio is a hallmark card. Kasich is the avuncular outsider who still believes that businesses are okay to discriminate against GLBT Americans, and that women can't be trusted with their own bodies.
Every person on that stage is foaming at the mouth about ISIS, and Muslims, and global threats that they blow way out of proportion. Listening to these GOP candidates, one would think that World War Three is going to break out any second. If we put one of them in the White House, they'd probably make sure that it did.
Despite a more respectful "tone" the extremism of their positions are still firmly in place. All of them blame either Obama, Clinton, or "the government" for all of the ills in our society. Climate change is now, maybe not a myth, but certainly not "due to human activity" (despite most scientific evidence saying that it is), and besides, you can't "pass laws against nature". Nor, apparently, can you dream up ignorance like this if you tried.
This isn't statesmanship. This is lunacy with a thin, car salesman veneer. I hope the majority of the American people are smart enough to see past the narrow world view of the Republican party, and their screaming alarmist rhetoric. This is no longer funny. This is sincerely dangerous.
4
For the country's sake here's hoping that they go back to name calling and vulgarity. The worst thing that can happen is for professional handlers to get a hold of Trump and make him appear like a reasonable choice for President. For Democrats it's best that the larger voting public is reminded again and again of what the GOP is really about. If Trump can be managed to be "civil" and measured in public it will serve to highlight Hillary's (or Bernie's) weaknesses as candidates. Of which they both have many. Too many voters thought w bush was a nice guy, "compassionate conservative", great guy to have a beer with. Right. Attention must be paid.
3
Rubio is correct about the polls. Only Trump loses to Clinton in national polls. Cruz and Rubio both win against her.
Also the GOP is the more democratic party in re the nomination. The Democrats' super delegates represent the DNC against the people. They could and probably will decide the nomination.
Also the GOP is the more democratic party in re the nomination. The Democrats' super delegates represent the DNC against the people. They could and probably will decide the nomination.
If you want a politician as POTUS there are plenty of them. And they all seem totally exactly the same when compared to Trump. You want talk or action? You want a nice debater or a proven real world real results negotiator? You want real world accountability using his own money or zero accountability and using tax payer money?
Trump has had a 50% national lead on his nearest rival for 9 months. He just smoked the "best and brightest" pols. He knows how to win. Dems should be very worried.
Trump has had a 50% national lead on his nearest rival for 9 months. He just smoked the "best and brightest" pols. He knows how to win. Dems should be very worried.
The true tragedy of this election is how many people in the United States believe in the nonsense that these candidates emote. I know Rubio had to speak to the Cuban Americans in the crowd, but it sure felt like he was on the planet of happy thoughts instead of the reality of the world today.
1
When questioned about his demeanor, Trump has responded he can act (be?) more presidential when the time comes (one might guess he means when he wins the election).
Well, here he is, improved and behaving, displaying a modicum of manners. The fact that he delivered little of substance makes no difference ... the Trump supporters will herald his new-found decorum. As Ms Palin so famously said, you can put lipstick on a pig .......
Well, here he is, improved and behaving, displaying a modicum of manners. The fact that he delivered little of substance makes no difference ... the Trump supporters will herald his new-found decorum. As Ms Palin so famously said, you can put lipstick on a pig .......
Last night we had the neutered version of Donald Trump.
Now, the obvious question people have to ask themselves is who is the real Donald Trump, the jerk and bully that we have seen in all the previous umpteen debates, campaign appearances, interviews and television show apprentice or this one night of a muzzled Chihuahua?
The one take away from last nights debate is that nothing of real substance was put forth by these dysfunctional do nothing obstructionists Republican's, who have not provided this country with any substantive ideas or policies of value for at least the last 20 years.
Now, the obvious question people have to ask themselves is who is the real Donald Trump, the jerk and bully that we have seen in all the previous umpteen debates, campaign appearances, interviews and television show apprentice or this one night of a muzzled Chihuahua?
The one take away from last nights debate is that nothing of real substance was put forth by these dysfunctional do nothing obstructionists Republican's, who have not provided this country with any substantive ideas or policies of value for at least the last 20 years.
1
The Donald is right. Cruz, Rubio, and Kasich are cowards. They are afraid to be not be 'politically correct'. But in their case, it's their own base that they're afraid of. Rubio timidly advanced the idea that not all Muslims are full of hate, but he's afraid to 'tell it like it is' and identify the source as a fascist, demagogue, and bully - the real source of hate - for fear that he'll be punished by the far-right base that Republicans need to win primaries.
Fortunately, the Democratic nominee won't have this problem. That's why the Republican's are the closest thing America has to a "failed state".
Fortunately, the Democratic nominee won't have this problem. That's why the Republican's are the closest thing America has to a "failed state".
1
Frankly,I'm at the point where I've almost run out of things to say about these debates and nominations ( on both sides but particularly the Republican). Frightening and depressing would perhaps best sum up my feelings after watching ( often in disbelief) these spectacles. The extreme ( simplistic) rhetoric particularly on foreign policy is simply jaw dropping.It's also frightening and depressing that such large numbers of Americans clearly and enthusiastically support such views.
Clearly the candidates are quite happy for America to remain the world's bully and braggart,reinforcing the time honored view from within that America has a divine right to trample around the world.Hopefully there remain ( perhaps the more educated )people in America who still understand the power of diplomacy and dialogue.
Clearly the candidates are quite happy for America to remain the world's bully and braggart,reinforcing the time honored view from within that America has a divine right to trample around the world.Hopefully there remain ( perhaps the more educated )people in America who still understand the power of diplomacy and dialogue.
23
Trump was right about Cuba. Trump was right to call Putin a strong leader for Russia. Trump was right to say the Palestinians should not be alienated if peace is to be achieved over contested lands, being pro Israel should not be an impediment to peace. Trump is right about Mexico. Only recently, journalists have been murdered brutally by the cartels, their bodies thrown by roadsides. It has come out that successive Mexican government leaders have accommodated the cartels and have even been involved in cartel shenanigans. What are we doing supporting a criminal enterprise, such as Mexico and other central American nations, that have systematically undermined and abused their citizens? These nations are clearly plutocracies that exist for the robber barons and hence the human flight to America. The leaders of these nations, several, have been educated in America and our influence over them is dismal and our ability to change their human rights record for the better seems to be nil. Besides, Trump is right about the trade deficit we have with Mexico and about how businesses have shifted to Mexico for cheap labor and how despite that shift the flight outward, of human capital to us continues, although because of our own economic woes it has slowed recently. I hate Mr.Trump's style and his incendiary rhetoric but I don't want to demean his whole message for his methods. He is not well versed in foreign policy but he is right about the tricks of the trade of China.
10
And what country are you from?
Trump is also a racist, a con man, a liar, a sociopath. He is probably right about some things. But he's clearly a damaged human being. He is only concerned about his own needs. If he gets the nomination, watch how he'll change positions on everything, starting with big money. His I can't be bought message- no longer true.
1
"While Mr. Cruz spoke fiercely on Israel’s behalf, perhaps mindful of Jewish voters in Florida, Mr. Rubio was more polite toward Mr. Trump, suggesting that perhaps he misunderstood that being neutral could undercut Israel’s interests and security."
Not mindful of Jewish voters, mindful of Evangelical voters, who strongly support Israel because, according to the Bible, Israel exists when the End Times occur.
Not mindful of Jewish voters, mindful of Evangelical voters, who strongly support Israel because, according to the Bible, Israel exists when the End Times occur.
2
I guess all their handlers finally told them all they needed to act "presidential" after all the grade school bullying that has passed for all their other debates. Too little- too late. You cannot undo the impression that everyone has of these louts- low class idiots. That ship has sailed long ago.
In terms of their actual policies- they're so destructive and wrong which would result in escalation of wars and global trade wars with higher prices, no ACA, reneging on agreements to limit carbon pollution and reneging on the iran deal which would destroy America's credibility to make any treaties anywhere and of course, stack the SCOTUS with another one or two right wing nut jobs....I think these know nothings would be better off just throwing tantrums so people don't realize how terrible and destructive they would be as president. I guess that ship has sailed also.
In terms of their actual policies- they're so destructive and wrong which would result in escalation of wars and global trade wars with higher prices, no ACA, reneging on agreements to limit carbon pollution and reneging on the iran deal which would destroy America's credibility to make any treaties anywhere and of course, stack the SCOTUS with another one or two right wing nut jobs....I think these know nothings would be better off just throwing tantrums so people don't realize how terrible and destructive they would be as president. I guess that ship has sailed also.
1
In your article entitled “In Republican Debate, Candidates Lower Volume as 5 Key Primaries Near” you mention Trump 43 times, Rubio 12 times, Cruz 7 times and Kasich 4 times. In other words, Trump was the subject or object of 65% of all mentions of candidates by name. With this kind of coverage, no wonder he dominates the polls.
1
The Donald is of course a bit of a caricature of himself. And Ted Cruz is creepy beyond words. Kasich is a decent guy, but has no chance at the nomination or winning in the general election.
But the candidate I find really scary is Marco Rubio. Last night, he was a completely different person! This guy is just a puppet for the Republican establishment. He is being groomed and coached professionally and I do not believe he is authentic. I call him the 'Gumby' of the Republican establishment. Totally malleable.
As much as I hate to say it, Trump is the only candidate who could possibly beat Hillary Clinton in a general election. And it's far from a slam dunk. A sad reality for those of us whose motto is: #anybodybuthillaryclinton
But the candidate I find really scary is Marco Rubio. Last night, he was a completely different person! This guy is just a puppet for the Republican establishment. He is being groomed and coached professionally and I do not believe he is authentic. I call him the 'Gumby' of the Republican establishment. Totally malleable.
As much as I hate to say it, Trump is the only candidate who could possibly beat Hillary Clinton in a general election. And it's far from a slam dunk. A sad reality for those of us whose motto is: #anybodybuthillaryclinton
Amazing that the RNC chairman had to tell his candidates "no more size-of-genitals allusions." What an odious lineup they are. America's smackdown in the general election of what the GOP has come to represent is the greatest thing America can do for itself.
1
These war-mongering idiots just cannot see the forest for the trees. It never occurred to any of these dolts that the more the USA meddles and interferes around the world the more frequently groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda will pop up. I despise every last one of these men.
5
Could somebody please point out that large swaths of Miami, FLORIDA -- streets, homes, basements, stores -- are now regularly flooded and under water after "ordinary" storms because of the rising oceans resulting from global warming? Fact check, U.S. Senator from FLORIDA, Marco Rubio, please?
4
Maybe you can take abuse out of a Party debate but you can't take the abusers out of the Party.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
1
These are no longer debates - they are theater.
3
It's a sad day when the highlight of last night's Republican "debate" was that the language was not filled with what passes for humor more befitting a locker room than a political debate by one of the two major parties of the United States. Sad, and pathetic.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
2
==> With the vitriol and name-calling stripped away, this debate actually allowed the candidates to showcase their ideas and depth of knowledge. In this forum, Donald Trump's shallowness and lack of substance were cast in a harsh light. . . . .
1
The sleaze. The hypocrisy. The duplicitous alternation of hate speech and a silver tongue. The manipulation of voters through altar-call innuendos. This year the GOP candidates have stooped to the worst sort of language games and dog whistles.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
4
Maybe the country is ready for a real change. We elect a president who can choose and work with a good cabinet and department heads. Clinton really disqualified herself as Secretary of State in three ares: conflict of interest activities with the Clinton Foundation, double-standard showing an imperial
tendency (telling staffers to be sure to use official email channels), and taking the Iraq policy into Libya (another failed state, more base for terrorism).
Didn't I read today in the Times that Kerry initiated one of the investigations into the email question? Sanders could well continue much of Obama's administration, which many voters in the Democratic primary want. For example, Sanders could keep Kerry as Secretary of State. He could have Representative Tulsi Gabbard as VP candidate (Iraq war vet, young, female, courageous, former official of DNC.) Obviously he would keep ACA while building the coalition to go for single-payer. Continue to educate Americans that if we evolve our foreign policy and militarism, we could have more funds for nation-building at home. It goes without saying that a Sanders administration would lead with civility and sensitivity to the experience of African Americans and others. And last but not least, his administration would connect the dots with these issues and with the main threat to everyone: climate change and the need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, have goals for efficiency and renewables.
tendency (telling staffers to be sure to use official email channels), and taking the Iraq policy into Libya (another failed state, more base for terrorism).
Didn't I read today in the Times that Kerry initiated one of the investigations into the email question? Sanders could well continue much of Obama's administration, which many voters in the Democratic primary want. For example, Sanders could keep Kerry as Secretary of State. He could have Representative Tulsi Gabbard as VP candidate (Iraq war vet, young, female, courageous, former official of DNC.) Obviously he would keep ACA while building the coalition to go for single-payer. Continue to educate Americans that if we evolve our foreign policy and militarism, we could have more funds for nation-building at home. It goes without saying that a Sanders administration would lead with civility and sensitivity to the experience of African Americans and others. And last but not least, his administration would connect the dots with these issues and with the main threat to everyone: climate change and the need to keep fossil fuels in the ground, have goals for efficiency and renewables.
1
Trump's defense of his use of H1-B visas "I'm a businessman, and I have to do what I have to do" is classic business hypocrisy. It's the same defense used for underpaying workers, refusing to clean up the environment and ruthlessly manipulating workers' hours to avoid providing benefits. And the others on stage gave him a pass on that lame explanation.
And these guys call Clinton unethical?
And these guys call Clinton unethical?
47
American registered voters or yet-to-be voters face an "annus horribilis" as once said by current English Queen: We must as fellow Americans, not in fear, delve into the contentiousness of the two party
system and ask ourselves as did JFK ask us on inauguration day 1961 where snow was creating chaos in
The Capitol--ask not-- but what can we as the electorate "do for our country"? The "snow" has transformed
candidates & undecided voters into " Dr. Jekylls & Mr. Hydes" where there is no retreat or andedote. With
every day we are reminded that we have not drawn nearer to the truth, partial discovery perhaps, thus we
doom ourselves to a dreadful shipwreck that indeed that America is not truly one but truly two! As former President Clinton once said "What IS is" and the dream our founding fathers had for this Nation under God has become a nightmare. Objectively, I don't believe we desire to awaken. That is
tragic as the fault lies within ourselves and potential future leaders who are not giving us inspiration to want us awake, just wallow deeper into division.
system and ask ourselves as did JFK ask us on inauguration day 1961 where snow was creating chaos in
The Capitol--ask not-- but what can we as the electorate "do for our country"? The "snow" has transformed
candidates & undecided voters into " Dr. Jekylls & Mr. Hydes" where there is no retreat or andedote. With
every day we are reminded that we have not drawn nearer to the truth, partial discovery perhaps, thus we
doom ourselves to a dreadful shipwreck that indeed that America is not truly one but truly two! As former President Clinton once said "What IS is" and the dream our founding fathers had for this Nation under God has become a nightmare. Objectively, I don't believe we desire to awaken. That is
tragic as the fault lies within ourselves and potential future leaders who are not giving us inspiration to want us awake, just wallow deeper into division.
Regarding Trump's response to the question about the sucker puncher at a rally on Tuesday, that "I don't like it," (let's be more civil than Trump deserves and call it disingenuous), was hardly adequate. What was conveniently omitted from that encounter, the puncher admitting on camera that he had done it and saying that if the protester showed up again, "I might have to kill him." Trump has repeatedly, after all, found that saying something on the order of "I'd like to punch him in the face myself" a guaranteed applause line at practically every speaking engagement. Oh, and offering to the fines for anyone who crossed legal lines for Trump's honor. That wouldn't encourage anyone to step over a line, would it?
I wonder if this particular incident might be a primary reason for last night's encounter looking more like an afternoon tea than an MMA cage brawl. And I wonder what Trump's (and Cruz's and Rubio's) response would have been had the entire episode been shown in lead up to the question. All of a sudden the belligerence of the past 8 months turns conciliatory. They had no idea they have been throwing raw meat to the most radical and racist elements of America's dark side? There are people who would murder for no reason other than skin color or for disagreeing and protesting at a political rally? Who woulda thought it?
The man involved in this incident is but one of many that Trump and Cruz and Rubio must take a measure of responsibility for.
I wonder if this particular incident might be a primary reason for last night's encounter looking more like an afternoon tea than an MMA cage brawl. And I wonder what Trump's (and Cruz's and Rubio's) response would have been had the entire episode been shown in lead up to the question. All of a sudden the belligerence of the past 8 months turns conciliatory. They had no idea they have been throwing raw meat to the most radical and racist elements of America's dark side? There are people who would murder for no reason other than skin color or for disagreeing and protesting at a political rally? Who woulda thought it?
The man involved in this incident is but one of many that Trump and Cruz and Rubio must take a measure of responsibility for.
2
Carson to Endorse Trump on Friday
For a few seconds this morning, somehow I thought this headline was about Mr. Carson of Downton. But I immediately realized he would rather hurt himself with something borrowed from Mrs. Patmore than do something like this. That's how I knew that they are talking about Ben Carson.
For a few seconds this morning, somehow I thought this headline was about Mr. Carson of Downton. But I immediately realized he would rather hurt himself with something borrowed from Mrs. Patmore than do something like this. That's how I knew that they are talking about Ben Carson.
1
Praising the atrocities at Tiananmen Square, insisting Islam "hates us," suggesting we need to change international law to accommodate torture and other crimes against humanity, glibly shrugging off the reality of climate change with brazen ignorance, defending violence at rallies by suggesting that people are upset about (of all things) bad trade deals, calling Putin a "strong" person who at least can lead, and promising war, war, war.
These are the things that pass for "civilized" at a Republican debate.
These are the things that pass for "civilized" at a Republican debate.
2
I just canceled my NYT subscription, which I have had since 2011, due to the apparent and highly distracting liberal bias of coverage during the election. Trump in particular has been cornered by the NYT time after time. It's just annoying. Cheers, community. I've greatly enjoyed reading your comments.
6
Trump's solution for everything is to "make better deals" because "they're killing us." Meanwhile he repeatedly brought into evidence with his few policy forays that he doesn't have a clue about anything.
Our GDP was zero for the last two quarters? I didn't realize that total U.S. economic output suddenly stopped, zero, nada. We certainly would have noticed if all economic activity stopped wouldn't we?
Now he will do whatever the generals say like send 20,000 - 30,000 troops into Syria and Iraq.
I love Israel, there's no bigger supporter on this stage of Israel, I give them money - yet I can be an unbiased broker between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Well cut waste fraud and abuse in Social Security (a tiny fraction of its long term solvency problems) to fix it. And then we'll impose tariffs on goods coming into the county - that will fix it too.
The Carson endorsement on Friday is a side-show of a side-show.
Can we please move on?
Our GDP was zero for the last two quarters? I didn't realize that total U.S. economic output suddenly stopped, zero, nada. We certainly would have noticed if all economic activity stopped wouldn't we?
Now he will do whatever the generals say like send 20,000 - 30,000 troops into Syria and Iraq.
I love Israel, there's no bigger supporter on this stage of Israel, I give them money - yet I can be an unbiased broker between the Palestinians and Israelis.
