Hillary Clinton is being investigated by 50 FBI agents. That should be scaring her just as much as Bernie does
15
It's become exhausting to hear about how noble HRC was in steeping back and supporting Barack Obama in 2008. Let's not forget that soon thereafter she was appointed Secretary of State. That's how politics works, isn't it?
90
Our democracy(?) here in the US and this election season has illuminated to the commons which I am sure that is what the establishment and oligarchs think of "we the people".
It has been right out there "in our face" that our votes don't matter, the system is rigged by the democrats and republicans who have way too much power whereby they believe they are the chosen ones to rule. Both parties will lie, distort and go to great length to hold onto this power backed up by the conglomerate media monopolies and oligarchs wielding more power and wealth than what was accumulated during the Gilded Age period in the late 1800's.
These parties are losing control and reacting very badly in the face of loss of power, however, to save this country both these parties need to go away so we can again (some might say we never truly had it) have a representative government of "we the people".
Go Bernie and bring back democracy to America.
It has been right out there "in our face" that our votes don't matter, the system is rigged by the democrats and republicans who have way too much power whereby they believe they are the chosen ones to rule. Both parties will lie, distort and go to great length to hold onto this power backed up by the conglomerate media monopolies and oligarchs wielding more power and wealth than what was accumulated during the Gilded Age period in the late 1800's.
These parties are losing control and reacting very badly in the face of loss of power, however, to save this country both these parties need to go away so we can again (some might say we never truly had it) have a representative government of "we the people".
Go Bernie and bring back democracy to America.
105
A pretty amusing and reasonably astute article, except for this:
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing, sexist name-calling and feral threats — at the Nevada state party convention last weekend ..."
Didn't happen.
What DID happen was a continuation of the DNC's cheating and disenfranchisement of voters. You might also look into the election fraud that is being perpetrated across the nation to put Hillary into the nominee positions too. Several very careful mathematical analysis by Phds have utilized the exit polling to indicate serious problems with the integrity of the elections so far. Math is math; there's no "conspiracy theory", and exit polling is used everywhere in the world (except the US it seems) to verify elections.
I wonder why the mainstream press is ignoring that story?
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing, sexist name-calling and feral threats — at the Nevada state party convention last weekend ..."
Didn't happen.
What DID happen was a continuation of the DNC's cheating and disenfranchisement of voters. You might also look into the election fraud that is being perpetrated across the nation to put Hillary into the nominee positions too. Several very careful mathematical analysis by Phds have utilized the exit polling to indicate serious problems with the integrity of the elections so far. Math is math; there's no "conspiracy theory", and exit polling is used everywhere in the world (except the US it seems) to verify elections.
I wonder why the mainstream press is ignoring that story?
149
cynicism and fear! what a way to run a country!
19
Maureen, by your logic, Barack Obama would have been in trouble in 2008, because "He couldn't put away Hillary Clinton, that boring opponent." It was MUCH closer then... Bernie has a movement, and leads it as a demagogue from the left... His message definitely resonnates with the intensifying, young left of the Party. It is fairly similar to the Eugene McCarthy campaign of 1968. Probably, the main difference is that Bernie is a far better stump speaker, and is not really a Democrat. He himself has said that he does not care what havoc he wreaks on the Democrats or on Hillary's chances of defeating Trump in November. His true colors have come out, confirming what many more Democratic voters have known for quite some time. Take a deep breath everybody...Hillary will do just fine. So will, I'm sure, Bernie and the three Democratic candidates he is supporting...or is it four?
88
Trump will have opposition to whatever craziness he dreams up from both parties. Ms. Clinton will have feigned opposition from Republicans and none from Democrats as she continues the neoliberal and neoconservative projects. Lather, rinse, repeat.
33
`So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative ...'
And so are readers.
And so are readers.
39
I have a dream. Bernie as President with Hillary as his VP. And the agreement is she and Bill run things while Bernie just keeps on campaigning, right on for the next mid-term elections. Keep in mind he is too old to be a two-term president, so Hillary will still have her chance again in 2020.
As we have seen all too clearly, and as we all should know from civics lessons, Congress Matters.
As we have seen all too clearly, and as we all should know from civics lessons, Congress Matters.
8
No chairs were thrown by Sanders supporters in Nevada. I'm surprised Ms Dowd was not informed that this has been proven false.
The DNC should catch up to what the voters are realizing: this is an insurgency year. Sanders will beat Trump. Clinton will not.
The DNC should catch up to what the voters are realizing: this is an insurgency year. Sanders will beat Trump. Clinton will not.
109
Sanders supporters love rallies, often with rock star and celebs as opening acts. They are very engaged in this newfangled thing happening. They have a flash mob mentality, though this time with a purpose. They're gonna nominate a democratic socialist for president. Wow, man. Way cool.
Hillary's supporters? Older, slower, boring. We don't like rallies much. Whooping it up? Holding up signs? Tiring, and really quite dumb. Don't those gathered know the slogans by now?
Hillary's folks have a harder time getting us old codgers out to these alleged fun-filled events. We prefer to sit, read the newspaper, maybe online, watch network news, even with all its ads for drugs for old folks. Very little news conveyed but, at least it is news as opposed to opinion makers droning on and on. No matter how mindless the topic, they all have extremely passionate opinions on them, until that is, it's time to go to a commercial break. That's pretend politics as show biz.
It's good seeing young and disenfranchised people deciding to get involved. But some don't realize there is more to do than rallying. They have to get engaged in the boring tedium of party politics, they have to register in the party to participate in it.
But they should know although almost ten million folks have voted for Sanders, in the General Election over 120 million will vote. That's when we tried and true Dems who support Hillary volunteer to get out vote. You know, that boring stuff.
DD
Manhattan
Hillary's supporters? Older, slower, boring. We don't like rallies much. Whooping it up? Holding up signs? Tiring, and really quite dumb. Don't those gathered know the slogans by now?
Hillary's folks have a harder time getting us old codgers out to these alleged fun-filled events. We prefer to sit, read the newspaper, maybe online, watch network news, even with all its ads for drugs for old folks. Very little news conveyed but, at least it is news as opposed to opinion makers droning on and on. No matter how mindless the topic, they all have extremely passionate opinions on them, until that is, it's time to go to a commercial break. That's pretend politics as show biz.
It's good seeing young and disenfranchised people deciding to get involved. But some don't realize there is more to do than rallying. They have to get engaged in the boring tedium of party politics, they have to register in the party to participate in it.
But they should know although almost ten million folks have voted for Sanders, in the General Election over 120 million will vote. That's when we tried and true Dems who support Hillary volunteer to get out vote. You know, that boring stuff.
DD
Manhattan
100
I have read Ms Dowd's column over the years with interest and enthusiasm; but why did she choose to repeat the Hillaryite inspired smear against the Bernie delegates at the Nevada convention: violence and chair throwing? Other than a Clinton delegate shoving a Bernie supporter, there was no violence, and there was no chair throwing. Get your facts straight. Malicious smears by Hillary supporters only serve to drive Sanders supporters away from the Democratic Party.
93
So Maureen, how can you be so dismissive of Hillary Clinton who has garnered millions more votes than Sanders and hundreds more delegates than Sanders? And what are you trying to prove with your usual mocking critique of whatever you decide to write about in your lame column?
