Poor Rubio would have us believe “this may not have been the year for a hopeful and optimistic message”. Hmmmm.
Talking of Trump's wet pants and small hands surely lifted me up, I don't know about you. Surely his invocation of God and Jesus in the same breath as he spewed lies was heart warming and lovable. I was especially enchanted by his repeated attacks on the president, on affordable care, etc. And I'm absolutely over the moon at his unyielding, inflexible stance on abortion. Yes, Rubio was the ideal candidate in a deep roster of republican talent. A zero among zeros.
It's mind-boggling that people saw through Rubio but can't see through Trump. But then, this republican reality show ain't over till it's pushing up daisies. If that happens. it will make us all hopeful and optimistic.
Talking of Trump's wet pants and small hands surely lifted me up, I don't know about you. Surely his invocation of God and Jesus in the same breath as he spewed lies was heart warming and lovable. I was especially enchanted by his repeated attacks on the president, on affordable care, etc. And I'm absolutely over the moon at his unyielding, inflexible stance on abortion. Yes, Rubio was the ideal candidate in a deep roster of republican talent. A zero among zeros.
It's mind-boggling that people saw through Rubio but can't see through Trump. But then, this republican reality show ain't over till it's pushing up daisies. If that happens. it will make us all hopeful and optimistic.
112
"They see a probable Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat."
Really? REALLY? As fashionable as it has become to trash Hillary, the fact remains that she is and was the hardest working politician in this country. Not only that, she and her husband have raised to an art-form not only the defeat, but the resounding destruction of any and all Republicans they've faced. Good luck with your "herd thinking" Mr. Bruni.
Really? REALLY? As fashionable as it has become to trash Hillary, the fact remains that she is and was the hardest working politician in this country. Not only that, she and her husband have raised to an art-form not only the defeat, but the resounding destruction of any and all Republicans they've faced. Good luck with your "herd thinking" Mr. Bruni.
116
Frank, Do you really think that even "Party stalwarts" saw the Republican race as "a buffet of political talent"? "a feast of possibilities"??? That sounds like whistling through the graveyard to me. How could anyone have looked at the Republican clown bus and seen those things?!?
And, BTW, isn't "piranhas and Palins" redundant?
And, BTW, isn't "piranhas and Palins" redundant?
60
Bruni,Hillary isn't politically flawed,she's highly experienced and ready to govern this Nation day one.
What's deeply flawed is today's Republican Party! The fact , no capable intelligent member is running is proof! The party is void of Gerald Ford or Eisenhower types, people who appeal to the sane hardworking intelligent voters.
What's deeply flawed is today's Republican Party! The fact , no capable intelligent member is running is proof! The party is void of Gerald Ford or Eisenhower types, people who appeal to the sane hardworking intelligent voters.
123
"They see a probable Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat."
Personally flawed? Who isn't? Politically clumsy? Compared to Trump and Cruz, she's the Misty Copeland of American politics. Out of sync with the anti-establishment moment? She slaughtered the anti-establishment darling Tuesday.
What else you got?
Personally flawed? Who isn't? Politically clumsy? Compared to Trump and Cruz, she's the Misty Copeland of American politics. Out of sync with the anti-establishment moment? She slaughtered the anti-establishment darling Tuesday.
What else you got?
188
Empires fall. Maybe ours has been falling for 50 years and this is the end? We'll only know in hindsight.
42
A Cruz nomination and subsequent defeat would put to rest the argument that Republicans keep losing because their nominees aren't conservative ENOUGH? Fat chance. If GOP establishment nabobs really believe THAT bit of wishful thinking, their exile in the political wilderness will be very long, indeed.
12
16 clowns got in the car; none of them knew how to drive...
44
Tell Rino "Gang of 8" Rubio to go home and play with his toys.
3
" Come on in, the water's fine" is a quote from the movie Oh Brother Where Art Thou, from Delmar's baptism. Pretty funny that Cruz quoted it and that this writer didn't get it.
10
My fellow American citizens:
Love thy neighbors
even if you do not love yourself enough, or not at all,
or
even if you love yourself too much!
Love thy neighbors
even if you do not love yourself enough, or not at all,
or
even if you love yourself too much!
2
Piranhas and Palins, oh my! From where I am sitting Hillary is the most viscous piranha I have ever seen!
5
Marco set his sights on this mini-Super Tuesday to be his Super Tuesday.
Instead it was, turn out the lights: Goodbye Rubio Tuesday.
They couldn't hang a name on you,
'Cause you changed with every new day,
Still some are gonna miss you.
But not I.
DD
Manhattan
Instead it was, turn out the lights: Goodbye Rubio Tuesday.
They couldn't hang a name on you,
'Cause you changed with every new day,
Still some are gonna miss you.
But not I.
DD
Manhattan
19
Trump said he would put a chicken in every pot and a new car in every garage: Oh, that was Hoover.
17
Rancid indeed Mr. Bruni. Frankly I'm amazed at your sources among some, many, one ect.(all nameless and faceless of course) Republicans that so closely mirror your own views, being a left wing firebrand and all. Do any of these supposed representatives of the GOP have a name or job within the party or are they just comrades you associate with every day? To be honest with you any Republican I know that ever read your usual propagandistic bombast wouldn't even speak to you much less offer a valid opinion on any candidate. Bon Appetit.
2
A very good line:
Trump and Ted Cruz ... are merely different flavors of rancid fare.
Trump and Ted Cruz ... are merely different flavors of rancid fare.
35
You should make clear that the comments about Hillary come from the right wing nuts and not you. rubio is as far to the right as cruz-both are nuts. trump is just weird.
51
"They see a probable Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat."
This is your opinion? What do you mean by "so personally flawed?" Can't tell if it is a sexist comment, a psychological analysis on your part, or if you are sitting on a psych report from some other medical professional. I think it matters, journalistically.
This quote is right on: "“Cruz is a disaster for the party,” one of them told me. “Trump is a disaster for the country.”
This is your opinion? What do you mean by "so personally flawed?" Can't tell if it is a sexist comment, a psychological analysis on your part, or if you are sitting on a psych report from some other medical professional. I think it matters, journalistically.
This quote is right on: "“Cruz is a disaster for the party,” one of them told me. “Trump is a disaster for the country.”
89
Is there a story behind the year-old Frank Bruni blog post titled "you will be hearing a lot more about Marco Rubio" which still appears under the section "latest from the opinion blogs"? Did I miss some pledge by Bruni to where that post like an albatross around his neck?
13
Frank your continued harangue of Mrs. Clinton being personally flawed is an idiotic meme pursued by Trump and other misogynists. I guess you fit right in that category too.
Campaign buttons,t-shirts sold at Trump rallies say "Hillary for prison 2016." Mrs. Clinton used personal servers as did everyone of the secretaries of state before her. She isn't a smooth operator as her husband is, but she remains a good moral woman.
Why is it that we women have to somehow be perfect while these other denizens of the deep--Trump, Cruz, Kasich (Kasich is deeply flawed as he passes more anti-abortion laws than any other state! And that includes Texas!) lie, use hyperbole in every speech and NO ONE calls them on it!
Mrs. Clinton is our last best hope to keep the country from flying apart and yet you STILL dismiss her. Shame on you Frank--especially since we just celebrated the International Year of the Woman.
Just get over yourself! You and Maureen must have catty lunches each trying to outdo the other in mean little stories about this very accomplished woman.
Campaign buttons,t-shirts sold at Trump rallies say "Hillary for prison 2016." Mrs. Clinton used personal servers as did everyone of the secretaries of state before her. She isn't a smooth operator as her husband is, but she remains a good moral woman.
Why is it that we women have to somehow be perfect while these other denizens of the deep--Trump, Cruz, Kasich (Kasich is deeply flawed as he passes more anti-abortion laws than any other state! And that includes Texas!) lie, use hyperbole in every speech and NO ONE calls them on it!
Mrs. Clinton is our last best hope to keep the country from flying apart and yet you STILL dismiss her. Shame on you Frank--especially since we just celebrated the International Year of the Woman.
Just get over yourself! You and Maureen must have catty lunches each trying to outdo the other in mean little stories about this very accomplished woman.
128
Never thought I'd ever write this sentence: But what I wouldn't give now for a Martin O'Malley vs. Rand Paul contest this November. Trump v. Clinton is TV movie plot, not a real thing.
5
The best autopsy of the Senator Rubio’s campaign discussed the role the Tea Party had in destroying his Presidential bid because in 2013 he dared to be part of the Senatorial bi-partisan “gang of eight” who attempted to bring a comprehensive immigration policy with recommendations of a path to citizenship. The Tea Party leadership who supported him for his FL Senatorial bid was furious with Rubio for this bi-partisan legislative attempt. The Tea Party is proud that they worked hard to stop Rubio’s Presidential bid at any cost as pay back. This is a very scary political outcome since everyone is rooting for the demise of the establishment Republican Party. The outcome could be the complete takeover by the vitriolic political driven Tea Party! The rise of the Tea Party in Congress has resulted in the Freedom Caucus driving Boehner out of office and new leader Paul Ryan having to answer to this small caucus for every move; destruction of Rubio campaign and the rise of Tea Party darling irrational Senator Raphael “shut down the government” Cruz. This could be the resurrection from the ashes of the new Republican Party. The creation of the grass roots Tea Party founded by former Senator Dick Armey and the Koch Brothers may have been seen by Republicans as easy win in 2012 elections but dancing with the devil has proven that the devil may end up leading the dance.
15
Rubio has an optimistic message only in that he delivers the same bitter anti-Obama vitriol and selfish rich-take-all rants with a smiling face. None of the Republicans in this race talk of optimism. How could they? That would imply that Obama has done something right.
29
Rubio might have thought his message was hopeful, but all I ever heard him whine about was how bad Obama was and all the damage he did to our country. Anybody who was alive or paying attention to the past 8 years knows just how much Obama saved our economy with no help whatsoever from the republican congress. Goodbye Marco, now go try to get a real job because I think you wore out your welcome in politics. You still have 10 months in office - do something for our country.
38
I can live with Cruz or Trump but I can't live with the criminal Hillary. Hillary for Prison 2016.
1
It is not Donald Trump I fear, it is those who think he is an answer to anything. What has shocked me so far is the supporters, not what Donald has said or done. Be it the Tea Party "only good government is the part that takes care of my needs", the evangelical hypocrites suffering from selective concern about society, or the angry independents who have suddenly become republican voters in primaries even though Trump is not a republican-they are all lemmings heading for the cliff. One word they need to be ready to embrace if the unthinkable Trump nomination happens...REGRET. Go start your own crazy party and give me back my republican party!
14
Yawn. Another low-hanging fruit story here. Trump is bad. Marco sold his soul. Cruz is mean and no one likes him. Hillary is flawed.
How about some investigative journalism on Kasich? He was in DC for years and has held private business leadership positions. He's no virgin.
How about some investigative journalism on Kasich? He was in DC for years and has held private business leadership positions. He's no virgin.
48
Actually, Mr. Cruz, we climate change voters would disagree with you that "the water is fine."
43
Perhaps Rubio was the wrong messenger for an upbeat and optimistic message. After all, he opposes gay marriage, which I personally view as bigotry whether or not it's rooted in his religion. He is rabidly anti-choice. As near as I can tell, he was a loyal footman in Mitch McConnell's campaign to deny the President any legislative victories for partisan political reasons. And he wants to deny poor Americans affordable healthcare.
You'll pardon me if i missed the optimism in his message. He hides his negativity behind his youth and ready smile.
You'll pardon me if i missed the optimism in his message. He hides his negativity behind his youth and ready smile.
89
The Party of Lincoln is about to nominate the ignorant, bigoted "birther in chief" to be President.
Sad times for the GOP, d
Electoral Apocolypse coming next...
Sad times for the GOP, d
Electoral Apocolypse coming next...
10
Not the year for a hopeful and optimistic message? It is the year for it, but as has been the case for the past 8 years or so, the GOP's message of optimism is "Trust us, you minions! We will make sure you live on substandard wages, unable to afford your healthcare, with your only hope of overcoming is to pray and pull yourselves up by your overseas manufactured bootstraps. It's character building if you live through it!"
The fact that the GOP still doesn't get it proves to me why their front runner is Mr Crass Angryman. At least he acknowledges their issues are real.
The fact that the GOP still doesn't get it proves to me why their front runner is Mr Crass Angryman. At least he acknowledges their issues are real.
16
What was wrong with this post? NOTHING I am going to respond to Moishe factually. Are you going to block that too??:
As a Republican it was time for Rubio to drop out. Florida was not going to give him the push he needed and the only leverage he has at this point is his delegates, especially if Trump can't get to 1,237. I assume that he will run for governor so he can show that he has experience dealing with budgetary issues and also Democrats. If he can be effective with consensus issues it will go a long way to mitigating the damage from Christie but also that childish display during the debate
But I have to move on to Hillary The Foundation took between $1 million and $5 million from Qatar. Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2013 Aren't they among the worst human rights violators and oppressors of women's rights? Why is that allowed Dems? Hillary says she will reform Wall Street. But in 2008
JP Morgan Chase $446,479
Goldman Sachs $407,850
Morgan Stanley $374,830
Lehman Bros $253,753
Merrill Lynch $194,109
Price Waterhouse Coopers $191,900
She made $4.3 million giving speeches to Wall Street from 2013-2015 She's bought and paid for I am waiting for Democrats to respond to the grant of immunity that Pagliano got. He's the guy that set up her server and she gave a job to at State. Say what you you want about our people but isn't Hillary the only one under investigation by the FBI? Don['t say she isn't because they wouldn't give the grant if it didn't target her
As a Republican it was time for Rubio to drop out. Florida was not going to give him the push he needed and the only leverage he has at this point is his delegates, especially if Trump can't get to 1,237. I assume that he will run for governor so he can show that he has experience dealing with budgetary issues and also Democrats. If he can be effective with consensus issues it will go a long way to mitigating the damage from Christie but also that childish display during the debate
But I have to move on to Hillary The Foundation took between $1 million and $5 million from Qatar. Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2013 Aren't they among the worst human rights violators and oppressors of women's rights? Why is that allowed Dems? Hillary says she will reform Wall Street. But in 2008
JP Morgan Chase $446,479
Goldman Sachs $407,850
Morgan Stanley $374,830
Lehman Bros $253,753
Merrill Lynch $194,109
Price Waterhouse Coopers $191,900
She made $4.3 million giving speeches to Wall Street from 2013-2015 She's bought and paid for I am waiting for Democrats to respond to the grant of immunity that Pagliano got. He's the guy that set up her server and she gave a job to at State. Say what you you want about our people but isn't Hillary the only one under investigation by the FBI? Don['t say she isn't because they wouldn't give the grant if it didn't target her
4
What optimistic message? I defy anyone to find one. Ciphers are incapable of this.
1
A feast you say?
It looks like it'll be Trumpster Diving for the right wing.
(Methinks holding your nose while casting a ballot is not what the founders of democracy had in mind. And in this season, unfortunately, this is the lot of voters on both sides of the divide.)
It looks like it'll be Trumpster Diving for the right wing.
(Methinks holding your nose while casting a ballot is not what the founders of democracy had in mind. And in this season, unfortunately, this is the lot of voters on both sides of the divide.)
5
Today's Republican Party is the rust belt of American politics, nothing more than a rotting, skeletal hulk of its proud past.
12
Kasich and Cruz should do well enough in the primaries to come. Just like Rubio should have won Florida, and Clinton should have won Michigan. Yes, of course, there is definitely a chance Trump will be blocked. Sure, okay.
1
I find myself reading this article and having about the political message the Times is trying to get out and how the paper is spinning the events, and reading between the lines to understand what is really happening. That to me seems sad - why can't the paper of record improve its ability to deliver news without the overheavy handed spin?
3
People keep saying Clinton is flawed because she talked to businessmen and won't spill out everything she said. She built her campaign chest on speaking fees. Perhaps she should have created a better email system while Secretary of State.
I wish Bernie Sanders seemed younger than he does and could come up with a solid plan for accomplishing his goals. I wish he were Senator Warren .
Lots of things I consider flaws and I wish we were all perfect human beings. Ms. Clinton has proven herself a gutsy person and her run in with Mr. Obama, Bernie Sanders, all her critics in both the Republican and Democratic Party should make her aware of her vulnerability and a better listener. While this is not a ringing endorsement it is up to us the voters to keep her feet to the fire and help her be a President. And if she does not respond to the needs of the people . . .well she is on probation.
Better than any other Republican, most of whom should be in jail or kindergarten.
I wish Bernie Sanders seemed younger than he does and could come up with a solid plan for accomplishing his goals. I wish he were Senator Warren .
Lots of things I consider flaws and I wish we were all perfect human beings. Ms. Clinton has proven herself a gutsy person and her run in with Mr. Obama, Bernie Sanders, all her critics in both the Republican and Democratic Party should make her aware of her vulnerability and a better listener. While this is not a ringing endorsement it is up to us the voters to keep her feet to the fire and help her be a President. And if she does not respond to the needs of the people . . .well she is on probation.
Better than any other Republican, most of whom should be in jail or kindergarten.
19
If the GOP brand is so toxic, why does the party have such a commanding lead in House, the Senate and state governorships? Gerrymandered districts might account for the advantage in the House but not in the Senate and Governors. Doesn't reflect well at all on the Democratic Party. Why can't they beat such a toxic brand?
6
50 years ago The Republican Party created the Southern Strategy, the conscious effort to appeal to the segregationist Strom Thurmond and George Wallace Democratic voters.
In the 1980’s the Republican Party gave us the culture wars and Reagan and the dog whistle politics of welfare queens and States Rights and created the Reagan Democrats.
With Obama, they gave us the birthers, death panels, support of the Confederate flag, and created the Tea Party.
And the Republican establishment is sick, just sick I tell you, to think of Trump representing the Republican Party.
They can’t understand how the Republican voters, who have been listening to talk radio all these years, can blindly follow Trump and not listen to reason.
In the 1980’s the Republican Party gave us the culture wars and Reagan and the dog whistle politics of welfare queens and States Rights and created the Reagan Democrats.
With Obama, they gave us the birthers, death panels, support of the Confederate flag, and created the Tea Party.
And the Republican establishment is sick, just sick I tell you, to think of Trump representing the Republican Party.
They can’t understand how the Republican voters, who have been listening to talk radio all these years, can blindly follow Trump and not listen to reason.
33
Wow, what a good piece. Love the section about the long view of a Cruz candidacy for the Republican party relative to the potential national disaster of a Trump presidency. Country before party? Might we really see that? As Trump would say: "Amazing, incredible times!" (oy veh!)
1
Let's be realistic. First, there is no G.O.P. It made a Faustian bargain with the Tea Party radical, anti-government anarchists and has now ceased to exist with the anti-establishment Trump triumph. "Sic transit gloria," G.O.P. Second, the only "real" alternative to The Donald is Senator Shutdown himself, Ted Cruz, the true Tea Party Frankenstein. Third, John Kasich has only won his home state; that does not make him in any sense a possible nominee. As of today we must face the reality that we have only a one-party political system with no viable (as in rational) countervailing view. Donald Trump only represents himself and is running to be our first oligarch-in-chief.
12
Putting aside the fact that conservatives have spent tens of millions of dollars and several decades smearing Ms. Clinton why is she "personally flawed"? She is certainly the most qualified candidate.
30
Spoiled Buffet? These nominees are laughing all the way to the bank!
I hope the NYT investigates and reports on the financial windfall when this year's crop of candidates "suspend" rather than "end" their campaigns - especially in light of the effects Citizens United has wrought on this election season.
I hope the NYT investigates and reports on the financial windfall when this year's crop of candidates "suspend" rather than "end" their campaigns - especially in light of the effects Citizens United has wrought on this election season.
15
Dear me, the continued destruction of the political party system in the name of campaign finance reform has produced yet another undesirable result.
When you are in a deep hole, stop digging.
When you are in a deep hole, stop digging.
4
Since Kasich, who's the closest thing to a reasonable Republican the party can muster, has so little chance of winning the nomination, the remaining reasonable Republicans should form a 'GOP for Hillary' movement. Preferably sub rosa, since I presume their support would be the kiss of death in the eyes of those in the Sanders camp who might otherwise have gritted their teeth and vote for Clinton in November, but who would stay home and sit on their hands rather than vote for anyone centrist enough to win over even one Republican. Hillary Clinton is always getting criticized by her own party's left wing for being too far to the right, anyway; ironic it is indeed, and an indicator of how far the political landscape has migrated rightward overall, that the only remaining Rockefeller Republican is ... a Democrat.
6
The GOP should have backed Kasich a long time ago. They knew Cruz was a nut case and should have known that Rubio wasn't going anywhere with the resume he has. Too late to cry in their beer. Looks like they are going to be stuck with Trump. Now the GOP has to decide do they what to show some integrity and not back Trump and try again 4 years from now or are they going to cave and try and win the White House with Trump. Either case the GOP will not have the Presidency this time either.
8
This year anything could happen. We have no idea how this election will go. There are so many potential "surprises".
Hillary may be indicted.
Trump may attract the fate of Huey Long and George Wallace.
There may be a major terror attack timed to affect the election.
Or ...
Hillary may be indicted.
Trump may attract the fate of Huey Long and George Wallace.
There may be a major terror attack timed to affect the election.
Or ...
3
"Two different flavors of rancid fare " perfectly sums up the campaigns of Trump ( or is it Drumpf ) and Cruz. Given the current state of affairs, I would ask if it is time for the GOP to declare political bankruptcy ?
15
Republicans may, indeed, be poised to be eaten alive, which could support the contention that feeding America junk food is bad for one's health.
7
I look forward to a four party race. The GOP and their hand picked candidate whoever he is. The Trump party, The Hillary/Goldman Sachs party, and the Bernie movement. That will surely get me out to vote.
6
If Sen. Rubio was "hopeful and optimistic," he developed that while in the Senate. His campaign against Gov. Christ was hardly that.
Moreover, the young senator hasn't spent much time in the Senate before decamping to the campaign trail. Therefore, we conclude he must be a quick study. If he shows up for work, wins re-election and applies himself, he can return to the national stage in a few years.
His problem then could be that he is no longer the callow pol -- the amiable dupe -- the establishment hoped to manage.
Moreover, the young senator hasn't spent much time in the Senate before decamping to the campaign trail. Therefore, we conclude he must be a quick study. If he shows up for work, wins re-election and applies himself, he can return to the national stage in a few years.
His problem then could be that he is no longer the callow pol -- the amiable dupe -- the establishment hoped to manage.
7
That Rubio and his supporters believe taking away health care reforms and freedoms gained by minorities after a long struggle constitutes a "hopeful and optimistic message" is more than a little sad. Paradoxically the only freedom that matters to them is the freedom to deny others their freedom.
148
As little as I like Trump, he's a far better choice than either the economy-wrecking Sanders or the corrupt, felonious, truth-averse, Clinton.
Sanders' everything's-free (for an insane tax hike) policies are pure lunacy and it will the game of the week figuring out who's most recently paid "the Clinton Foundation" the most, which laws she's evaded or broken since last Sunday, and sorting through her week's collection of lies.
Sanders' everything's-free (for an insane tax hike) policies are pure lunacy and it will the game of the week figuring out who's most recently paid "the Clinton Foundation" the most, which laws she's evaded or broken since last Sunday, and sorting through her week's collection of lies.
3
So now it is John Kasich's turn to come under scrutiny - that dubious accolade of recognition.
To all who protest that he isn't perfect enough - demanding perfection is illogical, it doesn't exist in the human equation. A fractured country needs a pragmatic, capable, all-inclusive hand at the wheel and Gov. Kasich fits that bill.
No matter the odds, his Party should do the right thing and wholeheartedly encourage his candidacy, for the good of the country and perhaps a small dose of badly-needed atonement for the mess it has made.
To all who protest that he isn't perfect enough - demanding perfection is illogical, it doesn't exist in the human equation. A fractured country needs a pragmatic, capable, all-inclusive hand at the wheel and Gov. Kasich fits that bill.
No matter the odds, his Party should do the right thing and wholeheartedly encourage his candidacy, for the good of the country and perhaps a small dose of badly-needed atonement for the mess it has made.
Glad Rubio pulled out of the Republican gyre containing the big Donald, the arch-evangelical Cruz and the Conservative smiling Kasich. Wouldn't call the Republican Tea Party offerings "a buffet", Frank, rahter a rank olla podrida that has been simmering on the GOP aga since they lost 2 elections in 2008 and 2012. No question that certain pundits we read and admire believed in Rubio's "eventual transcendence" - but Marco didn't have the nous, the chops, the brilliance, the passionate chutzpah to be our President. Trump's people have flocked to him in their "Make America Great Again" red hats and they love his antic and bizarre ideas. This is not a Republican platform. Fascinating, your descriptiion of Trump, Cruz and Kasich as "rancid fare". However, no matter how unloved Mrs. Clinton still is, she may be more loved than The Donald. Victory for Trump - even so many months ahead of the RNC ("Bedlam"?) Cleveland Convention and from here to eternity till the election (seven months) - isn't unthinkable. The GOP didn't lose elections because their nominees weren't conservative enough! (Palin? The Geezer? Ryan? The Mitt?). The Republican Party is no longer a moveable feast as it was in the past - your image of the River Trump as "a bloody churn of piranhas and Palin" is priceless. And what sort of Amazon is our Lady Hillary? One thinks she will come whiffling through the tulgey wood, swinging her vorbal blade and making hash out of the Republican offerings in November.
4
I have been reading these pieces by Republican columnists in the Times with fascination. They lament the direction the party is taking. When will they realize that the party that they are pining for is gone? The party of Trump and Cruz is the mainstream of the Republican party. Moderates are the fringe element now.
2
Never mind the Republicans or Democrats. What about Americans, and the Concept of supporting the best presidential hopeful as the next Leader of our Country? While Rubio took a bow last evening, Cruz reminds me of a crocodile, hiding under the waters in turmoil, ready to attack his next detractor.
