I'd love to see some analysis of how Trump would fare against Sanders. It seems to me that the Democratic race is still very close and wonder why all of the information always pairs Trump with Clinton? Donald Trump is wildly unpopular with so many groups of voters, but I think Hilary Clinton has some pretty significant sections who don't like her as well. I'd love to see where Sanders is on the "Unpopular" graph!
2
"From your mouth to G-o-d's ears." Maybe I will sleep better tonight...thanks
1
The truly scary thing in this article is that trump could actually win states. He is, aside from his bigotry, racism, misogyny, xenophobic hate mongering, disgraceful personal behavior, and volatile unpredictability based on his narcism.....the most completely unprepared person to ever run for president on a major party ticket. Just for example....Sarah Palin had both more experience governing and apparently knew more than donald about foreign affairs and domestic issues.
4
Trump is losing steam because, like so many bullies, he's actually a wimpy coward. This started to be shown in Chicago ("If he's not afraid of ISIS, why is he afraid of some NOISY, but generally non violent, protesters?") Now he's WHINING, WHINING that Kasich should quit the race and that everyone is picking on him. He makes whining liberals and whining conservatives look good by comparison, and that's hard to do. A whiny cry-baby who knows how to work "BIG GOVERNMENT" to his advantage.
As long as the media emphasizes that "He's a bully." it makes him look tough. He's not tough. He's a spoiled brat.
As long as the media emphasizes that "He's a bully." it makes him look tough. He's not tough. He's a spoiled brat.
6
This was what Donald Trump said in Iowa, in Jan. 2016, prior to the Iowa Caucus:
"If you don't vote for me, I'll never talk to you again"!
I was thinking: Trump does not sound like a Presidential Candidate. He sounds like a bad Boyfriend threatening his Girlfriend!
Of course, that's just ME!
"If you don't vote for me, I'll never talk to you again"!
I was thinking: Trump does not sound like a Presidential Candidate. He sounds like a bad Boyfriend threatening his Girlfriend!
Of course, that's just ME!
2
Donald Trump is probably the best thing that could happen to the Democrats.
2
Things change all the time... While the NYT and so many on the media circuit are pounding their proverbial drums to defeat any notion that Donald Trump could ever become President of the United States, it would appear a foregone conclusion that Hillary is a shoe-in to take the office next. Or will the universe in it's peculiar way of reaching into the soul of mankind steer the electorate toward someone else entirely
Every U.S. President governs from the middle despite the heavily extrapolated and extreme campaign rhetoric. All the universe wants is someone to lead who isn't a complete liar and whose family won't denigrate the office of the presidency, who won't embarrass us with their illegal shenanigans and cover ups, and who won't act so precipitously and arrogantly that they plunge us into another world war -- the war that would end all wars. We'd also like our jobs back. Is that possible?
Every U.S. President governs from the middle despite the heavily extrapolated and extreme campaign rhetoric. All the universe wants is someone to lead who isn't a complete liar and whose family won't denigrate the office of the presidency, who won't embarrass us with their illegal shenanigans and cover ups, and who won't act so precipitously and arrogantly that they plunge us into another world war -- the war that would end all wars. We'd also like our jobs back. Is that possible?
3
Thank you Martin & Cohn! To quote one of my favorite authors, Taylor Caldwell; Fools can attain power and they can be dangerous. A true gentleman is self disciplined, especially during acute events or under stress. Disorder of the mind is unpardonable. Trump speaks exactly as he believes, then backs out of his comments when others point to his absurdity. It is frightening to think for one moment that he could pass into the White House. May Saints Preserve Us!
7
As much as I want to believe, I'll be waiting until the fat fat lady has sung and left the stage. I don't trust anything anymore.
5
"...Hillary Clinton, he trails in every key state, including Florida and Ohio, despite her soaring unpopularity ratings with swing voters." Oh, come on. Enough with the diminishments. Seems you can't ever acknowledge Hillary's strength without some sort of dig.
5
In the ultimate analysis, an election reflects the mood and preference of the electorate at the time.
So, if Donald Trump is the outcome of a long process of primary election where every one was given an equal shot, we should accept gracefully and prepare ourselves for a better future.
Donald Trump is not and can't be an ideal for many.
Nevertheless, in the political knock out flooring stalwarts like Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and host of others is not a joke!
So, if Donald Trump is the outcome of a long process of primary election where every one was given an equal shot, we should accept gracefully and prepare ourselves for a better future.
Donald Trump is not and can't be an ideal for many.
Nevertheless, in the political knock out flooring stalwarts like Jeb Bush, Scott Walker, and host of others is not a joke!
1
One aspect of Trumpism that I haven't heard discussed: What happens to the hopes and dreams of those working-class white Trump supporters when their dreams are inevitably dashed as Trump is defeated in Cleveland -- or in November -- or when his false promises collapse, were this charlatan to be elected?
As an example: Bring jobs back from China. Two ways:
1. Accept Chinese factory worker pay and standard of living. Any takers? (I didn't think so.)
2. Start a self-defeating trade war that would sink an already fragile world trading and financial system. Congress -- especially his own GOP -- will not allow it.
End of story.
As an example: Bring jobs back from China. Two ways:
1. Accept Chinese factory worker pay and standard of living. Any takers? (I didn't think so.)
2. Start a self-defeating trade war that would sink an already fragile world trading and financial system. Congress -- especially his own GOP -- will not allow it.
End of story.
6
Easy, they'll do what they are doing now, find a new con-man/hate monger to follow.
1
As a Canadian; it is both a relief and a source of major concern that the Trump hysteria MAY have run it`s course. The fact that 70-80% of women, Latinos, and African Americans will never vote for this disgrace to the U.S. is both comforting to those who believe in sanity; and confusing how such a man was allowed to make the U.S. look like an insane asylum for months now. In Canada (and MANY other civilized countries around the world) freedom of speech means I have the right to denounce individuals, but NOT an entire group or race of people whom I do not like. Trump would be charged with hate crimes in Canada if he said the things the world has been sickened by from Mexicans being rapists, muslims should be deported, and women are bimbos. This does make us repressive, it guarantees that fascists like Trump will NEVER be allowed to divide us the way he has divided many Americans. A house divided (Lincoln) should serve as a huge wake up call to everyone in the U.S. that if this trend continues there will be others to carry on the insanity even if Trump is defeated...this time!
8
CORRECTION: This does NOT make us repressive; it puts Canada in the mainstream of international communities... unlike the Wild West mentality of too many Americans.
7
As an American who despises Trump, I couldn't care less what the "mainstream of international communities" thinks about our internal politics, and I value freedom of speech far too much to allow laws that restrict it. Trump is a hate-mongering bigot but I would rather have his ideas out in the open, where they can be examined and publicly discredited, than allow them to fester under the surface. You can't legislate racism out of existence, and laws against hate speech haven't prevented the same sort of extremely divisive, nationalistic rhetoric Trump trades in from being wisespread in Europe. If you want speech codes in Canada, it's your country, go ahead. But no thanks, we'll do without them in the U.S.
6
Where's Bernie Sanders on the 2016 scale? The NEW YORK TIMES just wants Bernie to disappear.
5
Judith -- it's now very likely that Clinton will take the nomination. Sanders supporters can consider their options. My advice to you is that in order to affect change in the American political system it is necessary to have patience, and elect representatives to Congress.
Sander's progressivism has no chance of being enacted unless/until Congress is dominated by representatives who will enact it.
Are the people who are enthused by Bernie able to translate that enthusiasm into a longer-term and much broader effort?
Sander's progressivism has no chance of being enacted unless/until Congress is dominated by representatives who will enact it.
Are the people who are enthused by Bernie able to translate that enthusiasm into a longer-term and much broader effort?
6
Einstein said that Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again, expecting different results. I would rather vote fro Trump or Sanders- knowing if a vote for Clinton/Cruz- or any other politicians, it is STILL politics as usual in DC. I am fed up w/ the Establishment. Aren't you?
2
Many of us may be fed up with the establishment but we aren't crazy enough to put an insane person in the office.
11
Given that the Times's anointed Democratic candidate is dropping like a rock in polls, the failure 1) to mention her opponent, Bernie Sanders, more than once (vs. fifteen appearances of her name), and 2) to include his popularity rating is in your chart at all, and 3) to mention that polls have him beating Trump by 15 points vs. Clinton's 10 - those would seem to be curious omissions from any kind of objective reporting. Wouldn't they?
11
With candidates heading further into unfavorable territory, we really need a "None of the Above" option on the ballot. And if None wins, then the other candidates are barred from the next election cycle.
1
i'll go one step further. You can do the right thing and not even vote. Here are 5 good reasons not to vote: 1. unethical act - The State is , by nature, using coercion on innocent people and using coercion is an improper way for people to relate to each other. A govt. like the one we have now, that doesn't restrain itself from violating basic human rights, is unethical and by voting then you are in fact participating in their unethical actions 2.) privacy - when you vote you compromise your privacy by adding your name to umpteen different govt, list wherein govt. busybodies can make use of. The less any govt. knows about you, the better. 3.) degrading experience - the need to fill out forms, bring in documents, wait in line, etc. Ask the people in AZ recently how they felt about their experience. 4.) voting just encourages them - many people vote for someone not because they like them, rather they dislike the other candidate more. The winner may actually think they have a mandate to rule. 5.) your vote doesn't count- again, ask the people in AZ.
1
In the early 1990's, my brother worked for a large NYC bank and met with Trump several times to work out various debt restructurings. He mentioned two things in particular about Trump:
1. He says your name about every fifth word when he talks to you -- at least when he knows he needs you for something: "Jim, great to see you today, Jim. How are you doing, Jim? The kids OK, Jim?" And so on.
2. Trump was then "on the ropes," and required bank approval for his living allowance, which, as I recall, was about $400,000 a month. The banks initially scoffed at that amount but Trump talked them into it by pointing out that their collateral wouldn't be worth much if the guy whose name was on the building was too poor to continue his "living large" life style. So the banks OK's $400,000 a month.
1. He says your name about every fifth word when he talks to you -- at least when he knows he needs you for something: "Jim, great to see you today, Jim. How are you doing, Jim? The kids OK, Jim?" And so on.
2. Trump was then "on the ropes," and required bank approval for his living allowance, which, as I recall, was about $400,000 a month. The banks initially scoffed at that amount but Trump talked them into it by pointing out that their collateral wouldn't be worth much if the guy whose name was on the building was too poor to continue his "living large" life style. So the banks OK's $400,000 a month.
9
and your point is ?
2
what started as a joke became a respectable joke them became a contender now a front runner all because of wall raising/ bigotry/sexism/and a gun lover/ anti abortion/punishing women for it ....and yet he still has a chance only in America can this man can b on a ballot to be the leader of our great country
As gahndi said well - first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win. With regard to Trump and his long-silent supporters, i would say they are somewhere around "fight" and "win"
1
Sounds good -- and a real opportunity to seat more Democrats in the Senate and the House, and flush out the obstructionist GOP Congressional caucus. Perhaps the Republican Party will finally reform itself into a reality-based, rational, 21st-century perspective on how to govern, rather than the current culmination of decades' worth of faith-based thinking, intellectual derangement, and retrograde bigotry.
8
Clinton/Trump would pit the two most unpopular candidates in 40 years against each other.
If Bernie loses I will be campaigning heavily for Jill Stein of the Green Party, because she will have a slim, but real chance to win. Now that would be revolutionary.
If you are sick of business as usual, don't vote for status quo candidates.
If Bernie loses I will be campaigning heavily for Jill Stein of the Green Party, because she will have a slim, but real chance to win. Now that would be revolutionary.
If you are sick of business as usual, don't vote for status quo candidates.
6
I'm surprised that you find Trump BAU. If anything he is rebelling against the same establishment as Bernie Sanders.
2
Given that the vast majority of people who read this comment will have to Google Jill Stein just to know who you're talking about, exactly how loosely do you define "real chance to win"? Can she even get on the ballot in all 50 states?
4
Of all the silly things that have and are being said during this campaign, one of the silliest has been attempts to draw parallels between Sanders and Trump.
1
Nyt reader/commenters are usually very interested in good articles like these. JGAIA-
1
Even with all the odds against him, does not mean that in the general election that Donald Trump will not be unable to attract the voting groups that find him unpopular with. There is so much that can happen in the Trump campaign between now until Election Day, so to assume that what is happening now will remain the same until November is absurd. In fact, there may be secret activities that the public, the mainstream media, and Democrats are not aware of that the Trump campaign is engaging in that will benefit Trump in the general election. Finally, it should be mentioned that for the groups that find Trump unpopular, there are a significant minority from each of them that support him, attend his rallies, and voting for him. These groups' opinions towards Trump are not all monolithic. In fact, it is the same groups (while small) that are responsible for Trump's success in the primary season, not just white working-class males as the mainstream media and political pundits claim to believe.
6
Explain what you mean by "for the groups that find Trump unpopular, there are a significant minority from each of them that support him, attend his rallies, and voting for him." If these people don't like Trump, why would they support him, attend his rallies, and vote for him?
Truly amazing to me is that as many folks as have done so have supported Trump. I would have liked to think the USA public would not fall for Trumpism but, clearly, many do. It reminds me of rural Americans I have heard with similarly strong views that I have quietly not been able to support.
I fear a Trump victory more than I fear a HClinton presidency. My guess is that well more than enough in this category will give HClinton one of the largest victories in history, not because she is so great but because he is so awful.
I fear a Trump victory more than I fear a HClinton presidency. My guess is that well more than enough in this category will give HClinton one of the largest victories in history, not because she is so great but because he is so awful.
6
These must be glorious times to be a liberal. To know that no matter what you think or say, you are always right, you could never be wrong, and why, you have the media, academia and a vocal contingent of people who are constantly reaffirming your views openly because you are the only people telling the truth.
This relentless tear down of Trump on every front in every major media and its lynch mob of liberals commenting on its websites is getting to the point of sick. I can't even read the NYT, WaPo, or The Economist anymore. Our media has gone so far to the left it's no longer capable of seeing anything with any shred of objectivity.
Meanwhile, on the front page in the NYT today there's an article about the crime wave in St. Louis being directly linked to the cheap heroine import from Mexico and Mexican drug gang turf wars, proving that Trump is exactly right about many drug dealers coming up from the porous Southern border.
Most centrist Americans are sick and tired of being invaded by criminals coming in thru our porous border. Trump is the only one brave enough to tell the truth, and for that he gets lynched by the media mob on a daily basis, PC to the point of spineless.
Here's hoping there's still enough people who can think for themselves in America who can see through this media bias and vote with their brain. A vote for Trump is no longer just a vote for his sensible and courageous policies, but a vote against the establishment especially the media.
This relentless tear down of Trump on every front in every major media and its lynch mob of liberals commenting on its websites is getting to the point of sick. I can't even read the NYT, WaPo, or The Economist anymore. Our media has gone so far to the left it's no longer capable of seeing anything with any shred of objectivity.
Meanwhile, on the front page in the NYT today there's an article about the crime wave in St. Louis being directly linked to the cheap heroine import from Mexico and Mexican drug gang turf wars, proving that Trump is exactly right about many drug dealers coming up from the porous Southern border.
Most centrist Americans are sick and tired of being invaded by criminals coming in thru our porous border. Trump is the only one brave enough to tell the truth, and for that he gets lynched by the media mob on a daily basis, PC to the point of spineless.
Here's hoping there's still enough people who can think for themselves in America who can see through this media bias and vote with their brain. A vote for Trump is no longer just a vote for his sensible and courageous policies, but a vote against the establishment especially the media.
11
Lol. Corporate mass media is owned and operated by global corporations and the billionaires that own them. There is nothing liberal about any of these organizations who have given Trump more free air time than all the other candidates put together.
Also look at the difference between "centrist" Clinton and "socialist" Sanders. If the media is so liberal, why do they keep saying Sanders can't win, even though he does much better in head to head polls vs Trump than Clinton, especially with independents?
The media is all about making billionaires richer. If the media were liberal conservatives wouldn't be defining every issue for the last 40 years.
Death taxes would be called estate taxes. Insurance companies would be called death panels, and MSNBC wouldn't spend half of their time talking about what was said on Fox News.
Also look at the difference between "centrist" Clinton and "socialist" Sanders. If the media is so liberal, why do they keep saying Sanders can't win, even though he does much better in head to head polls vs Trump than Clinton, especially with independents?
The media is all about making billionaires richer. If the media were liberal conservatives wouldn't be defining every issue for the last 40 years.
Death taxes would be called estate taxes. Insurance companies would be called death panels, and MSNBC wouldn't spend half of their time talking about what was said on Fox News.
8
Your reply clearly validates Beth's points, especially in the refusal to understand the American public. How can you honestly say that the media has a conservative bias? The liberal ideology has driven the media content since the 1970s.
1
Beth, do you truly believe that the current media attacks on Trump are solely due to a supposed liberal bias? Couldn't it have at least something to do with how awful Trump is (or has been pretending to be)? Even in the slightest? And what would explain the similar attacks against Trump that have begun to appear even in conservative media outlets?
3
I'm missing President Obama already ...
21
Me too.
3
Anyone interested in knowing just how Mr. Trump actually behaves should come down to Atlantic City where he once owned three Casinos and now owns Zero having bankrupted and lost all of them, while walking away from each with his pockets full of his investors and his contractors money. He likes to say he just got rich legally bu using the law, but the truth is he got rich by screwing everyone including the City of AC and surrounding towns. He left behind Casinos buried in debt, contractors unpaid and investors left holding the now empty bag. In short, Trump is a con and deadbeat whose flag is really the Jolly Roger and whose motto is " Never give a sucker an even break." His following are just more suckers who buy his odious brand because they're a shallow lazy bunch of low information boneheads. Fortunately, there probably isn't enough of them to win the day. We hope.
21
Whoops, I almost missed the implications of this statement:
"...Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
Also Sanders does much better than H. Clinton does with voters who consider themselves Independents, rather than Democrats or Republicans.
See http://usuncut.com/politics/independent-voters-bernie/
Also, if you haven't seen it, see Sanders and the little bird
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/25/politics/bernie-sanders-bird-portland-oreg...
The bird knows who the best president candidate is
"...Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
Also Sanders does much better than H. Clinton does with voters who consider themselves Independents, rather than Democrats or Republicans.
See http://usuncut.com/politics/independent-voters-bernie/
Also, if you haven't seen it, see Sanders and the little bird
http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/25/politics/bernie-sanders-bird-portland-oreg...
The bird knows who the best president candidate is
8
Fidel Castro trained doves to land on him during speeches. He knew the effect it would have on the naive.
8
Steve,
Never heard such nonsense.
You've become dogmatic over the years that I've known you.
What a pity..
Never heard such nonsense.
You've become dogmatic over the years that I've known you.
What a pity..
3
The Donald is walking disaster, every time opens his mouth he buries himself more and more. He is the monster the Republicans have created. his base consists of poorly educated white men; Hillary haters; right wing NRA gun nuts (read Ammon Bundy types et al). This man is not presidential by any means. His defeat should be an eye opener for the Koch Brothers; Ann Coulter; Fossil Mitch from Kentucky. How sweet it will be!
14
For those commenters posting about Trump saying unkind things about particular women. That pales to what Hillary did. She was part and parcel of the attack machine to intimidate and vilify Bill's victims: Kathleen Wiley Juanita Brodderick, Paula Jones, and others including Monica Lewinsky. The balance of power between a president and intern is too great for it to be a consensual relationship despite what the intern claims. Democratic women are guilty too as not one of them Feinstein, Pelosi, Boxer, Mikukski, etc... called for his resignation.
9
No, because Monica Lewinsky was not Bill Clinton's intern. Only if he was actually her boss would the balance of power be relevant. Of course, it was very wrong for him to be unfaithful to his wife, but that wasn't Hillary's fault.
8
So much can and will happen between now and November, trying to predict what will happen is like reading tea leaves.
9
Oh come on! The is America.
If the Donald wants to get the Republican nomination and wins it fair and square, then so be it.
Then the chips will fall where they may.
If the Donald wants to get the Republican nomination and wins it fair and square, then so be it.
Then the chips will fall where they may.
9
The sad truth is Trump is the least objectionable of the Republican candidates.
I like Paul Ryan but I like him better if he spends 4 years in the House in Speaker and 4 in the Senate learns to be LBJ.
I like Paul Ryan but I like him better if he spends 4 years in the House in Speaker and 4 in the Senate learns to be LBJ.
4
What do you like about Paul Ryan? His inability to do basic math or his hatred towards the most vulnerable members of our society?
1
Lets not ignore the fact that this newspaper endorsed Clinton. Of course they want us to believe she's going to win. What they FAIL TO MENTION is that Bernie Sanders is trailing right behind Climton and VERY CLOSE to getting the Democratic Nomination. He most likely will continue winning Western States.
Don't believe everything you hear or read. Do the research yourself.
Don't believe everything you hear or read. Do the research yourself.
18
Agree, biased reporting by NYTs :-(
9
An interesting article that's just as much about making Hillary Clinton the de facto Democratic nominee. Even though Bernie Sanders outpolls Clinton in a faceoff against Trump, it isn't mentioned until 3/4 of the way through the story. En route, note how the notion of Clinton as the nominee is persistently reinforced. And how does one discuss the importance of independent, white and/or disenfranchised voters in the national election and not give more than a single paragraph to Sanders?
18
Because right now she's the leading democratic candidate, by numbers, whether you like it or not. She's the most likely to win. So that's who they're putting Trump against in this article. Current leader against current leader. How is that somehow a miscarriage of journalism?
6
She's leading only because of the "super delegates" right now - an anomaly of the Democrat's process that has really ticked off their base. Looks like some lessons will be learned on both sides of the aisle this year.
Bernie 2016
Bernie 2016
2
I've noticed, from your interesting map, that Dukakis in 1988 had a better rating than Bush Sr, but lost the election. Also Bush Sr, 4 years later, had a better rating than Clinton, but lost his re-election. In my humble opinion, the election remains open, and I would not undervalue the skills of Mr. Trump, who, without previous political experience, has beaten a dozen of seasoned political candidates, including the descendant of a political dynasty.
14
I've worked with people who have worked with Trump. Trump is talented in bargaining, in project management, and in marketing. His business record includes plenty of failure as well as success - notably in most cases HIS investment came out fine, whereas often others lost heavily.
My point is he may be clever but not the sort of clever attractive in a President.
I don't care if he insults every sort of person in the country, but I'm sure most of those insulted DO care - so if by chance he won, how could he govern?
Then there's his confused set of pseudo-populist policies from taxes to trade to alliances to immigration.
Worse, he clearly makes it up on the fly - a shoot-from-the-hip President is down right scary.
Worst of all, I see no way he could avoid losing in a record-challenging landslide. Four more years of disastrously Democratic deviancy.
My point is he may be clever but not the sort of clever attractive in a President.
I don't care if he insults every sort of person in the country, but I'm sure most of those insulted DO care - so if by chance he won, how could he govern?
Then there's his confused set of pseudo-populist policies from taxes to trade to alliances to immigration.
Worse, he clearly makes it up on the fly - a shoot-from-the-hip President is down right scary.
Worst of all, I see no way he could avoid losing in a record-challenging landslide. Four more years of disastrously Democratic deviancy.
4
I'm still waiting on the Trumpster to reveal his (Hot Shot) Investigative Team's Findings on the POTUS Birthright(s)?
Why would he set up such an elaborate joke for so long,..w/o a PunchLine?
Why would he set up such an elaborate joke for so long,..w/o a PunchLine?
3
Trump just keeps being reminded by articles like this what he has to do to get elected. He can adapt. Soon you'll see him fawning over Rosie and Megan Kelly. I don't think he should be with 1000 miles of the White House. But it would be easy for him to adapt, and in four months, all we are talking about is how much Trump has convinced women that he didn't mean any of it.
1
No matter how significant his change, I will never forget.
4
I'll wait until the general election before voting for Trump.
4
Donald Trump has crossed the Rubicon when he attacked women. That is an incredibly dumb move because they represent 50% of the electorate. That is a huge chunk of votes to lose overnight. Perhaps he really didn't intend or expect to be nominated as a Republican contender. I must give him credit for bringing down the house which was already on the verge of collapse. He brought forth every issue that concerns the vast majority of Americans, immigration, free trade, corruption, complicated and obsolete campaign rules regarding super delegates which tromp the will of the people. Until we get rid of parties, redistricting and campaign money we will not have a real democracy. We should be looking at what Justin Trudeau is doing in Canada to totally reform and simplify party rules.
4
To all the trump doomsday sayers. There is a famous Jewish saying: if you are so smart how come you are not rich? Just a thought.
7
Some of us don't care about being rich. And some of the rich are only "smart" at how to cheat others in order to become rich -- that is not a kind of "smart" that many of us want.
2
Several Bernie supporters believe that Hillary is a "sell-out" because she is a moderate Democrat, a "Republican-lite". I never thought that being a political moderate was a liability!
Anyway, I am curious. Do these Bernie supporters believe the same is true of former President Bill Clinton who presided over one of the longest economic expansions in American history that "lifted all boats"; or of President Obama, who stopped the free fall of our economy and labor market and is presiding over "the 66th consecutive month of positive job growth -- the best stretch since 1939 -- and the 73rd consecutive month in which we've seen private-sector job growth, which is the longest on record", not to mention a "heartening bump in average hourly earnings" in the latest report, or Obamacare, repealing "Don't ask, don't tell", coming in strongly for marriage equality, et cetera, et ceteri?
The problem with those who insist on "ideologically pure" candidates is that they are so extreme that they often end up as outcasts because they are not where the majority of Americans are. I would bet that more Americans are where Hillary is ideologically than where Bernie is, which is a large part of the reason she is winning the primary contest and will win it all in November.
Americans do not elect their their presidents from either fringe extreme of the political divide. If you have doubts about that just ask President McGovern or President Goldwater...
Anyway, I am curious. Do these Bernie supporters believe the same is true of former President Bill Clinton who presided over one of the longest economic expansions in American history that "lifted all boats"; or of President Obama, who stopped the free fall of our economy and labor market and is presiding over "the 66th consecutive month of positive job growth -- the best stretch since 1939 -- and the 73rd consecutive month in which we've seen private-sector job growth, which is the longest on record", not to mention a "heartening bump in average hourly earnings" in the latest report, or Obamacare, repealing "Don't ask, don't tell", coming in strongly for marriage equality, et cetera, et ceteri?
The problem with those who insist on "ideologically pure" candidates is that they are so extreme that they often end up as outcasts because they are not where the majority of Americans are. I would bet that more Americans are where Hillary is ideologically than where Bernie is, which is a large part of the reason she is winning the primary contest and will win it all in November.
Americans do not elect their their presidents from either fringe extreme of the political divide. If you have doubts about that just ask President McGovern or President Goldwater...
9
The answer to the question in your second paragraph is, yes. Bill Clinton and Barak Obama, judged by the results of their terms in office, were and are effectively center-left Republicans of about the 1980 vintage, before the Reagan "revolution" took hold. I do not expect that Hillary Clinton would be any more effectively progressive than they. Given the damage inflicted upon the average American for the benefit of the top .01% of Americans since 1980, that is not good enough.
Further, unless the Republican congressional caucuses suffer a massive blowout in the 2016 elections, her chances of obtaining effective congressional cooperation (for anything other than more NAFTAS, more corporate socialism, and other favors to Wall St) are slim to nonexistent, as the vast majority of said caucuses despise her, and currently comprise majorities in both houses.
Further, unless the Republican congressional caucuses suffer a massive blowout in the 2016 elections, her chances of obtaining effective congressional cooperation (for anything other than more NAFTAS, more corporate socialism, and other favors to Wall St) are slim to nonexistent, as the vast majority of said caucuses despise her, and currently comprise majorities in both houses.
4
They also supported dictatorships in Haiti, Honduras, and many other places, at the cost of thousands of lives -- in order to protect big corporations. Just something to think about...
From where you [collectively] stand politically, my question might as well have been rhetorical. Despite being highly successful presidents, Bill and Obama are "ideologically impure" so, therefore, they must be from the "other side." Well, for your edification since it seems to have escaped you, the "other side" passionately despises them both too! This means that Bill and Obama are where the overwhelming majority of politically sane Americans are, accounting for why they won the presidency, not once but twice.
You are too deep in it to see this but if you look at yourself in the mirror you'd see a spitting image a tea part activist, ideologically inverted, of course, making the mirror-image analogy fit perfectly. If you had more power and the Dems had control of both chambers of congress, you'd be demanding that government be shut down unless all the giveaways to the 0.01% were eliminated.
Bill Clinton was and Barack is successful because they refused to be taken hostage by their party's extreme elements, like the tea party has the GOP [where is John Boehner today? The same place Obama would be if he'd let you take over.]
You are too deep in it to see this but if you look at yourself in the mirror you'd see a spitting image a tea part activist, ideologically inverted, of course, making the mirror-image analogy fit perfectly. If you had more power and the Dems had control of both chambers of congress, you'd be demanding that government be shut down unless all the giveaways to the 0.01% were eliminated.
Bill Clinton was and Barack is successful because they refused to be taken hostage by their party's extreme elements, like the tea party has the GOP [where is John Boehner today? The same place Obama would be if he'd let you take over.]
1
Has anyone yet asked how a "President Trump" plans to put his business interests in a blind trust away from management from him and his family?
I'd love to see the response on that one.
I'd love to see the response on that one.
5
Why would President Trump "put his business interests away from his family? He's already said his children will run his businesses.
2
Actually, that question has been asked and answered. Trump says he's going to let his wife and kids manage his business interests during his time in the Oval Office, IF he gets elected. This does not pass the duck test, but most media seem to have let it pass, unremarked. So much for objectivity.
1
It's what all President's with business interests have done (ie. Bush 41). Having his family run things and never speak to him about it is a bit of a stretch. It's called conflict of interest.
2
From the overwhelming comments, it seems many NYT readers are in the denial bubble to the possibility of a Trump presidency and the how flawed and uninspiring the frontrunner Clinton is.
9
It is not a matter of bubble but a matter of raw datas and stats . By simply using data , Trump simply can not win the states he needs to become president .
Those sates have been close calls before but with a candidate like trump , it won't even be a question mark .
Those sates have been close calls before but with a candidate like trump , it won't even be a question mark .
3
All data is manipulated and there is never zero probability.
@gwenael.
Trump is with a capital letter.
@gwenael.
Trump is with a capital letter.
5
I am talking l about days provided by mathematician who have no interest in that matter. they have done the same in the last elections l and they were right. one of those was able to predict the winner in every state from the last two general election
welcome to the 21st century worth algorithm and data
welcome to the 21st century worth algorithm and data
I am not sure how big of a surprise this is, the main media networks are trying to play it like I everything is still up for grab and the election is far from being decided
There are two things happening next November, one is trump run as the nominee of the Republican Party and there is absolutely no way he wins the swing states he needs to become president.
We know from previous elections that without a chunk of the women votes and minorities, those swing states are impossible to win and because of his posture, personality and the rhetoric of his campaign, I don’t see those voting blocs going to the poll for Trump.
The other scenario is that he doesn’t get the ticket to run as the GOP candidate and we know very well that he will start complaining that he was treated badly and will find the excuse to break his pledge and run as an independent candidate.
Once again he and the official GOP candidate will have the votes divided and no way can they win the swing states.
The republicans have not learned anything from the past general elections, they said they needed to reach to minorities and women but let the tea party snake enter the house with Sara Palin and all the other extreme right candidates and finally by accepting a demagogue like Trump as a primary candidate
They will have to choose what kind of party they want to be and it will be painful for a while but necessary if they don’t want to damage the GOP brand for decades to come with new voters.
There are two things happening next November, one is trump run as the nominee of the Republican Party and there is absolutely no way he wins the swing states he needs to become president.
We know from previous elections that without a chunk of the women votes and minorities, those swing states are impossible to win and because of his posture, personality and the rhetoric of his campaign, I don’t see those voting blocs going to the poll for Trump.
The other scenario is that he doesn’t get the ticket to run as the GOP candidate and we know very well that he will start complaining that he was treated badly and will find the excuse to break his pledge and run as an independent candidate.
Once again he and the official GOP candidate will have the votes divided and no way can they win the swing states.
The republicans have not learned anything from the past general elections, they said they needed to reach to minorities and women but let the tea party snake enter the house with Sara Palin and all the other extreme right candidates and finally by accepting a demagogue like Trump as a primary candidate
They will have to choose what kind of party they want to be and it will be painful for a while but necessary if they don’t want to damage the GOP brand for decades to come with new voters.
3
Maybe you guys should have been nicer to Bernie who seems to be upsetting all kinds of stuff he wasn't supposed to be able to upset.
In other words I suspect you are just as wrong about Trump It is refreshing to hear a politician say he was wrong. His campaign manager barely touched the woman who complained vigorously at least from what the video shows..
What did Hillary promise all you people that you don't stop and let things happen and simply report what happens. Did everyone study astrology in cllege? !! Something is very wrong and the press which covers up for the Clinton(s) .... may well see Trump win the election.. Frankly, I find him refreshing and less sneaky and two-faced than all the others.
In other words I suspect you are just as wrong about Trump It is refreshing to hear a politician say he was wrong. His campaign manager barely touched the woman who complained vigorously at least from what the video shows..
What did Hillary promise all you people that you don't stop and let things happen and simply report what happens. Did everyone study astrology in cllege? !! Something is very wrong and the press which covers up for the Clinton(s) .... may well see Trump win the election.. Frankly, I find him refreshing and less sneaky and two-faced than all the others.
7
The debate over whether Donald Trump has the requisite character to be President of the United States calls to mind the reasons why the Framers of the Constitution decided to utilize a special assembly, the Electoral College, solely for deciding who would be the next president.
Donald Trump's candidacy, characterized by his outrageous and inconsistent rhetoric, raises the specter of someone riding a wave of tumult and disorder into the highest office in the land. With that in mind, I revisited the arguments raised by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in the great debate to persuade the people of New York State to ratify the new Constitution. Their idea, born of Europe's unhappy experience with republics, principally involving opportunistic leaders who found ways to co-opt and channel the passions of the mob in order to seize power for themselves, was to neutralize the corrupting influence of passion and influence peddling that had characterized all of Europe's previous attempts at republicanism.
Hamilton, writing in Federalist 68, argued that in each State, an ad hoc assembly of Electors would meet once, solely for the purpose of electing a new President. The idea was to separate the exercise of electoral power from the temporal rewards that power might bring so that they could focus on the best possible candidate to be President.
Trump represents the corrupt, rabble rousing dealmaker the Framers wanted to avoid. Maybe it is time to put the Framers' ideas back into practice.
Donald Trump's candidacy, characterized by his outrageous and inconsistent rhetoric, raises the specter of someone riding a wave of tumult and disorder into the highest office in the land. With that in mind, I revisited the arguments raised by Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in the great debate to persuade the people of New York State to ratify the new Constitution. Their idea, born of Europe's unhappy experience with republics, principally involving opportunistic leaders who found ways to co-opt and channel the passions of the mob in order to seize power for themselves, was to neutralize the corrupting influence of passion and influence peddling that had characterized all of Europe's previous attempts at republicanism.
Hamilton, writing in Federalist 68, argued that in each State, an ad hoc assembly of Electors would meet once, solely for the purpose of electing a new President. The idea was to separate the exercise of electoral power from the temporal rewards that power might bring so that they could focus on the best possible candidate to be President.
Trump represents the corrupt, rabble rousing dealmaker the Framers wanted to avoid. Maybe it is time to put the Framers' ideas back into practice.
8
As your article states,he has no chance of winning a national election,even if he were to win the Republican nomination.It truly would be a lesser of evils scenario with far too many voters opting ( begrudgingly,perhaps) for Clinton.But the fact I for one find truly disturbing is just how many Americans have supported and voted for him.
Such actions would suggest it's not only the political system which is broken in America but perhaps also American society.
Such actions would suggest it's not only the political system which is broken in America but perhaps also American society.
2
Attention, liberals:
Don't get too smug and comfortable just yet.
Because Trump is not beholden to any specific interest groups, he can make policy proposals that no other candidate can make.
For instance, once he's got the Republican nomination sewn up, he can pivot to the left and propose a jobs program that will "Re-Build America." By doing so, he will outflank the Democratic Party on its left, which, if Hillary is the nominee, will be beholden to its corporate donors and unable to match Trump's economic populism.
Trump has just about disqualified himself from being electable through his bigotry and boorish behavior.
But if he offers every American a job, look out. Jobs trump everything.
Don't get too smug and comfortable just yet.
Because Trump is not beholden to any specific interest groups, he can make policy proposals that no other candidate can make.
For instance, once he's got the Republican nomination sewn up, he can pivot to the left and propose a jobs program that will "Re-Build America." By doing so, he will outflank the Democratic Party on its left, which, if Hillary is the nominee, will be beholden to its corporate donors and unable to match Trump's economic populism.
Trump has just about disqualified himself from being electable through his bigotry and boorish behavior.
But if he offers every American a job, look out. Jobs trump everything.
8
Nice try. Who do you think Trump has been doing business with all his life?
Do you really think Democrats are going to suddenly believe Trump if he flip flops? Anyone who reads or watches the news knows that the companies he's involved with manufacture their products overseas.
Do you really think Democrats are going to suddenly believe Trump if he flip flops? Anyone who reads or watches the news knows that the companies he's involved with manufacture their products overseas.
1
I really don't care , how Trump do in general election.
After all those degradation of political environment, I hope will face his oblivion in general election.
Go HILLARY GO BERNIE
After all those degradation of political environment, I hope will face his oblivion in general election.
Go HILLARY GO BERNIE
3
Let's support our fellow New Yorker, the Donald. Peel back the onion: he is not a typical politician beholden to special interest groups.
His is a businessman, a negotiator with a strong spine.
Like Mr Bloomberg.
Both are Much more effective leaders.
Not panderers.
Is he a buffoon? Sure, but we will be ok. Fingers crossed - President Trump 2016!
His is a businessman, a negotiator with a strong spine.
Like Mr Bloomberg.
Both are Much more effective leaders.
Not panderers.
Is he a buffoon? Sure, but we will be ok. Fingers crossed - President Trump 2016!
4
What does The (loud, self-glorifying) Donald have to do with reality?
3
Trump will not make it to the election as the Republican candidate. He barely has 35% of the primary / caucus voters; meaning 65% and growing of Republicans would rather have anyone else. The only reason he has 47% of the delegates is because of primary / caucus rules designed to lift the leader. Furthermore his voter acquisition rate is almost flat and his delegate count growth rate is dropping. Trump will not get the 1,237 delegates he needs before the convention and he will not win the convention. The will of the majority of the Republicans is anyone else but Trump. His only relevancy is whether he will become a third party candidate (he'll get less than 20% of the vote) and like Perot in '92 destroy any chance of a Republican winning the presidency.
2
Doubt this will ever get published..... I'm a life-long Republican (OMG!) who live in Manhattan and who has seen Trump over the years. I've also seen the Clinton tribe over the years too.
Bottom line, Trump is not qualified to be our next President, neither is Cruz. Both are not suited for different reasons.....Trump is not qualified (Reality Show Celebrity) and Cruz is appears to be a slick, religious ideologue.
With that said, though I have little respect or trust of Clinton, I believe she's far more qualified than Trump or Cruz. Sanders is a joke.....and not even worth discussing given his "pie in the sky" promises that only work in communities like Vermont which is 99.9% white where tons of wealthy Boston and Manhattan people live. Laughed when he was campaigning in the Bronx where most of the heroin which is destroying Vermont/New Hampshire is being sent out of.
So for al the left-leaning, anti Trump people out there, the most qualified person out there hands-down is Kasich. He's got tons more experience than all current candidates.....and he's kind hearted enough to help out the people struggling. He'd be great for our Economy!!
Wake up voters and for once in the past 15 years, vote for someone who is qualified, kind-hearted and good for the economy! WAKE UP!
Bottom line, Trump is not qualified to be our next President, neither is Cruz. Both are not suited for different reasons.....Trump is not qualified (Reality Show Celebrity) and Cruz is appears to be a slick, religious ideologue.
With that said, though I have little respect or trust of Clinton, I believe she's far more qualified than Trump or Cruz. Sanders is a joke.....and not even worth discussing given his "pie in the sky" promises that only work in communities like Vermont which is 99.9% white where tons of wealthy Boston and Manhattan people live. Laughed when he was campaigning in the Bronx where most of the heroin which is destroying Vermont/New Hampshire is being sent out of.
So for al the left-leaning, anti Trump people out there, the most qualified person out there hands-down is Kasich. He's got tons more experience than all current candidates.....and he's kind hearted enough to help out the people struggling. He'd be great for our Economy!!
Wake up voters and for once in the past 15 years, vote for someone who is qualified, kind-hearted and good for the economy! WAKE UP!
4
Steve,
You make an excellent point.
I wouldn't be surprised if 50% of HRC supporters are Republican refugees from the total madness.
Of course you and others don't like Bernie.
He's the one holding Genuine Democratic Principles.
Be my guest, vote for the Goldwater Girl.
I just wish she would do the right thing by Girling Up and going for the Republican candidacy.
You make an excellent point.
I wouldn't be surprised if 50% of HRC supporters are Republican refugees from the total madness.
Of course you and others don't like Bernie.
He's the one holding Genuine Democratic Principles.
Be my guest, vote for the Goldwater Girl.
I just wish she would do the right thing by Girling Up and going for the Republican candidacy.
5
Where do you get the idea that Kasich is left-leaning? He has a strong conservative record which is anti-union, strongly for abortion restrictions and defunding Planned Parenthood, supported DOMA, pro-NRA and the like. His only left-leaning policy was to take the Medicaid expansion (which does give him a humanity his fellow GOP lack). If you like conservative, he's the only qualified candidate. But if you're left-leaning you will be sorely disappointed.
12
A candidate, can in fact, make a great deal of noise, and still lose.
4
America has become a Nation of Dependents.
8
News flash: The untamed frontier and its rugged, self-sufficient settlers has long disappeared, except in movies and TV commercials. In this urban-based, 21st century economy, the vast majority of Americans are very dependent on their neighbors, near and far, doing their jobs. Where would any of us be, if the guy at the electricity plant doesn't come to work, or the truck driver who brings the groceries stops driving, or (horror of horrors), the guys who run the sewerage treatment plant quit?
So, Bobnovy, pipe down and eat your jack-rabbit stew! It's delicious!
So YES, we are a nation of dependents, all of us are dependent on thousands of people, some of whom we might know, but most we'll never know, doing their jobs every day, and doing them well.
So, Bobnovy, pipe down and eat your jack-rabbit stew! It's delicious!
So YES, we are a nation of dependents, all of us are dependent on thousands of people, some of whom we might know, but most we'll never know, doing their jobs every day, and doing them well.
3
I came of age in the chaotic sixties and after doing a tour of duty in sunny Southeast Asia, I came back to an undeclared civil wari the streets . Things were falling apart and the center could not hold, to quote that often quoted stanza from W.B. Yeats' "Slouching Toward Bethelem." I vote for Bernie Saners in the Ohio primary, yet I knew that he had a vey slim chance of winning the primary. And even though I am disappointed with Hilary Clinton for her vote on the Iraq War resolution, I am casting my vote for her hoping she has learned from her mistake. Trump would be an unmitigated disaster for our country. He is the Howard Beale of the disenfranchised who are mad as hell and arent't going to take it anymore. I understand their anger and disillusionment but we have to avoid a repeat of the Weimar Republic in our country. And we all know who came after its collapse. So go to the polls and vote for Hillary. It's that simple.
9
George,
I think you'll get a chance to vote your conscious for Bernie.
The fat lady is far from singing.
What a fine day that shall be!
I think you'll get a chance to vote your conscious for Bernie.
The fat lady is far from singing.
What a fine day that shall be!
5
"And even though I am disappointed with Hilary Clinton for her vote on the Iraq War resolution, I am casting my vote for her hoping she has learned from her mistake."
Hillary was even more of a war-monger in Libya, in 2011, so the 8 years between the Iraq War and the Libya War hadn't changed her. Who knows, though? Hope springs eternal! Maybe she's changed in the 5 years since the Libya War. I wouldn't count on it, but I gather you're willing to cross your fingers and take that chance.
Hillary was even more of a war-monger in Libya, in 2011, so the 8 years between the Iraq War and the Libya War hadn't changed her. Who knows, though? Hope springs eternal! Maybe she's changed in the 5 years since the Libya War. I wouldn't count on it, but I gather you're willing to cross your fingers and take that chance.
2
I think I'm going to switch parties and vote for Trump in the primaries, then switch back to democrat, or maybe independent?, and vote for Bernie Sanders in the general election. Don't know if it's legal, but I am sure going to find out. Trump as the republican nominee ! Yippee! Landslide victory for a true progressive.
2
The so-called 'experts' has been wrong at almost every turn so far in this interminably long election cycle, The thing is most of the Angry White Male voters Trump is pandering to will actually get out and vote in large numbers on election day, whereas non-whites, the poor, the disenfranchised, and younger voters have a much more spotty record when it comes to casting a vote on election day. I'm sure the Republicans will do everything in their power, such as voter suppression in key states to make sure the turnout is as low as possible to ensure themselves the best chance possible of winning.
11
Here we go again. The NYT assumes Hillary is the candidate for the Dems. I don't mind the comparison to Trump, but since that is what this article was supposedly about, I would have liked to see how Bernie stacks up as well. We are going from the corporate money electing our president to the media choosing for us in the primaries....remember that it is still SEVEN MONTHS until the general election.
9
Wow, are the Trumpites going to be upset when the GOP convention fails to recognize Trump as the majority primary vote getter. I really can't wait to watch the spectacle. One can only imagine the chaos if the GOP had embraced packing heat, both concealed and open carry.
At least they won't have to endure the implied threat Obama faced his first year when he spoke in a few gun toten states, unfriendly attendees asserting a constitutional right to carry including at a presidential speeches.
Oh, well. I'm sure it will be violent enough considering crowd reactions at current Trump rallies. Well, the obvious answer here is more guns would stop all the potential violence of a Trumpite backlash, just as we see everyday in absolute gun rights states. You know, where there is no violent crime. Good guys with guns, a whole convention floor of them.
At least they won't have to endure the implied threat Obama faced his first year when he spoke in a few gun toten states, unfriendly attendees asserting a constitutional right to carry including at a presidential speeches.
Oh, well. I'm sure it will be violent enough considering crowd reactions at current Trump rallies. Well, the obvious answer here is more guns would stop all the potential violence of a Trumpite backlash, just as we see everyday in absolute gun rights states. You know, where there is no violent crime. Good guys with guns, a whole convention floor of them.
3
" just as we see everyday in absolute gun rights states. You know, where there is no violent crime."
But most violent crime occurs in the "Liberal" anti-gun inner cities like Chicago and St. Louis. How do you explain that?
But most violent crime occurs in the "Liberal" anti-gun inner cities like Chicago and St. Louis. How do you explain that?
3
It appears that the New York Times has constant bias against Mr. Sanders in their reporting. This article emphasizes an unlikely win for him. Why is it that the Times is not covering the fact that the Super Delegates are STEALING THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE and that Mrs. Clintion could not win the nomination without them? In this article, the Times says, "Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states." Where is your obligation to expose this travesty of justice? Shame on you New YorK Times! Please make your reporting less biased. We need Bernie Sanders and we need you to report more fairly. We must restore the middle class! If we do not, who are you going to call if your plumber cannot make a livable wage, the truck driver who brings food to our grocery stores must put his or her family on food stamps, and your house painter cannot afford the ridiculous Affordable Care Act deductibles when he or she falls off the ladder? These people deserve a fair and livable wage and health care. Yes, we talk about providing more educational opportunities; that is fine but we still need people to fix our plumbing, truck our food, and paint our houses - these blue-collar jobs must receive a fair and living wage. Bernie is trying fix the unfairness, Mrs. Clinton is party to the unfairness.