98
Apparently Ms. Dowd got her "facts" on what transpired at the Nevada convention from her own paper. This, NYT, is what happens when you let inaccurate reporting stand without correction. The inaccuracies seep into the public consciousness until they become the accepted reality. When this "reality" is used to perpetuate a narrative, it is called "propaganda". Where are your public editors, and why have they not demanded a correction to the series of articles mis-representing events at the Nevada Convention?
75
If Bernie Sanders received as much free media coverage (especially TV news dying for ratings) as the boorish bully, Trump, he would be killing it in the primaries, in both delegates and the popular vote. As it is, what Bernie has achieved is nothing short of remarkable.
Hillary claims that she wants Bernie to give up, and come into her fold. Since when is it somehow disloyal to continue in a primary, even when your path to victory is narrow? Rather than Bernie kowtowing to Clinton, her energies should be placed in winning over Bernie's base. Goood luck with that.
Sanders owes nothing to Clinton, to Wasserman-Schultz, or the Democrat Party, all of whom considered him as a rounding error when he started his campaign.
Hillary will probably be the candidate, and I will likely vote for her, but with no enthusiasm. I will not campaign for her. I will not donate a dime to her coronaton (I have happily donated to Bernie). The only reason she will receive my vote is that I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I knew I didn't vote against Trump. She has not earned my vote; not even close.
Steven Kolpan
Woodstock, NY
Hillary claims that she wants Bernie to give up, and come into her fold. Since when is it somehow disloyal to continue in a primary, even when your path to victory is narrow? Rather than Bernie kowtowing to Clinton, her energies should be placed in winning over Bernie's base. Goood luck with that.
Sanders owes nothing to Clinton, to Wasserman-Schultz, or the Democrat Party, all of whom considered him as a rounding error when he started his campaign.
Hillary will probably be the candidate, and I will likely vote for her, but with no enthusiasm. I will not campaign for her. I will not donate a dime to her coronaton (I have happily donated to Bernie). The only reason she will receive my vote is that I couldn't look at myself in the mirror if I knew I didn't vote against Trump. She has not earned my vote; not even close.
Steven Kolpan
Woodstock, NY
88
I simply am tired of the meaningless banter on Bernie supporters versus HRC supporters and whether or not Republicans are going to tacitly or overtly support Him. There are 4 months left. There are so many important issues to discuss. Ms. Dowd and NYT-why don't you go to the heart of Chicago and Detroit and ask anyone what they care about. Why don't you go to some area where votes may be disenfranchised in November and ask those individuals how they feel. This cutesy commentary is so played, obsolete and unimportant to someone who is hungry. Those of us on this comment page know what we are doing. I want the voiceless to be heard. For we all know, depending on who wins, that muted individual can vanish. Can we elevate this discussion rather than continue to dumb it down? Media do your job for those that are not heard, please.
58
Clinton and the Democratic party have been making some major strategic mistakes lately. For Clinton to call herself the de facto nominėe was totally inappropriate, reeking of exasperation and lack of respect for the democracy.
She was basically trying to steam roll and silence her opponents and thereby giving us again a glimpse into the real personality behind her fake smiles and loughter. Secondly we hear now that she will not want to participate in another debate with Sanders in CA and that could just prove to be another nail in the coffin, as it shows her both scared and arrogant at the same time. These blunders are only pouring gasoline in the Bernie fire that she has been trying to extinguish, and giving people reasons to doubt her intelligence and dislike her.
Do we really want an unstable and ill tempered personality like that as commander in chief? I consider her a 'dangerous person', to quote Varoufakis.
Fortunately the Democratic party is a train wreck about to happen and Trump was right when suggesting that a third party run might be in order. The electorial outcome is far from certain as history can take some unexpected turns.
She was basically trying to steam roll and silence her opponents and thereby giving us again a glimpse into the real personality behind her fake smiles and loughter. Secondly we hear now that she will not want to participate in another debate with Sanders in CA and that could just prove to be another nail in the coffin, as it shows her both scared and arrogant at the same time. These blunders are only pouring gasoline in the Bernie fire that she has been trying to extinguish, and giving people reasons to doubt her intelligence and dislike her.
Do we really want an unstable and ill tempered personality like that as commander in chief? I consider her a 'dangerous person', to quote Varoufakis.
Fortunately the Democratic party is a train wreck about to happen and Trump was right when suggesting that a third party run might be in order. The electorial outcome is far from certain as history can take some unexpected turns.
35
I realize that it's fun to keep running down the same old list of attacks on Hillary Clinton--and isn't it interesting that so many of the berniebots say the same thing in the same screeching tones with the same vocabulary as Trumpists?--but it's really easy to chck this stuff, you know.
http://www.politifact.com/personalities/hillary-clinton/
Down to and including the silly claims that the woman's never accomplished anything. So if you'd like to say something intelligent for a change, skip the Swift Boating and try criticizing based on reality.
There's enough there to offer real grounds for analysis and criticism, just as there is with Bernie Sanders.
As for our very own Berlusconi, well, anybody stupid enough to take that guy as anything more than a wealthy, screaming blowhard who cares about nobody but himself really left the planet a long time ago.
Not much to offer that'll so much as dent your, ah, fantasies.
http://www.politifact.com/personalities/hillary-clinton/
Down to and including the silly claims that the woman's never accomplished anything. So if you'd like to say something intelligent for a change, skip the Swift Boating and try criticizing based on reality.
There's enough there to offer real grounds for analysis and criticism, just as there is with Bernie Sanders.
As for our very own Berlusconi, well, anybody stupid enough to take that guy as anything more than a wealthy, screaming blowhard who cares about nobody but himself really left the planet a long time ago.
Not much to offer that'll so much as dent your, ah, fantasies.
65
This is your own opinion, Ms. Dawd, I am very excited to vote for Hilary.
Although, I was previously considering voting for Sanders. I even gave the campaign $100.00, until I discovered that he has the same message without voicing a plan of how he is going to achieve what he proposes.
Same old same old does not cut it for me.
Please, Ms. D. Write a more informed column so I can keep reading you.
I have enjoyed your writing until you start bashing HRC. F. F.
Although, I was previously considering voting for Sanders. I even gave the campaign $100.00, until I discovered that he has the same message without voicing a plan of how he is going to achieve what he proposes.
Same old same old does not cut it for me.
Please, Ms. D. Write a more informed column so I can keep reading you.
I have enjoyed your writing until you start bashing HRC. F. F.
68
Bernie somehow is more Presidential of all the candidates when it comes down to casting a vote- especially if you've done it more than a few times in your life and understand the consequences of doing so. JGAIA-
41
I don't think transcendentally can describe a political race's quirks. Perhaps you meant transcendently.
14
"Boxer had to call Sanders several times before he called back." - Maureen Dowd of the NYTimes
I think Senator Boxer should be happy that Bernie called her back at all. He is busy campaigning so having more DNC super delegates distracting him off the campaign trail is not worthy his time calling back. He has got a country to serve, not just DNC.
I remember Senator Boxer was very angry at a general for not addressing her the way she wanted at a hearing so she started the hearing by chewing out the general first in public. Obviously, she is ever more important than the issue at the hearing. I wouldn't return any calls from this unpleasant lady.
I think Senator Boxer should be happy that Bernie called her back at all. He is busy campaigning so having more DNC super delegates distracting him off the campaign trail is not worthy his time calling back. He has got a country to serve, not just DNC.