It hardly is surprising that many white males in down-trodden States wish to be like Trump and relate to this guy. I keep meeting some of these men, hard-working and trying hard to make a decent living, it will always be 'The Donald' for them.
Frank Bruni and others are also hard at work, trying to get us to see the reality of this state-of-affairs, but there is a tall wall growing by the day, it is a formidable obstacle this wall and perhaps some of these white males are planning to make it wider, a divide between the people of this Nation, by being hired and working for Trump - with no shame - working to make this wall one of the greatest moral blights in American history.
It hardly is surprising that many white males in down-trodden States wish to be like Trump and relate to this guy. I keep meeting some of these men, hard-working and trying hard to make a decent living, it will always be 'The Donald' for them.
Frank Bruni and others are also hard at work, trying to get us to see the reality of this state-of-affairs, but there is a tall wall growing by the day, it is a formidable obstacle this wall and perhaps some of these white males are planning to make it wider, a divide between the people of this Nation, by being hired and working for Trump - with no shame - working to make this wall one of the greatest moral blights in American history.
1
As for Marco Rubio, it is obvious to me that he was in over his poor little head. That's not to imply that he's an idiot - or, at least, he's not a complete idiot. Of all of the Republican contenders in this political season, he's the least nauseating. That is what is known as "damning with faint praise". The fact is that if Marco somehow - miraculously - found his way into the Oval Office, there's is no doubt that I would lose a lot of sleep, but at least I would find time for a quick catnap now and then. That's not the case as far as any of the others are concerned. None of these nitwits are qualified for the office of president of the United States. We'll deserve everything that happens to us if we're naive enough to go down this road again. Somehow, I'm fairly confident that we won't. Call me a "cockeyed optimist". The fact of the matter is that I'm too old to pull up stakes and go into exile. Given the worst-case-scenario, I'll be forced to rough it out with the rest of you.
Did you ever dream you would live to see a day when so huge a segment of the American electorate would lose all sense of reality?
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Did you ever dream you would live to see a day when so huge a segment of the American electorate would lose all sense of reality?
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
18
The violence of Trump's rallies didn't scare off his fans -- that is not remotely surprising to anyone paying attention to this election. His fans perpetrated it, loved it, and that's precisely why Trump encouraged it. Trump is playing to the base with extra chromosomes, and it ain't pretty.
5
Trump is an elitist opportunist guiding the Republican where it belongs ... Into the gutter. You can't leave middle class Americans out of the equation of prosperity and expect to continue as a viable political party. Perhaps coming generations will figure out a way to develop a more just alternative. All democracy's need balance. Today's failed Republican Party has gotten what it deserves a forced makeover.
4
One very thin silver lining in the GOP cloud is that ultimately Trump is probably too smart to deny climate change.
Considering that climate change is the single biggest challenge facing the planet in the decades ahead and that there is no more time to waste for action, I'd rather have a narcissistic fascist that believes in science rather than a religious zealot that only believes his own ideology.
Considering that climate change is the single biggest challenge facing the planet in the decades ahead and that there is no more time to waste for action, I'd rather have a narcissistic fascist that believes in science rather than a religious zealot that only believes his own ideology.
1
Using his expertise in salesmanship and communications, Trump has managed to control the Republican narrative from the start of the primary. He made the election about appearances and charisma rather than policy, saying things about his opponents like this one is a baby, and that one is a liar. Always in the simplest language, so everyone could understand. My opponent is terrible, the media is unfair, this one's a loser, I'm a winner. By taking the spotlight off the tedious business of policies and governance, and putting it on personal appearance and superficial character--in an astute way, as keen and insightful as a practiced insult comic--Mr. Trump undid each opponent by letting them hang themselves. Marco Rubio, for example, became a little guy who tells dirty jokes. Carly Fiorina became a loud unattractive scold. Ben Carson; lovable but politically incompetent. He's portraying Mr. Kasich as a "baby," a lightweight, not a fighter; and indeed, Kasich is an avuncular, kindly sort of guy, who is unwilling to go negative... I put the blame for the success of Mr. Trump's strategy on the voters who applaud it. They're the ones who'd rather go to a comedy show than a political event. Let's not underestimate Mr. Trump. He knows his audience.
2
Its has been a long and winding road from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. But if you look at the road signs along the way, the rise of the religious right, Karl Rove, Newt Gingrich, Tom Delay, Antonin Scalia, George W. Bush, Sarah Palin--the list is long--and now looking back it is apparent that the road was clearly lit for all to see--we just had to get our heads up and look. Donald Trump made me look.
The road was built by winning elections at all costs including dividing the nation and its Congress, taking the Supreme Court deeper into politics than ever before including participation in the theft of an election, launching a new propaganda television channel, mounting relentless attacks on the government by the people and for the people, attempting to turn back the clock on voters rights, starting and funding disastrous wars run off the fiscal books and the list goes on and on.
The ongoing American Revolution has always had enemies within, but none so dangerous than today's Republican Party that waives the constitution in our face even as it undermines the Revolution and everything it has stood for and still stands for.
The road was built by winning elections at all costs including dividing the nation and its Congress, taking the Supreme Court deeper into politics than ever before including participation in the theft of an election, launching a new propaganda television channel, mounting relentless attacks on the government by the people and for the people, attempting to turn back the clock on voters rights, starting and funding disastrous wars run off the fiscal books and the list goes on and on.
The ongoing American Revolution has always had enemies within, but none so dangerous than today's Republican Party that waives the constitution in our face even as it undermines the Revolution and everything it has stood for and still stands for.
9
While none of the contenders are the tragic figure Nixon represented, as brilliant as he was flawed, two of the remaining candidates have a few characteristics that would be and have been the downfall of some of the gods in the Greek pantheon, extreme narcissism and hubris causing a form of willful blindness and ambition beyond their abilities. Of course, I am referring to Trump and Cruz, who appear opposite in demeanor and affect, but happen to share those fatal flaws: in other words, the medium differs, the message essentially the same, what this country needs is the right authoritarian personality to whip it into shape. The evidence: given the divisions in the country, for any of their grandiose promises to come to fruition, nonetheless on "day one", including lengthy walls, mass deportations, huge tax cuts and the elimination of the IRS (among multiple, enormous federal departments), the imposition of theocratic initiatives, fantasy trade deals conducted directly between one president and one cowed foreign leader, international deals demolished by fiat, defiance of the Geneva Conventions .... installing a dictatorship would have to be the first order of business. That brings up the one other characteristic the two have in common, either would be a disastrous choice.
5
Just where are these "party stalwarts", these "traditionalists" in the Republican party? I read so much about them and how unhappy they are. But, I guess not many of them live in Ohio or Florida, or any of the other states that so far have put Trump where he is. Those "stalwarts" have made no difference, and I am beginning to doubt their existence anyway. It's too late for them now.
Trump is an embarrassment and a thug, but Cruz is a truly loathsome individual. A guy in my office told me yesterday that he liked Rubio, but would support whoever. The guy just wants a smaller federal government, with no regulation--he feels the federal government could be operated by about 50 people, he said. So, he plans to vote for Trump or Cruz in the hope that one of them will completely destroy the federal government. With people like that out there voting, what chance do we have? Imagine living in a country like that. I'm glad I'm old and don't have that many years left to live in a world that might be created by Trump or Cruz.
Trump is an embarrassment and a thug, but Cruz is a truly loathsome individual. A guy in my office told me yesterday that he liked Rubio, but would support whoever. The guy just wants a smaller federal government, with no regulation--he feels the federal government could be operated by about 50 people, he said. So, he plans to vote for Trump or Cruz in the hope that one of them will completely destroy the federal government. With people like that out there voting, what chance do we have? Imagine living in a country like that. I'm glad I'm old and don't have that many years left to live in a world that might be created by Trump or Cruz.
9
Rubio is a very intelligent, principled guy who just wasn't ready for the job. And after Obama and Rubio it fuels the idea that people must put some time in grade before they take on that job. HIs role with the gang of 8 would have been exploited by Hillary. She would have also attacked his absence
But from Jan 2001 to Jan 2009 Clinton missed 249 of 2,614 votes which is 9.5% That is much worse than the median 2.0% of Senators serving in 2009
From 2011 to 2016 Rubio missed 230 of 1,518 which is 15% HIs absences began to rise in Nov/Dec of 2014 and exploded from April/June 2005 and went through the roof in Oct--Dec 2015
But it should be noted Hilary voted 51% of the time running for president, and Kerry voted just 10% of the time when running against Bush in 2004
Rand Paul and Sanders had missed less than 5% while running although Paul getting the Kentucky legislature to pass a bill to allow him to run for reelection to the Senate while running for president was hedging his bets and asking for special privilege was pathetic
What I will miss now that Rubio is out is talk about his speeding tickets, student loans and state credit card. That truly dwarfs the email controversy regarding Hillary
Rubio can either run for Governor and repair his reputation or he can (a) do a Tom Daschle and become a lobbyist, (b) go to Wall Street like Eric Cantor and make millions (c) or go on the peaking tour although I doubt Goldman Sachs will be giving him $225,000
But from Jan 2001 to Jan 2009 Clinton missed 249 of 2,614 votes which is 9.5% That is much worse than the median 2.0% of Senators serving in 2009
From 2011 to 2016 Rubio missed 230 of 1,518 which is 15% HIs absences began to rise in Nov/Dec of 2014 and exploded from April/June 2005 and went through the roof in Oct--Dec 2015
But it should be noted Hilary voted 51% of the time running for president, and Kerry voted just 10% of the time when running against Bush in 2004
Rand Paul and Sanders had missed less than 5% while running although Paul getting the Kentucky legislature to pass a bill to allow him to run for reelection to the Senate while running for president was hedging his bets and asking for special privilege was pathetic
What I will miss now that Rubio is out is talk about his speeding tickets, student loans and state credit card. That truly dwarfs the email controversy regarding Hillary
Rubio can either run for Governor and repair his reputation or he can (a) do a Tom Daschle and become a lobbyist, (b) go to Wall Street like Eric Cantor and make millions (c) or go on the peaking tour although I doubt Goldman Sachs will be giving him $225,000
Yesterday's primaries have produced the clear consequence of two political parties that have serially disappointed their respective followers for decades. The Democratic Party has stood for nothing substantive under Clinton control, satisfying itself with ill-conceived tactics aimed at winning local races and thereby losing them for its fecklessness.
The GOP has been -- well -- the GOP, pandering to the nation's fear, loathing, bigotry and selfishness during election seasons while at other times genuflecting pathetically at the feet of the Koch Brothers, Sheldon Adelson, the NRA, big oil and plundering pharma.
The American political class has debased itself cynically with scarcely a nod to voter needs. The GOP doesn't even pretend any more, lacking ideas or vision, dedicated only to obstructing any hint of vision from beyond its own visionless ranks.
Voters are on to this degradation of public service and have become predictably ornery. We should hardly be surprised about how this manifests itself in today's primary results.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
The GOP has been -- well -- the GOP, pandering to the nation's fear, loathing, bigotry and selfishness during election seasons while at other times genuflecting pathetically at the feet of the Koch Brothers, Sheldon Adelson, the NRA, big oil and plundering pharma.
The American political class has debased itself cynically with scarcely a nod to voter needs. The GOP doesn't even pretend any more, lacking ideas or vision, dedicated only to obstructing any hint of vision from beyond its own visionless ranks.
Voters are on to this degradation of public service and have become predictably ornery. We should hardly be surprised about how this manifests itself in today's primary results.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
43
Awful choice in this spoiled 'buffet' of losers (as Trump would say, though not agree if he is included) of political contenders for the highest office. The most dangerous, a fanatic religious hack, is Cruz. The most irresponsible for his erratic and prejudiced behavior, is Trump. The 'establishment' seems irremediably lost in recriminations, pointing fingers at each other as if that would solve their complacency. Dividing and antagonizing the electorate, trying to rise not by one's own merits but by pointing the mistakes of others is a stupid way to show character and resolve. No wonder ordinary folks are frustrated, sad and hopeless. Can't even take a swim in 'river trump', infested by 'piranhas and 'palins'.
2
Yesterday's results are further evidence that both political parties have outlived their usefulness. They have become country clubs -- no longer completely an old boys network but still so at heart. We are the great unwashed kept at a distance by the gates and flackcatchers.
What we want is what the parties don't want. We don't trust either of them, and for good reasons. The final showdown should be between Trump and Sanders: at least then we will talk about what really matters, and it's not about more privileges and lower taxes for Wall Street and the rich, unregulated swindling of the rest of us or endless wars.
What we want is what the parties don't want. We don't trust either of them, and for good reasons. The final showdown should be between Trump and Sanders: at least then we will talk about what really matters, and it's not about more privileges and lower taxes for Wall Street and the rich, unregulated swindling of the rest of us or endless wars.
2
One reason Hillary Clinton's unfavorable ratings are so high are because the "vast right-wing" conspiracy is a lot more true than I realized in 1992.
We had the Vince Foster "murder." Seriously, folks, I still get Republicans telling me about that.
We had Benghazi for 2 years until the last Republican Congressional hearing when even the Republicans were embarrassed at how much theater it was.
Now we have the e-mail server. Of course, George W. had a much bigger private e-mail server system in the White House and no Republican complained.
We had the Vince Foster "murder." Seriously, folks, I still get Republicans telling me about that.
We had Benghazi for 2 years until the last Republican Congressional hearing when even the Republicans were embarrassed at how much theater it was.
Now we have the e-mail server. Of course, George W. had a much bigger private e-mail server system in the White House and no Republican complained.
21
The violence invoked by Trump's speeches invigorates his base. it is the anger engendered in them turned palpable. Cruz slithers around "wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross". He is dangerous. He shut down the government without a thought as to how much it would cost in dollars and how it would affect the lives of those involved. He is disliked by almost anyone who has contact with him on a personal level. The very idea of either man having access to the nuclear codes is frightening.
Hillary Clinton flawed? Is anyone not flawed? She is intelligent, rational, and understands how the government works. She is my choice for President. However, if Bernie Sanders wins the nomination, he will be my choice for President. Either Republican front runner being elected President is unthinkable.
Hillary Clinton flawed? Is anyone not flawed? She is intelligent, rational, and understands how the government works. She is my choice for President. However, if Bernie Sanders wins the nomination, he will be my choice for President. Either Republican front runner being elected President is unthinkable.
21
I worry less about the Republicans being eaten alive than I worry about the center of this nation being eaten alive.
3
The more anti Trump tv ads the more he wins. The more anti Trump articles from Mr. Bruni the more Trump wins. Keep up the good work folks!. Sincerely, A Trump Supporter.
5
"Sincerely, A Trump Supporter"
=
"Sincerely, A Low Information and Racist Voter"
=
"Sincerely, A Low Information and Racist Voter"
1
The story is a bit over the top. Let's be reminded of the last 2 POTUS elections...all moderate R's, (RINOs) and the people who voted for 'em held their nose or most didn't vote.
Proof is in the pudding, the base has said it for the last 8 years, they weren't listening, NO MORE RINOs; they promised, they lied, twice. It is, in fact, the RINO establishment that built Trump.
I find it hilarious of the Trump v Cruz scenario. Trump is Trump, it'll be a learning curve that oh, wait, you mean I have to go by rules and laws...Cruz, a constitutional conservative; i.e., actually enforces laws on the books and if laws aren't constitutional, challenges them.
Now which would you rather have? A learn on the job kind of guy or one who actually enforces laws and doesn't make them. The voters are so mad at this point, apparently they're looking to the guy who learns on the job. Not any different than the one we've had for the last 7 1/2 years.
Proof is in the pudding, the base has said it for the last 8 years, they weren't listening, NO MORE RINOs; they promised, they lied, twice. It is, in fact, the RINO establishment that built Trump.
I find it hilarious of the Trump v Cruz scenario. Trump is Trump, it'll be a learning curve that oh, wait, you mean I have to go by rules and laws...Cruz, a constitutional conservative; i.e., actually enforces laws on the books and if laws aren't constitutional, challenges them.
Now which would you rather have? A learn on the job kind of guy or one who actually enforces laws and doesn't make them. The voters are so mad at this point, apparently they're looking to the guy who learns on the job. Not any different than the one we've had for the last 7 1/2 years.
Let’s think about who are voters in Republican primary elections and the profile of those voters and who will be voting in the Democratic primary process and the general electorate.
To be blunt and cruel these are angry losers who have lost jobs due to globalization and free market economics. These are low information voters easily lead by demagogs promising magical solutions. The vast majority want the opposite of what GOP obstruction and worship of the rich has brought to pass. That is why Sanders draws larger crowds than Trump.
Let’s count the actual number of votes cast so far and more people have voted for Clinton than anyone else. The people are not as stupid as the GOP believe. They know the difference between a billionaire wanting to lead a party of elected millionaires and a genuine democrat who can think in terms that ultra conservatives, “the public interest.”
To be blunt and cruel these are angry losers who have lost jobs due to globalization and free market economics. These are low information voters easily lead by demagogs promising magical solutions. The vast majority want the opposite of what GOP obstruction and worship of the rich has brought to pass. That is why Sanders draws larger crowds than Trump.
Let’s count the actual number of votes cast so far and more people have voted for Clinton than anyone else. The people are not as stupid as the GOP believe. They know the difference between a billionaire wanting to lead a party of elected millionaires and a genuine democrat who can think in terms that ultra conservatives, “the public interest.”
6
If Trump loses, the Republican party will have to rebuild.
If Trump wins, the Republican party will still have to rebuild. Under a Trump Presidency, what will it mean to be a Republican? Limits on free trade, support for Planned Parenthood, large government expenditures for wall-building and mass deportations? Social conservatives will defect or disengage.
Trump may be the Gorilla glue stitching the Republican ragtag coalition together for now, but that's not a viable, long-term strategy for expanding the Republican base. Trump is not bringing voters to the Republican Party, he's just bringing them to Trump. Big difference.
If Trump wins, the Republican party will still have to rebuild. Under a Trump Presidency, what will it mean to be a Republican? Limits on free trade, support for Planned Parenthood, large government expenditures for wall-building and mass deportations? Social conservatives will defect or disengage.
Trump may be the Gorilla glue stitching the Republican ragtag coalition together for now, but that's not a viable, long-term strategy for expanding the Republican base. Trump is not bringing voters to the Republican Party, he's just bringing them to Trump. Big difference.
5
I haven't seen a candidate as repulsive as Cruz since Nixon.
27
Right. and that goes for Trump as well. Nixon is physically dead and gone, but lives on in Republican paranoia. But at least he had sane moments like talking to China and creating the EPA. Now the funny farm for Republicans is open 24/7.
It's Bruni's calling, the former NYTimes food editor, to sow discord- at all costs- inside the GOP and do the opposite - cover up at all costs- weakness in the Democrat party. Hopefully people realize this, as the media deal in manipulation, ideology and propaganda. Bottom-fishers all.
3
I am so sick of reading the conventional wisdom attacks on HRC. "Personally flawed"? What does that even mean? It is lazy punditry at best, dishonest to its core. Shame on you Bruni. You have bought the 25 year right wing smear campaign in all its sexism and paranoia. Maybe as penance you might do a little "journalism" for once, and delve into the history of this destructive meme, find out why you have been bambozaled along with too many others.
37
What "personally flawed" means is that she's a liar. If she were a liar with at least one or two guiding principles, maybe I could make peace with voting for her. But she's a liar who's only principle is her ambition. No thanks.
Regarding the sexism claim. Nothing in Bruni's article makes an issue of her gender. Those of us who find her dangerous aren't making an issue of her gender. We're making an issue of her character.
Regarding the sexism claim. Nothing in Bruni's article makes an issue of her gender. Those of us who find her dangerous aren't making an issue of her gender. We're making an issue of her character.
1
In this context, Bruni was saying that's how the Republicans perceive her, not necessarily how he sees her himself. But I agree with your larger point; I'm sick of the Clinton attacks too. The other day I tried to get my libertarian friend to tell me why she feels Clinton is a liar. I really wanted to know. She couldn't come up with an example, eventually settling on, "Well, she's a politician and all politicians lie."
8
Ann,
I am a Sanders supporter and I recommended your comment. The swipe at Hillary is fact free and gratuitous.
I am a Sanders supporter and I recommended your comment. The swipe at Hillary is fact free and gratuitous.
3
It is obvious all of the Republican endorsements did not do it for Rubio. As for Cruz no one wants him as is obvious by the voting pattern.
1
I think you are missing the point. Nobody really cares what you think, or what the NYT thinks. Voters matter. Voters are angry and the failure of our principles of governance.
5
Actually, a lot of people care what the NYTimes says. I pay for a subscription; I'm guessing you do not.
4
Cruz thinks that the Republican Party keeps losing the White House because it isn't sufficiently conservative? And he's supposed to be smart. They control both houses of congress because of gerrymandering and voter suppression.
17
It's no surprise that the vast majority of comments here reflect the readership of the NYT and who see Hillary as if not acceptable President, certainly better than a Cruz or Bush. I for one would support even a demagogue like Trump over someone who still subscribes (publicly, her actual thoughts are unknown due to her disingenuousness) to the liberal progressive European model for our country.
The next President will be a Republican (perhaps Cruz) because the Republicans will either force a 3rd Party candidate (either Trump, by denying him the nomination, or a Republican running as an Independent or Conservative against Trump & Hillary) who will deny anyone from getting enough Electoral College votes to become President, and throwing the choice to the Republican controlled House of Representatives. Thank God for the framers of the Constitution who saw the possibility of Congress preventing 2 bad choices picked by an ignorant public.
The next President will be a Republican (perhaps Cruz) because the Republicans will either force a 3rd Party candidate (either Trump, by denying him the nomination, or a Republican running as an Independent or Conservative against Trump & Hillary) who will deny anyone from getting enough Electoral College votes to become President, and throwing the choice to the Republican controlled House of Representatives. Thank God for the framers of the Constitution who saw the possibility of Congress preventing 2 bad choices picked by an ignorant public.
1
That "liberal progressive European model" is the reason Western Europe has a higher over-all standard of living and higher quality of life that do the residents of the American oligarchy.
18
Spending little to nothing on their military is the reason Western Europe has a higher over all standard of living and higher quality of life.
Europe exits as it is only because America has been willing to be their muscle without being paid for that protection.
Europe exits as it is only because America has been willing to be their muscle without being paid for that protection.
3
Forbes ranked Denmark the number 1 country for business in 2015.
And Forbes ranked the United States number 22.
And Forbes ranked the United States number 22.
2
Frank, you are too critical in your comments on Hillary. Yes, she's flawed, but far less so than a lot of men who run for office.
18
The fact that Kasich is a distant third right now proves conclusively that the GOP is not a serious governing party and shreds the idiotic meme that the GOP doesn't pick "conservative enough" nominees for president.
Kasich is and always has been a "conservatives conservative".
There is nothing about him that isn't a conservative through and through.
Not only is he a "true" conservative, he is the most electable of the three remaining candidates.
The GOP bloodstream is so poisoned right now that they can't even recognize a true conservative when he's right in front of their face.
The base doesn't want competent leadership, they want an entertaining, hate spewing alpha male who embodies their fantasy of someone going to Washington and "busting up the place".
Sounds like a plan to me.
Kasich is and always has been a "conservatives conservative".
There is nothing about him that isn't a conservative through and through.
Not only is he a "true" conservative, he is the most electable of the three remaining candidates.
The GOP bloodstream is so poisoned right now that they can't even recognize a true conservative when he's right in front of their face.
The base doesn't want competent leadership, they want an entertaining, hate spewing alpha male who embodies their fantasy of someone going to Washington and "busting up the place".
Sounds like a plan to me.
12
Wonderfully written piece Bruni. It's a frightening river that we are being swept into.
4
A modest proposal Mr. Bruni,
"Slim pickings" is definitely what we have left on the Republican side of the candidate pool and to a lesser extent on the Democratic side.
To overcome this, even at this late date, may I make a modest proposal that would put a truly exceptional candidate up for election, one who just might bring credit to the country and be able to bridge the schism that exists in America today?
Let's assume no Republican has enough delegates to get the nomination on the first ballot. What next?
In the wings stands Michael Bloomberg, former Republican, excellent mayor of New York City with the passion and willingness to be president but not running as a third party spoiler. He has the staff in place and the resources to build a winning campaign.
Michael Bloomberg might well be able to be drafted if the Republican power brokers would go to him, hat in hand without a list of conservative prejudices and call on him to save the nation first and the party second.
He would be a centrist candidate with extensive experience and credibility, who might just be able to break the log jam in Washington. He would owe nothing to the big money trying to take over the country.
And many life-long Democrats like myself would be likely to vote for him in the hopes that he would put the current depressing chapter behind us.
It may be a dream but it certainly beats the current nightmare.
"Slim pickings" is definitely what we have left on the Republican side of the candidate pool and to a lesser extent on the Democratic side.
To overcome this, even at this late date, may I make a modest proposal that would put a truly exceptional candidate up for election, one who just might bring credit to the country and be able to bridge the schism that exists in America today?
Let's assume no Republican has enough delegates to get the nomination on the first ballot. What next?
In the wings stands Michael Bloomberg, former Republican, excellent mayor of New York City with the passion and willingness to be president but not running as a third party spoiler. He has the staff in place and the resources to build a winning campaign.
Michael Bloomberg might well be able to be drafted if the Republican power brokers would go to him, hat in hand without a list of conservative prejudices and call on him to save the nation first and the party second.
He would be a centrist candidate with extensive experience and credibility, who might just be able to break the log jam in Washington. He would owe nothing to the big money trying to take over the country.
And many life-long Democrats like myself would be likely to vote for him in the hopes that he would put the current depressing chapter behind us.
It may be a dream but it certainly beats the current nightmare.