Well cut waste fraud and abuse in Social Security (a tiny fraction of its long term solvency problems) to fix it. And then we'll impose tariffs on goods coming into the county - that will fix it too.
The Carson endorsement on Friday is a side-show of a side-show.
Can we please move on?
No need to watch or listen. However, an interesting aside--a friend told me that she'd been robocalled within the past week--apparently the Party was floating Condi Rice for favorability as a potential candidate? VP pick? Who knows. Maybe they will embrace the Crazy and try to put a check-the-box face in to prop up the Rot (though Dr. Rice as always said she isn't interested in public office, and there'd be the Iraq/Bush debacle to try and explain away, which also sunk Jeb.) At this point, the whole thing is insufferable, and I can't be the only one who just wants this to be over. Vote Blue.
1
Not one of these men realized that he is the greatest threat to our National Security. I'm voting for a Democrat, any Democrat.
1
And yet the question never comes up about how cutting taxes ends up balancing the budget, when the facts show that tax cuts increase the deficit; That is what has happened ever since Reagan. Tax cuts and widening deficits yet no one is challenged with the empirical evidence.
2
For me, the best debate this season on either side, by far
. . . and all the pundits can say is that it was boring
For starters, every single candidate still in the race in both parties are lying like crazy. But to me, the fault lies in the voters. Democrats expect/demand leftwing lies, and GOP voters expect/demand rightwing lies. And if you're not spouting your party's 'approved' talking-points, then you're dead meat in the voters eyes.
Example: The person that most low-information voters would judge to be the most honest, is Kasich, and his reward is that he he has the lowest delegate total of ANYBODY still left in the race on either side (if he wasn't Gov of Ohio then he'd already be gone)
Cruz is the best Debater that I've ever seen in my lifetime. 75% of what he says is either a defacto-lie, or a downright-lie;
. . . but his arguments and delivery are extremely convincing to low information people
Rubio has become a supreme political communicator, and an incredible bounce-back, comeback-kid. His growth as a political speaker in the last few years is breathtaking. Somewhere somebody like Karl Rove has been schooling him, and he has been an excellent student. {Ms Palin could have done the same thing, but she was too vain & lazy, and she got semi-rich and famous without putting in any effort}
For me, as a Progressive, Trump is actually the most honest of them all, but its a weird way that he works it. Basically his strategy is not to give out a lot of specific promises
. . . and all the pundits can say is that it was boring
For starters, every single candidate still in the race in both parties are lying like crazy. But to me, the fault lies in the voters. Democrats expect/demand leftwing lies, and GOP voters expect/demand rightwing lies. And if you're not spouting your party's 'approved' talking-points, then you're dead meat in the voters eyes.
Example: The person that most low-information voters would judge to be the most honest, is Kasich, and his reward is that he he has the lowest delegate total of ANYBODY still left in the race on either side (if he wasn't Gov of Ohio then he'd already be gone)
Cruz is the best Debater that I've ever seen in my lifetime. 75% of what he says is either a defacto-lie, or a downright-lie;
. . . but his arguments and delivery are extremely convincing to low information people
Rubio has become a supreme political communicator, and an incredible bounce-back, comeback-kid. His growth as a political speaker in the last few years is breathtaking. Somewhere somebody like Karl Rove has been schooling him, and he has been an excellent student. {Ms Palin could have done the same thing, but she was too vain & lazy, and she got semi-rich and famous without putting in any effort}
For me, as a Progressive, Trump is actually the most honest of them all, but its a weird way that he works it. Basically his strategy is not to give out a lot of specific promises
8
What are Clinton and Sanders lying about, specifically?
@Chuck Mella,
At least all those Pinocchios Hillary's got from the Washington Post:
-The Fix
5 times Hillary Clinton has played fast and loose with the facts on Bernie Sanders’s record
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/10/5-times-hillar...
At least all those Pinocchios Hillary's got from the Washington Post:
-The Fix
5 times Hillary Clinton has played fast and loose with the facts on Bernie Sanders’s record
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/03/10/5-times-hillar...
2
>"What are Clinton and Sanders lying about, specifically?"
Chuck, I would LOVE to address your question properly, but
1) There isn't enough space here to address that appropriately, and providing a shortcut version would not educate anyone.
ALSO, although I solidly believe that ALL of them are lying almost constantly, AND I believe it is the fault of the voters not the politicians. Honest politicians can't get traction unless your're somebody like Al Franklin, or Jimmy Carter
. . . and known-liars and con-people keep getting elected.
If somebody undertakes the enormous effort to run for office, they HAVE TO do whatever is thought to be necessary in order to win. Political Consultants are a necessary part of politics (see "The West Wing)
Also again, laying out the case against the left is more complex, because the lies from the GOP are far more numerous and far more naked.
2) If I could write that response in 1500 characters, NYT probably publish it.
-
BUT here are a couple of thoughts:
The Biggest problem is Political-Correctness
The entire 'scheme' behind "Political" Correctness, is that what it really consists of is Intellectual-Dishonesty
PC is almost entirely a left-wing matter, and very frequently is based on misusing Statistics to promote an argument that is completely unsound. Another big field of PC is the goal of turning our society into a giant quota system, tossing out equality of opportunity, and enforcing equality of outcomes.
GOP-PC= GWB didn't lie @Iraq War
Chuck, I would LOVE to address your question properly, but
1) There isn't enough space here to address that appropriately, and providing a shortcut version would not educate anyone.
ALSO, although I solidly believe that ALL of them are lying almost constantly, AND I believe it is the fault of the voters not the politicians. Honest politicians can't get traction unless your're somebody like Al Franklin, or Jimmy Carter
. . . and known-liars and con-people keep getting elected.
If somebody undertakes the enormous effort to run for office, they HAVE TO do whatever is thought to be necessary in order to win. Political Consultants are a necessary part of politics (see "The West Wing)
Also again, laying out the case against the left is more complex, because the lies from the GOP are far more numerous and far more naked.
2) If I could write that response in 1500 characters, NYT probably publish it.
-
BUT here are a couple of thoughts:
The Biggest problem is Political-Correctness
The entire 'scheme' behind "Political" Correctness, is that what it really consists of is Intellectual-Dishonesty
PC is almost entirely a left-wing matter, and very frequently is based on misusing Statistics to promote an argument that is completely unsound. Another big field of PC is the goal of turning our society into a giant quota system, tossing out equality of opportunity, and enforcing equality of outcomes.
GOP-PC= GWB didn't lie @Iraq War
It's not very difficult to understand why this election season has become probably one of, if not the most confounding for voters with this truly perplexing mismatch of assigned party candidates. Case in point:
Trump should be running as an Independent. Not Republican.
Cruz should be running as Tea Party Libertarian. Not Republican.
Only Rubio and Kasich should be running on the Republican ticket.
Sanders should be running as an Independent.
Clinton should be running as a mid-right Republican.
Nothing in this current election cycle makes any sense anymore regarding standard 'party' values. Just my two cents.
Trump should be running as an Independent. Not Republican.
Cruz should be running as Tea Party Libertarian. Not Republican.
Only Rubio and Kasich should be running on the Republican ticket.
Sanders should be running as an Independent.
Clinton should be running as a mid-right Republican.
Nothing in this current election cycle makes any sense anymore regarding standard 'party' values. Just my two cents.
8
What is your reasoning based on? Why isn't the present alignment and candidates the natural order of things? Sanders is trying to win a major party nomination, the only way he can become president. Hillary is about where the Clintons have always been, and isn't Bill worshipped in Democratic precincts?
As for the Republicans, they fight, they debate, they have a bunch of primaries -- what is "confounding" about that?
As for the Republicans, they fight, they debate, they have a bunch of primaries -- what is "confounding" about that?
Clinton and "mid-right"? With her race obsession and her total disdain for our most precious right . . . the right recognized and protected by the second amendment? I think not!
Clinton is run (influenced) by big money banker backers who align with Republican free-market reign dogma. She supports Free-Trade policy(s) which is a major pro-Republican big business stance. She supports mass incarceration policies. The list goes on and on. We no longer have a true Democratic wing which used to support as well as validate working and middle class citizens rights and needs by enforcing and creating strong labor safety and profit sharing policies. All of that is- gone.
2
==> With the vitriol and name-calling stripped away, this debate actually allowed the candidates to showcase their ideas and depth of knowledge. In this forum, Donald Trump's shallowness and lack of substance were cast in a harsh light. . . . .
4
I had to turn the debate off, despite the civility; in fact, the civility allowed me to pay attention to their ideas, which were much scarier than the temperaments of the headliners. Rubio's policy positions are so anachronistic that like Dorian Gray's portrait calcifying in his closet, they undermine his youthful appearance. As for Kasich, it appears he is simply too experienced and while very conservative, much too reasonable to appeal the bloodthirsty base.
6
So according to Donald Trump, we can water-board people and kill innocent civilians without it being a war crime. It's easy, we just "expand our laws." Unreal.
5
So much of the Republican party platform is based upon FICTION, whether it be denial of climate change or that torture works. If you read summaries of the Atlantic Magazine interview with President Obama, you find a thoughtful and courageous leader who is not afraid to change direction when it's the right thing to do.
Obama's war on ISIS has been effective, but you would never know that if you only listened to the Republican President Wannabes. American drones have killed 10 thousand ISIS fighters and disrupted their supply convoys. Our airstrikes have injured Al Bagdhadi and killed many other ISIS leaders. American warplanes have destroyed ISIS refineries and denied them an important source of revenue. We are helping to train and supply Kurdish and Iraqi solders, who are making gains against ISIS. We have captured their leaders, stolen their computers & obtained secret documents. We are hacking their computers. The Smart war requires patience. It relies on Islamic fighters.
Yet Donald the Draft Dodger wants to put 30 thousand American troops in the Middle East to fight ISIS. He wants to return America back into a Torture State that does more than waterboarding. Perhaps we could publicly cut the throats of terror suspects.
If Donald the Draft Dodger becomes President, it wouldn't be long before people miss Mr. Obama. Obama's leadership will be vindicated over time!!
Obama's war on ISIS has been effective, but you would never know that if you only listened to the Republican President Wannabes. American drones have killed 10 thousand ISIS fighters and disrupted their supply convoys. Our airstrikes have injured Al Bagdhadi and killed many other ISIS leaders. American warplanes have destroyed ISIS refineries and denied them an important source of revenue. We are helping to train and supply Kurdish and Iraqi solders, who are making gains against ISIS. We have captured their leaders, stolen their computers & obtained secret documents. We are hacking their computers. The Smart war requires patience. It relies on Islamic fighters.
Yet Donald the Draft Dodger wants to put 30 thousand American troops in the Middle East to fight ISIS. He wants to return America back into a Torture State that does more than waterboarding. Perhaps we could publicly cut the throats of terror suspects.
If Donald the Draft Dodger becomes President, it wouldn't be long before people miss Mr. Obama. Obama's leadership will be vindicated over time!!
7
A very scary proposition...how did the Republican Party allow it to get this far?
Last night's debate shows that the Republican establishment has come to the conclusion that Trump will represent the party in the general election, thus, the genteel atmosphere in the room compared to the circus-like prior debates. But the damage has already been done by Trump. He cannot suddenly retract all the hateful and frightening things he has uttered about his views on immigration, Islam, Putin, the tragedy at Tiananmen Square, and other points. And, given Trump's inflated ego and bullying temperament, look for him to ramp it up again in the general election debates.
5
I knew this would happen sooner or later--America has mercifully crashed and burned from debate fatigue. Why don't the Democrats and Republicans do us all a favor and put a moratorium on debates until we know who the two gladiators left standing are going to be.
2
Once again, Kasich shows he is the most experienced and qualified man in the stage. It truly is ashame, and scary, that the stupid American voters are going to nominate Trump as their GOP nominee. The only hope is a brokered convention, but that only happens if Trump loses both Florida and Ohio. So the odds are in Trump's favor. But I'm hoping Rubio can pull it off. Because I'm 99% sure Kasich wins Ohio walking away. If he does lose both states, the chances of a brokered convention rise dramatically.
6
Well, look how the democrats chased out THEIR most sensible candidate, Warner! And they did that EARLY, besides!
It's a good strategy to cool it down. The GOP has a great chance to win with Trump and they need to begin supporting him. He will begin getting incoming from the DEMs soon enough.
2
I have to laugh. The major pushback to Trump's strategy from Rubio and Cruz was, "You can't do that." Cruz would use the rhetorical device, "The president needs to be a man who...," who does what, exactly? Although Trump's plans sounded outré, neither Cruz nor Rubio had any developed plan with which to counter him.
Rubio is really dead-set against Cuba. The only problem is China. No one called him on this, but it you read the NYT, you'll know that there is the deliberate burning of Christian churches in China. If China restricts its citizens that way, why is Rubio so accepting of relations with China compared to his stance on Cuba? I don't want to revisit the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Another Cuban irony is that Rubio noted that there are Chinese listening stations in Cuba. But if we isolate Cuba, there will be *more* Chinese listening stations in Cuba. The anti-Castro movement just doesn't get it. No one called Rubio on this inconsistency either.
Kasich has so much experience that he can just use it as an example. There is a little grandstanding here as well, but there is also beef. But Kasich also had an inconsistency that no one called. During the counterargument to Trump's 45% tax proposal on Chinese goods, Kasich indicated he would do something strong against China if they manipulated their currency. Just exactly what would Kasich do, place a tax on their goods as Trump advocates?
There was a lot of sangfroid; candidates know that the ship is sinking.
Rubio is really dead-set against Cuba. The only problem is China. No one called him on this, but it you read the NYT, you'll know that there is the deliberate burning of Christian churches in China. If China restricts its citizens that way, why is Rubio so accepting of relations with China compared to his stance on Cuba? I don't want to revisit the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Another Cuban irony is that Rubio noted that there are Chinese listening stations in Cuba. But if we isolate Cuba, there will be *more* Chinese listening stations in Cuba. The anti-Castro movement just doesn't get it. No one called Rubio on this inconsistency either.
Kasich has so much experience that he can just use it as an example. There is a little grandstanding here as well, but there is also beef. But Kasich also had an inconsistency that no one called. During the counterargument to Trump's 45% tax proposal on Chinese goods, Kasich indicated he would do something strong against China if they manipulated their currency. Just exactly what would Kasich do, place a tax on their goods as Trump advocates?
There was a lot of sangfroid; candidates know that the ship is sinking.
4
Last night's debate proved that while Trump comes off as a heavy weight fighter he's truly a lightweight when it comes to foreign policy and the economy. His simplistic answers prove he's all show and no substance. If elected he can't just delegate the responsibilities of the Presidency away. The final decisions always rest with the President. While I disagree with all the Republican candidates, at least the three other candidates showed that there's some thought behind their positions.
I believe that there are enough realistic and thoughtful Republican voters that will reject Trump in the general election and if Hillary can keep it together the Democrats will prevail, then it will be in the Republicans hands on whether they can work with the new President or continue to be the party of obstruction.
I believe that there are enough realistic and thoughtful Republican voters that will reject Trump in the general election and if Hillary can keep it together the Democrats will prevail, then it will be in the Republicans hands on whether they can work with the new President or continue to be the party of obstruction.
17
Well said. I agree. At least there are checks and balances on domestic policy. The president has more power in foreign affairs. It is truly frightening to think of someone with Trump's temperament and personality in that position. Let's pray that voters think this through carefully.
"I'm a businessman, and I have to do what I have to do", Mr. Trump said - thus summarizing what lies at the core of many of our country's problems.
11
A sad state of affairs when men who want to be the most powerful human being on the planet do NOT act like children. And it is NEWS !
24
This was a civil debate for a change and going forward I hope the tone remains this way. The candidates were given a host of real policy questions that allowed viewers the candidate's positions on those issues. The environment and Cuba were most interesting to me and quite frankly help reshape my views on them.
My questions is why so many debates? Is this not so many more debates than ever before in previous elections? Clearly television / streaming rule in the debates vs print reporting. If Media is perceived as being no longer trustworthy and I think this is the case, then seeing a live debate with unvarnished questions and answers really tells the story. I skip all the pundits because they have agendas just as print reporting does. CNN and FOX have consistently produced and hosted the highest quality debates. Why doesn't the NYT partner or produce the first exclusive digital streaming debate format? The NYT should give the CEO's latitude to broaden it's digital initiatives. See BBC.com
My questions is why so many debates? Is this not so many more debates than ever before in previous elections? Clearly television / streaming rule in the debates vs print reporting. If Media is perceived as being no longer trustworthy and I think this is the case, then seeing a live debate with unvarnished questions and answers really tells the story. I skip all the pundits because they have agendas just as print reporting does. CNN and FOX have consistently produced and hosted the highest quality debates. Why doesn't the NYT partner or produce the first exclusive digital streaming debate format? The NYT should give the CEO's latitude to broaden it's digital initiatives. See BBC.com
4
What more rancor could be expressed once the size of a man's member has been thrown in as a debate topic? Judging this against that back drop does not qualify it as interesting or informative. Civility should be a standard, not a wish.
8
A Republican debate where their collective ignorance, intemperance, inexperience, insensitivity, reckless, fickle, immaturity and inhumanity is exposed in a lower volume with a smiling face confuses form with substance.
A businessman like Trump is mostly fit to be a dictator. America is not a business and can not file for bankruptcy. "Let's Make a Deal" is not a governing political policy agenda. Americans are tired of fighting endless ethnic sectarian civil wars. Trump has had two wives too many. And Donald's latest super-model wife is a Slovenian born mockery caricature of an American First Lady.
A Senator. like the half-Cuban natural born citizen of Canada Rafael Edward Cruz, is not qualified to be President by birth nor temperament. A combination of Huey Long, Joe McCarthy and George Wallace would be a dream for America's enemies.
A Senator like the son of two Cubans, Marco Antonio Rubio, is not smart enough nor wise enough nor mature enough nor experienced enough nor hard working and dedicated enough to hold any executive office. Particularly President of the United States. Rubio has been on the government employment and benefits welfare dole his entire life. Rubio is equal parts Quayle and Palin of fact and Chauncey the Gardner( Being There) and Bill McKay (The Candidate) of fiction.
A governor like Kasich who has served in the public sector in the legislative and executive branch and the private sector in media and banking is running for POTUS in the wrong party.
A businessman like Trump is mostly fit to be a dictator. America is not a business and can not file for bankruptcy. "Let's Make a Deal" is not a governing political policy agenda. Americans are tired of fighting endless ethnic sectarian civil wars. Trump has had two wives too many. And Donald's latest super-model wife is a Slovenian born mockery caricature of an American First Lady.
A Senator. like the half-Cuban natural born citizen of Canada Rafael Edward Cruz, is not qualified to be President by birth nor temperament. A combination of Huey Long, Joe McCarthy and George Wallace would be a dream for America's enemies.
A Senator like the son of two Cubans, Marco Antonio Rubio, is not smart enough nor wise enough nor mature enough nor experienced enough nor hard working and dedicated enough to hold any executive office. Particularly President of the United States. Rubio has been on the government employment and benefits welfare dole his entire life. Rubio is equal parts Quayle and Palin of fact and Chauncey the Gardner( Being There) and Bill McKay (The Candidate) of fiction.