I remember Senator Boxer was very angry at a general for not addressing her the way she wanted at a hearing so she started the hearing by chewing out the general first in public. Obviously, she is ever more important than the issue at the hearing. I wouldn't return any calls from this unpleasant lady.
62
bigger picture -
beyond the candidates for the white house - whole party policy that recognizes the reality coming down the pike at breakneck speed moves to the forefront of this election cycle.
we have entered the 4th phase of the industrial revolution commonly known as artificial intelligence.
it's in cars, homes, national security, the electric grid, the rails, communications and manufacturing facilities on a small scale already.
and so our choice in nov of 2016 brings us to:
- an R party that wants to keep money and control in the hands of very few people as they cut education and public services to the masses so they can maintain tight control of the direction of new technologies.
- and a D party that wants to educate everyone, so all citizens can participate and benefit from the coming advancements.
this election comes down to one simple question - do you want to be a participant or victim?
choose wisely - because you'll only get this one chance. because by next election - to to the current speed and rates of acceleration on tech advances, the choice will no longer exist in 2020.
beyond the candidates for the white house - whole party policy that recognizes the reality coming down the pike at breakneck speed moves to the forefront of this election cycle.
we have entered the 4th phase of the industrial revolution commonly known as artificial intelligence.
it's in cars, homes, national security, the electric grid, the rails, communications and manufacturing facilities on a small scale already.
and so our choice in nov of 2016 brings us to:
- an R party that wants to keep money and control in the hands of very few people as they cut education and public services to the masses so they can maintain tight control of the direction of new technologies.
- and a D party that wants to educate everyone, so all citizens can participate and benefit from the coming advancements.
this election comes down to one simple question - do you want to be a participant or victim?
choose wisely - because you'll only get this one chance. because by next election - to to the current speed and rates of acceleration on tech advances, the choice will no longer exist in 2020.
18
Some friend asked me the other day if I could have dinner with any celebrity babe I wanted, who would it be. Maureen Dowd. Oh, I know, I'm a cranky right-wing Trump curmudgeon and she's a snarling New York left-wing harpy but in a different world she would be sitting in my double-wide cheering to Rachael Maddow while I convert my AR-16 to full auto on the coffee table. Her take on events is always hysterically funny and, when you stop giggling, penetrating. I love seeing the great and the near-great savaged and Mo gives good savage! 'Bataan-death-march'...and it's only May! ¡Hay-sus De Christo! Have the Dems dumped eight years of failure and broken promises into Crooked Hillary's lap and shoved her into the ring with a Mike Tyson-like brute who made mincemeat of JEB!, Little Marco and Lyin' Ted to revenge themselves for decades of Clintonian arrogance? I'm starting to feel sorry for the old gal. She's running out of friends fast.
Anyway, Mo, if you read this, and you're ever in LA, call me.
Anyway, Mo, if you read this, and you're ever in LA, call me.
19
Interested in the delegate numbers from Hillary's 2008 race against Obama? Bill MacKenzie rounds it all up (with dates) here: https://thinkingoregon.org/2016/05/18/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do-the-calls-...
10
This morning I went to Bernie's campaign website. I wanted to know what legislation he has sponsored, gotten passed and made law, I found nothing, absolutely nothing. His website's list of his accomplishments is that he continues to get elected by the slimmest of margins and that once he drove US citizens to Canada to get cheap medicine. As we say out west, "He is all hat and no cattle."
69
Pity Obama cannot run for a third term. That would take care of the current field of potential candidates in one fell swoop.
24
Hillary has been the party elite's 2016 candidate for over 7 1/2 years now and she's been carefully groomed. Only recently have they noticed that she's actually not a very good candidate and their fear is obvious in the attempts to assign much of the responsibility for getting her elected - or not - to Bernie. With so much credibility invested, it's all they can do to try to limit their losses.
29
Want to know how weak a candidate Hillary is? She is unable to put away a challenger with a single minded vendetta against Wall Street. She will enter the general election bloodied and battered facing a shark eager for the kill.
23
Give it a rest, Maureen. The one thing that pacifies my annoyance of your dog- with-a-Clinton bone rhetoric Is imagining mean little Maureen stomping her own feet when Hillary wins. Whatever this vendetta is about, it clearly has a badly snubbed sorority girl aroma.
68
What am I most afraid of? The fourth estate, particularly the New York Times, being cute instead of cogent. Thanks for asking.
(Mention of the Bataan Death March twice in one article? Now we'll hear that bandied about in the echo chamber. Look for Google to crash with people looking up famous incidents of World War II. Look for Death March survivors and their families to be offended by having their horror co-opted.)
Regarding "the specter of Roe v. Wade being overturned," I don't think one can underestimate the devastating consequences should that occur. Look at the attempt by various states (with varying degrees of success) to curtail or outlaw abortion services. How about the Oklahoma bill "which passed both houses of the Republican-dominated Legislature by wide margins,[which] said doctors who performed abortions could be criminally charged and face prison terms of one to three years. It also said the state would revoke the medical license of any doctors who performed an abortion unless it was necessary to protect the life of the mother."
My daughter is pregnant. If something should go terribly wrong, would she want her obstetrician making medical decisions in conditions under which his determination of what was 'necessary to protect the life of the mother' could be second-guessed? The OB would be better served to face a lawsuit from a grieving family, than the loss of career, a felony conviction, and a jail sentence. Are citizens prepared for this?
(Mention of the Bataan Death March twice in one article? Now we'll hear that bandied about in the echo chamber. Look for Google to crash with people looking up famous incidents of World War II. Look for Death March survivors and their families to be offended by having their horror co-opted.)
Regarding "the specter of Roe v. Wade being overturned," I don't think one can underestimate the devastating consequences should that occur. Look at the attempt by various states (with varying degrees of success) to curtail or outlaw abortion services. How about the Oklahoma bill "which passed both houses of the Republican-dominated Legislature by wide margins,[which] said doctors who performed abortions could be criminally charged and face prison terms of one to three years. It also said the state would revoke the medical license of any doctors who performed an abortion unless it was necessary to protect the life of the mother."
My daughter is pregnant. If something should go terribly wrong, would she want her obstetrician making medical decisions in conditions under which his determination of what was 'necessary to protect the life of the mother' could be second-guessed? The OB would be better served to face a lawsuit from a grieving family, than the loss of career, a felony conviction, and a jail sentence. Are citizens prepared for this?
26
Dowd continues on with the narrative that Bernie supporters were violent and throwing chairs and the Nevada caucus. Except there is absolutely no evidence of this. Plenty of time has past where Dowd could have checked the facts.
While a heated disagreement happened, that is basically all that happened. (A few supporters made inappropriate calls to Lange's phone). However, the MSM and establishment Dems want to paint the Nevada convention as 1968, despite having zero evidence on their side.
If the Democratic Party wants unity, this is not how you do it.
While a heated disagreement happened, that is basically all that happened. (A few supporters made inappropriate calls to Lange's phone). However, the MSM and establishment Dems want to paint the Nevada convention as 1968, despite having zero evidence on their side.
If the Democratic Party wants unity, this is not how you do it.