11
E.E.- Yes, it is important that plumbers and truck drivers receive a living wage. But this is how the Republicans will convince blue collar workers to vote against him in a general election: During the War in Vietnam, Bernie was a Conscientious Objector. I approve of that choice, but the Republicans will twist that fact to make him look unpatriotic. Remember how they swift-boated John Kerry even though he was a war hero during that time. The Republicans will misrepresent his choices and positions so that the many people will stop supporting him.
I'm an upper middle class white lawyer (500k income) in NYC, not some gun toting redneck. Yet, I beyond utterly disgusted with the grossly biased treatment of Trump. Obama's executive amnesty was nothing short of treason, as he knowingly and admittedly violated his oath to uphold the Constitution, engaging in conduct that, in my view, pales in comparison to all of Trump's gaffes combined. His blatant disregard of the law is far more outrageous than anything Trump represents. If no wall is to be built, I'm fully ready for a Second Civil War. As a truly great man once said "We must exterminate those miserable villains who are eternally conspiring against the rights of man...We must exterminate all our enemies."
15
US Constitution, Article III, Section 3:
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted."
I'm just a modest income country lawyer, not from NYC.
"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted."
I'm just a modest income country lawyer, not from NYC.
6
Upper-MIDDLE class? It scares me that this term is used by someone making half a million a year. It is emblematic of how much denial there is about the incredible, mounting income divide. While the term "upper-middle class" understandable has to do with more than just income, here is nothing "middle" about $500K a year. You, sir, are truly privileged, financially, and I think it is very important that those with financial privilege, recognize it as such.
2
Where's the bias? All the NYT is doing is reporting what he has said and done.
As Donald approaches the number of delegates needed he is starting to unravel. The pressure of actually being the president may finally be too much of a reality to him.
With his lead he know longer needs to tweet or get attention through outrageous statements. Either he simply cant help himself or he's imploding with the pressure. Perhaps both.
Either way with Trump headed to the convention with a lead but not the nomination it's going to be destruction for the GOP. There is no way out of this in a good way for them. And I think as an independent that's a great thing. If only now we can find a way to have the same thing happen to the Democratic party establishment.
With his lead he know longer needs to tweet or get attention through outrageous statements. Either he simply cant help himself or he's imploding with the pressure. Perhaps both.
Either way with Trump headed to the convention with a lead but not the nomination it's going to be destruction for the GOP. There is no way out of this in a good way for them. And I think as an independent that's a great thing. If only now we can find a way to have the same thing happen to the Democratic party establishment.
2
I was fascinated by the Trump phobia in Utah mentioned by the authors. Since I spent three years in Provo, I had a look online at the paper I read there, the Deseret News. Yes, Trump is widely disliked in the Mormon state and, not unexpectedly, so, too, is Hillary Clinton, and by about the same margin: Trump gets a 36% rating while Hillary bests him by two percentage points. And now comes something really interesting: Bernie Sanders, the self-proclaimed socialist, would beat Trump by 48% to 37% in the general election—this in the most conservative state in the U.S.A.! The Deseret News is on to something, something that Bernie Sanders supporters have known for months: Sanders is the candidate the Democrats should run against Donald Trump if they want to win the election.
4
The electoral map should not bring to mind Donald Trump. It should bring to mind a polarized electorate where the chasms between the competing social, economic, religious and political philosophies cannot be bridged. The United States no longer works.
It is time for a new constitution where the regional divides can be ameliorated by amending the powers of the central government. The time has come after 70 years of right wing distortions and fabrications about the design of the constitution to realize it was written in the 18th century and was meant to evolve.
Donald Trump is the canary in the coal mine Mississippi and Vermont need different frameworks in which they can exist.
Drawing up new constitution is tedious work and involves heated arguments and opposing demands but it is better than civil wars.
It is time for a new constitution where the regional divides can be ameliorated by amending the powers of the central government. The time has come after 70 years of right wing distortions and fabrications about the design of the constitution to realize it was written in the 18th century and was meant to evolve.
Donald Trump is the canary in the coal mine Mississippi and Vermont need different frameworks in which they can exist.
Drawing up new constitution is tedious work and involves heated arguments and opposing demands but it is better than civil wars.
1
What to many of us may appear otherwise to be good news from this report, there is the fact so many Americans rally and have bought-in to the hatred and discontent set forth and advocated by Donald Trump. In some ways those citizens have always been part of the whole-cloth of this country. But they are again "out in the open" receiving recognition and adulation from their brethren, if not also adding to their numbers. Therein, the legacy of Trump, in turn, will cost ALL Americans dearly both at home and abroad for years to come as a smear on humanity not unlike the historic mistreatment of Native Americans and people of color by those claiming to be "in the right".
I see many comments concerning Sanders polling slightly better than the likely nominee Clinton, although she just as easily beats Trump. But folks here is the thing: Sanders has not been vetted yet to a national general election electorate. Nobody has run a national negative campaign against him full of oppositional research yet. If Sanders is the nominee then you will see Sanders poll numbers drop when the republicans fire up their oppositional research machine against him. The fact that Sanders polls only a few points better than Clinton is actually a danger sign for Sanders since he is largely still an unknown. The fact that Clinton is beating Trump despite her high negatives from constant swift boating by Fox News is actually a safer bet for the democrats to keep the white house.
8
Sanders can handle the Swift-Boating as he is principled;
not a serial panderer like his adversary.
not a serial panderer like his adversary.
4
@Clark– Beware of false idols. Bernie does not walk on water. He is not so principled as to run as a democrat when he is an Independent just to get DNC funds and the benefits of the DNC establishment and yet he isn't willing to raise one red cent for other democrats running for office down ticket in November. This is what he said just this week. If he were truly principled he would have ran as an Independent and not accepted the help of that nasty establishment AKA the Democratic Party. One last thing, John Kerry is a decorated war hero and very principled and well you know the rest. Swift boating started with John Kerry.
1
The Party of No has finally achieved their ultimate goal. In this election, virtually everybody will be voting against someone rather than voting for someone.
It will be the complete expression of the philosophy of "NO!"
It will be the complete expression of the philosophy of "NO!"
4
Speak for yourself. I'm a very proud Hillary supporter.
Trump and Cruz are both unelectable. And Bernie does even better than Clinton.
6
Are you seriously not leading or even mentioning the the Panama Papers leak that is being reported around the world?
https://panamapapers.icij.org/video/
https://panamapapers.icij.org/video/
2
Initial reports on the Guardian (http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/03/the-panama-papers-how-the-wo... and BBC (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-35918844) websites are interesting, but what is the link to this article?
Just shut up. Let the Republicans nominate Trump. It would lead to the best possible outcome for the country, to wit, the disintegration of the Republican party as we now know it.
7
To judge from most of the comments, NYT readers are not happy with its coverage of the primary campaign.
Yet what is striking about much of the commentary is a failure to understand the manner in which the NYT covers the campaign.
The NYT in common with the rest of the media is tied at the hip to the establishment and as such does everything possible in its coverage to ensure preservation of the status quo that has proved so devastating to so many ordinary Americans.
One might like to wish that it was otherwise but that is the stark brutal reality of the way the system preserves itself.
Yet what is striking about much of the commentary is a failure to understand the manner in which the NYT covers the campaign.
The NYT in common with the rest of the media is tied at the hip to the establishment and as such does everything possible in its coverage to ensure preservation of the status quo that has proved so devastating to so many ordinary Americans.
One might like to wish that it was otherwise but that is the stark brutal reality of the way the system preserves itself.
8
It isn't so much he's unpopular with many, to those who support him about 30%, they are die hard supporters. 30% can do real damage.
3
My therapist paid you to write this piece didn't he?
3
Well, I have been cheering for some Positive Therapy, myself. And quite sanely, at that. No positive delusionals for me. Negative cancels positive sentiments at three to one ratios. It's the methane gas of any doomed atmosphere. No wonder Trump can cheer a room into their coffins with a nail gun.
This has been an unnecessary abuse of the Emergency Broadcasting System.
This has been an unnecessary abuse of the Emergency Broadcasting System.
I agree but I feel like I'm beating my head against a dead horse!
I feel better already – but I'd like to see where Cruz falls on this graph.
1
The concerted efforts on the part of many vested interested parties to derail the Trump campaign is a sad and despicable charade! Any game has to be played within rules and regulations, and if Trump wins the nomination playing within the rules, so be it. The rules of the process calls for it. These manipulations of the rules of the game by the vested interests portend a danger for democratic institutions!
7
Trump has not played within the rules. He has threatened riots if he loses, feloniously offered a position in his cabinet to Ben Carson and Chris Christie for their endorsements (he will likely go to prison for the Carson affair, and is already under investigation), incited several other hate crimes and acts of violence, such as murder of 6 in kalamazoo by an Uber driver who told his victims he was there to "make america great again" before he executing them, as well as several other instances where Trump supporters brutalized and beat Muslims in the name of Trump, he failed to disavow the Ku Klux Klan and openly lied about knowing who they were, lied in response to investigation about his campaign manager battering a reporter, also a felony of perjury for Trump, and has endorsed several internet hoaxes such as "Barack Obama was born in Kenya", or "Muslims in NJ celebrated the 9/11 attacks", is under investigation for tax evasion by the IRS, and worst of all, has repeatedly condoned violence against Protestors at his rallies, a felony for which Trump deserves Prison time. Trump is probably responsible for the deaths of more than 100 individuals since his campaign began, will surely be caught for cheating worse on his taxes than Al Capone, and has clearly and openly violated a vast number of laws during his campaign and will likely be in Prison before too long, with other men of his low caliber.
1
I do not find Mr. Trump respectable, either. That having been said, you may want to consider taking counsel to learn how felony is defined and whether any of the matters concerning which you excoriate Mr. Trump actually felonies where you accuse him of committing them.
3
Thanks for devoting at least one buried paragraph stating that Bernie wins against Trump by an even wider margin than Hillary. When Cenk Uyger interviewed Bernie on TYT (The Young Turks) recently, he pointed to a reputable poll, which, in many cases, I believe, Bernie's margin over Trump was TWICE that of Hillary's. It's probably on YouTube. Keep up the good work, Cenk (pron. Jenk). I've been listening to you since 2002, when it was you, Ben, and Jill on Sirius.
3
If Drumpf is headed for an epic defeat in November, what then for The Donald? He can't go back to "The Apprentice" since NBC canceled the show. Rich people aren't going to buy apartments in a building with Trump's name on it or memberships in a Trump golf course or resort.
Trump has destroyed his brand. Sure, he has a rabid fan base of older white Americans without a college degree, but they can't afford big-ticket luxury purchases that Trump likes to slap his name on. Maybe Don was pushing Trump wine and Trump steaks because he wants to go down-market.
I know this for sure: Trump will be a very sore and very whiny loser. Look for accusations of a rigged election and smear jobs.
Trump has destroyed his brand. Sure, he has a rabid fan base of older white Americans without a college degree, but they can't afford big-ticket luxury purchases that Trump likes to slap his name on. Maybe Don was pushing Trump wine and Trump steaks because he wants to go down-market.
I know this for sure: Trump will be a very sore and very whiny loser. Look for accusations of a rigged election and smear jobs.
3
I'm troubled. Hilary, one of the Democratic candidates, is featured prominently on this front page article, but the Democratic candidate that consistently fares better in the polls matching up with Trump, Mr. Sanders, is mentioned far along in the article, not on the front page even though most polls show him to best Trump by better numbers than Ms. Clinton. I've been trustingly reading the New York Times for many years and have been following this year's primaries closely in several newspapers. I've been very disappointed in the Times uneven coverage of Mr. Sanders, and this "news" article is just one of the instances. This saddens me because, I see foolishly now, I've trusted the NYT news coverage above other news sources. Maybe I've just come late to the realization that this newspaper is not to be trusted either. Is it possible that the NYT has destroyed its reputation for fair reporting in this election or have I just been very gullible? At this point, I'm nothing if not disillusioned!
7
Hillary will be on trial before Congress during the election.
3
On trial before Congress? Charged with what, by whom? And, except for impeachment, on what does Congress have authority to conduct a trial?
5
They'll be called "hearings". They will be about the emails and Benghazi on the surface, but will really be about Whitewater, the blue dress, and everything else the social conservatives have always hated the Clintons for.
Ironically (or not) they will not include questions about the hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees the big banks paid her for closed door briefings on why they have nothing to fear from a third Clinton presidency. For then it would open up similar questions about all the money the other Republican candidates took from the financial "industry" as well.
Ironically (or not) they will not include questions about the hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees the big banks paid her for closed door briefings on why they have nothing to fear from a third Clinton presidency. For then it would open up similar questions about all the money the other Republican candidates took from the financial "industry" as well.
The Trump phenomena can only exist in the very frothy atmosphere created by the fusion of talk radio and Fox News, all dedicated to anything but the news, solely propaganda. In that witless landscape dumb ideas co-exist right alongside the zaniest ones geared towards chiefly attracting eyeballs and earlobes all for the sole purpose of selling products of questionable merit, to say nothing of ideas. The GOP is no longer a kingmaker, it simply serves this byzantine conservative media empire.
5
Classic NYT, you all created Trump, yet all the while, ignored the fact that the combined total of delegates earned by his competitors trounce his total, now you talk about a reality check you yourselves have ignored?
From the outset there have been more Republicans against Trump. Of course you then begin to regale us all on how Clinton is ahead by 10 points, with a lovely graph to explain it all, while at the time giving short shrift to Sander's significant strength---15 points against Mr. Trump. Nor do you even delve into why Mr. Sanders fares much better against Mr. Trump. What's the next headline going to be? Clinton implodes under weight of questions of pandering to Wall Street, while promising reform as Sanders annihilates Trump? Let's be fair and let's offer clarity for both parties, I expect much more from the NYT, thank you.
From the outset there have been more Republicans against Trump. Of course you then begin to regale us all on how Clinton is ahead by 10 points, with a lovely graph to explain it all, while at the time giving short shrift to Sander's significant strength---15 points against Mr. Trump. Nor do you even delve into why Mr. Sanders fares much better against Mr. Trump. What's the next headline going to be? Clinton implodes under weight of questions of pandering to Wall Street, while promising reform as Sanders annihilates Trump? Let's be fair and let's offer clarity for both parties, I expect much more from the NYT, thank you.
5
All ratings wars leave behind collateral damages. Once we all get the word the Dems got it in the bag, we are gonna so bag out on these stories and get some real lunch for breakfast. You can't fault them for pushing old stale sandwiches before they go bad for good.
2
They created Trump to knock off Rubio, Cruz, Carson and any other conservatives they didn't like. Then they created a media "monster" who overwhelmed their precious darling Hillary. Oops! that was not supposed to happen!
3
OMG. The 14th paragraph in, 17th in the edition we got on our doorstep, you mention that in a matchup between Bernie and Trump, Bernie's margins of victory are much wider than Hillary's? And with people far and way arguing that, 'Sigh, I guess we have to vote for Hillary because we have to make sure we can beat Trump.' Talk about burying the lead.
9
Did you check the total number of votes?
Winning small caucuses don't add up to much.
Winning small caucuses don't add up to much.
3
The New York Times thumb has been on the scale for Hillary from the beginning and remains there.
4
Don't you worry, we got a lot of people burning for more than just a switch of party lines. We've got a trunkline full of grievances, and if they won't address them, we can boot those oligarchy fronts out of office next Parliament, Cromwell.
Did you know the Peasants Revolt predates the printing press? They did it all by music, but when they started talking they got turned around by old hands at it.
Did you know the Peasants Revolt predates the printing press? They did it all by music, but when they started talking they got turned around by old hands at it.
1
And how much of an improvement (if any) is Cruz? He's also an egomaniac, also xenophobic and a religious fanatic too boot.
14
So many of us suffer from confirmation bias that we have little idea who or what the candidates truly stand for and/or what they could possibly accomplish.
We hear something, quickly google it on our smartphone and without question if it fits our beliefs, confirm a thought, idea or supposed quote and then bank it because we are too "busy" to think.
Now we are here. With an inept, bloated and inefficient government with politicians whom are more worried about legacy than contribution to what was once, and could be again, the greatest country.
It's time to wake up, stop looking for validation on your Facebook and research what is going on in our country to determine who will at least attempt to move us forward or who will likely continue the downward spiral that started decades ago. It's no parties fault. It's my fault and it's your fault for thinking that your job is enough to contribute to our society. It's not.
Be the change, know who and what the heck you are voting for and for goodness sake, make an informed decision, because the definition of insanity has become the course of our humanity.
Different results are going to take a different approach, and you are going to have to do more than your 40 hour a week job to make this country great again. Read, learn and passionately inspire those around you to take part in the process. Don't tell them how to think. Inspire them "to" think.
I'll do my part, you do yours, and in 10 years this country will be great again.
We hear something, quickly google it on our smartphone and without question if it fits our beliefs, confirm a thought, idea or supposed quote and then bank it because we are too "busy" to think.
Now we are here. With an inept, bloated and inefficient government with politicians whom are more worried about legacy than contribution to what was once, and could be again, the greatest country.
It's time to wake up, stop looking for validation on your Facebook and research what is going on in our country to determine who will at least attempt to move us forward or who will likely continue the downward spiral that started decades ago. It's no parties fault. It's my fault and it's your fault for thinking that your job is enough to contribute to our society. It's not.
Be the change, know who and what the heck you are voting for and for goodness sake, make an informed decision, because the definition of insanity has become the course of our humanity.
Different results are going to take a different approach, and you are going to have to do more than your 40 hour a week job to make this country great again. Read, learn and passionately inspire those around you to take part in the process. Don't tell them how to think. Inspire them "to" think.
I'll do my part, you do yours, and in 10 years this country will be great again.
4
Let's find out. It will be an election with policy differences and candidates that are willing to spell out policy differences.
I would have thought that Trump's talk about punishing women for having an abortion would have sunk his candidacy, if only because of his candor. The frenzied, if disingenuous, shrieks of horror from the Cruz and Kasich camps that they would never, ever considering punishing women for having an abortion simply underscore the Republican Party's utter hypocrisy on reproductive rights. If women voters found Trump's comment unsettling (even as his campaign desperately tried to walk it back), at least it had the virtue of being coherent. I can't think of any reason why they would prefer a Cruz or Kasich position any more than Trump's. The Republican position is implicitly punitive, no matter how skillful or convoluted the evasions are to hide the candidates' true intentions. The best that can be said for Trump would be that he probably doesn't mean what he says because he's changed his positions on so many things that nobody knows where he stands, leading to the conclusion that Trump has no political philosophy, except to be the boss. For some, that may be enough.
Ted Cruz, conservatism's True Believer, still has to prove to voters' satisfaction that he is constitutionally qualified to be president, a dubious proposition at best. John Kasich is an old-school conservative who understands that getting himself elected is more important to him than maintaining ideological purity. He is clearly electable, but his message does not resonate with his party's Far Right political agenda.
Ted Cruz, conservatism's True Believer, still has to prove to voters' satisfaction that he is constitutionally qualified to be president, a dubious proposition at best. John Kasich is an old-school conservative who understands that getting himself elected is more important to him than maintaining ideological purity. He is clearly electable, but his message does not resonate with his party's Far Right political agenda.
4
Attacked from outside (other party) and inside (own party) Trump and Clinton show the lowest Net Favorability figures ever. Trump is deserving. Clinton not. Can't wait for the primaries to be over and the noise to stop. Then hopefully we can all focus on the big issues (economy, education, infrastructure, terrorism,...).
2
Time and again, political pundits have underestimated the Donald. Trump is going to be the next president of the United States if Hispanics, Blacks, Muslims, and women have anything to do with it. The Donald has millions of supporters among these groups who have been under counted in polls or who have been too intimidated by friends, family and colleagues to feel comfortable expressing their support for the Donald.
Trump has many friends and supporters in these groups. True blue American Hispanics, Blacks, Muslims, and women who love their country are going to come out in droves to vote for the Donald, the one candidate they know will make America great again.
Trump has many friends and supporters in these groups. True blue American Hispanics, Blacks, Muslims, and women who love their country are going to come out in droves to vote for the Donald, the one candidate they know will make America great again.
7
Somehow I doubt that there are legions of "true blue" (whatever that is supposed to mean) DJT supporters amongst minority communities and women. Yes, I'm sure he has black, muslim, and hispanic friends, but I have yet to see the data that suggests he is anything but despised among the majority in these groups.
If there are the legions of Trump supporters that are being intimidated into concealing their true preferences in anonymous opinion polls, I'm not sure that I would be counting on their courage at the ballot box in November. It's best to consider the fairly unanimous findings of public opinion researchers, namely the fact that the Donald would fare horribly against either of the two Democratic candidates. I'm not sure why his supporters would be hesitant to do this, Trump certainly doesn't shy away from boasting about polls demonstrating his lead in the primaries...
If there are the legions of Trump supporters that are being intimidated into concealing their true preferences in anonymous opinion polls, I'm not sure that I would be counting on their courage at the ballot box in November. It's best to consider the fairly unanimous findings of public opinion researchers, namely the fact that the Donald would fare horribly against either of the two Democratic candidates. I'm not sure why his supporters would be hesitant to do this, Trump certainly doesn't shy away from boasting about polls demonstrating his lead in the primaries...
2
If he loses, will his name be removed from all the properties he's plastered it on?
3
To me it seems the Liberal media is afraid that Trump could beat Hillary.
For those out in the country I talk to ,,,the story is so different.
Really.
For those out in the country I talk to ,,,the story is so different.
Really.
5
Gosh, that's real scientific. You've convinced me.
1
You are whistling past the graveyard.
Don't know what you hear out in the "country", but it is very plain how terrified the lefty media is about Trump.
If Trump is really a ridiculous pathetic loser who will lose in a landslide to Empress Hillary.....why all the articles? Why the hysterionics? Why not just let nature take its course?
If Trump is really a ridiculous pathetic loser who will lose in a landslide to Empress Hillary.....why all the articles? Why the hysterionics? Why not just let nature take its course?
3
So why is the comparison of Senator Sanders' favorability compared to Mr. Trump from the same poll not discussed in this article or shown in the graphic? Could it be because it is even greater than Mrs. Clinton's favorability advantage over Mr. Trump? See:
http://www.tulchinresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Tulchin-Resear...
http://www.tulchinresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Tulchin-Resear...
1
There is no alternative reality in which Bernie gets elected POTUS, ever. Everyone with half a brain understands his policies are beyond childish. The math simply does not work, period. He's a well meaning but seriously deluded cheerleader.
2
I had the same question. It turns out that the NYT/CBS pollsters didn't ask their full sample of likely voters whether they had favorable or unfavorable views of any candidates other than Clinton and Trump.
So in order to compare Sanders', Cruz's, or Kasich's net favorablity, the Times would have needed to rely on other polls such as are represented in the RCP average cited in the Tulchin Research report.
I'm inclined to believe that this is is mainly a consequence of a Times policy of using their own polls, rather than deliberately trying to avoid printing information that's favorable to Sanders. But I hope the editors will note the criticism, and broaden the scope of their next poll to include all candidates that are still in contention after Wisconsin votes.
So in order to compare Sanders', Cruz's, or Kasich's net favorablity, the Times would have needed to rely on other polls such as are represented in the RCP average cited in the Tulchin Research report.
I'm inclined to believe that this is is mainly a consequence of a Times policy of using their own polls, rather than deliberately trying to avoid printing information that's favorable to Sanders. But I hope the editors will note the criticism, and broaden the scope of their next poll to include all candidates that are still in contention after Wisconsin votes.
Hmm. Other commenters have indicated that the article does actually mention Senator Sanders in a sentence or two which I missed on reading. Re your point, I double-checked the website linked in my first comment, and they say:
"The CBS News/New York Times poll conducted over the same period finds Sanders similarly outperforming Clinton, leading Trump by 15 points (53%-38%) while Clinton leads him by 10 points (50%-40%)."
If that is correct then the logical inference seems to me to be that NYT is trying to bury the information so deep in the article that would-be skimmers like me are likely to miss it without being in a position for someone to call them out on omitting it completely. Grossly unfair, but in a fair way, sure. What was that locker room aphorism so popular at one time? "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat?"
"The CBS News/New York Times poll conducted over the same period finds Sanders similarly outperforming Clinton, leading Trump by 15 points (53%-38%) while Clinton leads him by 10 points (50%-40%)."
If that is correct then the logical inference seems to me to be that NYT is trying to bury the information so deep in the article that would-be skimmers like me are likely to miss it without being in a position for someone to call them out on omitting it completely. Grossly unfair, but in a fair way, sure. What was that locker room aphorism so popular at one time? "Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat?"
1
If the Republicans manage to wash their hands of the Trump they and the "news" media have created, Trump is likely to run a third-party campaign -- as he indicated way back in the first Republican debate. I wonder what that would look like: H. Clinton vs. Cruz vs. Trump. Weird.
3
Is the Electoral College map a non-starter for any other of the candidates? Yes, but you devote an entire NEWS item to Donald Trump.
2
All this conjecture is based on Mr. Trump getting the nomination which is far from assured. This author is getting ahead of his skis here.
3
The news couldn't be better.
1
@Monckton,
Better? Yes. If they're correct. They've been wrong before. A precedent's already been set.
4-3-16@3:56 pm
Better? Yes. If they're correct. They've been wrong before. A precedent's already been set.
4-3-16@3:56 pm
2
The rub is that there are not enough white people, angry or otherwise, in the USA to get Trump an electoral college victory. in 1988 GHW Bush got elected with 60% of the white vote...whites made up 90% of the electorate in 1988. in 2012 Romney got 60% of the white vote...but was defeated because the white part of the electorate dropped to 79%...in 2016 it has dropped lower still
GW Bush got re-elected in 2004 in large part be cause he got 45% of the hispanic vote. in 2012 Romney got 26% of the white vote. Trump will let an even lower percentage of the hispanic vote than Romney did.
Repubs can still win state houses and seats in the House and Senate, but they cannot win the Presidency without substantial non white support
GW Bush got re-elected in 2004 in large part be cause he got 45% of the hispanic vote. in 2012 Romney got 26% of the white vote. Trump will let an even lower percentage of the hispanic vote than Romney did.
Repubs can still win state houses and seats in the House and Senate, but they cannot win the Presidency without substantial non white support
4
my post should read "in 2012 Romney got 26% of the HISPANIC vote"
Voter ID laws are designed to counteract this. Will it ?
1
somewhere, deep within th bowels of a mansion in la jolla, or park city, or new hampshire, or perhaps even a mormon cathedral, theres a man named willard, tapping his tented fingers over and over, while quietly saying , exxxxxclent
5
Trump has won the primaries with basically 4 and a half % of the eligible voters. Not a ringing endorsement on any plane.
7
Still trying to process the similarities in the Trump and Sanders' camps. the appeal to white guys. Anti-feminist messages. The call for a new US. Promises of free walls or free colleges, take your pick. The haters in both camps who have a tendency to bully. And yet, allegedly, how different.
I don't think we need either of them. It's enough to take some of their best messages (prioritize US interests, rebuild US middle class) and move forward without the upheaval they both promise. It's absolutely without doubt not the time in world history to destabilize the US. Yes, Trump is worse in that he appears to be floating on some freed geo-political plate all to himself, raging war with all other mainlands. He's just plain unstable and dangerous. But Sanders is getting more and more suspect all of the time. Posted this before but just plain suspicious of his choice to run now, and as the season wears on, his nature seems meaner, less prophet and more planned attack.
The status quo that Trump and Sanders rage against? They are part of it, Sanders as a career politician suddenly running for president at 74, and Trump as a billionaire who wants what, exactly? I just bought a Hillary t-shirt. Not excited but it's necessary.
I don't think we need either of them. It's enough to take some of their best messages (prioritize US interests, rebuild US middle class) and move forward without the upheaval they both promise. It's absolutely without doubt not the time in world history to destabilize the US. Yes, Trump is worse in that he appears to be floating on some freed geo-political plate all to himself, raging war with all other mainlands. He's just plain unstable and dangerous. But Sanders is getting more and more suspect all of the time. Posted this before but just plain suspicious of his choice to run now, and as the season wears on, his nature seems meaner, less prophet and more planned attack.
The status quo that Trump and Sanders rage against? They are part of it, Sanders as a career politician suddenly running for president at 74, and Trump as a billionaire who wants what, exactly? I just bought a Hillary t-shirt. Not excited but it's necessary.
3
What "anti-feminist messages" are you hearing from the Sanders campaign?
3
Brad - Read the comments about Hillary from his supporters on these pages. They are almost identical to the comments from Trump supporters.
1
There's a special place in hell for people who ask that question, Brad Blumenstock.
See Steinem and Albright.
See Steinem and Albright.
3
Assuming the probable, that he is nominated, were Trump to wage a general election campaign resembling the circus act he has been presenting voters in the past months, he would be annihilated, and with him the Republican Congress. That, at least, is the assumption of Democrats and most of the media. But will he really?—I doubt it; he is reputed to be, if not brilliant, at least not stupid, and only a colossally stupid person would believe that the electorate is made up of disgruntled lower-middle class whites with a predilection towards racism.
It is therefore quite possible the Trump running for President may be a quite different Trump from the one we are now seeing; for one thing, he will have managers, handlers, pollsters, and all the other trappings that belong to political campaign. He will still have handicaps, but so does Hillary Clinton, a lot more than her supporters are willing to admit.
It is therefore quite possible the Trump running for President may be a quite different Trump from the one we are now seeing; for one thing, he will have managers, handlers, pollsters, and all the other trappings that belong to political campaign. He will still have handicaps, but so does Hillary Clinton, a lot more than her supporters are willing to admit.
3
It doesn't matter. The damage is done and it's all there on the Internet. If Trump pivots to look more human I'm sure the media as well as the Democratic Party will be there to remind the voters what's what and who he really is. God bless YouTube.
6
@M.M.,
You beat me to it. Hillary vs Bernie aside, the damage is SERIOUSLY done. Besides, I don't need YouTube for reminders. Trust me.
Trump is toxic.
4-3-16@4:05 pm
You beat me to it. Hillary vs Bernie aside, the damage is SERIOUSLY done. Besides, I don't need YouTube for reminders. Trust me.
Trump is toxic.
4-3-16@4:05 pm
2
That's what they said about Hitler. People said "Just read Mein Kampf. No one will ever elect a man who could write such things and if such a man were ever elected he could never do such things. Could he?"
Can we please, please, please have more top-headline articles on Sanders, Clinton, Kasich and Cruz with substantive excerpts of their speeches and platforms? I'm really tired of seeing the NY Times turn into an extension of this bozo's reality show and attract attention away from candidates who, whether I agree or not, have actually considered their positions. He's just a cartoon character you love to hate unless you're one of his demo, who I doubt are big fans of the Times anyways (forgive me if I'm mistaken Donald lovers.).
Sometimes disengagement is the best policy. I'm not clicking on any more sickening headlines about this man's stupid comments. The concrete news when he inevitably wins the primary and ruins his party is all I will need to know.
Sometimes disengagement is the best policy. I'm not clicking on any more sickening headlines about this man's stupid comments. The concrete news when he inevitably wins the primary and ruins his party is all I will need to know.
10
Bernie just won second stage of Nevada last night, a string of states last week, reduced Hillary's lead to less than 300 delegates with almost 2000 still left to be allocated, and while losing the early vote (when his name recognition suffers)he is winning on election days (explained here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seth-abramson/sanders-currently-winning-de... support among POC(excluding blacks) is higher than for Hillary Clinton and he is growing support among blacks fast, beats BOTH Hillary and Donald significantly in favorability numbers, is winning among Independents, which will be decisive in November, etc. etc. ect. yet New York Times is still pretending that Hillary Clinton is a done deal.
5
Thank you for sharing this link. I had not realized that reporting based on early primary voting results was obscuring such a significant shift in favor of Senator Sanders in election day primary voting.
1
You barely redeemed your article by belatedly admitting that Bernie Sanders could beat Trump much more thoroughly and comprehensively than Clinton. If the country wants to be certain Trump is defeated in November, Sanders is the one to pick. Sanders is pulling from some of the same constituents that fuel Trump's campaign. Those who feel strongly that today's society are not giving them a fair try at the American dream and want change. The essential difference is that Sanders proposes actual steps to change things as opposed to the inchoate anger that Trump engenders without any real solution. Sanders is a positive candidacy. If you are really afraid of Trump, vote for Sanders!
9
I wish the NYT would quit calling the race and belittling BIG news about Bernie Sanders! Buried 16 paragraphs in this front page, Sunday, above the fold, headline we finds this gem... "If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
It's unbelievable that the Democratic candidate surging in the polls, raking in the most donations every month, and with the most well attended and enthusiastic rallies, who performs the best in swing states against his presumed opponents, is relegated to a brief, belittling mention in the 16th paragraph of this article. Shame on you. Over my 50 years I've always believed in the NYT, but your anti-Sanders bias is blatant. Your readers, and America, need you to be better than this.
It's unbelievable that the Democratic candidate surging in the polls, raking in the most donations every month, and with the most well attended and enthusiastic rallies, who performs the best in swing states against his presumed opponents, is relegated to a brief, belittling mention in the 16th paragraph of this article. Shame on you. Over my 50 years I've always believed in the NYT, but your anti-Sanders bias is blatant. Your readers, and America, need you to be better than this.
13
There is a strong feeling among some voters who want to see a Democrat elected, that there is a ton of material that the Republicans have regarding Bernie's Liberty Union Party neo- hippie days. If the Republicans really thought he would be both a likely and more difficult candidate to contest, they wouldn't be in a no criticism mode as they are now with Sanders. Dukakis 20%' polling lead over Bush 41 vanished almost overnight over much less.
6
"Senator Bernie Sanders, a self described democratic socialist and 2016 candidate for US President in the Democratic Primary, joined Liberty Union in 1971. Sanders was a candidate for several offices on their ticket before deciding to run as an independent. He was their US Senate candidate in a special US Senator race in 1971 nominated at the first meeting he attended. At the January 1972 election, Sanders took third with 2% of the vote.[8] Sanders was the party's candidate for Vermont governor in 1976 where he received 6.1% of the vote. At the time of his resignation from the party in October 1977, he was party chairman. Sanders quit due to the inactivity of the party between elections." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Union_Party
What is there to be afraid of in that? As a bugbear, socialism has become a Model T in a world of Teslas. History has shown that whether Autocracy, Perfect Workers' Paradise, or Model of Modern Capitalism, Russia and China have been and will always be Russian and China: Templates of Totalitarianism which have never had anything to do with the sort of Western European social democracy that Senator Sanders promotes. We are in a good deal more danger from Wall Street than from social democracy.
Please tell Hillary and Debbie "nice try" for me on their greater than usual subtlety on this occasion, Mr. Milliband.
What is there to be afraid of in that? As a bugbear, socialism has become a Model T in a world of Teslas. History has shown that whether Autocracy, Perfect Workers' Paradise, or Model of Modern Capitalism, Russia and China have been and will always be Russian and China: Templates of Totalitarianism which have never had anything to do with the sort of Western European social democracy that Senator Sanders promotes. We are in a good deal more danger from Wall Street than from social democracy.
Please tell Hillary and Debbie "nice try" for me on their greater than usual subtlety on this occasion, Mr. Milliband.
1
Hm. One could also say:
Historical Precedent Is A Reality Check to {name Democrat here}.
Comforting articles like this will induce so many voters not to show up that they will snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. More importantly, the same applies to Congressional races.
By dismissing Sanders, I am concerned that the MSM also dismisses enthusiasm. And participation. Thus, democracy.
Historical Precedent Is A Reality Check to {name Democrat here}.
Comforting articles like this will induce so many voters not to show up that they will snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory. More importantly, the same applies to Congressional races.
By dismissing Sanders, I am concerned that the MSM also dismisses enthusiasm. And participation. Thus, democracy.
4
Lucky for Bernie, his cohort do not use this old fashioned divining rod for their infotation. I am concerned about their silos, though. I can get really caught up in my own corn and forget to check the damper, Pampers.
1
@Abby,
I beg your pardon?
4-3-16@4:10 pm
I beg your pardon?
4-3-16@4:10 pm
3
Why is every comparison of Trump's ratings only shown against Hillary? Trump is also trailing the other democratic candidate, Bernie Sanders, but unfortunately, the New York Times has already decided who the winner of the nomination will be.
Bernie has great weight and standing with the public, but articles like this one seriously diminish his credibility. For once, there is a candidate that really resonates with people, and unfortunately a news source I once considered to be unbiased is forcing much of the public to accept a candidate they don't believe in.
If the New York Times has anything to say about it, I will be choosing between the lesser of two evils at the polls once again.
Bernie has great weight and standing with the public, but articles like this one seriously diminish his credibility. For once, there is a candidate that really resonates with people, and unfortunately a news source I once considered to be unbiased is forcing much of the public to accept a candidate they don't believe in.
If the New York Times has anything to say about it, I will be choosing between the lesser of two evils at the polls once again.
18
The Times has been wrong, sometimes.
3
Because they are realists and right now she has the clearer path to the Democratic nomination. God, the whining of Bernie voters is just endless.
9
@Smarmor,
Whining? Last I checked, the comments areas of this online news source are for people to do just that: comment and reply to other comments. No one's stopping you from doing your thing, so...
4-3-16@4:18 pm
Whining? Last I checked, the comments areas of this online news source are for people to do just that: comment and reply to other comments. No one's stopping you from doing your thing, so...
4-3-16@4:18 pm
3
Not a Trump supporter--but I wonder if he is so unpopular why does he keep winning?? Maybe the upcoming primaries will begin to show what the polls have been wrong about every time!!
9
Read the article. It explains why Trump has been winning primaries.
3
Lazy Republican slogans like "Take Back Our Country" should be replaced with a new rally cry......"Take Back Our Party". It is shocking how much they haven't learn from 2008 and 2012. The desperate Grand Ole Party has evolved in to the Party of Hate
11
Americans continue their 240-year fight for 'free-dumb'.
Meanwhile, the most of the rest of the civilized world studies harder, speaks and spells English better, and suffers considerably less Reality TV brain damage than most Americans.
What a great mentally disabled country !
Meanwhile, the most of the rest of the civilized world studies harder, speaks and spells English better, and suffers considerably less Reality TV brain damage than most Americans.
What a great mentally disabled country !
16
How fair is that when most of these "Realities" are Brit knock offs? Pass the Lord Sugar!
5
@Socrates,
I might be in the minority. I've never watched Reality TV. (How'd it get that name, anyway?) I gather I've missed nothing.
4-3-16@3:24 pm
I might be in the minority. I've never watched Reality TV. (How'd it get that name, anyway?) I gather I've missed nothing.
4-3-16@3:24 pm
4
The Democratic establishment must be very happy the Republicans cannot field a candidate with lower negatives than Hillary Clinton. Clinton's shrill strident responses to critics is particularly disagreeable. She can't accept that many Democrats don't approve of use of super pacs or taking huge speaking fees from the likes of Goldman Sacs. She is going to have to repudiate much of her husband's presidential legacy.
13
Congratulations on the logical and linguistic contortions performed; in an almost 1500-word article on future threats to Trump's political success, managing to mention the Democratic candidate who poses the greatest threat to Trump's dominance only ONCE is a remarkable feat. This kind of myopic lopsidedness is part of why the mainstream media is not trusted - by Trump OR Sanders supporters - to present unbiased stories.
12
@Fred Little,
I don't know if a prior comment, apropos no mention of Sanders, will get accepted. But, after reading yours I double checked and saw what seems to be a token mention of Sanders. So, in that respect I was incorrect. What seems rather sad, though unsurprising, is the sole reference to him in this piece, especially if Sanders is ahead in swing state polls.
4-3-16@3:51 pm
I don't know if a prior comment, apropos no mention of Sanders, will get accepted. But, after reading yours I double checked and saw what seems to be a token mention of Sanders. So, in that respect I was incorrect. What seems rather sad, though unsurprising, is the sole reference to him in this piece, especially if Sanders is ahead in swing state polls.
4-3-16@3:51 pm
2
And yet Clinton's net favorability is second lowest, according to your own data. So what is the point? Are you going to now argue that Clinton can't win? I doubt it.
First, if you actually look at the data, you see that 'favorability' doesn't necessarily translate into winning. Otherwise, Dukakis would have won, and, more significantly, Bush would have won in 1992.
Second, have you asked yourself what it means when two major candidates, Clinton and Trump, are hugely unfavorable? What does it say about the way our candidates are viewed? I won't hold my breath, however, to see a similar analysis about Clinton, as she obviously is anointed by the establishment, no questions asked, nothing to look at here. But I have to wonder what Sanders and Cruz's favorability ratings are--too bad they are edited out here. Does that mean that Cruz's is, as I suspect, lower than Trump's, and Sanders is higher?
I find it fascinating how this is presented as analytical data when in fact it is manipulated data and misrepresented data.
First, if you actually look at the data, you see that 'favorability' doesn't necessarily translate into winning. Otherwise, Dukakis would have won, and, more significantly, Bush would have won in 1992.
Second, have you asked yourself what it means when two major candidates, Clinton and Trump, are hugely unfavorable? What does it say about the way our candidates are viewed? I won't hold my breath, however, to see a similar analysis about Clinton, as she obviously is anointed by the establishment, no questions asked, nothing to look at here. But I have to wonder what Sanders and Cruz's favorability ratings are--too bad they are edited out here. Does that mean that Cruz's is, as I suspect, lower than Trump's, and Sanders is higher?
I find it fascinating how this is presented as analytical data when in fact it is manipulated data and misrepresented data.
14
The more the media says he is done , the more support he seems to get. Perhaps you should headline his election is inevitable .
6
You are deluding yourself if you think this is true.
2
@Lawrence,
I sure hope you're right.
@hankfromthebank,
I had to read your second sentence twice. Please proofread your next comment.
4-3-16@4:29 pm
I sure hope you're right.
@hankfromthebank,
I had to read your second sentence twice. Please proofread your next comment.
4-3-16@4:29 pm
So DT wants to disband NATO, put nukes in Japan and South Korea. Just great. And this is the guy the Republicans put up as frontrunner? Wow.
President Obama nailed it the other day when he said the individual who made those statements knows little about foreign policy, nuclear policy, the Korean Peninsula, or the world in general.
The Republicans have gotten exactly what they deserved after they let their candidate rant about that birther stuff several years back.
(written by a former Republican who cannot ever see voting for one again, even in a local election)
President Obama nailed it the other day when he said the individual who made those statements knows little about foreign policy, nuclear policy, the Korean Peninsula, or the world in general.
The Republicans have gotten exactly what they deserved after they let their candidate rant about that birther stuff several years back.
(written by a former Republican who cannot ever see voting for one again, even in a local election)
19
And Trump too shall pass. Time is a wonderful thing sometimes, eh?
4
this article is a reality check that by focusing on trump you are only fueling the momentum of his campaign. there are many other noteworthy candidates, not to mention it is not a foregone conclusion that clinton is the democratic nominee--and as sanders polls better against trump (hypothetically of course) that ought to be mentioned. stop using the media to fuel clinton and trump and then complaining about trump being an embarrassment to this country--stop talking about trump and trump will lose momentum.
2
This is on voters, who act as though this were a vote for junior student council president.
I DON'T CARE if I like HIllary Clinton or not. We are not dating, we're not related, and I very much doubt that she will be dropping by the house any time soon for a nice glass of bubbly.
I care if she's competent. She is, though the e-server was a stupid lapse. I care of she's experienced: she is. I care if she's got some ability to get things done: she seems to. I care if I basically agree with her agenda and programs: mostly, yup.
And oh by the way, folks, there are such things as people who are very likable privately, and just don't come across as likable on the screen. It's a talent, is all: the President has it, Bush Senior had it, Eisenhower had it, Bill Clinton has it, and Trump and Cruz simply don't.
We're not casting a movie, you know.
I DON'T CARE if I like HIllary Clinton or not. We are not dating, we're not related, and I very much doubt that she will be dropping by the house any time soon for a nice glass of bubbly.
I care if she's competent. She is, though the e-server was a stupid lapse. I care of she's experienced: she is. I care if she's got some ability to get things done: she seems to. I care if I basically agree with her agenda and programs: mostly, yup.
And oh by the way, folks, there are such things as people who are very likable privately, and just don't come across as likable on the screen. It's a talent, is all: the President has it, Bush Senior had it, Eisenhower had it, Bill Clinton has it, and Trump and Cruz simply don't.
We're not casting a movie, you know.
21
The world, life life, is a complex thing.
And danger lurks.
Simple answers may work for your kids birthday party but not for situations like the Cuban missile crisis which could have led to catastrophic war.
To have Trump say he has recently gotten information on NATO and that he understands it all now because "I'm a quick learner" is a bit pathetic. Both from a policy standpoint and to hear a grown man speak like a bumkin braggert.
Trump is ultimately dangerous.
Don't make me say I told you so!
Cause I have no kids who'll be going to war.
Perhaps you do.
And danger lurks.
Simple answers may work for your kids birthday party but not for situations like the Cuban missile crisis which could have led to catastrophic war.
To have Trump say he has recently gotten information on NATO and that he understands it all now because "I'm a quick learner" is a bit pathetic. Both from a policy standpoint and to hear a grown man speak like a bumkin braggert.
Trump is ultimately dangerous.
Don't make me say I told you so!
Cause I have no kids who'll be going to war.
Perhaps you do.
12
RE: a commenter's post: The whole world watching us anxiously and trembling at the idea of having us Trump as president
Of course they're trembling. The US tax payer gravy train might be coming to end. Europe, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and others would have fund their own defense for a change. No more 75% of the bill for NATO paid for by the US. The Europeans might just have to give up their six weeks of vacation, retirements at 60, great trains, socialized medicine and other goodies indirectly subsidized by the US tax payer.
Of course they're trembling. The US tax payer gravy train might be coming to end. Europe, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea and others would have fund their own defense for a change. No more 75% of the bill for NATO paid for by the US. The Europeans might just have to give up their six weeks of vacation, retirements at 60, great trains, socialized medicine and other goodies indirectly subsidized by the US tax payer.
9
If the super rich, who pull the strings, are unable to stop Trump, they will move on and pour their money into more Scott Walkers, realizing they can still do more damage to ordinary Americans than a Democratic president can prevent.
At the end of the day, the holy grail is not paying taxes. (And, Bernie: Almost everyone considers their taxes too high; it's the one thing that we share--otherwise, our schools and roads would have been fixed long ago.)
At the end of the day, the holy grail is not paying taxes. (And, Bernie: Almost everyone considers their taxes too high; it's the one thing that we share--otherwise, our schools and roads would have been fixed long ago.)
6
JR, have you given any thought to how many of the super-rich supported Barack Obama and now support Hillary Clinton? Goldman Sachs and many other Wall Street firms are backing Hillary Clinton, just as they backed her husband, and just as they backed Mr. Obama.
The Clinton presidency gave us the end of Glass-Stegall, the protection against bank failures caused by bankers investing in questionable ventures.......the very thing that caused the 2008 financial crisis.
Bush 43 and his AG slapped the hands of HSBC bank for their laundering money for drug cartels and terrorist groups. and said "don't do it again".
Obama and his AG slapped the bank's hands the second time HSBC was caught........and said "don't do it again, again".
When HSBC was caught laundering money for the same groups for the third time, Obama and Holder said, "don't do it again, again, again".
Read 2011 Rolling Stone Matt Taibbi on this story; it's an eye-opener.
The Clinton presidency gave us the end of Glass-Stegall, the protection against bank failures caused by bankers investing in questionable ventures.......the very thing that caused the 2008 financial crisis.
Bush 43 and his AG slapped the hands of HSBC bank for their laundering money for drug cartels and terrorist groups. and said "don't do it again".
Obama and his AG slapped the bank's hands the second time HSBC was caught........and said "don't do it again, again".
When HSBC was caught laundering money for the same groups for the third time, Obama and Holder said, "don't do it again, again, again".
Read 2011 Rolling Stone Matt Taibbi on this story; it's an eye-opener.
12
I am a moderate conservative and could not vote for Trump or Cruz. I hope Kasich, or Ryann or even Romney gets the call at a contested convention. Baring that I would vote fore Hillary.. I don't think she would be a good President but I believe her to be a safe pick...not do anything stupid. Sometimes that just has to be good enough.