A governor like Kasich who has served in the public sector in the legislative and executive branch and the private sector in media and banking is running for POTUS in the wrong party.
16
I don't think you know much about Kasich's stands on the issues if you think he is in the wrong party. He's Republican all right. You need to investigate that a bit more.
2
Oh no Kasich is perhaps the most dangerous of all. An ex Banker who lies as he smiles. He is bad news.
1
One of the reasons the Republicans hated president Obama is because he was first generation American and black president.
Now we have two contenders also first-generation Americans who want to be president. I do not believe they have the wisdom or understanding of the full scope of the American culture and its complexity. I do not believe their quantified enough to occupy this office.
Now we have two contenders also first-generation Americans who want to be president. I do not believe they have the wisdom or understanding of the full scope of the American culture and its complexity. I do not believe their quantified enough to occupy this office.
Without the theatrics and with his vulgarity reined in, Trump bored. It was painfully apparent that he knows nothing of the issues, policies or processes that a president or a legislator deals with every working day. And it's very, very hard to teach a 70 year old dog new tricks.
19
We've learned that he has been contemplating a run since the 1990s. So, he has had decades to study the issues and hasn't bothered. This says a lot about his giant ego and weak work ethic. He really thinks he can make things happen just by wishing.
Well ... yes ... Trump knows nothing about the things you need to know to be an effective President. But then, that was always obvious. And I was bored by Trump BEFORE he found it expedient to reign in his mouth.
Well one thing was very clear: the Republicans addressed important issues and Obamas failures big time. On the other hand the democrats (the day before) made it clear to the world it is perfectly fine to drop your kids off here so American can feed, educate, shelter and medicate them.
4
Republican fantasy doesn't translate into reality..............they have a losers mentality.
Obama's failures ????
Like digging America out of the Bush Recession? Like the fact that American's are not dying in the Middle East like they were during the Bush years? Like the fact that more Americans enjoy actual heath care now? Like the fact that the rich are paying more of their share of supporting our country now?
The single thing that you identify as a 'failure' would have been called a "Christian virtue' before radical Christians took over the religion.
Like digging America out of the Bush Recession? Like the fact that American's are not dying in the Middle East like they were during the Bush years? Like the fact that more Americans enjoy actual heath care now? Like the fact that the rich are paying more of their share of supporting our country now?
The single thing that you identify as a 'failure' would have been called a "Christian virtue' before radical Christians took over the religion.
The candidates frequently refer to President Reagan but don't seem to mention his advocacy for a path to citizenship for undocumented aliens or the multiple times his administration raised taxes. It's true that most of those tax hikes were small; perhaps that explains why the federal budget deficit as a % of GDP rose in comparison to the preceding Carter administration.
4
What about Reagan's support of gun control when he was Governor of California?
Reagan later realized that the 1986 immigration bill was a mistake. It gave legal standing to 3 million illegals. It worked so well we now have 12-15 million illegals. Some wish to go down the same road again. Taxes should be raised only after government has proved that it is spending the taxpayers dollars wisely.
Did we ever think that we would hear Republicans bashing trade deals?
9
While the Republicans were bashing trade deals, there was an electronic message on CNN announcing that a contract for 1.3 billion to build subway cars has just been awarded to China, by the state of Michigan for the city of Chicago , a city and a state which were devastated by outsourcing and unemployment.
This is our government destroying our own industry and putting millions of people out of work and telling us at the same time that they are going to fix it. This 1.3 billion is taken away from the tax payers of this state and handed to China who is destroying our livelihoods and who is building a massive military machine which will be turned against us at the moment of their choosing.
How can we believe anything the Republicans say, while they are hitting us unscrupulously at the same time?
Why can't we commonsense solutions to the problems we have?
This is our government destroying our own industry and putting millions of people out of work and telling us at the same time that they are going to fix it. This 1.3 billion is taken away from the tax payers of this state and handed to China who is destroying our livelihoods and who is building a massive military machine which will be turned against us at the moment of their choosing.
How can we believe anything the Republicans say, while they are hitting us unscrupulously at the same time?
Why can't we commonsense solutions to the problems we have?
CNN, especially Jake Tapper, focuses too much on what Donald Trump says (versus what he means). His questions all seem to be, "Trump said, 'X', do you agree?"
The yelling and screaming seemed as though it came from the Rubio fan club. Silly.
The yelling and screaming seemed as though it came from the Rubio fan club. Silly.
5
He really needed to give some of the quotes context, because Trump supporters don't know anything about history.
On a somewhat lighter note, many more news outlets and trade journals in the UK than one might expect are reporting the following:
"Vattenfall announced on its website earlier this month that offshore works were finally underway in preparation for the full construction of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, which is being developed to establish “the north-east [of Scotland] as a world-class hub of offshore wind know-how, technology and innovation, particularly during these challenging times for the North Sea oil and gas industry.”
And they all see it as a thumb-in-the-eye to Donald Drumpf (every tabloid in the UK calls him that, and some of the newspapers you think wouldn't do too).
Mr. Drumpf is probably the least popular man in Scotland these days, quite an achievement.
"Vattenfall announced on its website earlier this month that offshore works were finally underway in preparation for the full construction of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, which is being developed to establish “the north-east [of Scotland] as a world-class hub of offshore wind know-how, technology and innovation, particularly during these challenging times for the North Sea oil and gas industry.”
And they all see it as a thumb-in-the-eye to Donald Drumpf (every tabloid in the UK calls him that, and some of the newspapers you think wouldn't do too).
Mr. Drumpf is probably the least popular man in Scotland these days, quite an achievement.
1
After watching the so-called debates this year I have come to the sobering conclusion that House of Cards is more documentary than fiction.
8
Hopefully, they will all disappear very soon!
3
Israel
The non-Trump candidates love to tout their knowledge of our important Sunni Arab allies, especially the King of Jordan. These candidates tell us we can't insult our Sunni allies because we need them for the war on ISIS, and so many things. In the next breath, they insult them by hyperventilating over Israel and slamming Palestinians.
Queen Rania of Jordan is Palestinian too.
Cruz's promise about Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would destroy our relationships throughout the entire region, with our closest Arab allies. That's exactly why no American president will agree to it, including Bush.
On the issue of Israel, Rubio and Cruz are bombthrowers, and Trump is the only adult in the room. The media has hardly commented on these role reversals because the mainstream media, both right and left, give all politicians a pass to act as warlike and inappropriate as they like about Israel.
The non-Trump candidates love to tout their knowledge of our important Sunni Arab allies, especially the King of Jordan. These candidates tell us we can't insult our Sunni allies because we need them for the war on ISIS, and so many things. In the next breath, they insult them by hyperventilating over Israel and slamming Palestinians.
Queen Rania of Jordan is Palestinian too.
Cruz's promise about Jerusalem as the Israeli capital would destroy our relationships throughout the entire region, with our closest Arab allies. That's exactly why no American president will agree to it, including Bush.
On the issue of Israel, Rubio and Cruz are bombthrowers, and Trump is the only adult in the room. The media has hardly commented on these role reversals because the mainstream media, both right and left, give all politicians a pass to act as warlike and inappropriate as they like about Israel.
2
American fact checkers never call out Republicans for the biggest lie: their denial of man made global warming.
If Republicans really believed it was a giant hoax to steal Americans' money and freedom, they'd be shouting it from the rooftops, to warn us against this plot that's already tricked all 196 governments on the planet. Instead they're desperate to avoid the subject.
And almost every night, Republicans go to bed with a sigh of relief because US media has given them another day's free pass on global warming.
If Republicans really believed it was a giant hoax to steal Americans' money and freedom, they'd be shouting it from the rooftops, to warn us against this plot that's already tricked all 196 governments on the planet. Instead they're desperate to avoid the subject.
And almost every night, Republicans go to bed with a sigh of relief because US media has given them another day's free pass on global warming.
9
They are all running Vice President now. :)
Chuck From Ohio
Chuck From Ohio
3
Probably the reason it was toned down is the simple fact after 11 so-called debates these four clowns have beaten the bushes down and there is no more 'there there'. Four 2 bit vaudevillians
6
Save Kaisch these guys are just plain horrible each in their own way. Cruz is as dark and as misguided as they come. Rubio speaks in platitudes and when you dig a little deeper is wrong on every issue facing the country. Trump reminds me of the guy on the street interview where you say how dumb and mindless he sounds. I don't think Trump reads. He loves to talk tough but he really is blowing smoke. The Republican Party is a scourge on this country.
8
Government is not the problem; the GOP since Reagan is the problem. It has happily sold our country down the river so the 1% can avoid its tax obligations. We are now in deep debt to the point where we can't afford to fix our decaying bridges.
Heck of a job!
Heck of a job!
13
Trump didn't offer his hand to Rubio at the start. Marco, if this guy wins the presidency, watch your back.
2
Trump is completely unqualified. Watch him during a serious debate. He has a set series of answers which perhaps touch briefly at best on the question asked.
His answers never address the issue, but instead informs us of how much a particular group loves him, how much money he has, his poll rating, impending law suits, or some other irrelevant, preposterous statement.
What he is doing is perpetuating a fraud on the American people . He has many people convinced that his obnoxious ,infantile behavior is the way to go, and that his seemingly success in the business world qualifies him for this most sensitive, important, job as the leader of the free world. In actuality, when checking his business record,you will discover that he has been a failure many times.
I shudder to think of this man in charge of our military.
I could go on for hours on how unqualified he is. One needs only to research him as I have on google to learn what type of person he really is. He is egocentric, and who knows to what degree of mental illness he is suffering from.
The horrifying thought is that he has so many people hoodwinked. ONLY IN AMERICA
I watched him on debate last night, and I am convinced by the quality of his responses, that he has absolutely no business up there on the stage running for President, not that either of the other 3 candidtes are any better.
His answers never address the issue, but instead informs us of how much a particular group loves him, how much money he has, his poll rating, impending law suits, or some other irrelevant, preposterous statement.
What he is doing is perpetuating a fraud on the American people . He has many people convinced that his obnoxious ,infantile behavior is the way to go, and that his seemingly success in the business world qualifies him for this most sensitive, important, job as the leader of the free world. In actuality, when checking his business record,you will discover that he has been a failure many times.
I shudder to think of this man in charge of our military.
I could go on for hours on how unqualified he is. One needs only to research him as I have on google to learn what type of person he really is. He is egocentric, and who knows to what degree of mental illness he is suffering from.
The horrifying thought is that he has so many people hoodwinked. ONLY IN AMERICA
I watched him on debate last night, and I am convinced by the quality of his responses, that he has absolutely no business up there on the stage running for President, not that either of the other 3 candidtes are any better.
12
Wake up Republicans! Every time I see some Republican endorse Rubio or Cruz I think - don't you want to both beat Trump and win? Kasich is relatively untarnished for a politician, and by far the most accomplished and experienced of the group. The polls show consistently that he is the one who can most likely win in November. I like moderates, and once Jim Webb realized his party had left him - Kasich was my only option. We've just had 4 terms of personable but ideological presidents who had to learn on the job. For a change, I'd like someone who can be a president for most Americans and whose advisers won't know more than he does on Day 1. If any of the other five left become president, it means at least 4-8 more years of utter divisiveness.
Wake up Republicans! I know you are sick of political correctness and bluntness can be refreshing. But Trump is an insecure, authoritarian, reckless man who is not going to make us great again. He will seek to aggrandize himself as he ever has and weaken us. Don't you get it - when he says something like "I'll make a deal" or "believe me," it's because he has no idea what to actually do? Unfortunately, I also believe he can win the general election because I don't think Clinton can prepare for him. I just don't want either.
As for the debate, enough already. We know what they have to say. Not their fault so much as the moderators. Think of something different.
Wake up Republicans! I know you are sick of political correctness and bluntness can be refreshing. But Trump is an insecure, authoritarian, reckless man who is not going to make us great again. He will seek to aggrandize himself as he ever has and weaken us. Don't you get it - when he says something like "I'll make a deal" or "believe me," it's because he has no idea what to actually do? Unfortunately, I also believe he can win the general election because I don't think Clinton can prepare for him. I just don't want either.
As for the debate, enough already. We know what they have to say. Not their fault so much as the moderators. Think of something different.
6
Now that Donald Trump has all but sewn up the republican nomination, what will he do? He will need the big money of his rich friends to wage a nation wide media campaign against his Democratic rival whether it is Bernie or Hillary. He will sell out his poor white followers who thought he could not be bought. And as we speak he will make deals with the Republican big wigs promising to follow their line and prome Ted Cruz something big to gain his endorsement. Snakes will be snakes.
And then he will go after Bernie Sanders if he is the Democratic nominee as a Marxist, trash his racial identity, mock his age and eastern roots, anything to destroy him. The Bernie revolution will be presented as a plot to destroy the country. And poor clean Bernie who does not accept big donor contributions will not have enough to fight back. It will be vicious putting our dirtiest politics to shame.
As for Hillary she has faced this before from republicans and knows how to defend herself. She has many vulnerabilities, and they will be attacked. But Trump has more and I believe she can use them against him effectively. She is by no means clean but she can win.
Personally I wish Elizabeth Warren were running. Now there is someone who could lead a Progressive revolution and defend herself. Maybe we could Shanghai he. But until then Democrats have a Hobson's choice and I hope we make it wisely.
And then he will go after Bernie Sanders if he is the Democratic nominee as a Marxist, trash his racial identity, mock his age and eastern roots, anything to destroy him. The Bernie revolution will be presented as a plot to destroy the country. And poor clean Bernie who does not accept big donor contributions will not have enough to fight back. It will be vicious putting our dirtiest politics to shame.
As for Hillary she has faced this before from republicans and knows how to defend herself. She has many vulnerabilities, and they will be attacked. But Trump has more and I believe she can use them against him effectively. She is by no means clean but she can win.
Personally I wish Elizabeth Warren were running. Now there is someone who could lead a Progressive revolution and defend herself. Maybe we could Shanghai he. But until then Democrats have a Hobson's choice and I hope we make it wisely.
11
If the whole campaign had been run this way, Trump would never have made it so far; when he didn't like a child, he discussed policies - about which he is shockingly ignorant. But, Rubio and Cruz are terrifying for their ideologies, and I think more dangerous -- from appointing supreme court justices to crushing social security and perpetuating war. They will surround themselves with terrifying cabinet members while Trump, I think, is the most liberal person there (supports funding for planned parenthood, has a long history of supporting democratic candidates, etc.). Most important: Both Clinton and Sanders have a far better chance of defeating Trump than they do either Cruz or Rubio. They have a lot of ammunition against Trump, but to fight the Republican party establishment would be a nearly insurmountable feat. I hope like crazy that Sanders wins, but I hope he runs against Trump.
5
Rubio, Cruz and Kasich want to raise the Social Security age until 68 - 70 but re-build the "Hallowed out Military". I don't think this will play well with the general public, in our "Hallowed out Economy" not many are gonna make it to 65 let alone 68 or 70. There have to be other answers to SS that will be painful and costly but making the age 70 is delusional for most.
8
It is nothing more than a stage-managed show of civility. It may fool the media people but I doubt the American people fell for it.
3
The Republican debate was a terrific debate that was constructive, civil end insightful. It provided clarity on their respective stands on key issues. What was very clear was that Rubio and Kasich do not have a path to get the required delegates before the convention if they loose their respective home states which is Florida for Rubio and Ohio for Kasich and should therefore drop out of the race after the March 15, 2016 primaries. Donald Trump's stand on not tinkering with social security will be comforting to the 3 million people of Florida and all over the country, who are senior citizens. Dr. Ben Carson's endorsement of Trump will certainly begin the unification of the Republican party while the endorsement of Cruz by Ms Fiorina is inconsequential because Cruz's dirty tricks and deception in prematurely declaring Dr. Carson dropping out of the race was exposed. Cruz's repeated statement that Sec. John Kerry was supported by Trump in 2004 does not cause any concern or negativity because no one in America should put party over the nation. As an independent voter, I thought too that Kerry was a better candidate in my judgment that deserved the support of Trump. It seems Cruz will remain a staunch partisan who will not be an ideal president because he will renew the grid lock and shut down the government. I predict that March 15, 2016 primaries will be decisive and that there will not be a need for a brokered convention that will bypass the wishes of the American people.
3
The reason that Mr. Trump is doing so well in the campaign is that Democrats and Republicans in Washington have been lining their own pockets and raping American workers to get . America is very angry that they elect people that promise to make a difference and never do. On the Democrat side America is giving a political insider a run for her money as the outsiders are the ones in vogue this time.
1
This was a preview of Donald Trump, the nominee. Once he wraps it up, he will stop with the hate speech and the wink-wink at violence that he suckered the "politically incorrect" crowd with to win primaries. It will be interesting to see what his second act is in the general election phase. He obviously knows little about any of the major issues and doesn't seem interested in learning. Against Hillary, who knows way too much about everything, I'm thinking he will let her show off her superior knowledge and use it against her. There is a deep streak of anti-intellectualism in the American psyche.
1
And Trump touts his experience making deals as a "businessman" to be a good thing for America? How quickly we forget business failures like Arthur Andersen, Enron, Tyco or Adelphia. And right now Michigan is dealing with the Flint water disaster a crisis largely brought on by the wrong headed policies of Governor Snyder who just like Trump is a "businessman" and a Republican.
"Businessman" Trump as President would be a disaster for America.
"Businessman" Trump as President would be a disaster for America.
2
Someone from Fox interviewed construction workers from Hudson Yards, which apparently has 29k union jobs. The overwhelming majority support Trump, some support Bernie Sanders, one supports Clinton.
Trump is Hillary's, and our country's neoconservative power structure's, biggest nightmare and the only candidate that can beat him is Bernie Sanders.
Trump is turning the
Trump is Hillary's, and our country's neoconservative power structure's, biggest nightmare and the only candidate that can beat him is Bernie Sanders.
Trump is turning the
“I’m a businessman, and I have to do what I have to do.” Wasn't that Mitt Romney's line of defense in the previous election cycle?
2
If you must vote Republican, Trump is the guy who wants to make a deal, knows how to make a deal and gets satisfaction from making a deal. That means he knows how to compromise (Kasich, too, but he's so far down in delegates, he may never catch up). Yes, the words coming out of Trump's mouth are inexcusable, disgusting and horrible. But he is driven to get things done and to put his name on it.
Which is why we need BERNIE. We NEED BERNIE. Democrats, Moderate Republicans, Independents - VOTE BERNIE 2016 !!!
Which is why we need BERNIE. We NEED BERNIE. Democrats, Moderate Republicans, Independents - VOTE BERNIE 2016 !!!
2
As I watched Trump doing his thing in the debates, I couldn't help but wonder if it really matters who becomes president, as the position is, sort of, self smoothing and adjusts to new circumstance. I recalled a 1979 movie called "Being there". It starred Peter Sellers, playing the part of the White House simple-minded gardener who, through a series of misunderstandings, is hailed by the power brokers and becomes advisor to the president, and at the end, the closing frames suggest that he is about to become the new president. This story was entirely believable. Perhaps presentation is all.
1
Ah yes, the theme of violence at Trump's rallies.
I am a Trump supporter.
So let's see there have been what 100 rallies ? and 10,000 people at each rally (there are invented numbers, but bear with me)
So we have been ONE MILLION people in Trump's crowds
And there have been TWO shoving matches?