33
Excellent commentary. I'm always a little concerned when we don't mention the extent to which Republican scheming has played into perceptions of Hillary: she was beloved until the purely fictional narrative around Benghazi and emails and stuff, and that has had a key role in shaping hostility towards her. I think we need to look at this as a tremendous success for a vile smear campaign on her.
Similarly, I'm concerned you reference Bernie Bro chair throwing and violence. There is no evidence of chair throwing. Bernie's supporters, as they always have, self-policed and condemned violence. This is a toxic media narrative.
http://www.snopes.com/did-sanders-supporters-throw-chairs-at-nevada-demo...
Similarly, I'm concerned you reference Bernie Bro chair throwing and violence. There is no evidence of chair throwing. Bernie's supporters, as they always have, self-policed and condemned violence. This is a toxic media narrative.
http://www.snopes.com/did-sanders-supporters-throw-chairs-at-nevada-demo...
26
Thanks Maureen. Once again you nailed it. Loved the Bataan quote.
6
As bad as he is, Trump is not at the top of my worry list. The potential effects of a Trump victory on down-ticket races is much more troublesome. The recent past (1994, 2000, 2010) has shown that whenever Republicans get a "mandate," they simply go nuts. Without a Democratic administration to restrain them, the current crop of congresspeople would surely have enacted the policies Ryan has threatened us with for years. With a Republican president, these same people will take about three years to put the country in the ditch again - in the economy, in social policy, in international affairs.
16
Let's see, if Obama had a hard time putting away Hillary in '08, then he was a 'flawed' candidate? Or was Hillary a relentless candidate?
I recall reading how she got stronger as the '08 campaign progressed. How she gave Obama the fight of his life, and ended up making him a better candidate for the general election. Somehow, that has all been forgotten in our current swoon over 'Bernie'.
But anybody who thinks 'one note' Bernie could endure the same scrutiny that Hillary has gone thru for the last 20 years, lives in fantasyland. He couldn't handle simple questions on some of his positions during the NY Primary.
Hillary has been vetted and investigated over and over and over again. We are into our 8th investigation of Benghazi. Maybe they can 'reopen' Whitewater and 'finally' get to the bottom of who killed Vince Foster?! And, I am sure somewhere there is a 'TravelGate' waiting to erupt. Or, better yet, we should talk with her hairdresser, could be 'Haircut Gate 2".
Meanwhile Trump University and questions on how Bernie is going to 'go after Wall Street', remain unanswered and UN-investigated. I'd call that a big fat double standard if there ever was one.
I recall reading how she got stronger as the '08 campaign progressed. How she gave Obama the fight of his life, and ended up making him a better candidate for the general election. Somehow, that has all been forgotten in our current swoon over 'Bernie'.
But anybody who thinks 'one note' Bernie could endure the same scrutiny that Hillary has gone thru for the last 20 years, lives in fantasyland. He couldn't handle simple questions on some of his positions during the NY Primary.
Hillary has been vetted and investigated over and over and over again. We are into our 8th investigation of Benghazi. Maybe they can 'reopen' Whitewater and 'finally' get to the bottom of who killed Vince Foster?! And, I am sure somewhere there is a 'TravelGate' waiting to erupt. Or, better yet, we should talk with her hairdresser, could be 'Haircut Gate 2".
Meanwhile Trump University and questions on how Bernie is going to 'go after Wall Street', remain unanswered and UN-investigated. I'd call that a big fat double standard if there ever was one.
53
TRUMP: In four years he will be as odious and mercurial as he is today, skewering anyone and everyone not on his crazy train, and hopefully not causing nuclear holocaust. Shorting our national debt will hurt billions of people, including Americans who own paper in their retirement portfolios that says the USA will honor the debt. Building a wall around a country with crumbling bridges is just sad. This man is toxic. And he likes to talk about himself in the third person like an unhinged movie gangster.
HILLARY: In four years she will still be socially awkward and un-spontaneous, but she'll also be a competent to good stateswoman juggling an agenda that preserves the social safety net for Americans, creating more inclusion than exclusion in our country, and maintaining important relationships with our allies. And imagine if she ever relaxes a little, people might even begin to sort of like her.
HILLARY: In four years she will still be socially awkward and un-spontaneous, but she'll also be a competent to good stateswoman juggling an agenda that preserves the social safety net for Americans, creating more inclusion than exclusion in our country, and maintaining important relationships with our allies. And imagine if she ever relaxes a little, people might even begin to sort of like her.
24
Hillary would have my vote if she embraced Bernie's big ideas. Her incremental tinkering does not cut it for me and for many others. Go bold Hillary, or lose to Bernie.
27
Earth to Maureen - Hillary HAS put it away.
She has won, in the face of over 25 years of withering assaults, brutal lies and all manner of insults.
She's a fighter, she has confidence in herself and in her ability to be the best President in the field.
She may not be the best performer - but what happens after the circus is over and it's time to govern?
I'm with Hillary.
And I will never understand what she did to you to earn your never ending hatred.
She has won, in the face of over 25 years of withering assaults, brutal lies and all manner of insults.
She's a fighter, she has confidence in herself and in her ability to be the best President in the field.
She may not be the best performer - but what happens after the circus is over and it's time to govern?
I'm with Hillary.
And I will never understand what she did to you to earn your never ending hatred.
75
Part of this story is how the Hillary crowd and her media sycophants like the NYT bullied Joe Biden into dropping his presidential run the same way they're now bullying Bernie. Let's face it she's a weak candidate with very high negatives that have nothing to do with the competition.
32
I am most afraid that a man completely unqualified to lead this nation is being endorsed by the "party of fiscal responsibility".
I am most afraid that this boorish, misogynistic, mentally unbalanced man is as close as he is to getting his hands on this county's national security apparatus.
I am most afraid that a man who thinks in terms of "deals" instead of "Morals" or "Principals" is seducing a vulnerable portion of our national electorate.
I am most afraid that the election of this man would set off a global financial panic the likes of which the world has never seen.
I am most afraid that this man would start and feed conflagrations in hot spots around the planet that will require expending vast amounts of "blood and treasure".
I am most afraid of media journalists seeking to tear down the only choice we have to this man because of their own personal agendas.
Hillary Rodham Clinton is not the perfect candidate, but she has dedicated her life to public service. Her Republican opponent has spent his life servicing his penis.
I am most afraid that this boorish, misogynistic, mentally unbalanced man is as close as he is to getting his hands on this county's national security apparatus.
I am most afraid that a man who thinks in terms of "deals" instead of "Morals" or "Principals" is seducing a vulnerable portion of our national electorate.
I am most afraid that the election of this man would set off a global financial panic the likes of which the world has never seen.
I am most afraid that this man would start and feed conflagrations in hot spots around the planet that will require expending vast amounts of "blood and treasure".
I am most afraid of media journalists seeking to tear down the only choice we have to this man because of their own personal agendas.
Hillary Rodham Clinton is not the perfect candidate, but she has dedicated her life to public service. Her Republican opponent has spent his life servicing his penis.
47
Bernie Sanders was robbed of the nomination by a mysterious force he seems completely unfamiliar with, democratic voters.
60
It has begun to look as though Bernie Sanders lacks the judgment to pronounce on anyone else's judgment.
41
Clinton has won 2.5M votes more than Bernie in these primaries and has won more delegates fair and square. Why is it then being called "the fix is in", what am I missing here? The woman is smart, extremely qualified, has policies that make sense (along the lines of the sitting President's don't do stupid stuff), and has generally avoided negative campaigning against her opponent.