1
Mr. Bruni, regarding being "eaten alive", this is closer to the real menu.
Recall the homicide detective's adage: "Before you connect the dots, you gotta collect the dots."
Some dots for your collection:
1970. "The oceans are in danger of dying." Jacques Cousteau
1980. We live in a death culture. Russell Means
1983. "We're in a war for survival and it's everybody's duty to get involved. If they don't, they'll be drafted into it anyway, by circumstance." Paul Watson Captain of the Sea Shepherd
1983. “Our system for the selection of leaders who are suited to the time in which we live is no longer appropriate, useful, or effective.” Jonas Salk – "Anatomy of Reality"
2015 " ... Methane is actually going exponential and at some regions in the Siberian Arctic its actually releasing a hundred times more than normal …”
Greenland ice melt: Exponentiating.
Global sea rise: Exponentiating.
Sea surface temperature anomalies: Exponentiating.
Methane Monster II – Jennifer Hynes
“The good people died first. Those who refused to steal or to prostitute themselves died. Those who gave food to others died. Those who refused to eat corpses died.” From Yale historian Timothy Snyder's "Bloodlands", writing about Stalin’s starvation of millions in the Ukraine in the 1930s.
Recall the homicide detective's adage: "Before you connect the dots, you gotta collect the dots."
Some dots for your collection:
1970. "The oceans are in danger of dying." Jacques Cousteau
1980. We live in a death culture. Russell Means
1983. "We're in a war for survival and it's everybody's duty to get involved. If they don't, they'll be drafted into it anyway, by circumstance." Paul Watson Captain of the Sea Shepherd
1983. “Our system for the selection of leaders who are suited to the time in which we live is no longer appropriate, useful, or effective.” Jonas Salk – "Anatomy of Reality"
2015 " ... Methane is actually going exponential and at some regions in the Siberian Arctic its actually releasing a hundred times more than normal …”
Greenland ice melt: Exponentiating.
Global sea rise: Exponentiating.
Sea surface temperature anomalies: Exponentiating.
Methane Monster II – Jennifer Hynes
“The good people died first. Those who refused to steal or to prostitute themselves died. Those who gave food to others died. Those who refused to eat corpses died.” From Yale historian Timothy Snyder's "Bloodlands", writing about Stalin’s starvation of millions in the Ukraine in the 1930s.
9
Surely Kasich will get some love from the party...he just won Ohio the state you need to win the presidency.
yet another attack by the nomenklatura's mouthpiece; I wonder how many have been published since last year
1
And if Kasich wins? Thanks to dark money, Redmapping &c., Republicans then sweep all branches of government, which opens the way to dismantling affordable health care, Social Security, women's rights - want to go on?
22
Please stop pretending that Rubio was a voice for moderation. This guy was as awful as Cruz, Trump, Carson, etc. He only had a different style. But, he had one more awful component: he's a lazy callow youth. It showed over and over again and Christie nailed him to the wall. Futher, he's the pet rock of an oligarch who has never actually earned anything on his own. I am cheered at the thought of his leaving the Senate. Hopefully he'll settle into some nice sinecure from his oligarch owner.
27
“Cruz is a disaster for the party,” one of them told me. “Trump is a disaster for the country.”
Don't be fooled. Cruz would be catastrophic for the country.
Don't be fooled. Cruz would be catastrophic for the country.
18
Too true, but I believe the point is, the speaker had given up on Cruz (as have a lot of the rest of the party) as the loose cannon the GOP can't afford & is therefore no longer considered a contender for the nom.
1
I'm tired of the common characterization of Hiliary as unlikable, flawed and unable to generate excitement. She's been subject to a higher power of magnification than any other political figure, yet marches on...remember the Benghazi hearings? She has some excellent policies, articulate and savvy. Stop boarding the easy bandwagon of tearing her down! Remember we have a Presidency to win!
34
Yes, you are right. As far as Hillary goes we need to stop talking about flaws, and help her be a great President.
9
I am not a great fan of Hillary Clinton, but I have to laugh when you describe her as 'so personally flawed...that's she's ripe for defeat'. If one thing has to stop in American elections, it's the mudslinging. Clinton, as well as Obama, have endured more than their share, nothing has really stuck to them, and they have had the grit to persevere. In the absence of any logical policy proposals from the GOP I expect that the viciousness against the first woman President may even exceed the viciousness against the first black President - until the Republicans accept reality and actually formulate some policies that work for most Americans. Or should that be 'until hell freezes over'?
38
you know, Marco Rubio could have been a contender. He was taking a leadership position on immigration reform but then became spineless and toed the Republican line. He could have been statesmanlike on climate change (which affects his state more than most) but then he joined the Society of Climate Change Denial (of which Ted Cruz is charter member), he could have been consistent with his Tea Party rhetoric to get the government out of people's lives and embraced marriage equality and a woman's access to birth control (but he slipped into the ersatz "religious freedom" meme. And he could have been true to professed fiscal conservatism but rather called for increased military spending and decreased taxes. In other words rather than being a "true conservative" he became just another Republican in abject denial of reality.
15
So Hillary Clinton is so personally flawed and politically clumsy? And these others are so not? How quickly you forget the Benghazi trial by fire marathon in Congress. How would Trump have fared in that exercise of political theater? I think even his hair, which is preternaturally glued down, would have stood on end. Of all the personal flaws on display this election season I would rank Hillary's at the bottom. I find her calm, informed, experienced and intelligent. All of these "flaws" would make an outstanding president.
30
Why does everyone think Trump is unelectable for president? I think he could defeat Hillary pretty easily.
2
Trump would continue his Campaign of Non-Sense and who can fight realistically against that? Bernie called him out as a 'pathological liar' which is surely what he is. How can someone knowledgeable and with a sense of fairness debate such a person? Hillary will be slimed by him and I don't know if she really can come back at him effectively.
1
Hmm, where to begin. The economy is doing OK and will continue to do so this year. The disappointed Dems will rally; imagine if Hillary chooses Elizabeth Warren as VP. The RINOs will not. The email and Libya fake scandals will subside. Trump will try to conjure up vivid Monica-related sexual images but will only make himself appear more repulsive, if that is possible. Just say "Sarah Palin, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee" with a straight face.
5
I'm kind of more worried about a slow agonizing death from ptomaine poisoning should a conservative take the general election. Like 'Hillary' said on Saturday Night Live, she's 'like chicken that'll do.' I'd rather have the Sander's veggie wrap; but, as I've got to eat and the menu is limited, even though I am vegetarian, I'll order the chicken. Call it a compromise.
8
And then there were three. It's been 9 months since Donald Trump announced his run for President and started co-opting the airwaves with his hate, fear, and, above all, narcissism. The battle lines are finally being drawn, and the mission has become clear. It's time to reclaim our lives and crush this lout in November, relegating him to the tacky facades that bear his name and his puny, irrelevant life as a huckster and reality show cartoon.
9
The jubilation of the right over the one win for Kasich should be more troubling to the right than it is to Trump. For them to pin the Stop Trump movement hopes on one win by a sitting governor in his on state should be a sign the right is throwing their Hail Mary pass. If the hail Mary pass fails, the only thing left is the kitchen sink. For Kasich to beat Trump by only ten points in his home state where he has a approval rating of over 70 percent should be very troubling. For the establishment to place their hopes on the third string quarterback after Trump demolished the prior two, Bush and Rubio, could only bring joy to the Trump camp. For the party that has used racial politics and divisiveness to call out Trump for practicing what they have preached since the days of Nixon is ironic. Now they are still spreading the pixie dust to their minions that they still have a chance of snatching victory from their illogical defeat by Trump at the convention is ludicrous. For the party that gave us Willie Horton and the party that has constantly accused Obama of conducting an Imperial Presidency to just snatch the nomination from the people’s choice Trump and give in to an insider proves they are still tone deaf. Like Trump or not if he gets the most votes he should in a true democracy be given the nod. Historians in later years will credit the biggest accomplishment of the Obama presidency as the implosion of the party of Lincoln. Their hatred of Obama nurtured Trump.
103
Republican leaders made a pact with the devil decades ago, held their noses, and employed political consultants who's MO was to savage the opposition personally. Enough of the mud stuck and that became the standard playbook.
With deregulation and tax cuts for the rich not going to help matters any, the proffered explanation to struggling Americans for their troubles became those (non-white, non-Christian, non-heterosexual, non-fill in the blank) "others" who are destroying the country, sucking it's blood -- i.e. the evil amongst us.
Straight out of Goebbels's playbook.
Now it has evolved to a story where our Democrat President must be a socialist, closet terrorist apologist, who will take your guns from you, force churches to marry gays, and is purposely bent on destroying the country.
So, per script: Obama isn't just the incarnation of all "those people", but an illegitimate president hell bent in the highest of conspiracies to destroy our very way of life.
What is that but an evil to be opposed by good god fearing patriots by all means necessary?
And they are surprised by people punching out protesters at Trump rallies?
This is sick.
The responsibility sits squarely at the feet of the long string of Republican candidates who decided that winning was more important than simple decency.
With deregulation and tax cuts for the rich not going to help matters any, the proffered explanation to struggling Americans for their troubles became those (non-white, non-Christian, non-heterosexual, non-fill in the blank) "others" who are destroying the country, sucking it's blood -- i.e. the evil amongst us.
Straight out of Goebbels's playbook.
Now it has evolved to a story where our Democrat President must be a socialist, closet terrorist apologist, who will take your guns from you, force churches to marry gays, and is purposely bent on destroying the country.
So, per script: Obama isn't just the incarnation of all "those people", but an illegitimate president hell bent in the highest of conspiracies to destroy our very way of life.
What is that but an evil to be opposed by good god fearing patriots by all means necessary?
And they are surprised by people punching out protesters at Trump rallies?
This is sick.
The responsibility sits squarely at the feet of the long string of Republican candidates who decided that winning was more important than simple decency.
13
"Now they're poised to be eaten alive".
And the problem is.........?
And the problem is.........?
4
The race isn't down to three candidates, it's down to two. Kasich couldn't even win a majority of the Republican voters in his home state of Ohio, and he has 1/3 of the delegates that *Cruz* has.
Trump is almost certainly going to the convention with a strong plurality of delegates, and likely with a majority, considering the number of winner-take-all states coming up.
The convention is going to have to nominate Trump, pick one of the candidates with fewer delegates and voters, or nominate a "consensus" candidate. If the candidate isn't Trump, I'm guessing his supporters sit out the election.
Of course, it all depends upon the consensus candidate -- perhaps nominating Dick Cheney can united the war criminal and thug vote.
Trump is almost certainly going to the convention with a strong plurality of delegates, and likely with a majority, considering the number of winner-take-all states coming up.
The convention is going to have to nominate Trump, pick one of the candidates with fewer delegates and voters, or nominate a "consensus" candidate. If the candidate isn't Trump, I'm guessing his supporters sit out the election.
Of course, it all depends upon the consensus candidate -- perhaps nominating Dick Cheney can united the war criminal and thug vote.
3
I am no fun of C Christy. But he did us one favor in exposing Marco Rubio as nothing but an empty suit. Again, we are left with Trump, Cruz an Kasich.
3
Trump has grasped the leash on the mob that Republicans have been cultivating for decades. The Republican mob hates government, hates the perceived establishment and hates all the scapegoats created by their party media and elite. The new Republican litmus test is not who is the most conservative, who is furthest to the right, but who has the most hate. The Republican mob is made up of very angry hate-filled people; people so angry and full of hate that they are enthusiastic about cutting off their nose to spite their face.
12
"A feast of possibilities?" Not hardly. Carson? Christy? Santorum? Walker? Huckabee? Graham? I can't even remember the names of the other totally incompetent people that ran.
11
When I read your article, I am taken aback by the elegant method in which you use the English language to communicate your thoughts. In a country of 320 million, we cannot elect a principle-guided honest leader. At least we are sill capable of producing excellent Journalists!
5
American 'opioid epidemic' + voting = Donald Trump candidacy
3
No matter who wins the victory will assuredly be Pyrrhic for both the winning party and candidate. Just imagine what a 'victorious' Hillary looks like after Trump drags her, Bill, Monica, and Webb through the mud for months...
3
"If anything, those nominees weren’t sufficiently moderate. A Cruz wipeout would prove as much."
In the fact-free, analysis-absent GOP, what would proof do? They'd probably double down and say Cruz wasn't conservative enough.
In the fact-free, analysis-absent GOP, what would proof do? They'd probably double down and say Cruz wasn't conservative enough.
7
Given the recent track record (i.e., Romney), one would certainly be unwise to put money down against it.
The Republicans have really come down to two options: to decide on Cruz in a contested Convention, or to go with Trump and hope that the elephant doesn't destroy the proverbial china shop.
Going with Cruz would effectively destroy the GOP as we know it. Trump would take his voters and go Independent; this would leave a Cruz-led GOP with little left in terms of voters in the general election. The GOP would then spend the next several years needing to redefine what it means to be conservative in 21st century America... hopefully they'll learn that it's better to leave the sleazy mudslinging ("birtherism"), the Sarah Palin populism, and the Koch-driven plutocracy at the door.
If they stick with Trump they're essentially resigning themselves to sleeping with the devil, they're accepting that Trump is the logical outcome of GOP politics for the past couple of decades. In doing so they're taking responsibility for Trump, they're sowing what they reaped. This can go anywhere, from outright fascism to making American government a reality show circus. Regardless where it lands, it would leave the GOP an embarrassing shambles.
Going with Cruz would effectively destroy the GOP as we know it. Trump would take his voters and go Independent; this would leave a Cruz-led GOP with little left in terms of voters in the general election. The GOP would then spend the next several years needing to redefine what it means to be conservative in 21st century America... hopefully they'll learn that it's better to leave the sleazy mudslinging ("birtherism"), the Sarah Palin populism, and the Koch-driven plutocracy at the door.
If they stick with Trump they're essentially resigning themselves to sleeping with the devil, they're accepting that Trump is the logical outcome of GOP politics for the past couple of decades. In doing so they're taking responsibility for Trump, they're sowing what they reaped. This can go anywhere, from outright fascism to making American government a reality show circus. Regardless where it lands, it would leave the GOP an embarrassing shambles.
86
Yes, it's impossible to imagine Kasich "winning" the nomination in Cleveland without alienating 2/3 of the GOP base (at least 2/3 of those GOP stalwarts who voted in the primaries) - for the nominee to be neither Trump nor Cruz, a LOT of angry, frustrated, and nearly crazy people are going to either sit on their hands or do everything they can (or by voting 3rd party will do) to upset the GOP's entire apple cart (i.e., their US House and Senate majorities). I certainly wouldn't want to be paying the security bills for Cleveland during July.
3
This is not the Republicans' problem. This is our problem.
9
Never underestimate the stupidity of the American electorate.
14
Or the appeal of a simple, imbecilic message. Mencken would love this election.
1
I will vote for Hillary in November, and now I will shut my TV off til its over, and watch Netflix only. No more reading the Times, which stooped very low to the level of the rat pack of media jackals by giving Donald Trump so much attention that I have had 3 migraines since last week. Yes, he makes me that sick.
13
Trump and Cruz "make the GOP political establishment queasy?" QUEASY? They make them VOMIT and what's more they make all DECENT people vomit as well. As grotesque as the thought of a Trump presidency is the idea of Cruz ever being chosen is simply not fathomable. Luckily, notwithstanding the palsy that has infected the GOP and their supporters I don't believe that either will ultimately succeed in capturing the big prize that they're lusting for so blatantly. My prediction: Trump/Kasich for the GOP ticket while Hillary Clinton's choice for a running mate is still unclear but it will not be Sanders.
8
I really hope all this crazy stuff gets the GOP out of control of congress. People in america are mad, mad because the government is locked up by the GOP with nothing getting done. The GOP seems proud of this, just look at the supreme court nomination process.
9
Call me an optimist but I see the Republican Party being deservedly eaten alive no matter what happens and boring, plodding old Hillary with all her personal defects and flaws (of which there are admittedly many) emerging strong and going on to win the general election. At the end of the day given only two choices, most people will choose sanity and experience over shrieking bedlam, fisticuffs and wannabe-Heil mob salutes.
10
Exactly what are the many personal defects and flaws of a woman who was first lade, senator, secretary of state and hopefully our next president? People keep repeating this garbage without any facts to support it. Think for yourself.
6
Put on a second seat belt, people! This election ride is going to get even bumpier and wilder!
Kasich will stay in the Republican race through the convention because money will start coming his way. The results will be a brokered convention. If Rubio had won, a Kasich-Rubio ticket may have been possible. Given today’s Florida debacle, that ticket isn’t likely.
So, even if Trump doesn’t have a majority of the delegates, if he doesn’t come out of the convention as the nominee, he will walk out. Then, Cruz will be the GOP candidate and the Republicans will get creamed by HRC in the general election - whether Trump runs as a third party candidate or not (he won't).
If Trump is the GOP standard bearer - oh, what a hot, hot, hot election it will be! I believe Trump will rally the mass of the people like not seen since the days of... Why, it will be without precedent in US electoral history! I won’t even predict if Trump will win against Hillary Clinton, but it will be a spectacle beyond belief!
2nd post 6am
Kasich will stay in the Republican race through the convention because money will start coming his way. The results will be a brokered convention. If Rubio had won, a Kasich-Rubio ticket may have been possible. Given today’s Florida debacle, that ticket isn’t likely.
So, even if Trump doesn’t have a majority of the delegates, if he doesn’t come out of the convention as the nominee, he will walk out. Then, Cruz will be the GOP candidate and the Republicans will get creamed by HRC in the general election - whether Trump runs as a third party candidate or not (he won't).
If Trump is the GOP standard bearer - oh, what a hot, hot, hot election it will be! I believe Trump will rally the mass of the people like not seen since the days of... Why, it will be without precedent in US electoral history! I won’t even predict if Trump will win against Hillary Clinton, but it will be a spectacle beyond belief!
2nd post 6am
1
"If Rubio had won, a Kasich-Rubio ticket may have been possible. Given today's Florida's debacle, that ticket isn't likely."
I still think that ticket is possible, perhaps even likely, notwithstanding the primary result in Florida. Rubio telling his Ohio supporters to vote for Kasich was the beginning. The next step will be Rubio endorsing Kasich directly, followed by bringing all of his own endorsers (he got more endorsements than Trump, Cruz and Kasich combined) into the Kasich camp.
I still think that ticket is possible, perhaps even likely, notwithstanding the primary result in Florida. Rubio telling his Ohio supporters to vote for Kasich was the beginning. The next step will be Rubio endorsing Kasich directly, followed by bringing all of his own endorsers (he got more endorsements than Trump, Cruz and Kasich combined) into the Kasich camp.
1
"doesn’t come out of the convention as the nominee, he will walk out." -- A fw months ago I would have agreed. Now I'm not so sure. Trump is hard to figure; 4 months ago he was the rabid spoiler. Now he's become the mainstream & face of the party. Once you reach that plateau, people don't think well of you if you bail. Prediction now of what he'd do in that case is even more problematic than it was before. :\
1
The heads on TV are saying that Trump has "damaged the Republican party." That is wrong. He didn't damage it. All he did was recognize an opportunity. He saw a venerable institution being run into the ground by vainglorious and religious extremists. He did what someone does who sees a rundown house for sale on a fancy street. You get it for a steal, bring in a plumber, electrician, roofer and landscaper, and then you sell it for a huge profit. He didn't damage the Republican party. If anything, he will fix it or pull out its gold teeth before he buries the body.
151
I wish columnists would stop saying that Hilary Clinton is a flawed candidate who's in danger of defeat to Trump or Cruz. With the states that have voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election since 1992, the Democrats have nearly 220 electoral votes. It is difficult to see any of those Blue states voting fro Trump or Cruz in 2016. The main battle in the autumn will be for purple states and the Democratic candidate will have to accumulate around 50 electoral votes, whereas the GOP candidate has to search for nearly 100. The GOP should be much more concerned about the down-ticket consequences of Trump or Cruz: the seats in the House, the Senate, the governor's seats and state legislature seats it stands to lose as Dem candidates ride Clinton's coat-tails and the massive turnout sparked by a rejection of Trump or Cruz.
11
I don't recognize my own country anymore. Although I do understand the rage of many that impels them to look to someone seen as an "outsider", why they would view the likes of Trump as fit to lead this country is beyond me. Do I appreciate an attempt to tell it like it is, abstain from "PC speak", be upfront, etc? Sure. But the buffoonery, intolerance, antagonism and violent incitement displayed by Trump and many of his supporters is scary to see in someone leading in the polls.
Perhaps though we should view Trump as reflective of the coarseness of our society. He reflects the language, video games, music and culture of a large segment of our society. They are not for the most part NY Times readers, but they are here and are many in number. And they may be running our country pretty soon.
Perhaps though we should view Trump as reflective of the coarseness of our society. He reflects the language, video games, music and culture of a large segment of our society. They are not for the most part NY Times readers, but they are here and are many in number. And they may be running our country pretty soon.
8
Bruni. Another NYTs columnist who doesn't know history.
I guess he doesn't know about conservative Ronald Reagan. Reagan. The guy the establishment said couldn't win nationally, as he was "too conservative".
He won 2 massive landslide elections. The 2 biggest ever. But conservatives can't win, right? Idiotic.
I guess he doesn't know about conservative Ronald Reagan. Reagan. The guy the establishment said couldn't win nationally, as he was "too conservative".
He won 2 massive landslide elections. The 2 biggest ever. But conservatives can't win, right? Idiotic.
3
Nearly two generations ago; "that was then, this...." :) The Reagan paradigm has long since been solidly replaced by progressively greater versions of insanity.
That was in 1980! St. Ronnie oversaw the S & L scandal, civilian slaughters in Central America, the destruction or our county's unions and the grand daddy of them all Iran Contra. Jeesh how about joining the rest of us in the 21st century.
1
Well, at least now I can let my breath out and stop being scared - scared that the juvenile kid from my home state could actually become president. Unfortunately, now all I have to be scared of is that the juvenile adult Trump could become president and hasten the Decline and Fall of the American Empire.........
10
Oh yeah, it's so disappointing that hollow man with no convictions who was bought and paid for by the big money on the right, is now gone. So sad. Now we have to watch the spectacle of Cruz who is pretty similar (if not worse) try to con the Republicans and the rest of the country or John Kasitch, no moderate there unless you compare him to Cruz, which is his only positive. What an election this is turning into.
7
Not one of the republican BIG money masters' operatives are/were qualified to be president of anything. Such a waste of good money that should have been used to pay taxes and maintain OUR infrastructure. I'm sure Vice President Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren can help President Hillary Rodham Clinton find a way to tax back that stolen wealthy when WE put socially conscious democrats and independents in charge in Congress and the White House. November 8 cannot come soon enough. Meantime, be sure to vote only for true socially conscious people for local and state government. WE have given away enough of OUR Federal, State, County and City taxpayer dollars to the wealthiest!
10
Virtually every column Bruni writes regarding Clinton refers to her as a deeply flawed, tarnished politician. In response, I would posit that Bruni is a deeply flawed columnist for the NYT.
19
Amazing how the "liberal" press's only comments are about the "violence" at Trump's rally !!
Where does the "violence" come from ?
Are you asking yourself who funds and sends out those protesters ?
Does it bother you that an avowed terrorist is part of It ?
No, of course not !! Anything goes when it's time for Trump bashing.
You discredit yourself, NYT, with such bias, and all the anti Trump hatred which you've made your daily promotion !!
Where does the "violence" come from ?
Are you asking yourself who funds and sends out those protesters ?
Does it bother you that an avowed terrorist is part of It ?
No, of course not !! Anything goes when it's time for Trump bashing.
You discredit yourself, NYT, with such bias, and all the anti Trump hatred which you've made your daily promotion !!
4
Michel, Can you really claim that Trump's rhetoric is nothing to be concerned about? Do you deny that he fuels the flames of any violence that occurs at his rallies rather than tamp it down? Protestors are protestors (avowed terrorist????) but it is the response of Trump that is the scary and unacceptable part. There is violence at these rallies (not "violence") and it is just made worse by the person you would evidently feel comfortable having his finger on the button. I would not.
"Oh, please...." :)
Mr. Rubio's implicit campaign theme seemed to be that he wasn't a mentally ill simpleton like Mr. Trump; just a simpleton.
6
Its you again Bruni. Give up and go on a long vacation. Your articles are boring and waste of space on my NYTimes, our NYTimes. Jaws has no place in this subject.
4
So the message is that Mitch McConnell would prefer to confirm a new Justice for the Supreme Court by Clinton than Obama?
Or even the utterly reckless Trump, and the "hated by his fellow Republican senators" Ted Cruz?
That's some deep, deep racism there. And still the other Republicans will fall in line with this absurdity? This game of McConnell's has gone from constitutionally extremely suspect, ahistorical, and ethically wrong with regard to both the needs of the nation and respect for the president to an insane mission to deny the president any sort of thing that could be called a victory despite the possible damage to both the nation and his own party.
It's time for Republican senators to do their jobs, which sadly would be seen as a "revolution" against one man's 7 year long scorched earth campaign against a black president.
Or even the utterly reckless Trump, and the "hated by his fellow Republican senators" Ted Cruz?
That's some deep, deep racism there. And still the other Republicans will fall in line with this absurdity? This game of McConnell's has gone from constitutionally extremely suspect, ahistorical, and ethically wrong with regard to both the needs of the nation and respect for the president to an insane mission to deny the president any sort of thing that could be called a victory despite the possible damage to both the nation and his own party.
It's time for Republican senators to do their jobs, which sadly would be seen as a "revolution" against one man's 7 year long scorched earth campaign against a black president.
35
Frank, get real. Hillary's votes thus far do not show her to be as flawed a candidate as you allege here, and when she chooses Bernie as her running mate to unite the Democrats and Independents against the catastrophe feared by all but the most deluded Republicans, your opinions against her will evaporate.