7
So arranging for money from foreign countries to be poured into the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation while she was acting as Secretary of State doesn't fit into the 'stupid' category?
3
In this case, if you care about the future of American democracy, you better go with the safe pick, and that would be Hillary 2015, she has the knowledge, experience and stamina to stand up to the Koch minions who will still be out there shilling for the totalitarian/thoecratic oligarchy. That's what decent Americans are up against. The word "totalitarian" has struck fear into my heart since I read George Orwell's 1984 at around the tender age of 10 or
5
That should be Hillary 2016 not 2015. Also around age 10, George Orwell scared me more than any thing the Grimm Brothers ever threw at me.
4
I'm fervently hoping that Trump wins the GOP nomination. Or Cruz. Either way provides the Democrats with the best opportunity to win the Presidency and majority rule in the House and the Senate. To finally shut down the Republican collection of racists, rednecks,
pillocks, climate change deniers and misogynists will be a glorious achievement.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. Do your utmost to make sure that Trump, or Cruz, wins the nomination.
pillocks, climate change deniers and misogynists will be a glorious achievement.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice. Do your utmost to make sure that Trump, or Cruz, wins the nomination.
9
Amen JLR, therefore recommend to all your friends, loved ones and co-workers that if they like the USA and want to keep the freedoms guaranteed b the Bill of Rights, they would be wise to follow the simple strategy of only voting for candidates with on the ticket a D (for Democrat) behind their name. They can make that decision now, get it out of the way and enjoy the rest if the freak show until it ends in November, knowing that they hold the salvation of democracy in the USA right there in their hands, Also, get a copy of Dark Money by Jane Mayer, read it and remove any doubts from your mind about which way to vote.
1
Yes, but...
The "majority of voters in the end will stick with the devil they know [rather than] the one they do not..."
Certainly Trump is the "devil they don't know." But who is the "devil they do know" – Hillary?
Do voters really "know" Hillary? I sure don't, and I've been paying close attention to her for nearly 25 years now. If not, why would voters pick Hillary over Bernie? I can see why they'd pick Hillary over Trump, since both are "devils" and they at least know Hillary better than they know Trump.
But people are pretty sure that Bernie's not even a "devil." Why would anyone pick a "known" devil over someone who's not a "devil" at all?
On a more practical level, why go with the semi-known devil over a lesser-known non-devil if either of them can beat Trump (as the polls unequivocally show)?
The "majority of voters in the end will stick with the devil they know [rather than] the one they do not..."
Certainly Trump is the "devil they don't know." But who is the "devil they do know" – Hillary?
Do voters really "know" Hillary? I sure don't, and I've been paying close attention to her for nearly 25 years now. If not, why would voters pick Hillary over Bernie? I can see why they'd pick Hillary over Trump, since both are "devils" and they at least know Hillary better than they know Trump.
But people are pretty sure that Bernie's not even a "devil." Why would anyone pick a "known" devil over someone who's not a "devil" at all?
On a more practical level, why go with the semi-known devil over a lesser-known non-devil if either of them can beat Trump (as the polls unequivocally show)?
Bernie would be portrayed - with a lot more than just a kernel of truth - as a Marxist (some Marxists like Allende were also democrats) atheists, conscientious objector/draft dodger, and pornographer. Any of these would approach the "Devil" category for a lot of folks. Low information voters can be a two way street.
1
When his balloon inevitably pops, he won't be missed. The question is whether, when stuck with the pin, he will go with a bang or fly around the room until all the hot air is out of him.
9
He'll fly around exhausting his gas and hitting and tearing things as he does.
3
Mr. Trump is the best thing to happen to the Democratic Party in a long, long time.
7
Though things look very favorable for the Democrats right now - never underestimate the power of fear to drive voters towards a person like Mr. Trump. Or, in other words, he may have no chance right now, but, are we one big terrorist attack away from a President Trump? That is my own fear having seen George W. Bush achieve 90 percent approval ratings after 9/11.
10
All the folks who are responding to this article have forgotten one thing DT says at every rally. "I am paying for my own campaign, I do not owe anyone any money". No one owns him, he can say what he wants. When it comes time for vetos or other executive action, he will act on what he thinks is best for the country, not the lobbyists. He says things that are inappropriate and not politically correct; many people in America are sick of people being offended by everything to the point where you can't express my opinion for fear it upsets someone. DT does not have that fear. In a free country all people should be able to express opinions, not just the few who believe they are disenfranchised or minority. Free expression is heart of
9
German:
When the speaker says things that are as obnoxious, uninformed and foolish as what Der Fuehrer Drumpf usually says, the rest of us are free to vote for somebody else.
When the speaker says things that are as obnoxious, uninformed and foolish as what Der Fuehrer Drumpf usually says, the rest of us are free to vote for somebody else.
8
If the Donald should secure the Republican nomination it will be very interesting to see if he self funds. The amount of resources, people and money necessary to run a 50 state general election campaign is significantly greater than the relatively modest amount Trump has had to spend so far.
I, for one, don't believe he has the will, or even the liquid resources necessary to mount that campaign.
Another Trump promise that won't be kept. Another Trump lie he will deny.
I, for one, don't believe he has the will, or even the liquid resources necessary to mount that campaign.
Another Trump promise that won't be kept. Another Trump lie he will deny.
3
He sure knows how to get the global press to pay for it! Call me when you see him setting up a big party like Koblenz for the Vets. Cornie Vanderbilt covered that one, 360! I hope there are bags of raw meat and bottled water.
The more things change, the more they stay right where you want them. Bet if he ever got game he'd never throw another press conference again.
The more things change, the more they stay right where you want them. Bet if he ever got game he'd never throw another press conference again.
2
I get such a charge out of otherwise intelligent people who just don't get the math. They believe in MAGICAL THINKING. They see the Trumpet-ettes at rallies and think that this represents a groundswell of support which will MAGICALLY propel him into the WH. Guess what? Santa is not real. The MOST he can ever get out of a national election is 35 percent. Period. On the downside, imagine this Looney Tune in a National Campaign? As he threatens to SUE, NUKE or otherwise spew his Palin-esque lunacy on ALL voters--that would exclude those whose only source of entertainment is not from the Right Wing. Trump could actually drop into SINGLE DIGITS! And I personally think he will. Also, his empire is starting to show cracks so he will be a poor guy without resources and the candidate who got NINE PERCENT in a National Election. Many of us welcome this.
6
That is a ridiculous allegation -- it has nothing to do with RALLIES. Trump has won numerous primary elections throughout the nation -- THAT is why he is the front-runner.
Just having lots of well-attended rallies didn't help Bernie Sanders.
And if he is doomed to lose and only get 35% of the vote -- why is everyone so upset about him? Do you see them getting upset about other third party candidates or extremists who can never win? Why does Trump bother you if you think he is a fool who can't win?
Just having lots of well-attended rallies didn't help Bernie Sanders.
And if he is doomed to lose and only get 35% of the vote -- why is everyone so upset about him? Do you see them getting upset about other third party candidates or extremists who can never win? Why does Trump bother you if you think he is a fool who can't win?
3
(fixing typos in ealier post of this message)
il Cavaliere e Don Aldo
-Hello, I'm hugely busy, wha'dya want?
--Don Aldo, it's me Sylvio, how are you Don Aldo?
-I'm running for president Sylvio.
--Don Aldo, I did that couple times myself.
-Yeah, whatsa billionaire t'do?
--Don Aldo, come over here we're having a huge party in Sardegna,
I know you will love it!
il Cavaliere e Don Aldo
-Hello, I'm hugely busy, wha'dya want?
--Don Aldo, it's me Sylvio, how are you Don Aldo?
-I'm running for president Sylvio.
--Don Aldo, I did that couple times myself.
-Yeah, whatsa billionaire t'do?
--Don Aldo, come over here we're having a huge party in Sardegna,
I know you will love it!
FDR/Alf Landon 1936, that's the modern benchmark to beat. Go (I will assume) Hillary. Oh, and enjoy that crazy-liberal SCOTUS appointment you'll get to make, since Donald will take Congress down with him. You can't make this stuff up, eh.
1
I am very much enjoying this and think these people--read Republican establishment--are getting exactly what they deserve.
4
Trump has the Republican party clamoring for answers. The corrupt billionaires and their think tanks that controlled the GOP for decades are scared stiff.
Trump may not be all that bad after all; he may force the party to rethink its policies to include all Americans and not just wealthy campaign contributors that keep them in office. The political landscape is long overdue for a major overhaul. A Democrat in the white house will set the stage to start the purging of extremist tea party members and their sympathizers from congress and also elect a moderate Supreme Court Justice. Mr. Trump would have certainly made a worthy contribution.
Trump may not be all that bad after all; he may force the party to rethink its policies to include all Americans and not just wealthy campaign contributors that keep them in office. The political landscape is long overdue for a major overhaul. A Democrat in the white house will set the stage to start the purging of extremist tea party members and their sympathizers from congress and also elect a moderate Supreme Court Justice. Mr. Trump would have certainly made a worthy contribution.
3
The big picture is that the Republican Party is destroying itself. If it's not Trump, it will be Cruz, if not Cruz, it could have been Rubio, each of them extremists. It'll never be Kasich. The Republican Party is destroying itself. After decades of brainwashing from Fox and Limbaugh and Coulter and Savage and all the other bomb throwers they've managed to get enough governance hating Republicans elected to be able to damage the government and the country. And all their ditto heads think that the government is to blame for their own party's subversion and for their own bad fortune in the face of this subversion. Ironically, they're responding by nominating even more extreme governance hating Republicans. The Republican Party is destroying itself, falling apart, fragmenting, like when the Soviet Union fell apart. Hopefully the little warlords and demagogues of the former Republican Party won't be able to gather enough power to do much damage, as surely they'll try. In the meantime the country and the world, for that matter, will be better off for the demise of what is today's Republican Party.
4
Very well said Frank. Could not agree with you more!
Is anybody actually LOOKING at that chart? Two things stand out: one, at least as often it's not the candidate who has the higher favorability rating in March that wins the general, and second, Hillary Clinton's is the 2nd-lowest on the chart, after his. Most critically, in 1992, her husband came from behind an even bigger favorability gap to beat Bush 1.
Trump has shown a fascinating expertise with the lowest common denominator which has thus far served him disturbingly well in the primaries. We'd all like to think those techniques wouldn't work on the American public at large, but I'm not comfortable with the only thing standing between us and disaster of Biblical proportions being typical American voters being significantly less racist than typical Republican ones.
Trump has shown a fascinating expertise with the lowest common denominator which has thus far served him disturbingly well in the primaries. We'd all like to think those techniques wouldn't work on the American public at large, but I'm not comfortable with the only thing standing between us and disaster of Biblical proportions being typical American voters being significantly less racist than typical Republican ones.
3
David,
"Most critically, in 1992, her husband came from behind an even bigger favorability gap to beat Bush 1."
The 1992 election probably was one of a kind, and so I wouldn't draw many conclusions from it. For example, Bill C ended up winning the electoral vote easily, though he had only 43% of the popular vote. And just before the Democratic convention opened, Bill C was at only 29% in the polls (Perot had a huge lead). By the end of that week, after Bill C had picked Al Gore as VP running mate and Perot had withdrawn (temporarily, as it turned out), Bill C was at about 60%.
"Most critically, in 1992, her husband came from behind an even bigger favorability gap to beat Bush 1."
The 1992 election probably was one of a kind, and so I wouldn't draw many conclusions from it. For example, Bill C ended up winning the electoral vote easily, though he had only 43% of the popular vote. And just before the Democratic convention opened, Bill C was at only 29% in the polls (Perot had a huge lead). By the end of that week, after Bill C had picked Al Gore as VP running mate and Perot had withdrawn (temporarily, as it turned out), Bill C was at about 60%.
2
Well, be well, I got real work to do painting my glass ceiling. I am so sick of looking at the stars without reaching them...but the walls cry, "Marry me!"
1
I'm now waiting for the paint to dry, you don't expect me to watch it, do you? I need one more coat and then it's done. Perfectly sealed in a warm honeycomb with lots of vanilla bean.
Trump is doing a remarkable job--unintended, perhaps--of revealing the dazzling hypocrisy of most conservative positions on, like, everything.
And, of course, puncturing the Presidential ambitions of the truly vacuous and of most of the essentially malevolent. Rubio is finished forever. Fiorina may be counting on a VP slot with Cruz but Cruz will never be President.
I support legal abortion to the point of viability and on a case-by-case basis thereafter.
But I found it refreshing that Trump, in his usual spontaneous way, took the pro-life position to its logical outer limits. If abortion is murder, then the woman procuring it--and not only the person performing it--is surely legally culpable too.
It was quite satisfying to see the pro-life crowd scrambling desperately to cover the yawning chasm in their argument.
The real truth? Trump is essentially moderate to his marrow on social issues. He*s a crude loudmouth who could certainly benefit from some heavy therapy. But he*s not the vile demagogue that Cruz truly is. He*s not the complete idiot that Rubio truly is. He*s not the wolf in sheep*s clothing that Kasich actually is, based on a long political record. He*s not a guy in magic underwear who expects to get his own personal planet in the afterlife. He*s not the essentially heartless, very skillful politician that Paul Ryan is.
When historians look back, they may well credit Trump with saving the Republican party by blowing it up so it can be rebuilt.
And, of course, puncturing the Presidential ambitions of the truly vacuous and of most of the essentially malevolent. Rubio is finished forever. Fiorina may be counting on a VP slot with Cruz but Cruz will never be President.
I support legal abortion to the point of viability and on a case-by-case basis thereafter.
But I found it refreshing that Trump, in his usual spontaneous way, took the pro-life position to its logical outer limits. If abortion is murder, then the woman procuring it--and not only the person performing it--is surely legally culpable too.
It was quite satisfying to see the pro-life crowd scrambling desperately to cover the yawning chasm in their argument.
The real truth? Trump is essentially moderate to his marrow on social issues. He*s a crude loudmouth who could certainly benefit from some heavy therapy. But he*s not the vile demagogue that Cruz truly is. He*s not the complete idiot that Rubio truly is. He*s not the wolf in sheep*s clothing that Kasich actually is, based on a long political record. He*s not a guy in magic underwear who expects to get his own personal planet in the afterlife. He*s not the essentially heartless, very skillful politician that Paul Ryan is.
When historians look back, they may well credit Trump with saving the Republican party by blowing it up so it can be rebuilt.
14
Before Lincoln, the Republican Party was called the Whigs...wonder what they'll call themselves next since it's doubtful the conservatives will ever have the stones to go form their own Conservative Party.
3
While a lot of the first Republicans came from the Whig Party, the Republican Party was a separate and new Party founded largely by Free State Wigs like Lincoln.
2
I'll be voting for the democratic candidate in the general election. However, if I'm reading this graph correctly, with exception of Trump, it looks like Hillary is polling lower than any candidate in recent history.
6
I am shocked, just shocked, that the paper of record didn't include Bernie on their graph given his landslide wins in 5 of the last 6 democratic contests. His favorability rating stands at +8 in the most recent poll. http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/bernie-sanders-favorable-ra...
7
Most Americans would prefer someone who they may not like completely who will get the job done as opposed to someone who they do not trust. The latter is the case with Clinton who has trouble conveying truth to the public.
3
It'd be laughable to see somebody sticking up for Trump's honesty, except that it's a) nuts, and b) a bit dangerous.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2015/dec/21/2015-lie-yea...
I invite you to compare with Hillary Clinton: Politifact rates her at telling all the truth, most of the truth, or at least half the truth about three-quarters of the time.
Oh, by the way? This cycle, Democrats are FAR more likely to get it right than Republicans, among whom Trump and Cruz are actually the worst.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2015/dec/21/2015-lie-yea...
I invite you to compare with Hillary Clinton: Politifact rates her at telling all the truth, most of the truth, or at least half the truth about three-quarters of the time.
Oh, by the way? This cycle, Democrats are FAR more likely to get it right than Republicans, among whom Trump and Cruz are actually the worst.
4
This is wildly counterintuitive, but I believe Trump isn't running for president. I believe that he knows that office is way over his head--just as most of the rest of us do. Therefore, I believe that the only race in which Trump is really involved is hedonistic based on discovering the depth and breath of his power, how much attention he can muster, how much adoration he can get, how much he can game the system and pull the wool over the eyes of media and the rest of us, and how far he can push the envelope of ourrage before it's necessary for him to bow out and return to what he does best, real estate, marketing, making millions--and living like a king.
8
I love your take, but this plot needs a thickener. I suggest he's getting paid in rubies to blow the GOP out of their gameboy station by a bunch of telephoney dwarfs in the shadows, SONY. Who's buying it? North Korea.
1
I agree with your comment, other than the part where you said he does real estate well. He is notably terrible at real estate as evidenced by his disastrous casinos in Atlantic City, which he paid for with junk bonds, leaving dozens of small business contractors in the lurch.
3
Those poor contractors, robbed by the mob's influence in their unions on one hand and defaulted on by Trump. How's a businessman gonna get an even break? Call the police if you want your chops busted. They'll throw you in the witness protection program with the Crooks!
2
What seems most notable is that both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have net unfavorability ratings worse than even the losers in the past 8 elections.
They are both wildly unpopular, and separated only by about 5% in that category. We seem to be heading into uncharted waters.
And speaking of "uncharted," why is Bernie Sanders missing from the chart?
They are both wildly unpopular, and separated only by about 5% in that category. We seem to be heading into uncharted waters.
And speaking of "uncharted," why is Bernie Sanders missing from the chart?
10
Try ten percent, and let me guess--corporatofascist conspiracy?
1
Turns out the CBS/NYT poll didn't even ask the question. I wouldn't leap to your conclusion of a "conspiracy," but it's disappointing that they overlooked an obvious question that's still relevant at this stage of the primary season.
A recent Fox News poll that did ask this question yielded negative net favorability ratings for Trump and Clinton very close to the CBS/NYT results shown here (-31% for Trump, -19% for Clinton).
Sanders also received a negative rating (-5%), which would put him a little above Al Gore and Mitt Romney on this chart.
A recent Fox News poll that did ask this question yielded negative net favorability ratings for Trump and Clinton very close to the CBS/NYT results shown here (-31% for Trump, -19% for Clinton).
Sanders also received a negative rating (-5%), which would put him a little above Al Gore and Mitt Romney on this chart.
1
The NYT has confirmed its outright bias regarding the democratic nominee for the general election. Your "wildly unpopular" graph shows general election candidates for each presidential general election race since 1984, and shows a Clinton/Trump matchup in 2016. No mention is made of Bernie Sanders. Your only concession, that while HRC is your presumptive candidate, is to write "In recent head-to-head polls with one Democrat whom Mr. Trump may face in the fall, Hillary Clinton, ..." Your paper has become a thin shell of what it once was, forcing thinking readers to look elsewhere for unbiased news. There are a few independent sources news sources surviving which have not been gobbled up by the mainstream media, of which you have become a full-on member. I will be cancelling my subscription and, as your readership begins to dwindle when readers realize they are being duped, will watch where your best reporters and staff go, once they realize they are on a sinking ship.
5
The chart shows a) nominees, and b) the current front-runners, who are extremely likely to end up as nominees.
And let me note, again, that I find it odd that these "leftist," complaints are shaped precisely like the wails of Trump's supporters.
And let me note, again, that I find it odd that these "leftist," complaints are shaped precisely like the wails of Trump's supporters.
try The Intercept - "theintercept.com" - for non-MSM sourcing
Trump is the best thing that has happened in politics since the real monster, Reagan, stood in Mississippi in 1980 and blew his dog whistle. Trump just might be the hurricane that finally clears the skies of smog. Can't wait for January 20th when we will inaugurate our first female or first Jewish president. Either one will be fine with me.
14
Keep in mind that Hillary Clinton's run for the Democratic nomination has been marked by steadily declining poll numbers. She started out with devastating margins of victory across the country. As the choices have come into focus, Bernie Sanders has nearly matched her. This pattern continues in Wisconsin and what looks like a narrowing race in New York.
In a general election, as voters tune in to see Trump tearing Clinton apart on a range of issues - both real and fake, important and unimportant - we will see a different dynamic in the polls. No one knows what that will be, but I am sure it's safe bet to say that we don't know how this plays out.
Bottom line, there is no place for complacency if you are rooting for a Democrat to win the White House.
In a general election, as voters tune in to see Trump tearing Clinton apart on a range of issues - both real and fake, important and unimportant - we will see a different dynamic in the polls. No one knows what that will be, but I am sure it's safe bet to say that we don't know how this plays out.
Bottom line, there is no place for complacency if you are rooting for a Democrat to win the White House.
9
1. Numbers always narrow, as you're gonna find out real fast if Sanders gets nominated.
2. I realize she's just a po', weak, itty bitty girl and all, but in a straight-up, mano a mano knofefight vs. TRump?
My money's on Hillary. That giy's a wimp.
2. I realize she's just a po', weak, itty bitty girl and all, but in a straight-up, mano a mano knofefight vs. TRump?
My money's on Hillary. That giy's a wimp.
1
The President has access to top secret information! Could Donald Trump or his wife obtain a Top Secret security clearance. His history with gambling connections is certainly suspect!
Hillary, Bernie, please pay attention to the voter discontent and make the appropriate changes if and when you're elected or you will face a one term and done Presidency. Pander to the people and not your PAC's, super delegates or personal agenda. It is not the Donald that we want, it's the status quo that we are sick and tired of which has included lies, deceit and massive distrust.
2
Gazbo,
You needn't lecture Bernie on this matter.
You can worry about Madam Clinton, who wouldn't take any action without getting a thumbs up from Wall Street, Exxon, and Monsanto.
You needn't lecture Bernie on this matter.
You can worry about Madam Clinton, who wouldn't take any action without getting a thumbs up from Wall Street, Exxon, and Monsanto.
3
The Democratic Party and the recently awakened media have come to the conclusion that The Donald is the evil incarnate. Are Sen. Cruz or Gov. Kasich different? The root causes behind the rise of these men are the policies of the Republican Party. The Republican party should be the focus of campaign expenditures not their individual candidates, who in the end are all alike.
4
Most Democrats--especially those in New York City, knew about "The Donald" a long time ago.
4
I'd suggest that Nate Cohn (and some others) need to take a good hard demographic look at the last Florida election, where a much-hated, wealthy governor ran against a much-despised, shape-shifting pol.
Here's the only way Trump gets elected: Snyder against Crist.
Here's the only way Trump gets elected: Snyder against Crist.
1
Given the unfair / bias coverage the mainstream media has given Trump no wonder many view him unfavorably. The media has not been this upset since Ronald Reagan ran. The media is beside themselves. Don't know what to do. Trump is someone who tells the truth and won't kowtow to the self appointed PC police.
Trump will win in a landslide because of his positions.
1) No more illegal immigrants.
2) No more one sided trade deals.
3) No more supporting the rest of the world. Europe et al need to fund their own defense.
Trump will win in a landslide because of his positions.
1) No more illegal immigrants.
2) No more one sided trade deals.
3) No more supporting the rest of the world. Europe et al need to fund their own defense.
2
the media ARE beside themselves
pre-coffee post :)
pre-coffee post :)
Sometimes there is little difference between the bias of the mainstream media, and that of Donald Trump.
Every time he opens his mouth something outrageous comes out. Can't blame the media for reporting it.
Every time he opens his mouth something outrageous comes out. Can't blame the media for reporting it.
2
"Trump is someone who tells the truth"
What's your basis for that assertion?
What's your basis for that assertion?
2
I am just so fearful that Republicans will muster enough sanity and intelligence this summer to maneuver the nomination to John Kasich, and he is the threat to Hillary Clinton.
3
When the broken political system which consists of one of the part of the system being the party of NO and obstruction that is exactly what is required. This would also mean a housecleaning of do nothing GOP griffters who have been gaming the system for decades. At that point you could begin restoring your government and democracy. We did it in Canada when we Heaved Steve, you can do it when you tell the GOP and it's leading candidate "Your Fired"
38
So now Trump says NATO belongs in the dustbin of history as the need to build international partnerships to combat climate change grows ever more urgent.
Is this a political campaign or a circus?
Is this a political campaign or a circus?
8
If Trump weren't such a silly goose, he'd make a wild weasel look sane. Wild Weasel is an aeronautical tactic for bringing out the SAM in any ham sandwich. We roll along the borders of hostiles attempting to trigger a peek from their radar by acting gamey, and then take peeking SAM out so the REAL rollers can thunder up your mugs.
Trump hasn't a clue what I get up to, so that alone should suggest he's someone's drone. My daddy carried hot nukes bound for East Germany, but he never had to drop nary a one serving our nations, Trumpet.
Trump hasn't a clue what I get up to, so that alone should suggest he's someone's drone. My daddy carried hot nukes bound for East Germany, but he never had to drop nary a one serving our nations, Trumpet.
1
Steve,
Get over your Red Oktober fantasy.
Nato is costing us schools, hospitals, water systems, rail lines, and bridges.
The knee-jerk, Eastern Europe fanatic Right Wing (no different than our Republican Jihadists) have never even attempted to contribute to the cause.
Forget Crimea, it was Russian for way before the Soviets took power.
Get over your Red Oktober fantasy.
Nato is costing us schools, hospitals, water systems, rail lines, and bridges.
The knee-jerk, Eastern Europe fanatic Right Wing (no different than our Republican Jihadists) have never even attempted to contribute to the cause.
Forget Crimea, it was Russian for way before the Soviets took power.
3
This is comforting...
1
Why does the NYT want to "help" the GOP win so much by getting rid of their leading contender?
1
I hope Trump is the nominee. He will lose. Ted Cruz is terrifying and a far worse option who could win if the machinery gets behind him. And even more terrifying is Ryan....a self=righteous, narrow=minded, intolerant, unforgiving, power grabber.
5
I am a grass roots activist in the fiscal conservative wing of the Republican party ,not this so called conservative religious right wing of the party. They have been trying to ruin this party for most of my life. This year shows that both parties are so screwed up that it may not be fixable, on either side. It really sickens me to see these fools and their hypothesis's for our future. The CONSTITUTION must be our future or we will be a third world country before we know it.
2
This is the first reasonably intelligent article that provides detailed analysis
of Trump's strengths and weaknesses.
And no matter how many new voters he energizes I think that his core supporters---angry, working class white men---are just not numerous enough to give him the nomination and ultimately the Presidency if he wins enough delegates. Trump seems to have the ability to scare almost everybody other than his supporters and that is not good if you want to be President. And if there is a contested Republican convention all the spite and rancor against the Republican establishment that got Trump so much attention and so much play may come back to bite him in the butt and make it impossible for him to rally Republicans to his banner making someone like Cruz, Kasich or Paul Ryan much more likely. We can only hope this happens. Trump as President would be a complete disaster for America. I myself like Kasich as President and Rubio or Ryan as Vice President. I'd vote for either of those tickets and I'm a long time progressive Democrat.
of Trump's strengths and weaknesses.
And no matter how many new voters he energizes I think that his core supporters---angry, working class white men---are just not numerous enough to give him the nomination and ultimately the Presidency if he wins enough delegates. Trump seems to have the ability to scare almost everybody other than his supporters and that is not good if you want to be President. And if there is a contested Republican convention all the spite and rancor against the Republican establishment that got Trump so much attention and so much play may come back to bite him in the butt and make it impossible for him to rally Republicans to his banner making someone like Cruz, Kasich or Paul Ryan much more likely. We can only hope this happens. Trump as President would be a complete disaster for America. I myself like Kasich as President and Rubio or Ryan as Vice President. I'd vote for either of those tickets and I'm a long time progressive Democrat.
2
Do you really think the religious crusades of those candidates to break down the separation of church and state are benign?
3
They are a bane to every civilized citizen who must endure their overturning by the SCOTUS. Have you scene what the outside interests just got my state to do? Dethrone cities of their own right to play Trump. We can't do NOTHING if they say NO. So no raise for gitmo.
I don't really know but I do know that Trump is a dangerous clown much worse than any of the other candidates because he is a loose canon and largely an unknown. And while his brash, "my way or the highway" style might work well in the high powered egomaniacal world that is Trump Inc. I don't think he'll ever bring the Republican party together behind him and he will have few if any friends in Washington. So much for Trump making deals unless he resorts to bribes.
Seems the school-yard trash-talker is finally getting a skeptical look.
His personal frailties are too many and too obvious to catalog here. And maybe once they smell blood in the water, the media sharks will kill off the candidate they largely made. Making and killing Presidential candidates is heady stuff.
It could not have been better conceived.
His personal frailties are too many and too obvious to catalog here. And maybe once they smell blood in the water, the media sharks will kill off the candidate they largely made. Making and killing Presidential candidates is heady stuff.
It could not have been better conceived.
2
I believe there is a mistake in this article: the quote from Mr. Olsen says, "If you bring in 30,000 blue-collar voters from Flint, but you lose 50,000 from suburban Detroit, you’ve not helped yourself very much." However, it is Flint that is heavily Democratic, and suburban Detroit (Macomb County) that voted Republican for 20 years straight, starting with Reagan's first presidential campaign. That is the county that inspired Stan Greenberg's famous classification, "Reagan Democrats." (Although people might see "Detroit" in that classification and assume the opposite.)
The more accurate statement would be, "If you bring in 30,000 voters from suburban Detroit, but lose 50,000 from Flint, you've not helped yourself very much."
(I'm a former Obama 2008 campaign staffer who ran a small part of Michigan's field organization.)
The more accurate statement would be, "If you bring in 30,000 voters from suburban Detroit, but lose 50,000 from Flint, you've not helped yourself very much."
(I'm a former Obama 2008 campaign staffer who ran a small part of Michigan's field organization.)
2
In the interests of full disclosure, I must mention that Trump family was helpful,"sotto voce," in pitching in to sponsor my Ghanian wife to obtain a visa, and has also generously contributed to Mr. Branson's policy of using one of his planes(VIRGIN AIRWAYS) to bring animals trapped in UK kill shelters to the US to find them homes. So, I am prejudiced in his favor. I also recognize that by recent "sondages" he would lose heavily to HRC,but that is now,not necessarily an accurate predictor in a head to head race for the Presidency.What will win the Presidency for Mr. Trump will be a massive working class and middle class revolt against establishments of both parties. Add to this his common sense positions on issues such as border control, his opposition to offshoring of American jobs and overseas trade deals, and his creative proposals to limit our financial contribution to NAT0,his willingness to allow S.KOREA and Japan to have nuclear arsenals,since it is only a matter of time before they have them anyway, and you have a candidate who will do our country honor. Despite HRC's efforts to appear sincere and determined, she still appears unlikeable, reads from a script, and given her close ties to WALL STREET, lacks credibility and is "inqualifiable."Her star has reached its apex, and is fading.Sanders will will win Wisconsin and New York, and could very well be the Dem. Party nominee. What a Hollywood story that would make!
4
Amazes me the criticism of Trump while the Democrats are supporting Clinton!
Why are our real leaders opting out. Because of the attacking media! Our Democracy is failing!
Why are our real leaders opting out. Because of the attacking media! Our Democracy is failing!
4
Sorry. You've got it backwards. Our democracy would be failing if we didn't have a free media.
Our real leaders are opting out cause Americans love reality TV. Real leaders are too boring when you have people like to Trump to liven up the discussion.
The media is often blamed for Trump's popularity. That may have been true in the initial phase of his campaign when a few of his well-publicized catch phrases and his Reality TV-like appearances and interviews attracted a crowd of disaffected voters drawn to his vulgar bluntness.
Over time the media has allowed Trump to show himself for the confused, incoherent and uninformed candidate that he is. While those fans of his who are primarily attracted by his vulgarity, racism and violent attitude will remain loyal to Trump, he has lost the following of voters who see that he is not against the establishment as they once thought and that he is more of a stand-up comic than a president.
Trump's exposure through endless rambling interviews and media coverage has ultimate revealed him to be incompetent, uncaring and potentially dangerous. Extensive Trump coverage has in fact pulled finally away the curtain, cleared much of the smoke and now any rational voter knows Trump can never be given the reigns of power as head of this nation.
Over time the media has allowed Trump to show himself for the confused, incoherent and uninformed candidate that he is. While those fans of his who are primarily attracted by his vulgarity, racism and violent attitude will remain loyal to Trump, he has lost the following of voters who see that he is not against the establishment as they once thought and that he is more of a stand-up comic than a president.
Trump's exposure through endless rambling interviews and media coverage has ultimate revealed him to be incompetent, uncaring and potentially dangerous. Extensive Trump coverage has in fact pulled finally away the curtain, cleared much of the smoke and now any rational voter knows Trump can never be given the reigns of power as head of this nation.
6
Trump is a brash New Yorker, but smart and he hits hard on the real problems our country is facing right now. His supporters are not racists or uninformed, they are just fed up with the existing crowd in Washington right now! Too busy with 'global warming, abortion and political correctness and of which bathroom we should choose' than addressing our real problems, trade, taxes, employment and violent Islamics in our dangerous world!.
3
The real problems you list are very important. Unfortunately, every solution proposed by Trump to these serious issues is incoherent nonsense. He is his own adviser in all matters and it shows. He doesn't know what he doesn't know.
2
It's too bad Trump doesn't have any answers to those "real problems" you mention. Given that fact, is it any wonder that so many people think his supporters are uninformed?
1
DRUMPF doesn't want to BE president--he just wants to be runner-up but doesn't know how to back out gracefully (if gracefully ever that was a possibility n anything he does). So, what does he do? He makes the craziest damned claims that should make people wonder what the H is going on with this guy, but the weird thing is he is actually CONNECTING with the fringe in the USA who actually think he has something to say.
He wants out, and the GOP should give him a way out. Push Cruz to the top,keep Kasich in the running, push DRUMPF to 3rd place.
Hillary or Bernie will take it all in November.
Now there's a scenario we can all live with. What do you say, GOP?
He wants out, and the GOP should give him a way out. Push Cruz to the top,keep Kasich in the running, push DRUMPF to 3rd place.
Hillary or Bernie will take it all in November.
Now there's a scenario we can all live with. What do you say, GOP?
1
Well we can at least thank Trump for providing the perfect foil for the clown car of supposed GOP candidates for the presidency on full display in debates. Most of them couldn't handle this bloviating buffoon, clearly demonstrating they weren’t ready. If he’s the last man standing, so be it. Then the real contest is the election itself where we’ll find out if americans are really that stupid to let this reckless upstart into the WH.
The real prospect of a Trump presidency is already undoubtedly prompting a rethink by US adversaries of the necessity for a vastly boosted nuclear capability in terms of arsenals of more powerful atomic weaponry and more effective far reaching delivery systems. This incentive is driven not as much for security concerns as it is a radically deepening fear for just survival. Even if Trump fails in his quest for power, his thoughtless bombast has already changed world attitudes towards the US.
The real prospect of a Trump presidency is already undoubtedly prompting a rethink by US adversaries of the necessity for a vastly boosted nuclear capability in terms of arsenals of more powerful atomic weaponry and more effective far reaching delivery systems. This incentive is driven not as much for security concerns as it is a radically deepening fear for just survival. Even if Trump fails in his quest for power, his thoughtless bombast has already changed world attitudes towards the US.
4
And yet, we're still giving him page after page of front-page coverage and round-the-clock airtime. Is there nothing that can distract us from his horrible visage and mouthfuls of nothing?
6
He is laughing all the way to the White House with all the free publicity.
If that made anyone president, ISIL would be thanking Moonves.
1
Hillary is heading for a wake up call, She Owns '' Sever- Gate'', Donald Trump may not be the winner in November. However until some significant changes take place in Washington , and in State House's around the country.
Were All Going To Be The Real Loser's In November .
Were All Going To Be The Real Loser's In November .
1
Trump has made it this far because of the GOP's failure to put up a candidate with a coherent mindset. Trump has a reputation that scares con men. Is the GOP on the verge of collapse?
2
Wrong, Trump has a reputation that encourages con men. He is a successful con man himself and knows how the game is played. If he gets the nomination, you will see them come out of the woodwork to join his campaign. As for the GOP being on the verge of collapse, it will either be a new GOP when Trump gets done, or it will split into two parties.
2
Regardless of whether Trump wins or loses, the success of his campaign thus far is significant in that it has revealed the angst of a sizable portion of this nation, whose needs and concerns have been ignored by decision makers all through our society.
5
Yup, Bernie and Trumps' followers are on to something, but Washington has pretended we don't exist for too long. I see education costs over 16 times what it did when my house was only a quarter of its value back then. That means students got rolled four times faster than home owners and have nothing left to show for it but an aging diploma!!
I don't trade if false equivalencies, but making student loans bankruptcy proof proves a grift can be incentivized. Hood, wink!
I don't trade if false equivalencies, but making student loans bankruptcy proof proves a grift can be incentivized. Hood, wink!
2
It is far too early to know what the outcome of all the political upheaval in both Parties will yield. Trump may capture the Republican delegates, or come up short resulting in a brokered convention (this is the fervent hope of the Republican elite). The Hillary Clinton e-mail server flap has not been resolved. While this is "much ado about nothing", it still could become a significant problem for her. Polls are interesting, but not reliable. People sometimes change their minds at the last second. Further, people's responses to poll questions may not be truthful.
This time next year the White House will either be occupied by someone who will lead this country into the madness of a Republican theocratic/fascist regime, or it will be occupied by someone who will try to hold onto the hard won social progress of decades. We will not know who that person is going to be until the election is over and all votes have been counted, and a winner declared, despite what polls predict the night before the election.
This time next year the White House will either be occupied by someone who will lead this country into the madness of a Republican theocratic/fascist regime, or it will be occupied by someone who will try to hold onto the hard won social progress of decades. We will not know who that person is going to be until the election is over and all votes have been counted, and a winner declared, despite what polls predict the night before the election.
3
RE: While this is "much ado about nothing",
Anyone who has worked with TS / classified info. knows how wrong this statement is. Her actions were criminal.
Never mind the political implications of what was she was doing that was so wrong she needed to hide her emails from her employer and FOIA requests.
Anyone who has worked with TS / classified info. knows how wrong this statement is. Her actions were criminal.
Never mind the political implications of what was she was doing that was so wrong she needed to hide her emails from her employer and FOIA requests.
1
Therefore, just make up your mind to vote for the democratic nominee and campaign for the democrats, irrespective of what comes down during the next 7 months. The handwriting is on the wall. You pegged it exactly when you said, "This time next year the White House will either be occupied by someone who will lead this country into the madness of a Republican theocratic/fascist regime, or it will be occupied by someone who will try to hold onto the hard won social progress of decades." There is no choice on the right expect for racism/fascism/theocracy, so it´s pretty much a no brainer to know which way to vote. Decide for the progressive side and vote accordingly in November. Neither Bernie nor Hillary is perfect, none of us are, however, they will be on the side of progress in education, science, healthcare, human rights. At the behest of the Kochs, the NRA, and christianists (false prophets), the plan is to take the USA back to an aristocracy. That is the most unAmerican thing imaginable. Don't wanna believe it, read Dark Money by Jane Mayer. If you have any doubts about which way to vote, this book ought to clear your mind.
1
Look at 92. An unlikable unrespectable Bill Clinton won over a likable George Bush that people just didn't want to be President anymore and who ran with Ross Perot running as a third Party. Trump just needs someone running in the middle to split the vote
1
Bill Clinton's been called a lot of things, but this has got to be the first time anybody's ever called the man unlikable.
1
I am not one to believe in polls. Even if they suggest that the candidate I might vote for is in the lead. But in the case of Donald Trump, one can only hope that the polls are wrong. VERY wrong. Because this is one of the least qualified candidates to ever run for President in the history of the United States.
There is no reason to believe that Trump could ever "Make America Great Again", by dividing it until it falls.
There is no reason to believe that Trump could ever "Make America Great Again", by dividing it until it falls.
3
Trump isn't real but his views, such as they are, fall into the category of extreme.
Cruz is certainly extreme in every regard.
As for the Dems, Iove Bernie. I agree with practically everything he says. And now, here's the "But". Bernie is also extreme - while most of what he says is mostly true, Americans need to face up to the fact that, if elected, he will be treated by Congress as badly as President Obama has been for the past 7 years. And Bernie will be able to get nothing done, unlike Obama, who has accomplished much but has received little credit. Further there are four areas of great importance where Hillary excels. Foreign Affairs: She already has the respect of much of the world community; Bernie has to feel and learn his way.
Guns and gun control: For Hillary (and the American people) that's a priority); for Bernie, not so much. Grasp of the American political scene in its entirety: Hillary understands it all; for Bernie he understands his agenda but doesn't realize that a large number of Americans do not agree. On social issues, abortion in particular, Hillary knows what the 'Pubs have done to American women; Bernie doesn't see this a major issue. Our country is already severely divided - and we can't afford a President who supports the extremes...Rather we need an intelligent, moderate, candidate who knows that the next President must govern ALL the people. So folks, if most of the above makes sense, who does that sound like?
Cruz is certainly extreme in every regard.
As for the Dems, Iove Bernie. I agree with practically everything he says. And now, here's the "But". Bernie is also extreme - while most of what he says is mostly true, Americans need to face up to the fact that, if elected, he will be treated by Congress as badly as President Obama has been for the past 7 years. And Bernie will be able to get nothing done, unlike Obama, who has accomplished much but has received little credit. Further there are four areas of great importance where Hillary excels. Foreign Affairs: She already has the respect of much of the world community; Bernie has to feel and learn his way.
Guns and gun control: For Hillary (and the American people) that's a priority); for Bernie, not so much. Grasp of the American political scene in its entirety: Hillary understands it all; for Bernie he understands his agenda but doesn't realize that a large number of Americans do not agree. On social issues, abortion in particular, Hillary knows what the 'Pubs have done to American women; Bernie doesn't see this a major issue. Our country is already severely divided - and we can't afford a President who supports the extremes...Rather we need an intelligent, moderate, candidate who knows that the next President must govern ALL the people. So folks, if most of the above makes sense, who does that sound like?
8
Vote for Hillary in 2016. That being said, if she fails to get the nomination and it falls to the Honorable Senator from Vermont, Mr. Bernie Sanders, I'll vote for him in the general and support him in his presidency. If you are a progressive and love the USA, then you simply need to follow only one simple voting strategy. Don't vote for anyone with an R after their name. You can see that the Democrat Party is fielding two great candidates. What have the R's offered us in the past 40 years. Lower taxes for the rich, attempts to dismantle the social safety net, poisoned water in Flint and a plethora of other backward looking nonsense. Remember, West, Texas, where the uninspected unregulated fertilizer plant blew up one night and destroyed half of the town. Want more of that, no, then you won't have to look too far or think too hard to decide whose got your back and who doesn't. Vote for the candidate with the D after thier name.
1
It's true Utah might be in play for the first time in decades. However, Mormon voters' aversion to Trump is only a small piece of the puzzle. The truth about Utah "bluing" comes from demographic changes. Look it up. Utah is one of the youngest States in the nation.
Young voters and transplants are changing the State's electoral map. By 2025, I have no doubt Utah will be solidly purple. For this election cycle, Trump's nomination will keep many older voters at home. Religion need not apply.
The youth vote will carry Utah and they're not going to vote Clinton. Sorry. They won't. It's a fact not an opinion. Sanders won by 80%. Clinton's "soaring unpopularity" is understated.
I'll quote one Mormon youth saying "We're LDS Democrats unless Clinton is the Candidate." How's that for a an endorsement?
Young voters and transplants are changing the State's electoral map. By 2025, I have no doubt Utah will be solidly purple. For this election cycle, Trump's nomination will keep many older voters at home. Religion need not apply.
The youth vote will carry Utah and they're not going to vote Clinton. Sorry. They won't. It's a fact not an opinion. Sanders won by 80%. Clinton's "soaring unpopularity" is understated.
I'll quote one Mormon youth saying "We're LDS Democrats unless Clinton is the Candidate." How's that for a an endorsement?
3
Trump has fooled the Republican elite and no one believed the make believe world that they have created would produce a candidate like him. They have relied on the phobias of the lower middle class for years. This is their base
First cultivated by Ronald Reagan and then perfected by George W. Bush. It is now a multi headed monster, which has been unable to win any national election in years. What scars them the most is the loss of congress and state legislatures across the nation. Finally, the complete destruction of their party. Even if trump losses he will run as an independent. If he doesn't then many will stay home and not vote at all. What a disaster for the Republican party. :)
People generally reap what they sow and so it goes.............
Chuck from Ohio
First cultivated by Ronald Reagan and then perfected by George W. Bush. It is now a multi headed monster, which has been unable to win any national election in years. What scars them the most is the loss of congress and state legislatures across the nation. Finally, the complete destruction of their party. Even if trump losses he will run as an independent. If he doesn't then many will stay home and not vote at all. What a disaster for the Republican party. :)
People generally reap what they sow and so it goes.............
Chuck from Ohio
3
Trump's been a loser since day one; but he brings more eyes to the media than anyone else, so they refuse to stop giving him column inches and video frames. It's a straight-up business decision for them. This puts him much more in front of people than anything he says actually warrants.
What we're seeing here is a general failure of the public to trust the media and a correlated low reader/viewership, then Trump motivates a minority of the country, but that minority is far larger than the normal media consumer base, and voilà, we have constant, unending media coverage of a man who speaks incoherently and inconsistently at a grade school level.
His most notable achievement, by far, is as a torpedo impacting at the Republican party ship's waterline. By breaking that ship's back, he has ensured a Democratic win.
What we're seeing here is a general failure of the public to trust the media and a correlated low reader/viewership, then Trump motivates a minority of the country, but that minority is far larger than the normal media consumer base, and voilà, we have constant, unending media coverage of a man who speaks incoherently and inconsistently at a grade school level.
His most notable achievement, by far, is as a torpedo impacting at the Republican party ship's waterline. By breaking that ship's back, he has ensured a Democratic win.
4
We can only hope. I've learned to trust nothing poll-wise until the final election Talley.
That said, there are many more surprises to come. Hillary as the Democratic candidate is not a foregone conclusion; it just looks that way for now.
That said, there are many more surprises to come. Hillary as the Democratic candidate is not a foregone conclusion; it just looks that way for now.
The democrats need to nominate a candidate who wild grind the last remnants of the republican party into the ground, Clinton will win as people vote against trump, Sanders will win because people vote for vote for his vision.
2
Except for the gullible and ignorant, polls mean nothing. I would tell a pollster whatever I felt at the moment but i would vote with my heart in the voting both.
I can remember as a small child how my Republican family s as a whole was stunned and outraged by the "Dewey Defeats Truman" NYT headline which proved to be wrong They could not believe it. I can remember my mothers
anger Truman's firing of MacArthur in the Korean War. But it was the right decision, MacArthur was to haughty and thought he knew more. Wrong.
So I believe that not all who support trump, people like me, will tell the turth and be made fun of by the stupid press bias against him.
Make a list of what you believe in. You will be surprised at how close to Trmp you are. He did not grow up rich. He was raised in Queens, not Manhattan. His father warned him of them. They lie through their teeth. Trump tells the truth but stay out of they way if you lie to him. . We survived eight years of moron with Bush. Trump is much smarter and I want to give him a chance.
I can remember as a small child how my Republican family s as a whole was stunned and outraged by the "Dewey Defeats Truman" NYT headline which proved to be wrong They could not believe it. I can remember my mothers
anger Truman's firing of MacArthur in the Korean War. But it was the right decision, MacArthur was to haughty and thought he knew more. Wrong.
So I believe that not all who support trump, people like me, will tell the turth and be made fun of by the stupid press bias against him.
Make a list of what you believe in. You will be surprised at how close to Trmp you are. He did not grow up rich. He was raised in Queens, not Manhattan. His father warned him of them. They lie through their teeth. Trump tells the truth but stay out of they way if you lie to him. . We survived eight years of moron with Bush. Trump is much smarter and I want to give him a chance.
2
Actually, Donald Trump was the son of a wealthy real estate developer--dunno about you, but even if you take the man at his word, I certanly didn't start MY adult life with a million or so of dad's money. Nor did I attend an expensive prep school, nor a fancy undergrad university.