While I respect Bernie, count me in as a Hillary supporter. And by the way, Ms. Dowd, do we really have to take a dig on Bill selecting China pattern. You'd rather be happy if it was a man seeking the White House and his wife selecting the China pattern?
While I respect Bernie, count me in as a Hillary supporter. And by the way, Ms. Dowd, do we really have to take a dig on Bill selecting China pattern. You'd rather be happy if it was a man seeking the White House and his wife selecting the China pattern?
61
ha ha. fantastic column. God help us (if their were one of course, these 2 pretty much lay that argument away).
Maureen Dowd captured the feelings of many of us that are shocked by Donald Trump becoming a presidential candidate and not at all surprised that Hillary Clinton is so separate from the American people. Unfortunately, Dowd takes us no farther than where we are right now by ending her column with, 'What are you most afraid of?' Although I am most afraid of Trump as president, the thought of the Clintons back in the White House makes me sick.
'So it goes...'
'So it goes...'
22
Barbara Boxer is liar. She went on air claiming she feared for her life at the Nevada convention. Someone fearing for their life doesn't flip off the same people they are afraid of. And this article again mentions chair throwing yet not a single chair was thrown. Do your job as a reporter.
44
Hillary Clinton has been fighting to become president for almost a quarter of a century, ever since she took on the poorly thought out role of fixing America's health care system during her husbands watch. There's a major part of the problem: we vote for presidents to bring on a new era, the opening crescendo of what we hope will be the future. She's got a lock on a new era for women. What else?
She is deeply trained in the slow, almost glacial progress of civilizations. Spending seven post high school years in academic, heads down, intense study, she knows the rules. One item that is almost never mentioned in class, however, is when the rules need to be broken or changed. Is that not what Bernie is about? Lets include more, exclude fewer and make certain that everyone in a America can get on the boat, not be pushed off by circumstance, race or economic circumstance at birth?
Well, if Hillary and team are in a snit fit about this situation, they have only themselves to blame. 8 yrs. ago she came forth with a vision: 30 yrs. of experience! (At what?) Now, what's her vision for America? Modest change linked continuity with Obama? I'd take that any day over a Trump dump, but I would do so knowing that we need much more, a much broader view of our society, our government and our future, both the threatening and potentially rewarding future.
Is it too much to ask to be inspired by something other than cracking gender roles? I guess it is.
Doug Terry
She is deeply trained in the slow, almost glacial progress of civilizations. Spending seven post high school years in academic, heads down, intense study, she knows the rules. One item that is almost never mentioned in class, however, is when the rules need to be broken or changed. Is that not what Bernie is about? Lets include more, exclude fewer and make certain that everyone in a America can get on the boat, not be pushed off by circumstance, race or economic circumstance at birth?
Well, if Hillary and team are in a snit fit about this situation, they have only themselves to blame. 8 yrs. ago she came forth with a vision: 30 yrs. of experience! (At what?) Now, what's her vision for America? Modest change linked continuity with Obama? I'd take that any day over a Trump dump, but I would do so knowing that we need much more, a much broader view of our society, our government and our future, both the threatening and potentially rewarding future.
Is it too much to ask to be inspired by something other than cracking gender roles? I guess it is.
Doug Terry
17
Unfortunately, we may be forced to vote for Trump to limit the damage done to our country. He is likely a one term president. The Hillary fanboys, on the other hand, will continue to vote for her no matter what laws or ethics she violates. This could lead to 8 years of her padding her own bank account while doing nothing for the average American.
18
I don't have a problem pulling the lever for Mr. Trump. Donald Trump, for all his flaws, (and, historically, they've all had flaws) has ignited the electorate in ways not even Reagan did. People have had enough of BO and his wife dictating what is good for us and then shoving it down our throats. Hillary will be more of the same with a sideshow named Bill. I find Bernie to be honest to a fault in his Communist beliefs; give him credit for that, at least.
Trump will bring back national pride and respect; something we have not seen in 7+ years. He may achieve this in ways that are completely unconventional in the eyes of the people on the east and left coast, but with the complete understanding and approval of us fly over folks. Maybe it's time for middle America to take the reigns for a while. Try it. You may like it.
Trump will bring back national pride and respect; something we have not seen in 7+ years. He may achieve this in ways that are completely unconventional in the eyes of the people on the east and left coast, but with the complete understanding and approval of us fly over folks. Maybe it's time for middle America to take the reigns for a while. Try it. You may like it.
5
Maureen, you trashed Hillary in the last election and here you go again. You use misogynists images to characterize her and here you go again. (stamping her feet, coronation etc.) I truly think you should become a right wing man cause you act like it.
52
What am I most afraid of? People like you Maureen Dowd, who seem to have inherited Spiro Agnew's sense of what the press has become: nattering nabobs of negativism
40
I hate when people use the Bataan Death March as a metaphor to describe some personal ordeal. It is disrespectful. At the end of the day, neither Hillary or any of her supporters will be bayoneted to death if they drop out.
19
The problem with Hillary for left wing Democrats is Bill's presidency.
He was reasonable. He worked with Republicans and got things done.
And, worst of all ... he generated a budget surplus (by cutting military spending of course, leading our enemies to be sure (correctly) we were weak, leading to 3000 Americans murdered in one day by Islamic terrorists.)
He was reasonable. He worked with Republicans and got things done.
And, worst of all ... he generated a budget surplus (by cutting military spending of course, leading our enemies to be sure (correctly) we were weak, leading to 3000 Americans murdered in one day by Islamic terrorists.)
2
This is a fair analysis of the situation by Ms. Dowd, however, I am a Trump supporter and we are consistently misunderstood. This is not a lesser of two evil scenario for many of us. I believe him and that is not something I can say about most politicians in the past. I believe he will get a handle on ILLEGAL immigration and fix the economy by bringing jobs back to America. His vision is clear and honest, "make America great again". Hillary's vision is more of the same. More spending without accountability, polarizing political correctness and corruption, an abundance of it. She reeks of it.
9
You just don't get it, do you Maureen? Global leaders deal with the entire world, not just American domestic issues, many of which are pathetically trivial First World problems that have little meaning when seen beside problems elsewhere. The larger context is, at the juncture in global history, more important than nearly all of what goes on in Fat, Faux-Angry America. Hillary Clinton happens to be the candidate most qualified -- by far -- to deal with those global issues. Lift your eyes, Maureen.
35
What am I most afraid of? Writers like Maureen Dowd who pretend that the Democrats didn't set up their convention system to work exactly the way both candidates are working it. Belittling both candidates for trying to "execute" on the rules is such sloppy thinking. It's not as if there aren't more important issues to talk about, and the anti-Clinton slander is always the same ... they are technocrats, executing on a plan, not people you could like. Well, Bill you could like and/or sleep with but Hillary ... Seriously, it's been dozens of years; why always the same lazy tropes??
10
No chairs were thrown by Sanders supporters in Nevada. This has been proven to be a lie. http://www.snopes.com/did-sanders-supporters-throw-chairs-at-nevada-demo...
33
I have always respected Hillary despite all the muck she has had to walk through and all the mistakes she has made - is making - and - will probably make. She isn't perfect - She needs to improve herself -
I am super excited to vote for Hillary for President!