8
The G.O.P. conservative clown car is serving three meals a day of political arsenic, lead, cyanide, mercury and strychnine. Cruz is a Canadian viper. Rubio is a Cuban lamb. Trump is a German Tasmanian Devil. Kasich is a Czech Croatian dairy cow.
Hillary is a doddering dowager. Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton is hoary craven corrupt amoral wicked monster of mass incarceration, welfare deformation, war mongering plutocrat oligarch welfare queen.
Then there is my wise honorable humble empathetic beloved Brooklyn white Jewish Brother Bernard Sanders who is ready to be POTUS.
"I've got an axe and a pistol in a grave yard framed. I am shooting tombstone bullets with balls and chains. I am drinking TNT and smoking dynamite. I sure hope some screwball don't try to start no fight. Because I am ready. Ready as any man can be. You better be ready too. Ready for me" Muddy Waters
Hillary is a doddering dowager. Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton is hoary craven corrupt amoral wicked monster of mass incarceration, welfare deformation, war mongering plutocrat oligarch welfare queen.
Then there is my wise honorable humble empathetic beloved Brooklyn white Jewish Brother Bernard Sanders who is ready to be POTUS.
"I've got an axe and a pistol in a grave yard framed. I am shooting tombstone bullets with balls and chains. I am drinking TNT and smoking dynamite. I sure hope some screwball don't try to start no fight. Because I am ready. Ready as any man can be. You better be ready too. Ready for me" Muddy Waters
7
If Donald is successful in breaking up the GOP, then he will have fulfilled his pledge to "Make America Great Again." The Republican party is now officially the Westboro Baptist Church of politics and needs to go away. Thanks for playing.
19
Yes, and isn't it sad, Dan, that so many of us even know who the Westboro Baptist Church - with something like 12 members - is? That's another media construct just like DT.
Last night the TV network in the European country I work in had an all-night coverage of the US elections and it was so embarrassing. They showed all the stupid Cruz and Trump commercials and even I couldn't believe it. They aren't laughing at us - it's more like they are shaking their heads. They've lost respect for us - thanks to Trump and his idiotic supporters.
11
On the other hand, Trump is viewed unfavorably by 63% of the American people. It's the mass media that created this travesty in the interest of profit. That's what's embarrassing. Nothing much matters here but money for major corporate coffers.
1
As a Republican it was time for Rubio to drop out. Florida was not going to give him the push he needed and the only leverage he has at this point is his delegates, especially if Trump can't get to 1,237. I assume that he will run for governor so he can show that he has experience dealing with budgetary issues and also Democrats. If he can be effective with consensus issues it will go a long way to mitigating the damage from Christie but also that childish display during the debat
But I have to move on to Hillary
The Foundation took between $1 million and $5 million from Qatar. Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2013 Aren't they among the worst human rights violators and oppressors of women's rights? Why is that allowed Dems?
Hillary says she will reform Wall Street. But in 2008
JP Morgan Chase $446,479
Goldman Sachs $407,850
Between this amount and the 3 speeches to Goldman Sachs in 2013 Hillary has received $1,082,850 from them
Citigroup $401,217
Morgan Stanley $374,830
Lehman Bros $253,753
Merrill Lynch $194,109
Price Waterhouse Coopers $191,900
She made $4.3 million giving speeches to Wall Street from 2013-2015
She's bought and paid for
I am waiting for Democrats to respond to the grant of immunity that Pagliano got. He's the guy that set up her server and she gave a job to at State. Say what you you want about our people but isn't Hillary the only one under investigation by the FBI? Don['t say she isn't because they wouldn't give the grant if it didn't target her
But I have to move on to Hillary
The Foundation took between $1 million and $5 million from Qatar. Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2013 Aren't they among the worst human rights violators and oppressors of women's rights? Why is that allowed Dems?
Hillary says she will reform Wall Street. But in 2008
JP Morgan Chase $446,479
Goldman Sachs $407,850
Between this amount and the 3 speeches to Goldman Sachs in 2013 Hillary has received $1,082,850 from them
Citigroup $401,217
Morgan Stanley $374,830
Lehman Bros $253,753
Merrill Lynch $194,109
Price Waterhouse Coopers $191,900
She made $4.3 million giving speeches to Wall Street from 2013-2015
She's bought and paid for
I am waiting for Democrats to respond to the grant of immunity that Pagliano got. He's the guy that set up her server and she gave a job to at State. Say what you you want about our people but isn't Hillary the only one under investigation by the FBI? Don['t say she isn't because they wouldn't give the grant if it didn't target her
4
The idea that the Obama Justice Department might indict his Secretary of State is such hogwash it doesn't deserve an inch of space. They wouldn't indict the war criminals of the Bush Administration nor the Wall Street criminals well known to have destroyed our economy and the lives of tens of thousands of Americans. So they would go after their own Secretary of State? Get real.
1
Lifts or no lifts, he did have some swell boots.
3
The Trump / Palin faction of the GOP isn't defined by establishment vs. anti-establishment sentiment. It is defined by frustration over its inability to articulate a coherent rationale for its sense of grievance. They rage against party leaders because the party is supposed to articulate it for them but can't, precisely because it is incoherent. Palin is their representative in incoherence, and Trump has based his campaign on the notion that there is a truer language out there, devoid of kindness and respect; if only people would speak it, all of the confusion would end.
5
" Personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment"...from where are you coming up with these comments...Fox News?? I guess you are awaiting your "perfect candidate", rather than someone who is more than capable and eminently qualified to be our president. Only one other is at that level, and we can't elect her and Bernie to the same post this year.
13
Finally glad to see Rubio depart at last. I grew tired of his endless pandering while he took time out of his work at a senator to run for president. Where in the world did he think that voters would be impressed? As it is, he works less than the average American but still shirks his duty? Astonishing how many bought into his con game.
10
A triumphant night for Trump, a humbling night for Sanders. Congratulations to the Clinton and Trump teams. The establishment (D)s are one step closer to losing in the general election, thanks in part to the unwavering support of the NYTimes and the rest of the MSM.
2
For a couple of decades GOP'ers could say the right things and then rely on the "religious right" to mobilize and provide a strong base of support during elections. After the election, throw them a couple of bones and they would be content and not make waves until it was time for the next election.
It appears those tactics don't work with the Tea Party.
It appears those tactics don't work with the Tea Party.
1
So it appears much Bush support, and all his war follies was underwritten by folks who, 8 years later we find, vote for Trump or Cruz..... If I have my GOP pretzel logic straight. But the Bush boys hate those guys....?
2
If this election breaks up the Republican Party, then Donald will have fulfilled his campaign promise that he would "Make America Great Again." Good job and thanks. The US doesn't need a GOP that is the Westboro Baptist Church of politics.
11
You're the best, Mr. Bruni.
2
Trump, the GOP front-runner. We ask again and again how so many people can vote for an such absolutely incompetent, brash and hateful person. It is mind-boggling. Millions across the country seem to be blind to who this obnoxious clown really is. You just have to look at him on screen for seconds listening to a few incoherent, vacuous rants to be offended beyond the pale. Yet Republicans are choosing him as their representative. Even poor white people struggling to make a living cannot be so blind that they fail to see that he will harm them more than anyone else, that they are being used in his quest to stroke his massive ego. What will it take to open their eyes- that is a question for which there is apparently no obvious answer.
95
I'm not buying the scenario, Frank. I say this as a firm Democratic voter. Each election year brings its own form of navel-gazing. But there is such a thing as history. How often do parties win third consecutive terms? Rarely. With different candidates (as the Constitution now dictates)? Very rarely. When the new candidate is not the sitting VP? Exquisitely rarely. (I think you have to go back to Taft.) Do Democrats ever manage this feat (with the now embargoed exception of FDR)? No, they don't.
The energy has been and continues to be with the GOP, and I think the reports of its imminent implosion or explosion are overwrought. Trump will be the nominee, and come summer, everyone on that side will have concluded that he was a Republican after all. What kind of candidate will he be? Lousy. But ours comes with a great many flaws. History is on their side. We've got work to do if we want to change the pattern.
The energy has been and continues to be with the GOP, and I think the reports of its imminent implosion or explosion are overwrought. Trump will be the nominee, and come summer, everyone on that side will have concluded that he was a Republican after all. What kind of candidate will he be? Lousy. But ours comes with a great many flaws. History is on their side. We've got work to do if we want to change the pattern.
2
Apparently these are the same "party leaders" who let Trump's Obama Birth Cert. Canard play wildly across the media landscape without comment. If leading, they could have squashed Trump like a bug with a concerted effort over 10 days denying his stupidness, but they didn't. They led instead with their Obama Hatred and let Trump's hot air balloon of bloviation fill up and take their base away. Trump is now their leader. Ouch.
12
"Stupidity has consequences...."
1
Rubio's problem was signing on with the "Gang of 8". Illegal Immigration will never be solved with legislation that the Democrats are happy with. The Democrat politicians will never willingly allow the flow of illegals to be halted. These illegal immigrants (and their anchor-baby children) and the issue itself, are a main portion of the lifeblood of Democratic party. Rubio was a fool to sign on with them, it cost him the presidency.
1
The saddest thing of this turmoil is seeing the poor neocons go homeless. Thank heavens Hillary Clinton is around to take them in.
6
actually “come on in, the water’s fine" or something very similar is from "oh brother where art thou?" — the coen brothers send up of the odyssey via the early 20th century rural south. and the quote is apt as it occurs in the adapted "lotus eaters" baptism scene. you'd definitely need to eat a lot of lotuses to allow yourself to be washed in the waters by cruz and consider it a joy and a blessing!
2
Now they’re poised to be eaten alive.
Pass the popcorn.
Pass the popcorn.
9
Rubio is a war monger; good ridence. Cruz is a bible toting carpet bomber; for what purpose? At least Trump may be flexible on his crazy positions. I hope so.
3
"Our Party has the most well-qualified and experienced field of candidates in history," tweeted RNC Chairman Reince Priebus last month. With such incisive analysis, I cannot for the life of me understand why the GOP establishment is now twisting itself into a pretzel to deny its frontrunner the nomination he has so clearly earned over such a strong field.
4
Yep - that Reince Priebus is one observant cookie, still exuding admiration for a bunch of has-been and never-will race horses that all died of natural causes before any of them could complete the first few furlongs. I can see why he's still the head of the GOP.
In the end the Republican Party simply cannot be sufficiently conservative for the conservatives. It is not enough to be against abortion and Obamacare, unsympathetic to illegal immigrants, opposed to welfare, and for the personal possession of more and more deadly weapons. They have so purified their beliefs that fewer and fewer people are qualified to represent them in an election or lead them afterward. Sadly, many have also added anger and hatred to their list of qualifications.
There is a better than even chance that the Republicans will lose this presidential election. There is also a good chance that their party will fracture along lines that have revealed themselves during the primaries. That may bring about a unique three-party future for America that includes migrations among all three factions.
There is a better than even chance that the Republicans will lose this presidential election. There is also a good chance that their party will fracture along lines that have revealed themselves during the primaries. That may bring about a unique three-party future for America that includes migrations among all three factions.
6
It may, yes, but we should always bear in mind: the last time a third party had a beneficial effect on a presidential election was over a century ago, & none of these guys have the popularity & good vibes of a Teddy Roosevelt.
A good article sharing my view. What is needed now is that Rubio comes fast out publicly to support Kasich and demand that his delegates go to he. That wouls build momentum for Kasich and give him a good fighting chance at the Convention as the sane Republican alternative. And Rubio the chance to become VP and let him fight another day.
1
Kasich defunded Planned Parenthood in Ohio earlier this month, by passing legislation to ensure that state-paid services would NOT go to it. Any %$#^&* MAN who is so unfriendly to women's reproductive rights has no place as president in the USA.
As a woman, my first concern has to be ignorant men - who will never have to deal with an unplanned pregnancy (because, really, they can literally run away from their responsibility)- who want to control millions of American women's access to reproductive services.
As a woman, my first concern has to be ignorant men - who will never have to deal with an unplanned pregnancy (because, really, they can literally run away from their responsibility)- who want to control millions of American women's access to reproductive services.
In this election cycle, Rubio was touted as the darling of the establishment.
But does no one remember that he is a product of the Tea Party?
So the Tea Party of a few years ago is the Establishment of today. That pretty much says it all.
But does no one remember that he is a product of the Tea Party?
So the Tea Party of a few years ago is the Establishment of today. That pretty much says it all.
6
MARCH MADNESS
Yes, March sure is madness,
For Marco, it’s sadness,
For Kasich, a boost:
His home state produced
A win at long last
But Donald amassed
So many more votes
And once again gloats.
Ted Cruz is still cruising
Not thinking of losing.
Just three guys remain
In this shocking campaign.
Will Rubio choose
John Kasich or Cruz?
Unlikely he’ll stump
For archrival Trump.
Who next will be gone?
The show will go on . . . .
https://www.facebook.com/The-Poet-Pundit-660189887366317/?ref=hl
Yes, March sure is madness,
For Marco, it’s sadness,
For Kasich, a boost:
His home state produced
A win at long last
But Donald amassed
So many more votes
And once again gloats.
Ted Cruz is still cruising
Not thinking of losing.
Just three guys remain
In this shocking campaign.
Will Rubio choose
John Kasich or Cruz?
Unlikely he’ll stump
For archrival Trump.
Who next will be gone?
The show will go on . . . .
https://www.facebook.com/The-Poet-Pundit-660189887366317/?ref=hl
3
When his children get older, he can talk with pride about being the GOP.'s lead potty talker. What a legacy.
1
The idea that Donald Trump as president would be a disaster for the country seems silly.
We survived George W. Bush. And he gave us a financial meltdown in this country. and overseas the many lives and huge fortunes lost in the invasion and occupation of two countries that posed no threat to us.
How could even Donald Trump compete with that?
We survived George W. Bush. And he gave us a financial meltdown in this country. and overseas the many lives and huge fortunes lost in the invasion and occupation of two countries that posed no threat to us.
How could even Donald Trump compete with that?
4
I'm sure he would find a way.
Don't ask. We might find out.
Donald Trump is the political alien bursting out of the Republican body politic.
His overwhelming primary victory in Florida over Marco Rubio is further evidence that he has altered the political reality of the United States. The big loser Tuesday was the Republican Party. After the Kasich win in Ohio, a brokered convention seems all but certain. In 2016, Republicans will face the antithesis of Pascal's famous wager. Whatever they choose to do about Donald Trump they will lose the November election. If they nominate Trump, he will be crushed. A record minority voter turn out and the defection of Republican elites and suburban women will assure a Democratic landslide. If they deny him the nomination his followers will defect, assuring a Democratic landslide. Republicans will choose the method of their own political suicide.
His overwhelming primary victory in Florida over Marco Rubio is further evidence that he has altered the political reality of the United States. The big loser Tuesday was the Republican Party. After the Kasich win in Ohio, a brokered convention seems all but certain. In 2016, Republicans will face the antithesis of Pascal's famous wager. Whatever they choose to do about Donald Trump they will lose the November election. If they nominate Trump, he will be crushed. A record minority voter turn out and the defection of Republican elites and suburban women will assure a Democratic landslide. If they deny him the nomination his followers will defect, assuring a Democratic landslide. Republicans will choose the method of their own political suicide.
74
"...better a Republican who’s allergic to caution, oblivious to actual information and altogether dangerous..." Pretty much describes every Republican candidate or president in recent history.
4
Waiting for the inevitable Bruni, Brooks and Douthat columns over the summer on how Trump has 'come around', is acting and talking 'Presidential', and has a distinguished (for failure) cadre of seasoned advisers (most, of course, from the reign of The Decider). About how the nation needs a businessman, an outsider, to straighten things out and move in new directions. The usual GOP direction. Cut taxes on the wealthy, cut corporate taxes, more deregulation of Wall Street 'job creators', and lighten up on clean air and water - 'job killers'. Then when the deficit rockets, 'serious action' will be absolutely needed to 'save' Social Security. Raise the retirement age to 70, and lower or eliminate cost of living adjustment, which the Republican House is already planning.
7
The problem is not the candidates remaining; rather, the problem is from whence they came. The Republican Party as we know it has outlived its usefulness. Next election, vote against every Republican, for every office, at every level. Be patriotic, save the country.
14
Who cares? Less than 25% of registered voters will choose the Republican nominee...that person will lose the general election to whomever the Democrats choose.
3
I wouldn't necessarily bet on it. To quote Inspector Kemp., "A riot iss a ugly thing," & we know the kind of chaos a dedicated mob can bring to bear on the forces of sanity.
They were saying only a minority of Republicans support Trump, and he wins only because there are so many other candidates divide the vote. They were saying Cruz only appeals to a small group of hard line conservatives. Today Trump and Cruz together got about 70% of the vote. What does that say about GOP voters?
5
Oh, Frank. We are witnessing history and you are depressed! Yes, it's the end of your dear Republican Party. But remember, Frank, this is not your (or my) father's GOP. This is the GOP of race baiting, ignorance, "trickle down economics," and Citizens United. Good riddance, I say. Perhaps a new party will emerge from the ashes with some semblance of intelligence and integrity.
11
One can hope, but at the moment it's not appearing particularly optimistic.
Is Trump having an affair with Sarah Palin? Is there a reason why poor white males will continue through life being poor white males? Once upon a time there were intelligent Republicans. What happened?
4
' Is there a reason why poor white males will continue through life being poor white males?'
Because the jobs that enabled their fathers to climb into a stable lower-middle to middle-class status were automated and/or shipped to other countries. Thanks for asking.
Because the jobs that enabled their fathers to climb into a stable lower-middle to middle-class status were automated and/or shipped to other countries. Thanks for asking.
They will only continue to be poor white males if Hillarious wins.
Precisely on point.
Any Republican that cares about the country is almost out of alternatives. Any American that cares about the country can easily recognize that the Republican Party is bankrupt both politically and morally.
The great hope for our country is that the convention of the GOP in 2016 is a replay of the follow on to the Whig Party convention in 1852,
Donald Trump as Millard Fillmore. And the Tea Party as the Know Nothing Party in 1856 Sounds about right.
Any Republican that cares about the country is almost out of alternatives. Any American that cares about the country can easily recognize that the Republican Party is bankrupt both politically and morally.
The great hope for our country is that the convention of the GOP in 2016 is a replay of the follow on to the Whig Party convention in 1852,
Donald Trump as Millard Fillmore. And the Tea Party as the Know Nothing Party in 1856 Sounds about right.
10
Can we stop with the pretense that Marco Rubio has EVER been anything more than an empty suit, full of ambition and lacking any substance whatsoever?
Look no further than the media in his own home state which essentially called this, which was just one in a series, GOP bluffs.
Look no further than the media in his own home state which essentially called this, which was just one in a series, GOP bluffs.
11
You of course fail to mention that one of the pundits so impressed by Rubio was YOU. Your puff piece about Marco, "You'll be hearing a lot more about Marco Rubio," was published March 11, 2015, and still resides in a place of (dis)honor in the list of blog highlights on the online opinion page. Time to give that piece a quiet and immediate farewell.
11
I don't know who is more insincere - Rubio or Cruz. But at least one of them is gone, now we all need bury Cruz somehow. Lets hope Trump does it for us - he may turn out to be good for something after all.
4
The GOP stench was already strong, Frank, and it's only going to ripen.
3
All candidates have flaws. At least half of Hilary's are right wing creations. The others I'm willing to overlook in favor of deep experience - and certainly given the alternatives. I hope she invites Kasich to jump ship and be her VP!
7
I am sorry but this does not make sense to me:
"so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat"
So the republican candidates are not personally flawed? thats really does not make sense to me. And what is meant by out of sync with anti-establishment?
"so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat"
So the republican candidates are not personally flawed? thats really does not make sense to me. And what is meant by out of sync with anti-establishment?
7
News flash for Frank Bruni: Rubio does not have an optimistic message, since he embraces the basic GOP platform, which is to make the 1% richer and punish almost everyone else. The fact that he is less flamboyant than Trump should not obscure this. And Rubio brings his own special brand of ignorance, able to ignore almost all the modern sciences and believe that the Earth might really be 6,000 years old. How is that not as crazy as Trump?
20
I don't see Cruz heading, and losing, the GOP ticket as doing much to cause reform. The GOP doesn't understand their base, and these days I think they rather don't even like their base. And their base clearly doesn't like them.
A major re-sorting seems to be in the cards. Sander's insurgency indicated the long-standing Democratic coalition is fraying, too, though I hasten to add that I am not saying any sort of 'both sides" nonsense.
Democrats, whichever presidential candidate they favor, still want to govern effectively, not tear the place down. But a bigger realignment is coming -- and is needed. The decades long sorting of our country into it's current factions is not serving us well at all.
And one of the challenges of these realignments (think 50s/60s) is they are hard to imagine as they start to unfold. I don't think many would have predicted at the outset that the South would flip almost entirely R from D in that era. So we need to bluck our safety belts and carry on: alert and careful, but drive on!
A major re-sorting seems to be in the cards. Sander's insurgency indicated the long-standing Democratic coalition is fraying, too, though I hasten to add that I am not saying any sort of 'both sides" nonsense.
Democrats, whichever presidential candidate they favor, still want to govern effectively, not tear the place down. But a bigger realignment is coming -- and is needed. The decades long sorting of our country into it's current factions is not serving us well at all.
And one of the challenges of these realignments (think 50s/60s) is they are hard to imagine as they start to unfold. I don't think many would have predicted at the outset that the South would flip almost entirely R from D in that era. So we need to bluck our safety belts and carry on: alert and careful, but drive on!
10
Its only March. There are nine lives at least before November. In the media world we live in today, last week is old news, and the events of the primary will be entirely irrelevant to the vast majority of general election voters. That is to say, plenty of time for Hillary and The Donald to re-invent themselves again for a general election. Hillary will forget all about her recently acquired lefty credentials, Donald will make deals with the Republican establishment. It won't be past stances that decides, but who they connect with and how they fight that will matter. Any bets on the outcome? The fact that none of us could predict if Donald or Hillary is the next president says all we need to know about the state of politics in the USA.
1
A prediction: As Trump consolidates his lead, the Toadies and Yes-Men will gravitate to him. The lowest of the opportunists have already done so: Palin, Christie, and Sessions are riding with Trump. Just ahead, we will see a deluge of establishment figures who want to keep their jobs (or gain a better one) hopping on the Trump bandwagon. The only reason Mitt Romney could speak out was because he doesn't hold elected office. Watch for Republican congresspersons to line up behind him, and for Senators who are up for re-election to say "Make America Great Again."
8
I am a Democrat, have been supporting Bernie but would vote Clinton if she prevails. I'm not as sanguine about Clinton in the general election though. A large segment of the people see the political and economic establishments as having lost their credibility, indeed having lost their legitimacy. It's a tough year to be running as "more of the same." Hillary Clinton is "more of the same," and I fear a lot more desperate voters than we might expect will try Mr. Trump rather than sign up for another four years of another Clinton.
7
More of the same what? A GOP congress has said NO to even repairing our nation's bridges. How does this include Hillary?
Frank Bruni has chosen a gastronomical metaphor to characterize the stew in which the Republicans find themselves this evening, omitting only the crow being eaten by the pundits who promised us that Donald Trump would self-destruct as people tired of his serial (cereal?) lying and his bullying vulgarity.
Trump is still there, looming larger than ever. I am typing this comment in my oceanfront home just six or seven minutes down the same street from where
Trump is celebrating victory in his Mar-a-Lago mansion. I flew down this afternoon from Cleveland, where John Kasich is celebrating a more modest victory than Trump’s and in more modest surroundings.
I will never vote for Kasich, whose views are not as inclusive and moderate as portrayed recently. He is not, however, a crazed megalomaniac, like the other two men left in the Republican race. I almost crossed over to mark a ballot for him when I voted early on Saturday.
My only bone to pick with Frank Bruni is his description of Hillary Clinton. She is not a natural campaigner, but it takes some real tunnel vision to find her “so personally flawed” while writing a column focused on Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.
Trump is still there, looming larger than ever. I am typing this comment in my oceanfront home just six or seven minutes down the same street from where
Trump is celebrating victory in his Mar-a-Lago mansion. I flew down this afternoon from Cleveland, where John Kasich is celebrating a more modest victory than Trump’s and in more modest surroundings.
I will never vote for Kasich, whose views are not as inclusive and moderate as portrayed recently. He is not, however, a crazed megalomaniac, like the other two men left in the Republican race. I almost crossed over to mark a ballot for him when I voted early on Saturday.
My only bone to pick with Frank Bruni is his description of Hillary Clinton. She is not a natural campaigner, but it takes some real tunnel vision to find her “so personally flawed” while writing a column focused on Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.
41
"They see a probable Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat. "
I am - and always have been, a HRC supporter. She is my hero. What (significant, relevant, TRUE) fatal flaw(s) am I missing? I wish someone - some pundit - would identify the specifics of these "flaws", other than those shared by ALL politicians, past and present, who run for national office. And other than those generated by more than a personal animus.
I am - and always have been, a HRC supporter. She is my hero. What (significant, relevant, TRUE) fatal flaw(s) am I missing? I wish someone - some pundit - would identify the specifics of these "flaws", other than those shared by ALL politicians, past and present, who run for national office. And other than those generated by more than a personal animus.
3
How exactly is Hillary personally flawed? Or were you describing how the Right sees her?
It seems to me that everything that has been done to make her appear flawed has been done by the same Republican spin machine that brought us Trump, Cruz, and the Tea Party:
Whitewater? Much Ado about nothing.
Bengazi? Another invented Republican "scandal" that exploited a tragedy as a political cudgel. Seven investigations and no evidence of wrongdoing.
Emails? Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice did the same thing, and I can recall no character assassinations or investigations from either political party.
Or is it that she is "flawed" because she is strong woman with ambition (strength and ambition being positive traits in male politicians)?