AND people have rushed the stage at Trump's rallies and had to be restrained by security and escorted out (expelled)
And still they create disruptions
Well, a man was in the news for announcing he would take a life prison sentence for the cause, of killing Mr Trump, and folks ARE a little edgy
I blame the perps those who commit violence and who are restrained by crowd-sourcing
Roughed up? Proves our point about constant danger and constant vigilance.
When opposition is civil, reaction will be civil.
I am a Trump supporter.
So let's see there have been what 100 rallies ? and 10,000 people at each rally (there are invented numbers, but bear with me)
So we have been ONE MILLION people in Trump's crowds
And there have been TWO shoving matches?
AND people have rushed the stage at Trump's rallies and had to be restrained by security and escorted out (expelled)
And still they create disruptions
Well, a man was in the news for announcing he would take a life prison sentence for the cause, of killing Mr Trump, and folks ARE a little edgy
I blame the perps those who commit violence and who are restrained by crowd-sourcing
Roughed up? Proves our point about constant danger and constant vigilance.
When opposition is civil, reaction will be civil.
2
These were more than shoving matches. One instance was a protester who was attacked as he was being escorted out; another Trump supporter spat in a protester's face; there are other cases.
http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2015/09/15/3701574/trump-supporters...
Further, these are more than just isolated incidents; it is a pattern actively encourage by Trump himself.
These people aren't edgy because of any threat from the protesters, they are violent because they are intolerant xenophobes.
http://thinkprogress.org/immigration/2015/09/15/3701574/trump-supporters...
Further, these are more than just isolated incidents; it is a pattern actively encourage by Trump himself.
These people aren't edgy because of any threat from the protesters, they are violent because they are intolerant xenophobes.
1
Just an FYI for Mr. Trump and all his cheering supporters.
No, Donald, Common Core did not come out of Waashington, the federal government, and when you were reminded of it by a moderator, you still referred to Washington. Common Core was set through the states. State representatives developed Common Core. And the purpose of Common Core was to set standards so that students graduating from high school would have basic knowledge. Just an FYI what Common Core actually is.
Obviously the cheerers don't know what Common Core is either, but never fear -- Donald says he'll get rid of it and fix it and that's all you need to hear, right?
Trump supporters, you've been duped! Big time.
No, Donald, Common Core did not come out of Waashington, the federal government, and when you were reminded of it by a moderator, you still referred to Washington. Common Core was set through the states. State representatives developed Common Core. And the purpose of Common Core was to set standards so that students graduating from high school would have basic knowledge. Just an FYI what Common Core actually is.
Obviously the cheerers don't know what Common Core is either, but never fear -- Donald says he'll get rid of it and fix it and that's all you need to hear, right?
Trump supporters, you've been duped! Big time.
3
All republican supporters except the rich have been duped, the republican rich are getting more than their wildest dreams.
2
I found Ted Cruz scary, without any moral ruder, fanatic. Provincial and utterly unlikable. I was just thinking that if he and Hillary win the nominations I will stop watching their debates and don't even bother to vote.
Rubio is a smooth talker, but empty, a special interest puppy. Kashich is good but the POTUS seems to be a suit too big to fill.
I think that after all these lawyers, might be interesting to have Trump, a businessman, against Sanders, a socialist in the upcoming election, the only ones who are openly discussing some of the problems the country faces. I wish they could be co-presidents, Trump focusing on immigration and trade and Putin and efficiency of the gov, Sanders focusing on single payer and free public college education. I think Sanders ought to discard the death tax if he wants to carry any more than Democrats.
Rubio is a smooth talker, but empty, a special interest puppy. Kashich is good but the POTUS seems to be a suit too big to fill.
I think that after all these lawyers, might be interesting to have Trump, a businessman, against Sanders, a socialist in the upcoming election, the only ones who are openly discussing some of the problems the country faces. I wish they could be co-presidents, Trump focusing on immigration and trade and Putin and efficiency of the gov, Sanders focusing on single payer and free public college education. I think Sanders ought to discard the death tax if he wants to carry any more than Democrats.
1
Refreshing that they didn't blame the sinking of the Titanic on Obama last night. Trump at least held his own when he was pressed on trying to bring peace in the Middle East. Ted Cruz may play well in certain states but in the Northeast I think his pompous bloated rhetoric is going to turn off a lot of people. Someone needs to tell Cruz this is the big leagues not the Harvard debate club.He always look like he is standing in front of a full length mirror.
Everyone (myself included) must get busy getting every Democrat you know registered and ready to vote for whomever is the Democratic candidate.
There are SO many critical issues at stake for all of us that we simply cannot suffer through another disastrous Republican presidency. The Republicans have brought this great country to its knees and it's just a disgrace that Trump (and Cruz, Kasich and Rubio) supporters are so low-information and brain-washed as not to see this.
Most critical of all is that we must ensure a Democrat is in the White House to nominate the next generation of Supreme Court Justices. We must also vote Democratic down ticket in the voting booths in Nov. so that we insure a fairer balance to Congress.
Please, every reasonable American: exercise your civic gift and responsibility and vote Democrat to ensure the fairest, best future for us all.
There are SO many critical issues at stake for all of us that we simply cannot suffer through another disastrous Republican presidency. The Republicans have brought this great country to its knees and it's just a disgrace that Trump (and Cruz, Kasich and Rubio) supporters are so low-information and brain-washed as not to see this.
Most critical of all is that we must ensure a Democrat is in the White House to nominate the next generation of Supreme Court Justices. We must also vote Democratic down ticket in the voting booths in Nov. so that we insure a fairer balance to Congress.
Please, every reasonable American: exercise your civic gift and responsibility and vote Democrat to ensure the fairest, best future for us all.
2
By pretending to stick to the issues, thanks to the CNN moderators sick of taking their guff, and barely passing the civility bar by not jiggling their red-meat rump steaks in public, these low-intellect Republican jokes passing for Presidential candidates showed how awful their positions really are—on trade, climate change, and world affairs. The America they did evoke in lieu of a drunken brawl or a beacon of liberty for all was a grim, unforgiving, backward backwater with nothing in it women could possibly relate to. In comparison to the Democrats high ideals, broad vision, vibrant humanity, and impressive records of public service, there is no contest here.
6
Once again IL Donny lauds the police and their tough tough job.
Echoed this time by Tail Gunner Eduardo, Natural born Canadian.
Never a mention of Rice, or Brown, or Garner.
Just the racist buzz of "honoring" and "respecting" the popo.
What would any RepugniCon Candidate attract any African-American, Hispanic, or Moslem vote for any of these racists?
Echoed this time by Tail Gunner Eduardo, Natural born Canadian.
Never a mention of Rice, or Brown, or Garner.
Just the racist buzz of "honoring" and "respecting" the popo.
What would any RepugniCon Candidate attract any African-American, Hispanic, or Moslem vote for any of these racists?
2
Trump is a fraud and a liar who changes positions when ever the absurdites of his shoot-from-the-hip proclamations are exposed. But worse, than that, he is a racist and bigot who uses fear and hate of minorities to build his base. His ignorance is shocking, even proposing to "unleash" ISIS to finish off Assad. That Cruz and Rubio cannot bring this hypocrite down is a testament to their own weakness.
5
Did Trump admit to breaking the H1-B laws? It sure sounded that way.
2
He sure did. I believe he admitted that he brought people in here illegally to build some new phallic thing in some city.
The Trumpster deserves the Republican nomination. But the only shot he (or any of these clowns) would be if Hillary maneuvers her way into the nomination on the Democrats' side. America needs Bernie.
3
I preferred the uncivil debates where they were personal and stayed away from substance. The foreign policy discussions by Trump, Rubio and Cruz were frightening.
1
Don't you think it might be better to hear the GOP attempt at serious discussion so that we can know what we could get before we vote in November?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
The worst choices for America are the Romney anti democracy GOP of liars and myth makers insiders but they are on their way out.
Next worst is the anti democracy Hillary with her PACs and 'superdelegates' who are their to make sure, like the Romney Bots, that the lobbyists (AIPAC led) continue to run our government and buy our candidates putting the USA last after Israel.
The 3rd least bad is the first of the 'not bought by lobbyists' candidates, Donald Trump, who, being independent of lobbyist money bribery, says unpleasant truths about his own party, the others are not willing to say, like Iraq was wrong., GW failed us and failed to stop 911.
Which leaves us with the only good candidate. Bernie Sanders. Who has EVERYONE against him, even this once great paper. He is the ONLY one with both solutions to the deep problems of this nation as well as the only one capable of defeating the inevitable Trump candidacy. This election IS differant to all others. Thee old lies have worn stale and rightly most are turned off by the 'crying wolf' of the old time politicians,
Only Sanders can give hope for a better future. Wake up. Trump will BURY Hillary as the FBI case drags on and the depression she stands for sinks democratic voters enthusiasm and the rightly angry Sanders supporters punish Hillary for her 'super delegates' STEALING our votes with money and cheating to 'win'.
Wake up now or never again. It's 1932 again. In Europe too. No more 'politics as usual' It will LOSE!
Next worst is the anti democracy Hillary with her PACs and 'superdelegates' who are their to make sure, like the Romney Bots, that the lobbyists (AIPAC led) continue to run our government and buy our candidates putting the USA last after Israel.
The 3rd least bad is the first of the 'not bought by lobbyists' candidates, Donald Trump, who, being independent of lobbyist money bribery, says unpleasant truths about his own party, the others are not willing to say, like Iraq was wrong., GW failed us and failed to stop 911.
Which leaves us with the only good candidate. Bernie Sanders. Who has EVERYONE against him, even this once great paper. He is the ONLY one with both solutions to the deep problems of this nation as well as the only one capable of defeating the inevitable Trump candidacy. This election IS differant to all others. Thee old lies have worn stale and rightly most are turned off by the 'crying wolf' of the old time politicians,
Only Sanders can give hope for a better future. Wake up. Trump will BURY Hillary as the FBI case drags on and the depression she stands for sinks democratic voters enthusiasm and the rightly angry Sanders supporters punish Hillary for her 'super delegates' STEALING our votes with money and cheating to 'win'.
Wake up now or never again. It's 1932 again. In Europe too. No more 'politics as usual' It will LOSE!
3
"While Mr. Cruz spoke fiercely on Israel’s behalf, perhaps mindful of Jewish voters in Florida..."
A cheap shot. Anyone who has followed Mr. Cruz's career and campaign knows that he speaks fiercely on behalf of Israel everywhere, every campaign stop (including throughout the Midwest and Deep South), virtually every debate, and on the Senate floor.
A cheap shot. Anyone who has followed Mr. Cruz's career and campaign knows that he speaks fiercely on behalf of Israel everywhere, every campaign stop (including throughout the Midwest and Deep South), virtually every debate, and on the Senate floor.
2
And when the righteous prevail waters will boil unto the land and there will be wailing and gnashing teeth with no sort of cessation.
2
After watching this fascist frenzy feast of fanatics, I have to ask; when is the military going to realize the politicians are getting their people killed for political purposes and not military ones? Even as an old man, I can still fight to protect the states here at home, but I am absolutely beside myself at how political leaders send waves of young men to be cut down for their gain. Those soldiers are not "Fallen". They are dead!
14
No wonder they had all the fireworks before, this was one boring debate.
Dear GOP voters,
Trump or Cruz, essentially the final two standing.
Pick your poison.
Trump or Cruz, essentially the final two standing.
Pick your poison.
9
Or Kasich. If Trump fais to get the minimum majority of delegates, and the GOP fails (or is ordered to fail) to pick a nominee in the first vote, they technically can pick anyone they want in the second. The resounding lack of insults and fighting last night has convinced me that the GOP, or whomever holds the strings, may actually be powerful enough to make that happen.
Sen. Lindsey Graham.
"It's like being shot or poisoned," the South Carolina Republican said. "What does it really matter?"
Nation be damned Graham will put the party first party first and support the unqualified GOP nominee.
"It's like being shot or poisoned," the South Carolina Republican said. "What does it really matter?"
Nation be damned Graham will put the party first party first and support the unqualified GOP nominee.
will we ever have debates with real questions, requiring real answers? and when caught with outright lies, never called out on lies? so shallow.
i would like to see Cenk Uygur moderate a debate!
i would like to see Cenk Uygur moderate a debate!
5
@Marie Bernadette
Yes, I too would LOVE to see Cenk Uygur moderate a debate! We'd actually see these candidates get challenged for once.
Yes, I too would LOVE to see Cenk Uygur moderate a debate! We'd actually see these candidates get challenged for once.
Is it really more civilized when your leading candidate quietly and politely asks for new laws to allow him to employ aggressive torture?
13
I'm a Wyoming Republican. Watching the "civilized" debate tonight, I have come to the conclusion that one party rule by the GOP in 2016 (which I predicted in my 2009 novel Edge of Heaven) would end the United States as a democracy. The reason is that America today is exactly what Eisenhower warned it could become in 1961: a fascist (Cheney/Rumsfeld PNAC) global military empire that is now bankrupted and corruptly propping up its employment with an Orwellian permanent state of war against the world.
I supported Obama in 2008 and directly helped his Chicago campaign staff tailor their message for independents (I gave the same exact messages to Palin's office in Alaska and McCain's national office- but were ignored by both). Now, I will do this for Mr Sanders. His one-note class warfare bit is stupid (means predictable) and he needs help from a Wyoming millionaire.
Why I will do this is simple. For years, Wyoming has functioned well with Democratic Governors and cheap- ___ Republicans in the legislature. The only way the U.S. can survive implosion and activation of NDAA 2012 camps and murderous choices...as a world of hate comes home to roost...is to avoid the entitlement of Clinton-style Democrats; and pit the "us" and "them" of three branches of federal government in a cooperative effort to reconcile the elitism, dependency and ruin which both parties selfish apparatus has brought to America for decades. Mr Sanders is capable of doing that. I do not trust Clinton.
I supported Obama in 2008 and directly helped his Chicago campaign staff tailor their message for independents (I gave the same exact messages to Palin's office in Alaska and McCain's national office- but were ignored by both). Now, I will do this for Mr Sanders. His one-note class warfare bit is stupid (means predictable) and he needs help from a Wyoming millionaire.
Why I will do this is simple. For years, Wyoming has functioned well with Democratic Governors and cheap- ___ Republicans in the legislature. The only way the U.S. can survive implosion and activation of NDAA 2012 camps and murderous choices...as a world of hate comes home to roost...is to avoid the entitlement of Clinton-style Democrats; and pit the "us" and "them" of three branches of federal government in a cooperative effort to reconcile the elitism, dependency and ruin which both parties selfish apparatus has brought to America for decades. Mr Sanders is capable of doing that. I do not trust Clinton.
13
Many many many many great great great great huge huge huge huge great great many many I'm the one who knows I know I know I know more than anybody knows I'm big time Big Time big time great many many many great great great huge huge huge...
So detailed and eloquent, a masterful command of the issues from a big brain that knows more words than anyone. The emperor wears no clothes and the Republicans know it and they couldn't care less. An uncivil war has been declared.
So detailed and eloquent, a masterful command of the issues from a big brain that knows more words than anyone. The emperor wears no clothes and the Republicans know it and they couldn't care less. An uncivil war has been declared.
12
If Trump in fact takes Koch funds, oligarchs, special interests etc once he secures the nomination...then they will own every horse in the republican race.
Uh oh.
Uh oh.
3
I hope he takes no other money and spends himself into debt and then loses the race. It will be just one more bankruptcy pushed upon the American taxpayer by this dog. Number five I believe?
Rubio is odious. Without intending it, by complete accident, he admitted the science behind climate change, by suggesting "it doesn't matter" because of China and India's carbon emissions, so lets do nothing.
What a little corporate hack, Rubio. He says his kids were ashamed of his personal attacks on Trump, but not his denial of climate change and utter refusal to do anything about it for fear of a few lost jobs? What about a lost planet? What a goon.
What a little corporate hack, Rubio. He says his kids were ashamed of his personal attacks on Trump, but not his denial of climate change and utter refusal to do anything about it for fear of a few lost jobs? What about a lost planet? What a goon.
29
So the Republican nomination boils down to a Canadian-American Christian mullah unwilling to agree to any deviation from his orthodoxy, versus a bombastic larger than life personality who is willing to negotiate and build consensus.
Cruz would be a total disaster for the nation. Trump is not a conservative in the wingnut orthodox sense. I think that he would govern differently than he campaigns, though he would often revert to the old Donald to wield the bully pulpit to create public pressure on those who he would need to persuade.
Normally, I would say a pox on both of them. But with Hillary the likely Democratic candidate, a desperate person like myself is looking for any other ticket out of town.
Cruz would be a total disaster for the nation. Trump is not a conservative in the wingnut orthodox sense. I think that he would govern differently than he campaigns, though he would often revert to the old Donald to wield the bully pulpit to create public pressure on those who he would need to persuade.
Normally, I would say a pox on both of them. But with Hillary the likely Democratic candidate, a desperate person like myself is looking for any other ticket out of town.
16
I'm surprised you're not on the Bernie Sanders bandwagon. I was under the impression that the gentleman from Vermont was supposed to have all the answers to all of our problems.
You forgot to mention that Trump is a larger than life narcissist, a failed businessman when it comes to anything other than real estate and self-promotion, a rip-off artist and a liar (Trump University), has a laughably shallow command of the facts and issues, inflames racial intolerance and bigotry, condones violence at his rallies and disregards the Geneva conventions and the armed services code of conduct as it relates to interrogation, to name just a few disqualifications for the highest office in the land.
1
Bernie is the real deal. His solution to ending the corporate stranglehold on our politics is the answer for many many problems. The end to endless corporate war, the end mass incarceration of blacks and browns, free public education up to and through university to name a few that will come to fruit. Why do you not go back and stuff a few more Hillary for corporate president envelopes before coming on here with these kind of silly statements?
1
Mr. Rubio pointed to the need for United States businesses to be able to sell goods abroad. “We have to have access to the hundreds of millions of people in the world today who can afford to buy things,” he said.
The problem with the GOP and indeed Sanders thinking here is that they seem to forget or not understand that if we start setting high tariffs on goods manufactured over seas, other countries will do the same to whatever we manufacture here. While adjustments must be made, free trade is not just something to squash in a protectionist manner.
Mr. Trump, when asked about the fan who punched a protester said that they have a lot of anger. Even though he said he didn't like it, his first remark seems to suggest that the behavior is somehow justified and caused by others (i.e., anyone and everyone except the guy doing the violence).
The problem with the GOP and indeed Sanders thinking here is that they seem to forget or not understand that if we start setting high tariffs on goods manufactured over seas, other countries will do the same to whatever we manufacture here. While adjustments must be made, free trade is not just something to squash in a protectionist manner.
Mr. Trump, when asked about the fan who punched a protester said that they have a lot of anger. Even though he said he didn't like it, his first remark seems to suggest that the behavior is somehow justified and caused by others (i.e., anyone and everyone except the guy doing the violence).
28
USA must stop protectionism, a behavior that has costed a lot of transactions. In global terms USA could provide almost everything but energy, so an impulse to alternative energy sources should help lower contamination and dependence from abroad.