I respect Bernie, even though he yells and yells at all of us. He has taught his supports to yell and yell at all of us, as well - Why? Bernie hurts my ear - his supporters - many of my dearest friends and family members - cannot hold a discussion without yelling, not listening and shutting down.
One of my friends - a Bernie supporter who passionately prefaces Hillary's name with 'She's a liar' - sent me a Bernie blog which stated Hillary used to sit on Walmart's Board - (I do not condone Hillary's Walmart affiliation) I have always refused to shop at Walmart - I shop at Target & other stores - I asked my Bernie friend - if she shops at Walmat - she said: Only when she had to -- I asked her how can a Bernie supporter criticize Hillary supporting Walmart when they also support Walmart by shopping at Walmart?
Bernie has done a great job - he needs to LEAD his supporters to join with Hillary to win the Presidency. This is not defeat, this is the Noble Main GOAL.
I see Bernie turning his campaign from winning the Presidency into a yelling 'He is the One!' - crossing over into it being an EGO Platform which deeply saddens and concerns me and many others.
We need to join together to win the White House - period!
I am super excited to vote for Hillary for President!
I respect Bernie, even though he yells and yells at all of us. He has taught his supports to yell and yell at all of us, as well - Why? Bernie hurts my ear - his supporters - many of my dearest friends and family members - cannot hold a discussion without yelling, not listening and shutting down.
One of my friends - a Bernie supporter who passionately prefaces Hillary's name with 'She's a liar' - sent me a Bernie blog which stated Hillary used to sit on Walmart's Board - (I do not condone Hillary's Walmart affiliation) I have always refused to shop at Walmart - I shop at Target & other stores - I asked my Bernie friend - if she shops at Walmat - she said: Only when she had to -- I asked her how can a Bernie supporter criticize Hillary supporting Walmart when they also support Walmart by shopping at Walmart?
Bernie has done a great job - he needs to LEAD his supporters to join with Hillary to win the Presidency. This is not defeat, this is the Noble Main GOAL.
I see Bernie turning his campaign from winning the Presidency into a yelling 'He is the One!' - crossing over into it being an EGO Platform which deeply saddens and concerns me and many others.
We need to join together to win the White House - period!
34
Let's face it. It is going to be Trump and Hillary. The choices are only between worse and worst. So you can only vote for one depending on your perspective. Bernie is like a beautiful rainbow - now it's there, now it's gone!
7
I don't care about anything other than how we (the U.S.) conduct ourselves in the world. Our record isn't very good but we have a long list of important allies who have relied on us to build their worlds. I wish everyone in our huge, grossly economically stratified country could afford to travel overseas. If they saw how many people in how many places in the world depend upon us, it would straighten them up. It is a shame that the Democrats have only a superannuated 1970s hippie who's been saying the same mantra for 45 years and is the proverbial broken clock which might be telling the right time right now but won't be able to adapt to change, and a spouse of a popular former President who is termed out of serving himself. On the other side we have a man who will totally violate and abdicate from all of this country's responsibilities. Donald Trump pursued our current President--the ONLY person on the scene qualified to serve for the next four years--with disgusting and knowingly false allegations of not being a citizen. That fact alone should disqualify him from being President. But the degenerated population of this country is probably going to choose him. And Pax Americana is over.
6
This is the best Column I have read in Opinion in a month.
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that she is called Queen Hillary. I know it was Charles Blow who named her that, but her behavior and calling herself the winner before the run is over, have earned her the title. We will not bow to the Queen, we decided long ago that kings and queens is not what we want leading our country
This is the best way to explain an election won on hope and the assumption that we were electing the second coming of JC: 'tulip craze of 2008.' And so far, that's about all we got. People can tell me how good we are doing, I just wants them have fun, the likes of me will never partake on the good times.
To answer your question: What are you most afraid of?
The wars that Hillary has planned for us.
She said yes to Iraq, then she came out and said that was a mistake. Then she talked the president into attacking Libya, for the same reason we went to Iraq, regime change. She has a bone to pick with Russia, China, Iran, and you cannot convince me she will not start a war with all of them. That is what I am most afraid of.
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that she is called Queen Hillary. I know it was Charles Blow who named her that, but her behavior and calling herself the winner before the run is over, have earned her the title. We will not bow to the Queen, we decided long ago that kings and queens is not what we want leading our country
This is the best way to explain an election won on hope and the assumption that we were electing the second coming of JC: 'tulip craze of 2008.' And so far, that's about all we got. People can tell me how good we are doing, I just wants them have fun, the likes of me will never partake on the good times.
To answer your question: What are you most afraid of?
The wars that Hillary has planned for us.
She said yes to Iraq, then she came out and said that was a mistake. Then she talked the president into attacking Libya, for the same reason we went to Iraq, regime change. She has a bone to pick with Russia, China, Iran, and you cannot convince me she will not start a war with all of them. That is what I am most afraid of.
21
To answer Ms. Dowd's last question: What am I most afraid of? The Republican party, Trump's personality in the White House , Trump's shallowness, inconsistency, lack of experience. Hillary wins hands down as the lesser of two evils in a fear competition. Now if she could find a way to jack up her positives, it would be a relief.
11
It's clear to me that, with these three candidates, it is a choice between hope, pragmatism and rage. Bernie wants to renovate, Hillary wants to do the dishes, and Trump wants to burn down the house.
14
What has Senator Sanders actually DONE during his entire career in government other than sponsoring a couple of bills that rename post offices?
He's all words with pie in the sky promises and no action. Promises, promises... right.
If any Sanders supporters think the Republican majority Congress was obstructing anything President Obama tried to achieve, you ain't seen nothing yet with a self proclaimed socialist from Brooklyn. Trump would have a heyday running against Sanders: he'll start calling him Chairman Mao Tse-Tung. There's a very good reason why the Republicans have more or less refrained from criticizing Sanders as they want him to win the nomination and then will "out" him. Sanders will be a stellar target in comparison to Hillary as Trump does not know how to handle women.
As to Ms. Dowd: here she goes again on the Hillary rant. Given her access to Trump strongly suspect she's one of his secret supporters.
He's all words with pie in the sky promises and no action. Promises, promises... right.
If any Sanders supporters think the Republican majority Congress was obstructing anything President Obama tried to achieve, you ain't seen nothing yet with a self proclaimed socialist from Brooklyn. Trump would have a heyday running against Sanders: he'll start calling him Chairman Mao Tse-Tung. There's a very good reason why the Republicans have more or less refrained from criticizing Sanders as they want him to win the nomination and then will "out" him. Sanders will be a stellar target in comparison to Hillary as Trump does not know how to handle women.
As to Ms. Dowd: here she goes again on the Hillary rant. Given her access to Trump strongly suspect she's one of his secret supporters.
30
Bernie doesn't have a nondescript record in the Senate, it is non-existent. More than 20 years in office and nothing to show for it. All of his revolutionary ideas are something he is running on now-not something he has worked on for his entire career as a Socialist! Actions speak louder than words and Hillary has a positive record of working on behalf of democratic principles-equality, affordable health care, protection of children and families, unlike Bernie and Donald. I'm with Hillary all the way and wish you and the other columnists would focus on her actual record-rather than the fantasy image Bernie is spinning and the Republicans have spinned for 3 decades. Bernie- face the facts- all you are doing now is helping Donald Trump become President. Start thinking of the Democratic Party-not Bernie Sanders!