It seems to me that everything that has been done to make her appear flawed has been done by the same Republican spin machine that brought us Trump, Cruz, and the Tea Party:
Whitewater? Much Ado about nothing.
Bengazi? Another invented Republican "scandal" that exploited a tragedy as a political cudgel. Seven investigations and no evidence of wrongdoing.
Emails? Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice did the same thing, and I can recall no character assassinations or investigations from either political party.
Or is it that she is "flawed" because she is strong woman with ambition (strength and ambition being positive traits in male politicians)?
61
Not only is she a strong woman, she is a smart woman. She is the smartest and strongest candidate running, period. She is not the retail politician her husband was. Not many are.
Hillary herself has noted that she is not good at campaigning.
1
"...those nominees weren’t sufficiently moderate. A Cruz wipeout would prove as much". No, it won't matter, proof is immaterial to true believers.
2
It's a real measure of the Republican establishment's obliviousness that they expected Marco Rubio to save their bacon. All this time they thought they were recruiting "committed conservatives" to their cause, when, in fact, they were recruiting Palin and Trump-loving authoritarians. http://www.vox.com/2016/3/1/11127424/trump-authoritarianism
They've played the role of Dr. Frankenstein, and Trump is the monster they've created. Personally, I preferred the fiction in book form to the real-life movie.
They've played the role of Dr. Frankenstein, and Trump is the monster they've created. Personally, I preferred the fiction in book form to the real-life movie.
3
I hope we don't hear anymore about Rubio (and Mr Bruni finally takes down his blog post that has been advertising Rubio for the year past). NB: he is not VP material.
Sanders, however, must stay in the race to the end for two reasons (at least). An option must be kept open in case Clinton self destructs. And Sanders' progressive message is necessary for the future of the country.
Moving the country left is our only hope.
Sanders, however, must stay in the race to the end for two reasons (at least). An option must be kept open in case Clinton self destructs. And Sanders' progressive message is necessary for the future of the country.
Moving the country left is our only hope.
4
Marco Rubio's supposed "hopeful and optimistic" message is such laughable nonsense that the believers of that fiction are as liable to derision as those who claim Donald Trump will actually "make America great again". If you want to see a legitimate message of hope and optimism, look to the country up north.
The Republican Party doesn't get it. There is nothing to be hopeful about increased restrictions on abortions, nothing to be hopeful about hate passing as religious liberty, and nothing to be hopeful about stagnant wages. There is nothing optimistic about seeing the corruption of the officials supposedly serving the people, nothing optimistic about crude jokes and pandering to the lowest common denominator, and absolutely nothing optimistic about seeing good American jobs being shipped off to some faraway land.
This is why so many people are incensed at anything that can be even remotely linked to the establishment, which established itself as the purveyor of such negativity and pessimism. They see that there is no hope, no salvation in anyone comfortable with it.
The American people know that they are being screwed over. Those who blame things on the Republican establishment vote Donald Trump. Those who can correctly identify who is screwing them over vote Bernie Sanders.
The Republican Party doesn't get it. There is nothing to be hopeful about increased restrictions on abortions, nothing to be hopeful about hate passing as religious liberty, and nothing to be hopeful about stagnant wages. There is nothing optimistic about seeing the corruption of the officials supposedly serving the people, nothing optimistic about crude jokes and pandering to the lowest common denominator, and absolutely nothing optimistic about seeing good American jobs being shipped off to some faraway land.
This is why so many people are incensed at anything that can be even remotely linked to the establishment, which established itself as the purveyor of such negativity and pessimism. They see that there is no hope, no salvation in anyone comfortable with it.
The American people know that they are being screwed over. Those who blame things on the Republican establishment vote Donald Trump. Those who can correctly identify who is screwing them over vote Bernie Sanders.
10
I'm glad to see the junior demagogue/trash Obama bandwagon-jumper gone.
10
eaten alive - and well deserved for the horrible candidates the 'establishment' chose to support.
The nerve! telling people who to vote against? in their own party?
I'm not surprised Trump is winning after the 'republican establishment' decided to go against him.
good news for democrats. Thanks GOP
The nerve! telling people who to vote against? in their own party?
I'm not surprised Trump is winning after the 'republican establishment' decided to go against him.
good news for democrats. Thanks GOP
5
The empty suit from Florida has left the building...
11
If robotically repeated suggestions that President Obama is a traitor and saboteur qualifies in his mind as a "hopeful and optimistic message", then Marco is more than a little delusional.
26
Could somebody explain to me how a guy who is the son of immigrants keep bashing immigrants and expect to win.
5
Trump is the grandson of an immigrant.
2
You can't ask for a reality show plot with more potential than the upcoming Republican Convention. If Trump supporters are sucker punching protestors, wait until the Republican Party tries to wrest the nomination from him at the convention!
64
Bruni did not take the millions of moderate and progressive independent voters into account. They will vote en masse for Clinton, joined by the armies of young Sanders supporters who will heed his urging to protect their future by supporting her.
Even conservative independents, when considering the Trump alternative, will likely favor Clinton.
Even conservative independents, when considering the Trump alternative, will likely favor Clinton.
3
Hillary politically clumsy?? Paging Dr Krugman, Dr Krugman...
5
The opening of Mr. Bruni's essay illustrates the legend being formed: that Mr. Rubio was the upbeat candidate of hope in a year of negativity. And Mr. Rubio did invoke the words "hope" and "future" in a mantra-like way.
But Mr. Rubio was not a candidate of hope for people like my sister-in-law, who lives in Mr. Rubio's state of Florida and who, when her employer went out of business, was able to get sick care insurance through Obamacare, which Mr. Rubio wants to repeal.
And Mr. Rubio was not a voice of hope for those who believe we spend quite enough on war-making capabilities, which he wanted to increase.
Or for those who think that life on this planet is in mortal danger from global warming, about which he proposed to do nothing meaningful because he is in denial about its cause and perhaps its existence.
And Mr. Rubio was not a voice of hope for those who think the wealthy deserve to pay higher taxes, which instead he proposed to cut again.
And Mr. Rubio was not a voice of hope for those who believe that people need more regulatory protection from corporate predation, not less; or for my gay and lesbian friends who finally achieved marriage equality, which he opposes; or . . . well, you get the idea.
If, as Mr. Bruni predicts, the party gets "eaten alive," they have themselves to blame. I think they've been nastily deranged for decades. But Mr. Rubio's platform was mostly a standard Republican menu, presented by a nice face in a chipper tone.
But Mr. Rubio was not a candidate of hope for people like my sister-in-law, who lives in Mr. Rubio's state of Florida and who, when her employer went out of business, was able to get sick care insurance through Obamacare, which Mr. Rubio wants to repeal.
And Mr. Rubio was not a voice of hope for those who believe we spend quite enough on war-making capabilities, which he wanted to increase.
Or for those who think that life on this planet is in mortal danger from global warming, about which he proposed to do nothing meaningful because he is in denial about its cause and perhaps its existence.
And Mr. Rubio was not a voice of hope for those who think the wealthy deserve to pay higher taxes, which instead he proposed to cut again.
And Mr. Rubio was not a voice of hope for those who believe that people need more regulatory protection from corporate predation, not less; or for my gay and lesbian friends who finally achieved marriage equality, which he opposes; or . . . well, you get the idea.
If, as Mr. Bruni predicts, the party gets "eaten alive," they have themselves to blame. I think they've been nastily deranged for decades. But Mr. Rubio's platform was mostly a standard Republican menu, presented by a nice face in a chipper tone.
17
For Democrats, the fat lady isn't singing, but she's definitely running through the scales. I have a sinking feeling about November, because although Hillary may win the nomination, she certainly hasn't energized her party, let alone the country. With no message but "It's my turn," or "I'll be the first female president," she hasn't given us a reason to shift the passion for Bernie to her campaign. Speaking honestly now about her new-found progressive mentality and releasing the Wall Street transcripts might help, but I doubt that this will win back a lot of real progressives. Why can I not shake the suspicion each time I hear her shouted, passionate protestations that this is all theater, calculated to win the nomination and then the presidency, with no intention to change her underlying priorities and policies?
4
Well, yes. One of Clinton's recent victory speeches, not last night's but maybe the one a week ago, was so far left that Elizabeth Warren must have ghost-written it for her, and it was hard to listen to it without laughing, and taking it as anything other than a shameless attempt to co-opt the Sanders platform just long enough for her to win the nomination. The task for Sanders, Warren and their allies now is to try to find some lever of power in the party to hold her to at least some of these promises.
A Trump nomination, scary as it sounds, might actually help in dealing with Clinton as the nominee. First, it will galvanize support for her like nothing else could. Fear can be a tremendous motivator. Second, Trump is not really a right winger except on immigration. So, Clinton would not have to drift as far right to draw votes away from him as she would with Cruz.
A Trump nomination, scary as it sounds, might actually help in dealing with Clinton as the nominee. First, it will galvanize support for her like nothing else could. Fear can be a tremendous motivator. Second, Trump is not really a right winger except on immigration. So, Clinton would not have to drift as far right to draw votes away from him as she would with Cruz.
The chickens have come home to roost. The republicans brought this quagmire upon themselves by opposing every Obama policy. People are so fed up with Washington politics that they are ready for a Trunp; come what may.
3
Every Obama policy?
Did they oppose vote on Sotomayor and Kagan? At least they got a vote.
Did they oppose the surge in Iraq?
D they oppose TPP?
Did they oppose his jobs bill?
What is the role of the opposing party? To give the president everything he wants?
But what you have to ask yourself is why Obama did nothing about the genocide of Coptic Christians and Muslims in Iraq That is not a Republican issue, it is a humanitarian issue
Did Democrats support his Iran deal? IF he had such solid support why did he go to the UN and present it as a treaty rather then the Congress for ratification? Because he knew it would get killed By the way Schumer supported it and Obama is withholding $280 million in counter terrorism funds to New York City to punish him That's how Obama treats his own party
I am a Republican and I will not vote for Trump. Last night it was announced that he is donating money to Kamala Harris, the California Attorney General who is running to replace Boxer. Why?
Between 1989 and 2010 Trump gave $314,300 to Democratic groups and candidates and $290,600 to Republicans
In the 2006 election cycle Trump and his son Donald Jr, donated $77,200 to Democrats vs $24,150
He claims to be a Republican but his financial donations do not match his rhetoric.
Sanders passed no bills in the Senate career. How would that change as president Very principled and passionate but that did not translate into legislative success
Hillary? Need much more than 1,500 characters
Did they oppose vote on Sotomayor and Kagan? At least they got a vote.
Did they oppose the surge in Iraq?
D they oppose TPP?
Did they oppose his jobs bill?
What is the role of the opposing party? To give the president everything he wants?
But what you have to ask yourself is why Obama did nothing about the genocide of Coptic Christians and Muslims in Iraq That is not a Republican issue, it is a humanitarian issue
Did Democrats support his Iran deal? IF he had such solid support why did he go to the UN and present it as a treaty rather then the Congress for ratification? Because he knew it would get killed By the way Schumer supported it and Obama is withholding $280 million in counter terrorism funds to New York City to punish him That's how Obama treats his own party
I am a Republican and I will not vote for Trump. Last night it was announced that he is donating money to Kamala Harris, the California Attorney General who is running to replace Boxer. Why?
Between 1989 and 2010 Trump gave $314,300 to Democratic groups and candidates and $290,600 to Republicans
In the 2006 election cycle Trump and his son Donald Jr, donated $77,200 to Democrats vs $24,150
He claims to be a Republican but his financial donations do not match his rhetoric.
Sanders passed no bills in the Senate career. How would that change as president Very principled and passionate but that did not translate into legislative success
Hillary? Need much more than 1,500 characters
There's so much going on I don't know where to point my go-pro cam. WOW !! I never imagined living through a set of primary events like these that have happened. It's like a group of waiters all falling down the stairs, a spinning carnival ride that's broken it's moorings, the big bang, or the tower of babel on speed. No one seemingly saw this coming. All questions, no pluasible answers. Shrugs from the pundits all around. How do we miss things like the demolition of the Republican Party, global warming, lead in our water, wage discrepancies between guy and girls and cops incessantly screwing with killing blacks? We're not good at predicting or reading subterranean trends.
1
How about a good, hard look at reality?
Frank, you don't sound like all of the other NY Times columnists, especially David Brooks. Where are your petty, bigoted complaints about Trump? You don't sound as dumb as them or as ignorant.
David Brooks and the other shallow sycophants still don't get it. Every time they speak, more and more people join Trump.
David Brooks and the other shallow sycophants still don't get it. Every time they speak, more and more people join Trump.
2
For how much longer will the Time Opinion page be featuring:
FRANK BRUNI
You Will Be Hearing a Lot More About Marco Rubio
March 11, 2015, 10:20 AM
???
FRANK BRUNI
You Will Be Hearing a Lot More About Marco Rubio
March 11, 2015, 10:20 AM
???
3
"Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat. "
Really? Who is feeding you this nonsense? The RNC?
Really? Who is feeding you this nonsense? The RNC?
16
No, the problem, was not a spoiled buffett, but a boxed macaroni and cheese.
2
Now the story begins! We are down to the almost final curtain and it is a depressing 3rd. act. Nothing has changed. We are still being hoodwinked by catch phrases and code words and all the great things we will be, except that we never hear the plan. The people are desperate and they are willing to put our future into the hands of one of two charlatans. Trump is the ultimate politician, the worst of the worst. Cruz, well Cruz is an outright over the top scary guy who goes against every freedom I believe in.
13
Kasich seems like the best of the Republican lot and a firewall of sorts; he seems to have way more common sense and humility than the other two combined. Best to keep those guys as far away from the Oval Office as possible.
5
.We begin to see exactly what the main attributes of Republican party are---hate and fear
8
"They see a probable Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat." Ms. Clinton is doing remarkably well for someone with such serious handicaps.
15
Trump is different from any other candidate of either party in the sense that his winning the Presidency will be an existential threat to the Country and the World . To say that it will be a disaster is actually an understatement .
11
I'm kind of more worried about a slow agonizing death from ptomaine poisoning should a conservative take the general election. Like 'Hillary' said on Saturday Night Live, she's 'like chicken that'll do.' I'd rather have the Sander's veggie wrap; but, as I've got to eat and the menu is limited, even though I am a vegetarian, I'll order the chicken. Call it a compromise.
7
Bruni says the Republican nominating process "started out as a feast of possibilities."
And the results are simply delicious.
Anyone who doesn't love the reality of the destruction of these self righteous clowns, well, is still waiting for Jeb! to get it together.
And the results are simply delicious.
Anyone who doesn't love the reality of the destruction of these self righteous clowns, well, is still waiting for Jeb! to get it together.
4
I disagree that Trump is worse for the country than Cruz. The latter is a hard right ideologue; Trump is all about Trump. With Cruz in the WH and a GOP congress we will be rolling back the clock to the 1950s or before - undo Rowe v. Wade, gay marriage, the ACA, the Iran nuclear deal; privatize Social Security; turn Medicare into a voucher program; and close the EPA and the Education Department. We would become violent bullies on the world stage; all the poor at home would be treated as the "undeserving poor."
Trump would be a mess, but he would make the GOP House pine for Obama - nothing much would get done, but that's less damage than Cruz would do.
Trump would be a mess, but he would make the GOP House pine for Obama - nothing much would get done, but that's less damage than Cruz would do.
56
Cruz and Trump, self inflicted wounds of the Republican party. Ronald Reagan, we hardly knew ye.
12
Saint Ronnie started all this mess that is the GOP with Cadillac welfare mother and denial of AIDS...well, actually, he just played on Nixon's Southern Strategy. The destruction of The Party of Lincoln (?) began long, long ago.
1
"Republicans started out with what they thought was a feast of possibilities. Now they’re poised to be eaten alive."
Not so fast.
Donald Trump is the absolute disaster the Republican Party deserves, but to cite his toxic flaws as an omen for a Democratic landslide is severely misguided. Look at the terrifying crowds of supporters he draws, and the quick work he has made of the Republican primary. It's impressive, in the scariest way possible.
Meanwhile, swing voters and moderates may not loathe Hillary Clinton as much as Trump, but she has yet to top 50% favorability in any voting block, and she incites remarkably little enthusiasm for someone who could be our first female president. People seem ready to accept her nomination as an inevitability, but hardly with passion. Do you think those people will actually get out and vote for her?
Voter apathy towards Clinton will majorly benefit the Republican front runner who has an army of rabid supporters. To deny the enthusiasm factor in a country where voter turnout is so low in usual circumstances is a major mistake.
Not so fast.
Donald Trump is the absolute disaster the Republican Party deserves, but to cite his toxic flaws as an omen for a Democratic landslide is severely misguided. Look at the terrifying crowds of supporters he draws, and the quick work he has made of the Republican primary. It's impressive, in the scariest way possible.
Meanwhile, swing voters and moderates may not loathe Hillary Clinton as much as Trump, but she has yet to top 50% favorability in any voting block, and she incites remarkably little enthusiasm for someone who could be our first female president. People seem ready to accept her nomination as an inevitability, but hardly with passion. Do you think those people will actually get out and vote for her?
Voter apathy towards Clinton will majorly benefit the Republican front runner who has an army of rabid supporters. To deny the enthusiasm factor in a country where voter turnout is so low in usual circumstances is a major mistake.
235
There might be apathy toward Hillary, but there also might be a huuuuge anti-Donald vote.
Yes. I think those people will get out to vote for her. We have barely heard any negative ads about Trump.. but they are coming, and I trust, they will be ugly, because he is. Some of us actually remember his life... if anyone thinks she's flawed, ha, she was a politician with eyes on her all the time..he was not...
But your point is well taken, they are enthusiastic on his side. But I'm not so sure the apathy you see for Hillary will stay that way. I guess we'll see, though.
But your point is well taken, they are enthusiastic on his side. But I'm not so sure the apathy you see for Hillary will stay that way. I guess we'll see, though.
You underestimate the anti-Trump sentiment that will bring out the voters.
Put on a second seat belt, people! This election ride is going to get even bumpier and wilder!
Kasich will stay in Republican race through the convention because money will start coming his way. The results will be a brokered convention. If Rubio had won, a Kasich-Rubio ticket may have been possible. Given today’s Florida debacle, that ticket isn’t likely.
So, even if Trump doesn’t have a majority of the delegates, if he doesn’t come out of the convention as the nominee, he will walk out. Then, Cruz will be the GOP candidate and the Republicans will get creamed by HRC in the general election - whether Trump runs as a third party candidate or not (he won't).
If Trump is the GOP standard bearer - oh, what a hot, hot, hot election it will be! I believe Trump will rally the mass of the people like not seen since the days of... Why, it will be without precedent in US electoral history! I won’t even predict if Trump will win against Hillary Clinton, but it will be a spectacle beyond belief!
Kasich will stay in Republican race through the convention because money will start coming his way. The results will be a brokered convention. If Rubio had won, a Kasich-Rubio ticket may have been possible. Given today’s Florida debacle, that ticket isn’t likely.
So, even if Trump doesn’t have a majority of the delegates, if he doesn’t come out of the convention as the nominee, he will walk out. Then, Cruz will be the GOP candidate and the Republicans will get creamed by HRC in the general election - whether Trump runs as a third party candidate or not (he won't).
If Trump is the GOP standard bearer - oh, what a hot, hot, hot election it will be! I believe Trump will rally the mass of the people like not seen since the days of... Why, it will be without precedent in US electoral history! I won’t even predict if Trump will win against Hillary Clinton, but it will be a spectacle beyond belief!
6
Can you imagine what Trump would do if it is a brokered convention and they pick a different candidate?! He will go ballistic!
"Beyond belief" doesn't sound very reassuring to me.
"...whether Trump runs as a third party candidate or not (he won't)."
I also agree that he is unlikely to run as a third party candidate but a 'write-in' campaign by his loyal supporters could deny the Republican nominee the election.
I also agree that he is unlikely to run as a third party candidate but a 'write-in' campaign by his loyal supporters could deny the Republican nominee the election.
1
What does it take for Gov. John Kasich to get a little respect?
He is the last governor standing out of eight original present or former governors, nearly all of whom were better known than he was.
He laid out his strategy at the beginning (for anyone who cared to hear) that he would not get down in the mud. He hasn't.
Every survey, as Mr. Bruni says, has him as Hillary Clinton's most formidable opponent in the general election. That should be important, but I guess the political gods just don't see it that way.
He is the last establishment Republican standing. There were 17 contenders at the beginning. Give John Kasich some respect -- or at least give him some coverage.
He is the last governor standing out of eight original present or former governors, nearly all of whom were better known than he was.
He laid out his strategy at the beginning (for anyone who cared to hear) that he would not get down in the mud. He hasn't.
Every survey, as Mr. Bruni says, has him as Hillary Clinton's most formidable opponent in the general election. That should be important, but I guess the political gods just don't see it that way.
He is the last establishment Republican standing. There were 17 contenders at the beginning. Give John Kasich some respect -- or at least give him some coverage.
15
I don't respect any politician who is out to cheat this country of freedom from religion.
Kasich was endorsed by the NYT editorial board. What more do you want?
Kasich's drumbeat against the right for women to choose and his sad addiction to cutting taxes for the rich and gutting services for those with less means are horrific. Only in this screwed up political climate could anyone contend Kasich is a "moderate". He's a typical republican .01% slave who uses horrible social policies to distract attention from his devotion to his donor masters. Don't let this man be the one to pick the next Supreme Court nominee. For that reason alone, vote Democratic!
Kasich's drumbeat against the right for women to choose and his sad addiction to cutting taxes for the rich and gutting services for those with less means are horrific. Only in this screwed up political climate could anyone contend Kasich is a "moderate". He's a typical republican .01% slave who uses horrible social policies to distract attention from his devotion to his donor masters. Don't let this man be the one to pick the next Supreme Court nominee. For that reason alone, vote Democratic!
1
How many 1-22 teams keep their head coach around?
In November, if nothing changes too much, the voters will ask themselves this question. Who do I want as President, a woman I can't trust and who might be in bed with Wall Street or a terrific TV personality? In my view, the average Americans are going to go for the TV guy.
18
That is a scary thought
With that logic, which isn't far-fetched, Trump would be unbeatable if he chose Kim Kardashian as his running mate.
2
Make the party leaders nervous? Isn't it the voters who are supposed to decide election outcomes?
Maybe voters are waking up. They have had the "compassionate conservative" who used our military for a grudge, the "hope and change profit", the 47% er, etc. We'll take your jobs and retrain you...............for a McJob, make debt dirt cheap so the rich really get rich, protect health care insurers and drug companies, buy useless military equipment, don't repair our infrastructure, cut taxes for the wealthiest while throwing crumbs to the middle class, keep illegal immigration going to supress wages, yadayadayada............
Poor Jeb, no one called him in FL tonight. So sad.................Guess Mommy couldn't help out this time. Don't worry, maybe Daddy will buy you a sports team......
Maybe voters are waking up. They have had the "compassionate conservative" who used our military for a grudge, the "hope and change profit", the 47% er, etc. We'll take your jobs and retrain you...............for a McJob, make debt dirt cheap so the rich really get rich, protect health care insurers and drug companies, buy useless military equipment, don't repair our infrastructure, cut taxes for the wealthiest while throwing crumbs to the middle class, keep illegal immigration going to supress wages, yadayadayada............
Poor Jeb, no one called him in FL tonight. So sad.................Guess Mommy couldn't help out this time. Don't worry, maybe Daddy will buy you a sports team......
14
Excellent. Thank you.
The party that runs scared from the Tea Party will run scared from Trump. Almost no republicans will challenge him.
Tonight Trump said he got a call from Paul Ryan. That points the way.
Bruni gets the Republicans right. The party machine is smacking itself. With a decent normal candidate they'd have had a decent chance of beating Clinton.
On the Deomcratic side I am crying. We could have had a party realignment, a new New Deal, a progressive super amjority . . if we had a progressive charismatic and unsoiled candidate. Bernie is 2 out of 3, not enough. Clinton is 1/2 out out of 3, which is lame.
Opportunity blown. country put at great risk. Not good
Tonight Trump said he got a call from Paul Ryan. That points the way.
Bruni gets the Republicans right. The party machine is smacking itself. With a decent normal candidate they'd have had a decent chance of beating Clinton.
On the Deomcratic side I am crying. We could have had a party realignment, a new New Deal, a progressive super amjority . . if we had a progressive charismatic and unsoiled candidate. Bernie is 2 out of 3, not enough. Clinton is 1/2 out out of 3, which is lame.
Opportunity blown. country put at great risk. Not good
11
Trump received a call yesterday from Paul Ryan as did the other candidates to advise them about the new budget. So we shouldn't make something out of it that's not there. Another Trump fabrication.
Clinton has been in the public eye and the object of republican derision for 26 years now. Given those circumstances I think she is remarkably unsoiled. Name another person who could have handled such criticism (mostly made up) and remained standing.
What we have is the result of the GOP going back it's same playbook for campaigns and stale policies platform yet again. Instilling fear and suspicion of "others", presenting "solutions" desperately in search of (but lacking) problems, attempts to further limit voter rolls and access and participation, attempting to further entwine religion into governance and legislation to the extent that realizes systemic, institutionalized discrimination of many citizens (and pushes us towards a theocracy), demonization of various demographics (the poor, minorities, teachers, union members, etc...), the promotion of policies that overwhelmingly benefit those with the most, continued targeting of Social Security and Medicare (and the EPA and the Dept of Education and...), hawkish-ultra aggressive-hostile foreign policy positions, and continuation of Nixon's Southern Strategy and the use and repackaging - over and over and over again - of coded, racist language and dog whistles.
The GOP has manipulated and employed the same ole bag of crap tricks to attempt to stave off the inevitibilities that come with a growing, evolving nation and society. Just because something was once tradition or the norm, does not mean it was a good thing. The GOP (and much of its base) hasn't seemed to learn or accept that fact.