3
Once again, the Times' strong bias for Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders is on full and shameful display. The Sanders campaign isn't even mentioned until the final third of this article, on the second page, where many readers don't go. Senator Sanders' even stronger advantage over Trump is highly relevant to this story; and yet it's undercut with this leading clause: "If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race—unlikely given her delegate advantage..." Reality check: If you leave superdelegates out of the equation, Clinton currently leads by only 263 delegates, with 2,042 yet to be determined. Clinton's strong advantage in superdelegates—she has 469 to Sanders' 31—may win her the nomination. The possibility that this could happen over the clear preference of voters is news. And it belongs on the front page.
14
Reality check: super-delegates ARE part of the equation, so face it.
1
That's 10% of the delegates she needs. And she has 2.5 million more actual votes from actual voters.
1
Don't Trump's major talents--fast-talker, story-teller, snake oil salesman, showman, etc--may enable him to win the GOP nomination. And let's face it, there has not been a capable world leader in the bunch.
But, when it comes to a comprehensive grasp of the issues, a willingness to negotiate for a fair deal, rather then a shallow one, an honest person--Trump is totally lacking.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
But, when it comes to a comprehensive grasp of the issues, a willingness to negotiate for a fair deal, rather then a shallow one, an honest person--Trump is totally lacking.
http://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
When I was growing up girls weren't expected to be good at math. I ended up being a programmer in the financial industry despite the lack of support and education in math that I received all through school.
It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know that women and basic math will be the death knell for Trump or Cruz or any other candidate in the Republican clown car.
It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know that women and basic math will be the death knell for Trump or Cruz or any other candidate in the Republican clown car.
19
Despite unhappiness with the status quo, a majority of voters in the end will stick with the devil they know then the one they do not.
4
Whatever happens it will truly result in an ever more polarised and divided America that whoever becomes president will need to work overtime to repair.
4
As a Brit, I do not claim to fully understand US politics or the main concerns of voters. But I will say to those who are so desperate to see Donald Trump lose, be very careful what you wish for...
Britain has been governed by politicians like Hilary Clinton since 1997, and there has only been one disaster after another. People who follow her type of politics despise huge chunks of their own electorate, and are convinced they know best with regards to how people should live their lives (God forbid people being allowed to make their own decisions); and that's without even getting started on economic matters, an area where their incompetence suggests deliberate self harm.
Donald Trump may not be the answer to America's woes, but I can tell you that Hilary certainly isn't either.
Britain has been governed by politicians like Hilary Clinton since 1997, and there has only been one disaster after another. People who follow her type of politics despise huge chunks of their own electorate, and are convinced they know best with regards to how people should live their lives (God forbid people being allowed to make their own decisions); and that's without even getting started on economic matters, an area where their incompetence suggests deliberate self harm.
Donald Trump may not be the answer to America's woes, but I can tell you that Hilary certainly isn't either.
10
Everything you've said applies to the republican candidates. It seems you actually don't understand the American political system.
1
To put it extremely mildly, I am no fan of Trump's. However, the anti-Trump bias -- and, yes, very sadly I do mean bias -- in the selection of articles the Times is currently publishing has made it self-deluding about the very thing it claims insight in: election reality.
Cruz, though he might win a few states, would do worse overall. He has, in addition to antagonizing a significant number of Republicans, absolutely no crossover appeal. Trump, on the other hand, has substantial appeal to the so-called Nixon and Reagan Democrats.
Unfortunately for the party's no-longer-heavies, after the convention Republicans will have to vote for somebody. Anti-Trump will not be on the November ballot.
The party establishments, the media, and the talking heads, have yet to come to grips with the fact that support for Trump and Sanders largely comes from the same disillusioned feelings of powerlessness and betrayal.
Cruz, though he might win a few states, would do worse overall. He has, in addition to antagonizing a significant number of Republicans, absolutely no crossover appeal. Trump, on the other hand, has substantial appeal to the so-called Nixon and Reagan Democrats.
Unfortunately for the party's no-longer-heavies, after the convention Republicans will have to vote for somebody. Anti-Trump will not be on the November ballot.
The party establishments, the media, and the talking heads, have yet to come to grips with the fact that support for Trump and Sanders largely comes from the same disillusioned feelings of powerlessness and betrayal.
9
You cannot be a Christian and a Conservative. People might say you can. But you can’t. They have basic conflicting tenets, principles, beliefs and impacts.
Historically, Jesus, the person identified as the basis to create a new religion or party 2,000 years ago, had some simple rules. Love thy neighbor, love God, peacemakers were tops, let God judge, seek a better path and put not earthly wealth above eternal values. When pressed about how to deal with a hated oppressive government, he said give Caesar his due and likewise God. Putting aside his hidden message to oppose Roman rule and stay focused on Heaven, the direct message was stay out of government and governance.
Conservatives or better named Christian Conservatives in America have a few simple rules: you hear and speak to God and are guided by what you hear. You deny rights to any identified and targeted group which offers economic, political and social advantage and use God as your cover.
No serious Christian can deny Jesus’ message to love unconditionally. Turn the other cheek and the Good Samaritan statements are clear. Jesus’ only described human attribute was his uncontrolled violent attack on the money changers in the Temple in Jerusalem. By doing so Jesus challenged the status quo of the Jewish leadership.
What does this have to do with America today?
If you need to ask that question you will never find the answer. To others the historical connection is clear. You can be one or the other but not both.
Historically, Jesus, the person identified as the basis to create a new religion or party 2,000 years ago, had some simple rules. Love thy neighbor, love God, peacemakers were tops, let God judge, seek a better path and put not earthly wealth above eternal values. When pressed about how to deal with a hated oppressive government, he said give Caesar his due and likewise God. Putting aside his hidden message to oppose Roman rule and stay focused on Heaven, the direct message was stay out of government and governance.
Conservatives or better named Christian Conservatives in America have a few simple rules: you hear and speak to God and are guided by what you hear. You deny rights to any identified and targeted group which offers economic, political and social advantage and use God as your cover.
No serious Christian can deny Jesus’ message to love unconditionally. Turn the other cheek and the Good Samaritan statements are clear. Jesus’ only described human attribute was his uncontrolled violent attack on the money changers in the Temple in Jerusalem. By doing so Jesus challenged the status quo of the Jewish leadership.
What does this have to do with America today?
If you need to ask that question you will never find the answer. To others the historical connection is clear. You can be one or the other but not both.
11
Amen, well and truly said ed g. Jesus was truly a liberal. The so-called religious right conservative movement is a perversion.
1
Donald Trumps primary skill is to engage the media in his campaign at no cost. It has certainly been entertaining. I believe the substance of his campaign will cause the majority to conclude that he is not capable of leading the nation and they will fire him. Thanks for all the entertaining reading NYT.
5
Both the media and the GOP have been kind to Mr. Trump. He has little need to spend any of his own money. In two weeks he will soon be selling the Brooklyn Bridge (or anything that made America great) to New Yorkers no less. Mr. Cruz will be telling New Yorkers they are too liberal as he campaigns in cowboy boots and dungarees. He may be smart but he is no salesman.
6
Given Trump and Cruz negativities, the race should be between Clinton and Sanders. That pretty much follows the trend of the 20th century, a Republican challenged by a Democrat. It's kind of funny how neither of them have been members of the parties they really represent before this election season.
4
As scary as a Trump presidency would be is not nearly as frightening as a Cruz presidency. Deep down, Trump knows that this is all a show; Cruz believes everything he says.
16
The NYT's relentless attacks on Trump give me great concern. If the establishment succeeds in beating him down, we get Ted Cruz. Trump is no threat to win the general election, but Cruz is far smarter and politically savvier. And much, much more dangerous.
Be carefully what you wish for.
Be carefully what you wish for.
10
How exactly are they attacking him? All they are doing is reporting what he says and does, granted they report on it 24/7 but that still isn't an attack.
Enough of the predictions that he will lose in the general election.
Trump has proven wrong all of the pundits who have been predicting his demise for months.
Trump has proven wrong all of the pundits who have been predicting his demise for months.
4
Trump can't get a majority of Republicans, he sure won't get a majority of Americans.
8
He may not get a majority of Americans to vote for him, but he will do a job on the reputation of the country trying.
"Horse-race polls this early are poor predictors of election results, and candidates have turned around public opinion before."
And in the chart that follows, we see specific instances: Clinton in 1992, won the election. Gore in 2000, won the election (even though 5 Supreme Court justices selected the other guy),
The chart itself indicates that this article is a pointless, wishful thinking exercise, and it resonates with the beginning of the yellow-haired pink guy's campaign. Everyone was declaring the deniability of even the possibility. Did the press learn nothing from Dewey/Truman? Stop calling the race before it's run! Let the voters vote. Point out the yellow & pink candidate's flaws (no governing experience, a complete lack of understanding of world diplomacy, milking hatefulness tactics, multiple bankruptcies, born on third base & thinks he hit a triple [we need Molly Ivins], acting like the comic book character Richie Rich, deeply unskilled and unaware of it, etc), but stop trying to predict the end result. The media has proven itself incompetent in this realm, and interest in your gambling bets does not serve the public well.
This candidate must be defeated as if he is our Hitler rising. Predicting his demise does not serve that purpose. California elected a couple of actors on name recognition alone. This current candidate has huge name recognition among the non-political class. Report facts about him. THAT will help voters.
And in the chart that follows, we see specific instances: Clinton in 1992, won the election. Gore in 2000, won the election (even though 5 Supreme Court justices selected the other guy),
The chart itself indicates that this article is a pointless, wishful thinking exercise, and it resonates with the beginning of the yellow-haired pink guy's campaign. Everyone was declaring the deniability of even the possibility. Did the press learn nothing from Dewey/Truman? Stop calling the race before it's run! Let the voters vote. Point out the yellow & pink candidate's flaws (no governing experience, a complete lack of understanding of world diplomacy, milking hatefulness tactics, multiple bankruptcies, born on third base & thinks he hit a triple [we need Molly Ivins], acting like the comic book character Richie Rich, deeply unskilled and unaware of it, etc), but stop trying to predict the end result. The media has proven itself incompetent in this realm, and interest in your gambling bets does not serve the public well.
This candidate must be defeated as if he is our Hitler rising. Predicting his demise does not serve that purpose. California elected a couple of actors on name recognition alone. This current candidate has huge name recognition among the non-political class. Report facts about him. THAT will help voters.
5
This article may be on point, but all I know is that I know many Democrats who simply do not like Hillary, but would tolerate Trump. ..A Cruz or Rubio would be totally unacceptable though. The reason is, Trump is not seen as ideological in any sense. If he's not seen as crazy he could appeal to a majority of Democrats.
8
George - Just how many Democrats do you know who hate Hillary so much that they would vote for Trump? Unless it's in the millions your simple, anecdotal "evidence" must be discounted I'm afraid.
I'll trust the scientifically based polls and state that this will be an historic landslide for Hillary.
I'll trust the scientifically based polls and state that this will be an historic landslide for Hillary.
2
Ron,
I have a serious problem when it comes to HRC.
She has rehabilitated a wanted war criminal and she used his sick logic when she backed the 2009 Honduran coup.
She sponsored the Gaddafi regime change fiasco.
She has execs from Exxon & Monsanto bundling millions for her super-pac.
How the heck could you assume that I could ever cast a vote for?
I'm 60 and have always voted straight D.
I have a serious problem when it comes to HRC.
She has rehabilitated a wanted war criminal and she used his sick logic when she backed the 2009 Honduran coup.
She sponsored the Gaddafi regime change fiasco.
She has execs from Exxon & Monsanto bundling millions for her super-pac.
How the heck could you assume that I could ever cast a vote for?
I'm 60 and have always voted straight D.
2
Personally, I find the idea of a Cruz presidency much more frightening than a Trump presidency.
10
What I see as frightening are the people that support both Cruz and Trump. These are the people with no respect for the Presidency, the government or the Country as a whole.
Two points NYTs:
1. Bernie's even bigger Trump tsunami is buried in your story. Can't you even do a even little bit better with your Bernie coverage? He does currently have more delegates than DT.
2. A small reminder to Mr Olsen, Repub Strategist; there are no 30,000 blue collars from Flint to throw to Trump, even hypothetically. A Repub Gov drowned the Flint baby in the tub, while draining the government tub.
1. Bernie's even bigger Trump tsunami is buried in your story. Can't you even do a even little bit better with your Bernie coverage? He does currently have more delegates than DT.
2. A small reminder to Mr Olsen, Repub Strategist; there are no 30,000 blue collars from Flint to throw to Trump, even hypothetically. A Repub Gov drowned the Flint baby in the tub, while draining the government tub.
11
The delegates necessary to win the republican nomination are roughly half of those needed for the Democratic nomination.
Forgive me for stating the obvious, but if the two parties splinter that would never allow a majority in charge of the federal government -- a recipe for disaster too. We are stuck with a two party system since this country is so large and populous. It's true though that the media does sway opinion, even more now than before with so much social media. Cultural changes have taken place since Fox News and hate talk radio got hold of so many people, exploiting dissatisfactions to their own ends.
4
If we got rid of primaries and staged the presidential election more like Europe does, I predict that in a 3-person race, Sanders would beat Trump and Clinton handily, thanks to:
1. the independents who would not normally vote in primaries,
2. republican voters disillusioned with the Don who would not vote for Hillary,
3. a good part (40%+) of the democratic voter base.
Of course, all this is hypothetical only, but an equivalent and more realistic scenario is: what if Bernie threw his hat into the ring as an independent (which he really is) if Hillary won the dem nomination? Wouldn't he have a great winning chance? I mean, it's not like he's signed a contract not to run as an independent, has he?
1. the independents who would not normally vote in primaries,
2. republican voters disillusioned with the Don who would not vote for Hillary,
3. a good part (40%+) of the democratic voter base.
Of course, all this is hypothetical only, but an equivalent and more realistic scenario is: what if Bernie threw his hat into the ring as an independent (which he really is) if Hillary won the dem nomination? Wouldn't he have a great winning chance? I mean, it's not like he's signed a contract not to run as an independent, has he?
4
At least a humiliating defeat for Trump will redeem America in the eyes of the world.
5
They are as freaked as I am about their own flirtation with fascism, again.
Jack Morgan and Friends tried to sell that bottled brand of French Fascism, Corporatism, to our people back in their mid-thirties, over educated, out of work, someone needs to pay....
The American Liberty League, put to work wearing uniforms, ringing bells of Liberty and stepping all over their clangers praising fascism. Flamed out in the 40s...came back Birching as always about taxes.
Jack Morgan and Friends tried to sell that bottled brand of French Fascism, Corporatism, to our people back in their mid-thirties, over educated, out of work, someone needs to pay....
The American Liberty League, put to work wearing uniforms, ringing bells of Liberty and stepping all over their clangers praising fascism. Flamed out in the 40s...came back Birching as always about taxes.
4
What do you care what the rest of the world thinks??? Whom are you concerned about? Europe who has been freeloading off the US for a century? The Muslim world with their stellar human rights abuses? Cuba? Mexico? China? etc. etc... Many of these places people risk their lives to leave to come to the US.
1
The main thing we can't forget is that electronic voting can be rigged easier than a Las Vegas slot machine. Plenty of proof out there for those who grasp that in some places, the ballot count will be nothing more than theater. This is a nonpartisan issue, not to be taken lightly.
4
Whatever the final electoral outcome, America has already announced its verdict against Donald Trump.
2
The only reality check is that three things are happening in America's electoral process:
The first: The two major parties, Democratic and Republican are being transformed into a Liberal party and a Conservative party as seen in many countries. It seems that the conservative version is really becoming a Christian Conservative Party.
The second: How the anti-democratic safeguards embedded in the Constitution by the revered F[l]oundering Fathers which include denial of the right to vote to women, non-whites (aka slaves), non educated, the poor, and Native Americans. Put another way the percent of potential voters was significantly less than 50% and closer to 70%. Even when those allowed/permitted to vote did not vote correctly in the eyes of the top 1% for the top national election i.e. president, the Constitution's Electoral College members can vote as they want. This has happened before. Constitutional safeguards ensure that the then and always 1% can control the democratic process in what is not a democracy but a republic. These attempts to deny voting rights to everyone entitled to vote are highlighted by recent restrictive legislation in WIsconsin.
Third: America's political process is revealed as a farce. Most Americans vote once every four years believing that is the start and end of their responsibilities and rights to participate in governance. That is why the above will happen. Trump: a catalyst; nothing more. Sanders: fresh air. Vote progressive or be fired!
The first: The two major parties, Democratic and Republican are being transformed into a Liberal party and a Conservative party as seen in many countries. It seems that the conservative version is really becoming a Christian Conservative Party.
The second: How the anti-democratic safeguards embedded in the Constitution by the revered F[l]oundering Fathers which include denial of the right to vote to women, non-whites (aka slaves), non educated, the poor, and Native Americans. Put another way the percent of potential voters was significantly less than 50% and closer to 70%. Even when those allowed/permitted to vote did not vote correctly in the eyes of the top 1% for the top national election i.e. president, the Constitution's Electoral College members can vote as they want. This has happened before. Constitutional safeguards ensure that the then and always 1% can control the democratic process in what is not a democracy but a republic. These attempts to deny voting rights to everyone entitled to vote are highlighted by recent restrictive legislation in WIsconsin.
Third: America's political process is revealed as a farce. Most Americans vote once every four years believing that is the start and end of their responsibilities and rights to participate in governance. That is why the above will happen. Trump: a catalyst; nothing more. Sanders: fresh air. Vote progressive or be fired!
32
Those of us who lived through the Vietnam war can remember that the majority of our friends were opposed to that war back then. However, as we aged, the majority of those opposed to that war moved back to the right and Trump is no exception. He once was supportive of women's rights and agreed that they should have the right to choose but today he is opposed to abortion and a few other liberal issues. What happens as some of us grow older? Trump is very similar to Clinton when it comes to aging and bad marriages. Now, on the other hand there are the more stable anti-Vietnam people, like Sanders, who did not change as they got older. Go figure!
4
Right, Trump loses in a generally election, got it. Badly to Hillary, and as noted at the very bottom of the article, even worse to Bernie.
But so what? Who will replace him on the Republican ballot and if so, how? That's really the only question that seems relevant here, and the one this article fails to address.
But so what? Who will replace him on the Republican ballot and if so, how? That's really the only question that seems relevant here, and the one this article fails to address.
8
As you mentioned there is also a tremendous dislike for Hillary especially among Independents. So, despite all of the hoopla surrounding this election it could be a very low voter turnout on November.
2
I see a very high voter turnout this fall. You have all the disenfranchised for Hillary and racists for Trump. These are people that don't usually vote. Of those that do vote you have those that see human rights going out the window voting for Hillary and those that what more rights for what they believe going for Trump. Who will determine the election will be those that learned something about history, geography, science and how government operates in high school or above.
Regardless of what happens in the presidential election, a lot of state legislatures will remain in the hands of Republicans. Gerrymandering will continue to give them a disproportionate number in the US House and the number of small Republican states will continue to give them 40 US Senate votes to filibuster.
4
Your fact-check on the fossil fuel industry contributions to the Clinton
campaign is disingenuous.
You are conflating lobbyists (who are paid to influence government) with
regular employees of a fossil fuel company (like a coal miner, for
example). Moreover, these lobbyists are significantly increasing their
influence by bundling large numbers of other donations.
Excusing these lobbyists because they also work for other clients is outrageous. Are we to feel better that these lobbyist might also be
representing Pharma (or some other industry) as well?!?
campaign is disingenuous.
You are conflating lobbyists (who are paid to influence government) with
regular employees of a fossil fuel company (like a coal miner, for
example). Moreover, these lobbyists are significantly increasing their
influence by bundling large numbers of other donations.
Excusing these lobbyists because they also work for other clients is outrageous. Are we to feel better that these lobbyist might also be
representing Pharma (or some other industry) as well?!?
7
The whole world watching us anxiously and trembling at the idea of having us Trump as president who with his phony rhetoric could harm our country and our friends beyond repair. Very scary!
2
Well, they need to consult a bookie, because that guy will lose worse than Mitt in in 2012. Stats don't lie, Money Ball. I was not at all concerned last time around, either, and now I only fear a Croix de Feu break out in which someone gets vets to sacrifice themselves to this insanity play.
We used to be able to get the vig from that Irish bid rigger, but apparently truth in gambling is illegal in this country now, CDS mess.
But even a sacrifice play will go over like Tabu in our church. TV hates on losers.
We used to be able to get the vig from that Irish bid rigger, but apparently truth in gambling is illegal in this country now, CDS mess.
But even a sacrifice play will go over like Tabu in our church. TV hates on losers.
1
So, as a nation, we will likely elect a candidate we neither like nor trust, because we neither like nor trust the other candidate even more.
America the great has fallen.
America the great has fallen.
9
America hasn't fallen. It's choice of candidates has.
Another way to look at it: NATO would be better if Trump broke up................
5
The captioning image has got to be one of the greatest irony of all times!
A hand with a peace sign tattoo, holding a Trump sign? If I didn't see it for myself...
A hand with a peace sign tattoo, holding a Trump sign? If I didn't see it for myself...
4
It seems like a perfect encapsulation of the Trump phenomenon to me. Neither Trump nor his supporters actually have any firm values or closely held beliefs to guide them. Cognitive dissonance seems to be the hallmark of their "movement."
1
Let's count flip-flops and criminal behavior.Clinton is probably leading
Trump.I hope the electoral map is also a reality check for her.
Trump.I hope the electoral map is also a reality check for her.
3
Our political system is broken. After many months, too many debates and millions of dollars wasted, it appears that both the Republicans and the Democrats will be selecting candidates which a majority of their respective members don't like. It is becoming clear that the recent results of our primaries do not reflect the beliefs and desires of most Americans.
This is the result of our dysfunctional system of primaries. In most states in order to vote in a party's primary one must be registered as a member of that party. Those who register do so because they feel strongly about their party's agendas. They tend to be more to the extremes of the political spectrum. And they are the people who choose our candidates.
A significant part of the our population is not registered with a either party. They may not agree with the party hard-liners or who are just tired of politics as usual. More than likely they are the moderates who would support compromise and civility not gridlock and discord. These are the voices excluded from our political process.
The results is what we have today, a poor choice of candidates. In November most of us will again vote not for the candidate we truly like but for the one we dislike least.
This is the result of our dysfunctional system of primaries. In most states in order to vote in a party's primary one must be registered as a member of that party. Those who register do so because they feel strongly about their party's agendas. They tend to be more to the extremes of the political spectrum. And they are the people who choose our candidates.
A significant part of the our population is not registered with a either party. They may not agree with the party hard-liners or who are just tired of politics as usual. More than likely they are the moderates who would support compromise and civility not gridlock and discord. These are the voices excluded from our political process.
The results is what we have today, a poor choice of candidates. In November most of us will again vote not for the candidate we truly like but for the one we dislike least.
45
Pete - Where are you getting that the majority of Democrats don't like Hillary? She has more votes, period. Stop revising history before it is even written.
Brilliant, non-ideological, and spot-on. What a disaster for any consensus or advancement, who/how can it be fixed
1
Mrs. Clinton represents the status quo.
Mr. Sanders represents an agenda of fantastical perfection.
Mr. Cruz represents the Tea Party. Enough said.
Mr. Trump represents a revolution of Chaos.
The status quo is all of a sudden looking better and feeling like a life raft.
Mr. Sanders represents an agenda of fantastical perfection.
Mr. Cruz represents the Tea Party. Enough said.
Mr. Trump represents a revolution of Chaos.
The status quo is all of a sudden looking better and feeling like a life raft.
5
I've been watching House of Cards, 4th season, as my mother keeps CNN on the presidential race. What has been remarkable is to see how reality trumps, no pun intended, a fictional program for it's outrageousness and the lack of viability of its candidates. Frank Underwood, seems more 'real life' that Donald Trump.
In the end it's hard to tell which is the fiction and which is the reality.
Sad but true.
In the end it's hard to tell which is the fiction and which is the reality.
Sad but true.
2
These numbers renew my faith in America. When President Obama recently remarked that he believes Trump will never be president because he has too much faith in the American people, I wanted to be cheered by the thought but, Trump's hateful campaign had so rattled me, I wasn't sure. Now I'm heartened. It is increasingly clear that the vast majority of Americans -- including the white working class who among Republican primary voters comprise Der Drumps's core -- have seen through this vile con man and are repelled by what they see. This is the America I know.
5
Not only is it necessary to defeat Trump, but the voters must also oust the Republican crazies in Congress. The new President must have a Congress he or she can work with. The obstructing that exists now is exactly what we must eliminate.
11
Nate Cohn's political predictions over the past several months about the demise of TRUMP have consistently proven to be wrong. He can't seem to understand that we TRUMP supporters - millions of men AND women - come from ALL backgrounds across the U.S. and we DO vote. I already mailed in my absentee ballot for him for the New York April 18th Republican Primary. Mr. Cohn should try and attend the TRUMP rally in Bethpage, Long Island this coming Wednesday evening, 6 April 2016. We Long Islanders will give the Donald a Uuuuuuuge welcome :)
4
What specific policies and accomplishments do you look forward to from a Trump Presidency, and how would that be good for our country?
1
Brad Blumenstock in St. Louis:
I would suggest that you read Trump's book 'Crippled America'. You might find it enlightening.
Some of my thoughts on the subject:
President Trump will hire bright Type 'A' Cabinet position directors for the various governmental departments ex: Ray LaHood for Secretary of Transportation who did a first rate job in making the public aware of Driver Distraction.
Appoint ambassadors who understand the history and culture of the countries to which they are being appointed - and who speak their language.
Develop a special basic health care policy for anyone under a certain income and for all retirees. It should have no deductibles and include dental treatment.
End illegal migrant workers. American workers should get job priority.
Give substantial tax incentives to American businesses that don't outsource their companies.
Don't forget to vote :)
I would suggest that you read Trump's book 'Crippled America'. You might find it enlightening.
Some of my thoughts on the subject:
President Trump will hire bright Type 'A' Cabinet position directors for the various governmental departments ex: Ray LaHood for Secretary of Transportation who did a first rate job in making the public aware of Driver Distraction.
Appoint ambassadors who understand the history and culture of the countries to which they are being appointed - and who speak their language.
Develop a special basic health care policy for anyone under a certain income and for all retirees. It should have no deductibles and include dental treatment.
End illegal migrant workers. American workers should get job priority.
Give substantial tax incentives to American businesses that don't outsource their companies.
Don't forget to vote :)
2
I cannot understand why this article postpones any mention of Sanders until the last 25% of the piece, when it is tremendously significant that all the national polls show Sanders beating Trump by a far greater margin than Clinton. Sanders does better against Trump because this is a year of populist fervor. In the general election, Sanders can peel away Trump voters who would never vote for Clinton. It says a great deal that in each of the last three months, Sanders has raised more money than Clinton, without any large contributors, PACS, or backing from the media or Democratic hierarchy.
7
Trump is the lesser evil - if he becomes Prez, he wont do do half the things he says. Cruz, on the other hand, will do exactly what he says and a lot more.
7
Its time for a new national party. 2016 is lost but if we survive four years of this mess, we need to establish a new competitive national party to erode or destroy the entrenched power of the current two parties and enable the return of our government to control of WE the People, not corporations, not the richest of the rich, not the left or right wing extremist minorities and not, for sure, the likes of Donald Trump.
We need a party that serves the American People by requiring any candidate it nominates and supports to pledge by written signed oath at the time he or she is nominated, to base all executive and Congressional actions, when elected and serving, in terms of supporting and promoting the mandates of the Preamble to our Constitution. These public servants would also pledge to provide formal explanation each time they take action, create a law, pass a budget or issue an executive order how said action or whomever they appoint to whatever position, including the Supreme Court, supports and promotes any or all of the mandates in the Preamble to our Constitution.
Apply that litmus test and in all issues, if it is tune with the Preamble, it is good for the American People, from security and defense to education and healthcare along with transparency in government.
We need to do this before it is too late which it may already be a Trump trumps the country or Cruz cruses right over the document he says he defends, while he ignores it.
We need a party that serves the American People by requiring any candidate it nominates and supports to pledge by written signed oath at the time he or she is nominated, to base all executive and Congressional actions, when elected and serving, in terms of supporting and promoting the mandates of the Preamble to our Constitution. These public servants would also pledge to provide formal explanation each time they take action, create a law, pass a budget or issue an executive order how said action or whomever they appoint to whatever position, including the Supreme Court, supports and promotes any or all of the mandates in the Preamble to our Constitution.
Apply that litmus test and in all issues, if it is tune with the Preamble, it is good for the American People, from security and defense to education and healthcare along with transparency in government.
We need to do this before it is too late which it may already be a Trump trumps the country or Cruz cruses right over the document he says he defends, while he ignores it.
1
Wow look at that: Trump's net favorability is abysmal, and Clinton's is the second lowest after him in recent history.
6
According to this chart Hillary Clinton is the second-most unfavorably viewed presidential candidate in the last 30+ years, and her favorability rating lead over Trump is smaller than Dukakis' over Bush 1 in '88 and much smaller than Bush 1's over Clinton in '92. How did these elections turn out?
Anybody drawing sweeping definite conclusions of the kind presented in this article from these data does either have a very limited grasp of statistics or a definite political agenda.
Why don't you put data points for Kasich, Cruz, and in particular Sanders on this graph? Neither Trump not Clinton have won yet, and neither is still inevitable. Sanders still has an excellent chance of winning the democratic primary, no matter how hard the NYT tries to convince us of the opposite.
Anybody drawing sweeping definite conclusions of the kind presented in this article from these data does either have a very limited grasp of statistics or a definite political agenda.
Why don't you put data points for Kasich, Cruz, and in particular Sanders on this graph? Neither Trump not Clinton have won yet, and neither is still inevitable. Sanders still has an excellent chance of winning the democratic primary, no matter how hard the NYT tries to convince us of the opposite.
8
The chart is an accurate reflection of a successfully dumbed down America. Only we would choose the two least favorable candidates to run for the job of leading our nation.
Proof that the system is broken. I hope Winston Churchill's assessment of the American people still holds but this time I doubt it.
Proof that the system is broken. I hope Winston Churchill's assessment of the American people still holds but this time I doubt it.
1
National polls at this point tell us practically nothing. Trump first needs to make it to the first ballot with the required majority of delegates, and he may well fall short. If he doesn't get the nomination, he'll either sulk (and so will his ardent supporters) or make a third-party attempt.
Same goes for Sanders. He must win 61% of remaining delegates. Looks highly unlikely, and in a national campaign the Republicans would have a field day with just one word: "socialist."
It's useless to talk of the popular vote in the context of a national election. Gore received more popular votes than Bush, but the electoral college didn't play well for Gore (especially with the help of Antonin Scalia).
Same goes for Sanders. He must win 61% of remaining delegates. Looks highly unlikely, and in a national campaign the Republicans would have a field day with just one word: "socialist."
It's useless to talk of the popular vote in the context of a national election. Gore received more popular votes than Bush, but the electoral college didn't play well for Gore (especially with the help of Antonin Scalia).
1
It's clear Trump will not take the nomination. Much as he's overtaken the primary process in combat with Cruz and to a limited extent, Kasich, he will not have the de;legates in July and will lose the nomination in a floor fight. And as I've stated before, I really think that's what his plan is. I believe he's realized - with fright - that he could very well win the nomination, and he never really wanted it - and knows if he were actually elected (a snowball's chance in hell) he would prove his lack of ability and be impeached within 6 months. A man with an ego like his couldn't handle that. For one, he knows he's utterly unqualified, and two, he has no intention of turning his back on his business.
2
A persuasive argument....
Wouldn't it be something if Mitt "Choke Artist" Romney was instrumental in sliding Utah's electoral votes over to the Democratic candidate? That would be some cold revenge on the Donald.
3
So who is the likely Republican Dark Horse? Or is there a herd jostling in the wings? Another Magnificent 16 GOP wannabes.
Certainly not Cruz, he is a known negative. A head to head poll match up of Cruz verses Sanders or Clinton would be quite interesting.
The convention in Cleveland promises to be no love fest, something more akin to a no-holds-barred cage fight with brass knuckles. In an election that has been so fiercely focused on spectacle, surely this will be the penultimate event.
Then there is the question of an independent run, a third party bid? Surely there are some still aspirants out there other than the tepid few mentioned even before Trump had amassed so much momentum and self inflicted negativity.
The most impenetrable conundrum seems to be whether there is anyone in the GOP universe who could standout and credibly unite the Republican menagerie?
Certainly not Cruz, he is a known negative. A head to head poll match up of Cruz verses Sanders or Clinton would be quite interesting.
The convention in Cleveland promises to be no love fest, something more akin to a no-holds-barred cage fight with brass knuckles. In an election that has been so fiercely focused on spectacle, surely this will be the penultimate event.
Then there is the question of an independent run, a third party bid? Surely there are some still aspirants out there other than the tepid few mentioned even before Trump had amassed so much momentum and self inflicted negativity.
The most impenetrable conundrum seems to be whether there is anyone in the GOP universe who could standout and credibly unite the Republican menagerie?
20
It is sad that America is self-defeating itself…
The mockery of the electoral system with its preposterous “the winner
takes all”, cowboy like nonsense, is making the world wondering.
Trump being a phony character of the show, revealed the mockery of two
party system imposed on “unwashed” crowd, and bravely diluted notion
of the “exceptional “ democracy.
The world became confused.
Jean Baudrillard, the French philosopher, was a tireless enthusiast for
the United States — though, he once called it "the only remaining
primitive society."
Is it deserved? Of course not, but philosophers, after all, usually think
before saying anything … It was always like this as long I can remember…
The mockery of the electoral system with its preposterous “the winner
takes all”, cowboy like nonsense, is making the world wondering.
Trump being a phony character of the show, revealed the mockery of two
party system imposed on “unwashed” crowd, and bravely diluted notion
of the “exceptional “ democracy.
The world became confused.
Jean Baudrillard, the French philosopher, was a tireless enthusiast for
the United States — though, he once called it "the only remaining
primitive society."
Is it deserved? Of course not, but philosophers, after all, usually think
before saying anything … It was always like this as long I can remember…
3
So, if this proceeds as predicted it will be a match between the least liked candidate in the last 35 years against the second-placed least liked candidate in the last 35 years. This is sad.
3
We liberals had better be careful. Be quiet and let "The Donald" win the nomination. Because his Bible-thumping alternative is a real danger. People want to vote on the right side of God in this country, and if Trump goes down, these vengeful, God-fearing, NIMBY types may well vote Cruz right into the presidency.
4
Both Trump and Cruz will get swamped in the general no matter who is the Democratic nominee. Kasich is the only GOP candidate that can win. Paul Ryan, Romney , will be toast in the general. Unless a major terrorist attack occurs in the US (God forbid), or some legal issue derails Hilary, the smart money is on a Democratic victory in Novemeber. The question than becomes, how long will her coattails be? Hopefully enough to take back the Senate.
52
Looking at Senate elections since 1946, I find no evidence of a "coattails" effect. What matters is whether the President is running for re-election. In those years, the President's party wins about 51% of the senatorial vote. In years where the President is not atop the ticket, his party wins 47%. Presidential popularity does factor into votes for the Senate but only in off-year elections.
The Democrats have one slight factor in their favor. If personal income growth notches 2% this year, as seems likely, my estimate of the vote for their Senate candidates rises to 48%. And though it is often argued that there may be "too many" Republicans in the current class because of that party's success in 2010, that factor has only a very limited effect when it comes to Senate voting.
It's still possible for a party to win a majority of the seats in the Senate even when it fails to gain a majority of the vote. That happened in 2004 and even more dramatically in 1982, both times to the benefit of the
Republicans.
http://www.politicsbythenumbers.org/2016/02/01/a-simple-model-of-senate-...
The Democrats have one slight factor in their favor. If personal income growth notches 2% this year, as seems likely, my estimate of the vote for their Senate candidates rises to 48%. And though it is often argued that there may be "too many" Republicans in the current class because of that party's success in 2010, that factor has only a very limited effect when it comes to Senate voting.
It's still possible for a party to win a majority of the seats in the Senate even when it fails to gain a majority of the vote. That happened in 2004 and even more dramatically in 1982, both times to the benefit of the
Republicans.
http://www.politicsbythenumbers.org/2016/02/01/a-simple-model-of-senate-...
2
Well said, Sir.
1
Kasich, the guy from Lehman Bros.
Certainly he'd be my pick!
Certainly he'd be my pick!
This man has to be trying to end his bid. There is simply no way the man admits to the NYT that he knows nothing about NATO, pointing out the craziness of his own statement on ending NATO; and then saying "Good luck. If they fight, they fight" about NK and Japan. It's too absurd.
I think he is stupid, but he can't possibly be THAT stupid. He has to be trying to see how far he can go with his supporters, before the plug is pulled.
I think he is stupid, but he can't possibly be THAT stupid. He has to be trying to see how far he can go with his supporters, before the plug is pulled.
Trump will not likely be President but the thoughts of Ted Cruz being elected President is equally abhorrent. Just imagine the Tea Party government hater yielding to the interest of the Koch brothers and all the other self serving billionaires? Very scarry.
4
This article ignores the simple fact that who wins the coming presidential elections will depend on the condition of our economy - which continues to drift aimlessly, losing valuable jobs.
Yesterday, in the Washington Post, Donald Trump mooted a possibility that's obvious, but hasn't been mentioned by other presidential candidates so far.
He said: "I think we’re sitting on an economic bubble. A financial bubble... a bubble where you go into a very massive recession."
It's become conventional wisdom to recite that our economy is improving - but that complacent claim - to millions of Americans with middle income aspirations who've been economically disenfranchised since the beginning of the 21st century - provokes the question: "Who're you going to believe - your own eyes, or what I'm telling you?" (If I may quote one of the Marx brothers as an expert).
This article, on the other hand, relies - as so much media analysis does today - not on face-to-face contact with voters, or - as done 50 years ago - with voters' surrogates from our once powerful political machines, labor unions, farm groups, and Main Street business communities - but on a "slice-and-dice" number-crunching of people - with marketing methods once used to sell soap, not politicians - into groups who are supposed to identify by gender, race or region.
But Trump is a full-fledged class warrior - and November's winner will be the party most in touch with reality- and not with its expert statisticians.
Yesterday, in the Washington Post, Donald Trump mooted a possibility that's obvious, but hasn't been mentioned by other presidential candidates so far.
He said: "I think we’re sitting on an economic bubble. A financial bubble... a bubble where you go into a very massive recession."
It's become conventional wisdom to recite that our economy is improving - but that complacent claim - to millions of Americans with middle income aspirations who've been economically disenfranchised since the beginning of the 21st century - provokes the question: "Who're you going to believe - your own eyes, or what I'm telling you?" (If I may quote one of the Marx brothers as an expert).
This article, on the other hand, relies - as so much media analysis does today - not on face-to-face contact with voters, or - as done 50 years ago - with voters' surrogates from our once powerful political machines, labor unions, farm groups, and Main Street business communities - but on a "slice-and-dice" number-crunching of people - with marketing methods once used to sell soap, not politicians - into groups who are supposed to identify by gender, race or region.
But Trump is a full-fledged class warrior - and November's winner will be the party most in touch with reality- and not with its expert statisticians.
17
The fact of the matter is that the economy IS improving, quite steadily. And we are certainly not bleeding jobs. It is true that not all are faring well, and less Republican obstructionism would greatly benefit them. Trump's enormous tax cut for himself won't.
2
His manufacturing is done in China and his hotels and casinos mostly hire H2B visa workers. How is that helping working class Americans? Maybe he should really put his money where his mouth is and open a factory in the US and hire Americans for those hotel and casino jobs.
1
And what is the unemployment rate today? Aren't we (finally) seeing some wage increases, some understanding that our legal minimum wage must be raised? Listening to the Republican candidates, one would think our economy has been in free fall since Obama was first elected. And, in spite of their efforts, it is not, is it?
1
The inexhaustible Dark Money of the "Republican Elite" of the Koch brothers, Adelsons, etc. that "funds" every Republican Senator, Governor, Representative, some Supreme Court Justices (Scalia, Thomas), and countless right wing front organizations and "Think Tanks" are the hidden story behind every news story on our dysfunctional Congress, politicized regressive right wing Supreme Court rulings, and the current Republican candidates for President.
If these elite "donors" are upset that Donald Trump may be the Republican nominee for President, it is only because he has enough money that they cannot control him.
If these elite "donors" are upset that Donald Trump may be the Republican nominee for President, it is only because he has enough money that they cannot control him.
5
The Republicans do not have a candidate that is electable.
6
For whom the bell tolls:
Clinton, a liar, excuse me a lawyer!
Cruise, a liar, again excuse me a lawyer!
Trump, a hustler who uses bankruptcy filings to feed his empire!
Kasich, a hustler who uses the feds to cover his supposedly created miracle recovery costs!
Sanders, an old man who cares more for others than himself, who does point out that he will not increase the national debt (unlike the rest of them) as he has tax increases to cover his spending making him far more honest than the rest and one whom I would trust over all of the others combined and I am a conservative!
Clinton, a liar, excuse me a lawyer!
Cruise, a liar, again excuse me a lawyer!
Trump, a hustler who uses bankruptcy filings to feed his empire!
Kasich, a hustler who uses the feds to cover his supposedly created miracle recovery costs!
Sanders, an old man who cares more for others than himself, who does point out that he will not increase the national debt (unlike the rest of them) as he has tax increases to cover his spending making him far more honest than the rest and one whom I would trust over all of the others combined and I am a conservative!
7
I can’t say I’ve ever been polled on a presidential race. I suspect however that the questions asked can not elicit the sense of angst and abandonment the electorate of both parties is feeling. Interestingly, I don’t recall any poll foretelling the rise of Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders in political prominance nor the corresponding descent of establishment types like Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton.
It’s clear that voters feel abandoned and that disillusionment extends across the very demographics that the polls tells us abhor Mr. Trump. It’s ironic that the bombastic, loud-mouthed personality that has given voice to their concerns appears to also impart negative feelings about him. It appears to be especially unsettling to women.
Tenor and tone matter when delivering your message but in the end, only results really matter. If I were to be diagnosed with a serious ailment and my choice was between a doctor with exceptional bedside manner and medicore surgical skills and one with mediocre bedside manner and exceptional surgical skills it would be an easy decision for me.
For decades it seems that in the political arena the preference has been for bedside manner over skills. If Mr. Trump can reassure the electorate that he has the latter, I suspect that polling referenced in the article will be proven irrelevent.
It’s clear that voters feel abandoned and that disillusionment extends across the very demographics that the polls tells us abhor Mr. Trump. It’s ironic that the bombastic, loud-mouthed personality that has given voice to their concerns appears to also impart negative feelings about him. It appears to be especially unsettling to women.
Tenor and tone matter when delivering your message but in the end, only results really matter. If I were to be diagnosed with a serious ailment and my choice was between a doctor with exceptional bedside manner and medicore surgical skills and one with mediocre bedside manner and exceptional surgical skills it would be an easy decision for me.
For decades it seems that in the political arena the preference has been for bedside manner over skills. If Mr. Trump can reassure the electorate that he has the latter, I suspect that polling referenced in the article will be proven irrelevent.
1
A writer from Massachusetts has made the best comment here-- the Times has missed a critical story regarding campaign finance reform and Clinton's charge that Sanders is lying about her fossil fuel donors. How about a big story on the issue of campaign money and where it comes from in the era of Citizens United? You can still endorse Clinton on the editorial page, but owe it to the readers and the historical record. ( Former president Jimmy Carter called the current system legalized bribery. ) Two massive and linked issues, money in politics and climate change, should be on the front page, not more about Donald Trump.
8
Hillary will be vulnerable to our CONTINUED pushing once she gives Bernie whatever roll he wants in her White House. I'm totally down with Bernie as her cranky neighbor of conscience.
But if she decided to pull a fake and roll with the same crew who threw her husband here, the CDSs betters, BEWARE. The mid-term will leave her hanging with no one to say yes to.
But if she decided to pull a fake and roll with the same crew who threw her husband here, the CDSs betters, BEWARE. The mid-term will leave her hanging with no one to say yes to.
1
Sorry to the complainers, but Trump has done this because we, as a country, are losing our way in the world. Following 9/11, the Iraq war, and our inability to govern ourselves due to extreme elements in the US Congress and the so-called apolitical "Supreme" Court, we have reached a point where the country is going to implode.
I believe Trump or Cruz will be elected--the gerrymandering makes this probable--and then we will return to our Puritan days--a HUGE LIE, by the way--the Puritans were some of most horrible people ever born--and we will become the country that a small portion of Americans wants--hyper-religious, hyper prejudiced against everyone who is not rich and white, and isolationist in our policies. I predict a nuclear war within 6 months of the election.
The astounding lack of education coupled with the rampant cheating by the rich to pass laws that favor only THEIR bank accounts, the desire of companies to pay their executives billions of dollars while employees starve, and the seemingly liberal slant of the rest of us who actually want to follow that thing where it says that "All men are created equal" has brought us to this point.
Let us remember Animal Farm: "All pigs are equal, but some pigs are more equal than others (Orwell)." In our case, simply by asking a question of a presidential candidate who is richer than you could get you arrested these days. We asked for it by letting all this happen and now, as they say, it is time to pay the fine. How sad.
I believe Trump or Cruz will be elected--the gerrymandering makes this probable--and then we will return to our Puritan days--a HUGE LIE, by the way--the Puritans were some of most horrible people ever born--and we will become the country that a small portion of Americans wants--hyper-religious, hyper prejudiced against everyone who is not rich and white, and isolationist in our policies. I predict a nuclear war within 6 months of the election.
The astounding lack of education coupled with the rampant cheating by the rich to pass laws that favor only THEIR bank accounts, the desire of companies to pay their executives billions of dollars while employees starve, and the seemingly liberal slant of the rest of us who actually want to follow that thing where it says that "All men are created equal" has brought us to this point.
Let us remember Animal Farm: "All pigs are equal, but some pigs are more equal than others (Orwell)." In our case, simply by asking a question of a presidential candidate who is richer than you could get you arrested these days. We asked for it by letting all this happen and now, as they say, it is time to pay the fine. How sad.
1
Mr. Trump does not have the emotional stability to be president. He's a hot-head and should NEVER be given the choice a president has regarding conflicts and war. It only takes ONE tantrum to start a nuclear war.
5
So, I take it that the glee being expressed her on the demise of the GOP is an embrace of a single party state? OK. That has worked so well in other experiments in monolithic government. Good luck.
2
Not at all. I would love to have some reasonable Republicans out there. I want to have a true choice and I want some balance and a way to hold Democrats accountable.
It's funny how people seem to poo poo the predictors. Nate Silver said unequivocally that Obama was going to win both times and just like now people did not want to believe. The predictors are not people who sit with a crystal ball. They KNOW what they are talking about. They did the research they totaled up the numbers. They went to school for this. If your doctor told you you have cancer and will die, do you say ah you are just guessing. No he went to school for this, he knows what he is talking about. You did not want to face it with McCain or Romney, same old same old. This is our country we are talking about., Trump would ruin it and it will not even be like W Bush where you can not even get a GOP to mention his name. Our country will never be the same. It might have harm so bad we could never recover. We would not survive Trump. Heis no Reagan. Reagan had political experience. All Trump wanted to do was run until he had to drop out, which might have garnered him credibility enough to run for Governor of NY. He said it himself. He was not prepared for POTUS. If he won , GOP's would never win again. They might as well disband the party. If the US is still here. Ike was the only President in the history of the US who never had any political experience. But he knew discipline form being a General in the military. He was a hero. He had something going for him.
57% dislike the trumper and no one likes the cruzer - what a party.
4
This article points out the precise reasons why Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders should stop bashing Donald Trump.
Nothing would be better for this country than if the Republicans would nominate Donald Trump. Not only is it impossible for him to win the presidency in November, his candidacy would result in a victory by Hillary or Bernie so overwhelming that the resulting coattails priovide the certainty of a Democratic Senate and have a real possibility of handing the Democrats the House as well, something nearly unthinkable only a few short months ago.