31
Trump will be up 15 point come election day in a landslide victory. Finally the nation will be done with the Clintons. Thank God.
8
The 3 MILLION more votes argument is as full of holes as the HRC candidacy. The closed primaries are what is truly frightening. Combine the two and you have the "demise" of Bernie. The 3 million votes were garnered in southern states that Hillary will not win. The closed primaries , e.g., New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, eliminated 40% of the voting public - the Independents, now the largest voting bloc in the rapidly crumbling US of A.
The DNC , Bill (Mr. Glass-Steagel and approver of economic weapons of mass destruction), and a MIA corporate media are what I truly fear...now and in the future. We really need Bernie or the movement he has so illustriously forwarded.
The DNC , Bill (Mr. Glass-Steagel and approver of economic weapons of mass destruction), and a MIA corporate media are what I truly fear...now and in the future. We really need Bernie or the movement he has so illustriously forwarded.
18
I will remain skeptical about Bernie's vision of tuning America into and giant Denmark and the claims of his being a stronger candidate against Trump.
His pie-in-the-sky promises aside, Bernie has not yet been attacked by the GOP Smear Machine, which would easily put him away by asking him, for example, "to account for his relationship with the Trotskyist Socialist Workers Party, for which he served as a presidential elector in 1980. At the time, the party’s platform called for abolishing the U.S. military budget and proclaimed “solidarity” with revolutionary Iran. (This was in the middle of the Iranian hostage crisis.) There’s been little cable news chatter about Sanders’ 1985 trip to Nicaragua, where he reportedly joined a Sandinista rally with a crowd chanting, “Here, there, everywhere/ The Yankee will die.” It would be nice if this were due to a national consensus on the criminal nature of America’s support for the Contras. More likely, the media’s attention has simply been elsewhere." [1]
Bernie can easily lose to Trump. Please stop entertaining the dangerous fantasy about his higher electability or continued hope that he can still defeat Hillary for the Dem nomination because it is threatening to make close an election that Hillary should win by a landslide if the Dems would just unite!!!
[1] http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/05/bernie_...
His pie-in-the-sky promises aside, Bernie has not yet been attacked by the GOP Smear Machine, which would easily put him away by asking him, for example, "to account for his relationship with the Trotskyist Socialist Workers Party, for which he served as a presidential elector in 1980. At the time, the party’s platform called for abolishing the U.S. military budget and proclaimed “solidarity” with revolutionary Iran. (This was in the middle of the Iranian hostage crisis.) There’s been little cable news chatter about Sanders’ 1985 trip to Nicaragua, where he reportedly joined a Sandinista rally with a crowd chanting, “Here, there, everywhere/ The Yankee will die.” It would be nice if this were due to a national consensus on the criminal nature of America’s support for the Contras. More likely, the media’s attention has simply been elsewhere." [1]
Bernie can easily lose to Trump. Please stop entertaining the dangerous fantasy about his higher electability or continued hope that he can still defeat Hillary for the Dem nomination because it is threatening to make close an election that Hillary should win by a landslide if the Dems would just unite!!!
[1] http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2016/05/bernie_...
33
Let's see...cutesy title "Weakend at Bernie's", giving one the impression that this might have something to do with Sanders. Let's see.....his name doesn't even appear until, what?, the fifth paragraph or thereabouts? Let's see....who is Dowd fulminating about this week? Oh what a surprise...it's Hillary. Ho-hum. Never mind.
19
Most of the faces I see attending Mr. Sander's events look like first-time voters and their aspirations, on the other side, old, untried and unworkable. That's a political combination of "drink and drive," in other words, a dangerous illusion. They don't even know what matters in America today.
That doesn't sound to me like a workable alternative.
Mr. Sanders ideas are Quixotic at best and out of time at worst. He should welcome the Warholian fifteen minutes of fame he got and move on. He's hurting and not helping those who listen to his siren songs. If he helps elect Donald Trump with his angry divisionism, we will be the losers and he will continue to fantasize. Even the sixteen clowns who opposed Mr. Trump originally knew when they had to get out of the way.
That doesn't sound to me like a workable alternative.
Mr. Sanders ideas are Quixotic at best and out of time at worst. He should welcome the Warholian fifteen minutes of fame he got and move on. He's hurting and not helping those who listen to his siren songs. If he helps elect Donald Trump with his angry divisionism, we will be the losers and he will continue to fantasize. Even the sixteen clowns who opposed Mr. Trump originally knew when they had to get out of the way.
17
Can Dowd prove the chair throwing incident? Is she or the NYT willing to print a retraction? Prove it or retract.
22
Since when has Dowd gotten a degree in Statistics/Probability Analysis. The 538 Blog puts Bernies chance of winning California, which still would not put Bernie in a position to win the nomination would end the whole thing unless he were to win 60 percent of the vote there. I was for Bernie and have liked Dowd but am extremely disappointed in him in his sore loser mode and extremely curious about Dowd's unabated hatred of Hillary Clinton..
20
Mrs. Clinton has gotten 3 million more votes than Mr. Sanders. For all the talk of bias against the Sanders campaign, why does Mrs. Dowd fail to mention this? Maybe she doesn't have the screaming crowds at rallies but she does have what counts. Votes.
27
To those who fear that Philadelphia will end up with violent protests if HRC is nominated, similar to 1968, I say this. We had an unpopular c-in-c then, whose presence was so divisive that he had to withdraw his re election bid. SECOND, there r no Tom Haydens, Rennie Davises, John FROINESES, Sam MELVILLES, present to spark defiance of the nominee. Brian Flanagan and his Days of Rage r a distant memory. Even Bill AYRES ,who threatened to blow up public buildings, has reformed. Neither the WEATHERMEN nor the SDS exist, and the draft is gone. Sanders's supporters r not violent, but simply want to be treated fairly. By the way, two bitterenders from that bygone era, DAVE GILBERT and JUDY CLARK, r still in stoney lonesome, doing 75 to life.( In my view, they deserve to be released.
Enter BIDEN, the only one who can "sauver les meubles,"pull out a win for the Party and the nation.
So, analogies r misleading. Those who compare Sanders's adherents to those of the sixties are wrong to do so. As the old joke goes, if you remember the sixties, you weren't there.There is a schism within the PARTY, but one would never witness violence remiscent of that bygone era.I have a hunch that the tension of the campaign is getting to Hilton.Her health is suffering, and she appears at times shaky on her pegs. Enter Joe Biden who so many hope will enter the race to "sauver les meubles"and pull out a win for the Party and the nation. To Democratic Party loyalists, he is their beau ideal.
Enter BIDEN, the only one who can "sauver les meubles,"pull out a win for the Party and the nation.
So, analogies r misleading. Those who compare Sanders's adherents to those of the sixties are wrong to do so. As the old joke goes, if you remember the sixties, you weren't there.There is a schism within the PARTY, but one would never witness violence remiscent of that bygone era.I have a hunch that the tension of the campaign is getting to Hilton.Her health is suffering, and she appears at times shaky on her pegs. Enter Joe Biden who so many hope will enter the race to "sauver les meubles"and pull out a win for the Party and the nation. To Democratic Party loyalists, he is their beau ideal.