The GOP has manipulated and employed the same ole bag of crap tricks to attempt to stave off the inevitibilities that come with a growing, evolving nation and society. Just because something was once tradition or the norm, does not mean it was a good thing. The GOP (and much of its base) hasn't seemed to learn or accept that fact.
36
Amen. You nailed it.
The despondency and despair of the Republican Party elites, over what was easy to see coming over their hill, in the forms of Trump and Cruz would be sad, if this were not so indicative of the times. The Republican Party has made sure no one spoke the hard truth, ever, to them, of the state of our nation; the days of the white man are over. With that reality in hand, Trump tells his audiences that poor, white men will be saved; by him and only him. The unmatched immaturity of their golden quest, after losing the Presidency again, to a non-white man, with the destruction of the voting rights act, and women's rights to reproductive health care, has been vindictive and cruel beyond the pale. Good riddance to the whole lot. It has not been nice to know you.
38
Who cares what GOP leaders/owners think – it's supposed to be a democratic process, no superdelegates chosen/bought in backrooms like the misnamed Democrats. Trump v. HRC, what a dreary choice.
5
The best the Republicans can hope for now is a clear cut delegate victory for Trump. Otherwise the bitterness in the Party will be on full display in Cleveland. Turmoil never looks good on the big screen with the big audience. There have been some incredibly harsh things that have been said about Trump on the record by his fellow Republicans, so it's hard to imagine them giving him anything more then token support, if he gets the nomination. However, politicians in the end are probably the most hypocritical class of people on the face of the planet, so a new rationalization will be; he's far better than Hillary so let's get behind him. Trump is swallowing the Republican Party whole. He is the cat that ate the canary. On the other side Democrats are coalescing behind Hillary and should be united come November. With no other bombshells in Clinton's future, her position seems to be an enviable one. Things are starting to come into focus.
5
He's the canary that ate the cat.
1
Getting trounced in your home state is not a good look. The rest of the country would be justified in putting a lot of weight on that. Cruz, in fact, didn't win Texas by all that much either. Those that know them best, etc etc... However Bernie took 86% of *his* home state. What's that tell you?
Rubio did not have any qualification for the presidency. He was far less prepared than even W was in 2000. Rubio needs to grow up a bit, but it will be too late for his lifelong ambition. It's sad but he'll have to settle for a multi-million dollar lobbyist job for Hobby Lobby or Carls Jr.
Rubio did not have any qualification for the presidency. He was far less prepared than even W was in 2000. Rubio needs to grow up a bit, but it will be too late for his lifelong ambition. It's sad but he'll have to settle for a multi-million dollar lobbyist job for Hobby Lobby or Carls Jr.
7
A Trump-Katich ticket. Now that would be something.
The GOP establishment just blew zillions because they weren't listening to voters, only the large donors. If they steal it away from Trump at the convention, I'm voting Democratic - Bernie preferably but Hilary, holding my nose, otherwise. Anybody except Cruz. And there are a lot of conservatives who echo this sentiment.
The GOP establishment just blew zillions because they weren't listening to voters, only the large donors. If they steal it away from Trump at the convention, I'm voting Democratic - Bernie preferably but Hilary, holding my nose, otherwise. Anybody except Cruz. And there are a lot of conservatives who echo this sentiment.
5
Good for you, Chris.
I used to call myself conservative. Then it became obvious that there were no conservatives in DC anymore, just "tax & spend liberals" with different beneficiaries: Big Pharma, Big Ag, Big Finance, Big Oil and Big Weaponry.
Have you noticed that "conservatives" now promote, rather than discourage, people from having children they can't afford? Their agenda needs the next generation of low-wage debt serfs and consumers of shoddy goods. Oh, also cannon fodder and prison fill.
Conservative working-class virtues of hard work, savings, deferred gratification, stable neighborhoods, and the much-touted personal responsibility are infra-dig in McMansion culture. They may talk about class envy, but without it their entire crackhead "more stuff" economy would fold.
Job creators, all right ... pool boys, parking valets, maids, nannies, waitstaff and Dollar Store clerks.
I used to call myself conservative. Then it became obvious that there were no conservatives in DC anymore, just "tax & spend liberals" with different beneficiaries: Big Pharma, Big Ag, Big Finance, Big Oil and Big Weaponry.
Have you noticed that "conservatives" now promote, rather than discourage, people from having children they can't afford? Their agenda needs the next generation of low-wage debt serfs and consumers of shoddy goods. Oh, also cannon fodder and prison fill.
Conservative working-class virtues of hard work, savings, deferred gratification, stable neighborhoods, and the much-touted personal responsibility are infra-dig in McMansion culture. They may talk about class envy, but without it their entire crackhead "more stuff" economy would fold.
Job creators, all right ... pool boys, parking valets, maids, nannies, waitstaff and Dollar Store clerks.
The Republicans I know approached this election with great trepidation. Yes, they put a brave face on when their candidates outnumbered the supporters but:
the campaign has been an even greater disaster than they thought possible.
The Republican Establishment is in their third fall-back position and they can forget 2016. A brokered convention will hand the election to the Democrats - no question.
Right now, it appears the right wing extremists hold sway. Trump is their candidate and don't kid yourself; he can win the nomination before the convention. At which time he will morph to Prince Charming.
Bernie's people can insure a win for the Democrats and I hope he orchestrates them so that America does not underestimate the manipulation and villainy of which Trump is capable.
2016 is a must win for the Democrats if American is to remain the Light unto the world.
the campaign has been an even greater disaster than they thought possible.
The Republican Establishment is in their third fall-back position and they can forget 2016. A brokered convention will hand the election to the Democrats - no question.
Right now, it appears the right wing extremists hold sway. Trump is their candidate and don't kid yourself; he can win the nomination before the convention. At which time he will morph to Prince Charming.
Bernie's people can insure a win for the Democrats and I hope he orchestrates them so that America does not underestimate the manipulation and villainy of which Trump is capable.
2016 is a must win for the Democrats if American is to remain the Light unto the world.
6
Having been at the beach when a shark nipped a bodyboarder's ankle, and having watched plenty of videos of surfers getting wiped out (our Florida
waves just aren't big enough), I would take a Florida shark over a Waimea wipeout.
Seriously, I live in a Florida town where I saw a smattering of Trump lawn signs before the primary, a few Sanders stickers, no Clinton, no Rubio. Trump did well yesterday. People seem afraid.
waves just aren't big enough), I would take a Florida shark over a Waimea wipeout.
Seriously, I live in a Florida town where I saw a smattering of Trump lawn signs before the primary, a few Sanders stickers, no Clinton, no Rubio. Trump did well yesterday. People seem afraid.
1
So all of those people that gave him a resounding victory seem afraid? Sorry but I just do not get that. You must work for a media company!
1
Now might be the time to stop talking about the number of delegates and who called whom what, and start talking about how the candidates will make the USA great again--it detail. How about: (1) containing health care costs, (2) helping the middle class improve economically, (3) oh, gee, I forgot! (shades of Rick Perry)
2
Poor Franco Bruni. He looks back nostalgically at the insane clown posse served up by the GOP in September and somehow imagines it could have sprouted an Eisenhower in March. This is the party that offers up "legitimate rape" as a form of contraception, wants to take "baby parts" off the market, and still can't wrap its muddled mind around the threat of climate change. And while Franco is gnashing his teeth at the Republican's existential crisis he has time to glance over at the other side to recalibrate his definition of a flawed candidate. Poverello
11
From my vantage point as a moderate with liberal tendencies, it's all good news. Finally, the Republicans have their best opportunity to present the country with a clear an unambiguous choice. Will the American people choose a racist huckster or another Clinton? Let the brawl begin.
3
Time for a Frank Bruni blog update? It's been over a year. Suggested title: "You Will Not Be Hearing a Lot More About Marco Rubio".
10
Best column ever. I'm laughing out loud but crying inside for our country.
1
I get that this is NYT and they are trying to scare upstanding Republicans away from Trumo but I don't understand why anyone thinks Clinton beats Trump. I don't see oldies in the Republican sitting home to usher her into office, his support is solid and she stirs no enthusiasm for the Dems. The Bernie supporters and African Americans are more likely to sit this one out. So it comes down to the handful of states it always does....but people are VERY ANGRY with politics as usual in DC. Any attempt to sabotage Trump from within will yield him more support and move Dems who don't want to see a Clinton dynasty to the booth in his favor.come November. She owes one too many favors to one too many people just to survive this primary run. She is a deeply flawed candidate - and Donald might be too but for him that's what is driving his base. Not so for her.
4
but Donald's base, even though it includes you and it is loud, is ultimately small, weak, and bad for our country.
1
Kasich could could win if Republicans can find a way to get rid of Trump.
3
Oi,
Maybe the always exceptional Estados Unidos is ready for a Canadian refugee President.
How not to love an immigrant, who is squatting on land stolen from Mexico,
who vilifies the Mexicans as alien invaders.
His Lordship, who is running for Pope of the Cow Country.
Maybe the always exceptional Estados Unidos is ready for a Canadian refugee President.
How not to love an immigrant, who is squatting on land stolen from Mexico,
who vilifies the Mexicans as alien invaders.
His Lordship, who is running for Pope of the Cow Country.
14
Near sweep for Trump and Hillary tonight.
It's shaping up Trump vs Hillary.
But as you say anything is possible.
A third party run by someone is nearly certain this cycle.
And don't count out the possibility of the GOP smashing Trump's August crowning. Bad blood will be in the water then, hey!!?
It's shaping up Trump vs Hillary.
But as you say anything is possible.
A third party run by someone is nearly certain this cycle.
And don't count out the possibility of the GOP smashing Trump's August crowning. Bad blood will be in the water then, hey!!?
3
Movement Conservatism is dying.
I can't wait!
I can't wait!
17
Adding the callow, shallow puppet Marco Rubio to the roster of vile creatures eliminated by Republican political Darwinism should be encouraging, but it is not. Clearly, we are not witnessing survival of the fittest, but rather the survival of the vilest. No wonder so many Republicans don't believe in evolution.
124
The vilest is running on the democratic ticket. The one that lied about Benghazi, about the server, and actually stole furnishing from the White House that last time she was a resident. None so blinded as those that will not see, or are too arrogant to do so!
Kasich is an open-borders Republican -- the only candidate who never even pretended to oppose the "path to citizenship" (aka amnesty), despite its enormous unpopularity with rank and file working class Republicans (and a good number of working class Democrats as well). As far as I am concerned, that by itself is enough to cost him my vote.
5
Kasich is not most voters things. It was president Obama's stimulus that helped saving jobs not Kasich. He cut taxes on his rich buddies. He was Bush's budget director and some of us still remember the 2008 meltdown. Buyer be aware.
1
Please stick to the facts. Kasich does NOT support an open border, and he supports a path to "legalization" (not citizenship) only for those illegal immigrants already here who satisfy specific requirements (no other crimes, payment of back taxes, etc).
The Republicans can fear exactly what they sowed: benefitting the top 1%, forgetting they needed the underdog, under-compensated, left-behind middle class workers who have yet to benefit from the economic recovery. No wonder they gravitate to Trump who is promising the world with little evidence the can do anything for them.
28
The only economic recovery our nation has had is in the form of lies being fostered by the White House. It does not seem that either of the democratic candidates believe that, or at least that is not what they are saying!
How exciting! Who will be the last clown standing?
12
We focus on who is ahead and who is losing in the course of the primaries. But the most important political development in 2016 has to do with the fate of the Republicans. After the 2012 election, there was widespread talk of the need to appeal to Hispanic voters. In the intervening 4 years, the Republicans did little to appeal to Hispanics. Instead, the Tea Party retreated from any effort to attract a broader constituency, in favor of a more reactionary mentality, based less on their own agenda than their rejection of everything the Democrats were saying. In short order, the anti-Democrat mentality became "the thing" and utter gridlock took hold. During the present campaign, the Republicans are fighting among themselves to a degree that is pretty much unprecedented. Trump's candidacy is outside the mainstream party agenda, and the party doesn't know what to make of it. Cruz's agenda is aligned with he Tea Party. It is mostly anti-Democrat, and puts him on the fringe of the party. Neither Rubio or Kasich have meaningful support and are pretty much footnotes to history.
What you are left with is a Republican Party in disarray. We may be witness to the demise of the Republican Party as we know it and a fundamental realignment of American politics. Such a realignment is a lot more important than who wins this election. It has been Democrats vs. Republicans for decades. That may be changing and that may be the real significance of the 2016 election.
What you are left with is a Republican Party in disarray. We may be witness to the demise of the Republican Party as we know it and a fundamental realignment of American politics. Such a realignment is a lot more important than who wins this election. It has been Democrats vs. Republicans for decades. That may be changing and that may be the real significance of the 2016 election.
93
Good riddance to the Republican Party of the past 35 years and all it stands for and has brought upon America. It has metastasized into a party led by Donald Trump and Ted Cruz two of the most hateful , loathsome and dangerous characters ever visited upon the American electorate.
4
In your dreams. You think that the republicans have a problem with their candidates when the best the democrats could come up with is a near communist socialist and a woman known to be a pathological liar and who actually stole furnishings from the White House at the end of her last stay their. Are you kidding us?
>based less on their own agenda than their rejection of everything the Democrats were saying.
Good point and let's not overlook the underlying structural reason why Republicans lack a coherent ideology - untrammeled gerrymandering in their base states has made their elections mere charades, completely uncompetitive. These districts are won by hate radio bombast, not by considered mature policy. All a Republican has to do to get and stay in local/state office in a Red State is (1) wrap self in flag, (2) thump bible, (3) dogwhistle, (4) profit. In fact, they don't even need to wait to be elected to profit - the unlimited covert funds from the Kochs are the real goal of these "elections."
The Republicans are reaping what they've sowed. And nothing will change without comprehensive electoral reform and campaign finance accountability.
Good point and let's not overlook the underlying structural reason why Republicans lack a coherent ideology - untrammeled gerrymandering in their base states has made their elections mere charades, completely uncompetitive. These districts are won by hate radio bombast, not by considered mature policy. All a Republican has to do to get and stay in local/state office in a Red State is (1) wrap self in flag, (2) thump bible, (3) dogwhistle, (4) profit. In fact, they don't even need to wait to be elected to profit - the unlimited covert funds from the Kochs are the real goal of these "elections."
The Republicans are reaping what they've sowed. And nothing will change without comprehensive electoral reform and campaign finance accountability.
1
I'm looking forward to Trump & Cruz making a deal before the convention and running together as Prez and VP. All loathsome, all the time.
15
Marco loses because he has shown that though he has a pretty face, he can't stand up under pressure. We have Chris Christie to thank for this. If Rubio can't stand up to Christie, how is he supposed to stand up to other world leaders? (Thank you, thank you, Chris.)
6
It's an interesting notion: that Kasich is the only candidate that can be considered as electable. But based on tonight's figures, he can't win Florida, so there is virtually no chance of the Republicans winning enough swing states to win the election.
So do you go with an unelectable candidate, or one that won't be elected?
So do you go with an unelectable candidate, or one that won't be elected?
1
Mr. Bruni wrote last year that we would be hearing a lot from Marco Rubio.
We have. We heard the same ol', same ol'. Rarely have so many heard so little from a single politician. Rubio walked away from his handful of reasonable positions (immigration reform, anyone?) to parrot, or rather, play Charlie McCarthy to his competitors. If one of them managed an applause line, we could count on Rubio to try it on at his next appearance. And some were surprised at his "robot" debate performance. Why?
If the GOP masters and some pundits are dismayed at Rubio's failures, they simply expose their own shallowness. Rubio as a serious consideration for _the President of the United States_? C'mon, man.
We have. We heard the same ol', same ol'. Rarely have so many heard so little from a single politician. Rubio walked away from his handful of reasonable positions (immigration reform, anyone?) to parrot, or rather, play Charlie McCarthy to his competitors. If one of them managed an applause line, we could count on Rubio to try it on at his next appearance. And some were surprised at his "robot" debate performance. Why?
If the GOP masters and some pundits are dismayed at Rubio's failures, they simply expose their own shallowness. Rubio as a serious consideration for _the President of the United States_? C'mon, man.
150
Sadly, Rubio lacks the maturity and judgment to be President. To appeal to the far right, Rubio repeatedly accused President Obama of intentionally(!) making decisions for the purpose of harming the USA. Indeed, this was Rubio's "robo-reply" repeated three times when Chris Christie attacked him. How could a US Senator who is a Presidential candidate make such an unnecessary over the top accusation?
16
Yep, that totally did it for me too. When Rubio stated President Obama was trying to intentionally harm the USA, he lost me. Never would Rubio be president (of course, he is a child, so that didn't help).
1
Because that is what the Republican base believes - that Obama somehow Hates America, is a secret Muslim, a fake citizen, on and on. And that given all that his presidency has been the worst disaster ever for the country in every possible way.
What reason can there possibly be for this total denial of reality? I can think of a couple.
What reason can there possibly be for this total denial of reality? I can think of a couple.
I've been wanting to say this since last summer:
Way to go GOP! Are you proud of what you've done to America???
Way to go GOP! Are you proud of what you've done to America???
17
Feeling bitter at Hillary Clinton's romp tonight, are we, Mr. Bruni?
Where you see flawed I see pragmatic. Where you see clumsy, I see a deft campaigner who knows exactly what she's doing and how to get where she needs to go.
I used to say we'd have to elect a black man as President before we'd have a woman, and that when we did elect a woman, she'd have to be a conservative.
I'm thinking Hillary Clinton is just conservative enough.
Where you see flawed I see pragmatic. Where you see clumsy, I see a deft campaigner who knows exactly what she's doing and how to get where she needs to go.
I used to say we'd have to elect a black man as President before we'd have a woman, and that when we did elect a woman, she'd have to be a conservative.
I'm thinking Hillary Clinton is just conservative enough.
25
Rubio, is still a hard worker. He is ambitious. But he got Trumped. I wonder if the GOP had backed his immigration reform he might still have been a good candidate, but the GOP did not want immigrants or Hispanics in their tent. They can barely stand Cruz, and I agree with that. You are still young and hopefully you have a bright future, just not as a president. Keep your chin up, kid! I love your humor, just a bit bawdy, but you were joking, I assume. What happens to all that Super Pac money now? Will you dare to endorse Kasich?
Most of us who listened to Rubio's concession realize that he us by no means done. He has a silver tongue, a pretty face and the gift of being only 44. He will likely run for something again.
Whether Trump, Cruz or Kasich, they will probably appoint right wing activists to the SCOTUS so count me out. Get out and vote everyone.
Whether Trump, Cruz or Kasich, they will probably appoint right wing activists to the SCOTUS so count me out. Get out and vote everyone.
17
This American is feeling anything but sanguine. What a perilous situation the country now faces. Hopefully they will lose in a landslide, but if not, Trump or Cruz could well lead to disaster.
9
This was a buffet of empty calories, just junk food. The GOP supporters can gorge themselves on it, but it provides no nutrition so long as it seeks to divide people and appeal to the worst in them. They will have to leave this banquet with a leader who can inspire the entire electorate, an electorate that expects more than false piety, hyperpatriotism, and intolerance of every kind. So they can shout USA repeatedly, talk about building walls, and vilify anyone they perceive as the other to fulfill their vile appetites, but all of this will be rejected in the general election. The GOP has sown the seeds of its own destruction since Nixon's time with dog whistle politics. We now have all of that out in the open. The defeat of the party all the way up and down the ticket in November would be their just deserts.
24
I found myself thinking about a Trump cabinet.
How about Sarah Palin as Sec. of the Interior?
Maybe he throws Cruz a bone and puts him in charge of Health and Human Services?
Makes Ben Carson Vice President? Or maybe Surgeon General?
I'd better stop. I'm scaring myself.
How about Sarah Palin as Sec. of the Interior?
Maybe he throws Cruz a bone and puts him in charge of Health and Human Services?
Makes Ben Carson Vice President? Or maybe Surgeon General?
I'd better stop. I'm scaring myself.
26
I'd bet on Cheney for Veep.
Ah, all is not lost. I have been a life long democrat and will never vote for any of the Republicans still standing, but I'll also never vote for Hillary. I have given time and money to democrat candidates for nearly 50 years, but I've had enough and will no longer give my vote to the slow destruction of my country that will occur with Hillary. I guess I'll go for the Green Party. And I'm sure Hillary supporters will tell me this is the way to get Hillary elected. I will no longer vote for a democrat because it contributes to the election of a Trump or someone like him. Clinton is a person who has changed her positions only to get elected. We will continue to see the slow decline in good things available to a declining middle class. I will not vote to be a part of it.
3
Why see "changing positions" as something negative? Often it means "grow" and "mature" as in "learn from previous mistakes"
1
Sad that you believe a vote for the Green Party helps anyone. Voting against the Democrat in the general election is a vote for the right wing party of homophobes, climate deniers, war mongers.
3
Hillary Clinton went to college as a Goldwater Girl and came out a liberal feminist. Not unlike a lot of us. Obama was criticized for "evolving" on gay marriage, an attitude change that is also not unlike a lot of us. Learning and changing from maturity, thinking, reading, life experience and observation is not a bad thing.
I know I've learned and changed over the years, and I don't begrudge anyone else who has. It may be to some degree tactical for both Clinton and Obama given their positions, but that is to be expected. Sometimes, like for example the gay marriage position, it may be a case of publicly advocating for something you already felt but did not think was politically feasible before. Not necessarily a bad thing, just realistic.
I know I've learned and changed over the years, and I don't begrudge anyone else who has. It may be to some degree tactical for both Clinton and Obama given their positions, but that is to be expected. Sometimes, like for example the gay marriage position, it may be a case of publicly advocating for something you already felt but did not think was politically feasible before. Not necessarily a bad thing, just realistic.
The buffet was spoiled from the start, as it was cooked to appeal to the rump of the GOP, that is, the 25-30% of americans who are so impervious to facts that they approved of W at the end of his disastrous presidency.
37
Those who "approved of W at the end of his disastrous presidency" are the ones who lost to others even more crazy. Those who approved of W at the end of his disastrous presidency are the "moderates."
8
" . . . Clinton, who is so personally flawed, . . . "
Flawed compared to who? Bush II, who led us to disastrous wars? Cruz, hated by pretty much everyone he's ever had anything to do with? Trump? 14-year-old Rubio?
20 plus years of vile Republican assaults on the Clintons, cost no object - what did they find? Bill lied about having not-quite-sex with an intern.
Much of the Republican leadership is positively satanic compared to the Clintons.
Flawed compared to who? Bush II, who led us to disastrous wars? Cruz, hated by pretty much everyone he's ever had anything to do with? Trump? 14-year-old Rubio?
20 plus years of vile Republican assaults on the Clintons, cost no object - what did they find? Bill lied about having not-quite-sex with an intern.
Much of the Republican leadership is positively satanic compared to the Clintons.
401
Yes, much of the Republican leadership is positively Satanic.
However, there was never much to choose with Hillary either, and it has not gotten any better. Hillary would be a third term for the Bush II Admin crew of his second term thinking. You ask if is flawed compared to Bush II? She IS Bush II.
Neocon, neolib, Wall Street, still defending deregulation and trade deals, she has not gotten any better than when we were horrified by the presumed Bush III vs Clinton II race.
However, there was never much to choose with Hillary either, and it has not gotten any better. Hillary would be a third term for the Bush II Admin crew of his second term thinking. You ask if is flawed compared to Bush II? She IS Bush II.
Neocon, neolib, Wall Street, still defending deregulation and trade deals, she has not gotten any better than when we were horrified by the presumed Bush III vs Clinton II race.
2
Absolute truth. But at least she identifies as a politician. If Trump is elected, he won't be using politics but he will be using brute force in all his affairs.
The NYT and the Sanders supporters have to stop demonizing Hillary.
She's not perfect..she's not Obama, and in one way, at least, that's good, since she will be more aggressive in pursuing a progressive agenda against the knuckle-draggers in Congress.
But Hillary is tough, experienced, and changed by the experiences she's been through for the better. People can change over time, and that's not flip-flopping. Obama changed on gay marriage, remember?
And even if she doesn't pursue a strong liberal Sanders-like agenda, would you rather have Trump in charge? Maybe we only get half a loaf for now, and the rest in the next 4 years.
Bashing Hillary to keep Democrats at home in November is a bad strategy.
She's not perfect..she's not Obama, and in one way, at least, that's good, since she will be more aggressive in pursuing a progressive agenda against the knuckle-draggers in Congress.
But Hillary is tough, experienced, and changed by the experiences she's been through for the better. People can change over time, and that's not flip-flopping. Obama changed on gay marriage, remember?
And even if she doesn't pursue a strong liberal Sanders-like agenda, would you rather have Trump in charge? Maybe we only get half a loaf for now, and the rest in the next 4 years.
Bashing Hillary to keep Democrats at home in November is a bad strategy.
3
Rubio's speech ironically positions him as the "positive" candidate. Funny I thought his entire stump speech negatively posited the current President as an absolute failure.Maybe the public is not as negative about Obama as Rubio and other Republicans thought.
28
The odd thing is that at least as represented in many internet comments sections, many right wingers think that the Obama presidency has been a totally unprecedented unremitting horror show. They never seem to have any reasons or facts to back that up, but that doesn't seem to matter. We have to assume that they think the objectively worst presidency in American history preceding Obama was all in all pretty good.
Many call this tribalism. Racism might be a little closer, if not quite the whole story.
Meanwhile they similarly decry the "broken" federal government while ignoring who broke it and keeps it broken - of course their own party.
Many call this tribalism. Racism might be a little closer, if not quite the whole story.
Meanwhile they similarly decry the "broken" federal government while ignoring who broke it and keeps it broken - of course their own party.