Problem: trade deficits in the billions of dollars, year after year, indicating that we are shipping our money abroad to manufacturers in foreign nations at a much, much higher rate than we are shipping our products.
1
How about we have nothing to sell because we've sent all our factories overseas, duh.
So every one of them promises to supersize our military, send more ground troops to fight ISIS and step up bombing, whatever the generals say they need, and no journalist on the set asked them, "How much will that cost and how will you pay for it?" And not a peep from Ted about budget deficits and debt on that account or any of their wild promises to lavish benefits on veterans. But let Bernie talk about universal, single-payer healthcare or free college tuition and that's the FIRST question he is asked. Republicans, and also Democrats, are perfectly fine with feeding the military-industrial complex, policing the world, and waging winless, continuous war while Americans either pay through the nose for private health insurance or go without medical care, suffer needlessly and die prematurely. That's why we need Bernie.
116
@Annie Dooley
That's why we need Hillary.
There, I fixed it for you.
That's why we need Hillary.
There, I fixed it for you.
2
Wrong! Hillary was and is a war monger. There history corrected for you. Just google up Iraq war, Libya and Afghanistan and you will see it for yourself.
1
Eileen – many of us Sanders supporters will vote for Ms Clinton if she wins the nomination, but the reality is that she sounds almost as much of a hawk as any neocon.
As for the overall debate it was a much more civilized affair for a change. With regard to individual performances, Rubio did the best but it probably was too little, too late. Kasich provided his usual Gumplike trip down memory lane where he was present and played an integral role in all the great moments of the last half century. Cruz employed his best debating skills and scored the most hits on the leader,Trump. While Trump himself toned it down, kept the insults to himself, and maintained his tough guy, no apologies stance once again defying the veracity of all the video tapes.
Bottom line........This was the most substantive of all the GOP debates.......And yet, it will change nothing. Trump will maintain his lead with Cruz nipping at his heels. Rubio will be history in a few short days. And Kasich will hang on till the bitter end with visions of a VP title dancing in his head.
Bottom line........This was the most substantive of all the GOP debates.......And yet, it will change nothing. Trump will maintain his lead with Cruz nipping at his heels. Rubio will be history in a few short days. And Kasich will hang on till the bitter end with visions of a VP title dancing in his head.
27
It's too late. The Republican Party has mortally wounded itself. And Kasich, whom you disdain, is the best of the group
1
While the media plays it role by assuring us that Kasich is really a very nice, moderate guy, just don't look behind the curtain.
2
Kasich has the most experience. I will never understand that party,
19
Kasich, as Ohio governor, opted for the Medicaid expansion part of the ACA (aka Obamacare) for his state. For mainstream Republicans who HATE the ACA even more than they LOVE unilateral wars of aggression launched under false pretenses by chickenhawk presidents, this is unacceptable. Thus all mainstream Republican campaigning efforts have been directed towards propping up the empty suit Marco Rubio.
14
Thanks to Rush/Fox and right-wing radio, they have very effectively exploit people with limited education with lies, distortions and sensationalism. Sadly, we are now reaping what they've sown~complete incompetence and insanity!
1
I too fail to understand why the old-school Republicans will not support Kasich. He is the only candidate left with some dignity, he is the Governor of a state. He certainly is not the goon that Trump is playing.
Lest anyone fail to see it though, he is as crazed in policy as the rest. As one might expect he is a staunch anti-abortion candidate (though he has in the past supported exceptions for rape, incest).
His tax policy and economic "thinking" are ridiculous; he advocates a return to the gold standard. This may be the real reason that the party does not support him; people with real money are either sophisticated enough to know how idiot that is, or their money-managers tell them. His tax-giveaway-to-the-rich plan is on par with the rest of them.
Kasich loves pollution; he's all for it. As congressman he was one of only 21 (16 R , 5 D) to vote against GHWB's Clean Air Act of 1990. When you vote against a motherhood-and-apple-pie bill like this put forward by your own Republican president -- that's a defining moment. He's been in the pocket of dirty industries from day one.
Lest anyone fail to see it though, he is as crazed in policy as the rest. As one might expect he is a staunch anti-abortion candidate (though he has in the past supported exceptions for rape, incest).
His tax policy and economic "thinking" are ridiculous; he advocates a return to the gold standard. This may be the real reason that the party does not support him; people with real money are either sophisticated enough to know how idiot that is, or their money-managers tell them. His tax-giveaway-to-the-rich plan is on par with the rest of them.
Kasich loves pollution; he's all for it. As congressman he was one of only 21 (16 R , 5 D) to vote against GHWB's Clean Air Act of 1990. When you vote against a motherhood-and-apple-pie bill like this put forward by your own Republican president -- that's a defining moment. He's been in the pocket of dirty industries from day one.
4
These candidates reminded me of GWB: totally uninformed about the major issues of our time and ready to start one or two wars as soon as they are sworn in.
109
As incredible as it may seem, GWB without Cheney would surely be a step up in decency; as to knowledge and intelligence they cannot be measured in the willfully ignorant.
1
Trump is not a war monger.
I gathered from tonight's debate that we are headed for more war.
I will be voting for the Democrat nominee, out of survival, not just myself, but that of the nation.
I will be voting for the Democrat nominee, out of survival, not just myself, but that of the nation.
168
Don't be fooled, only one of the Dem candidates will hold the line on war - BERNIE.
BERNIE 2016!!!
BERNIE 2016!!!
3
@Patrick.
Here, here.
Here, here.
Survival of the nation needs Bernie to re-strengthen the middle class and restore democracy (vs oilgarchy and status quo).
feelthebern.org
feelthebern.org
5
Trump was low key at tonight's debate, but at his rallies his incendiary and polarizing comments, are unacceptable. Protesters are treated with disdain by him, and force by some of those in attendance. It is only a matter of time for it to escalate into riots. Shame on him and the Republican party as well as others for not speaking out and censoring him. What a disgrace.
65
"Protesters are treated with disdain by him" Perhaps you are unaware but Trump's rallies are PRIVATE meetings. Anyone making a disturbance can and should be ejected.
I know you think it's alright for BLM protestors to take the stage from the democrats when they want but at Trump rallies, he runs the show. They can always protest outside.
I know you think it's alright for BLM protestors to take the stage from the democrats when they want but at Trump rallies, he runs the show. They can always protest outside.
1
There's a difference between ejection and violence/spitting, etc. There is also a difference between wanting people ejected and encourage supporters to be violent.
2
WessonSmith England – ejecting protesters is acceptable, violence against them is not.
2
Nothing really matters. Members of the Republican Party will not vote for Donald Trump and I doubt one Democrat nor one Independent would vote for a crazed Cruz! So Hillary wins! Or anyone other than a Republican.
Violence at Trumps rallies? That's the doing of the Republican establishment. It was not too long ago the Republicans sent goons to Florida to disrupt the Presidential vote recount by creating violence. Its a Republican thing. Win at any cost!
Violence at Trumps rallies? That's the doing of the Republican establishment. It was not too long ago the Republicans sent goons to Florida to disrupt the Presidential vote recount by creating violence. Its a Republican thing. Win at any cost!
83
Republican goons must also attend Red Sox - Yankee games.
3
At the expense of democrats? No problemo.
A "trumpeting Trump", a "crazed Cruz", and a "dubious Rubio", are all beautiful phrases, from a literary viewpoint, tnat is.
Unfortunately as they stuck to issues one could see how horrible their ideas really are for the country. EX: There is no man made climate change. These GOP candidates are not for anything but greed and their own Fustian bargain with the devil for the destruction of the country and world. They are all so out of touch with the people of this country.
104
You may be correct.
However, it is just as "scary" to unleash the Justice Department on Exxon or a scientist with adverse climate change views because it is not in lockstep with the prevailing orthodoxy.
And this under a Dem President. Can't wait to see the political persecution under a Trump or Cruz.
However, it is just as "scary" to unleash the Justice Department on Exxon or a scientist with adverse climate change views because it is not in lockstep with the prevailing orthodoxy.
And this under a Dem President. Can't wait to see the political persecution under a Trump or Cruz.
1
There is man made climate change. However, the issue is so politicized, it's difficult to know the degree of the threat. Are we willing to spend trillions with no achievable effect?
I'm wondering what Jeb had to say in the meeting he had with the non-Trumps; it must have hit home, because they behaved like choir boys on their best behavior. Giving up? or plotting a convention for the ages?
I can only say that each one is worse than the other - they are all abysmally inept with terrible policy choices for the country. The fact that they - along with many in congress - even Paul Ryan - will vote for Trump if he wins the nomination, tars them and their party with the bigotry and craziness that he has demonstrated. All self-inflicted. What a sad grand old party it has become.
I can only say that each one is worse than the other - they are all abysmally inept with terrible policy choices for the country. The fact that they - along with many in congress - even Paul Ryan - will vote for Trump if he wins the nomination, tars them and their party with the bigotry and craziness that he has demonstrated. All self-inflicted. What a sad grand old party it has become.
53
Agree, but it started at least in 2000 with the "goons" as someone wrote, who
went to FL to stop the vote-count.
went to FL to stop the vote-count.
1
How can Trump be allowed to just brush off the violence at his rallies? Does anything like that happen at any of the other candidates' rallies, especially Hillary's? He has followers that don't understand the basics of a democratic debate. It's sad to see violence like that written off as if it's between kids in the schoolyard.
55
I agree they should come down hard on those disturbing private meetings more harshly. What these protestors don't realize is that the Trump rallies are private and they have no right interrupting the event.
1
Protesters have been interrupting rallies and heckling candidates for as long as we have had elections. We only see violent responses from one candidate's supporters. Not surprising, since the candidate himself eggs them on and has stated about other protesters, "I'd like to punch them in the face." Now we're hiding behind this private meeting idea -- private meetings in stadiums, on college campuses, with local law enforcement and media in attendance. Not very private.
3
You are a fascist mister. If I came into a movie to watch nobody has the right to hit me. If I came into a concert, play ballet or dinning hall for private people nobody has the right to shove, spit or attack me. Your hero that slugged that black guy yesterday is going to jail.https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/10/trump-prot...
Ted Cruz constant invocation of President Reagan in these debates is just shameful!
President Reagan was a decent man despite my disagreement with his policies.
Ted Cruz is the antithesis of President Reagan. His inability to work with others
and shutting down the Government would
have eliminated him from the Reagan circle. This is the spectacle the
Party became with the likes of tea party extremist like Cruz and Trump making a deal the presidency. Very sad!
President Reagan was a decent man despite my disagreement with his policies.
Ted Cruz is the antithesis of President Reagan. His inability to work with others
and shutting down the Government would
have eliminated him from the Reagan circle. This is the spectacle the
Party became with the likes of tea party extremist like Cruz and Trump making a deal the presidency. Very sad!
11
Wow... the GOP primary season is quite the drama this election season! I was glad to see a more issue focused, substantive exchange. I have to admit, it comes more naturally to some of the candidates than others. It was great to hear Rubio come out with a mea culpa before the debate for going down the Trump road of personal insults. If he fails to win Florida, he will regret his behavior forever, but I think he can still pull it off.. he did well tonight for sure! Despite reports to the contrary, its clear to me that Romney's honest yet stinging critique of Trump has had the intended effect. Trump is vulnerable now. Not all those new voters are being brought out to support Trump. I switched from an Independent to a registered Republican just so that I can vote against him.
5
Civil, yes - but insane. It's scary that any of these sociopaths, including that phony liar Kasich, can get anywhere near the Oval Office. Just the fact that anybody votes for them at all proves how dumbed down the Amerucan electorate is after 40 years of The Fox Republican Propaganda machine and right wing talk radio. And the so called journalists - really fawning lackeys - who moderate the debate just let these psychos spew lies and invectives, with neither pushback or refutation of the garbage these men say - they are the real disgrace, and should be ashamed of their abject failure to do their jobs.
1
Again, John Kasich is the only seemingly reasonable person to listen too. But even with him, one should be wary when he boasts about having helped to make policy decisions... to Donald Rumsfeld.
The others are either bombastic reiterators or players "by the ear."
Half the population are women. I may have missed it, but I did not hear a single question about poverty, housing, abortion rights, children's issues or healthcare. I heard more than once that some of the candidates will tear up "Obama Care" on the first day in the office. How come that the moderator did not ask what will they do with millions of uninsured?
It is amazing to me that moderators are letting these self-absorbed talkers get away without instant challenge to clearly outrageous statements.
.
.
The others are either bombastic reiterators or players "by the ear."
Half the population are women. I may have missed it, but I did not hear a single question about poverty, housing, abortion rights, children's issues or healthcare. I heard more than once that some of the candidates will tear up "Obama Care" on the first day in the office. How come that the moderator did not ask what will they do with millions of uninsured?
It is amazing to me that moderators are letting these self-absorbed talkers get away without instant challenge to clearly outrageous statements.
.
.
38
Tonight, Marco Rubio was asked about the Miami mayor and his support for action on climate change, including the overwhelming consensus of experts proving climate change.
Rubio declared that we cannot legislate the 'weather', as if the water coming up on clear days along shops on Lincoln Road in Miami is just part of a weather cycle.
This statement by Rubio ought to make Floridians think again about ever allowing this man to hold public office.
Rubio declared that we cannot legislate the 'weather', as if the water coming up on clear days along shops on Lincoln Road in Miami is just part of a weather cycle.
This statement by Rubio ought to make Floridians think again about ever allowing this man to hold public office.
74
Re: " 'If we nominate Donald Trump, Hillary wins,' Mr. Cruz said."
Unless, of course, Sanders is the Democratic nominee, in which case Sanders wins against Trump. On the other hand, if the Republicans nominate Cruz both Sanders and Clinton will beat Cruz easily. Cruz and Trump are equally disasters for the Republican--as they would be, for different reasons, for the nation. Bernie and Hillary would both have a tougher time against Kasich or even little Marco, but the Republicans are not going to nominate Kasich or little Marco.
Unless, of course, Sanders is the Democratic nominee, in which case Sanders wins against Trump. On the other hand, if the Republicans nominate Cruz both Sanders and Clinton will beat Cruz easily. Cruz and Trump are equally disasters for the Republican--as they would be, for different reasons, for the nation. Bernie and Hillary would both have a tougher time against Kasich or even little Marco, but the Republicans are not going to nominate Kasich or little Marco.
11
A subdued debate, but the same old Republican nonsense.
We can't do anything about climate change (which isn't really effected by man anyway) because your electric bills might go up a bit, so goodbye South Florida and other coastal areas.
Cruz says mysterious unnamed leaders around the world have told him they don't trust the U.S. any more and our allies secretly dislike President Obama. As compared to when George W. Bush was in charge? The level of animosity from our allies toward the U.S. when we invaded Iraq was stunning.
And just once, I would like one of these moderators to fact check these people right in the middle of the debate when they make one of their whoppers: "Obamacare is a job killer!" "Well, no Senator, we just had the second best rate of private job growth since 1999."
And the GOP voters eat this stuff up.
We can't do anything about climate change (which isn't really effected by man anyway) because your electric bills might go up a bit, so goodbye South Florida and other coastal areas.
Cruz says mysterious unnamed leaders around the world have told him they don't trust the U.S. any more and our allies secretly dislike President Obama. As compared to when George W. Bush was in charge? The level of animosity from our allies toward the U.S. when we invaded Iraq was stunning.
And just once, I would like one of these moderators to fact check these people right in the middle of the debate when they make one of their whoppers: "Obamacare is a job killer!" "Well, no Senator, we just had the second best rate of private job growth since 1999."
And the GOP voters eat this stuff up.
50
Yesterday, in a town hall meeting at Florida International University, Rubio said, in response to a question about recent laws that allowed guns on campuses, that people who wanted to keep guns to feel safe while driving to and fro to work (or school) couldn't just throw them in the bushes while they went to work (or to attend classes) and pick them back up from bushes when they came back.
What a dumb response! Obviously, he did not answer the question about the need for guns on campus. As per his logic, why would it not be okay to deposit guns in a locker room in campus and office? Look at his facial expressions as he turns away after finishing his answer- he was lying. He did not believe it himself. His opponents should use that footage against him in any future election he is in. What an intellectually dishonest man!
What a dumb response! Obviously, he did not answer the question about the need for guns on campus. As per his logic, why would it not be okay to deposit guns in a locker room in campus and office? Look at his facial expressions as he turns away after finishing his answer- he was lying. He did not believe it himself. His opponents should use that footage against him in any future election he is in. What an intellectually dishonest man!
35
“The four Republicans largely agreed that trade deals were needed to protect American workers and create jobs in the United States”. Well, the U.S. workers have almost zero control power over what capital wants to deal with foreign labor/capital on the world market. This becomes more evident when domestic labor cost is much higher than overseas and when home market has been less attractive. Since the workers’ wage level and capital’s bottom line are mutually inversely proportional with one another, racing to the bottom of wages is a rule rather than an exception all over the world. When wage reaches to such a low level that the labor market becomes scarce of the labor power, wage level will then start to rise, until it becomes too high to hire, then the cyclic process repeats itself again and again. The debaters’ wishes to protect domestic workers and to create jobs are only too wishful to be useful. To increase both the amount and time period of unemployment compensations is a more practical remedy than empty talks about protection of workers and creation of jobs. When it is impractical or inefficient to suppress wages of certain kinds of jobs by means of investing capital overseas, automated production will do the trick just as well via increased labor productivity and as a result decreased total of wage outlay. There is no reform that can completely eradicate either unemployment or low wage jobs, nothing short of revolutionary action.
5
Incompetence, fear mongering, xenophobism, Cuban pandering, economic suicide...all make this disgusting debate the antithesis of our democracy. If that's the best the GOP can muster, even Harding looks good.
But of all, the most dangerous, most deceptive of all remains Ted Cruz. Because he actually believes what he says. And what he says sounds very much like a Nuremberg pep rally.
But of all, the most dangerous, most deceptive of all remains Ted Cruz. Because he actually believes what he says. And what he says sounds very much like a Nuremberg pep rally.
101
THat's interesting, I almost completely agree with you, except I don't think the man believes a word he's saying, or cares.
1
On the subject of Cuba, Rubio was quick to condemn new relations with that nation, but, I find our new relations to be a remarkable feat of diplomacy, intellect, and a greater security for the Western Hemisphere and our nation.
After so many years of Soviet and Russian presence at our borders, Obama Brilliantly and bravely made the step forward to embrace our estranged neighbor, and vastly secure our nation.
Long ago, my former military and businessman father told me how important it was to concentrate on the security of this Hemisphere. He was right.
After so many years of Soviet and Russian presence at our borders, Obama Brilliantly and bravely made the step forward to embrace our estranged neighbor, and vastly secure our nation.
Long ago, my former military and businessman father told me how important it was to concentrate on the security of this Hemisphere. He was right.
71
Agree. And how can we demand that Mideastern countries solve their centuries of differences if we have not been able to make progress on our own less dangerous differences with Cuba. How these Republican candidates fail to see the wisdom of what Obama is doing with his foreign policy is beyond me. The explanation seems to be that, for amoral political gain, they want to lead us closer to danger and deaths. With President Obama's policies we have a chance of peace rather than a near certainty of war and we must continue on the path he has laid out.