Let everybody else attack Trump. Remember, he may NOT become the Republican nominee, but I believe that even Donald Trump would make a better president than Ted Cruz. His incompetence would limit the damage he could do, where Cruz is simply evil incarnate, and really good at it.
Nothing would be better for this country than if the Republicans would nominate Donald Trump. Not only is it impossible for him to win the presidency in November, his candidacy would result in a victory by Hillary or Bernie so overwhelming that the resulting coattails priovide the certainty of a Democratic Senate and have a real possibility of handing the Democrats the House as well, something nearly unthinkable only a few short months ago.
Let everybody else attack Trump. Remember, he may NOT become the Republican nominee, but I believe that even Donald Trump would make a better president than Ted Cruz. His incompetence would limit the damage he could do, where Cruz is simply evil incarnate, and really good at it.
5
The campaign is supposed to show who'd do the best job if elected. But the last step in becoming POTUS is constantly standing up and talking, something that whoever is elected will do little of. The main job test is irrelevant to the job performance.
Mr. Trump is superb at making standing speeches. Those who expect this to translate into a superb job as President are deluded.
Mr. Trump is superb at making standing speeches. Those who expect this to translate into a superb job as President are deluded.
1
Trump reminds me of Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania's last communist dictator. Ceausescu's regime was marked by an extensive and ubiquitous cult of personality, hyper-nationalism, a deterioration in foreign relations and nepotism. Ceausescu and his wife lived in luxury, while most people had to survive with extreme shortages of food, fuel, energy, medicines, and other basic necessities because of his ruinous economic policies. He became increasingly authoritarian and nationalistic as his regime went on. Eventually, his cult of personality deteriorated, strikes and anti-government protests followed and Ceausescu's regime collapsed. He and his wife were executed by firing squad. Trump should study a little history before he tries out his own brand of authoritarian and nationalistic leadership.
3
I am not surprised at Trump's low numbers, but I am at Hillary's. Both parties seem to lack depth of imagination if these tired, unloved candidates are the best they can offer. It reminds me of the movies on offer from the Hollywood studios. We need someone to come along and reinvent the game. Just someone other than a megalomaniac reality TV star.
1
More frightening than Trump is the thought of Trump supporters. Even with all his baggage, with all his rank racism and misogyny and immigrant bashing, even with all the negatives stacked high against him, and even with a clear articulation of how damaging his presidency would be, Trump supports see all that only as more reason to vote for him.
Public education has been failing for decades, but the evidence of its colossal failure is in. To borrow an unfortunate phrase from Mr. Justice Holmes, three generations of imbeciles are enough.
Public education has been failing for decades, but the evidence of its colossal failure is in. To borrow an unfortunate phrase from Mr. Justice Holmes, three generations of imbeciles are enough.
4
JONATHAN MARTIN and NATE COHN:
Articles like these breed a false sense of security in the public. People need to vote, not assign that vital act to someone else based on these types of articles. Statistics are only part of the picture when applied to historically mercurial US presidential elections.
Articles like these breed a false sense of security in the public. People need to vote, not assign that vital act to someone else based on these types of articles. Statistics are only part of the picture when applied to historically mercurial US presidential elections.
2
Yes, he has at least opened debate on Free Trade. And now everyone has to talk about it. And about companies who accept the advantages of being American but who send thier jobs overseas. (Bad!) :-)
I do not think he has done much to open a discussion on immigration. Has their been any revisiting our more or less open borders policy by the main steam press? My impression is the response is to declare Trump wrong, because he's who he is, discussion over, which is too bad, because it's a really valid topic.
Trump didn't help with his "They're sending us their rapists" comment which helped to antagonize pro immigration people and wasn't needed by people against immigration, because they pretty much know it's not true, but they also know the problems caused by open borders in thier own communities, such as strangled school systems, safety net, etc.
I do not think he has done much to open a discussion on immigration. Has their been any revisiting our more or less open borders policy by the main steam press? My impression is the response is to declare Trump wrong, because he's who he is, discussion over, which is too bad, because it's a really valid topic.
Trump didn't help with his "They're sending us their rapists" comment which helped to antagonize pro immigration people and wasn't needed by people against immigration, because they pretty much know it's not true, but they also know the problems caused by open borders in thier own communities, such as strangled school systems, safety net, etc.
1
What is missing in this article is that that both Trump and Sanders are preaching anger and getting large support. Their messages are very similar, you are being unfairly held down by these bad, mean people and I will make them pay for what they have done to you. What has happened to " do not ask what your country, ask what you can do to for your country?"
5
The Republican Party has brought this fiasco on itself. A good spanking in the general election is the only hope for its reformation and revival. The vast majority Americans demand a steady hand at the wheel and a progressive president. So it's Hillary and she will be a good president.
6
Roger, they got spanked in 2012 but the Republican idiocy continued. No leadership there at all, just greed.
We talk about this election like it's this big runaway train that none can catch. We forget that we the people are the ones driving the train.
If all Dems voted Dem, those numbers would produce a Dem president.
But so far, millions fewer Dems have turned out to vote than in the Obama elections. Working to educate about the clear and present danger afoot, the importance of voting, and maybe helping someone get to the polls, is playing our part, rather than simply watching the train go by.
If all Dems voted Dem, those numbers would produce a Dem president.
But so far, millions fewer Dems have turned out to vote than in the Obama elections. Working to educate about the clear and present danger afoot, the importance of voting, and maybe helping someone get to the polls, is playing our part, rather than simply watching the train go by.
1
Another establishment hit piece against Trump that I am not buying! Trump has support from less moderate republicans as well as less liberal democrats and a majority of independents. When the establishment spends 100 million dollars in attack ads against you it is obvious you are doing something right. The common sense voter is fed up with career politicians who are bought. Trump cannot be bought!
4
Not the remotest chance Trump could get ever get elected as President. Just like their was absolutely no chance his zany Canadian counterpart Rob Ford could get elected as mayor of Toronto. The odds were stacked completely against him. But he did.
2
I would be a bit hesitant to conclude pollsters are hearing the truth from all voters. More voters are going to step into the booth and pull the lever for Trump that they will admit, I suspect, especially if Clinton is the other nominee.
In 1984 I worked in Queens NY, where the first woman nominee of with party was running for the vice-presidency. Yet not a single white person of either sex I worked with said they were going to vote for Mondale, who lost in a crushing landslide in New York and 48 other states.
In 1984 I worked in Queens NY, where the first woman nominee of with party was running for the vice-presidency. Yet not a single white person of either sex I worked with said they were going to vote for Mondale, who lost in a crushing landslide in New York and 48 other states.
3
Reality should be the reality check for trump.
3
My default position on the Electoral College is to rail against its unfair, undemocratic all-or-none vote allocation (except for the states of Nebraska and Maine).
However, until this election is over I will hold any further criticism of that august institution in abeyance, so that I can delight in its come-uppance to Mr. Trump.
However, until this election is over I will hold any further criticism of that august institution in abeyance, so that I can delight in its come-uppance to Mr. Trump.
A friend of mine who said a month ago that she would never vote for Clinton has changed her mind faced with the possibility of a Trump or Cruz presidency. No doubt she's one among many. I also know some Republicans who could never bring themselves to vote for a Democrat, but are very likely to sit this one out, as will Trump's most ardent supporters if they feel the nomination was stolen from him by the GOP establishment.
3
The Times has absolutely lost its balance between editorial and news and has gone on a campaign throughout its journal to destroy Donald Trump. I never viewed Donald Trump as a threat, given the statistical improbability of his ever becoming President, but the loss Times' objectivity in its news reporting is something Ill miss greatly. Where can someone go now for objective news?
4
I would love to see Trump defeated in a landslide, and the GOP completely fractured. Maybe then they'll come to their senses and rebuild themselves into something less frightening. However, until this election is over, it frightens me that Trump could win.
5
the sad thing is that nobody wants hillary either...still not sure if all the negatives connected to her are propaganda or not,but the fact remains ...she is not popular. we are stuck choosing between two people nobody really wants as our leader
3
Sorry, but that's just an overused talking point from her opposition. There are many of us who think Hillary will be a very good president. Not perfect, but who is after decades of building a career in public service? You don't have to fall in love with her. You don't even have to want to have a beer with her. You just have to recognize her qualifications, and they are many.
8
Don't believe anything a party whose objective is destruction of government tells you about anyone who sees government as a constructive agency when managed wisely.
2
When one thinks about "more of the same" does one see a better future for those not in the one percent? It's not just the disenfranchised "white men" that the establishment wants the electorate to dismiss. It's all of the poor and most of the middle class that will suffer under "more of the same." The establishment has already made its choice and that choice is the presumptive Democratic candidate.
We have legal immigration in the US and that system works by bringing in over one million foreign nationals per year. What we don't need is illegal immigration continuing because as Paul Krugman has stated, "Immigration reduces the wages of domestic workers who compete with immigrants. That's just supply and demand: We're talking about large increases in the number of low-skill workers relative to other inputs into production, so it's inevitable that this means a fall in wages."
Now ask yourself who is the major proponent of "amnesty" and open borders? Who wants to help the establishment keep wages down? Low wages help the establishment keep most of the profits. Do you think economic inequity can be solved by more low or no skilled workers who will work for low wages? Sometimes thinking means doing that for oneself and not what the establishment tells you to think.
We have legal immigration in the US and that system works by bringing in over one million foreign nationals per year. What we don't need is illegal immigration continuing because as Paul Krugman has stated, "Immigration reduces the wages of domestic workers who compete with immigrants. That's just supply and demand: We're talking about large increases in the number of low-skill workers relative to other inputs into production, so it's inevitable that this means a fall in wages."
Now ask yourself who is the major proponent of "amnesty" and open borders? Who wants to help the establishment keep wages down? Low wages help the establishment keep most of the profits. Do you think economic inequity can be solved by more low or no skilled workers who will work for low wages? Sometimes thinking means doing that for oneself and not what the establishment tells you to think.
32
A wall will not keep illegal immigrants out--they will find another way. And a wall is ugly. It's an ugly metaphor for a country to create. Think the Berlin Wall and how much it was despised by both sides. Think walls around Jewish areas of Germany--true ghettos had walls. It's just not the way to go. And many of the illegal immigrants take jobs that U.S. citizens don't want and employers are desperate to fill. There has to be another way to deal with this crisis other than a wall and mass deportation.
Were those rhetorical questions? Because in my mind it's the business owners that bring in the illegal immigration, many of whom are not necessarily 1%ers (landscape, cleaning, construction, farming businesses) and the consumers (all of us). Look at the southern states that effectively booted the illegal immigrants out with draconian policies and none of the remaining unemployed people could be enticed to work in the fields and harvest the crops. The question is, how much are you willing to pay for produce and labor intensive services where the workers are paid $15 an hour. Our economy rests on their backs. Any change starts with business practices. The immigrants that drive down wages are the ones here on legal work visas that are competing with like skilled and available American workers. But nobody wants to discuss reducing those immigrants because they are tied to the large corporations and the 1%ers. Best to point to the low-skilled and cry "others"!
Pearl - Think LEGAL wall, with effective enforcement. The operative word is think! No papers, no work, with I-9s required for all jobs in the US.
"There has to be another way to deal with this crisis other than a wall and mass deportation."
There is, if they can't find legal employment and cannot "qualify" for legal government assistance they may actually leave, maybe to Canada. If not one removes them the same way they arrived a few at a time and give Americans back their jobs.
"There has to be another way to deal with this crisis other than a wall and mass deportation."
There is, if they can't find legal employment and cannot "qualify" for legal government assistance they may actually leave, maybe to Canada. If not one removes them the same way they arrived a few at a time and give Americans back their jobs.
1
I just hope this article is not whistling past the graveyard reassurance.
1
Donald trump is a diamond.He knows how to win
2
Win what? Trump university, his pathetic reality TV show, his failed business ventures. He knows how to enrich himself at the expense of others, that's not leadership, that's a con artist.
2
Neither Benito Mussolini nor Adolf Hitler nor George W. Bush ever won a popular vote majority on their route to political supreme leadership. indeed, in the last 66 years only Eisenhower and Obama have been twice elected President by electoral and popular vote majorities. Do not make your move too soon and assume that the Donald cannot and will not occupy the White House next January.
7
As somebody wrote years ago (I wish I remembered who it was): Whoever thinks that Trump could be president of the U.S. has less brains than a stale bagel"
To confirm it, just listen everytime the guy opens his mouth.
To confirm it, just listen everytime the guy opens his mouth.
2
Not until the 17th paragraph: "Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states." Logically one might think the Democratic Party would be supporting Bernie or at least neutral. This is corruption - the influence of Big Money. Because Clinton will play in their league. Bernie is trying to change the game altogether. And so they are trying to defeat him by media blackout, condescension, and inaccurate coverage although the headlines should be that he has out-fundraised Clinton for the last 3 months!! On the other hand, because of Trump's entertainment value and the huge audiences/profits he generates, the media owners have not been able to resist their own greed and have nurtured Trump's growth into the monster that we see now. Our current situation is all about money.
7
The article's point on Democrats was that DESPITE HER UNPOPULARITY, Hillary Clinton is kicking the Donald's tail.
If you were so busy shrieking, you'd have caught that--and simply made the point that your guy, with his approval ratings, was doing even better than that.
By the way, Sanders still has to get through the primary, and HE hasn't been shrieking about unfair. And one suspects that were it to be nominated, you'd seen those numbers you like crater.
If you were so busy shrieking, you'd have caught that--and simply made the point that your guy, with his approval ratings, was doing even better than that.
By the way, Sanders still has to get through the primary, and HE hasn't been shrieking about unfair. And one suspects that were it to be nominated, you'd seen those numbers you like crater.
1
Bernie is just an interloper to life-long Democrats.
I've been waiting to vote socialist all my life, and now I can die like Faust. OK, I'll wait for pot to be recreational in AZ. Don't push me, Devil!
I'd like to see a similar polling exercise applied to Ted Cruz, whose national popularity may not be that much better, for different reasons.
1
what the NYT is ignoring is the fact that 25% of Democrats are going to vote for Trump when faced with a Sanders or Clinton choice. There are to many folks suffering from the loss of jobs, the miserable unemployment situation, the PC absolute nonsense that goes on daily, the ISIS threat, the Iranian nuclear weapon construction and the weekly deceptions of the state of the economy. They want a president who is not busy doing the tango while people, including Americans, are dying. They are sick of the continuous apologies and demonization of America by a president who lives in an alternative universe. Blue collar Democrats are coming out to vote for Trump.
5
You, James, live in the country's premier alternative universe, Texas. So maybe some Texas democrats will vote for Trump (America's answer to Berlusconi, and Mussolini) but not too many Democrats in the rest of the country. The number of blue collar democrats ( a substantial block) who would vote for Trump where I live
is absolute Zero.
is absolute Zero.
5
Washington is very out of touch with the rest of the US except some other ultra liberal location like Vermont. I believe that aa reasonable percentage of the coal miners and other displaced factory workers , traditional Democrat voters, have had it with the destruction of their lives and children's futures. Look at the number of Democrats that have re-registered as Republicans for the primaries. It should give you the hint as to what is about to happen. The Republican primary turn out has been astounding.
1
Everyone will be watching this one very closely- thinking that they know just how it will turn out- and they do indeed. JGAIA-
Why am i not surprised that the fact Bernie Sanders also defeats Trump by a greater margin than Clinton not even mentioned in this article.
it isn't over till the fat lady sings, or in the words of Yogi Berra - It ain't over till its over. No one knows exactly the outcome of the primaries and it is purely wishful thinking these two will face each other because the Clinton campaign has no other plan. If be some strange twist of fate Kasich is the GOP nominee then Clinton has problem because Sanders polls higher than her and Kasich.
I really want to know when this nonsense is going to end and when Sanders is going to get a fair shake from the media in general.
In closing i would like to point out that the short sighted view of looking no further than 2016 is not very intelligent. What happens in 2018 and 2020. Voter turnout is key and I do not see how an unenthusiastic Clinton win in 2016 would inspire a large turnout in 2018 if she is in fact the Democrat nominee and happens to win. She will,as always,throw the base under the bus and spin the tires thus alienating progressives and discouraging a strong turnout in 2018.
it isn't over till the fat lady sings, or in the words of Yogi Berra - It ain't over till its over. No one knows exactly the outcome of the primaries and it is purely wishful thinking these two will face each other because the Clinton campaign has no other plan. If be some strange twist of fate Kasich is the GOP nominee then Clinton has problem because Sanders polls higher than her and Kasich.
I really want to know when this nonsense is going to end and when Sanders is going to get a fair shake from the media in general.
In closing i would like to point out that the short sighted view of looking no further than 2016 is not very intelligent. What happens in 2018 and 2020. Voter turnout is key and I do not see how an unenthusiastic Clinton win in 2016 would inspire a large turnout in 2018 if she is in fact the Democrat nominee and happens to win. She will,as always,throw the base under the bus and spin the tires thus alienating progressives and discouraging a strong turnout in 2018.
5
Why isn't Bernie Sanders turning out more of your revolutionaries? Because so far, the ONE area in which Trump leads is turnout.
1
Trumps fans will last as long as the beer and pop stands. Occupy will stand in your yard until you beg to lease it to them for free, Goldman Sachs.
1
If you've tossed my fable us adaptation because it introed using the word queer, I demand an apology for the misunderstanding! That woord is perfectly PC in context and it perfectluy describes the track upon which this nation is fit to ride.
Hillary is gonna get ti together with Bernie and together they are going to burn the old wood out of Burgundia! And we owe it all to the Man with the Weird Hairdo. Thanks for showing us how a bunch of invisible Dwarfs rule over us, Trump!
Hillary is gonna get ti together with Bernie and together they are going to burn the old wood out of Burgundia! And we owe it all to the Man with the Weird Hairdo. Thanks for showing us how a bunch of invisible Dwarfs rule over us, Trump!
1
Wow, it comes off better in its compressed digested form? Well, I'll be a turd polisher!
You guys flushed it, didn't you. I can't make it come out twice the same way! It's all flow, Joes! Sorry, you threw away the box, Wall-E!
You guys flushed it, didn't you. I can't make it come out twice the same way! It's all flow, Joes! Sorry, you threw away the box, Wall-E!
1
I had read that in 2015 there were 62 individuals who controlled more then half of the world's wealth, and in that same year nearly 5 million children died from starvation. In this era of disturbing, at times incomprehensibly brutal happenings from around the world, someone like Donald Trump running for president of the United States seems perfectly apt. His powerful wealth and belligerence have taken him deep into unchartered waters in America's political landscape. A country gets a leader it deserves, could he be America's message to this reeling and desperate world?
3
http://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/jan/18/richest-62-billionaires-...
in th usa, th richest 20 persons own more wealth than th bottom 150, 000, 000 persons combined, or about half th country
in th usa, th richest 20 persons own more wealth than th bottom 150, 000, 000 persons combined, or about half th country
It's all about the SCOTUS. The Dems need to take back the Senate. Looks like The Donald can help with that.
1
Trump's success (so far) is a reflection of the fact that there is a segment of the US population that feels alienated from the mainstream, specifically uneducated white males. Trump may eventually crash and burn (fingers crossed) but these people aren't going away. Either or both parties should be addressing their concerns as part of a comprehensive plan for America's future.
5
I've been saying for months that a vote for Trump is a vote for Hillary. Why can't people get that? Why aren't people listening to what he says - this one minute and that the next?
2
Probably the following important breaking news was too late to inform this article but Bernie Sanders has just swept the last several states from Clinton by huge margins.
5
Donald seems to be running out of con-jobs as transparency points to nothing but hot-air. Though his entrance in June quickly garnered the admiration of a huge block of base-voters who still cling to this day, it was apparent to anyone following political history that this whole free-range debacle was merely a flash in the pan. Though the flash has perpetuated longer than historians could have imagined the dismantling of his campaign now begins .
1
I was STUNNED recently when a couple of older gentleman in my son-in-law's family were found to be strongly in Mr. Trump's corner. They are both deeply skeptical about politics in general and one determinedly never votes while the other holds his nose and always votes. They are also both very decent human beings. So I really puzzle over their support for Mr. Trump and to quite a degree attribute it to their lack of in-depth knowledge of his record, facilitated in part by skepticism about the news media. I very much hope Mr. Trump's chances in the long haul are as hopeless as this article suggests we might hope.
1
Please, Donald Trump, take Mitch McConnell down with you.
9
The polling on this one strikes me as tone deaf. Where, please, is Sanders in this assessment, and his passionate supporters? Only yesterday I read a posting from one who said Bernie was a gift from God, and he would spread his coat over a puddle for him to walk on. Others write that Bernie has changed their lives, healed their souls, given them a reason to go on living. There are millions of people who feel this way. Hillary snappishly calls Bernie a liar, laughs him off as a fantasist, and expects votes from his legions?
5
In two years they'll be too let-down to vote in the mid-term election.
My money, what little there is of it as a public servant, has always been on Kasich as the compromise candidate for the Republicans. Donald Trump won't get as many votes as his supporters think he will and Ted Cruz is unelectable to anyone not currently indulging in a hate crime. John Kasich is the best of a poor bunch.
1
"Horse-race polls this early are poor predictors of election results"...
<<<<>>>
So why do them?
Given how different this year has been thus far, more people may be paying attention earlier, but historically, a significant plurality does not begin to pay attention until after the nominating conventions.
<<<<>>>
So why do them?
Given how different this year has been thus far, more people may be paying attention earlier, but historically, a significant plurality does not begin to pay attention until after the nominating conventions.
1
"Mr Trump has become unacceptable, perhaps irreversibly so..." The word "perhaps" in that phrase was wasted digital ink at best.
Since the first of the year, Trump's decline in favorability and now-approaching-meteoric rise in unfavorability has had but one cause: his mouth. Ted Cruz's and John Kasich's bumps in the polls and the primary balloting were not in response to new-found public approval of these men's positions. Both have pretty much stayed the course in their respective campaigns, even with the occasional --okay, frequent-- lapse by Cruz leaping into the hog wallow to duke it out.
Trump's mouth, then, is his own worst enemy. His most productive campaign strategy between now and June (or November, should he survive the convention) is to develop a 6-month case of laryngitis. That won't come close to putting him in the Oval Office, but it might keep a merely humiliating defeat from becoming a really, really humiliating blow-out.
Since the first of the year, Trump's decline in favorability and now-approaching-meteoric rise in unfavorability has had but one cause: his mouth. Ted Cruz's and John Kasich's bumps in the polls and the primary balloting were not in response to new-found public approval of these men's positions. Both have pretty much stayed the course in their respective campaigns, even with the occasional --okay, frequent-- lapse by Cruz leaping into the hog wallow to duke it out.
Trump's mouth, then, is his own worst enemy. His most productive campaign strategy between now and June (or November, should he survive the convention) is to develop a 6-month case of laryngitis. That won't come close to putting him in the Oval Office, but it might keep a merely humiliating defeat from becoming a really, really humiliating blow-out.
2
It comes as no surprise that Donald Trump would lose the general election, perhaps even more lop-sidedly than Barry Goldwater did to LBJ in 1964 and George McGovern to Richard Nixon in 1972. His campaign is even in greater disarray than theirs were. A crushing defeat of Trump in November is probably the best medicine for the a party that has been unwilling to change with the times and to embrace a positive agenda for America's future. The GOP is like the child who cried wolf too often to be taken seriously. It is in a death spiral that no one seems able to stop, reaping the whirlwind of hate speech and intolerance. Afraid to even consider a nominee to the Supreme Court by a duly elected president -- a new low in constitutional government.
4
I suspect Trump knows he is in for a national thrashing and his latest position-shifting is a subconscious way of losing the nomination and avoiding the humiliation of a national defeat.
A recent escapee from his PAC said his goal was always to come in as a strong second. If he can do that and blame party leaders for ripping him off he gets to save face. Losing 45 states to Hillary Clinton doesn't do that.
A recent escapee from his PAC said his goal was always to come in as a strong second. If he can do that and blame party leaders for ripping him off he gets to save face. Losing 45 states to Hillary Clinton doesn't do that.
1
This is likely correct. It makes sense.
Trump has written books on his generally interesting ideas, which deserve debate and are fairly non partisan. They got no debate, probably because entrenched interests suppressed debate. Hence his run, which he financed by making semi comical "outrageous" statements, which got him free press coverage.
He didn't run as a Democratic, although his views on social issues have been historically liberal, perhaps partly because he doesn't hate Clinton.
If this is true, he can be seen as something as a patriotic. Don't know if it's true. I met him once, along with a crowd of concert goers. He was genuinely nice and amiable and funny.
Trump has written books on his generally interesting ideas, which deserve debate and are fairly non partisan. They got no debate, probably because entrenched interests suppressed debate. Hence his run, which he financed by making semi comical "outrageous" statements, which got him free press coverage.
He didn't run as a Democratic, although his views on social issues have been historically liberal, perhaps partly because he doesn't hate Clinton.
If this is true, he can be seen as something as a patriotic. Don't know if it's true. I met him once, along with a crowd of concert goers. He was genuinely nice and amiable and funny.
1
The polls are daunting indeed but the x factor is Hillary's email troubles and the looming possibility of her indictment and subsequent imprisonment. Obama may very well pardon her on the way out the door but I think some democrats would hesitate to vote for a potential felon under federal indictment as their commander in chief. Of course the zealots would not care and would vote for her even if she was sworn in wherein stripes. Trump would then trounce the socialist Sanders.
2
Trump would not win a general election. But the rise of Trump has exposed an even deeper and let's hope lethal problem for far right conservatives, which is that the Republican constituency is an admixture of fundamentally opposed groups.
The conservative base is just that - a small but vocal part of the electorate. These are the so-called fiscal conservatives who have benefitted from forging an alliance with religious conservatives. Yet this fiscal group (funded by very wealthy backers) drives policy in Washington creating, for instance, the obstructionism over the last 8 years or the refusal to give Garland a hearing. If they compromise with the Democrats, they fear an even crazier right-wing challenger in a primary. The party has counted on turnout of all Republicans in the general elections to win House and Senate seats. But another large bloc of Republicans are not conservative at all (ie the Trump supporters) and are actually angry about the net result of "conservative principles."
This group I suspect is through supporting the establishment dogma of lower taxes on the wealthy, slashing social spending, or dismantling environmental and regulatory provisions, which only benefits wealthy elites. They are rightly concerned about their own future. Republican politicians who grasp this (and don't have Trump's baggage, ignorance, or xenophobia) might actually win elections, bring the party back to its historical roots, and wrest control from the extreme conservatives.
The conservative base is just that - a small but vocal part of the electorate. These are the so-called fiscal conservatives who have benefitted from forging an alliance with religious conservatives. Yet this fiscal group (funded by very wealthy backers) drives policy in Washington creating, for instance, the obstructionism over the last 8 years or the refusal to give Garland a hearing. If they compromise with the Democrats, they fear an even crazier right-wing challenger in a primary. The party has counted on turnout of all Republicans in the general elections to win House and Senate seats. But another large bloc of Republicans are not conservative at all (ie the Trump supporters) and are actually angry about the net result of "conservative principles."
This group I suspect is through supporting the establishment dogma of lower taxes on the wealthy, slashing social spending, or dismantling environmental and regulatory provisions, which only benefits wealthy elites. They are rightly concerned about their own future. Republican politicians who grasp this (and don't have Trump's baggage, ignorance, or xenophobia) might actually win elections, bring the party back to its historical roots, and wrest control from the extreme conservatives.
3
I agree. I think Trump is correct on so many issues, but is himself a flawed candidate. I wish liberals could be more fair on that. Because if they aren't , the next time a candidate emerges with a similar platform honestly quite progressive in that it would help the working-class poor of all races--that candidate will be shouted down as a second Trump, which is too bad.
We have a huge wealth disparity in our country and Trump's ideas are at least in the right direction.
We have a huge wealth disparity in our country and Trump's ideas are at least in the right direction.
2
What? As if any other republican at this point will do any better! Cruz is as bad or worse than Trump, he's just a bit more coded. Even from a brokered convention, who? Paul Ryan could win the presidency? No way. John Kasich is the adult in the room with Cruz and Trump, but how can he win when he's barely stayed alive in the primaries?
The republicans are toast in November, no matter who they come up with and no matter who the dems nominate. They'll have to do a more serious "autopsy" on their party than they did in 2012.
But will Fox "News" and right wing hate talk radio learn anything and change?? I seriously doubt it. If it weren't for gerrymandering and lies, the repubicans wouldn't control much of anything in US government. At least Trump made it clear to his base that the right wing elite don't give a rat's posterior for them, only for their votes.
The republicans are toast in November, no matter who they come up with and no matter who the dems nominate. They'll have to do a more serious "autopsy" on their party than they did in 2012.
But will Fox "News" and right wing hate talk radio learn anything and change?? I seriously doubt it. If it weren't for gerrymandering and lies, the repubicans wouldn't control much of anything in US government. At least Trump made it clear to his base that the right wing elite don't give a rat's posterior for them, only for their votes.
7
Kasich totally supports all the hateful right wing positions. He may be an adult, but he is right wing all the way.
3
For sure. Just saying that in a normal year he and others would have been better choices for the republicans - not that I agree with much of what he says.
That Trump will lose in the general election was always pretty much a given. What is more noteworthy is that the Republicans couldn't field a single candidate that would have been a serious contender for winning the general election. And Hillary herself is not a candidate that people are excited about either, nobody is looking forward to a Hillary presidency with any great anticipation of how things will be so much better, or even different, under her. What the current election and its field of candidates illustrates best is the poor state of America in general when it comes to having politicians on any level that have anything that is more than simply run of the mill about them.
Its about the quality of people that enter politics in the 1st place. It now seems that those seek out the higher level political positions, be it as congressmen, senators or governors are no longer the best or brightest people America has to offer.
That those who have the energy, creativity and charisma to lead, now choose to do so through means other than through serving in government. That those who do serve in positions of power are no longer on the highest tier of society in general.
Its about the quality of people that enter politics in the 1st place. It now seems that those seek out the higher level political positions, be it as congressmen, senators or governors are no longer the best or brightest people America has to offer.
That those who have the energy, creativity and charisma to lead, now choose to do so through means other than through serving in government. That those who do serve in positions of power are no longer on the highest tier of society in general.
4
The factories where they made the good candidates were all moved overseas.
2
Trump is only a symptom of a far more critical disease. Our 2 party political system is flawed. Trump's rise in the republican party is a manifestation of these problems. As much as I shall rejoice in rumps spectacular demise, the small probability that he could win scares me to no end.
How could a party that has so clearly identify its electoral flaws in the last two election conduct such a march in folly to be left with the rump cruz? They are the victim of an electoral process they did much to create. Until we address redistricting, campaign finances and term limits we can expect this freak show to reemerge every four years like a bad movie squeal.
Moneyed special interest groups will be able to agitate volatile subsets of our population to distort the electoral process. This is why our candidates are pulling further from the mainstream.
Unfortunately there is no discussion about any of these issues. We may dodge the bullet in this election, but it will happen again.
How could a party that has so clearly identify its electoral flaws in the last two election conduct such a march in folly to be left with the rump cruz? They are the victim of an electoral process they did much to create. Until we address redistricting, campaign finances and term limits we can expect this freak show to reemerge every four years like a bad movie squeal.
Moneyed special interest groups will be able to agitate volatile subsets of our population to distort the electoral process. This is why our candidates are pulling further from the mainstream.
Unfortunately there is no discussion about any of these issues. We may dodge the bullet in this election, but it will happen again.
3
What is really scary is how someone like Trump could be catapulted to such heights in such a short period of time. And in my humble opinion a great deal of the blame for this must be laid at the feet of the media...most of whom recognized early on that the Trump candidacy was a joke, but who gave it such outrageous coverage in their quest for viewers and readers, that Trump was made to look like a real candidate. Shame on them for serving their own greedy interests instead of reporting real news about real candidates.
4
And blame must be placed at the feet of both parties that have allowed such leeway to Wall Street, and corporations, and the 1%. Sanders/Trump supporters are correct.
2
Karen - Trump supporters fail to realize that Trump is the poster child for corporations and the 1%.
2
Hence, why I voted for Trump in this year's Presidential Primary. Please may he be the Republican nominee. Please!
4
The American public is witnessing the single greatest media campaign to destroy a political campaign in American history.
The NYT alone runs between three and six news articles and/or opinion columns every day, and has for months, virtually every one is deeply negative, replete with gross exaggerations and scurrilous innuendo.
The media bias is palpable. A man rushes the stage during a Trump speech: The NYT times publishes an article that casts him in a positive light. It's difficult to imagine like treatment had the candidate been Hillary Clinton.
Trump's son receives an envelope containing a death threat and white power, it gets little coverage in the NYT. One can only imagine the media outrage has the same thing happened to Chelsea Clinton.
Doubtless, irrespective of the election outcome, media coverage of Donald Trump will go down in journalism history as a very dark period.
The NYT alone runs between three and six news articles and/or opinion columns every day, and has for months, virtually every one is deeply negative, replete with gross exaggerations and scurrilous innuendo.
The media bias is palpable. A man rushes the stage during a Trump speech: The NYT times publishes an article that casts him in a positive light. It's difficult to imagine like treatment had the candidate been Hillary Clinton.
Trump's son receives an envelope containing a death threat and white power, it gets little coverage in the NYT. One can only imagine the media outrage has the same thing happened to Chelsea Clinton.
Doubtless, irrespective of the election outcome, media coverage of Donald Trump will go down in journalism history as a very dark period.
5
Here's hoping that Trump gets the nomination. I think his name on the ticket would allow Democrats to retake the Senate.
12
No ignorance is Trumps strength. His voters, supporters and the hated Ted Cruz is a reason for the disaster coming.
2
OK, carlson74, you are welcome to your disaster planning, but unless you are bemoaning the fate of the GOP, this election is going to the Democrat, undeniably.
Any bookie will take your bet but, the Irish have the data set in situ, barring any pre-mediated disruptions ala Trump. Hope he doesn't get into a PU Croix de Feu Perfume Room throw down!
Any bookie will take your bet but, the Irish have the data set in situ, barring any pre-mediated disruptions ala Trump. Hope he doesn't get into a PU Croix de Feu Perfume Room throw down!
2
The Demise of the Republican Party will be no loss.
1
That's not true. The demise of the present GOP will be no loss, but all good ideas need a good balancing regulator.
I've always thought Socialism and Fascism find a perfect balance when we can pick from any column we choose, just keep the armed militas out of it, thank you both sides. Don't like goose steppers whether they are blue shirted or Cheka.
I've always thought Socialism and Fascism find a perfect balance when we can pick from any column we choose, just keep the armed militas out of it, thank you both sides. Don't like goose steppers whether they are blue shirted or Cheka.
1
I am requesting that the Times write some honest pieces about Ted Cruz because good people who think he must be an okay guy because of all the support he's getting are going out to vote for him. Some liberals are voting for him in a Stop Trump vote.
People have no idea what they are doing. By the time newspapers start to expose him it might be too late. Cruz can beat Clinton.
People have no idea what they are doing. By the time newspapers start to expose him it might be too late. Cruz can beat Clinton.
10
Trump is a big noise that assures people that while he has no idea of what to do everything he does will be great! Just great! really, just... Great! and people believe this nonsense without challenge. Makes me so proud to be a Republican. Aren't there any adults left in the party?
Maybe after 4 years or 8 years of the second President Clinton the party will wake up and toss the noisy extremists and get back to being the reasonable center seeking realists who know how to compromise and govern and sometimes lead.
Maybe after 4 years or 8 years of the second President Clinton the party will wake up and toss the noisy extremists and get back to being the reasonable center seeking realists who know how to compromise and govern and sometimes lead.
4
after 16 years of bush and Obama, and 16 years of hrc , there wont be enough of america left for even goldman sachs to be interested
Why do you continue to ignore Bernie Sanders? Trump may have set a new all-time low in poll ratings, but Hillary Clinton is right there next to him! If Trump were to disappear, you'd be compelled to write about how Hillary Clinton had the lowest favorability ratings of any presidential candidate ever—a story you probably would not write. Yes, Trump is a disaster for the Republican Party, but Hillary Clinton may well be one for the Democratic Party.
11
We are still a long ways from the election and much can happen in this time. I myself have gone from fearing Trump to a level of acceptance. I much prefer him to the potential Democratic candidates. While I might wish a different Republican were the candidate in a general election, at this point, I'd vote for Trump. First time I'll have voted for a Republican in a general election, and I'm white, female and well-educated.
5
OK so Donald will lose. My tears overflow and my heart breaks to pieces. Women hate him, children loathe him, birds keep their distance from him, animals scurry when they see him, the electoral college will run and hide from him (wish it would disappear) immigrants legal shrink from his vitriol, immigrants illegal plan to scale his wall and foil his plans, Mexican leaders and European ones too won't have him and will shun America if we will have him and the gods on Olympus shudder that he will grab America's crown even though they want to withhold it from him. What a laugh. Let Donald be. Speculation about this man is wild and unnecessary. It borders on the insane. Newspapers like the NYT want to fuel his demise while selling many papers based on exaggerations about his baseness and how he is a looming threat to this nation if he were to be president. We've had losers galore for President. If this one marched in, we would still survive. Hillary the warmonger versus Donald the vitriol monger--it's one and the same. They all do one step forward and one step back.
4
@Usha Srinivasan,
Your comment was genuinely funny, until you said his baseness is exaggerated. Trump has the approval of a former KKK member. That's no exaggeration. A homeless man was beaten by two Trump enthusiasts almost a year ago. People get hurt at his rallies and one man's life was threatened. I'm not thrilled with Clinton's hypocrisy, especially having discovered that the late Sen. Robert Byrd, another former Klan member was her friend and mentor. But so far, no has said they'd leave the country if she's elected. People have said that about Trump.
It's not quite as one and the same as you suggest.
4-3-16@11:14 am
Your comment was genuinely funny, until you said his baseness is exaggerated. Trump has the approval of a former KKK member. That's no exaggeration. A homeless man was beaten by two Trump enthusiasts almost a year ago. People get hurt at his rallies and one man's life was threatened. I'm not thrilled with Clinton's hypocrisy, especially having discovered that the late Sen. Robert Byrd, another former Klan member was her friend and mentor. But so far, no has said they'd leave the country if she's elected. People have said that about Trump.
It's not quite as one and the same as you suggest.
4-3-16@11:14 am
1
Trump's behavior is like a "bad guy wrestler" in the World Wrestling Federation. At the slightest hint of an insult, he completely loses control, spewing threats, insults, and profanity. I am convinced that he can't help these verbal melt downs. Hillery will have a field day pushing his buttons if he becomes the nominee.
4
On the
On the basis of the simple requirement that the president of the United States should be the protector of the best interests of Americans as a whole, here are 5 reasons why Donald Trump should not be elected president --
1. Trump is not one of us. He belongs to a tiny minority, the billionaires.
2. Trump appeals to the ill-informed and ill-educated among us and revels in his strong dislike for those who think differently from the way he thinks.
3. Trump exalts ignorance (of himself, of the world outside and its ways) and therefore is an existential threat to the world.
4. Trump is without a natural political base. A lone cowboy, he is a threat to traditional, time-honored notions of good and bad.
5. Trump considers himself a "self-made man," a blasphemous, rootless sentiment that is factually wrong.
On the basis of the simple requirement that the president of the United States should be the protector of the best interests of Americans as a whole, here are 5 reasons why Donald Trump should not be elected president --
1. Trump is not one of us. He belongs to a tiny minority, the billionaires.
2. Trump appeals to the ill-informed and ill-educated among us and revels in his strong dislike for those who think differently from the way he thinks.
3. Trump exalts ignorance (of himself, of the world outside and its ways) and therefore is an existential threat to the world.
4. Trump is without a natural political base. A lone cowboy, he is a threat to traditional, time-honored notions of good and bad.
5. Trump considers himself a "self-made man," a blasphemous, rootless sentiment that is factually wrong.
4
Yes think about how many Trillions we have spend in the last 65 years defending Europe from themselves, If we have invested that money home we wont have the problems that we have today. I agree in putting this country
first. Yes think how many billions we have spend on Korea while they become a super power or Japan, it time for America. We have have been doing for the last
seventy years does not work...
first. Yes think how many billions we have spend on Korea while they become a super power or Japan, it time for America. We have have been doing for the last
seventy years does not work...
1
You got to love how the media and the left claims everything Trump says is crazy.
Then a few articles down there is a piece on how Mexican heroin coming across the border is tearing up St. Louis.
Then a few articles down there is a piece on how Mexican heroin coming across the border is tearing up St. Louis.
7
@Andy,
Well, how about this? I don't want heroin or Trump.
4-3-16@11:48 am
Well, how about this? I don't want heroin or Trump.
4-3-16@11:48 am
Andy, it's so dandy you touched on that button. I just wrote the reporter to advise.
Back in the day, Tommy Luchesse and real estate rollers targeted Society Hill in Philly with heroin and guns after they bought up all the cheap rentals. The populous fell to the easy access, and soon Tommy's friends in government were declaring the place a disaster area. Thus, they had the populous "evacuated" while same friends enriched themselves supporting urban renewal programs that payed out like gangbusters.
Busted. I say check the property rolls in the area and assume that supply of heroin is coming through the Tucson Bonanno/Horseface Combine, Purple Gang. Joe used the phone booth down the street to make his Sicilian connections, only in Sicilian, mind you. He had a special arrangement with AT&T, speaking of telephony iceholes.
Colluding politicians all benefited from the Law and Order platforms they got to swing around the palace, too.
So, that's why I know this grift; it's a shape shifter, Andy! Purple Gang flows all the way from Detroit to St. Louis! We supply our own guns.
Back in the day, Tommy Luchesse and real estate rollers targeted Society Hill in Philly with heroin and guns after they bought up all the cheap rentals. The populous fell to the easy access, and soon Tommy's friends in government were declaring the place a disaster area. Thus, they had the populous "evacuated" while same friends enriched themselves supporting urban renewal programs that payed out like gangbusters.
Busted. I say check the property rolls in the area and assume that supply of heroin is coming through the Tucson Bonanno/Horseface Combine, Purple Gang. Joe used the phone booth down the street to make his Sicilian connections, only in Sicilian, mind you. He had a special arrangement with AT&T, speaking of telephony iceholes.
Colluding politicians all benefited from the Law and Order platforms they got to swing around the palace, too.
So, that's why I know this grift; it's a shape shifter, Andy! Purple Gang flows all the way from Detroit to St. Louis! We supply our own guns.
1
Ahhh, did you want me to write you a letter, Martin and Cohn? I already got an agent. Harry! He's the devil in me. Talk about pushy!
1
The authors of this article must if attended "fantasy camp" together last summer. No matter how they try to spin this, they got it wrong, again. Nobody but nobody wants Hillary. She may carry the "communistic states" and we all know which ones they are. But the rest of the "silent majority", especially cross over Democrats will support Trump. Liberals will lose.
3
DCD,
I guess anything North of the Mason-Dixon line is a "communistic state"?
I guess anything North of the Mason-Dixon line is a "communistic state"?
No, Bernie's winning most of those; she's carrying the south for Hot Springs, Costello.
This article represents nothing but wishful thinking with selected statistics to boot. People may not like Donald Trump but they will still vote for him because they do not like the establishment and the paralysis in Washington even more. They will vote for what they see as a lesser evil.
There is only one way to beat Donald Trump, and that is, to have a winning ticket with Sanders as President and Clinton as Vice President. Otherwise, the Democratic Party will go down in defeat. It will lose Congress and it will lose Presidency. America will effectively become a one-party state. There is a lot of talk about the Republican meltdown. Wait till the Democrats will lose the White House. That will be the time for very serious soul searching and a recovery that at best may take years, if not decades. It is time to stop dreaming and start being realistic.
There is only one way to beat Donald Trump, and that is, to have a winning ticket with Sanders as President and Clinton as Vice President. Otherwise, the Democratic Party will go down in defeat. It will lose Congress and it will lose Presidency. America will effectively become a one-party state. There is a lot of talk about the Republican meltdown. Wait till the Democrats will lose the White House. That will be the time for very serious soul searching and a recovery that at best may take years, if not decades. It is time to stop dreaming and start being realistic.
1
Please, no Mrs. Clinton on the ballot. And please let us recognize how important Elizabeth Warren is as Senator from MA. Hopefully she will become majority leader in the Senate.
1
I generally agree. Warren is perfectly fine. Just wanted to test water.
The pundits have been saying that since day one, so far, they are wrong.
Just take a look at his FB fan page, he has more than doubled up on Clinton. Once he starts to jab away at Hillary, her popularity will fall. This is a candidate that had a 40 point lead on an unknown 74 year old Senator from Vermont.
Just take a look at his FB fan page, he has more than doubled up on Clinton. Once he starts to jab away at Hillary, her popularity will fall. This is a candidate that had a 40 point lead on an unknown 74 year old Senator from Vermont.
2
Where on earth are you getting your information from?
3
As I've said before, I'm pretty sure Hillary "paid" Trump to enter the Republican race -- and destroy their Party.
No....seriously. She's offered him some kind of job in her Administration, after she wins the Presidency. (Someone suggested, "Ambassador to Pluto.")
No....seriously. She's offered him some kind of job in her Administration, after she wins the Presidency. (Someone suggested, "Ambassador to Pluto.")
3
Too bad I already know the ending to this story, and it's not a good one...
Sure, the democrats will win the presidential election in 2016. Yay!
Oh, but wait, there's more...
Then in 2018 in the midterms they'll be trounced royally because democrats don't bother to get out and vote in midterms, so just two years into the next democratic president's tenure, he or she will already be a lame duck...
Yay?
Sure, the democrats will win the presidential election in 2016. Yay!
Oh, but wait, there's more...
Then in 2018 in the midterms they'll be trounced royally because democrats don't bother to get out and vote in midterms, so just two years into the next democratic president's tenure, he or she will already be a lame duck...
Yay?
1
Why didn't you add the other candidates to the favorability chart? Didn't want to show Bernie way above Clinton or were you just showing the 'wildly unpopular' candidates?
6
How many times must Donald step in it before people realize that he is unqualified to be President?
6
Until the real Republicans step up and say something other than "No." I really miss those old wood choppers. Doesn't anyone among them know anything to say "Yes" to?
1
If Trump wins the nomination, he may destroy the Republican Party, for a while or forever, by a spectacular loss to a socialist or someone who can barely distinguish herself from one. Or he may bring his formidable haranguing tactics to bear on either Clinton, in particular, who has many vulnerabilities and does not do well with attack, succeed in the general election, and bring down the party by dissension once he gets in. Because, I do not think he will care too much about Republican policies should he win. In fact, I don't think he will care at all for anything but self-aggrandizement and feeding his ego. Has he ever, even until now, done anything for any other reason?
2
His mob ties are way dirtier than hers accordion to Judge Crater. He's got guys in his Tower that will pull out the stemware on you like a Spilotro. Presently, that is being justified through the court system, so maybe the vic grabbed Stemware first?
2
I disagree that Trump's base is only among less-educated, white males. I have a number of highly-educated, white males from Colorado (who work at a large, global consulting firm) who are strong believers of small government, hate the Democrats and support Trump. We may yet have more surprises during the remainder of this election year.
2
Peter, I suspect that the undercurrent we feel of smart people who will vote Trump are carried by the same sediment that cannot tolerate a woman of any color in the White House after a Black man has slept there. Some may never live to see a white man live there again, except for Bill Clinton! That's really gonna bite for those old Republicans.
2
So? All this proves is that a college degree doesn't keep someone from being bigoted and uninformed. If your friends paid attention to real news they would see that Republicans aren't for small government.
1
It is still very early in the political season, although it already feels as if it has gone on for too long already. As the article points out, these early polls are not very reliable predictors of the general election results. If Donald Trump and an Hillary Clinton are the eventual nominees, the country will have a very stark choice and some very hard decisions to make. There may be some very interesting surprises. Most of us were not around when Truman defeated Dewey, but strange things can happen.
1
What I find most interesting is that Clinton and Trump are the most unpopular candidates in the last 30 years. I think that shows the utter failure of both parties to serve the American People. Trump is dangerously crazy, Clinton is dangerously corrupt and the American People really don't like either.