3
As a 67 year old, life-long New Hampshire Dem who has worked on scores of campaigns I can't tell you how satisfying the GOP meltdown is. I've watched right wing friends and relatives loose all sight of reality for so long that it's cathartic seeing all that ignorant pressure starting to blow up. One more thing. this evening my 91 year old mother said, "Who could support Trump." I reminded her than many people we know and still love are Trump supporters. Stranger than fiction
126
I had a conversation with my very conservative 85 year old mother-in-law last night who expressed concern that we are living in something similar to Germany in the 1930s. I think she, too, would be surprised to discover some of her friends and relatives support Trump. She said this may be the first election in her life in which she doesn't vote.
1
I'm an independent who generally votes for Democrats. That said, I had a hard time choosing between McCain and Obama in 2008, but McCain's phony shift to the hard right (and, oh yes, the truly irresponsible choice of Palin as his VP), turned me off and I went with Obama.
I would have voted for a Governor Romney, but GOP primary Romney--no way.
This time around, I think Sanders is the most lovable, trustworthy character in the mix, but his suggested policies are not right for this country, nor are they realistic. Rhetorically I align with Clinton pretty closely, but of course I am aware of her many flaws.
Even though I share more of Clinton's positions than Kasich's (by a substantial margin), I think Kasich would be the best choice of president as this time, at least for four years while both sides take a breath and figure out exactly where they're coming from. The reality, of course, is that Kasich is not extreme or rancorous enough for the increasingly irrational GOP hoi polloi.
Which leads me to the point of this post:
Dear Republicans, if you continue to kow tow to your fringe elements, if you continue to be represented by your hotheaded, tabloid-style news outlets, if you continue to regard facts about the changing world with scorn, you will lose the White House again and again and again. This will leave you with your gerrymandered districts and ongoing dysfunctional governance, for which American history will not judge you kindly.
I would have voted for a Governor Romney, but GOP primary Romney--no way.
This time around, I think Sanders is the most lovable, trustworthy character in the mix, but his suggested policies are not right for this country, nor are they realistic. Rhetorically I align with Clinton pretty closely, but of course I am aware of her many flaws.
Even though I share more of Clinton's positions than Kasich's (by a substantial margin), I think Kasich would be the best choice of president as this time, at least for four years while both sides take a breath and figure out exactly where they're coming from. The reality, of course, is that Kasich is not extreme or rancorous enough for the increasingly irrational GOP hoi polloi.
Which leads me to the point of this post:
Dear Republicans, if you continue to kow tow to your fringe elements, if you continue to be represented by your hotheaded, tabloid-style news outlets, if you continue to regard facts about the changing world with scorn, you will lose the White House again and again and again. This will leave you with your gerrymandered districts and ongoing dysfunctional governance, for which American history will not judge you kindly.
63
Yes!!
Jem, I couldn't agree more. Your recent political journeys are identical to mine. I really dislike dynastic candidates (Bush, Clinton)- eight years is enough. But, this time around I'll hold my nose and go with Clinton. Honestly, in a country of over 300 million, this is the best we can do?
Kasich is as extreme as any of them, he just puts on a Reaganesque nice guy mask while he does his evil. He reminds me of the two faced mayor in Nightmare Before Christmas.
And thanks, but I don't need to take a breath, not with Supreme Court vacancies to be filled.
I'll be voting for Hilary.
And thanks, but I don't need to take a breath, not with Supreme Court vacancies to be filled.
I'll be voting for Hilary.
1
Based upon the bellwether statement by Senate majority leader Mitch "Obama must only serve one term" McConnell following Justice Scalia's death that Senate Republicans wouldn't even give an audience to an Obama SCOTUS nominee, I'm convinced the GOP top brass will choose Trump over Cruz as the lesser of two evils, because too many in Congress--McConnell being the poster child--value their seats over the Nation's welfare. Isn't that obvious?
169
It's going to be a "mean season" for the rest of us pretty soon. Trump or Cruz, it'll be nasty and destructive.
12
Honestly, if the majority of the American people want someone like Trump or Cruz, perhaps it is time to sink some serious, serious, military-level funding on education, because it is so very obvious many of our sisters and brothers do not have a bit of sense in their heads.
445
Speak with some and they are proud of it.
1
Problem is that so many are now going to private school, where they are free to teach that evolution is a hoax, extra funding for public schools won't help much.
After the 2012 election the GOP conducted a necropsy on the results and the party itself. The conclusion was to be more inclusive and try to reach a broader electorate. Most of candidates either ignored the memo or didn't read it. Now the GOP is desperately trying to salvage the party and hope to somehow carve out a victory in November. For this independent voter, I fear it will be a case of choosing a Democrat because the thought of a President Trump or Cruz really scares me.
175
"Most of candidates either ignored the memo or didn't read it."
I don't think they read anything. Not their own constituent's letters, a science textbook or the bible they're clutching to their chests (Constitution either).
They only read the note from the lobbyists, written on the envelope of cash.
I don't think they read anything. Not their own constituent's letters, a science textbook or the bible they're clutching to their chests (Constitution either).
They only read the note from the lobbyists, written on the envelope of cash.
3
The Republicans' 2012 "new look" strategy was never going anywhere with the ideology-saturated members. It brings to mind the old saw: "Never try to teach a pig to dance. It doesn't work, and it annoys the pig"
2
A vote for Hilary is a vote for republican-lite. With Trump as the GOP nominee, this is the best a moderate republican can do.
Senator Rubio needs more experience and less super packs and fewer billionaire backers. He miscalculated by giving up his US Senate seat and running for presidency prematurely. Mr. Rubio needs to start over, perhaps run for Florida governor and gain more experience. Even though I disagree with his politics I think he is a bright young man with an impressive life story. He has the potential to go far. I wish him well.
It is now time for the people of USA to rise to boot out Donald Trump from our politics.
It is now time for the people of USA to rise to boot out Donald Trump from our politics.
Rubio's scoo-dooby-dooed,
Scuttled, abandoned and glued
To a rep insufficient
A campaign deficient
By voters severely booed.
Scuttled, abandoned and glued
To a rep insufficient
A campaign deficient
By voters severely booed.
2
The country needs a GOP that is willing and able to govern. That won't happen until the GOP sheds the TEA party. The best way to get rid of the TEA party is for Cruz to loose all 50 states to Clinton. The GOP will be able to talk themselves out of a reoginuzation if Trump gets nominated and looses. They may not survive as a party if it's Cruz.
2
"The country needs a GOP that is willing and able to govern." It has got that -- Hillary and her establishment.
What the country needs is a Democratic Party.
What the country needs is a Democratic Party.
4
When all is said and done, it appears that the Republican party will have a total reincarnation to do in their mission and ideology. The family and religious value systems that the Republican party has been preaching for decades and the the lack of minority affiliation has been dropped to a lower level of acceptance than in the past. The image of the Republican party is in the pangs of demise and oblivion. To be represented by the current front runner of the Republican party is a mortifying image of a dysfunctional Republican political party. The angst and dread that the Republican party has exposed America to the possibility that such a person can be a representative of the Republican party is a reprehensible image that America will take a long time if ever to forget....Just a Thought!!!
2
Rubio was stumped by Trump. Rubio the innocent boy fell into Trump's trap. He tried to match the master insulter and could not do it. Trump is a natural at throwing around raving barbs, but Rubio just came out looking silly. thus Rubio came out looking like a wimp to Trump's bully.
If this sounds like a school yard brawl, it is and it is republican's stock in trade. there is not a thimbull full of a plan or idea between them.
If this sounds like a school yard brawl, it is and it is republican's stock in trade. there is not a thimbull full of a plan or idea between them.
3
We'll all be eaten alive if these maniacs somehow prevail.
2
Substance-any substance-should have carried the day for a reasonable Republican candidate in the primaries to date. But instead, we've had heated arguments toward the ridiculous and impossible. If that's what "their' voters want, they're in heaven.
2
Responsible Republicans, chiefly neocons, will now have to get into the race on Hillary's side, to save the country from Trump. There is no other choice.
3
They already are, see the Kagans.
That is what Hillary is, a "responsible Republican" of exactly the sort you want.
That is why I so detest her.
That is what Hillary is, a "responsible Republican" of exactly the sort you want.
That is why I so detest her.
2
"They look across the aisle and see a probable Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat...."
Uggh! How did this happen? We had Bernie right here in front of us, offering to do the job. And we voted for the flawed, clumsy, out-of-sync pol with the wooden gestures, the canned lines and the transparently insincere agenda. God save us.
Uggh! How did this happen? We had Bernie right here in front of us, offering to do the job. And we voted for the flawed, clumsy, out-of-sync pol with the wooden gestures, the canned lines and the transparently insincere agenda. God save us.
1
I am not a Republican, nor a fan of Trump, but I do resent these types of writings and commentary. In a democracy, the process is very important, and in any game that you decide to take part, you must accept the result that ensues! Lately, we have had too many "pundits" asserting their bent of minds, and essentially stating that theirs are the only ways that people must traverse! Why on Earth do you think that a Trump victory, based on people's votes for him, is a disaster! I can assure you, sir, of the fact that with the active support of the people, with any President the US will not only survive, but prevail!
3
The portion of voters who have any substantial loyalty to the Republican Party has been dropping since W. The demographics part of this story has been told many times. More interesting is the growing repulsion of Karl Rove's "base." Many lifetime Republicans voted against W., or stayed home, in his second election, but Kerry was (sorry for the Trumpism) a loser. Then we had the Perfect Storm of Obama, in which even the ignited energies of the racists weren't enough to win. Now we have the debacle of Jeb, of Christie, of Rubio, all swamped by the rise of Trump who is not a Republican in any significant way, with a runner-up who is detested by the party leaders and by his colleagues in the Senate. Rove's "base" has been eroding faster than the islands in the Chesapeake. Kasich and Paul Ryan are still around, and I'm betting Ryan will be running four years from now if not this time, but it's hard to see how they can beat Hillary, damaged as Bruni says she is.
We're a long way from a functioning, governing, two-party system.
We're a long way from a functioning, governing, two-party system.
1
That prose about Cruz' water and Trump's river is awesome. Good luck, Republicans. Heck of a bed you've made for yourselves.
1
'Hillary Clinton, who is so personally flawed, politically clumsy and out of sync with this anti-establishment moment that she’s ripe for defeat.' Really Frank? Exercising a bit of hyperbole? Let's not forget that she's the first female candidate for POTUS who has gone so far. No mean accomplishment that. Senator from NY state, Secretary of State. Where are those great personal flaws? Let's compare her to 'Iran-Contra' Ronald Reagan, or 'Katrina' George W Bush. Oh yes, she conducted State business on her personal server. Let's get the firing squad out! As for politically clumsy: she may not be the most gifted of politicians, but to call her clumsy? Jeb! was clumsy! And I vehemently disagree that she's out of sync with the anti-establishment Zeitgeist. She may not be the Democratic Socialist that is her competitor, and she's certainly familiar with the corridors of power, but to nail her as quintessentially 'establishment' is a great disservice. In the early days of Bill Clinton's establishment, she took on the establishment - and suffered the wounds - when she attempted to rectify the health insurance disaster that has plagued our country. So please, Frank, try to measure your words. Words have consequences.
35
Thank you.
3
Trump may be odious, but: whether intentional or not, he's exposed the soft white underbelly of the GOP that has been dividing our country since the election of Reagan in 1980.
Sadly, we will all have to reap what was sown. Soon it may be true that "Trump" is both the 45th president of the United States and what he did to his own political party.
Sadly, we will all have to reap what was sown. Soon it may be true that "Trump" is both the 45th president of the United States and what he did to his own political party.
45
Love the "white underbelly" allegory, it's spot on.
1
So Republicans have a real choice -- a choice between a rabble-rousing new era Republican and a far right Republican, both promising the biggest tax cuts ever for Bernie's much too pilloried billionaires and millionaires.
Which is Cruz and which is Trump? Actually, both of them. They're playing off the not-so-secret dream all Americans have to hit the lottery, through skill or luck -- and they don't want their dreams turned into nightmares by Hillary or Bernie. What's really amazing is that most Republican voters -- the ones who aren't billionaires or millionaires -- don't seem to notice that there's a pretty clear disconnect between the challenges our country faces and the facile remedies that Trump and Cruz are offering.
According to Trump, once we erect The Wall and put 11 million Hispanics and a billion or so Muslims on the other side of it and ban imports from China, Mexico and Japan, America will be "great" again -- really great. Cruz's platform is totally different: The way to rebuild our supposedly shattered economy and employ everyone in well-paying jobs is to have a 15% flat income tax for everyone plus a value-added tax of another 15% or so on everything we buy, which will amount to next to nothing when winning the lottery is just a couple bucks away.
Which is Cruz and which is Trump? Actually, both of them. They're playing off the not-so-secret dream all Americans have to hit the lottery, through skill or luck -- and they don't want their dreams turned into nightmares by Hillary or Bernie. What's really amazing is that most Republican voters -- the ones who aren't billionaires or millionaires -- don't seem to notice that there's a pretty clear disconnect between the challenges our country faces and the facile remedies that Trump and Cruz are offering.
According to Trump, once we erect The Wall and put 11 million Hispanics and a billion or so Muslims on the other side of it and ban imports from China, Mexico and Japan, America will be "great" again -- really great. Cruz's platform is totally different: The way to rebuild our supposedly shattered economy and employ everyone in well-paying jobs is to have a 15% flat income tax for everyone plus a value-added tax of another 15% or so on everything we buy, which will amount to next to nothing when winning the lottery is just a couple bucks away.
2
My thoughts at 88 years, are "when will I awake from this nightmare?" This can't be real. I have been beamed up to an alien planet. I can but 'sit under a safe rock' (Hallelujah Trail comes to mind) and watch the endless circling of the warring parties.
I'm on my way out. I had hoped to see progress and pride in America before I transitioned. Not highly likely for the foreseeable future. Oh, well, another life!
I'm on my way out. I had hoped to see progress and pride in America before I transitioned. Not highly likely for the foreseeable future. Oh, well, another life!
21
My 87 year old father in law feels the same way - he is sick with worry for our country and his children and grandchildren. I hope that this is the darkness before the dawn and that we are seeing the final thrashing of old ideas whose time is long gone. (I am an optimist:) Be well.
2
Based on the length of their soliloquies, one might have thought that Rubio had won Florida and that Kasich had won the election. After his speech, Kasich went out and ordered gold-plating for the pen he used to sign the bill defunding Planned Parenthood in Ohio.
11
Would Cruz be able to equal Goldwater's 38% of the popular vote and 54 in the electoral college? Would Trump? The GOP's tea party chicken-hawks are coming home to roost....
3
In the last two presidential election cycles, which the Republicans lost by a substantial margin, the Republican establishment keeps saying that what they stand for is what the American people want; it's just that they haven't made their message clear enough. And then they keep trotting out extreme right-wing, fundamentalist Christians. The Republican's message is clear, but the American people just aren't buying it. Despite controlling the senate and house in these same years, the republicans have brought down the civil discourse, and they have spent eight years trying to undo the very fact that Obama was ever really elected at all. Time and again they have played brink man politics with the legislature, trying to undo Obama's gains, despite their fight against him. With Hillary Clinton in the White House, a savvy. pragmatic politician, maybe we can finally get this country on the road to sanity.
16
"Florida significantly bolstered Trump's lead."
Maybe, Frank, but for me he remains a big turn-off.
EVERMORE NEVERMORE!
Once upon a season dreary, as I surfed with eyes so bleary,
Over channels sore belabored all with campaign lore--
While I dozed, quietly nodding, there arose a strident blather
As of someone loudly yapping,
Yapping through my speakers four.
"Just more blather" murmured I, "yapping through
My speakers four--
Only that and nothing more."
But 'twas the Trumpster's blather yapping,
Yapping through my speakers four,
With tone undulcet rattling slim screen, shaking, shaking,
Shaking floor.
With an off-click well intended slammed I shut
Electron door.
Quoth this voter "Nevermore!"
Maybe, Frank, but for me he remains a big turn-off.
EVERMORE NEVERMORE!
Once upon a season dreary, as I surfed with eyes so bleary,
Over channels sore belabored all with campaign lore--
While I dozed, quietly nodding, there arose a strident blather
As of someone loudly yapping,
Yapping through my speakers four.
"Just more blather" murmured I, "yapping through
My speakers four--
Only that and nothing more."
But 'twas the Trumpster's blather yapping,
Yapping through my speakers four,
With tone undulcet rattling slim screen, shaking, shaking,
Shaking floor.
With an off-click well intended slammed I shut
Electron door.
Quoth this voter "Nevermore!"
15
Really like your way with words in this column, Mr Bruni! The last two paragraphs are wonderful, and so so true.
6
"piranhas and Palins", don't know which one is worst.
Just goes to prove the Republican Party should have taken Trump out when they allowed him to ridicule John McCain and get away with it. Instead they allowed a bully to go wild instead of showing some gumption and courage.
But gumption and courage would be characteristic of Barack Obama, the man the Republican Party, since Obama's very first day, tried to strangle.
Look who they ended up strangling! Themselves. Now they're reaching for their oxygen tanks that are almost running on empty.
But gumption and courage would be characteristic of Barack Obama, the man the Republican Party, since Obama's very first day, tried to strangle.
Look who they ended up strangling! Themselves. Now they're reaching for their oxygen tanks that are almost running on empty.
17
What a disaster for Republicans. But didn't they recognize Rubio was nothing but weak tea? So much for GOP leadership.
Resign now, Reince Priebus.
Resign now, Reince Priebus.
5
Establishment powers are starting to dust off W. Mitt Romney for a 3rd Party run at Trump. Mitt is the kind of guy that triggered the rush to Trump. One good thing the tired old GOP convention will be a P.T. Barnum circus event or cage fight. Last man standing, once again, Mr. Donald Trump. Hilary better toughen up her approach starting now. The voters have spoken and so far it appears the media and experts have gravely underestimated Mr. Trump.
5
Donald Trump is going to be your President and there is nothing you can do about it.
2
Let's see a show of hands for Mr. Rubio.
Pay attention to the polls. Cruz beats Clinton in the national polls. I voted for Sanders because he is electable; he beats Trump by a hefty margin and beats Cruz and Rubio.
Please stop your Trumpfest.The NYT is starting to read like the National Enquirer.
Please stop your Trumpfest.The NYT is starting to read like the National Enquirer.
1
Trump has hoisted the GOP on its own petard.
He correctly called out the Bushes for the debacle in Iraq.
He showed Rubio how NOT to make innuendos about another man's manhood.
He showed Christie how to be truly passionate.
He showed Cruz how, if you're going to pretend to be God, you better at least tell the truth.
And he left Kasich and Carson to dawdle on their own recognizance.
And he made Romney look like an effete snob.
And he showed the Koch's and the Sheldons' that spending millions to prop up a puppet can't fool voters.
For all this, you can thank Obama, who mocked and humiliated Trump at a Press Association dinner.
He correctly called out the Bushes for the debacle in Iraq.
He showed Rubio how NOT to make innuendos about another man's manhood.
He showed Christie how to be truly passionate.
He showed Cruz how, if you're going to pretend to be God, you better at least tell the truth.
And he left Kasich and Carson to dawdle on their own recognizance.
And he made Romney look like an effete snob.
And he showed the Koch's and the Sheldons' that spending millions to prop up a puppet can't fool voters.
For all this, you can thank Obama, who mocked and humiliated Trump at a Press Association dinner.
3
Good luck humiliating Trump. He is an impervious megalomaniac.
2
Weird that a MADE IN THE G.O.P. doll could be so defective. Perhaps they should have outsourced to China?
Also, the only way to defeat Trump is to prove he is weak.
Also, the only way to defeat Trump is to prove he is weak.
Rubio's biggest liability was being part of the Gang of Eight, supporting amnesty for illegal immigrants. Kasich also has this liability; Trump and Cruz do not. Good, Bad or Ugly this is the reality within the GOP.
It's the Ides of March - not such a good day for some!
Maybe the Republicans can band together at their convention and give Donald the Julius Caesar treatment (metaphorically speaking of course).
Maybe the Republicans can band together at their convention and give Donald the Julius Caesar treatment (metaphorically speaking of course).
4
1) The Times overlooks the fact that the multiple disasters that have hit this country have the fingerprints of the Republican Establishment and Clintons all over them. For all his shortcomings, Trump has not knifed Americans in the back the way the Washington elites have. The bleating about "violence" seems rather two-faced given America's big spike in the suicide rate --- Washington's bland corruption has killed more Americans than Al Qaeda.
2) And , of course, we have social order only because our philosopher kings inprison our citizens at the highest rate on the planet -- far higher than China and Russia.
3) Trump does have his limits, of course. He is no Julius Caesar, running on a campaign promise to chop off half the heads of the arrogant patricians and throw them down the Capitol steps. But he does have an appeal for the enraged plebes.
4) How is that "Change You Can Believe In" working out, by the way? For anyone other than wealthy billionaires and Wall Street CEOs, I mean. And did Hillary ever find those nukes of Saddam's? The families of 4500 dead Americans might like to know.
5) And if we are going to talk about "racists" , it wasn't Trump who controlled the WHite House and Congress in 2009-2010 -- and decided to dump six years of 15% unemployment onto the black community while letting Rich white donors haul $Trillions out of the Treasury in wheelbarrows. Using the money to create jobs --in China.
2) And , of course, we have social order only because our philosopher kings inprison our citizens at the highest rate on the planet -- far higher than China and Russia.
3) Trump does have his limits, of course. He is no Julius Caesar, running on a campaign promise to chop off half the heads of the arrogant patricians and throw them down the Capitol steps. But he does have an appeal for the enraged plebes.
4) How is that "Change You Can Believe In" working out, by the way? For anyone other than wealthy billionaires and Wall Street CEOs, I mean. And did Hillary ever find those nukes of Saddam's? The families of 4500 dead Americans might like to know.
5) And if we are going to talk about "racists" , it wasn't Trump who controlled the WHite House and Congress in 2009-2010 -- and decided to dump six years of 15% unemployment onto the black community while letting Rich white donors haul $Trillions out of the Treasury in wheelbarrows. Using the money to create jobs --in China.
3
A lot to unpack there. Much of it incorrect!
1
Huh? Bush was on the hunt for Saddam's nukes -- NOT Hillsry. Do some fact checking before you accuse.
1
The general freakout over Trump reminds me in weird ways of Ebola mania and ISIS mania.
Ebola was a gripping panic that probably ended up giving Republicans a gain of seats in Congress. There was hysteria. But then, the panic subsided.
ISIS also. The world was transfixed by beheadings and burnings alive. Horrific to be sure. But Obama had it right even if he had the optics completely wrong. ISIS is a JV team. Americans are more likely to die in their bathtub. Look now even Putin is pulling out, and get this, NO nightly headlines and anguish. The ISIS panic has subsided.
So I am thinking, Trump is like this. Love him or hate him, win or lose, the panic mood will subside. It is all some kind of mob hysteria. Like the over-obsessions with ebola and ISIS.
Ebola was a gripping panic that probably ended up giving Republicans a gain of seats in Congress. There was hysteria. But then, the panic subsided.
ISIS also. The world was transfixed by beheadings and burnings alive. Horrific to be sure. But Obama had it right even if he had the optics completely wrong. ISIS is a JV team. Americans are more likely to die in their bathtub. Look now even Putin is pulling out, and get this, NO nightly headlines and anguish. The ISIS panic has subsided.
So I am thinking, Trump is like this. Love him or hate him, win or lose, the panic mood will subside. It is all some kind of mob hysteria. Like the over-obsessions with ebola and ISIS.
2
What makes everyone so sure that Cruz is unelectable? The polls have him essentially tied with Clinton. Granted, Cruz is horrendous, but given recent experience that does not guarantee defeat.
1
Are any of the Republicans pushing Cruz at all concerned that he isn't eligible for the Presidency given his Canadian birth?
2
I read somewhere recently that due to changing demographics the next Rep. nominee is going to have to get twice as many non-white votes as Mitt Romney did to win the presidency. Good luck with that.
They are still the party of stupid that Bobby Jindal talked about last time.
They are still the party of stupid that Bobby Jindal talked about last time.
11
Tell Bobby it takes one to know one.
1
Republican leaders don't like their two winners. This is a first -- I find myself agreeing with Republican leaders.
There is something very wrong in agreeing with the likes of the Republican leaders who inflicted these last 16 years on us.
There is something even more wrong in agreeing with them against a strong majority of voters, even if those are their voters.
It is so wrong that I have to suspect I'm being misled in something. It is just wrong. It feels wrong.
There is something very wrong in agreeing with the likes of the Republican leaders who inflicted these last 16 years on us.
There is something even more wrong in agreeing with them against a strong majority of voters, even if those are their voters.
It is so wrong that I have to suspect I'm being misled in something. It is just wrong. It feels wrong.
6
Isn't this exactly what the GOP deserves. Enjoy, Elephants! You have been ..... taken to tusk.
15
I feel like a 17th-century English Puritan watching the return of the libertine King Charles II after his exile in the French court. Here come the rowdies!
6
I believe Bernie Sanders would have crushed any Republican nominee, especially Trump. Clinton does not inspire. She is not a true leader, as experienced and even as well-meaning a politician as she may be. Obama said she's likable enough. I think he was giving her too much credit. This just got very scary.
5
I have never understood why the Republicans thought they had a deep bench; "Such a buffet of political talent!" More like a buffet of buffoons. Not a single one was presidential material, and it was obvious to anyone paying attention to what they had to say. It now looks like the nominees will be Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. I have no doubt that she will beat him in November, and it will be a disaster for a bankrupt Republican party.
20
I don't know how long the GOP "establishment" thought they could get away with hoodwinking people into voting against their own interests. It was particularly rich when they brought Romney, the poster child for wealthy arrogance, out to try and convince the low income voters that Trump was evil. No, your policies are what did it, you left these people behind, you didn't pass any jobs bills in Congress, you dropped the ball on infrastructure improvement which would have created thousands of jobs, and your governors are to this day denying people healthcare by not expanding Medicaid. You now have Donald Trump. You reap what you sow.