3
Bitterly, bitterly disappointed. I'm making real progress in delivering a proof of the Riemann hypothesis - the thought processing is so intense, the brain synapsing is so intense, the body sweats.
But, to lower the blood pressure, the heart rate, to achieve a yogi relaxed state, for a bellyful of laughs, I tune in to the Republican debates.
Alas, alas, no humor at all, no insults, no jokes; for that matter, little in the way of truth or facts.
I cannot vote now for any of these candidates who cannot even deliver laughs anymore.
I want a candidate who can make America laugh again.
But, to lower the blood pressure, the heart rate, to achieve a yogi relaxed state, for a bellyful of laughs, I tune in to the Republican debates.
Alas, alas, no humor at all, no insults, no jokes; for that matter, little in the way of truth or facts.
I cannot vote now for any of these candidates who cannot even deliver laughs anymore.
I want a candidate who can make America laugh again.
9
Not just one that's making the rest of my he world laugh, albeit very nervously?
If you haven't been laughing you either aren't paying attention, or you're a Republican. Good luck with that, and I mean that in the best possible way. Serious mess but sometimes good can come from calamity.
I hear Rubio. Cruz and Kasich talk about America and its promise of opportunity yet nobody is willing to state the fact that since Reagan the USA has gone from the Land of opportunity to the least upwardly mobile of all the industrialized Western democracies. I think that is what this election is all about and only Sanders and Trump are willing to discuss the issue.
What Cruz, Rubio, Kasich and Hillary may believe is between themselves and their deity but the facts are America is the the least promising of all the Western Democracies and their policies and visions played a major role in making the USA the Land of the Least opportunity for upward mobility.
Reagan was the worst President the USA ever elected if one believes the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.
The USA is not a third world country but watching the Republicans debate they sure are trying to get there. Cruz, Rubio and Kasich seem to have mastered the methodology.
I must however agree with Rubio on free and fair elections and I think the sooner we can form a committee representing the fairest supervisors of elections from countries like Canada and Australia to monitor elections in places like Cuba, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina and Missouri the sooner we will see democracy regain ascendancy in the world.
What Cruz, Rubio, Kasich and Hillary may believe is between themselves and their deity but the facts are America is the the least promising of all the Western Democracies and their policies and visions played a major role in making the USA the Land of the Least opportunity for upward mobility.
Reagan was the worst President the USA ever elected if one believes the proof of the pudding is in the tasting.
The USA is not a third world country but watching the Republicans debate they sure are trying to get there. Cruz, Rubio and Kasich seem to have mastered the methodology.
I must however agree with Rubio on free and fair elections and I think the sooner we can form a committee representing the fairest supervisors of elections from countries like Canada and Australia to monitor elections in places like Cuba, Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina and Missouri the sooner we will see democracy regain ascendancy in the world.
29
Thank you for speaking truth.
The decrease in personal attacks likely reflects the recognition that a more substantive debate better addresses the concerns of independent voters. In turn, such a notable change may well reflect the concerns of the Party. It is not unlikely that the Party has communicated its support of Trump should he continue to dominate the vote. Trump has long worried that he would be treated poorly in a brokered convention. We may have just witnessed the effect of the Party reconciling itself to a Trump victory.
26
I think it's also about votes. I have always voted Republican and I am not happy with the choices from either party right now. Trump is not a stupid man and he and his team also know the current behavior has a lot of potential support looking the other way.
It certainly seems plausible,, given that the Republicans care more about gaining the Presidency (and, Thus, control of the Supreme Court for the next 30 years or so) than they care about the well-being of this country or working like grownups toward the solutions we need for the problems we face here and abroad. But, the very idea that the GOP is reconciling itself to Trump as their nominee, is utterly depressing. Trump: bigot, evader, ill-informed, simplistic, xenophobe, demagogue, narcissist, fascistic, bully. How awful for the country! The maddening thing is that GOP political and thought leaders also know this, but want power and party over the nurturing of a viable, funcitoning democracy.
"Deliver the goods."
"You can't con people, at least not for long,"
"You can create excitement, you can do wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press, and you can throw in a little hyperbole. But if you can't deliver the goods, people will eventually catch on."
Donal Trump
"The Art of the Deal'
"You can't con people, at least not for long,"
"You can create excitement, you can do wonderful promotion and get all kinds of press, and you can throw in a little hyperbole. But if you can't deliver the goods, people will eventually catch on."
Donal Trump
"The Art of the Deal'
22
I can tell you America's future after watching the debate; After eight years of relative peace and diplomacy, we will return to bullying the world and more war. All four candidates made that abundantly clear.
Knowing the historical election cycle, we will next be ruled by the Republicans and their military.
Knowing the historical election cycle, we will next be ruled by the Republicans and their military.
26
@Patrick
Not if you, and everyone else (myself included) get busy getting every Democrat you know registered and ready to vote for whomever is the Democratic candidate.
There are SO many critical issues at stake for all of us that we simply cannot suffer through another disastrous Republican presidency. The Republicans have brought this great country to its knees and it's just a disgrace that Trump (and Cruz, Kasich and Rubio) supporters are so low-information and brain-washed as not to see this.
Most critical of all is that we must ensure a Democrat is in the White House to nominate the next generation of Supreme Court Justices. We must also vote Democratic down ticket in the voting booths in Nov. so that we insure a fairer balance to Congress.
Please, every reasonable American: exercise your civic gift and responsibility and vote Democrat to ensure the fairest, best future or us all.
Not if you, and everyone else (myself included) get busy getting every Democrat you know registered and ready to vote for whomever is the Democratic candidate.
There are SO many critical issues at stake for all of us that we simply cannot suffer through another disastrous Republican presidency. The Republicans have brought this great country to its knees and it's just a disgrace that Trump (and Cruz, Kasich and Rubio) supporters are so low-information and brain-washed as not to see this.
Most critical of all is that we must ensure a Democrat is in the White House to nominate the next generation of Supreme Court Justices. We must also vote Democratic down ticket in the voting booths in Nov. so that we insure a fairer balance to Congress.
Please, every reasonable American: exercise your civic gift and responsibility and vote Democrat to ensure the fairest, best future or us all.
2
Donald Trump is quit the candidate. Just make things up as you go along!
Clap, applause. Bingo! Pretty amazing.
Clap, applause. Bingo! Pretty amazing.
10
Feeling Crazy Trump withdrawal symptoms: irritable, listless, not sure how I'll sleep tonight. I can sense it among the reporters too. You don't know what you had until it's gone.
17
"The CNN moderators gamely tried to provoke conflict ..."
Pathetic.
10+ debates and no mention of climate change.
Not one (that I am aware of).
Pathetic.
10+ debates and no mention of climate change.
Not one (that I am aware of).
12
Rubio was asked about climate change, and he did quite the political gymnastics trying to have it both ways. At different points, he insisted that human activity does not affect climiate change, which occurs naturally; that he wants a clean environment because of his kids; and that it is pointless to do anything because China and India will just pollute anyway. In other words, the type of Republican orthodoxy mixed with "caring" about the environment that is so transparently fake, that even Republicans are turned off.
9
There were questions on climate change and Rubio admitted (accidently, I 'm sure) that man was the cause. At least those men in China and India were. He really revealed that he isn't very smart because he was not able to infer that from his own statements, but that admissions was as clear as day.
11
What is climate change? Oh, wait Bernie is sipping from one of those environmental time bombs- a plastic bottle of water!
1
What do the Times' reporters mean when they characterize these candidates' positions on Israel as "conservative." Sanders says he supports a two-state solution on the condition that Arabs accept living in peace beside Israel. Clinton's campaign website says that a threat to American security is a threat to American security. What is so different about the Republican candidates' (justified) support of Israel?
5
I wonder if whoever wrote this article even watched the debate. It's bad enough that the wimps at CNN give these clowns a pass, but for the Times to act as though this debacle was a sane, reasoned debate is truly disheartening. To watch Trump completely reverse himself on previously stated positions every time his opponents even hinted they hewed too closely to the demon Obama was hilarious. If this had happened anywhere else in the world, I can only imagine the incredulous, even mocking tone this piece would have taken. And Rubio's response to the climate control question-an unconvincing denial of manmade involvement, followed by his grade school level accusation that "China and Russia" would "keep polluting" anyhow-nearly knocked me off my chair. Yet the yellow-bellied Jake Tapper let this go without a whimper. CNN and this article--completely worthless.
1
Choose Sanders or Clinton, but whoever wins, GO to the polls and UNITE against these four.
124
I know you realize that you and everyone like yourself continue to attack Trump in the hopes that it will somehow dissuade people from voting for him.
What you haven't realized though is that you have already lost. Trump supporters don't give two shakes of a rat's behind what Hillary is doing or have any interest in telling you how to vote. Why do you think that is?
The die is cast and the silent majority will be silent no more.
Trump 2016!
What you haven't realized though is that you have already lost. Trump supporters don't give two shakes of a rat's behind what Hillary is doing or have any interest in telling you how to vote. Why do you think that is?
The die is cast and the silent majority will be silent no more.
Trump 2016!
1
Good luck getting people to the polls for Hillary Clinton. These guys are altar boys compared to the Clintons.
1
The take away line for me was the Marco! who pointed to the imperative that United States businesses be able to sell goods abroad. “We have to have access to the hundreds of millions of people in the world today who can afford to buy things,” he said.
Hundreds of millions! Currently there are 7.4 billion people in the world. As to the phrase "who can afford to buy things" he must be referring to his billionaire sugar-daddy hedge fund manager Paul Singer who purchased him.
Hundreds of millions! Currently there are 7.4 billion people in the world. As to the phrase "who can afford to buy things" he must be referring to his billionaire sugar-daddy hedge fund manager Paul Singer who purchased him.
41
Well, at least Marco Rubio has noticed that we do have to sell stuff, even if he got the numbers wrong.
That is better than nothing!
That is better than nothing!
These clowns wouldn't qualify for township supervisor. Let's scratch the Republican Party in its entirety and bring back the Whigs.
29
Suspend H1B Visas for a year or two -- that sounds like a good plan. The same places that vote for Donald Trump will suddenly find they have a shortage of physicians to staff their inpatient wards. And who exactly performs a chunk of biomedical research in US labs while earning abysmal pay? That would be your friendly individuals who have been granted H1B visas. Eliminate those H1B visas -- sounds like a great plan to "make America great again."
19
My field- water resources/engineering would be decimated. Plus having many families' lives utterly upended. These are great people- people who are raising kids, contributing to their communites, paying US taxes, doing vital work that the U.S. needs, who we'd be sending back to their birth counties- why exactly?
9
Go to the Silicon Valley and try to imagine it without the Chinese, Indians, Europeans, Israelis...it'll be a ghost town! 40 per cent of the start-up founders are foreign-born. Suspending the legal immigration of highly skilled professionals is the surest way to send the country into a recession. But of course, the enraged and undereducated white males who have neither the skills nor the flexibility to compete in the global world imagine that xenophobia and mindless protectionism will bring back the golden age of the 1950s (which never existed in the first place). They are in for a great disappointment!
1
No American workers to do these jobs that we have to outsource from China and India? Really? Not a one.
2
Extremely boring. I turned them off after 30 min. Four robots repeating the same more or less ridicules mantras over and over again. Unfortunately, this time they did not deliver a cabaret, at least during first 30 min, so there was really little to watch.
9
The Statue of Liberty was born as a monument to American independence, and it was fittingly a joint project of the French and American peoples.
Over the years, Lady Liberty took on an additional persona along with her green patina, that of a welcoming beacon to the masses of immigrants, fleeing troubled lands and finding refuge in this new land of freedom and opportunity.
The world has been following for over two centuries, this extraordinary experiment we humbly refer to as American Democracy. And after viewing many debate performances by the leading candidates for the 2016 Republican nomination for President of these United States of America . . .
. . . France called, they want their statue back !!
Over the years, Lady Liberty took on an additional persona along with her green patina, that of a welcoming beacon to the masses of immigrants, fleeing troubled lands and finding refuge in this new land of freedom and opportunity.
The world has been following for over two centuries, this extraordinary experiment we humbly refer to as American Democracy. And after viewing many debate performances by the leading candidates for the 2016 Republican nomination for President of these United States of America . . .
. . . France called, they want their statue back !!
9
It was the first view of a presidential Trump.
Everyone else, including the democratic candidates, are stuck in the weeds.
Everyone else, including the democratic candidates, are stuck in the weeds.
10
Say what? CAdVA, "presidential Trump" is the same guy who incites violence at his rallies, demonizes women, Mexicans, Muslims, immigrants, all our trading partners, but worse than that "presidential Trump" doesn't seem to know what he is talking about.
He seems rational on a few subjects: honest broker in the ME, that's fine; maintaining Social Security - that's vital and it's mainstream. But "trust me because I know from visas" is not an idea. Raising taxes on imports if "they don't behave" punishes US not "them."
Oh boy. We'd better pray that one of the Democrats wins.
On that note, Dear Bernie Supporters - if Bernie isn't the nominee please do the right thing. Vote for Hillary. We can't afford the GOP brand of "creative destruction."
He seems rational on a few subjects: honest broker in the ME, that's fine; maintaining Social Security - that's vital and it's mainstream. But "trust me because I know from visas" is not an idea. Raising taxes on imports if "they don't behave" punishes US not "them."
Oh boy. We'd better pray that one of the Democrats wins.
On that note, Dear Bernie Supporters - if Bernie isn't the nominee please do the right thing. Vote for Hillary. We can't afford the GOP brand of "creative destruction."
20
@Sophia
"On that note, Dear Bernie Supporters - if Bernie isn't the nominee please do the right thing. Vote for Hillary. We can't afford the GOP brand of "creative destruction."
Yes, please listen to Sophie everyone! Get out and vote no matter who is the Democratic nominee!
"On that note, Dear Bernie Supporters - if Bernie isn't the nominee please do the right thing. Vote for Hillary. We can't afford the GOP brand of "creative destruction."
Yes, please listen to Sophie everyone! Get out and vote no matter who is the Democratic nominee!
2
Rubio's denial of the science behind climate change again shines through.
Is it stupidity or pandering to the core beliefs of the Republican Party? I hope the Heritage Foundation have a job for him. He will be a great lobbyists for the fossil fuel industry.
Is it stupidity or pandering to the core beliefs of the Republican Party? I hope the Heritage Foundation have a job for him. He will be a great lobbyists for the fossil fuel industry.
55
I guess the only decent candidates are Kasich and Rubio. Both are gentlemen.
1
Kasich is a total fraud though. look up his real record.
rubio is a skilled robot (better than the icky Cruz), but all are rehearsed phonies.
rubio is a skilled robot (better than the icky Cruz), but all are rehearsed phonies.
12
Paul, Kasich and Rubio look good on the surface and in comparison to the crazies but dig down in their policies. Although they aren't as nuts as Trump and Cruz, they will defund Planned Parenthood, ignore gun safety, and have many far right positions. They will also nominate a justice for the Supreme Court as dangerously to the right as Scalia. .
12
Rubio is a low-level tool for his funders; he's completely lacking in gravitas. He comes off like a college junior who is campaigning for class President.
2
Ted Cruz once again showed his allegiance to his Goldman Sachs, America, in part perhaps because he is married to an employee. He brought up the old Bush JR Republican Wall Street serving idea of putting Social Security contributions into private accounts. I hope you realize that means the risky stock market, you know, the corporations where you can lose it all or even half like during the recent great recession.
I would think he is the Tea and crumpets party type.
I would think he is the Tea and crumpets party type.
45
And lots of juicy fees for fund managers
2
Bring back The Three Stooges! The current act is so boring I turned it off.
14
I came away after listening to snippets of the Republican debate tonight realizing more than ever how dangerous these men are.
There was the typical Cro-Magnon chest thumping, with talk of easily demolishing ISIS, though so far no concrete action in the Middle East has quite achieved that. It is more bombast, with the idea that 'making America great again' is far more about projecting an image of a mighty, warlike and threatening America, rather than addressing seriously any problems our nation and populace has.
Cruz went on an ultra nationalist rant about upholding the Constitution, but what he really means is a reading of the Constitution and its enforcement only by exceedingly ‘conservative’ methods and means.
I fear what would happen with any of these men at the helm of the Presidency, egged on by manic constituents, to make war everywhere and at once. President Obama has sagely guided this nation through a catastrophic recession, and used more nuanced methods to achieve goals overseas. But for the current likely nominee for the Republican party, whether Trump or Cruz, the words nuance and diplomacy are completely unknown.
There was the typical Cro-Magnon chest thumping, with talk of easily demolishing ISIS, though so far no concrete action in the Middle East has quite achieved that. It is more bombast, with the idea that 'making America great again' is far more about projecting an image of a mighty, warlike and threatening America, rather than addressing seriously any problems our nation and populace has.
Cruz went on an ultra nationalist rant about upholding the Constitution, but what he really means is a reading of the Constitution and its enforcement only by exceedingly ‘conservative’ methods and means.
I fear what would happen with any of these men at the helm of the Presidency, egged on by manic constituents, to make war everywhere and at once. President Obama has sagely guided this nation through a catastrophic recession, and used more nuanced methods to achieve goals overseas. But for the current likely nominee for the Republican party, whether Trump or Cruz, the words nuance and diplomacy are completely unknown.
139
Donald Trump controlled the debate, Lyin Ted Cruz is getting massacred by the fact checkers and Trump possibly had the best moment of the debate when he trashed Cruz's fake evangelical preacher rant about international trade.
Cruz's lofty, dishonest strawmen hyperbole about what would happen if Trump plays hardball with China was cleverly swatted down by Trump, who made clear what all of us already know, the threat of tariffs and taxes on international trade agreements that are not fair or legal would leave China with a choice--play by the rules or have those products built in America, by Americans, which would put them out of business.
A strong night for Trump, who is looking to end things next week.
Cruz's lofty, dishonest strawmen hyperbole about what would happen if Trump plays hardball with China was cleverly swatted down by Trump, who made clear what all of us already know, the threat of tariffs and taxes on international trade agreements that are not fair or legal would leave China with a choice--play by the rules or have those products built in America, by Americans, which would put them out of business.
A strong night for Trump, who is looking to end things next week.
32
"products built in America by Americans"
This would probably require a period of adjustment until consumers became comfortable in paying whatever the price would be for, say, a box of American made fairy lights for the Christmas tree.
This would probably require a period of adjustment until consumers became comfortable in paying whatever the price would be for, say, a box of American made fairy lights for the Christmas tree.
7
DC,
I seldom if ever agree with you but I think you nailed it. Trump's response to the question of cheaper goods at Walmart hit it out of the park and ended the debate. Nobody will buy Chinese goods if they can buy American goods at the same price.For myself as a Canadian other than cottage cheese there is nothing I would buy that is American if I can find a Canadian product at the same price.
Even as a Canadian if it is a choice between Chinese and American at the same price I will always buy American.
I seldom if ever agree with you but I think you nailed it. Trump's response to the question of cheaper goods at Walmart hit it out of the park and ended the debate. Nobody will buy Chinese goods if they can buy American goods at the same price.For myself as a Canadian other than cottage cheese there is nothing I would buy that is American if I can find a Canadian product at the same price.