My first election was in 1968, I was just back from Vietnam and was faced with choosing between two fools who didn't or couldn't realize what a stupid waste our Vietnam War was.
I just turned 70 and now I will get to chose between two candidates who can't see what a total stupid waste our oil wars are.
It is time for a new political Party, the Republicans and Democrats or both completely corrupt, incompetents and unhinged.
My first election was in 1968, I was just back from Vietnam and was faced with choosing between two fools who didn't or couldn't realize what a stupid waste our Vietnam War was.
I just turned 70 and now I will get to chose between two candidates who can't see what a total stupid waste our oil wars are.
It is time for a new political Party, the Republicans and Democrats or both completely corrupt, incompetents and unhinged.
7
Apparently, there is what I'd call "disinformation" among the vast majority of American voters with respect to the following, as to which it would reasonable and fair to ask the NYT and its various horse-race parsers to feature an equally prominent article.
"Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
I dare say that NY Times readers - to the extent comments are an indication of their substantial if not overwhelming support of Sanders - would concur with my not unreasonable (if fervent) request.
Whether or not Bernie may be a long-shot is besides the point.
"Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
I dare say that NY Times readers - to the extent comments are an indication of their substantial if not overwhelming support of Sanders - would concur with my not unreasonable (if fervent) request.
Whether or not Bernie may be a long-shot is besides the point.
3
I disagree that Trump's base is only among less-educated, white males. I have a number of highly-educated, white male colleagues from Colorado (who work at a large, global consulting firm) who are strong believers of small government and support Trump. We may yet have more surprises during the remainder of election year.
1
Speaking of Electoral maps and Nominees.
Bernie Sanders' supporters just turned Nevada to his favor. He has provisionally won Nevada by winning the second round of the caucuses 55.23% to 44.77%.
Clinton still won the original round of caucuses which awarded 23 of the states 35 pledged delegates in a 12 to 11 split in her favor. However Bernie's win in the second half, which awards the remaining 12 of the states delegates, is likely to award him 7 and her 5, making the totals 18 to 17 in favor of Bernie.
The elected delegates go on to the State convention in May, but if it's anything like the caucuses that happened April 2nd this will be easily Bernie Sanders' state.
Bernie Sanders' supporters just turned Nevada to his favor. He has provisionally won Nevada by winning the second round of the caucuses 55.23% to 44.77%.
Clinton still won the original round of caucuses which awarded 23 of the states 35 pledged delegates in a 12 to 11 split in her favor. However Bernie's win in the second half, which awards the remaining 12 of the states delegates, is likely to award him 7 and her 5, making the totals 18 to 17 in favor of Bernie.
The elected delegates go on to the State convention in May, but if it's anything like the caucuses that happened April 2nd this will be easily Bernie Sanders' state.
3
The assumption here is that 1) HRC will not be indicted or forced out of the campaign by Sanders, and 2) people don't (and won't) change their mind. Trump may be a lot of things, many bad, but he's at least honest, says what's on his mind, and did not take $25 million from the Saudis who treat women like cattle. And, Bernie and Trump are willing to release the speeches they made to groups and neither got hundreds of thousands of dollars for a one-hour speech to a bunch of contributors on Wall Street. Today's presidential polls are about as accurate as last summer's polls showing Jeb Bush the shoo-in nominee for the Republicans.
7
Trump's mind is as jumbled as his sentences.
2
But he can talk a buzzard off a gut wagon to beat the band!
It amazes me how well my father's old Youngstown shove off talk fits the Donald like a carburetor. How's that Gran Torino running, Donald?
It amazes me how well my father's old Youngstown shove off talk fits the Donald like a carburetor. How's that Gran Torino running, Donald?
Actually Trump is the polar opposite of honest. Have you read his PolitiFact file. Three percent of the time. That's, statistically, how often his claims are honest. He contradicts himself daily, tailoring his responses to his audience. As I've written before, his ignorance of policy, diplomacy and general human decency does not make him a political outsider, it makes him ignorant. Bottom line is he lies. A lot.
People who are tired of the same Political rhetoric were voting for Donald Trump They are now voting for Trump because they don't want Ted Cruz or the other guy!
2
Not only am I convinced Hillary Clinton will win the presidency, I think her coattails will be long enough to give Democrats control of the Senate again, if not the House of Representatives, too. The Republican war against Mrs. Clinton, in force since 1992, is about to collapse along with Donald Trump's candidacy. We'll have to endure seven more months of outrageous statements to get there, but the end result will be sweet.
23
From your lips to God's ears my friend.
2
To the Democrats, here's a tip. Stay quiet and watch the Republican Party self destruct. Do not say anything negative about Trump. He's doing plenty slicing and spearing on himself. He will be barely alive when he finally wins the nomination process.
Then go in for the kill.
Then go in for the kill.
18
No, in this instance, if your goal is the end of this party, you must infuriate Trumps fans into blown out their own candles. How you do that without someone crying is a mystery to me. This is Birthday Party Politics.
1
Hillary railing yesterday "I'm a Democrat and I've been a proud Democrat my entire life!"
Who cares? Many of us believe the DNC is thoroughly corrupt and only serves it's elite members in protecting and growing their own wealth and influence. That it never dawns on Hillary that many of us are concerned with our own welfare and the welfare of our fellow citizens (and we don't care at all about the DNC elites who've been rigging this process all year) tells us alot about why so many people are abandoning both of the selfish, corrupt political parties in droves.
I don't care what political party someone supports. I only care about how they'll govern and whether the concerns of the people matter to them at all. The foolish self-absorbed concerns of GOP who are ready to nominate a swine like Ted Cruz to avoid a Trump candidacy show us everything that's wrong with our 2 major parties - the other one allowing corrupt Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to rig the process for Hillary years before Hillary ever announced she was running.
Go Bernie!
Who cares? Many of us believe the DNC is thoroughly corrupt and only serves it's elite members in protecting and growing their own wealth and influence. That it never dawns on Hillary that many of us are concerned with our own welfare and the welfare of our fellow citizens (and we don't care at all about the DNC elites who've been rigging this process all year) tells us alot about why so many people are abandoning both of the selfish, corrupt political parties in droves.
I don't care what political party someone supports. I only care about how they'll govern and whether the concerns of the people matter to them at all. The foolish self-absorbed concerns of GOP who are ready to nominate a swine like Ted Cruz to avoid a Trump candidacy show us everything that's wrong with our 2 major parties - the other one allowing corrupt Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to rig the process for Hillary years before Hillary ever announced she was running.
Go Bernie!
46
Golly. A "proud Democrat [her] entire life"?
I didn't realize that Goldwater Girls were proud Democrats.
Kinda like "Where was Sanders in the 1990s when I fought for health care reform?" Uh, it took Bernie's supporters, oh, five minutes, to find a photo of him standing right behind a certain Democratic first lady on a stage promoting the project that she failed to deliver. Standing right behind you, Goldwater Girl.
That kind of purposeful deceit is what worries me about Hillary.
I didn't realize that Goldwater Girls were proud Democrats.
Kinda like "Where was Sanders in the 1990s when I fought for health care reform?" Uh, it took Bernie's supporters, oh, five minutes, to find a photo of him standing right behind a certain Democratic first lady on a stage promoting the project that she failed to deliver. Standing right behind you, Goldwater Girl.
That kind of purposeful deceit is what worries me about Hillary.
While it would be hugely satisfying to Trump go down in flames in November, I'm not looking forward to the painful and cringe-worthy rankings he would aim at Mrs Clinton in the fall.
8
Outstanding analysis, however, don't count your chickens before they are hatched.
The article mentions that Mrs. Clinton leads Mr. Trump by 10% in most head to head polls in the widest margin at this point in 16 years, i.e., the controversial Bush/Gore contest. Gallup had had Bush at 47%, Gore at 41% and Nader at 4% in April 2000, a 6 point lead.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/110548/gallup-presidential-election-trialheat...
Gore eventually caught up, but the whole world knows what happened next. The Democrats have the numbers on their side, but they still must remain vigilant. It isn't enough to just win the vote especially in an election against a known fraudster who is comfortable inciting violence.
These numbers are great, but I for one am not only scared by the potential that the US will elect an insane world leader in Trump; I am scared by this election cycle and the damage he is already doing with his the gigantic microphone he now holds in his tiny hands. e.g. 4 out of 5 of the leading editorial/opinion pieces in the NY Times yesterday were about Trump and the damage he is doing.
The article mentions that Mrs. Clinton leads Mr. Trump by 10% in most head to head polls in the widest margin at this point in 16 years, i.e., the controversial Bush/Gore contest. Gallup had had Bush at 47%, Gore at 41% and Nader at 4% in April 2000, a 6 point lead.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/110548/gallup-presidential-election-trialheat...
Gore eventually caught up, but the whole world knows what happened next. The Democrats have the numbers on their side, but they still must remain vigilant. It isn't enough to just win the vote especially in an election against a known fraudster who is comfortable inciting violence.
These numbers are great, but I for one am not only scared by the potential that the US will elect an insane world leader in Trump; I am scared by this election cycle and the damage he is already doing with his the gigantic microphone he now holds in his tiny hands. e.g. 4 out of 5 of the leading editorial/opinion pieces in the NY Times yesterday were about Trump and the damage he is doing.
8
Ahh, yes. So the foolish counting of the chickens before they hatch has begun. I do believe, not so long ago, it was the NYTimes that was also making such grand predictions of an absolute rejection from voters, and complete collapse of Donald Trumps bid to become the Republican nominee. That tune has certainly changed. Not to mention the endless assumptions of defeat and downfall as a result of the "outrageous!!" statements Trump has said in the past. Predictions that all but fizzled within a couple days and proved to be hardly blips on the radar. If Trump's chances to win the Presidency were indeed so dismal, you can be sure the NYTimes wouldn't be devoting so much attention to him in the first place.
15
I'm going to respectfully disagree. The NYT (and every other media outlet) helped build Trump's house of cards. It's like any other celebrity worship, the media builds it up and profits from it and they profit almost as much when it collapses.
It's ok that the Donald is still trailing in the national polls. He will beat either Hilary (soon to be indicted by the FBI) or Bernie the Communist
4
The sources who are telling you that are the same ones who told you there were death panels.
Sanders would lose to Trump. That's why Trump is getting people to support Sanders.
8
Articles like this one making wild predictions are very misleading. I had written off Trump 6 months ago when all the pollsters kept telling me that Trump will never be the president. Just a few days ago I was given the impression by the press that the coronation of Clinton was inevitable and that Sanders is just blowing hot air. Today Trump is the front runner of the Republican party and Sanders is running neck to neck and cannot be just marginalized by the press, the pollsters and pundits and when I hear wild predictions, I would tell my fellow Americans, stay tuned, it is not over till that proverbial lady sings.
14
The focus on Trump is misguided. In Cruz Democrats face a far greater challenge. Evidence? His survival to this point and his highly professional game throughout the primary process. The magnitude of a Trump disaster is dawning on Republicans and the odds of him being the nominee are now decreasing, as survival instincts begin to kick in. Just like his fellow Texan LBJ, Cruz understands power, he knows where to look for it and he will know how to wield it. Just consider that the Republican leaders in DC now need to grit their teeth and support someone who made a point of showing utter disdain for them. If I were the Clinton campaign, I would plan for Cruz.
6
The media's onslaught against Trump is endless. We have been told now for months on end, that there's no way on Earth Trump could and will win. It shows that to oppose certain issues such as illegal immigration, and most of all, to criticize the media, is to place oneself in front of a perpetual media firing squad. It takes enormous courage to do what Trump has done.
12
People will come out for this election. What is everyone so surprised with? People who basically have no money or make little money will vote for Sanders. And the establishment Hillary and that is the way it will go. All candidates for 2016 seem to be "flawed" whether by scandals, personality or otherwise.
3
More than anything, what I think your chart shows (and is probably what we all know) is the slide into dirt that the candidates have taken. Both these bozos have taken American Presidential politics to a new low. It is in a word disgusting.
5
The Times should know better than to make such foolish assumptions. Especially considering the extraordinarily strong rejection of Hillary Clinton amongst a very large percentage of Democrat voters. As the saying goes...."Don't count your chickens..,,,"
11
Say y'all do not count your chickens before they hatch!
4
This is not about Trump and the fact that a historic defeat in the general election would humiliate and hurt him. Who cares about that guy? He will continue to build towers and plaster his name on them. He can retire to the jungle in Laos and ask for local Medicare for all I care.
This is about our nation, even on the deep losing side Trump will be an embarrassment for the US. Even now when he is not the nominee he is so (not him but the fact that he can be so popular with his moronic views).
This is about our nation, even on the deep losing side Trump will be an embarrassment for the US. Even now when he is not the nominee he is so (not him but the fact that he can be so popular with his moronic views).
6
He doesn't "build towers." He just brands them.
This may be the death knell of "less educated" white men in American politics. Only Democrats can screw this up. Turnout will determine the result. If more uneducated white men show up than educated white men and women, Blacks and Hispanics, Trump might win. Trump's supporters either do not or cannot read this newspaper. It may be of value during the election, to get the vote out.
2
1. Sanders would do better against Trump than Clinton. That's the extent of this article's analysis of his candidacy (neither Sanders nor Cruz show up in the article's graph). Why is that?
2. Trump and Clinton have really negative popularity ratings. The same is probably true of Cruz. The same is NOT probably true of Sanders. Sanders, of the four, probably receives a net favorable rating. The NYT/CBS poll didn't include either Cruz or Sanders. Why?
3. Cruz is substantially more dangerous than Trump. An extreme right ideologue, he might just carry along extremist candidates into the House and Senate. As foul a human being as Trump is, he is not an ideologue and, in the end, that makes him malleable (even if he doesn't think so).
4. Sanders, whether one agrees with him or not, proposes positive ideas and to the limited extent possible in American politics, he is conducting a positive campaign.
5. And what about this: Trump and Clinton become their party's standard bearers. Nobody likes either of them. Cruz and Sanders mount third and fourth party candidacies. What happens then?
Given the unusual nature of this political season, the media needs to recognize and analyze possibilities outside the conventional presidential election campaign envelope.
2. Trump and Clinton have really negative popularity ratings. The same is probably true of Cruz. The same is NOT probably true of Sanders. Sanders, of the four, probably receives a net favorable rating. The NYT/CBS poll didn't include either Cruz or Sanders. Why?
3. Cruz is substantially more dangerous than Trump. An extreme right ideologue, he might just carry along extremist candidates into the House and Senate. As foul a human being as Trump is, he is not an ideologue and, in the end, that makes him malleable (even if he doesn't think so).
4. Sanders, whether one agrees with him or not, proposes positive ideas and to the limited extent possible in American politics, he is conducting a positive campaign.
5. And what about this: Trump and Clinton become their party's standard bearers. Nobody likes either of them. Cruz and Sanders mount third and fourth party candidacies. What happens then?
Given the unusual nature of this political season, the media needs to recognize and analyze possibilities outside the conventional presidential election campaign envelope.
22
4. ..he is conducting a positive campaign.
Yep, very positive indeed. It was Sanders who started the meme #WhichHillary alluding that Hillary is a "Witch".
In any case, he has been reprehensible on the issue on Guns. He has NOT even listed Gun Violence as an issue on his site:
https://berniesanders.com/issues/
We have had 57 mass shootings in 2016 alone( it's the norm, so media won't even report as it is barely 'news') !!
http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/
We have to depend on Non-Profits like the one listed above ( donate, if you care about the issue) because Sen. Sanders BLOCKED all Gov. Research by CDC into any angles of Gun Violence. You see if there is no official stats, we cannot make a case for gun control, correct?
Because of his Gun Votes, our family will stay home in November, if he is the candidate. You see he is the same as republicans on Guns.
Yep, very positive indeed. It was Sanders who started the meme #WhichHillary alluding that Hillary is a "Witch".
In any case, he has been reprehensible on the issue on Guns. He has NOT even listed Gun Violence as an issue on his site:
https://berniesanders.com/issues/
We have had 57 mass shootings in 2016 alone( it's the norm, so media won't even report as it is barely 'news') !!
http://www.gunviolencearchive.org/
We have to depend on Non-Profits like the one listed above ( donate, if you care about the issue) because Sen. Sanders BLOCKED all Gov. Research by CDC into any angles of Gun Violence. You see if there is no official stats, we cannot make a case for gun control, correct?
Because of his Gun Votes, our family will stay home in November, if he is the candidate. You see he is the same as republicans on Guns.
2
Ursa,
Sanders gets a D- from the NRA.
If you are all that concerned about guns, you should study up on HRC's appetite for military solutions in foreign affairs.
http://jeffsachs.org/2016/02/hillary-is-the-candidate-of-the-war-machine/
Sanders gets a D- from the NRA.
If you are all that concerned about guns, you should study up on HRC's appetite for military solutions in foreign affairs.
http://jeffsachs.org/2016/02/hillary-is-the-candidate-of-the-war-machine/
2
@Clark
Sanders got a D- from NRA ( his usual meme on the topic) because of his ONLY sensible vote on the issue : ban on assault weapons. He has voted to allow guns in National Parks, Amtrak and many other votes to please the gun lobby.
Why do we need wars when we have 100,000 Americans already dead right here due to Gun Violence since Sandy Hook?
Sanders got a D- from NRA ( his usual meme on the topic) because of his ONLY sensible vote on the issue : ban on assault weapons. He has voted to allow guns in National Parks, Amtrak and many other votes to please the gun lobby.
Why do we need wars when we have 100,000 Americans already dead right here due to Gun Violence since Sandy Hook?
If the main objective of the Democratic Party is to defeat any Republican nominee, it should be incumbent upon on you to consider the best of all choices/alternatives in this case. Bernie Sanders would be the BEST insurance against any Republican. Hard as it may be for a great many people to believe the Hard Numbers (reality anyone?) favor Bernie. Are you Hillary supporters ready to support Bernie should the convention go his way? I would hope so, but I know better than to take your votes for granted!
16
I have not seen or heard one single Hillary supporter say he or she wouldn't vote for Sanders should he get the nomination. That would be your riff.
As a disaffected Republican voter, I affirm that the GOP has only itself to blame for the rise of Trump.
Trump's popularity comes down to a single issue: Immigration. His strong stand against illegal immigration, unapologetic insistence on border security, and commonsense suggestion to check immigration from terrorist nations are the answers the people have been demanding for years, only to have their cries fall on deaf ears.
ANY candidate, Republican or Democrat, could have taken this stand and rode it all the way to victory.
Trump's popularity comes down to a single issue: Immigration. His strong stand against illegal immigration, unapologetic insistence on border security, and commonsense suggestion to check immigration from terrorist nations are the answers the people have been demanding for years, only to have their cries fall on deaf ears.
ANY candidate, Republican or Democrat, could have taken this stand and rode it all the way to victory.
2
Jeff, Our president, who in 2009 stated: "a rising tide lifts all vessels", can assume 15-20% of the responsibility.
Our new health system, based on the "free-market" approach, isn't making too many friends either.
A single payer system, based on healthcare as a right, would give relief to many.
Please don't talk about costs, after 60 yrs of outrageous defense spending.
When one notes the arrival of Trump/Cruz, one could reasonably ask: what are we defending, anyway?
Our new health system, based on the "free-market" approach, isn't making too many friends either.
A single payer system, based on healthcare as a right, would give relief to many.
Please don't talk about costs, after 60 yrs of outrageous defense spending.
When one notes the arrival of Trump/Cruz, one could reasonably ask: what are we defending, anyway?
1
I'm curious ... exactly what country are you referring to that implemented a "new health system, based on the 'free market' approach"? Certainly not the United States under the Affordable Care Act, which effectively nationalized health insurance in all but name and completely destroyed the free market that existed.
Ever hear of DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN?
I believe many who support Trump don't admit it to pollsters & those who've never voted aren't counted. And unless Hillary can do much better, avoid serious reprisals in the FBI investigation & is much better prepared than she appears, advantage TRUMP & double that if there's a significant terrorist attack in Europe, triple if there's one here.
It's disturbing to watch Hillary's minions criticize Bernie's 'tone,' lecturing him to behave better & tying further debates to Bernie cowtowing to her. Hillary's on thin ice with his supporters & should know better than this. Plus Hillary shouting at the Greenpeace dissenter was ominous. She appears frustrated & angry Sanders is hanging in, the way she and Bill got mad & started trashing Obama in 2008 - and Obama won.
If Hillary and Bill are exasperated Bernie is criticizing her - mildly and politely! - what do they think a campaign against Trump (or Cruz, who also despises her) will bring? My sense is they're completely out of touch with how they're viewed by most Americans. Since 1992, the Clintons have lived in mansions, waited on by servants, chauffeured around, protected by the Secret Service, with 100$ million to blow - a lifestyle similar to the British Royal Family. The Clintons believe they're beloved & revered by most Americans because who do they ever encounter that would tell them different?
The Clintons are in for a shock. And it will knock Hillary off balance when it comes.
I believe many who support Trump don't admit it to pollsters & those who've never voted aren't counted. And unless Hillary can do much better, avoid serious reprisals in the FBI investigation & is much better prepared than she appears, advantage TRUMP & double that if there's a significant terrorist attack in Europe, triple if there's one here.
It's disturbing to watch Hillary's minions criticize Bernie's 'tone,' lecturing him to behave better & tying further debates to Bernie cowtowing to her. Hillary's on thin ice with his supporters & should know better than this. Plus Hillary shouting at the Greenpeace dissenter was ominous. She appears frustrated & angry Sanders is hanging in, the way she and Bill got mad & started trashing Obama in 2008 - and Obama won.
If Hillary and Bill are exasperated Bernie is criticizing her - mildly and politely! - what do they think a campaign against Trump (or Cruz, who also despises her) will bring? My sense is they're completely out of touch with how they're viewed by most Americans. Since 1992, the Clintons have lived in mansions, waited on by servants, chauffeured around, protected by the Secret Service, with 100$ million to blow - a lifestyle similar to the British Royal Family. The Clintons believe they're beloved & revered by most Americans because who do they ever encounter that would tell them different?
The Clintons are in for a shock. And it will knock Hillary off balance when it comes.
13
What the argument seems to forecast is a split party if Trump stays in the race after the GOP tries to take the nomination away from him. Note that in 1992 Bush was far more popular than Clinton but lost due to nearly 20 percent of the voters going for a third party candidate. Also note Clinton's huge turn-a-round in popularity by 1996. Obviously, the public is fickle and is easily and quickly turned around in what they consider favorable.
2
Was the assumption made that ALL of the 20% who voted for Perot would have voted for GHW Bush? I don't think so.
Most students of the subject assume so, but of course there is no way to prove this. Since Perot had been a Republican candidate prior to dropping out of the nomination process and then coming back in as a third party candidate and because his positions were primarily Republican positions, the assumption seems sound enough.
Trump is a politician as well as a marketer. He is marketing to those w/little education (mostly) and they're buying his bull.
He's a lying, very rich person plagued with bankruptcies. He's proven his obvious hatred of too many groups of people. Seems like the only people he hasn't insulted are rich-white American men.
I'd like to know how many of his deals crumbled under his lunacy and how many people lost their shirts due to him.
He's a lying, very rich person plagued with bankruptcies. He's proven his obvious hatred of too many groups of people. Seems like the only people he hasn't insulted are rich-white American men.
I'd like to know how many of his deals crumbled under his lunacy and how many people lost their shirts due to him.
5
Thanks for reassuring me that my nightmares are statistically improbable.
12
Reading the comments is somewhat reassuring. Of course, many are preaching to the converted..
We must hope, hope that the spoken word now and here written will shed light in the darkness of our primary polling madness.
Our goofy voters have every right to express themselves, but this in not the couch, this is the ballot box.
This is not let's pretend, folks..
This time it's different, really and verifiably different. We are at the edge.
Wake up, America. This is not dress rehearsal.
We must hope, hope that the spoken word now and here written will shed light in the darkness of our primary polling madness.
Our goofy voters have every right to express themselves, but this in not the couch, this is the ballot box.
This is not let's pretend, folks..
This time it's different, really and verifiably different. We are at the edge.
Wake up, America. This is not dress rehearsal.
6
That is why it is Trump or America falls!
All these predictions of a negative outcome for Trump may be delusional and not accurately gauging the U.S.'s long-term flirtation with extremism.
Without in anyway disparaging Donald Trump with an odious comparison; but Germany, 1932 should wave a cautionary note.
Without in anyway disparaging Donald Trump with an odious comparison; but Germany, 1932 should wave a cautionary note.
6
Trump's comments, regarding NATO, punishing women for abortion, the wall in Mexico, weird comments on nuclear proliferation on the part of the Japanese and South Koreans, have an off-the-wall quality.
The man is fundamentally unsound.
As many have noted, he often has failed to think things through, sounds and appears to be a neophyte when it comes to many crucial issues.
What does it say about his supporters that this doesn't matter?
The Republican Party has long been an off-the wall party. Opposing tried and true modern developments embraced the world over.
If the rest of the Republican candidates prepare pat solutions to major problems, manufactured by ideological movements and right wing "think" tanks, neglecting or falsely denying the great problems of the day--such as the melting of West Antartica, they are nonetheless off the wall.
This is an insight into how "un-conservative" if you will the Republican Party is.
Its rejectionist attitude, its claims of conservatives are all false. Paper thin claims to conservatism are shot through with ridiculous policy claims.
The man is fundamentally unsound.
As many have noted, he often has failed to think things through, sounds and appears to be a neophyte when it comes to many crucial issues.
What does it say about his supporters that this doesn't matter?
The Republican Party has long been an off-the wall party. Opposing tried and true modern developments embraced the world over.
If the rest of the Republican candidates prepare pat solutions to major problems, manufactured by ideological movements and right wing "think" tanks, neglecting or falsely denying the great problems of the day--such as the melting of West Antartica, they are nonetheless off the wall.
This is an insight into how "un-conservative" if you will the Republican Party is.
Its rejectionist attitude, its claims of conservatives are all false. Paper thin claims to conservatism are shot through with ridiculous policy claims.
9
I wonder if working class Republican voters would vote republican if the American 1.0% were all from East Asia.
2
The New York Times has not gotten one thing right since Mr. Trump decided to run for President. The progressive media just loved having a Presidential candidate that was an America hating Marxist that allows and encourages illegal immigration. The same progressive media hates a successful American businessman that loves America and wants to enforce immigration laws that were voted on by both parties and signed by the President of the United States.
3
hey pete-
who's the "America hating Marxist" loved by the progessive media?
who's the "America hating Marxist" loved by the progessive media?
Is Obama an America hating Marxist ? Who allows and encourages illegal immigration? Who deports more illegal immigrants than Dubya? Is Trump a successful businessman with 4 bankruptcies on his record? Is Trump a successful businessman who could have done better financially if he had invested his inherited bankroll in a S & P index fund.
Talk about delusional!
Talk about delusional!
Please stop writing about this -- or at best, let's hope Trump really doesn't read the papers. . . let him continue his deluded 'march' to the White House and take down the obstinate Mitch McConnell Senate and the obstructive House with him! It's a best kept secret -- why give him the opportunity to suspend his campaign as he hates 'losers' and certainly, despite all signs that he is in numerous ways, wouldn't want to be in that camp!
2
I am glad to see that some sensible news coverage is finally beginning to seep into the media, after all the free coverage that was given earlier focusing on the extraordinarily breathtaking stupidities and idiotic ranting of the so called candidate. The media have for too long been mesmerized by staring into the eyes of the serpent.
2
I really regret these stories. You only provide more ammunition to the Republican Party to repudiate Trump's candidacy. I want to see his candidacy. I want to see his eventual defeat. And I want to see an obstructionist Republican Party, contorted in its alleged prinicples by its "patriarchalism", racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and economic elitism, implode!
7
There's something like three (3) Republican parties it seems; the Independent one, led by Trump; the Tea-Party one, led by Cruz, and the older Centrist one...who leads that one? Who can coalesce a meaningful electorate portion of the other two?
I have to think that because Trump voters will be hard-pressed to cast for Cruz, and vice versa...that some floor candidate will have to emerge...Kasich? Romney? McCain? Ryan?...maybe Jeb Bush and the E$tablishment return...?
I have to think that because Trump voters will be hard-pressed to cast for Cruz, and vice versa...that some floor candidate will have to emerge...Kasich? Romney? McCain? Ryan?...maybe Jeb Bush and the E$tablishment return...?
1
I totally agree with David F. This Neanderthal is so offensive, thoughtless and frightening. Seeing him crushed in an unprecedented landslide defeat would be a joy to behold!
3
Where's Ross Perot in the 1992 grid? You can't understand the Clinton win without it.
1
The most important paragraph in this story, showing that the most popular candidate in the country is Bernie Sanders:
"If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
It is a shame that the New York Times and other corporate news media downplay or ignore the fact that in a true democracy, Bernie Sanders will be our next president.
"If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
It is a shame that the New York Times and other corporate news media downplay or ignore the fact that in a true democracy, Bernie Sanders will be our next president.
6
"Electoral Map Is a Reality Check to Donald Trump’s Bid"
How about a reality check for the New York Times? How Trump would do against the Democratic candidates begins with Secretary Clinton in paragraph two. SIXTEEN paragraphs later, the Times mentions that he would do worse against Senator Sanders.
I'm a Democrat who will vote for our nominee whomever it is. What has been best newspaper has thrown away my confidence and left me infuriated.
How about a reality check for the New York Times? How Trump would do against the Democratic candidates begins with Secretary Clinton in paragraph two. SIXTEEN paragraphs later, the Times mentions that he would do worse against Senator Sanders.
I'm a Democrat who will vote for our nominee whomever it is. What has been best newspaper has thrown away my confidence and left me infuriated.
4
You buried the fact that Sanders beats Trump by more and has less unfavorabes than Clinton, who GOP in Congress have never let up on whether Benghazi (still not done) or emails or etc.
Sanders isn't even on your chart because Superdelegates?
Do you see why people are sick of this system?
Clinton will be like GWBush w/ Kagan and other neocons on her team, being touted as inevitable. Maybe we should look into that, and at the push by even GOP for her.
The two parties at times meld for their mutual interests, in this case perpetual war.
Where's the press when/where we need them on this issue important to most voters?
Sanders isn't even on your chart because Superdelegates?
Do you see why people are sick of this system?
Clinton will be like GWBush w/ Kagan and other neocons on her team, being touted as inevitable. Maybe we should look into that, and at the push by even GOP for her.
The two parties at times meld for their mutual interests, in this case perpetual war.
Where's the press when/where we need them on this issue important to most voters?
8
Denial based hatred and the deepest prejudice hold sway in our electorate today. This could not be more dangerous. Those that survived the camps of WW II in Europe know. The pendulum is swinging. We elected Obama twice and thus did not solve the problems of those whose problems only they can solve, so we are listening to a demagogue cut in the cloth of Mussolini, shouting with the voice of a crowd pleasing divisiveness we've not heard in our land before.
But that's not all. Trump sadly correct appraisal is only part of our troubles. Sanders equally correct and sick appraisal urges the forbidden and expensive fruit of the free lunch, and Clinton's mosaic of cunning lies are finally catching up with her - and us. Trump would bust us one way, Sanders another, Clinton would teach us with Clinton Inc., and Ted Cruz would used his brand of logic to crush decency with the impeccable logic of the right.
Meanwhile, Trump tells us we are heading for a bust, and he's right. Dead right. So he trashes decency and threatens mayhem if he's not swept into his throne.
This time it's different. We've been building to this terrifying point for decades. No candidate expresses what we need to hear. Each has a piece of it, not one dares to tell us all. Sound bites address the long shallowed understanding of a dumb downed electorate.
Gov. John Kasich is getting closer. This modest man gets it. His tortured face and the love of his family express what I want to feel.
Nothing is perfect.
But that's not all. Trump sadly correct appraisal is only part of our troubles. Sanders equally correct and sick appraisal urges the forbidden and expensive fruit of the free lunch, and Clinton's mosaic of cunning lies are finally catching up with her - and us. Trump would bust us one way, Sanders another, Clinton would teach us with Clinton Inc., and Ted Cruz would used his brand of logic to crush decency with the impeccable logic of the right.
Meanwhile, Trump tells us we are heading for a bust, and he's right. Dead right. So he trashes decency and threatens mayhem if he's not swept into his throne.
This time it's different. We've been building to this terrifying point for decades. No candidate expresses what we need to hear. Each has a piece of it, not one dares to tell us all. Sound bites address the long shallowed understanding of a dumb downed electorate.
Gov. John Kasich is getting closer. This modest man gets it. His tortured face and the love of his family express what I want to feel.
Nothing is perfect.
2
I agree, Kasich is the only candidate I can feel good about voting for.
Sandy,
So you think Western Europe is surviving on "forbidden" fruit?
Have you ever opposed regime change in the ME and the 51 cents of every tax dollar "invested" in our military industrial complex?
Do you support the ten year, 50 billion, military aid package for Netanyahu?
"Free Lunch", anyone?
So you think Western Europe is surviving on "forbidden" fruit?
Have you ever opposed regime change in the ME and the 51 cents of every tax dollar "invested" in our military industrial complex?
Do you support the ten year, 50 billion, military aid package for Netanyahu?
"Free Lunch", anyone?
1
At least Sanders advocates for the average citizen, not just the rich, unlike every other candidate in the race. All those tax dollars currently being funneled to corporations and unnecessary wars (that "free lunch" you refer to) would be redirected to those who need and deserve it, via healthcare and free tuition to public colleges, resulting in a healthier, more educated population.
Kasich is not much better than the other candidates, including HRC. Just look at his record regarding education and renewable energy in his own state of Ohio.
Kasich is not much better than the other candidates, including HRC. Just look at his record regarding education and renewable energy in his own state of Ohio.
1
Trump's ability to change public poles might be surprising, when he does peal back the true future of America based on present imploding trends. His uncanny communication skill set of telling the truth about the countries economic future, will more than likely set into to most American voters this summer. That is if he is the Republican candidate.
2
In every way, this points to the grave changes that has happened to the USA in the last two to three decades. Trump will be viewed with terror by a huge section of populations in Africa, Asia, South America and Continental Europe. For, he would be a real block to their swarming in.
2
I would love to see Donald Trump 'make America great again': by showing that democracy is a self-cleansing system in which voters ultimately turn against short-sighted, xenophobic, populist candidates.
3
Class hatred...rules in America and in too many other nations today. Hatred seems to be the driving force in the "acting out" elements we see dominating in the GOP primary cycle.
The free lunch is another cracked version of things playing its way in our factious minority dominated democracy.
Bernie's lute will bring salvation to every debtor buried in student loans. And his music only starts there. Health care is next. There will be little incentive to stay well for the attention starved in the model we call Obama Care. We are trapped and going broke in our fervent national desire to bring goodness to all.
The American memory is short and poorly informed, created by those more interested in TV, or those with lead in their water and no discipline in their mothers. Think Ben Carson's mother. Detroit raised Ben and Henry Ford. Therein lies the problem we face.
Mr. Trump is no more than a latter day Mussolini, Adolf Hitler's leader in fascism till the Germans rose up and clobbered Europe.
Bernie represents the free lunch crowd that gathered as The Crash rolled and FDR misfired with remedies that did not really work. That crowd was called communist, socialist, or Bolshevik, at various intervals. FDR's alphabet soup was watered with cheap money. We've exceeded FDR. Our money and the money of others will be kindling in the next fire.
And hatred is running deep in Bernie Sanders line. He simply wants to sell the free lunch, and his buyers want to believe. Denial rules.
The free lunch is another cracked version of things playing its way in our factious minority dominated democracy.
Bernie's lute will bring salvation to every debtor buried in student loans. And his music only starts there. Health care is next. There will be little incentive to stay well for the attention starved in the model we call Obama Care. We are trapped and going broke in our fervent national desire to bring goodness to all.
The American memory is short and poorly informed, created by those more interested in TV, or those with lead in their water and no discipline in their mothers. Think Ben Carson's mother. Detroit raised Ben and Henry Ford. Therein lies the problem we face.
Mr. Trump is no more than a latter day Mussolini, Adolf Hitler's leader in fascism till the Germans rose up and clobbered Europe.
Bernie represents the free lunch crowd that gathered as The Crash rolled and FDR misfired with remedies that did not really work. That crowd was called communist, socialist, or Bolshevik, at various intervals. FDR's alphabet soup was watered with cheap money. We've exceeded FDR. Our money and the money of others will be kindling in the next fire.
And hatred is running deep in Bernie Sanders line. He simply wants to sell the free lunch, and his buyers want to believe. Denial rules.
1
Spoken by a tried and true elitist. Didn't you get a pardon from Clinton on his last day in office for your Wall Street antics? No wonder you cringe at Sanders.
1
And corporate greed rules on your side of the fence. Why do Republicans worship the billionaires of this country so much that they have to constantly throw more money at them in the form of tax breaks. When you give money to a billionaire they PUT IT IN THE BANK. They do not think " Hey what a great opportunity to be a job creator! Let's start a company! Let's hire people! " That's the kind of baloney people like you get fed on Fox TV every night. Republicans have nothing but contempt for the working and middle class and adore the entitled rich who INHERTITED their wealth from their daddies just like the Koch brothers and Donald Trump.
And by the way, FDR was one of the greatest presidents who ever was elected to office. I would not have the opportunity to accomplish what I have today had he not given MY father a leg up in the 1930's and when he was discharged from the military during WWII.
And by the way, FDR was one of the greatest presidents who ever was elected to office. I would not have the opportunity to accomplish what I have today had he not given MY father a leg up in the 1930's and when he was discharged from the military during WWII.
2
Wrong, Bernie and his supporters want to see our tax dollars go for the things we all need and use, infrastructure, health care, education etc.
Donald Trump may be an egomaniac, but he is not a stupid man. He knows exactly what he is saying each time he comes out with his carefully planned outrageous statements. His goal is not to become President, although I'm sure he would be happy if it came to that. He entered the race to destroy the extreme right wing Tea Party and Christian Fundamentalists of the Republican party by pushing them even further off the mainstream.
Another motive may be to insure his long term friend Hillary Clinton is guaranteed her final opportunity to be President.
Trump, a former Democrat, began his campaign in the Republican primary by attacking John McCain's behavior as a POW. Even those who dislike McCain's current political stance praise his heroic record of honor, and self sacrificing support for his fellow prisoners at Hanoi Hilton. Then Trump started attacking most ethnic groups and women. You name a voting bloc, and he probably has alienated most in that group. He has encouraged violence in his events.
He will get the nomination because Republican voters have no nowhere else to go at this point. Cruz is serious in his Right Wing extremism, and Kaisek is too far behind to make a dent in Trump's lead. .
The strange thing about R primary voters is that they ignore Kaisek who is the only candidate who can best Hillary, and D voters and party elite ( Super Dels) favor Clinton, even though polls show Sanders does MUCH better than her in head to head races against al the Republicans.
Another motive may be to insure his long term friend Hillary Clinton is guaranteed her final opportunity to be President.
Trump, a former Democrat, began his campaign in the Republican primary by attacking John McCain's behavior as a POW. Even those who dislike McCain's current political stance praise his heroic record of honor, and self sacrificing support for his fellow prisoners at Hanoi Hilton. Then Trump started attacking most ethnic groups and women. You name a voting bloc, and he probably has alienated most in that group. He has encouraged violence in his events.
He will get the nomination because Republican voters have no nowhere else to go at this point. Cruz is serious in his Right Wing extremism, and Kaisek is too far behind to make a dent in Trump's lead. .
The strange thing about R primary voters is that they ignore Kaisek who is the only candidate who can best Hillary, and D voters and party elite ( Super Dels) favor Clinton, even though polls show Sanders does MUCH better than her in head to head races against al the Republicans.
Kasich for god's sake. Let's not get our right wingers mixed up.
Politics as usual doesn't work anymore. Many Democrats like me who voted for President Obama , now are changing parties to vote for Mr Trump.
9
Same here in Florida....
1
That expalins it.
A friend of mine who was a Republican for twenty years has decided to change parties. But he plans to do so only after the New York primaries. He thinks the best way to show his support for Hillary and give the Republican party the blow it deserves is to vote for Trump. This is probably not a common strategy, but I wonder if there aren't a few others fake Trumps supporters out there.
5
These kind of articles are nothing but a subtle (not so subtle...) attempt, from the degenerated, morally corrupted left, to plant doubts in people's minds about Trump. Of course Trump is in some ways a controversial figure but at least he spoke some truths. The fact that the Democrats are ready to vote for Clinton, a pathological liar, a phony, and incompetent politician, it's a clear indication how morally corrupt they are.
5
I'm a Progressive who will NOT vote for Billary. I will vote down ticket for Progressives and leave the presidential box empty. I've even toyed with the idea of voting for Trump in order to crash the system. What will it take for us to stop electing Republicants or their sycophants (i.e., the Republilites like Obama and HRC)?
Each time I read a Times' analysis of this Presidential election cycle, I am struck at how often the adjectives sharply, divisive, polarized, extraordinary, and harshly (among others) are now used. The two parties and their candidates that become hoisted upon the electorate are clearly straining at the seams. It's most akin to a pool party gone awry on "The Desperate Housewives of Orange County".
I don't believe the underlying issue is with the polarization of America. Polarization occurs because 1 of 2 choices isn't appealing. America is finally maturing into a country of diverse, varied and legitimate points of view. We are no longer just black/white, east/west, gay/straight, or establishment democrat/republican.
We are in need of new, major, and multi-party politics more akin to the parliaments of the U.K. or Germany, where leaders from varied points of view are elected and must work together to lead. The U.S. is too big and too complex for our current political system. What we are witnessing (suffering) now is simply the pain of that realization. What I desperately hope, is that the country doesn't bleed from it.
I don't believe the underlying issue is with the polarization of America. Polarization occurs because 1 of 2 choices isn't appealing. America is finally maturing into a country of diverse, varied and legitimate points of view. We are no longer just black/white, east/west, gay/straight, or establishment democrat/republican.
We are in need of new, major, and multi-party politics more akin to the parliaments of the U.K. or Germany, where leaders from varied points of view are elected and must work together to lead. The U.S. is too big and too complex for our current political system. What we are witnessing (suffering) now is simply the pain of that realization. What I desperately hope, is that the country doesn't bleed from it.
5
Very good post. The last time the number of people in Congress was increased was in 1912 - to its current 435 - when the population was 120 million. Congress has the power to change it but won't. It should. 314 million people with only two choices? No wonder there is derision. And institutionalized choices at that. This country desperately needs more choices to reflect our diverse population.
The only good thing about DT is that his running for political office has apparently UNITED the GOP into somewhat mature, copperative, adult behavior, as opposed to its' performance in the past 8 years! Shame on them, shame on all of us for allowing this debacle to happen in the first place. How far back does one need to go to know where to place the blame, and is there any point to it? Is this what the Roman Empire was like at the mid-beginning of the Decline and Fall? It didn't bounce back.
im not very interested in the current elections since getting older has made me realize that for the general public it hardly makes a difference what side they pick, what surprises me is how very few question why the pick for president has fallen on such poor characters ..
i dont defend trump ....but ....acting in most cases like an intelligent man would like president obama has, gets you no where in a very ignorant world so for those who still believe in the process a lowbrow approach might help ...
i dont defend trump ....but ....acting in most cases like an intelligent man would like president obama has, gets you no where in a very ignorant world so for those who still believe in the process a lowbrow approach might help ...
Why does the NYTimes diss Trump?
He is fantastic in that he has pointed out the lunacy of one sided free trade and of the PC madness of open borders.
Wrong on pretty well everything else.
But if he gets nominated. he will NOT win. And Cruz or Ryan, well they would DESTROY the US with religious fundamentalism in the case of Rubio and Economic naivete and befuddlement in the case of Ryan.
So bring on Trump. Without Bernie he is the closed thing to a revolution.
He is fantastic in that he has pointed out the lunacy of one sided free trade and of the PC madness of open borders.
Wrong on pretty well everything else.
But if he gets nominated. he will NOT win. And Cruz or Ryan, well they would DESTROY the US with religious fundamentalism in the case of Rubio and Economic naivete and befuddlement in the case of Ryan.
So bring on Trump. Without Bernie he is the closed thing to a revolution.
7
Because Trump will stop the "Billions of $$$" we donate to other countries in Trade. Long overdue.
Yeah, what you want to do is repeat our past mistakes as if you haven't got a past record of failings, credit ratings.
I note that the gap between Bush's higher favorability rating and Clinton's trailing favorability rating in 1992 appears to be considerably greater than the gap between Hillary's favorability rating and Trump's. Yet, Bill won that election, didn't he?
I would admonish the political pundits that the down ticket effect of Hillary's candidacy could hurt the Democrats come November.
Yes, she could defeat The Donald, but many who actively support Bernie Sanders - most commonly Independent Progressives - owe no allegiance to the Democratic Party and are not inclined to vote for her. The rigid lockstep support of Ms Clinton by Democratic insiders & thumbs on the scales by state party chairs has aggrieved more than a few of us. The Iowa Democratic Party head's license plate of HRC 2016 telegraphed her favoritism toward Ms Clinton. The vicious attacks by Senator Claire McCaskill at every mention of Bernie Sanders is also prime evidence of this.
Should Bernie get the nomination the Democrats will get benefits down ticket in a way Hillary cannot deliver. I have no loyalty to Democrats as they have gone out of their way to grease the skids for Ms Clinton- they have not dealt fairly with Bernie or his supporters & it will come back to bite them.
I have no intention of supporting Ms Clinton or anyone who has endorsed her- not one red cent, not one hour of work & not one vote. Ms Clinton should come clean with voters regarding her speeches to Goldman Sachs and not someday- Primary & Caucus voters should know who they are voting for.
Ms Clinton and her supporters can trot out the fear mongering about the Supreme Court as a reason to hold our noses and vote for her. It is not going to happen.
#NotReadyForHillary
Yes, she could defeat The Donald, but many who actively support Bernie Sanders - most commonly Independent Progressives - owe no allegiance to the Democratic Party and are not inclined to vote for her. The rigid lockstep support of Ms Clinton by Democratic insiders & thumbs on the scales by state party chairs has aggrieved more than a few of us. The Iowa Democratic Party head's license plate of HRC 2016 telegraphed her favoritism toward Ms Clinton. The vicious attacks by Senator Claire McCaskill at every mention of Bernie Sanders is also prime evidence of this.
Should Bernie get the nomination the Democrats will get benefits down ticket in a way Hillary cannot deliver. I have no loyalty to Democrats as they have gone out of their way to grease the skids for Ms Clinton- they have not dealt fairly with Bernie or his supporters & it will come back to bite them.
I have no intention of supporting Ms Clinton or anyone who has endorsed her- not one red cent, not one hour of work & not one vote. Ms Clinton should come clean with voters regarding her speeches to Goldman Sachs and not someday- Primary & Caucus voters should know who they are voting for.
Ms Clinton and her supporters can trot out the fear mongering about the Supreme Court as a reason to hold our noses and vote for her. It is not going to happen.
#NotReadyForHillary
8
Thank you for pointing out the sad truth about the establishment politics in America. Donald Trump is a clown, but at least he may able to break up the GOP establishment cartel.
Hillary is the embodiment of a corrupt system that picks its favorite and Rams them down and he throat of the electorate. The Democrat party is as corrupt as the GOP and the American people have to end this system now! We can deal with almost anyone for 4 years if we can destroy back room deals that don't serve our interests.
Vote your conscience in this election year, but please don't allow this corrupt system to survive.
Hillary is the embodiment of a corrupt system that picks its favorite and Rams them down and he throat of the electorate. The Democrat party is as corrupt as the GOP and the American people have to end this system now! We can deal with almost anyone for 4 years if we can destroy back room deals that don't serve our interests.
Vote your conscience in this election year, but please don't allow this corrupt system to survive.
1
David--it is unfortunate that our system has only two relevant parties. Until that changes if you stay home rather than vote for Clinton you are effectively casting a vote for a fascist. Don't vote for Trump, please!
Well done not a mention of Bernie Sanders - could he be right - is the system rigged?