28
Kasich is anti-worker enough to satisfy them, but Trump has popular support and Cruz is the the theocratic choice. Trump is upsetting because he is not the choice of the anti-workers and the religious right and is against the neo-cons. The only Republic party leg Donald has to stand on is the big-business focus, which he shares with k and cruz. all three a bad idea.
3
If the Republican Party continues to marginalize the voters by actively working against the voters preferences, Hillary will be an easy victor in November.
2
We are witnessing the implosion of Lee Atwater's big tent. The corporate elite, the evangelicals and the angry poor whites were never a long term viable construct for a party. Clinton, as flawed as she is, in a landslide.
11
What happens to Rubio's delegates? Does he hang onto some leverage or does he release them to Kasich or (ugh) Cruz? Does Kasich make the bold move of offering a spot on the ticket to Marco? Interesting times ahead.
1
Let me be polite about this: you may not like Hillary Clinton and you may fear that she will win the 2016 election, but she is hardly "personally flawed and politically clumsy," especially in comparison to any of the Republican candidates -- except possibly Kasich. Please stop the ad feminam attacks!
304
Just because someone thinks that a single specific woman is "personally flawed & politically clumsy" does not make them sexist. Hillary herself admitted that she's "not a natural politician", i.e. politically clumsy. She and her husband have accepted huge sums of money to give speeches to people where the only justification for said exorbitant fees is buying influence, i.e. personably flawed (and that's putting a positive spin on it). Please stop the spurious accusations of misogyny.
4
A wonderful routing of a deficient candidate. Too bad that the router is every bit as unqualified and an even bigger joke than the routee.
15
“Cruz is a disaster for the party,” one of them told me. “Trump is a disaster for the country.”
Given the Republican's recent track record, I have little doubt they prefer the latter option.
Given the Republican's recent track record, I have little doubt they prefer the latter option.
46
Frank, someone at the NY Times needs to write about how absolutely horrifying all these Republican candidates' positions are on women's autonomy and health. Please, please, list out the positions of Cruz, Trump and Kasich (who just essentially shut down Planned Parenthood in Ohio and has signed 20 some odd bills restricting abortion). Women are half the population - can someone please discuss the issues and these candidates that affect our bodies?
176
So much for the "new face" of the Republican Party. In 62 years I don't think I've ever seen a candidate who was made of only wishful thinking as was Marco Rubio. Oh, how the Republicans tried to sell Rubio as a statesman, a speaker, a leader. In the end he was merely a tropical version of Sarah Palin.
Marco tried to sell himself as a model of the American dream, that anyone's son can grow up to be president. As if that was THE reason to vote for him. We already have that model, with a better story than Marco's; he's been in office since 2008, thank you.
Marco tried to sell himself as a model of the American dream, that anyone's son can grow up to be president. As if that was THE reason to vote for him. We already have that model, with a better story than Marco's; he's been in office since 2008, thank you.
171
He was an awful candidate with an empty message. Florida voters weren't fooled by the anti-Castro tirades and the dripping perspiration and anti-science denials and his worth ethic on their behalf in the Senate. I don't think it was his youth as much as his callowness and his willingness to please, his lack of a spine and independence. If he had a promising future in politics, he's thrown it away by trying to be all things to all people. All he can hope for now, with Donald Trump destroying the GOP field, is that he ingratiates himself with his former enemy and is offered a cabinet post in a (heaven, please forbid!) Trump administration. He was never his own man. His back story never held up and he couldn't move into the 21st century, what with his anti-Castro tirades. He wasn't helped, either, by his clumsy handling of finance. Good bye, Marco; it's a long way down from the cover of Time to...nothing. Isn't it?
54
Trump wins! And now it on to beat HiLIARy! Oh how it going to be fun to hear him call her out for the lies and deceit. Oh we can hardly wait! A self funding candidate beholden to NO one! The left, establishment, Soros, Pharma, Obamacram, neocons, corporate media, and commies are all shaking scared now! You're gonna lose and lose big!
3
No we're not, Sven. Practice saying it: MADAM PRESIDENT.
3
Commies? Really?
2
A carnival barker with no real ideas. Just what we (don't) need.
1
In Rubio's concession speech, he largely blamed "the establishment" for both his poor campaign standing and the inability of Congressional Republicans to govern. Like Ted Cruz, he seems not to understand what being a Senator is. Or being the President, for that matter.
In any case, the problem is them, not a bogeyman "establishment."
In any case, the problem is them, not a bogeyman "establishment."
15
Save for twenty plus years of aspersions from likes of Rush Limbaugh and Maureen Dowd; Hillary Clinton as being personally flawed is without basis. What the heck has this lady done proven or otherwise, which brings such puerile scorn and media group-think from axis New York City to Bethesda, MD?
243
But I've heard how untrustworthy and dishonest she is at least a million times in the last 25 years, including from sources like the NYT's. There must be something.
Why won't she release her multi million dollar speeches to wall streeters??????
2
Exactly!! Be very, very specific.
Something like Cruz' toxicity within the Republican ranks could indeed be the chemotherapy that the party needs to kill off the malignant invasion of racist, facist hate-mongers that have divided and weakened the base of the party and would have been even more divisive to the country as a whole. I used to be proud to say that our family were "Rockefeller Republicans" -- fiscally conservative and socially conscious. But that was before were labeled as "RINOs" (Republican In Name Only) by "new" conservative element. Well, we'll be back. It will be a painful recovery, but the cancers will be destroyed and the party will hopefully recover its balance and its healthy "Republican sensibilities."
6
You can't be fiscally conservative and socially conscious. Insisting that capital deserves high compensation and that labor deserves no compensation is not socially conscious.
2
Frank don't put that bottle of aspirin away just yet, Trump and Cruz still have a way to go. Cruz is the only remaining candidate who has yet to experience withdrawal symptoms from their drug of choice (Trump only believes in Trump) as one by one the delusional fantasies of the now not so great party are being exposed from Brownback in Kansas, Jindhal in Louisiana, and Walker in Wisconsin. Is it any wonder that people are fighting mad? They followed their portion of the script and waited for the trickle down that never came. You might need more aspirin here because now the script really gets scary: Lied to for decades and scared out of their wits they now trust none of the institutions or the "leaders" that inhabit them. I don't want you to overdose on aspirin but wonder of wonders they even question Fox News. The monster truly is loose in the village!!!
26
Count me among those who is not sure what to think now. Do Rubio supporters go to Trump or Cruz or Kasich? And what of the Sanders anti-establishment faction? What percentage go to Trump instead of Hillary? Because after tonight it certainly appears it is going to come down to Trump vs Hillary. And you have to wonder how many voters in the disenchanted electorate, those who are not already committed to Trump (in both parties), will now seriously consider Trump. If for no other reason than the feeling that establishment politics does not really seem to be connected to, nor really helping, the masses anymore.
9
Right, because health insurance for all is so totally useless. The problem is not "establishment politics". It is Republican Craziness. Obama did a fine job, given Republican intransigence, of rebuilding the middle class. Clinton will similarly do well.
1
Did anyone not see the inevitable implosion of the GOP coming? The GOP establishment got into bed with the party's more radical elements on the assumption that it could harness them, only to discover that these elements have run amok and that they are, in fact, uncontrollable. Meanwhile, the party has demonized and pushed out its more moderate elements (think Lincoln Chafee and other northeast Republicans). The fatal flaw in this strategy of stoking fringe elements is that in a first past the post system such as ours, candidates for the presidency typically need to appeal to the center to win. The old adage "you reap what you sow" comes to mind, but in the meantime, our political system has been slowly poisoned over the past few decades by hyper-partisanship, to the detriment of the nation's well-being.
16
I don't question your premise that the republicans are "reaping what they sow" but, consider this: with the exception of George W. Bush, who won twice, and in one election very narrowly, the other last four republican campaigns by moderate republicans (HW Bush, Dole, McCain and Romney) were all unsuccessful. Put it another way: do you really think that Jeb Bush or John Kasich would have a better chance against Hilary than would Donald Trump? I doubt it. So perhaps republican voters do prefer a stronger, albeit flawed, presidential candidate.
Why not both? Trump-Cruz 2016.
If nominating Cruz who then loses the election, solves a problem for Republican moderates, piling Trump on the G.O.P. ticket solves another problem for Republican moderates.
Why stop at half measures. Throw out all the bad ideas that have been infesting the Republican party, all at once.
If nominating Cruz who then loses the election, solves a problem for Republican moderates, piling Trump on the G.O.P. ticket solves another problem for Republican moderates.
Why stop at half measures. Throw out all the bad ideas that have been infesting the Republican party, all at once.
6
And how will will the current Republicans likely respond?
By golly when we lose we will Filibuster everything.
And no Supreme Court Nominee either.
Are we surprised?
By golly when we lose we will Filibuster everything.
And no Supreme Court Nominee either.
Are we surprised?
11
Barack Obama, who didn't quite finish his first and only term in the Senate, gave hope to the likes of Senators Cruz and Rubio, who thought they could replicate Obama's success, oblivious to the fact that they are neither as smart nor as astute as the president.
Rubio is now done and let's hope Cruz will be done soon as well. As for Kasich, it'd take a miracle for him to get the nomination.
If Trump doesn't get enough delegates to win the nomination outright, there'll be a circus in Cleveland and GOP very well could implode. Not all bad.
Rubio is now done and let's hope Cruz will be done soon as well. As for Kasich, it'd take a miracle for him to get the nomination.
If Trump doesn't get enough delegates to win the nomination outright, there'll be a circus in Cleveland and GOP very well could implode. Not all bad.
92
Didn't quite finish? He only served 3 years of his 6 year term when he ran.
Replicate Obama's success
1) He couldn't get an immigration bill passed
2) He needed Republicans to pass TPP
3) he received 13 9-0 Supreme Court decisions
4) His stimulus did not create the jobs he promised
5) The Fed did not raise interest rates because the economy was so weak
6) a 47 year low in the labor participation rate
7) the highest poverty level since the war on poverty began under Johnson
8) 16 million added to the SNAP program
9) he went into Libya without Congressional approval and left in a state of anarchy
10) He refused to arm the Free Syrian Army
11) He added more to the debt than the previous 43 presidents combined
12) He refused to give lethal aid to Ukraine
13) He failed to depose Assad
14) He spied on our enemies like Germany and France, doing irreparable damage
15) He allowed Putin to bully him out of flying in Syrian airspace
16) He pushed an arms deal with Iran they have already violated by testing ICBM's
17) He refused to listen to military leadership on how to deai with ISIS
18) He failed to stop the genocide of Coptic Christians and Muslims in Iraq
19) He put the Muslim Brotherhood in power in Egypt
20) He failed to develop a strategy for ISIS for well over a year
Cruz has argued 9 cases and submitted 80 briets to the Supreme Court 1/3 of students who took Obama's class said they would not take another or recommend him to another student. I can understand why
Replicate Obama's success
1) He couldn't get an immigration bill passed
2) He needed Republicans to pass TPP
3) he received 13 9-0 Supreme Court decisions
4) His stimulus did not create the jobs he promised
5) The Fed did not raise interest rates because the economy was so weak
6) a 47 year low in the labor participation rate
7) the highest poverty level since the war on poverty began under Johnson
8) 16 million added to the SNAP program
9) he went into Libya without Congressional approval and left in a state of anarchy
10) He refused to arm the Free Syrian Army
11) He added more to the debt than the previous 43 presidents combined
12) He refused to give lethal aid to Ukraine
13) He failed to depose Assad
14) He spied on our enemies like Germany and France, doing irreparable damage
15) He allowed Putin to bully him out of flying in Syrian airspace
16) He pushed an arms deal with Iran they have already violated by testing ICBM's
17) He refused to listen to military leadership on how to deai with ISIS
18) He failed to stop the genocide of Coptic Christians and Muslims in Iraq
19) He put the Muslim Brotherhood in power in Egypt
20) He failed to develop a strategy for ISIS for well over a year
Cruz has argued 9 cases and submitted 80 briets to the Supreme Court 1/3 of students who took Obama's class said they would not take another or recommend him to another student. I can understand why
Frank Bruni sometimes has good sense but in this column he sounds like an addicted Republican lite, implying there ever was substance to Rubio. Mr. Bruni, can you forget that Rubio unmasked himself as a playback machine?
19
And Hillary Clinton couldn't commit to telling the truth. Your point?
Hillary is politically clumsy. My best hope for her is that she pick a dynamic and exciting politician to run as her vice president. Maybe someone transformative like Corey Booker.
17
Or Anthony Weiner. He can transform with the best of them.
Little Marco who blew his wee horn,
Alas, Repub voters did scorn,
Was troubled counting Sheep,
When awake, fast asleep,
No Scientist he, and forlorn.
Alas, Repub voters did scorn,
Was troubled counting Sheep,
When awake, fast asleep,
No Scientist he, and forlorn.
120
Frank Bruni was one of those who were impressed by Rubio:
http://bruni.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/you-will-be-hearing-a-lot-more...
Sen. Rubio was always an empty suit peddling faux policy and almost always pandering to someone, and too cowardly to maintain his initial stand on immigration. He really went into a tailspin when he was revealed as a robot by the New Jersey governor.
Now that his own state has rejected him, I get the feeling that his con game was revealed. Otherwise, one can regard that he finally reached the level where his incompetency was evident.
Lately, he should have taken to heart some old folk wisdom: Never wrestle with a pig-you get dirty and the pig enjoys it.
http://bruni.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/you-will-be-hearing-a-lot-more...
Sen. Rubio was always an empty suit peddling faux policy and almost always pandering to someone, and too cowardly to maintain his initial stand on immigration. He really went into a tailspin when he was revealed as a robot by the New Jersey governor.
Now that his own state has rejected him, I get the feeling that his con game was revealed. Otherwise, one can regard that he finally reached the level where his incompetency was evident.
Lately, he should have taken to heart some old folk wisdom: Never wrestle with a pig-you get dirty and the pig enjoys it.
216
Rubio was so arrogant against President Obama, saying that he had no class, and sitting on that Fox couch thinking he would "pass". Well, you got yours Rubio. Not even your Cubanos voted for you. Kiss good-bye to your political career.
7
Explication reserved for confidential circles only.
You have to concede that the GOP candidates have a tough job.
They have to persuade voters that everything is terrible in America while also explaining how they will keep the rest of the world from moving here.
They have to explain away 9 million jobs gained since W Bush left office and over 30 million more with health care insurance.
They have to justify how 188,000 war weary US troops occupying Iraq and Afghanistan on their 3rd or 4th deployment at the end of the Bush years was better than 15,000 there today, especially in light of the revealed lies and $4 trillion wasted.
They have to convince us that the solution to inequality is giving more money to the wealthiest of their campaign funders.
They have to prove that climate change is a hoax and that America just needs more coal to pollute our air, waterways and lungs.
It's not easy being a GOP candidate, which might just account for the weakness of the field.
They have to persuade voters that everything is terrible in America while also explaining how they will keep the rest of the world from moving here.
They have to explain away 9 million jobs gained since W Bush left office and over 30 million more with health care insurance.
They have to justify how 188,000 war weary US troops occupying Iraq and Afghanistan on their 3rd or 4th deployment at the end of the Bush years was better than 15,000 there today, especially in light of the revealed lies and $4 trillion wasted.
They have to convince us that the solution to inequality is giving more money to the wealthiest of their campaign funders.
They have to prove that climate change is a hoax and that America just needs more coal to pollute our air, waterways and lungs.
It's not easy being a GOP candidate, which might just account for the weakness of the field.
647
Well put.
1
Right on!
1
I agree. But don't be so sure that they can't do it.
1
Cruz likely will come close enough but stall. The Donald will assemble his necessary delegates before the convention, which leaves out sensible compromise candidates like Jeb, Rubio or Kasich. Get set for Hillary vs. Trump, Godzilla vs. Mothra. Who knows who’ll win.
But the notion that Trump will kill either the Republican Party OR the country is over-kill. Due to his über-conservatism, Cruz could, but not Trump. Trump is a processor, and will react to situations with tactical moves to achieve short-and-mid-term objectives. He’s never confronted a strategic goal that he had any interest in managing and he doesn’t know the difference between policy and Shinola.
Trump is an historical discontinuity. If not for him, this would be Hillary vs. Jeb, with Kasich or Carly perhaps as a Veep candidate. Instead, we may just get The Donald for at least four years. Goodbye, Marco, like Jeb we knew ye well. Your time may come.
But the notion that Trump will kill either the Republican Party OR the country is over-kill. Due to his über-conservatism, Cruz could, but not Trump. Trump is a processor, and will react to situations with tactical moves to achieve short-and-mid-term objectives. He’s never confronted a strategic goal that he had any interest in managing and he doesn’t know the difference between policy and Shinola.
Trump is an historical discontinuity. If not for him, this would be Hillary vs. Jeb, with Kasich or Carly perhaps as a Veep candidate. Instead, we may just get The Donald for at least four years. Goodbye, Marco, like Jeb we knew ye well. Your time may come.
27
"Sensible compromise candidates"! Poor Richard. I'm sure that, as elsewhere, other commenters will seek to enlighten you with factual details. But I wish you would wake up from your slumber.
21
Where are your factual details? Mr Luettgen gave a well thought out commentary and all you gave is sarcasm. Why can't you answer what he asked? If you could you would but you didn't. What will your party do if Hillary is indicted? Break the glass at the Smithsonian and bring back Al "I created the internet" Gore? Twice rejected and 45 year professional politician Joe Biden?
1
Rubio, Cruz...sensible?
1
You claim that Hillary is clumsy and flawed. Rubio in contrast is glib and a gifted speaker. Now Rubio is out of the race because he can't balance his checkbook and didn't show up for work. Hillary for all her failings is the most qualified in the room and is leading in the Democratic race. Wonder why? Maybe experience matters. Hillary has learned from defeat, eg health care, loss to Obama. But she has more grit than the lot of them.
668
Yes you might be right. But can she become more trustworthy, I mean less dishonest? Has she learned how NOT to triangulate?
4
Rubio is more glib than gifted. The people of Florida have known that for some time as the Florida primary demonstrated. He does have a few acolytes here in Miami, but that's just identity politics. He's Cuban. That is the desideratum, the indispensable thing.
3
I really don't understand why people say Marco Rubio is a gifted speaker...he is not...yes he does speak, and he can recite lines OK but to say he is gifted is absurd...compared to GW Bush, yes...compared to a 14 year old boy debate student, yes...but you can't say that he is a gifted orator unless that bar is set very very low...which seems to be the norm in the GOP. To be honest he reminded me of Daffy Duck constantly sputtering and spitting out his words.
1
Right now there are three cadres withn the Republican Party bothered by a Trump nomination. First, those who traditionally control Republican dog whistle politics, rousing the evangelical votes by shouting “Jesus Saves“ every so often, the 2nd Amendment obsessers by shouting “guns“, and the economically vanquished by shouting “illegals“. That turns out the vote while they pick the pockets of the gullible. The second cadre consists of those professionals, middle level executives, and small business owners embarrassed by a candidate who would like to punch people and uneasy about violence. The third cadre is the Pro-Israel lobby concerned that Trump might actually shift to a more neutral stance vis-a-vis the Israeli-Palestine conflict, abandoning knee-jerk compliance with Israeli wishes. These three groups are clearly unsettled by Trump's style.
But the policy people and those who might have a lot to lose know they are actually in a solid position. When it comes to taxes Trump favors cuts for the wealthy. He insults and denigrates a lot of people but they are mostly minorities, socially marginal, or don't vote. He blusters and threatens on foreign policy but that is true of most Republican candidates. Meanwhile the money people know they have control over Congress so were Trump to threaten some major interest they have a mechanism to bring him to heel. And someone who prides himself on deal-makling will find ways to close the deals money wants. Chill out, the deal is here!
But the policy people and those who might have a lot to lose know they are actually in a solid position. When it comes to taxes Trump favors cuts for the wealthy. He insults and denigrates a lot of people but they are mostly minorities, socially marginal, or don't vote. He blusters and threatens on foreign policy but that is true of most Republican candidates. Meanwhile the money people know they have control over Congress so were Trump to threaten some major interest they have a mechanism to bring him to heel. And someone who prides himself on deal-makling will find ways to close the deals money wants. Chill out, the deal is here!
53
But don't the moneyed people worry about Trumping pushing the nuclear (now that nucular is out) button and bring everyone and everything, including his beloved Trump Tower, to ruins?
1
Adios. Marcocito! We knew ye all too well. The Koch-heads must be tearing their hair out right about now.
338
It's Marquito, hereabouts.
Not only the eco terrorists of Koch made a bad investment.
The perpetual warmongers, tambien.
Not only the eco terrorists of Koch made a bad investment.
The perpetual warmongers, tambien.
5
But ultimately, doesn't it prove that all the "dark money" in the world will not succeed in winning, against an candidate whose time has come?
The VOTERS have spoken. Everyone on both sides should be applauding democracy at its finest!
The VOTERS have spoken. Everyone on both sides should be applauding democracy at its finest!
1
You know that fellow billionaire Marc Singer is also crying in his caviar too:
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/021.png
First Mitt, then Marco. O for 2 means .000 batting average.
Just goes to show you, being rich does not automatically make you smart!
http://userctl.com/BlueVsRed/021.png
First Mitt, then Marco. O for 2 means .000 batting average.
Just goes to show you, being rich does not automatically make you smart!
9
The Republican Party will accept Donald Trump as their nominee because Ted Cruz can't win against Hillary Clinton but Donald Trump can.
118
Stephen -
Hillary is likely to attract, in the privacy of the voting booth, behind closed doors, a good many Republicans who are smart enough to prefer stability over the destruction that is likely to occur under, God forbid, a Trump presidency.
Hillary is likely to attract, in the privacy of the voting booth, behind closed doors, a good many Republicans who are smart enough to prefer stability over the destruction that is likely to occur under, God forbid, a Trump presidency.
11
I don't think more than 51% of the country is hateful and so mindless they would vote for a guy who basically wouldn't let them work in his failing casinos. But hey, Americans are easily duped.
3
But can trump work with Congress. He's never had a board of directors he had to work with. He'll expect to be a dictator. Watch. He can't stand criticism and will spend all his time carping, getting nothing done.
3
They've eaten the brains of their supporters, and now there is one less soulless zombie Republican shambling toward the White House. This is a tiny and probably meaningless bright spot in a campaign characterized by darkness: Rubio has bitten the dust.
It makes me realize that although I despise all the Republican candidates and everything they stand for, there is nuance to my dislike. Trump is a fascistic egomaniac around whom violence swirls. Cruz is a calculating, pandering destroyer who, like Voldemort, instills fear and loathing into his fellow Congressional wizards. Kasich is a sneak thief, crushing unions and sticking obstacles to abortion into unrelated bills while he claims to be a moderate.
Rubio is something else entirely. He's a poseur and a shape-shifter who reveals a different side of himself to different people. This can work one-on-one, but it fails when standing before a national audience. One day he's a science-denier, working Jesus into every sentence. The next he's telling yet another version of his biography that conflicts with the last. The truant Rubio can't do the job he's been hired for, but he thought he could run for the highest office in the land by not showing up for work. The people in his home state who knew him best put him out of our misery.
Sadly, the Trump juggernaut rolls on, and over, every decent thing this country stands for. Even if Hillary shuts him down, the country will never be the same.
It makes me realize that although I despise all the Republican candidates and everything they stand for, there is nuance to my dislike. Trump is a fascistic egomaniac around whom violence swirls. Cruz is a calculating, pandering destroyer who, like Voldemort, instills fear and loathing into his fellow Congressional wizards. Kasich is a sneak thief, crushing unions and sticking obstacles to abortion into unrelated bills while he claims to be a moderate.
Rubio is something else entirely. He's a poseur and a shape-shifter who reveals a different side of himself to different people. This can work one-on-one, but it fails when standing before a national audience. One day he's a science-denier, working Jesus into every sentence. The next he's telling yet another version of his biography that conflicts with the last. The truant Rubio can't do the job he's been hired for, but he thought he could run for the highest office in the land by not showing up for work. The people in his home state who knew him best put him out of our misery.
Sadly, the Trump juggernaut rolls on, and over, every decent thing this country stands for. Even if Hillary shuts him down, the country will never be the same.
797
Perhaps if the GOP establishment had put forward its best candidates instead of its worst The Donald wouldn't be looking quite so good. I mean why couldn't they have gotten....um....no, he's dead...or convinced....uh....gee...never mind.
372
"Perhaps if the GOP establishment had put forward its best candidates....."
And they would be.....?
And they would be.....?
185
mancuroc! You must by now have read stu's entire comment.
2
" The water’s fine only if the alternative is the River Trump, a bloody churn of piranhas and Palins."
:) :) :) :) :)
:) :) :) :) :)
324
Wow, Florida, that's a surprise.
But you know, if you're talking about wildlife, maybe they just wanted something the exact opposite of that uppity gator that's been stalking around their golf courses like he's Tiger Woods.
But you know, if you're talking about wildlife, maybe they just wanted something the exact opposite of that uppity gator that's been stalking around their golf courses like he's Tiger Woods.
1
"Those two, Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, are merely different flavors of rancid fare." :) :) :)
4
Is this going to be like the party 'autopsy' that the 'leaders' were going to do after the second loss to BHO? Why had that not been done, and if it was, it was, why was it kept so secret? Perhaps because the analysis/autopsy came up with suggestions for change to the party which went against the core visceral values that make a republican what he is? Today all we need do is look at 'Mr.' Trump to see what a republican is.
If that is wrong, leaders, why don't you speak? Let us know with logic and argument. Or do you fear being downed out by the Trump legions?