Even as a Canadian if it is a choice between Chinese and American at the same price I will always buy American.
5
Mike,
Fairy lights are a perfect example of a product untouched by human hands that somehow is cheaper from China than from the US. There is no cost of labor yet even with all the shipping costs America cannot compete. It is all about currency evaluation.
Fairy lights are a perfect example of a product untouched by human hands that somehow is cheaper from China than from the US. There is no cost of labor yet even with all the shipping costs America cannot compete. It is all about currency evaluation.
5
Just another Liars Convention. I tried not to get too involved in this one, because I am getting a bit burned out on them, but a couple of the more egregious moments that I happened to catch:
Rubio wants to cram coal and oil down our throats because Climate Change, while real, is unstoppable He really did use the terms "cram" and 'throats', which I think may be code for something he doesn't yet come out on.
Cruz was asked if the ugly nature of the Republican candidates hurts the US image. And was also asked something along the lines of supporters beating up on protestors being bad optics, or something like that. To both questions Cruz answered: Yes, It's Obama's fault. What a greasy greasy man.
Rubio wants to cram coal and oil down our throats because Climate Change, while real, is unstoppable He really did use the terms "cram" and 'throats', which I think may be code for something he doesn't yet come out on.
Cruz was asked if the ugly nature of the Republican candidates hurts the US image. And was also asked something along the lines of supporters beating up on protestors being bad optics, or something like that. To both questions Cruz answered: Yes, It's Obama's fault. What a greasy greasy man.
38
I do not agree with the presidential candidates, but I do agree that the military needs to be rebuilt. I would rebuild it in a very different way, however. I would not rebuild it according to the demands of the military-industrial complex, which cares far more about getting rich than about protecting our country. I would not rebuild the military so that it can overthrow more foreign governments who refuse to do the bidding of Washington’s neocons. I would not rebuild the military so that it can better protect our wealthy allies in Europe, NATO, Japan, and South Korea. I would not rebuild the military so that it can better occupy countries overseas and help create conditions for blowback here at home.
No. The best way to really “rebuild” the US military would be to stop abusing the military in the first place. The purpose of the US military is to defend the United States. It is not to make the world safe for oil pipelines, or corrupt Gulf monarchies, or NATO, or Israel. Unlike the neocons who are so eager to send our troops to war, I have actually served in the US military. I understand that to keep our military strong we must constrain our foreign policy. We must adopt a policy of non-intervention and a strong defense of this country. The neocons will weaken our country and our military by promoting more war. We need to “rebuild” the military by restoring as its mission the defense of the United States, not of Washington’s overseas empire.
No. The best way to really “rebuild” the US military would be to stop abusing the military in the first place. The purpose of the US military is to defend the United States. It is not to make the world safe for oil pipelines, or corrupt Gulf monarchies, or NATO, or Israel. Unlike the neocons who are so eager to send our troops to war, I have actually served in the US military. I understand that to keep our military strong we must constrain our foreign policy. We must adopt a policy of non-intervention and a strong defense of this country. The neocons will weaken our country and our military by promoting more war. We need to “rebuild” the military by restoring as its mission the defense of the United States, not of Washington’s overseas empire.
136
I agree with you 100%. Let's start listening to our vets and other people who actually have knowledge about the military instead of these neocons who trade human lives for money and never served themselves.
9
Ancient empires fell due to their over reach and greed through militaristic imperialism.
This country is no different.
Our ancestry is European Imperialism at its finest.
This country is no different.
Our ancestry is European Imperialism at its finest.
2
They can lower the volume to a whisper but hatred, inciting violence, reprehensible disrespect of our President etc., they are still clown cretins riding in a gop mini cooper. A snake can shed its skin - it's still a snake. Kasich may not be as obvious as the other three but his defunding of Planned Parenthood in Ohio shows what he thinks of women's health issues. If any of these dolts become President our country will be in worse circumstances than that "good old boy" W whom many people voted for because he seemed to be "fun to have a beer with." God (insert deity of choice) help us.
47
Kasich's most vocal platform is cutting Social Security on the backs of existing retirees. Don't raise the cap under any circumstances.
With Zero Interest Rates on private capital - ZIRP - where is the yield to replace the lost income?
War needs more funding. Presumably he is gone next week
With Zero Interest Rates on private capital - ZIRP - where is the yield to replace the lost income?
War needs more funding. Presumably he is gone next week
33
Wow, sorry I missed this point, and so far the summaries don't mention that Kasich said that about existing retirees. This should be a headline and get
a lot more media attention.
a lot more media attention.
Kasich in October 15': (for existing retirees-check Google Search -Kasich and Social Security)
The current governor of Ohio preceded the remarks by asking the crowd how many of them knew how much their initial Social Security payments would be. Two people raised their hands to indicate that they did know.
“What if I told you that your initial benefit was gonna be somewhat lower in order to save the program?” he asked. “Would that drive you crazy?”
When one audience member responded that it would “upset” them, Kasich told them, “Well, you’d get over it, and you’re going to have to get over it.”
The current governor of Ohio preceded the remarks by asking the crowd how many of them knew how much their initial Social Security payments would be. Two people raised their hands to indicate that they did know.
“What if I told you that your initial benefit was gonna be somewhat lower in order to save the program?” he asked. “Would that drive you crazy?”
When one audience member responded that it would “upset” them, Kasich told them, “Well, you’d get over it, and you’re going to have to get over it.”
1
If things go how they seem they will, Trump will start to get this part of the deal pretty much sewn up, soon.
And then, dear fellow readers, get ready, for then will come, The Pivot. He will pivot, as if nothing has happened, from right wing populism to center populism. Certain topics will drop off, as "more pressing" topics are "what American is concerned about."
Get ready, my fellow readers, for the coming of the Trump Democrats. They are there, they are just angry, and Trump will be just as deft as gulling them as he proven he can gull those on the right.
And then their will be much, much weeping on these pages and in the comments. Our turn is coming next. Get ready. All you Bernie supporters especially, will long for the days when your bitterest complaint about other Democratic voters was that they supported Hillary. Get ready.
Trump is a US problem. Not just a GOP one. Get ready.
And then, dear fellow readers, get ready, for then will come, The Pivot. He will pivot, as if nothing has happened, from right wing populism to center populism. Certain topics will drop off, as "more pressing" topics are "what American is concerned about."
Get ready, my fellow readers, for the coming of the Trump Democrats. They are there, they are just angry, and Trump will be just as deft as gulling them as he proven he can gull those on the right.
And then their will be much, much weeping on these pages and in the comments. Our turn is coming next. Get ready. All you Bernie supporters especially, will long for the days when your bitterest complaint about other Democratic voters was that they supported Hillary. Get ready.
Trump is a US problem. Not just a GOP one. Get ready.
166
@pjc
My bitterest complaint is that in polls Bernie Sanders beats all the GOP candidates by wide margins and Hillary loses to many of them - yet Hillary supporters keep bleating that Hillary is the only one who's 'electable.' You guys have really swallowed the DNC 'talking points.'
My bitterest complaint is that in polls Bernie Sanders beats all the GOP candidates by wide margins and Hillary loses to many of them - yet Hillary supporters keep bleating that Hillary is the only one who's 'electable.' You guys have really swallowed the DNC 'talking points.'
20
Trump is not the problem he is just the symptom of the problem. The problem is that since Reagan the United States of America has gone from the Land of Opportunity to the least upwardly mobile of all the Western Democracies. Even as America enjoys the strongest economic growth of any Western Democracy the gains are so concentrated that economic opportunity and even economic stability decreases every year for most Americans
Bernie and Trump are delivering the same economic message but I fear the short of revolution the system will not be reformed. I was born in Church and State were one Quebec. I saw a quiet revolution . I am hoping the USA can also have a quiet revolution but all those guns and men like Ted Cruz who insist that Militia and Arms never really meant what their definition was in Samuel Johnson's 18th century Dictionary of the English Language leave me with little optimism.
Bernie and Trump are delivering the same economic message but I fear the short of revolution the system will not be reformed. I was born in Church and State were one Quebec. I saw a quiet revolution . I am hoping the USA can also have a quiet revolution but all those guns and men like Ted Cruz who insist that Militia and Arms never really meant what their definition was in Samuel Johnson's 18th century Dictionary of the English Language leave me with little optimism.
7
pjc - As a student of Political Science the basis of your fear are well founded, except one big factor.
Trump's unfavorables with the general electorate hover above 65%, no candidate in US History has ever ran let alone won with unfavorables that high.
A close second also above anything historically seen in terms of unfavorables, Hillary Clinton somewhere north of 60%.
Ultimately the election is a popularity contest, when 6 out of 10 people dislike you immensely, it's really hard to win.
Trump's unfavorables with the general electorate hover above 65%, no candidate in US History has ever ran let alone won with unfavorables that high.
A close second also above anything historically seen in terms of unfavorables, Hillary Clinton somewhere north of 60%.
Ultimately the election is a popularity contest, when 6 out of 10 people dislike you immensely, it's really hard to win.
4
It is most likely going to be Trump/Cruz or Cruz/Trump Republican ticket, depending on who has more delegates by June. If they both collude, there is nothing the establishment can do. It is just a matter of these two candidates cozying up with one another with the understanding that they would support each other even if neither of them reach the halfway mark with the delegates. There will be no contested convention.
1
The Republican presidential debates have become so heated and filled with insults, it almost seems we are watching a pro wrestling match. There is no civility, and I wonder whether the candidates are about to come to blows. But despite what appears to be total disagreement among them, there is one area where they all agree. They all promise that if elected they will “rebuild the military.”
What does “rebuild the military” mean? Has the budget been gutted? Have the useless weapons programs like the F-35 finally been shut down? No, the United States still spends more on its military than the next 14 countries combined. And the official military budget is only part of the story. The total spending on the US empire is well over one trillion dollars per year. Under the Obama Administration the military budget is still 41 percent more than it was in 2001, and seven percent higher than at the peak of the Cold War.
Russia, which the neocons claim is the greatest threat to the United States, spends about one-tenth what we do on its military. China, the other “greatest threat,” has a military budget less than 25 percent of ours.
What does “rebuild the military” mean? Has the budget been gutted? Have the useless weapons programs like the F-35 finally been shut down? No, the United States still spends more on its military than the next 14 countries combined. And the official military budget is only part of the story. The total spending on the US empire is well over one trillion dollars per year. Under the Obama Administration the military budget is still 41 percent more than it was in 2001, and seven percent higher than at the peak of the Cold War.
Russia, which the neocons claim is the greatest threat to the United States, spends about one-tenth what we do on its military. China, the other “greatest threat,” has a military budget less than 25 percent of ours.
31
Holding degrees from Harvard and Princeton, as well as holding a seat in what many consider the world's most exclusive club, how can Cruz claim that he's not part of the establishment or part of what he believes to be the problem with government? His Senate colleagues see through his disingenuousness, as do apparently most of the Republican electorate.
44
On the bright side, if Trump wins the presidency, he is likely to hold either a beauty pageant or a Supreme Apprentice competition to determine the next appointee to the Supreme Court. That is still likely to be less scary than anybody Cruz, Rubio or Kasich would nominate.
28
What a low energy debate. Thankfully, Carson will be there in the morning for an exciting high-energy endorsement: "And I endorse zzzzzzzzzz..." No way he makes it to the word "Donald" without falling asleep. Maybe pet Christie can open and close his mouth to lip sync it to a recording.
7
Trump has revolutionized politics, throwing 35 years of ideology out the window.
Like him or not, he has influenced every candidate running for president this cycle, regardless of party.
The candidates talk about him, condemn him and watch the polls about him.
He's on center stage and tonight's debate as well as the Democrat's last debate, showed his policies were on the table, and each *candidate tempered their own ideology just a bit to encompass some of Trump's supporters.
He himself changes his dialog regularly and without notice, but his determination to throw the rest of the candidates into the same garbage heap of business as usual has them all worried.
Why? Trump has people, a lot of people who like him because of who he is and how they perceive him.
He's gaining momentum for a reason; politics itself has gone too far and it needs to stop.
*Sanders gets an out here...
Like him or not, he has influenced every candidate running for president this cycle, regardless of party.
The candidates talk about him, condemn him and watch the polls about him.
He's on center stage and tonight's debate as well as the Democrat's last debate, showed his policies were on the table, and each *candidate tempered their own ideology just a bit to encompass some of Trump's supporters.
He himself changes his dialog regularly and without notice, but his determination to throw the rest of the candidates into the same garbage heap of business as usual has them all worried.
Why? Trump has people, a lot of people who like him because of who he is and how they perceive him.
He's gaining momentum for a reason; politics itself has gone too far and it needs to stop.
*Sanders gets an out here...
16
Mr. Trump has no policies.
14
Rita:
Selling "solving problems" is a lot more appealing than selling "hope and change".
Selling "solving problems" is a lot more appealing than selling "hope and change".
1
Trump won. All he had to do was show up and hold his temper and he won. Rubio sounded like his usual robotic self, interjecting fake-sounding stories of individual voters' problems. Cruz certainly appealed to the "true believer" conservative Republican (and actually seemed a bit more likeable than he usually does), but he, too, fell into the Trump trap. The Ohio governor keeps talking, but nobody listens or remembers he was on stage. Say "hello" to nominee Trump.
13
My take-away is Trump refusing to accept responsibility for the thuggish behavior of some of his supporters at his rallies. He was read very explicit quotes of statements he made at his rallies, where he clearly encouraged violence against protesters. He completely dodged the issue, spouted some nonsense about there being really big guys there, then somehow started to blame it on the police, and realizing his mistake he pivoted to a point about how police are disrespected in the US these days. Would not take responsibility. Bad.
195
What happened today to that young protester at the Trump rally was reprehensible horrifying it is so out of control, then I watch the debate to see his response and he indirectly defended the guy that punched that young man in the face it was disgusting.
7
You are not allowed to make disturbances at private events such as Trump rallies. The violence is caused be the protesters refusing to leave a private event. I would have a problem with the protestors being messed with if they were in a public venue but they are not.
1
Donald Trump is not about taking responsibility, never has been, never will be. He is about being ruthless with a capital R and will do and say anything to get elected. In this way he is like any other republican politician and as another writer pointed out he is about to make peace with his Party moguls., accept their money and endorsements and bow to the party line at least behind the scenes.
At that point Hillary and Bernie need to be ready as as his ruthlessness will be turned against them. McCain and Romney will be seen as tame as he directs his viciousness against them.
At that point Hillary and Bernie need to be ready as as his ruthlessness will be turned against them. McCain and Romney will be seen as tame as he directs his viciousness against them.
2
Trump is absolutely terrible: vain, conceited, self-promoting, surprisingly sloppy with his thinking and analysis, cocky and dangerous to our USA. Yet he's far better than Cruz.
271
Tonight I went to see a fight and a Republican Presidential debate broke out.
(Who do I see about a refund?)
(Who do I see about a refund?)
41
Still laughing. Thank you for the funniest comment of the evening.
Bring back the comedians. Early in the "debate", Trump turned suddenly to Cruz his head extended and I perked up ready and then....nothing. Egomaniac silenced by his handlers, reminded by them he could bring out the storm troopers only after the election.
Set Trump Free! Let insults ring from the callow head of Rubio, the mighty hairy projection of Trump, the Unctuous Sleaze and the Man Who Balanced The Budget in Washington and Ohio but would not play the insult game.
Set Trump Free! Let insults ring from the callow head of Rubio, the mighty hairy projection of Trump, the Unctuous Sleaze and the Man Who Balanced The Budget in Washington and Ohio but would not play the insult game.
6
The primary reason the debate was more civil was twofold. 1) Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz collectively understood that they were making fools of themselves and irrevocably damaging the Republican Party. 2) The no nonsense moderation of Jake Tapper and most importantly, the way he phrased the questions.His questions did not ask the candidates to characterize one another's positions or behavior.He stuck to the issues. The ratings obsessed trifecta, of self important lightweights from Fox, tried to create controversy, not substance.Wolf Blitzer followed their pathetic paradigm and the results were repugnant.
15
And then there were three
1
Best debate of the entire season, both sides
Why is Hugh Hewett considered some kind of uber-pundit? If they replaced that clown with Chis Wallace, Megan, Chris Matthews, David Corn, Michael Steele, it would automatically be improved by at least 30%.
Now of course, there was MASSIVE dishonesty, but the Reality-Check on this is that the Democratic debates are filled with massive dishonesty as well.
And that isn't the fault of the Candidates, or "the Media", it is the fault of the voters.
Remember the outcry over the crassness of the last two GOP debates, the candidates 'got the message' and turned on a dime, without anybody telling them that they 'had to'. They were simply responding to the perceived impact on the voters that will either be sending forward or into the basement.
On the question of honesty, the GOP demands Right-Wing lies, and the Dems demand Left-Wing lies, The last time someone tried to buck this was the Year2000 Model of John McCain(Straighttalk Express) and he lost, sadly the Year2008 John McCain was right back to traditional politician. Obama was one of the least dishonest politicians. Before that the most honest politician was Ross Perot. And before that it was Jimmy Carter, and before that Ike, and Truman. (Looking back farther than that is not applicable because our Society was too different)
For Trump, I would suggest that somewhere soon, he should say that we would happily, and eagerly welcome every one of his rivals into his administration + Carson
Why is Hugh Hewett considered some kind of uber-pundit? If they replaced that clown with Chis Wallace, Megan, Chris Matthews, David Corn, Michael Steele, it would automatically be improved by at least 30%.
Now of course, there was MASSIVE dishonesty, but the Reality-Check on this is that the Democratic debates are filled with massive dishonesty as well.
And that isn't the fault of the Candidates, or "the Media", it is the fault of the voters.
Remember the outcry over the crassness of the last two GOP debates, the candidates 'got the message' and turned on a dime, without anybody telling them that they 'had to'. They were simply responding to the perceived impact on the voters that will either be sending forward or into the basement.
On the question of honesty, the GOP demands Right-Wing lies, and the Dems demand Left-Wing lies, The last time someone tried to buck this was the Year2000 Model of John McCain(Straighttalk Express) and he lost, sadly the Year2008 John McCain was right back to traditional politician. Obama was one of the least dishonest politicians. Before that the most honest politician was Ross Perot. And before that it was Jimmy Carter, and before that Ike, and Truman. (Looking back farther than that is not applicable because our Society was too different)
For Trump, I would suggest that somewhere soon, he should say that we would happily, and eagerly welcome every one of his rivals into his administration + Carson
3
While this was a much more civil debate, one can understand why young people are excited about Bernie Sanders. Marco Rubio gave a decent performance, Trump was Trump 2.0, without the bluster and Cruz still makes me want to take a shower. This follows the democratic debate last night, where substantive issues were discussed, but HRC came across as condescending and above even answering questions she didn't like. It is curious watching Trump 2.0, he is a master of manipulation, it makes me scared for the general election if Hillary wins the nomination.
23
Clinton will win the Democratic nomination. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has arranged for it to be so, despite the will of the people. And Trump will win the Presidency, simply because he can outmaneuver Hillary on any day.
8
Do you have evidence for such a hard-to-believe claim?