9
Yeah, right, but only as long as the Democrats don't implode first, which is a pretty good bet, based on history.
1
Status quo is struggling to contain Donald Trump. Even the world can benefit form his win, because half of the world is following American model.
4
The volatile and vitriolic primary process in this election cylcle seems to have made one issue -which transcends race, gender inequality,educational opportunities, sexual orientation, liberal and conservative principles alike- painfully relevant; economic disparity. Whether considering the changing demographics and the seemingly inevitable progressive movement amonst young voters, or the long overdue revelations of disenfranchised, economically impoverished conservatives who are beginning to understand that access to firearms does not equal real security; voters are seeing that the political process rarely benefits everyday Americans whose earning power falls in the lower 90th percentile.
Trump and Sanders have struck a chord with the growing number of the electorate who feel that their only voice against subjugation to longer (often unpaid) hours and stagnant wages, is one of revolution and an airing of grievances about what it means to be a working class (heck, even college educated) american today. While the prospect of a Clinton presidency seems like more of a foregone conclusion than speculation with each pasing week, my hope is that the reality of this almost inspiring, albeit procedurally comical, primary process resonates should her (or whomever's) inauguration transpire. If she fails to effectively address the justifiably indignant voice of this new voting public, I for one anticipate a TRULY revolutionary election occurring in four years.
Trump and Sanders have struck a chord with the growing number of the electorate who feel that their only voice against subjugation to longer (often unpaid) hours and stagnant wages, is one of revolution and an airing of grievances about what it means to be a working class (heck, even college educated) american today. While the prospect of a Clinton presidency seems like more of a foregone conclusion than speculation with each pasing week, my hope is that the reality of this almost inspiring, albeit procedurally comical, primary process resonates should her (or whomever's) inauguration transpire. If she fails to effectively address the justifiably indignant voice of this new voting public, I for one anticipate a TRULY revolutionary election occurring in four years.
3
Be careful here-we have yet to see what multi millions of dollars in negative ads can do.
ON a side note-this thing about breaking up NATO to save money. For goodness sake America is not a business - we can't file for bankruptcy if one of his crazy plans does not work. The goal of the American Government is not profit and shareholder value at the expense of your competitors. What an insane and ridiculous way of looking at things. Let's sell him Texas and let him have his own little country to play with.
ON a side note-this thing about breaking up NATO to save money. For goodness sake America is not a business - we can't file for bankruptcy if one of his crazy plans does not work. The goal of the American Government is not profit and shareholder value at the expense of your competitors. What an insane and ridiculous way of looking at things. Let's sell him Texas and let him have his own little country to play with.
5
Trump has been loud but he will hear from the voters louder and clear.
4
A humiliating loss--to a woman, yet--would take Donald Trump to the woodshed where he belongs. Though, will he go away, then? I'm afraid he won't. That we'll continue to hear his voice on talk shows, see his rubbery face on television and in the papers where we will also get to read his opinions on everything from politics to fashion to sports for years to come. He will become a culture critic and a political gadfly. And he will continue to have rallies, for no apparent reason. But people--generally white men without a college education--will come to see him, to wave things like big foam fingers and those signs with the funny misspellings, and shout racist, homophobic, misogynistic slogans. His slapstick satire will haunt the Clinton presidency. No decision will escape his censure. He will make outrageous, nasty-tempered statements, and the media will cover him, just as it did during his Birther phase. Nothing will stop him. Watch for his stunning critique of Clinton's supreme court nominee. Nothing will seem too complex or too far beyond the range of his knowledge. His opinions will continue to flood the airwaves. Yes, he is an embarrassment now, but wait to see what an embarrassment he becomes later. And yet, more of an embarrassment perhaps is the Republican party, whose so-called leaders are rationalizing ways of stopping Trump by, essentially, disenfranchising the people who voted for him--which is to say, the people who put them in power. That I think out-Trumps Trump!
5
The "electoral map" is even more, much more, "a reality check to Donald Trump's bid" if you put him against Bernie Sanders. For that matter, the electoral map is a a huge reality check to Cruz's bid too when you put him against Bernie Sanders. So why doesn't the article mention this?
11
The volatile and vitriolic primary process in this election cylcle seems to have made one issue -which transcends race, gender inequality,educational opportunities, sexual orientation, liberal and conservative principles alike- painfully relevant; economic disparity. Whether considering the changing demographics and the seemingly inevitable progressive movement amonst young voters, or the long overdue revelations of disenfranchised, economically impoverished conservatives who are beginning to understand that access to firearms does not equal real security; voters are seeing that the political process rarely benefits everyday Americans whose earning power falls in the lower 90th percentile.
Trump and Sanders have struck a chord with the growing number of the electorate who feel that their only voice against subjugation to longer (often unpaid) hours and stagnant wages, is one of revolution and an airing of grievances about what it means to be a working class (heck, even college educated) american today. While the prospect of a Clinton presidency seems like more of a foregone conclusion than speculation with each pasing week, my hope is that the reality of this almost inspiring, albeit procedurally comical, primary process resonates should her (or whomever's) inauguration transpire. If she fails to effectively address the justifiably indignant voice of this new voting public, I for one anticipate a TRULY revolutionary election occurring in four years.
Trump and Sanders have struck a chord with the growing number of the electorate who feel that their only voice against subjugation to longer (often unpaid) hours and stagnant wages, is one of revolution and an airing of grievances about what it means to be a working class (heck, even college educated) american today. While the prospect of a Clinton presidency seems like more of a foregone conclusion than speculation with each pasing week, my hope is that the reality of this almost inspiring, albeit procedurally comical, primary process resonates should her (or whomever's) inauguration transpire. If she fails to effectively address the justifiably indignant voice of this new voting public, I for one anticipate a TRULY revolutionary election occurring in four years.
But why not look back a bit-- to the euphoria in the country when Obama won.
He failed to live up to most of his hope-change rhetoric. Maybe Sanders is the result in the same way you anticipate something good in 2020. I agree with
those who think Sanders is a once in a lifetime candidate. I have heard this not only from baby-boomer Susan Sarandon, but also from young people supporting Sanders. All this aside, the dangers of climate change may be
even more evident in 2020, making us look like fools if we fail to elect the only candidate taking it seriously in 2016. See the new James Hansen report.
He failed to live up to most of his hope-change rhetoric. Maybe Sanders is the result in the same way you anticipate something good in 2020. I agree with
those who think Sanders is a once in a lifetime candidate. I have heard this not only from baby-boomer Susan Sarandon, but also from young people supporting Sanders. All this aside, the dangers of climate change may be
even more evident in 2020, making us look like fools if we fail to elect the only candidate taking it seriously in 2016. See the new James Hansen report.
Just as he always planned. Donald Trump has no intention of ever being President. He never did. This is his revenge. His petty pound of flesh for being maligned by the GOP.
3
While the NY Times and other media are throwing a spotlight onto Trump, Mr. Cruz is working the caucus states to turn delegates so that should Trump not get the required votes on a first ballot, he will be right there to scoop them up on a second. That was the plan he verbalized two months ago and while people have been freaked by Trump, Cruz has been methodically working the Republican system. Better sharpen your pencils and do your research because you shouldn't be surprised if Cruz comes up with the nomination -- however much he is despised by those he works with in the Senate.
6
Sanders beats Cruz in the polls.
Given everything in this article, most of which has been increasingly evident for a couple of months now, why on Earth would Democrats and progressives continue to throw obstacles in Trump's path to the Republican nomination? All the protests and negative blogging, TV commentary, etc. only peels votes and delegates away from Trump, making a contested convention and a Cruz or Kasich or Ryan candidacy more likely. Any of those Republicans would stand a better chance of success in November, so why not leave Trump alone now and save the attacks until he wins the nomination?
8
Well, according to Roger Stone - who has forgotten more about political dirty tricks than most pros have ever learned - says that the Clinton campaign is actually behind the anti-Trump protests being ascribed to "Bernie supporters".
You don't have to like Stone's politics to recognize that he has a track record of serious credibility with the claims he makes. This one sounds pretty credible to me:
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2016/03/credible-account-says-clinton-beh...
You don't have to like Stone's politics to recognize that he has a track record of serious credibility with the claims he makes. This one sounds pretty credible to me:
http://www.washingtonsblog.com/2016/03/credible-account-says-clinton-beh...
Please be Trump, please be Trump, please be Trump. It's torture to watch the GOP circle the bowl. Fun, but torture.
5
Trump is about to "jump the shark".
Only his hard core supporters can visualize him in the Oval Office. To everyone else he is a bad stand-up artist whose too many gaffs have finally caught up with him. The act has gotten old.
He doesn't have the intellectual depth for the job and his shallow character will embarrass the nation. The Republicans are scared, and rightly so, that he will pull their candidates for the Senate and the House down with him.
Rather than dress him up as the Republican standard bearer they would be better off distancing themselves from this diva.
Only his hard core supporters can visualize him in the Oval Office. To everyone else he is a bad stand-up artist whose too many gaffs have finally caught up with him. The act has gotten old.
He doesn't have the intellectual depth for the job and his shallow character will embarrass the nation. The Republicans are scared, and rightly so, that he will pull their candidates for the Senate and the House down with him.
Rather than dress him up as the Republican standard bearer they would be better off distancing themselves from this diva.
8
And yes, the decisions of our profoundly thoughtful politicians have been wrong so often. Iraq, Syria, free trade, open borders, cutting taxes on the rich, abd going back a few years, Vietnam. Anyone just has to look at the income disparity we have and our huge deficit. Proof in the pudding. Our "thoughtful" leaders are often wrong
NYT ran a genuinely funny humor piece on a Trump Gettysburg address, with him calling the casualties in the field "losers" and declaring that he would have made a "deal " between the belligerents so as to avoid war, and build a big happy golf course on Gettysburg. Shocking to say, the mock Trump is correct. There were opportunities to phase out slavery, compensate the Confederacy, give the former slaves a good start in life, and it could have been accomplished before 1870 for a trivial expense in comparison. Buchanan was a "bad" president.
Ho Chi Minh contacted Eisenhower first to see if our two counties could work together to help him build an egalitarian country. What if Trump had received that call?
NYT ran a genuinely funny humor piece on a Trump Gettysburg address, with him calling the casualties in the field "losers" and declaring that he would have made a "deal " between the belligerents so as to avoid war, and build a big happy golf course on Gettysburg. Shocking to say, the mock Trump is correct. There were opportunities to phase out slavery, compensate the Confederacy, give the former slaves a good start in life, and it could have been accomplished before 1870 for a trivial expense in comparison. Buchanan was a "bad" president.
Ho Chi Minh contacted Eisenhower first to see if our two counties could work together to help him build an egalitarian country. What if Trump had received that call?
1
Here we go again. The writers get an F on this. The elephant in the room is Bernie Sanders, but he supposedly isn't in the picture.
But he should be. My expectation is that if Clinton steals the nomination from him, he will run as an independent. That is after all what he really is!
Then what math do you use? You think that millions of Sanders voters will vote for Clinton? After all the skeletons keep falling out of the closet? There isn't a clothes pin strong enough to hold a nose at the lever. And I'm just one of millions of lifelong Democrats who feel like a fool to have ever supported her in the 90s. She is losing more people every day that passes, and these writers are ironically giving the Democratic elephant short shrift again. Pardon the pun, but how a(s)sinine. It borders on ignorance.
But he should be. My expectation is that if Clinton steals the nomination from him, he will run as an independent. That is after all what he really is!
Then what math do you use? You think that millions of Sanders voters will vote for Clinton? After all the skeletons keep falling out of the closet? There isn't a clothes pin strong enough to hold a nose at the lever. And I'm just one of millions of lifelong Democrats who feel like a fool to have ever supported her in the 90s. She is losing more people every day that passes, and these writers are ironically giving the Democratic elephant short shrift again. Pardon the pun, but how a(s)sinine. It borders on ignorance.
8
"If Clinton steals the nomination from him", meaning Sanders - she's getting more votes than him, plain and simple. If Sanders can reverse that and overtake her, then he deserves the nomination. So far he's beating her in the size and enthusiasm of his crowds and individual fundraising. She's getting more votes. No theft involved.
1
I thought there wasn't a clothes pin strong enough, too, till Trump kept opening his mouth. And heretofore I've always voted Republican.
Well put.
Sure, a majority of Sanders supporters will likely vote for Clinton if she's the nominee. But with minimal enthusiasm.
Others will vote minor party/write in Bernie/stay home - zero help for Hillary.
And a significant percentage (20%?) will vote for Trump if he's the nominee.
Plug that in with polling indicating that if it's Donald v. Hillary significantly more Dems will crossover for Trump than the reverse, add in HRC's negatives with independents...
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/265330-some-dems-would-defect-for-t...
And Sanders' prospects start to look a whole lot better than Hillary's.
But that's not the point, is it? It's been decades since we've had a presidential election without both major nominees being fully corporate vetted.
It's anathema to the PTB that even one candidate that might somehow go off the reservation be up there - much less (gasp, horror) *both* of them.
Sure, a majority of Sanders supporters will likely vote for Clinton if she's the nominee. But with minimal enthusiasm.
Others will vote minor party/write in Bernie/stay home - zero help for Hillary.
And a significant percentage (20%?) will vote for Trump if he's the nominee.
Plug that in with polling indicating that if it's Donald v. Hillary significantly more Dems will crossover for Trump than the reverse, add in HRC's negatives with independents...
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/265330-some-dems-would-defect-for-t...
And Sanders' prospects start to look a whole lot better than Hillary's.
But that's not the point, is it? It's been decades since we've had a presidential election without both major nominees being fully corporate vetted.
It's anathema to the PTB that even one candidate that might somehow go off the reservation be up there - much less (gasp, horror) *both* of them.
Anti trump sentiments are popping up everywhere. But never until last night have I heard politics enter into remarks by a conductor at the former Avery Fisher hall. Before the last piece to be performed by the ny philharmonic, mr tovey made joking remarks to the audience that a character in the ballet of the music he was about to perform was symbolic of corrupt politicians. He made a few obvious allusions to mr trump that drew a big roar from the sold out audience and closed his remarks by joking that there were "trumpeted" up charges involved as well which brought the house down. This strikes me as a very good sign that mr trumps chances of winning the gop let alone the general have slipped to zero. His transparent shenanigans to manipulate the public are becoming clearer and clearer with his every utterance. The only problem is that the likely man to win the gop may be just as bad. God help us if mr Cruz somehow becomes our next president!
2
Your mistake is believing that the crowd at a NY Philharmonic concert at Avery Fisher Hall is representative of most Americans. It's not.
If Trump runs the only strategy I see him using is an attempt to suppress the Democratic turnout....particularly amongst younger voters....probably by associating her with crony capitalism....Ultimately this will fail....Bernie or Hillary would win over Trump.
The question is whether Trump will be the candidate and whether the GOP will lose not only the White House but both branches of Congress.
I expect the next chapter will be constant political advertising after the election wherein the GOP establishment tries to make the case that the Democrats don't have a "mandate" to govern i.e. that the country is really right wing and that potential GOP voters just stayed home in this particular election.
The question is whether Trump will be the candidate and whether the GOP will lose not only the White House but both branches of Congress.
I expect the next chapter will be constant political advertising after the election wherein the GOP establishment tries to make the case that the Democrats don't have a "mandate" to govern i.e. that the country is really right wing and that potential GOP voters just stayed home in this particular election.
3
Conclusions aired here about Trump render it a therapeutic study in preparation of the inevitable. I'm lovin' it, carry on!
Bernie Sanders supporters are again dredging up the old and tired argument that because he polls better than Hillary against Trump, he'll do much better in November. There are only a couple of problems with that argument.
(1) Since BOTH Hillary and Bernie TROUNCE Trump in nearly every poll, that his margin is a bit better is not much of an argument for nominating Sanders in preference to Hillary. It simply means that the Democrats will be in good shape with either Hillary or Bernie, therefore, the two should duke it out to determine fair and squares who gets the honor to go against and to dishonor Trump. So far, Hillary appears to be on track to winning that honor, fair and square.
(2) Then, there is, of course, the cautionary tale about poll numbers that show Bernie doing a bit better than Hillary against Trump: Bernie has not been attacked by the GOP Smear Machine like Hillary has been, for more than two decades. Therefore, Bernie's negatives are nowhere near where they'll be after the GOP Smear Machine turns their guns on him and "socialist" or "Marx" become the most searched word on the internet. Bernie won't be doing that much better than or against Trump.
The bottom line: Hillary's poll numbers against Trump take into decades of the GOP Smear Machine attacks; Sanders' don't. So, please spare us the constant claim that he would fare better against Trump because he polls better. That's nonsense. He's never been tested like Hillary has been!
(1) Since BOTH Hillary and Bernie TROUNCE Trump in nearly every poll, that his margin is a bit better is not much of an argument for nominating Sanders in preference to Hillary. It simply means that the Democrats will be in good shape with either Hillary or Bernie, therefore, the two should duke it out to determine fair and squares who gets the honor to go against and to dishonor Trump. So far, Hillary appears to be on track to winning that honor, fair and square.
(2) Then, there is, of course, the cautionary tale about poll numbers that show Bernie doing a bit better than Hillary against Trump: Bernie has not been attacked by the GOP Smear Machine like Hillary has been, for more than two decades. Therefore, Bernie's negatives are nowhere near where they'll be after the GOP Smear Machine turns their guns on him and "socialist" or "Marx" become the most searched word on the internet. Bernie won't be doing that much better than or against Trump.
The bottom line: Hillary's poll numbers against Trump take into decades of the GOP Smear Machine attacks; Sanders' don't. So, please spare us the constant claim that he would fare better against Trump because he polls better. That's nonsense. He's never been tested like Hillary has been!
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Dikoma:
And who (Hillary or Sanders) do better against Kasich or Cruz or anyone else they might choose at their convention?
Hillary is almost as unlikeable as Trump; yet the Times never mentions that. Oh, and Hillary could also be in jail by the time November rolls around.
And any Republican candidate will destroy Hillary and attempt to destroy Sanders.
And who (Hillary or Sanders) do better against Kasich or Cruz or anyone else they might choose at their convention?
Hillary is almost as unlikeable as Trump; yet the Times never mentions that. Oh, and Hillary could also be in jail by the time November rolls around.
And any Republican candidate will destroy Hillary and attempt to destroy Sanders.
1
Then there are the same polls showing she loses to other Republicans whereas
Sanders beats them all. Not important?
Sanders beats them all. Not important?
2
"He's never been tested like Hillary has been!"
She's been tested.
And found wanting.
She's been tested.
And found wanting.
1
Individuals are simply not demographic groups. I don't vote the way all professionals vote, or all women, or all parents, or all people over 50. I think for myself, as do most Americans I know. It's a shame that the media so segregates us.
And frankly, from looking at the graphs, I'm not that impressed with "popularity" as the sole measure of competent, capable leadership.
And frankly, from looking at the graphs, I'm not that impressed with "popularity" as the sole measure of competent, capable leadership.
44
Your home state is noted.
Vanda, I'm glad you think for yourself but when the R party restricts the choices to Crazy Cruz, the Buffoon, and plans to bypass the primary process entirely in July thru their arcane and corrupt delegate games, your party is telling you it doesn't care what you think. Bush & Cheney should be jailed but instead Rs go after Planned Parenthood which is the only source of health care many women have. If America is to become great(er), it needs an educated workforce which means education has to be affordable. As it stands today, the R party reflects a handful of oligarchs whose only concern is to pay the least amt of tax. They don't care one Iota for our country or you or what u think.
Individuals make up demographic groups and a smattering of outliers doesn't change anything.
This is by far the best analysis and "reality check" so far of Donald Trump's chances in the upcoming general election. There isn't a single "sane pollster" (Republican or Democrat or Independent) predicting Trump's victory or even a margin-of-error tie with either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.
Trump's one remaining "Hail Mary" is to pull in disaffected voters (i.e., white Republicans and Democrats). But we have bad news for Trump here too. Quoting NYT:"...there is scant evidence that white voters who did stay home would be inclined to support Mr. Trump. In fact, they were far younger and much more likely to be registered Democrats than the white voters who did turn out, according to the census and data from L2, a nonpartisan voter file vendor..."
Americans can't wait for that Wednesday morning in November when this Trump-nightmare will have faded..
Trump's one remaining "Hail Mary" is to pull in disaffected voters (i.e., white Republicans and Democrats). But we have bad news for Trump here too. Quoting NYT:"...there is scant evidence that white voters who did stay home would be inclined to support Mr. Trump. In fact, they were far younger and much more likely to be registered Democrats than the white voters who did turn out, according to the census and data from L2, a nonpartisan voter file vendor..."
Americans can't wait for that Wednesday morning in November when this Trump-nightmare will have faded..
1
Trump know that he is never going to become president. That is why he is keeping the June 2015 commitment to Bill Clinton to blow up the republican party, have some fun and promote his brand, and have the post election pleasure after he helps elect Clinton, of saying "my voters are so stupid"...the joke is on them.
1
I used to believe the same thing - but am convinced now that I was either wrong or that I was right then and something has...changed.
The Donald has me convinced he's in it for real.
Certainly he is not going to make America great again by himself, but he might the one to hit Reset and give the rest of us a shot at doing it.
The Donald has me convinced he's in it for real.
Certainly he is not going to make America great again by himself, but he might the one to hit Reset and give the rest of us a shot at doing it.
This is the same intellectually lazy group-think, by the same intellectually lazy writers, that insisted for month after month after month that Trump could not possibly win the GOP nomination.
6
I agree. These so called "pundits" are just huffing and puffing hot air. If they were half correct, Trump would not be leading the Republican field. These talking heads are just talking without actually being there. They are just earning their 'keep' from Cruz, Kasich and the like. Go Trump.
1
Curious when polling Trump against Clinton and her advantage, Sanders beats Trump and all other opposition candidates by much bigger margins than Clinton, this has been true for many months, in fact Clinton loses to Katich consistently
WAKE UP
WAKE UP
4
look in th mirror
trump is you
he is th reflection of all you wished to be
rich, obnoxious, unaccountable, smirking, smug, porcine , bullying, powerful, braggart, gold plated swine
america, trump is your soul mate
trump is you
he is th reflection of all you wished to be
rich, obnoxious, unaccountable, smirking, smug, porcine , bullying, powerful, braggart, gold plated swine
america, trump is your soul mate
4
I can just picture Trump's opposition's TV commercials. Anything he has said in the past will be soundly refuted......by Donald Trump himself! There isn't an issue he hasn't been on both sides of.
1
Too funny. It's not as if you haven't been wrong about Trump all along. Why on earth should anyone believe you now? Sorry NYT - your credibility is shot.
5
The tattoo on the sign holder's wrist is actually an elhaz rune, not a peace sign as mentioned in the comments. This symbol and other runes have been co-opted by nazis, white power, or skinhead losers. I know as a pagan Sanders supporter, not a hate monger! See the anti defamation league link below for another example of the tattoo. I was really impressed that the photographer caught this.
http://www.adl.org/combating-hate/hate-on-display/summary-view.html?hate...
http://www.adl.org/combating-hate/hate-on-display/summary-view.html?hate...
5
Shhh! We shouldn't warn the R's about Trump until AFTER they nominate him.
Also, this article assumes Democratic leaning voters will be allowed to vote -- but many of the vital states have instituted new "poll taxes" and such to stop them. So let's not count any chickens (or votes) before they've hatched.
Also, this article assumes Democratic leaning voters will be allowed to vote -- but many of the vital states have instituted new "poll taxes" and such to stop them. So let's not count any chickens (or votes) before they've hatched.
3
As it is, the election will not produce any decent president, no matter who wins. Trump is controversial; Cruz sounds and looks weird, if not scary; it is hard to believe any American has not had his or share of seeing and hearing Hilary, who distinguishes herself more by her ambition and tenacity than her character and intelligence. Something has gone wrong with American political process here. We have multitude of decent and intelligent people, but we will have to pick from a few whom we do not trust, like, or respect.
4
It's absurd that The New York Times constantly makes a clown who's never held elective office its lead story just to keep readers from what matters: Bernie Sanders' public record and concrete proposals to restore the middle class and American democracy seem, according to polls, to make him likely to be our next president. Yes, the Times endorsed the darling of Wall Street, big pharma and military contractor. But, seriously, put NEWS in the "paper of record." Cover Bernie's landslide victories in recent primaries and his surging popularity in Wisconsin and New York.
8
They are also remiss in not warning voters about Cruz.
Both parties have been plagued for decades by the inability of a moderate candidate to gain traction in the primaries. Hillary's bucking that trend this time for the Democrats, but only because she's successfully (so far) cast Bernie as a "Socialist who can't win in November" (polls to the contrary be damned).
The Republicans have an opportunity to accomplish the same thing -- though only if they deny Trump and Cruz the nomination at the convention. Trump is a buffoon, and Cruz is far too right wing. The Republicans should tell them both to take a long walk on a short pier, and pick a moderate who can win in November.
The Republicans have an opportunity to accomplish the same thing -- though only if they deny Trump and Cruz the nomination at the convention. Trump is a buffoon, and Cruz is far too right wing. The Republicans should tell them both to take a long walk on a short pier, and pick a moderate who can win in November.
42
The problem with this suggestion is the Republicans don't have a moderate in the running. Kasich isn't quite as much of a right wingnut as Cruz and he's seems much more well-informed and polite than Trump, but he's still an ultra-conservative.
The Republican platform espoused by moderate Republicans isn't moderate. These "moderates" may seem presidential but they support this: Trickle down, supply side, neocon empire building, tax cuts on the rich to jump start the economy, repeal Obamacare, privatize medicare, end safety net, etc, etc.
I support Trump as being the opposite of all this. I don't know why other progressives don't. His policies obviously appeal to working-class voters, many of whom are white, some of whom are racist. That doesn't make them bad policies. That doesn't make the above policies good policies simply because Trump doesn't support them.
I support Trump as being the opposite of all this. I don't know why other progressives don't. His policies obviously appeal to working-class voters, many of whom are white, some of whom are racist. That doesn't make them bad policies. That doesn't make the above policies good policies simply because Trump doesn't support them.
There is no Republican moderate that can win. Trump will probably lose but he has my vote. I can't vote for Cruz or HC :maybe Bernie who won't get anything done. I know that the Republican party has to change. Trump may help it get there.
If Trump gets elected, the media has no one to blame but themselves.
I think Trump has had more front-page coverage than any presidential candidate in history.
I think Trump has had more front-page coverage than any presidential candidate in history.
191
Alex, with respect to your comment:
"If Trump gets elected, the media has no one to blame but themselves."
I very much disagree. This is sort of "Trump-think" always blaming others. Sure, the media doesn't always do a good job. But it is we Americans who are responsible for electing the president, and it is we who will be responsible if the worst happens and Trump is elected.
By the way, the media simply responds to market forces. They wouldn't be giving Trump front-page coverage if we Americans weren't demanding it.
"If Trump gets elected, the media has no one to blame but themselves."
I very much disagree. This is sort of "Trump-think" always blaming others. Sure, the media doesn't always do a good job. But it is we Americans who are responsible for electing the president, and it is we who will be responsible if the worst happens and Trump is elected.
By the way, the media simply responds to market forces. They wouldn't be giving Trump front-page coverage if we Americans weren't demanding it.
Yes. And with major events in the Democratic campaign, not a word that I can find so far in the Sunday Times. I correct myself-- there is a story about a Clinton ad on the inside pages. At the same time, at least one NY tabloid paper has a banner headline sensationalizing the debate over the debate. It too is knocking Sanders. What does it take to get all the news that's fit to print?
@Alex: If Trump gets elected, it will be because of the lack of effort on the part of Democratic voters to get out and register to vote. With almost 7 months remaining before the election, there is ample time for any interested and responsible person to get a voter ID, wherever you live, if that's a requirement. Citizens of those states that are actively seeking to disenfranchise voters of color or nationality should organize to help these potential voters to secure these IDs. This is not rocket science. Get up off your butts and help someone....a neighbor, a stranger with a ride to the appropriate office to secure this document. Don't let these GOP bigots suppress the vote! The fate of our nation is in your hands!
The Orange One has been underestimated since he first declared. I would not be so sure about writing him off, especially with HRC as an opponent. Her baggage is going to energize a lot of right wingnuts and who know what is going to happen with the emails. The negative campaigning will definitely favor the Orange One and the entire right will mobilize behind him. Their Dark Money is going to carry some clout against HRC who is widely viewed as untrustworthy. Bernie would do much better because of his integrity which the lying Royalists will have a hard time countering.
4
Don't forget Hillary's massive amounts of money from Wall Street and the oil lobbyists according to Bernie Sanders.
Hillary will be convicted by the FBI, Bernie is too much of a Robin Hood and Trump runs his mouth like the Donald.
Looks like the Donald can still win, despite all the negative, but free press, as his voters are the most loyal in a field of overall dissatisfied voters.
Hillary will be convicted by the FBI, Bernie is too much of a Robin Hood and Trump runs his mouth like the Donald.
Looks like the Donald can still win, despite all the negative, but free press, as his voters are the most loyal in a field of overall dissatisfied voters.
2
Yep, it's different in Germany:
"In Germany political parties are governed by our constitution. I believe in the U.S. there is no such legal backing for parties."
We like it that way. Anyone can form a political party, and any party can pick its nominee any way it sees fit -- by stiffing Donald Trump, for example.
"In Germany political parties are governed by our constitution. I believe in the U.S. there is no such legal backing for parties."
We like it that way. Anyone can form a political party, and any party can pick its nominee any way it sees fit -- by stiffing Donald Trump, for example.
1
"If Trump gets his act together and starts to act more Presidential..."
Trump will have to start acting a whole lot more "Presidential" before he starts to look "Presidential" at all.
Trump will have to start acting a whole lot more "Presidential" before he starts to look "Presidential" at all.
This article helps Bernie.
Since the polls show, unequivocally, that either Bernie or Hillary would crush Trump (and that Kasich would beat either of them), why in the world would the Democrats nominate a poll-driven retread like Hillary when they could nominate Bernie?
Since the polls show, unequivocally, that either Bernie or Hillary would crush Trump (and that Kasich would beat either of them), why in the world would the Democrats nominate a poll-driven retread like Hillary when they could nominate Bernie?
2
The only polls that matter are those on Election Day. Despite his foibles, Donald Trump has a significant lead and its soon going to get bigger as the campaign will shift to the northeast.
Bernie Sanders is rapidly gaining ground on Hillary (sitting in Big Oil's and Wall Street's pocket) Clinton.
Both campaigns will likely go all the way to the convention. After that, the race starts anew just like each round of the NCAA tournament.
Bernie Sanders is rapidly gaining ground on Hillary (sitting in Big Oil's and Wall Street's pocket) Clinton.
Both campaigns will likely go all the way to the convention. After that, the race starts anew just like each round of the NCAA tournament.
The one question i dont see reflected well in this article is what happens if no one votes. Poll answers here dont seem to indicate, as far as i can interpret, likelihood of voting. Unfavorable status (clinton no superstar in beating that rap either) could simply leave lots of moderate independents, republicans and dems at home. This article suggests turnout will be record based on what? Tried and true dems voting for hill while the berns churn and stay at home could happen (just dont see americans going en masse to polls to vote for hill over trump if they dont like her much more. I see fear as motivator for trump voters, less so for others to vote against him.) and moderate republicans and independents who may have voted for any candidate other than hill may not vote either. So why is it not possible that beyond trump and hill's lock votes we have a whacko low turnout hard to decipher electorate that actually shows up? This being all dependent on trump even getting nomination which is no sure thing. But i was less than convinced by this article. Seemed to "sure of itself" with the obvious poll readings in the way most political analysis that's been so obviously "right" becomes wrong later in this season.
1
Credit to the Times where credit is due.
This article makes it appear so absurd for the Republicans to run Trump that one might think the Times is actually trying to get that message across to the Republicans -- so they'll run someone else. If they get that message, and do run someone else, that wouldn't be good for the Times' favorite candidate, Hillary Clinton. The Times (and Hillary) would be better off just saying little or nothing about this disaster-in-the-making until it's actually happened, until the Republicans actually have nominated Trump and sealed their fate.
But the Times hasn't done that: They've run this story now, fairly warning the Republicans while they still have time to do something about it. I give the Times credit for that.
Now if they'd only start giving Bernie Sanders equal coverage, eh?
This article makes it appear so absurd for the Republicans to run Trump that one might think the Times is actually trying to get that message across to the Republicans -- so they'll run someone else. If they get that message, and do run someone else, that wouldn't be good for the Times' favorite candidate, Hillary Clinton. The Times (and Hillary) would be better off just saying little or nothing about this disaster-in-the-making until it's actually happened, until the Republicans actually have nominated Trump and sealed their fate.
But the Times hasn't done that: They've run this story now, fairly warning the Republicans while they still have time to do something about it. I give the Times credit for that.
Now if they'd only start giving Bernie Sanders equal coverage, eh?
1
Do you really think the Repubs need a writer at the NYT to read the writing on the wall for them? Their heads aren't that deep in the sand.
Sanders beats Trump every time. Clinton? It's close. Feel the Bern and ensure 4 years of sanity in the White House.
2
The fact that Trump and Cruz are the best the Repubican party can do says a lot about how ignorant a large portion of the American society is. Our citizens need to read more history and stop watching so much football and Netflix. Alas.
4
Republicans believe you don't need a government. Elect Trump and you won't get one.
Trump is the id of the Republican Party. He seems to know what he thinks after he hears himself say it. I just wish he would hoard his most outrageous musings until AFTER he has the nomination. Then - in the best-case scenario - he and his disgrace of a so-called political party can go down in one big conflagration.
Its obvious that Trump can fool some of the people some of the time but can't fool all of the people all of time.
I dream of Trump winning the Rep convention and become the Rep candidate.
I want it so badly it hurts.
I have detested The Don for as long as I have been alive, but I love the fact that he is so dumb he actually speak the truth: I am for free and safe abortion on demand --no question asked, no time limits--but if you are against it, how can you possibly give a pass to the person who hires and pays a killer to carry out your instructions?
I want it so badly it hurts.
I have detested The Don for as long as I have been alive, but I love the fact that he is so dumb he actually speak the truth: I am for free and safe abortion on demand --no question asked, no time limits--but if you are against it, how can you possibly give a pass to the person who hires and pays a killer to carry out your instructions?
5
The problem for our nation isn't Trump getting the nomination and losing the election -- the problem is the disaster of the shattering GOP, and the enormous disaffection of citizens who see themselves as disenfranchised and pauperized.
Momentary Democratic schadenfreude will give way to "what the heck do we do now?" The shattered GOP will not be a better GOP. Instead its strongest voices are its most irrational, Cruz included.
Both the Trump and Sanders constituencies are not going to go away, but unfortunately their anger and passion doesn't translate into doing what is necessary to build political strength for them. Instead it becomes "burn it down" rage -- inchoate and planless.
Democratic hopes for a return to Congressional majorities are likely to be disappointed, particularly in the house. The next administration may face even worse obstructionism than Obama's.
The GOP has taken a fall; the king's horses and men cannot put it together again. The billionaire's GOP commands less than a third of the party now. The rest are tea-party/evangelicals and Trumpistas. Will the GOP split into three parties? What happens if it doesn't?
Momentary Democratic schadenfreude will give way to "what the heck do we do now?" The shattered GOP will not be a better GOP. Instead its strongest voices are its most irrational, Cruz included.
Both the Trump and Sanders constituencies are not going to go away, but unfortunately their anger and passion doesn't translate into doing what is necessary to build political strength for them. Instead it becomes "burn it down" rage -- inchoate and planless.
Democratic hopes for a return to Congressional majorities are likely to be disappointed, particularly in the house. The next administration may face even worse obstructionism than Obama's.
The GOP has taken a fall; the king's horses and men cannot put it together again. The billionaire's GOP commands less than a third of the party now. The rest are tea-party/evangelicals and Trumpistas. Will the GOP split into three parties? What happens if it doesn't?
6
I am independent and voted Trump. I want to see both GOP and DEMS go down. Time for a new party and its going to happen. Sanders and Trump are going to prove it. What we have today does not listen. Obama is horrible.......
1
The country needs weakness in the GOP in order to rebuild the Democratic Party. The GOP cannot be rebuilt and needs to go into a long period of hibernation, hopefully to emerge decades later in a more benign, less irrational form.
Trump is obviously not suitable in any way to be President, thin skinned bully, a sorry adult by any standard, if he wasn't considered Rich no one would even give him the time of day. He must not get the nomination, how can you people vote for him in your primary???? Four years of the lying, deceitful Hillary might just sink this country beyond recovery. It will be two late in Novembers election folks, Quit voting for these two now, you must nominate someone else. Trump distorts, lies, ignores the facts, and faces his opponents down by attacking them and calling them liars and that's it, we can not elect this self centered fool.
3
I agree. Next in line is Cruz and I do not know who's scarier. The GOP has turned into a nursery school fest. Once again they're shutting down Congress to do anything in their power to shut down Obama since day 1 and they're blaming it all on anyone else they can. DT is the biggest embarrassment of a person running for pres. I've ever seen. He'll push us in to a third world country faster than anticipated.
Let me add that while he said he doesn't hire H1Bs, there are many other visa types from overseas he hires and, of course, he didn't say this for months. Wonder what he pays them.
Let me add that while he said he doesn't hire H1Bs, there are many other visa types from overseas he hires and, of course, he didn't say this for months. Wonder what he pays them.
And in other news on the first page of NYT: Donald Trump Says NATO is ‘Obsolete,’ UN is ‘Political Game’. And the problem with Trump is that he is right! NATO IS OBSOLETE! has been since 1990. And he is right on many things. That is the secret of his appeal, his otherwise despicable personal traits, sexism, racism, notwithstanding. I will vote for Sanders, BTW, but we have to face why this is happening in the US. Want HRC? You are going to have endless wars, dismantling of safety net, profit for 1%, and Bush 2 warmed up.
9
Seems to me it's the Republicans who are for endless wars. Obama, Hillary, and now John Kerrey during the past seven years have been trying to clean up the mess left by GWB. So throw away your vote at your and your grandchildrens' own peril. As for me, I'll happily vote for the Democratic candidate, whoever that may turn out to be because they, unlike the Republicans, are not racist, not facist, not christianist (false) and actually believe in the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution. Giving the election to the Republicans by not voting on November 8th, will be something you, your grandchildren as well as the rest of the world will long regret. By the way, all the unmerited mistrust aimed at Hillary is nothing less than thinly disguised misogyny. As for me, I'll vote for the Democratic candidate period no matter who wins the nomination.
The Republicans are for endless wars, Trump is very distinctly against war. His idea is to work out better deals with belligerents and avoid war at all cost. During WWII this would have been wrong. In the run up to WWI, this would have been very right. So it is not always a wrong approach. Trump is against virtually everything in the normal Republican platform, except abortion; his opposition is lukewarm and not heartfelt.
As for NATO, during the various NATO expansions, I had misgivings. It's hard for Ameicans to believe, but try reading some scholarly books: the eastern block, people in towns and villages, are frightened of America. They view America as belligerent. They know we have many nukes. Many people say we need NATO because of Putin. It's also possible to say an expanding NATO and American nuclear capability has caused Putin. I don't know enough to know who is right, but Trump isn't clearly wrong.
As for NATO, during the various NATO expansions, I had misgivings. It's hard for Ameicans to believe, but try reading some scholarly books: the eastern block, people in towns and villages, are frightened of America. They view America as belligerent. They know we have many nukes. Many people say we need NATO because of Putin. It's also possible to say an expanding NATO and American nuclear capability has caused Putin. I don't know enough to know who is right, but Trump isn't clearly wrong.
David, you probably slept through the bombing of Serbia (under the husband Clinton). Smuggling the fighters from Afghanistan in US military planes into Bosnia in the nineties. The senate then debated whether it was according to the constitution since i was in fact a covert operation. Who presided over that Senate committee? Why, John Kerry! This is all in public domain, look it up. Remember HRC plane "coming under fire" in Tuzla? Which was HRC admitted later on a fabrication (ugh, an exaggeration, am I bad), btw.Until they thanked us with 9-11. You get the drift. In that regard Trump is right, NATO should be dismantled. I did not say I will not vote, or vote Republican, I said I will vote for Sanders. As for misogyny, where do you see it? This is just slander. Just because I do not like the person, male or female, who will have her/his finger on the nuclear button, does not make me a woman hater. I explicitly mentioned Trump's sexism. Why is it so hard to respond to what it is written and without personal insults?
1
The poll comparing Clinton’s outcome to Sanders vs Trump is like comparing apples to oranges. Of course Sanders has a better rating in the general election “survey-today” because the respondents that are republican are going to first say no to Clinton because she is the face of the democratic party that brings out the most passion and Sanders is the guy who is not considered a threat. But if Sanders was the guy come November 8 it’s another ball game.
10
Both Sanders and Clinton would beat Trump the polls tell us. Fine. I am happy with either. But how do they do against Cruz whom I find more frightening than Trump?. Note also the disturbing report polls indicate Kasich would beat both Sanders AND Clinton. But again remember this is in March, when Dewey had an insuperable lead over Truman! Lastly, despite what one person wrote, from 1829 to 1901, with exception of Lincoln we had no outstanding President, and some - notably, Buchanan A. Johnson and Grant- were abysmal, others had lots of "warts".
1
Adios, Donald Trump!
"As Donald J. Trump moves closer to the Republican nomination, his unpopularity with large groups of voters suggests a potentially staggering loss in a general election" – No matter how staggering the loss would be in the general election it wouldn't be enough of a staggering lost to suit my tastes, unless of course the ramifications of the staggering loss would be followed by staggering Republican losses in the House and Senate. If ever there was a public figure to be burned in effigy every day of the week for just one week after the staggering presidential loss, it's Donald Trump.
3
I love the approach toward the Donald. He still has the winning hand in the GOP race. Don't forget that he still has a sizable lead that both make Cruz and Katich green with envy. I'm sure either would trade places with Donald Trump.
2
John -- only Trump's most ardent followers would trade places with Donald Trump (politically or otherwise) if they had to BE Trump. That's the allure of Trumpism: the fantasy of being Trump.
For most of us, and I am sure for Cruz or Kasich, that's a horror to contemplate.
For most of us, and I am sure for Cruz or Kasich, that's a horror to contemplate.
This is a very cool spread sheet history. The obvious interpretation is anything can happen...or, in the words of that great philosopher, Yogi Berra, "It ain't over til its over."
Both the Trump and Clinton negatives are alarming. Can we elect a President that everyone hates? Will the Republican hierarchy actually block Trump and throw their party nominating process into an unpredictable convention free-for-all? Will Bernie catch Hilary in the popular vote only to suffer the slings of outrageous Super delegate votes, and walk away from his party? What kind of mischief is the Donald capable of if denied the GOP nomination?
I predict Silvio Berlusconi runs as a third party candidate and captures the "lost generation angry boomer male vote" and forces the election into the House of Representatives, where Nikki Haley is elected President and D Trump VP, after she promises to publicly humiliate The Donald weekly for his degenerate sexist behavior. Donald, of course, agrees to any opportunity that will burnish his brand, stating, "I love women. I'm just misunderstood."
Both the Trump and Clinton negatives are alarming. Can we elect a President that everyone hates? Will the Republican hierarchy actually block Trump and throw their party nominating process into an unpredictable convention free-for-all? Will Bernie catch Hilary in the popular vote only to suffer the slings of outrageous Super delegate votes, and walk away from his party? What kind of mischief is the Donald capable of if denied the GOP nomination?
I predict Silvio Berlusconi runs as a third party candidate and captures the "lost generation angry boomer male vote" and forces the election into the House of Representatives, where Nikki Haley is elected President and D Trump VP, after she promises to publicly humiliate The Donald weekly for his degenerate sexist behavior. Donald, of course, agrees to any opportunity that will burnish his brand, stating, "I love women. I'm just misunderstood."
@Michael in Oregon: I agree that the negatives are alarming, but think that much Hillary is tagged with is unfair. As to super-delegates - Hillary has a considerable lead in elected delegates, i.e., she is not 'just ahead because of super delegates.'
As to Sanders walking away from "his party," his party is really independence. He has very long been an independent and only recently a Democrat of convenience. Don't get me wrong, although I am a Hillary supporter, I like Sanders and think he has a very good heart and some good ideas. If he is the nominee I will vote for him. That said, I think some of his ideas are a bit extreme (free college for everyone - we can't even adequately fund k-12 and the "1%" is a small group which can pay for only so much - also why would we pay for free college for the affluent or non-1% rich?) and most of his ideas are not doable with a GOP house (unlikely to change). I also think that if the Dems nominate a 'socialist' we will find ourselves with Trump or Cruz in the White House - many to the right of center so hate the ideal of socialism that they will vote for Trump or Cruz.
As to Sanders walking away from "his party," his party is really independence. He has very long been an independent and only recently a Democrat of convenience. Don't get me wrong, although I am a Hillary supporter, I like Sanders and think he has a very good heart and some good ideas. If he is the nominee I will vote for him. That said, I think some of his ideas are a bit extreme (free college for everyone - we can't even adequately fund k-12 and the "1%" is a small group which can pay for only so much - also why would we pay for free college for the affluent or non-1% rich?) and most of his ideas are not doable with a GOP house (unlikely to change). I also think that if the Dems nominate a 'socialist' we will find ourselves with Trump or Cruz in the White House - many to the right of center so hate the ideal of socialism that they will vote for Trump or Cruz.
3
Thanks for the breath of reason. The mantra for true progessives in this election must be vote for the Democrat, whoever that turns out to be. Don't throw away your vote because you're in a snit because your ideal candidate didn't ge the nomination. You'll regret it til the end of your days. So Bernie or Hillary 2016.
I don't think Trump wants to be president! Someone who is really after that office would be demographically aware enough to know to behave! So he is crying out for a defeat and he doesn't know how to get out of it! Trump's recent foot- in- mouth statements is proof that he is looking for an exit door out of this situation that turned out to be a headache for the business man!
5
How can Trump possibly accept this? Isn't he more liked than anybody? Doesn't he have more friends than anybody else in the world? Never at a loss for words, how will he ever stop explaining how really well like he really is?
3
"Republicans have succeeded ... by fooling all of the people some of the time (the Iraq War)..."
Can we cool it with the "Republicans = War" propaganda? When was the last time a Democratic presidential candidate voted against a war? Hillary voted for the Iraq War. Kerry voted for the Iraq War. Obama wasn't in the Senate then.
Only Bernie Sanders got a chance to vote on the Iraq War and voted against it.
Can we cool it with the "Republicans = War" propaganda? When was the last time a Democratic presidential candidate voted against a war? Hillary voted for the Iraq War. Kerry voted for the Iraq War. Obama wasn't in the Senate then.
Only Bernie Sanders got a chance to vote on the Iraq War and voted against it.
2
Given this article, I sure hope Trump is the republican nominee.
5
Most important paragraph which should be the main story, showing the most popular candidate in the country is Bernie Sanders, thus in a true democracy should be our next president:
"If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
It is a shame that the New York Times and the rest of the corporate media have conspired against the most popular candidate in the country.
"If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
It is a shame that the New York Times and the rest of the corporate media have conspired against the most popular candidate in the country.
5
Trump properties, who frequents his hotels and have there been or will there be boycotts? Will there be protests outside his hotels? Can there be protests ? Or is all this anger focused on Trump as Presidential candidate?
I didn't buy Trump schlock before, so I can't make any difference with a boycott.
And, Donster, please take the Republican Senate with you! Bonus points: I'll buy $5 on the slots the next time I'm in Trump Vegas if you help dramatically deplete the House too. In such an ironic, fateful and utterly unintentional twist, your landslide loss would be to America's great gain! Eventually, fewer senseless, tragic gun deaths! Perhaps a halt to corporate inversions (e.g., ripping off the nation)! Equal pay! Enforced greenhouse carbon and methane pollution rules! Another nail in the coffin of King Coal! Sens. McConnell and Cruz, Govs. Christie and Walker, and so on, stripped of trash talk and troublemaking! So, please go ahead, Mr. inaptly-named-Trump, keep talking sexist-and-ethnic-and-economic trash until your only supporters are the accountants cooking your books!