2
Wasserman Schultz should tender her resignation pronto. With her bias towards the phony Clinton's she has no credibility left at all.
Martin and Healy have provided a fair assessment of Thursday night's debate. I wish Martin and Healy had spent more time with respect to how Mr. Rubio lost ground when commenting on climate change. Again, Mr. Friedman is spot on correct. Trump speaks to the voters gut, not his reason, not his logic but what the voter feels. The Republican nomination is virtually over.
Cruz will not win Florida - no Florida - no nomination. Adios Raphael.
Mr Rubio tossed with disregard the support of Floridian mayors when he dismissed their plea regarding climate change. How stupid was that when you are trying to win Floridian delegates. Apparently Mr. Rubio will be abandoning Florida in the not too distant future as sea levels rise and and his support recedes.
Mr. Trump will take Florida - handily.
Hillary and Bernie may now come out swinging for the fences against Trump. Hillary is your next President.
Cruz will not win Florida - no Florida - no nomination. Adios Raphael.
Mr Rubio tossed with disregard the support of Floridian mayors when he dismissed their plea regarding climate change. How stupid was that when you are trying to win Floridian delegates. Apparently Mr. Rubio will be abandoning Florida in the not too distant future as sea levels rise and and his support recedes.
Mr. Trump will take Florida - handily.
Hillary and Bernie may now come out swinging for the fences against Trump. Hillary is your next President.
13
@Sazerac
"Hillary and Bernie may now come out swinging for the fences against Trump. Hillary is your next President."
YES, Hillary 2016!
"Hillary and Bernie may now come out swinging for the fences against Trump. Hillary is your next President."
YES, Hillary 2016!
2
It was a relief that Trump, Cruz, and Rubio could finally be more civilized. Kasich always was.
Nevertheless, for the good of the country, all of them must be defeated.
Though I admire Sanders, I think getting his policies through Congress would make Obama's problems with gridlock look easy.
Clinton is an imperfect candidate, but she is clearly the best choice of the six people still standing.
Nevertheless, for the good of the country, all of them must be defeated.
Though I admire Sanders, I think getting his policies through Congress would make Obama's problems with gridlock look easy.
Clinton is an imperfect candidate, but she is clearly the best choice of the six people still standing.
177
If everyone who admires Sanders would vote for Sanders, and not play safe with Hillary, which really is NOT a sure bet, he would get a mandate that would show whatever Congress comes up next that that's what the people want.
I'd love to see your face if you vote for Hillary and Sanders gets the nomination.
I am frustrated by people who won't go with what their heart and their brain is telling them. They're defrauding themselves.
The Republicans HATE HILLARY. You think she would do better?
I'd love to see your face if you vote for Hillary and Sanders gets the nomination.
I am frustrated by people who won't go with what their heart and their brain is telling them. They're defrauding themselves.
The Republicans HATE HILLARY. You think she would do better?
11
Couldn't agree more. Hillary may have her faults but can anyone say she is worse than Trump or Cruz? Also, what do they stand for...look at the content of their speeches. Do they represent what you believe in, what you want for yourself, your family, you community? Think carefully about what the country will be like under total GOP control, including the GOP-controlled Supreme Court.
8
You realize that one of Hillary's arguments of why we should vote for her is because she can work and compromise with Republicans.
Her husband did that. He compromised on trade by pushing through NAFTA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, mass incarceration, "Ending welfare as we know it" (it was said to put over 1 million children into poverty and is also blamed for the present day rise in food stamps), and overturning Glass Steagall.
More triangulation? No thank you.
Bernie Sanders 2016.
Her husband did that. He compromised on trade by pushing through NAFTA, Don't Ask Don't Tell, mass incarceration, "Ending welfare as we know it" (it was said to put over 1 million children into poverty and is also blamed for the present day rise in food stamps), and overturning Glass Steagall.
More triangulation? No thank you.
Bernie Sanders 2016.
5
As I see it, unless Bernie is the (D) nominee, Trump will cruise into the White House this November.
60
mmmmm.....double shot of KoolAid
6
A small mistake in your comment: IF Bernie is the nominee, Trump will cruise into the White House...
6
On the contrary, doubtless GOP strategists are licking their chops in hopes that the democratic presidential nominee will be Sanders, a candidate in his 70s, a self declared socialist and soon to be labelled a fervent communist (a lethal dog whistle for sure). He will be pummelled by Trump mercilessly. At least Clinton knows well enough how to fight such aggressive no holds barred right wing attacks. Sanders will be a sitting duck unfortunately, and his bid is likely to fail given a fickle low information electorate that put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010.
4
Obviously Major Deals were made before this 'Debate'
Hahahaha......
We shall see who get's what; but bet Rubio gets VP, Cruz gets SCOTUS, Carson gets Surgeon General (obviously), Kasich maybe State.
But, we'll have to wait for media 'analysis'.
Buhahahhahaha!!
Hahahaha......
We shall see who get's what; but bet Rubio gets VP, Cruz gets SCOTUS, Carson gets Surgeon General (obviously), Kasich maybe State.
But, we'll have to wait for media 'analysis'.
Buhahahhahaha!!
7
Don't forget Christie for AG. After all, he'll be needing a job.
4
What was utterly appalling about tonight's debate was the absolute unwillingness of a single republican candidate to unequivocally condemn the violence openly and repeatedly incited by Drumpf against protesters at his hitleresque rallies. Shame on all of them!
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Generalissimo Don used his Ben Carszzzzzn voice. It's very very bad, whatever it is, and he will fix it.
No Show Marco: No law will fix climate change and the Obama laws will destroy our economy. He supports (free?) mitigation (another wall ....around the Florida coastline?), which won't raise costs or taxes?
Tail Gunner Eduardo: His taxes aren't tariffs, so they won't be passed on to consumers.
K-sick: Planned D-Day, cured cancer, breathed the same air as Saint Ronnie, and initially bragged that he created 400 jobs in Ohio.
Sad sad conditions in the Republic Party.
Trump/Trump 2016
So good he can do it all!!
No Show Marco: No law will fix climate change and the Obama laws will destroy our economy. He supports (free?) mitigation (another wall ....around the Florida coastline?), which won't raise costs or taxes?
Tail Gunner Eduardo: His taxes aren't tariffs, so they won't be passed on to consumers.
K-sick: Planned D-Day, cured cancer, breathed the same air as Saint Ronnie, and initially bragged that he created 400 jobs in Ohio.
Sad sad conditions in the Republic Party.
Trump/Trump 2016
So good he can do it all!!
7
In retrospect it was quite clever of Trump to lower the tone of the debates thus far. It prevented his opponents from making any substantive arguments they may have prepared. It also concealed how little Trump knows about public policy of any kind. Now that he's come this far he can take the next step: Presidential but vague.
15
Well now, it seems as though harsh criticism of Don Trump has made him a better candidate. The chest thumping has abated. But still the same lines to replace the old ones.
1
What a low bar we have set for the Republican candidates when the Times can speak approvingly of a "less crude" debate. How sad!
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I suppose Trump can't simply say.. you must.
Chancellor Angela Merkel is not going to like what the Don had to say about her. Making enemies for America before even getting the nomination. It was a hit and run slam out of left field. Totally unnecessary.
But all of their foreign policy ideas are great ... for the fictional simplistic world that they occupy.
At least they discussed climate change. Sen. Rubio acknowledged climate change but then parroted the absurd meme that climate has always changed. He might just as well have shrugged and said, "We can't do anything about it, so let's party like there's no tomorrow!". Too bad the moderator didn't follow up with a question about what should the federal government do about sea level rise in coastal cities.
But all of their foreign policy ideas are great ... for the fictional simplistic world that they occupy.
At least they discussed climate change. Sen. Rubio acknowledged climate change but then parroted the absurd meme that climate has always changed. He might just as well have shrugged and said, "We can't do anything about it, so let's party like there's no tomorrow!". Too bad the moderator didn't follow up with a question about what should the federal government do about sea level rise in coastal cities.
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@Rita
I would bet that Angela Merkel has a ton of worries, but they're not about the Don. Her open door policy is likely to hurt her party in this Sunday election.
I would bet that Angela Merkel has a ton of worries, but they're not about the Don. Her open door policy is likely to hurt her party in this Sunday election.
5
I thought the Fox panel last week and the CNN panel ahe previous night did a much better job of holding the candidates' feet to the fire when they tried to evade the question or gave answers that didn't hold water. Very disappointed that so much nonsense went unchallenged last night.
1
It is surreal to hear Ted Cruz repeat "government is the problem." Does Cruz not grasp that the Presidency he seeks is the most prominent part of government? Or that his Senate seat is part of government? Or that the federal immigration laws he supports are part of government? Or that the military he imagines using to reshape the world is part of government?
Cruz has to be either deeply cunning or deeply ignorant to say that; either way, he is deeply unfit for President.
Cruz has to be either deeply cunning or deeply ignorant to say that; either way, he is deeply unfit for President.
525
He'd be smart to use as a campaign slogan: Elect me for president and my first act will be to fire myself.
Then. an only then, maybe I'd vote for him.
Then. an only then, maybe I'd vote for him.
18
He is just echoing the mindless comments of our senile President Reagan, so that the sheep who worship Reagan will vote for him. He doesn't believe it. Or anything else.
61
"t is surreal to hear Ted Cruz repeat "government is the problem." Does Cruz not grasp that the Presidency he seeks is the most prominent part of government? "
He's talking about the way that government is run. Obviously he knows the Senate and presidency are part of the government.
He's talking about the way that government is run. Obviously he knows the Senate and presidency are part of the government.
1
Kind of boring, for sure, with the other three on their best behavior in their auditions for Vice President.
30
I only watched about 10 minutes of it because that's all I could stand but I did catch Marco Rubio sticking his foot in his mouth.
Now he is supposed to be the smart one. He was asked about climate change. Then he goes into a long winded tirade that climate change is caused by the changing climate and that there is no law that can be passed that will affect the weather. OK, climate isn't weather but that's not where he slipped up. Then during his rambling rant, he said that anything we did wouldn't make any difference because of all the pollution caused by China and India. To state that the activities of China and India are affecting climate change is to admit that human activity is causing climate change. This is a complete contradiction to his arguments and the Republican position that human activity is not causing climate change. Like I said, he is the smart one.
Now he is supposed to be the smart one. He was asked about climate change. Then he goes into a long winded tirade that climate change is caused by the changing climate and that there is no law that can be passed that will affect the weather. OK, climate isn't weather but that's not where he slipped up. Then during his rambling rant, he said that anything we did wouldn't make any difference because of all the pollution caused by China and India. To state that the activities of China and India are affecting climate change is to admit that human activity is causing climate change. This is a complete contradiction to his arguments and the Republican position that human activity is not causing climate change. Like I said, he is the smart one.
477
Marco is the smart one. And the obvious question is, "Compared to what? The rest of the Republican field? A turnip?"
25
I saw right through that too. Breaking news: GOP candidate admits climate change science is right.
8
He's right about China and India regardless of any contradictions with previous positions.
Marco Rubio: the climate changes because it s always changing.
That has got to be one of the dumbest comments in a presidential debate. What an insult to science, and it puts no responsibility on people as if there was nothing we could do to avoid rising temperatures. And he was elected in a state that has catastrophic effects of climate change; hurricanes and floods. Go away Rubio.
That has got to be one of the dumbest comments in a presidential debate. What an insult to science, and it puts no responsibility on people as if there was nothing we could do to avoid rising temperatures. And he was elected in a state that has catastrophic effects of climate change; hurricanes and floods. Go away Rubio.
419
Very true, Elisa. Rubio had previously skirted responsibility by saying, "I'm not a scientist." And Florida, as you say, suffers the catastrophic effects of climate change, yet its state employees are prohibited from using that term. This is a global priority in need of continuous attention, which definitely will not come from Rubio (or the others tonight).
Thank you for writing.
Thank you for writing.
43
Rubio and many others either can't or won't understand the difference between climate and weather. But that was one long-winded obfuscation.
21
Rubio's insult to science brought to you by: The Koch brothers, supplying dark money to influence public policy since 1980.
13
Less crude, but still an overflow of machismo. One of the reasons they could get along is because they have agreed on a long list of people to blame and dislike. They offer our country nothing of value.
257
First, the head of the RNC has to remind people that the GOP will support whoever wins the Republican nomination, this late in the primary. Then, CNN has to remind the candidates to keep the conversations serious and civil. Third, it took 12 debates for them to actually start talking about policy.
Not a lot of class left in the GOP.
Not a lot of class left in the GOP.
138
Except Governor Kasich.
1
This debate was very unlike the usual GOP debates - free of insults, shouting and juvenile behavior - that is their hallmark. Very boring and devoid of any new substance we have not heard before.
6
Yeah, they must be getting tired.
This is a confederacy of fools for fools. The current R party is entirely shallow, reactionary and out of the times. All the nice making and lack of theatrics during this debate don't mean a thing. Most of their policies are rotten and rancid to the core. For self avowed Christians, they seem to be a fairly uncompassionate, judgmental lot. Then again, we reap what we sow. Get out and vote to ensure that not a singel one of these men has a chance to run our country into the ditch as the previous R President did.
p.s Has the NYT pointed out that many of the people in Rubio's brain trust are rewarmed leftover Bush 2 types?
p.s Has the NYT pointed out that many of the people in Rubio's brain trust are rewarmed leftover Bush 2 types?
222
True. Those who aren't working for Obama.
The idea that any of those 5 men could be the President of the United States really staggers the mind, although so does the possibility of Hillary.
The idea that any of those 5 men could be the President of the United States really staggers the mind, although so does the possibility of Hillary.
3
They had to leech onto someone malleable...
It will be interesting to see how Trump's and Cruz's supporters react to this calm debate. It actually included facts and logic.
I must have nodded off during the Drumpf facts and logic segments.
10
I am suggesting that we have had enough of these debates, town halls, interviews, etc. The same material has been beaten to death and there is nothing new to learn from any of these folks be they Republicans or Democrats. I think the cable networks would serve us better by rebroadcasting weather reports from the 1990's.
71
Laughing over your last sentence! So true though.
3
Trump said he thought tonight's debate was "very elegant."
To paraphrase Daniel Patrick Moynihan, he was "defining elegance down."
To paraphrase Daniel Patrick Moynihan, he was "defining elegance down."
64
They may have been more civil, but that laid bare their policies, which are terrible: drive up retirement age, cut Social Security - at no point was raising the ceiling on SS taxes mentioned. War is good; immigration is bad; it would be better to destroy the planet than deal with climate change.
Oy.
Oy.
365
"They may have been more civil, but that laid bare their policies, which are terrible: drive up retirement age, cut Social Security"
Bankrupting the nation for the sake of preserving the myth there is nothing wrong with social security is what's terrible. Nobody on the stage said "war is good".
Oy.
Bankrupting the nation for the sake of preserving the myth there is nothing wrong with social security is what's terrible. Nobody on the stage said "war is good".
Oy.
Vay.
5
To be fair - Trump did sound like a Democrat when pressed on actual policy, which was certainly laugh out loud funny. Personally, I'm all for raising the cap and/or means testing benefits. As wages have fallen back against inflation, those of us who don't toil in hourly jobs need to accept more responsibility for the welfare of our nation. When some of us may (or may not even) notice our paychecks checks getting a little bit bigger sometime in the first part of the year... we should recognize that the SS cap is far too low.
Other than that though - I couldn't agree more - the Republican Party is based on greed and selfishness, and that is always on full display.
Other than that though - I couldn't agree more - the Republican Party is based on greed and selfishness, and that is always on full display.
1
Trump was actually correct when he cautioned that there's something serious going on with hate. Unfortunately, he misses the danger of hate coming from himself and the other contenders collectively: against immigrants, refugees, Muslims, journalists, peaceful demonstrators, political opponents, President Obama, LBGT individuals...
104
...and women!
Re: violence at the rallies....trump seemed incapable of owning responsibility for the consequences he spews, spins and conjures up. "I hope not." Good grief, how frightening he could be the nominee.
Re: violence at the rallies....trump seemed incapable of owning responsibility for the consequences he spews, spins and conjures up. "I hope not." Good grief, how frightening he could be the nominee.
13
"mmigrants, refugees, Muslims, journalists, peaceful demonstrators, political opponents, President Obama, LBGT individuals" all have a problem with White America and it's white privilege. How about that hate??
That's exactly why Trump is doing so well. The silent majority won't be the punching bag any longer.
That's exactly why Trump is doing so well. The silent majority won't be the punching bag any longer.
1
Didn't watch it. Sick of Trump. Heard he pretended to act like a human being. Worst presidential candidate ever foisted on the American electorate, and the idiots are buying it. God help us.
215
We are reaping the rewards of our public education system.
1
No, second worst. Cruz is #1.
3
This debate was much cleaner no doubt- probably the first one that is honestly about policy. I also enjoyed the Dem debate last night. However, I just want to be hopeful again. Is that too much to ask? They barely touched the national debt, and let’s not forget how our government has a PHD on running up deficits.
I am young and have many years to go before I retire but the situation our country now finds itself in, is frankly quite depressing. Is it too much to ask for a way to reduce the debt, for the federal government to spend less money, to see trade deals that help people like me that are part of the middle class? It is too much, honestly? I want to believe in a country that helps people like me- the average law-abiding American citizen.
I am young and have many years to go before I retire but the situation our country now finds itself in, is frankly quite depressing. Is it too much to ask for a way to reduce the debt, for the federal government to spend less money, to see trade deals that help people like me that are part of the middle class? It is too much, honestly? I want to believe in a country that helps people like me- the average law-abiding American citizen.
7
When you young people realize how badly the older people and the two parties have messed up your futures with pollution, debts and wars, you will want to dump us into the hoppers for Soylent Green.
4
Maybe we should start by remembering the words of the late President Kennedy when he said that, instead of asking our country to help us, we should be asking ourselves how we can help our country.
5
The way to reduce the debt is very simple - raise enough revenue to pay our way, and start reversing the damage 30 years of the GOP telling people taxes are a form of theft has inflicted on this nation. The rhetoric has been so successful that young people fail to even contemplate taxes as a form of investment in our selves. So sad.
If we want to have a military bigger than the next 20 combined, then we'd better be willing to pay for it. The idea that we should sacrifice the health and well being of our citizens at the alter of the military industrial complex is bizarre, and yet it has been the GOP position for decades.
If we want to have a military bigger than the next 20 combined, then we'd better be willing to pay for it. The idea that we should sacrifice the health and well being of our citizens at the alter of the military industrial complex is bizarre, and yet it has been the GOP position for decades.
5
To see Trump adopt more solemn, presidential tones is terrifying.
93
On the one hand there's a candidate breaking barriers by building minority firewalls. On the other - there's a bad guy who's very bad:
-- Asked if Mr. Carson would be campaigning for Mr. Trump, and would be deployed to help him win over black voters, Mr. Lewandowski dismissed the question.
“... this campaign has been very clear about not trying to segregate out specific demographics to have a different message for.”
“I think what you have in this campaign is Mr. Trump talks to everybody exactly the same, and if Dr. Carson joins us on the campaign trail, we’re not going to delineate between African-Africans or white Americans or Hispanic Americans or Asian-Americans.”