10
For republicans, the choice in the general election will be a lesser-of -two-evils decision. Although many, most, may dislike Trump, if he does win the nomination, he will, in all likelihood, face Hilary. So Republican voters will be forced to choose between a crass, egotistical fool and a woman who they hate. For the past 20+ years, Hilary has been vilified by just about every branch of Republicans you can think of. Republican voters have been programmed to thate her. So the question is, who will they hate more, Trump or Hilory? And when it comes to decisions based on hate, it is anyone's guess as to whom the will choose.
2
True. But in that circumstance many will stay home, or not vote the presidential line, or vote for a write-in candidate who expresses their position.
And in a few "swing" states, I predict you will see registered Republicans, particularly women, voting for Hillary because the idea of Trump actually being President is so repugnant ... they will do that. But they won't talk about it; all you'll see is the vote tallies. That is why we have secret ballots.
And in a few "swing" states, I predict you will see registered Republicans, particularly women, voting for Hillary because the idea of Trump actually being President is so repugnant ... they will do that. But they won't talk about it; all you'll see is the vote tallies. That is why we have secret ballots.
What's ironic is that the Republican Party is much more "democratic" than the Democratic Party.
When the Democrats hold their convention, there will be substantially more "uncommitted" delegates than when the Republicans hold their convention. That's precisely why Hillary has tried to lock them up ahead of time (just as she did in 2008). She knows that, if Bernie beats her in the primaries, all she has to do is whisper in the ears of those uncommitted delegates: "Pssst. Socialist. Can't win in November." and they'll back Hillary. And those uncommitted delegates backing Hillary will give her the nomination, no matter what the voters say in the primaries.
Not quite so easy for the Republicans, who will have a lower percentage of uncommitted delegates. No matter how much of a nut case Trump may be, the Republicans will have a harder time getting rid of him than Hillary will have in getting rid of Bernie.
When the Democrats hold their convention, there will be substantially more "uncommitted" delegates than when the Republicans hold their convention. That's precisely why Hillary has tried to lock them up ahead of time (just as she did in 2008). She knows that, if Bernie beats her in the primaries, all she has to do is whisper in the ears of those uncommitted delegates: "Pssst. Socialist. Can't win in November." and they'll back Hillary. And those uncommitted delegates backing Hillary will give her the nomination, no matter what the voters say in the primaries.
Not quite so easy for the Republicans, who will have a lower percentage of uncommitted delegates. No matter how much of a nut case Trump may be, the Republicans will have a harder time getting rid of him than Hillary will have in getting rid of Bernie.
2
Sigh -- right now Clinton has enough of a margin in pledged delegates that it looks all but certain that she'll take the Democratic nomination on those votes. Why do Bernistas keep bringing this up?
But OK, you bring it up -- the "superdelegates" are the voice of the party regulars themselves -- the CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES (ever heard of those?) Governors, many of the district and committee people who do the grunt work to sustain the party.
The plain fact of the matter is that Sanders has done nothing to build a party. He has done nothing to help other Democrats to get elected. If he becomes president he will be nearly powerless to enact his big ideas because the majority of Democratic congressionals either oppose outright or will refuse to fall on their swords for Bernie.
And the other plain fact is that if Bernie gets the nomination the Republican smear machine will tear him apart. It won't be Hillary whispering "socialist." It will be Republicans yelling "Hippie Jew Communist." A child out of wedlock, honeymoon to the USSR, some unfortunate problems Jane had as president at Burlington college, and just pure made up dreck.
Dukakis and McGovern ... think about it.
But OK, you bring it up -- the "superdelegates" are the voice of the party regulars themselves -- the CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES (ever heard of those?) Governors, many of the district and committee people who do the grunt work to sustain the party.
The plain fact of the matter is that Sanders has done nothing to build a party. He has done nothing to help other Democrats to get elected. If he becomes president he will be nearly powerless to enact his big ideas because the majority of Democratic congressionals either oppose outright or will refuse to fall on their swords for Bernie.
And the other plain fact is that if Bernie gets the nomination the Republican smear machine will tear him apart. It won't be Hillary whispering "socialist." It will be Republicans yelling "Hippie Jew Communist." A child out of wedlock, honeymoon to the USSR, some unfortunate problems Jane had as president at Burlington college, and just pure made up dreck.
Dukakis and McGovern ... think about it.
1
To put it extremely mildly, I am no fan of Trump's. However, the anti-Trump bias -- and, yes, very sadly I do mean bias -- in the selection of articles the Times is currently publishing has made it self-deluding about the very thing it claims insight in: election reality.
Cruz, though he might win a few states, would do worse overall. He has, in addition to antagonizing a significant number of Republicans, absolutely no crossover appeal. Trump, on the other hand, has substantial appeal to the so-called Nixon and Reagan Democrats.
Unfortunately for the party's no-longer-heavies, after the convention Republicans will have to vote for somebody. Anti-Trump will not be on the November ballot.
The party establishments, the media, and the talking heads, have yet to come to grips with the fact that support for Trump and Sanders largely comes from the same disillusioned feelings of powerlessness and betrayal.
Cruz, though he might win a few states, would do worse overall. He has, in addition to antagonizing a significant number of Republicans, absolutely no crossover appeal. Trump, on the other hand, has substantial appeal to the so-called Nixon and Reagan Democrats.
Unfortunately for the party's no-longer-heavies, after the convention Republicans will have to vote for somebody. Anti-Trump will not be on the November ballot.
The party establishments, the media, and the talking heads, have yet to come to grips with the fact that support for Trump and Sanders largely comes from the same disillusioned feelings of powerlessness and betrayal.
6
Mr. Frankuchen is correct. The grotesque growth of Trump and Sanders were seeded and watered in the same winter greenhouse on opposite sides of the aisle of our mid fortune.
The parched earth enraged with the wrath of unfairness justly felt by millions nurtures the seeds of our destruction. No sunshine has found its way with an electorate blinded by ignorance and infuriated by the mendacity of a leadership in and out of government that has combined to form a poisonous mixture only revolution can address.
Thomas Jefferson called for a revolution every twenty five years, but he did not intend mean bloodshed. Trump advocates blood, while Sanders advocates the free lunch and a brand of enabling that surpasses all we've heard back to The Crash and The New Deal that failed us in 1938.
Our Blacks, Jews, Indians and many others feel it and know. Yet most all of us remain silent as our latter day Mussolini snarls and demands we close our doors to immigrants by religion and color, a button pushing logic we've not seen since the Confederacy or WW II when we turned away boats loaded with the persecuted Jews of Europe and interned the Japanese with FDR's demagoguery in the face of his wife's pleadings silenced in a White House that ignored what Trump would have us ignore again.
Will we find what it takes to take us away from the demagogue? We almost fell for Sen. Jos. McCarthy and many were utterly entranced with the racist rage Alabama's Gov. George Wallace. I am praying.
The parched earth enraged with the wrath of unfairness justly felt by millions nurtures the seeds of our destruction. No sunshine has found its way with an electorate blinded by ignorance and infuriated by the mendacity of a leadership in and out of government that has combined to form a poisonous mixture only revolution can address.
Thomas Jefferson called for a revolution every twenty five years, but he did not intend mean bloodshed. Trump advocates blood, while Sanders advocates the free lunch and a brand of enabling that surpasses all we've heard back to The Crash and The New Deal that failed us in 1938.
Our Blacks, Jews, Indians and many others feel it and know. Yet most all of us remain silent as our latter day Mussolini snarls and demands we close our doors to immigrants by religion and color, a button pushing logic we've not seen since the Confederacy or WW II when we turned away boats loaded with the persecuted Jews of Europe and interned the Japanese with FDR's demagoguery in the face of his wife's pleadings silenced in a White House that ignored what Trump would have us ignore again.
Will we find what it takes to take us away from the demagogue? We almost fell for Sen. Jos. McCarthy and many were utterly entranced with the racist rage Alabama's Gov. George Wallace. I am praying.
1
Look at the polls. Neither Clinton nor Sanders would in fact have an easy race against Cruz -- this is a measure of how badly polarized the American electorate is.
When you look at the head-to-head polling numbers this early in an election remember that their predictive power is poor. If you are a Bernista trying to advance the idea that Sanders will run better on these polling numbers you must answer two questions: why is it that the Republicans are as eager to run against Sanders as Democrats are to run against Trump? What happens to Sanders once the Republican smear machine turns against him?
The sad fact of the matter is that the polarization is so thorough that as an election closes most of the electorate falls into line behind a party candidate no matter how distasteful. Elections these days are largely won on voters who go to the polls to support their party out of fear for what the other party will do if in power.
The Republicans are amplifying the fear-factor their candidates present -- one can hardly imagine scarier ones.
Logically a Democrat should win this election as women, Latinos, Blacks, those who are not right-wing "christians," and those who actually want a better (rather than worse) world for their children stampede to the polls to vote against Trump or Cruz or whatever sock-puppet the Republican leadership manages to install to avoid Trump & Cruz.
But logic doesn't always win elections.
When you look at the head-to-head polling numbers this early in an election remember that their predictive power is poor. If you are a Bernista trying to advance the idea that Sanders will run better on these polling numbers you must answer two questions: why is it that the Republicans are as eager to run against Sanders as Democrats are to run against Trump? What happens to Sanders once the Republican smear machine turns against him?
The sad fact of the matter is that the polarization is so thorough that as an election closes most of the electorate falls into line behind a party candidate no matter how distasteful. Elections these days are largely won on voters who go to the polls to support their party out of fear for what the other party will do if in power.
The Republicans are amplifying the fear-factor their candidates present -- one can hardly imagine scarier ones.
Logically a Democrat should win this election as women, Latinos, Blacks, those who are not right-wing "christians," and those who actually want a better (rather than worse) world for their children stampede to the polls to vote against Trump or Cruz or whatever sock-puppet the Republican leadership manages to install to avoid Trump & Cruz.
But logic doesn't always win elections.
What about the states that are working to suppress voting? Arizona was a test run to see what power plays could be effectively deployed to leave voters high and dry. Can we trust the voting process will be fair and ethically run state by state?
7
Some cynics suggest the Clintons put Trump up to this: encouraged him to run because they knew he'd be a weak opponent.
Maybe, but what strikes me as even more likely: the Times is doing that now. The message seems to be in two parts:
1. If Trump gets the nomination, he'll get crushed in November.
2. Trump will get the nomination, and we'll devote a great deal of attention to him to assure that.
Maybe, but what strikes me as even more likely: the Times is doing that now. The message seems to be in two parts:
1. If Trump gets the nomination, he'll get crushed in November.
2. Trump will get the nomination, and we'll devote a great deal of attention to him to assure that.
3
There are several "Don't sell Trump short" comments. Granted, he's got a lock on a big chunk of the electorate -- roughly 30%, I'd estimate. Last I heard, though, you need 50.1%.
2
Nice. Sounds like there's was quite a bit of scientific rigor that went in to arriving at those numbers.
270 electoral votes wins the election, which is not necessarily the same as a majority of the popular vote. Though I don't think Mr. Trump can win a majority of either the electoral or popular vote.
2
Actually you can win with less than 50.1 percent due to the Electoral College.
1
And how will these numbers turn if Ms Clinton is indicted in October as the GOP echo chamber keeps whispering?
When Obama was elected, the GOP vowed to make him a one term president. I am afraid that when Ms Clinton is elected, their goal will be to make sure she doesn't last a single term. It is going to be a tiresome ordeal for all.
When Obama was elected, the GOP vowed to make him a one term president. I am afraid that when Ms Clinton is elected, their goal will be to make sure she doesn't last a single term. It is going to be a tiresome ordeal for all.
4
Obama earned two terms . . .
Still presenting ideas from the establishment political approach, eh Jonathon and Nate?
I wouldn't have thought that you 2 young guys would need a 73 year old, white, educated, professional woman to tell you to get out of Washington and get with what's going on in America in 2016.
WE ARE FED UP WITH POLITICS AS USUAL! We see that neither party cares about anyting but their own greed for money and power. Politics as usual does nothing for the people but lie and suck up when they need our votes to help pretend we still have a Democracy.
Out with the lot of you! That's what the people are saying in this voting year.
Open your eyes and ears kiddies trying to write about this and deal with the scary real.
I wouldn't have thought that you 2 young guys would need a 73 year old, white, educated, professional woman to tell you to get out of Washington and get with what's going on in America in 2016.
WE ARE FED UP WITH POLITICS AS USUAL! We see that neither party cares about anyting but their own greed for money and power. Politics as usual does nothing for the people but lie and suck up when they need our votes to help pretend we still have a Democracy.
Out with the lot of you! That's what the people are saying in this voting year.
Open your eyes and ears kiddies trying to write about this and deal with the scary real.
6
This is very premature. Read his interview with Bob Woodward in the Wash Post today and Woodward's reaction. It indicates to me that the Hillary is in the very deepest of trouble. It is quite likely that Trump will carry states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. He has virtually promised Kasich the vice presidency and a co-presidency, and he will win huge numbers of Bernie's voters.
6
Not sure what you read, but nothing there indicates that he has any chance in states like PA, MI or OH. In an unpopularity contest with Hillary, he is still more unpopular almost across the board. His campaign strategy is a deeply flawed belief that he can revise himself from one news cycle to the next but that as long as he domintaes the news cycle he is winning. It has worked in the primaries where his competition has divided broad sectors of the voters, but it will sink him in a one-on-one contest where he has to present a coherent platform. Because he doesn't have one and doesn't have a clue how to construct one.
Trump and Sanders supporters both want change, ergo Sanders supporters will vote for Trump rather than Hillary. This ignores the fact that Sanders has a coherent message, which his supporters understand and agree with. Trump is largely incoherent and ridiculous and no thinking person, which Sanders supporters are, would remotely consider Trump a substitute for Sanders.
I remember a similar prediction - Romney in a landslide. How did that work out for you?
Hillary is the weakest opponent to come down the pike in many years (well, at least since McCain in 2008), but she looks like a veritable powerhouse compared to Trump or Cruz.
Polls show this, and I accept those polls:
1. Clinton or Sanders would beat Trump or Cruz, probably handily.
2. Kasich would beat Clinton or Sanders, probably handily.
So the Republicans have two choices:
1. Nominate Trump, because he has the most primary votes -- and lose, destroy the Republican Party, and be humiliated around the world.
OR
2. Stiff Trump and nominate Kasich -- and win, preserve the Republican Party, and be respected around the world.
Seems like a no-brainer to me: Stiff Trump, stiff Cruz, nominate Kasich. Hard to understand why there's even a debate about this.
Polls show this, and I accept those polls:
1. Clinton or Sanders would beat Trump or Cruz, probably handily.
2. Kasich would beat Clinton or Sanders, probably handily.
So the Republicans have two choices:
1. Nominate Trump, because he has the most primary votes -- and lose, destroy the Republican Party, and be humiliated around the world.
OR
2. Stiff Trump and nominate Kasich -- and win, preserve the Republican Party, and be respected around the world.
Seems like a no-brainer to me: Stiff Trump, stiff Cruz, nominate Kasich. Hard to understand why there's even a debate about this.
2
We wish Mr. Trump will take serious measures to curb the lucrative business of Visas I.e. H1b,L1,F1,K1,L2,. the constitutional law does not guarantee / states to issue : Green cards/ Citizenship grants to the following. Students, IT pros who come to work here state, we don't have work force to fill the jobs. This is not true. Hiring companies are from India and hiring manager from India have manipulated / and are everywhere in US companies. Students who come to study should go back NO second opinion. Who can stand up against the massive visa application corruption, only Mr. Trump you can stop!!!!Save Students Debts & Jobs, that are outsourced.
Except that Trump will run as a 3rd party candidate and hand the Dems an even bigger victory.
If he ever gets elected I'm sure during the first week of his Presidency he will give us ample reason to start impeachment proceedings immediately.
His pick for his VP might actually doom his efforts to such an extent that he just drops out even before the actual election. This is certainly history in the making. I've never seen anything like this. It's an eye-opener. We are still dealing with Americans who refuse to admit that the Confederacy lost the war. We should never have pulled out Federal Troops from the defeated South.
Trump could have been quashed years ago of the GOP demanded an end to Trumps crusade to convince people that Obama was born in Kenya and was therefore NOT President. Instead they played their cute little games.
America will survive. The GOP won't.
His pick for his VP might actually doom his efforts to such an extent that he just drops out even before the actual election. This is certainly history in the making. I've never seen anything like this. It's an eye-opener. We are still dealing with Americans who refuse to admit that the Confederacy lost the war. We should never have pulled out Federal Troops from the defeated South.
Trump could have been quashed years ago of the GOP demanded an end to Trumps crusade to convince people that Obama was born in Kenya and was therefore NOT President. Instead they played their cute little games.
America will survive. The GOP won't.
22
We wish Mr. Trump will take serious measures to curb the lucrative business of Visas I.e. H1b,L1,F1,K1,L2,. the constitutional law does not guarantee / states to issue : Green cards/ Citizenship grants to the following. Students, IT pros who come to work here state, we don't have work force to fill the jobs. This is not true. Hiring companies are from India and hiring manager from India have manipulated / and are everywhere in US companies. Students who come to study should go back NO second opinion. Who can stand up against the massive visa application corruption, only Mr. Trump you can stop!!!!Save Students Debts & Jobs, that are outsourced.
1
"We should never have pulled out Federal Troops from the defeated South."
Truthfully you never did. The largest military bases are located here in the South. Most of the active military personnel are from the South. Northeastern folks make up a much smaller component than members from the Western states. We had a higher number of ROTC program members at our colleges and universities.
Eleven military bases are named for Confederate military officers and today's military could almost be said to be the Confederate Army.
Truthfully you never did. The largest military bases are located here in the South. Most of the active military personnel are from the South. Northeastern folks make up a much smaller component than members from the Western states. We had a higher number of ROTC program members at our colleges and universities.
Eleven military bases are named for Confederate military officers and today's military could almost be said to be the Confederate Army.
Say what you will about the utter ignorance and demagoguery of Trump and whatever comfort you derive from the realization that Trump will not win the general election the question still remains how someone like Trump could have come this far. In the famous words of John McEnroe "you can't be serious!". Trump is living proof of how degraded our political process has become. There is enough blame to go around, especially the citizenry ignorant of the basic principles upon which this country was founded who continue to elect leaders who are similarly ignorant of their obligations under the Constitution. We should all be worried.
27
stupid is as stupid does
Excellent story. But polls can be wrong so it is critically important for every eligible person to vote in all elections.
10
In the Final Analysis why is Trump so popular with a certain segment
of our Society ?
Why do they feel left out of the American Mainstream ?
Whomever becomes President better find out the answers to those questions
and solve them before we have a 2nd American Civil War.
of our Society ?
Why do they feel left out of the American Mainstream ?
Whomever becomes President better find out the answers to those questions
and solve them before we have a 2nd American Civil War.
5
I am predicting a Reality TV sweep for the election. Donald Trump as president, Gary Busey as vice president, and the Jersey Shore crew as the cabinet. The orange crew. I mean if we are going to drop any pretense of civilization, let's go out with a bang.
7
I am praying for a Trump nomination. The Republican party needs to get punched in the face. Hard. It has behaved as horribly as a party as Trump has as a person for a generation now. The only way to straighten out a bully is to straighten up the bully. A crushing, resounding, unmitigated defeat is exactly what is needed and deserved for this party.
26
I remember right after the 2012 election many of them talked about how they needed to change their ways & diversify their tent. That lasted maybe one month - it's in their DNA. They can't help themselves!
Bob Woodward's new interview with Trump has him predicting a "massive recession" in our near future, and he advises Americans not to buy stocks. (!?!) A presidential candidate, probably the nominee, telling people not to buy in to the stock market. He also says he will get rid of $19 trillion in debt by renegotiating trade deals. (??) And his family and friends have begged him to be more presidential but he has turned them down. He is 95% certain his VP pick will be someone already in politics, who knows the ways of Washington. (Well, really, what else could he do? Pick someone else at his level?) So get ready for another Dick Cheney-George W. Bush situation, I guess is what he's saying.
This article doesn't make me entirely comfortable, as I do not like to count my chickens before they hatch, and last night I dreamed Clinton dropped out of the race.
This article doesn't make me entirely comfortable, as I do not like to count my chickens before they hatch, and last night I dreamed Clinton dropped out of the race.
3
Is it me, or is it funny that there's a peace sign tattoo on the person's wrist holding that Trump sticker?
5
It's actually an elhaz rune, which has been co-opted by nazis, white power, or skinhead losers. I know as a pagan Sanders supporter, not a hate monger! See the anti defamation league link below for another example of the tattoo.
http://www.adl.org/combating-hate/hate-on-display/summary-view.html?hate...
http://www.adl.org/combating-hate/hate-on-display/summary-view.html?hate...
It's you
you are missing 2 big boats: the Rust Belt manufacturing job losses (as Mr. Trump says, he has not even begun emphasizing the Clinton "free trade" policy thereto), and, Latino males WILL vote for Mr. Trump
1
"Latino males WILL vote for Mr. Trump"? Would you care to provide evidence for this?
Trump will get smoked either by Hillary or by Bernie. He's provided enough negative ad video clips that any candidate with a decent war chest will tear him to pieces even if he starts to look Presidential. I for one find it hard that any Latino, women, African American will vote for him. I'm guess that gives Hillary or Bernie 60 percent of the vote prior to counting any votes from white males.
2
History shows that the election is not decided in April. Truman's defeat of Dewey is a perfect example, Truman was so unpopular when he started his campaign all of the pundits assumed the general election was foregone conclusion, but nobody told the voters that. There is a lot of history to be written between now and next November, even a small thing, a tiny gaffe, can tilt the election back and forth. A major event, a earth shaking event can truly change things. Trump has offered himself up as a strong man, and events have a way of happening that call for strong men. For whatever is known, there is the big unknown called the future, and future events which may change everything. But the contrast between Hillary and trump will be as stark as any two candidates have ever been. The bold decisive tough talking Man, and the liberal all embracing female.
but it may be the role of future events to point the electorate in the direction it will ultimately arrive.
but it may be the role of future events to point the electorate in the direction it will ultimately arrive.
3
Neither Trump nor Clinton are as you describe--"the bold decisive tough talking Man, and the liberal all embracing female". They just play those on TV.
Trump is the biggest gift to the Democrats imaginable. He is busy alienating simply everybody in what's left of the GOP. He--and they who have practiced the politics of division for decades--are finally going to get what the so richly deserve.
14
I think Bernie Sanders with his incessant calls for Revolution and making Wall Street bad guy is setting up potential Socialist and Nationalist match up for president. My guess judging from history, specifically Italy 1920's, that Trump's nationalist authoritarian versus Sander's socialist authoritarian would prevail. It will be one of the ugliest and or last elections we may have. However, as far-fetched as that seem, history has a way of repeating itself when people forget similarities to previously instigating predicates.
It is key to note that Trump's followers are those who read 'WallStreet folks' as 'code' and Sanders along with his shouts of 'Revolution' has paved the way making that sector easily to be misinterpreted by either party.
It is key to note that Trump's followers are those who read 'WallStreet folks' as 'code' and Sanders along with his shouts of 'Revolution' has paved the way making that sector easily to be misinterpreted by either party.
2
Sanders is not a "socialist authoritarian". He's anti-authoritarian. Paradoxically, in our political system, someone's got to be in the top spot to help push us in that direction.
Point accepted, unlike my earlier post Sanders was mentioned in the 18th paragraph. My Point remains that if the graph listed Sanders it would show as mention in the 18th paragraph that Sanders has fewer negatives than Clinton or Trump so why save the point for so late in the article? Put it up on the graph. Sanders has been being written off since day one. Sorry if I'm sensitive about it but I have heard so many say that they agree with him but he is not electable, despite the facts of polling.
35
its true. according to the graph he isn't even running.
4
You are right, of course. The NYT has been a champion in the art of dissing and discounting Sanders: we know what we are talking about, so no point in rehashing our grievances. What mystifies me is the position of many many many self proclaimed progressive commentators (blogs or contributors to web-only media) who have given up and taken it for granted that money and power are unbeatable, so why bother trying. Therefore, you might as well vote for Hillary.
1
1. Because it's not likely Sanders will be the nominee.
2. Because head-to-head polling during the primary season has poor predictive ability for the general election
3. Because Sanders hasn't faced the GOP smear machine. Indeed the GOP is praying for Sanders to be the Democratic nominee, and some Republicans are doing more than praying in an attempt to see it happen.
If you are going to argue that Sanders is a better candidate than Clinton on the basis that he will have a better chance to win the election, you need to explain why the Republicans very clearly disagree with that assessment. They are drooling to run against Sanders.
2. Because head-to-head polling during the primary season has poor predictive ability for the general election
3. Because Sanders hasn't faced the GOP smear machine. Indeed the GOP is praying for Sanders to be the Democratic nominee, and some Republicans are doing more than praying in an attempt to see it happen.
If you are going to argue that Sanders is a better candidate than Clinton on the basis that he will have a better chance to win the election, you need to explain why the Republicans very clearly disagree with that assessment. They are drooling to run against Sanders.
1
President Trump. The "Trump Administration"... Think about that.
5
I worry that by some fluke of lower voter turnout by the Democrats, there could be a President Trump. What chaos he would cause across across the planet as he undertakes his new world order.
He has a personality disorder, yet we keep expecting him to act a mature, rational being instead of the hysterical bombast that he is. Therein lies the fascination.
May all reason prevail.
He has a personality disorder, yet we keep expecting him to act a mature, rational being instead of the hysterical bombast that he is. Therein lies the fascination.
May all reason prevail.
president trump, you been chumped
Sounds great . Vote for Trump.
The best, most uplifting news story I have read in a long time.
11
The Republicans get what they deserve, a nominee with no experience in government. They have done such a good job at destroying the legitimacy of the Presidency and effectiveness of government, that being leader of the free world has become nothing more than the hose of a reality show. The Republican mantra has been, we need a strong leader who gets what he wants by hook or by crook with a policy that guarantees less government, more money, more jobs, less taxes, legalized discrimination against those we don't like, repeal of regulations and control of everything else by the States. The Republican base sees Trump as the perfect nominee, while the Republican Establishment see him as a loose cannon capable of destroying the institutions they had hoped to take control of the government. This has become a race to see who would be the best candidate to destroy government, and Trump has won the Republican vote, with Bernie coming up fast to take the Democrats vote.
12
I want Democrats to gain Congressional seats and governorships amidst the flames and smoke billowing from Trump's burning coattails, but I worry about a crushing blowout in the Presidential election. The 1964 landslide election sowed some ill seeds among those on the losing side, the fruits of which we are still heavily burdened with. There are so many depraved individuals operating under the GOP banner at this point, that I hesitate to imagine what they might cobble together out of the wreckage littering the ground in the aftermath of a massive Democratic win.
The chances of the GOP suddenly deciding in defeat to come to its senses and become a party of reason and rational mind are virtually nil at this point. "What were we thinking?" just isn't going to happen.
The person least concerned with being humiliated would be Trump himself. He's been leveled before and pep talked himself back from the pit of infamy time and again. If he's the GOP candidate and loses, in his mind, he's won regardless of the margin of defeat. He'd have a dozen reasons handy to explain why the election was wrongfully taken from him. He will have been front page news every day for a year and a half and made sure his voice was heard above all others, for better or worse. Mission accomplished.
The chances of the GOP suddenly deciding in defeat to come to its senses and become a party of reason and rational mind are virtually nil at this point. "What were we thinking?" just isn't going to happen.
The person least concerned with being humiliated would be Trump himself. He's been leveled before and pep talked himself back from the pit of infamy time and again. If he's the GOP candidate and loses, in his mind, he's won regardless of the margin of defeat. He'd have a dozen reasons handy to explain why the election was wrongfully taken from him. He will have been front page news every day for a year and a half and made sure his voice was heard above all others, for better or worse. Mission accomplished.
14
and Cruz by comparison is deemed acceptable; who knew the gods had such a truly twisted sense of humor?
20
..., well, if science hasn't convinced one that there is no god; then look at trump & cruz - now, one should be sufficiently enlightened ...
12
Trump may very well win the Solid South and the border states for an Electoral College win even though he may lose the popular vote to the Democratic candidate. The cult of personality coupled with racism and xenophobia mostly by ignorant white men appears to be a collective behavior wave throughout the south....it's "them vs us", and the Confederate flags on the trucks around here along with the Trump signs are quite visable. Many of these people do not read and just rely on Talk Radio. Guns and religion are their only ideology. It doesn't matter what Trump says as they have already bonded with him. He speaks to them on their level. He excites and incites them. They have already taken a fealty oath to vote for him along with a Hitleresque salute. This is a George Wallace campaign and the Dixietrumpists are not going to vote for a strong woman or a Jewish intellectual. It is sad. The Constitution has been breached and Obama has been deligitimized (No Supreme Court Justice) by the birther-in-chief who is anti-Muslim, anti-Mexican, anti-Black, anti-gay, anti-choice, etc. But, many of his followers are also white supremacists so they are a good match. How sad. Massive voter registration drives are needed NOW!
28
I've always wondered why they aren't registering voters during these yuge Bernie sanders rallies...is it illegal? If it is illegal who made that stupid law? I'm betting the goobers. They really do hate democracy.
1
Racism?
Where is that?
Are Trump's business discriminatory?
Where is that?
Are Trump's business discriminatory?
trumps call for a moratorium on immigrants until more thorough vetting has taken place is not anti-Muslim. Not every Muslim is a terrorist but every terrorist seems to be a Muslim.
His call for a stronger border to prevent people form entering the US is not anti-Mexican. We are being overwhelmed by people from below our southern border who are here purely for economic interests, not with a desire to become Americans.
I've yet to hear Trump espouse an anti-Gay bias nor calling for an anti-Black addition to the Republican platform.
Why print newspapers when people will invent their own news?
His call for a stronger border to prevent people form entering the US is not anti-Mexican. We are being overwhelmed by people from below our southern border who are here purely for economic interests, not with a desire to become Americans.
I've yet to hear Trump espouse an anti-Gay bias nor calling for an anti-Black addition to the Republican platform.
Why print newspapers when people will invent their own news?
I'm just gonna throw this out there... You think the Clintons convinced him to run because they knew if he did she'd be a sure fire ticket? I'm beginning to think so.
14
Yes.
5
Did you hear the story how Bill Clinton called Trump shortly before he announced his candidacy? I think you are right.
I think he's working for her.
I can only hope this is truth. Was there a similar article published before every other fascist was elected ? Just expressing the skeptical point of view .
6
As you sow, so you reap!
See what you did in the last eight years, GOP? You gave birth to the likes of Donald Trump. He is not just one person, there are millions like him that have infested th country. Never thought it'd get this bad, huh? The whole world is laughing at you, including myself. Enjoy the show!
See what you did in the last eight years, GOP? You gave birth to the likes of Donald Trump. He is not just one person, there are millions like him that have infested th country. Never thought it'd get this bad, huh? The whole world is laughing at you, including myself. Enjoy the show!
21
We wish Mr. Trump will take serious measures to curb the lucrative business of Visas I.e. H1b,L1,F1,K1,L2,. the constitutional law does not guarantee / states to issue : Green cards/ Citizenship grants to the following. Students, IT pros who come to work here state, we don't have work force to fill the jobs. This is not true. Hiring companies are from India and hiring manager from India have manipulated / and are everywhere in US companies. Students who come to study should go back NO second opinion. Who can stand up against the massive visa application corruption, only Mr. Trump you can stop!!!!Save Students Debts & Jobs, that are outsourced.
If Trump were not in the race, Hillary would have the lowest net favorability of any Republican or Democrat nominee in recent history.
We have come to this. If Hillary or Trump is elected, they will be disliked by the largest margins in recent history.
We have come to this. If Hillary or Trump is elected, they will be disliked by the largest margins in recent history.
4
This moment in our history speaks less about Hillary and Trump. It does speak volumes about us, the American People and our engagement with our Democratic-Constitutional-Republic.
8
And your point is?
I am not a pundit nor a pollster nor a career politician. I can as an independent observe and think. The reality check does not take into account the investigation by the FBI of the Clinton emails and the recent resurgence of Bernie Sanders with his big surge in acquiring millions in campaign contribution and a sudden spike of interest in his brand of socialism. Suddenly a Sanders miraculous surprise and a possible repeat of 2008 has become a reality. Even if Clinton becomes the nominee the level of negativity about Clinton is making her sick and is probably no different than that of Trump and could get even worse in a general election. Even if Cruz does not get a Trumping in Wisconsin, Trump will bounce back in the delegate rich states like NY where Cruz without a doubt will get a Trumping for looking down on the NY values. Also NY will have no value for a bible thumping do little Canadian born Cuban American junior senator with a history of trying to shut down US government and for obstructing progress. So in my humble opinion, this reality check at this stage is full of uncertainties that make predictions an exercise in futility. Some may find Trump's last week his worst in his entire campaign. Others may find his last week an unraveling of new intriguing ideas of an underdog that none of us could have imagined and having them on the table to debate makes for interesting alternative views that could after extensive refinement when executed make America great again.
5
You are putting far too much stock in this FBI investigation of Clinton. If you had any idea how ethereal the classification guidelines are you wouldn't even suggest the possibility that anything prosecutable will come out of it. To think otherwise is wishful thinking.
1
"Others may find [Trump's] last week an unraveling of new intriguing ideas of an underdog that none of us could have imagined and having them on the table to debate makes for interesting alternative views that could after extensive refinement when executed make America great again."
I don't recall hearing any "unraveling of new intriguing ideas" from Trump in the past week. If, as you describe, those "ideas" are so nascent that they require the complicated development path that you describe as "extensive refinement" before they could "make America great again", then I think that simply proves there's nothing there to begin with, and wouldn't be after such a "refinement" process. The simpler phrase is "putting lipstick on a pig". I could just as well say that a lump of coal, or a banana, after "extensive refinement", stands a chance of being made into a fine Presidential candidate.
I don't recall hearing any "unraveling of new intriguing ideas" from Trump in the past week. If, as you describe, those "ideas" are so nascent that they require the complicated development path that you describe as "extensive refinement" before they could "make America great again", then I think that simply proves there's nothing there to begin with, and wouldn't be after such a "refinement" process. The simpler phrase is "putting lipstick on a pig". I could just as well say that a lump of coal, or a banana, after "extensive refinement", stands a chance of being made into a fine Presidential candidate.
What is interesting, is the party elites don't like Trump mainly because they believe he isn't Conservative ENOUGH. Given all the outrageous statements Mr. Trump has made, this really is pretty appalling. If Mr. Trump fails to get the required number of delegates by the convention, the likely nominee will be Ted Cruz. What a choice....
12
I don't think it will be Cruz...the GOP will kick him to the curb and pick Eddie Munster instead. That's why Eddie is suddenly interested in the poor.
I guess I'm confused by this article. The central point seems to be that Trump's success thus far has been achieved by appealing to a very narrow demographic swath of the electorate but that Trump is positively repellent to nonwhites, Hispanics, voters under 30, college students, women, of course, and many independents. - And that many of these voters are hardly likely to vote for Trump in November. So far, so good. Yet large numbers of the voters in exactly these demographic groups are precisely the voters whom the Republican voter-suppression laws have succeeded in disenfranchising and whose votes undoubtedly will not be counted in November. Nary a mention of this fact is made in this article. But electoral maps and polls are only valid to the extent that every American citizen who is entitled to vote actually gets to vote and gets to have her or his vote counted. And many Republican-controlled state governments have already guaranteed that that will not happen. So is the point of this article pure theoretical speculation? A thought experiment in potential election outcomes where every vote counts? I don't get it.
11
Now Trump is telling the Washington Post that there is going to be a huge recession and nobody should invest in the stock market. I wonder if this comes before or after he nukes Europe, destroys NATO, and gives Nukes to the Japanese and Koreans. I am hopeful that reasonable people will now see what a complete disaster this person us. Not that any if the other Republican candidates are any better.
21
This election is so utterly unfair.
For the most part it has turned into Trump against Trump.
If Trump would have been trained to keep his mouth shut he might have even had a chance against Hillary, unfortunately a candidate that doesn't seem to raise any sort of enthusiasm.
For the most part it has turned into Trump against Trump.
If Trump would have been trained to keep his mouth shut he might have even had a chance against Hillary, unfortunately a candidate that doesn't seem to raise any sort of enthusiasm.
2
I am seriously concerned for the gullibility of the American working class. I have travelled over a lot of the world, I don't think in any first world country have I met such an unfortunately ill-advised group as our own Trump enthusiasts.
Is there a figurehead in this country who more represents more disdain for the working class than Trump? I mean get a grip really people, read something....anything...please....
Is there a figurehead in this country who more represents more disdain for the working class than Trump? I mean get a grip really people, read something....anything...please....
22
Yes, there are political elements with more disdain for the working class. To wit, the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. They serve the rich and the corporations and wall street. It is not rocket science to understand Mr. Trump's promise to make America great. I personally hope I am presented with the opportunity to vote for Mr. Sanders.
7
"I don't think in any first world country Have I met such an unfortunately ill-advised group as our own Trump enthusiasts.
Clearly then, you have never met any of the Clinton supporters.
Clearly then, you have never met any of the Clinton supporters.
3
No leftcoast; if you go after a whole segment of the population, telling them they are stupid, you play right into their belief system and they have tuned you out. The real problem is people are hurting economically and they are frightened of the future. They can't afford their Obamacare deductible, they don't know if they will be downsized on given any day, they can't afford to send their kid to college or put Mom in Assisted Living. Life has become a stressful, time sucking, uncertain obstacle course. Like the Black Lives Matter movement, it is very important that Americans listen when another group of Americans tell you they are under the heel of a boot. Trump has inadvertently acknowledged a fearful part of our country. I hope Debbie Wasserman Schultz is listening very carefully.
As an affluent, white liberal democrat, I relish Trump winning the Republican primary. Not only is he more entertaining and likable than the other conservative refuse that is running for president, but Trump may well flip the Senate, and, in a less gerrymandered world, the house. Up the Trumps. Remember liberals, the real enemy is the Republican establishment, not some orange clown without a filter.
64
Yes
"orange clown without a filter"
:-) I like that!
:-) I like that!
I really can't want Trump to fail to get the Republican nomination if the alternative is the theocratic, government-shutter-downer Rafael "Ted" Cruz.
9
Lord, let it be so!
8
buried deep within
"If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
the times acknowledges, begrudgingly, that bernie does better than hillary - but have to put the parenthetical in there to really knife him
despite the bernie does better fact you devote much more space to HRC's potential match-up
why? Bernie has won six of the last seven primaries -
he is going to win in Wisconsin
why isnt this article talking equally about a bernie trump match up
that would be a much more interesting race -
hrc is saying prayers that dt gets it - it's the only way she could win -
but if she wins we lose -make no mistake -
still waiting to hear what she said to her buddies at goldman sachs
"If Mrs. Clinton somehow loses the Democratic race — unlikely given her delegate advantage — Mr. Trump could fare even worse in a general election against Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who has higher margins than Mrs. Clinton in head-to-head polling against Mr. Trump in most swing states."
the times acknowledges, begrudgingly, that bernie does better than hillary - but have to put the parenthetical in there to really knife him
despite the bernie does better fact you devote much more space to HRC's potential match-up
why? Bernie has won six of the last seven primaries -
he is going to win in Wisconsin
why isnt this article talking equally about a bernie trump match up
that would be a much more interesting race -
hrc is saying prayers that dt gets it - it's the only way she could win -
but if she wins we lose -make no mistake -
still waiting to hear what she said to her buddies at goldman sachs
15
What difference does it make what she said. Like all the rest of the Bernsters you're not going to believe her anyway.
15
That's just because Bernie's own dirty laundry hasn't been fully played out by the opposition yet. Once his honeymoon in Russia, speeches supporting the Sandinistas, his out-of-wedlock child, early writings, etc.—not to mention a full vetting of his plans and their true effect on the taxes of the middle class—all get pulled out into the national light of day, his margins will shrink into negative territory.
14
So Mr. Trump may destroy the Republican Party. Now if only we can find someone to provide the same service for the Democratic Party.
Mr. W. Clinton and Mr. Obama did a fairly good job of it. When Mr. Clinton was sworn in in 1992, the Democrats held the Senate by 57 to 43, and the House by 258 to 221, but when he left the Senate Democrats were in a 50-50 tie with the Republicans and House Democrats were behind by 212 to 221. The decline has been even worse for the Democrats under Mr. Obama, as they dropped in the House from 256 to 188, while the Republicans rose from 178 70 246. In the Senate the Democrats dropped from 57 to 44 under Mr. Obama while the Republicans rose from 41 to 54.
Another two term Democratic president is likely to lead to similar decreases for the Democrats in both House and Senate and similar increases for the Republicans. In the statehouses and state legislatures the Democratic losses have been even more pronounced. So, perhaps we already know who the person is who is likely to be to serve the purpose of destroying the Democrats just as thoroughly as Mr. Trump is destroying the Republicans. That person is likely to be Ms. H. Clinton, as she is expected to win. As the graph shows, if Mr. Trump were not there with the highest disapproval numbers in recent history, Ms. Clinton would hold that record. So our thanks should go out to both of them for their anticipated roles in destroying the two parties in our decayed two-party system.
Mr. W. Clinton and Mr. Obama did a fairly good job of it. When Mr. Clinton was sworn in in 1992, the Democrats held the Senate by 57 to 43, and the House by 258 to 221, but when he left the Senate Democrats were in a 50-50 tie with the Republicans and House Democrats were behind by 212 to 221. The decline has been even worse for the Democrats under Mr. Obama, as they dropped in the House from 256 to 188, while the Republicans rose from 178 70 246. In the Senate the Democrats dropped from 57 to 44 under Mr. Obama while the Republicans rose from 41 to 54.
Another two term Democratic president is likely to lead to similar decreases for the Democrats in both House and Senate and similar increases for the Republicans. In the statehouses and state legislatures the Democratic losses have been even more pronounced. So, perhaps we already know who the person is who is likely to be to serve the purpose of destroying the Democrats just as thoroughly as Mr. Trump is destroying the Republicans. That person is likely to be Ms. H. Clinton, as she is expected to win. As the graph shows, if Mr. Trump were not there with the highest disapproval numbers in recent history, Ms. Clinton would hold that record. So our thanks should go out to both of them for their anticipated roles in destroying the two parties in our decayed two-party system.
7
And your point is???
I like how the caption says that "Donald J. Trump's net favorability rating is lower than that of any Republican or Democratic nominee in recent history" without bothering to mention that HRC's is second lowest.
13
"Make America Great Again" = NO MORE GOP.
Hey! That works for me.
Hey! That works for me.
35
Peoples opinions will change once Trump exposes how Clinton pushed Obama for the destruction of Libya. Also most people do not want to see her husband Bill back in White House messing around with women in the Oval Office.
4
So tell me please, did you personally poll " most people " to draw that conclusion?
10
Just exactly how did Clinton force Obama to do it her way, eh?
Do you really think Cruz would do better ???
7
[[Wildly Unpopular
Donald J. Trump’s net favorability rating is lower than that of any Republican or Democratic nominee in recent history.]]
So, what?
Dukakis was more favored than Bush and lost.
Bush was more favored than Clinton and lost.
Donald J. Trump’s net favorability rating is lower than that of any Republican or Democratic nominee in recent history.]]
So, what?
Dukakis was more favored than Bush and lost.
Bush was more favored than Clinton and lost.
8
The Tea Party gave birth to Trump. Let's hope, after this election, the TPers crawl back into the holes they came from.
16
Because big government is so competent? Please...
@omg--do you have a logical/sensible/sane alternative?
My thinking: Donald Trump DOES NOT want to be elected President. That's why his behavior is so crazy!
Does anyone know any other serious contender for national office who would insult the Pope? Would other serious contenders insult women, Hispanics, African americans?
Would any other serious Presidential hopeful keep a campaign manager who beats up a reporter? And promotes violence? Would a President Trump repeal the Bill of Rights if elected?
every day Donald Trump embarrasses and insults someone. That's not a recipe for winning an election.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY
Does anyone know any other serious contender for national office who would insult the Pope? Would other serious contenders insult women, Hispanics, African americans?
Would any other serious Presidential hopeful keep a campaign manager who beats up a reporter? And promotes violence? Would a President Trump repeal the Bill of Rights if elected?
every day Donald Trump embarrasses and insults someone. That's not a recipe for winning an election.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh, NY
11
Right- it's too much work and not nearly enough fun! But his ego won't let him just say "Get me out of here!"
2
If nominated, Trump will be the Standard Bearer and a Pall Bearer for the Reagan Republican Party. I hope it happens. The efforts by the Times Editorial Staff to get rid of Trump during the nominating process only increases the likelihood of another Antonin Scalia, setbacks in women's rights, environmental terrorism, etc.
Can't anyone but Donald Trump play at least mediocre chess?
Can't anyone but Donald Trump play at least mediocre chess?
1
The Reagan Democrats, maybe? Still hiding in plain sight after all these years.
i just want to know how someone with a peace sign tattoo could be holding up a Trump sign.
35
Thank goodness, the election is ALREADY over in early April, and can be 100% called now -- why bother holding the elections or conventions at all? Just go ahead and coronate Empress Hillary now and get it over with.
10
If Trump is the vehicle that is going to crash and burn the Republican party then that is all right by me. I also believe if Sanders makes it to the Democratic nomination they only way he gets elected is if the choice is him or Trump.
1
[[Donald J. Trump’s presidential candidacy has stunned the Republican Party.]]
What, exactly, is "the Republican Party"? Is it the organization or is it the voters?
I think the answer to that question explains many, many things.
What, exactly, is "the Republican Party"? Is it the organization or is it the voters?
I think the answer to that question explains many, many things.
4
Let us focus on the the real reason for the rise of Trump.... we have just suffered thru twenty eight years of the most feckless thieving leadership in the history of this or any other country... Bush - Clinton Clinton -Bush Bush --Obama Obama .. the repeating hiccups of of the dual termers leading to no discernible accomplishment.. have yielded the United States of America to a position of a progressive and progressing weakness... The sad and laughable aspect of all this is that the current and no doubt prior presidentes and their flunkies actually think that they are/were of performance... When as crude an amateur as Barack Obama questions anyones fitness for office --those of mind and eye can only.. sadly...snicker ...
1
Please stop badmouthing Trump now. It's our only chance, and the only chance moral and rational people have, to throwing out the Republican racist, misogynist, anti LGBT, nativist cult that is the GOP from the Senate, the House, and reduce that cult to a minor role. Go Trump! Drumpf forever!
6
I think he is deliberately sabotaging his own campaign because he really does not want to be president. This was all a game to him and now, perhaps, he realizes he can't play with the big boys (and girls) but his ego won't allow him to acknowledge that in public and withdraw from the contest with grace.
8
Once again Sanders Is not even mentioned as if it is been predetermined since the beginning that it is only Clinton v the top Republican.
8
Sanders is mentioned.
4
Ted Cruz is not the remedy for Trump. Cruz is just as bad - if not worse - than Trump.
The focus should be on getting both Trump *AND* Cruz out of the race.
The focus should be on getting both Trump *AND* Cruz out of the race.
21
The general election in November will pick off whichever of those two is the GOP's candidate.
Trump has his opponents right where he wants them.
1
Are Democrats aware of that the country will crash and burn with more big government as usual? Why are Democrats scared of limited government and common sense, less national debt, which are the founding principles of the country? Why do Democrats mechanically defend the need for big government with that there will be less maintenance of infrastructure and less good public schools without it? You mean the infrastructure is maintained by big government now? You mean the public schools have become better under big government? Isn't it the opposite? And you want more of that?
How about the big Government that spent about $2 trillion (out of budget) on the Iraq/Afghanistan Wars. That money could have gone to providing basically free public college education and made a good start toward Medicare for All (relieving the burden on employers having to feel obligated to provide health care benefits). The hipocracy of Republicans is that they like big Government as long as the budget deficit is spent on the almost $1 trillion we spend every year to be ready to go to war.