3
If you are leading the Democratic Party and you didn't see Bernie coming and do something about it, you are a complete jerk and failed your party completely. The Democratic Party needs a top to bottom housecleaning. The Republican housecleaning has certainly already started. This is a failure of leadership unprecedented in this country's history.
13
"The 2016 race is transcendentally bizarre. "
I don't normally agree with Ms. Dowd, but on this point she is spot on.
I don't normally agree with Ms. Dowd, but on this point she is spot on.
6
Ralph Nader 2000 all over again
18
I just read that Hillary and Trump are in a dead heat in the latest Washington Post/ABC News poll. A majority of respondents indicate they don't like either candidate. Yes, Hillary comes across as the one with the most expertise in playing the establishment game, but establishment politics have stopped working for most Americans. The system is broken. Many are willing to take a huge gamble to try to fix our broken politics. Let's give them a much healthier choice - Bernie versus Trump. Bernie does well among Independents, does not have high negatives, and offers a vision that is hopeful and compassionate.
Yes, more people in Democrat contests have voted for Hillary than Bernie. In part, that is because Bernie does well in caucus states. When I look at map after map of states in which Hillary and Bernie competed, I see vast stretches of land where Bernie led. Has anyone calculated the % of geography that has gone to each candidate? In Washington State, he led in every single county.
The media has hobbled Bernie throughout. Many of Hillary's large vote gains were in those early southern states when many hadn't yet heard much about Bernie.
I'm still feeling the bern. I love my country, but it no longer feels like I live in a democracy where politicians are responsive to its people.
Yes, more people in Democrat contests have voted for Hillary than Bernie. In part, that is because Bernie does well in caucus states. When I look at map after map of states in which Hillary and Bernie competed, I see vast stretches of land where Bernie led. Has anyone calculated the % of geography that has gone to each candidate? In Washington State, he led in every single county.
The media has hobbled Bernie throughout. Many of Hillary's large vote gains were in those early southern states when many hadn't yet heard much about Bernie.
I'm still feeling the bern. I love my country, but it no longer feels like I live in a democracy where politicians are responsive to its people.
26
"We seem to have a majority of voters in both parties who are driven by the desire to vote against the other candidate, rather than for their own."
Actually no. That's what the Clinton campaign is aiming from the beginning. The Sanders campaign is pro-progressivism, the Trump campaign is nationalist.
Actually no. That's what the Clinton campaign is aiming from the beginning. The Sanders campaign is pro-progressivism, the Trump campaign is nationalist.
6
Dear Ms. Dowd,
Bingo! Great column! While the NYTimes and other big media, as well as the DNC, did everything they could to marginalize Bernie Sanders into a shadow candidacy. Now that their collusion failed they accuse Bernie of inciting violence against Clinton supporters in Nevada while also claiming he's not a real Democrat. Here, in the comments section, they attack Ms. Dowd for accurately describing Clinton's seriously weak candidacy. Really? Has Clinton and her supporters lost their ability to think, analyze and maybe re-consider their outdated and incompetent Wall Street friendly democratic centrist positions. The big problem with Hillary's campaign is not Bernie...it's Hillary herself. Why? Hillary has a serious "credibility" problem and her so-called "centrist-Wall-Street-policies" make her a distasteful candidate for Bernie supporters--75% of voters 35 years old and under.
Like millions of Bernie Sanders supporters, I'm done with so-called "centrist democrats" like Clinton and Obama undermining real public policy changes that our nation badly needs: "Equality of opportunity" for all Americans and re-building America's once large and affluent middle class.
Bingo! Great column! While the NYTimes and other big media, as well as the DNC, did everything they could to marginalize Bernie Sanders into a shadow candidacy. Now that their collusion failed they accuse Bernie of inciting violence against Clinton supporters in Nevada while also claiming he's not a real Democrat. Here, in the comments section, they attack Ms. Dowd for accurately describing Clinton's seriously weak candidacy. Really? Has Clinton and her supporters lost their ability to think, analyze and maybe re-consider their outdated and incompetent Wall Street friendly democratic centrist positions. The big problem with Hillary's campaign is not Bernie...it's Hillary herself. Why? Hillary has a serious "credibility" problem and her so-called "centrist-Wall-Street-policies" make her a distasteful candidate for Bernie supporters--75% of voters 35 years old and under.
Like millions of Bernie Sanders supporters, I'm done with so-called "centrist democrats" like Clinton and Obama undermining real public policy changes that our nation badly needs: "Equality of opportunity" for all Americans and re-building America's once large and affluent middle class.
18
Love watching the Democrat party implode on itself. The political correctness of Hillary vs. the unlimited taxation and spending of Bernie. These two deserve each other. They are perfect examples of the Democrat party today. Tax, spend and keep telling Americans that Democrats and big government know what's best for you, so just shut up and take it.
1
I don't know if Mrs. Clinton might make a good president, but she is a very ineffective candidate. She's obviously been working with a voice coach to keep her voice in the lower register. The problem here is she hasn't practiced this, and it doesn't sound natural. She sounds stilted and, well, coached.
But the real problems are with what she says (Or doesn't say.) rather than how she speaks. I don't want a president who gets foreign policy advice from Henry Kissinger. I want to know what she said in those speeches to Wall Street firms for which she was paid so much money. I want Slick Willie left out of the equation altogether, not put in charge of reviving an economy his policies helped to kill.
But most of all, I don't believe in political dynasties. I don't want another Bush. Nor do I want another Clinton.
But the real problems are with what she says (Or doesn't say.) rather than how she speaks. I don't want a president who gets foreign policy advice from Henry Kissinger. I want to know what she said in those speeches to Wall Street firms for which she was paid so much money. I want Slick Willie left out of the equation altogether, not put in charge of reviving an economy his policies helped to kill.
But most of all, I don't believe in political dynasties. I don't want another Bush. Nor do I want another Clinton.
20
I'm frustrated with Hillary Clinton's lack of insight into what has happened to much of the population and thus voter concerns. She seems to pander rather than campaign to address issues and share a vision... Also, I'm bothered by the attitude of entitlement Hillary and the DNC has exhibited in light of voter sentiments evidenced by Bernie and Trump support. Rather than addressing this sentiment they have taken to blame the voters and Bernie and this may be a loosing strategy as well as scary to witness...
Finally, this 3 million vote majority publicized again and again. This was true after Super Tuesday but that number is no longer the case. The most important numbers are the final numbers after California. In the end, Hillary may not have a majority of popular votes and it surely won't be 3 million more than Bernie.
If she is the nomonee, she can only unify the party by getting real and addressing the concerns of independent and left leaning Demacrates who know significant change in inequities of extreme wealth of a few and the disavantage of for most is addressed. Unfortunately, Hillary's campaign seems to rely on a stacked deck approach to ascend to the presidency, mimicking the unjust economic structures, rather than addressing the challenges we face... More of the same backward slide is not a winning campaign strategy nor is fear of a opponent to be worse...
Thank you Maureen for finally calling the situation out more articulately...
Finally, this 3 million vote majority publicized again and again. This was true after Super Tuesday but that number is no longer the case. The most important numbers are the final numbers after California. In the end, Hillary may not have a majority of popular votes and it surely won't be 3 million more than Bernie.
If she is the nomonee, she can only unify the party by getting real and addressing the concerns of independent and left leaning Demacrates who know significant change in inequities of extreme wealth of a few and the disavantage of for most is addressed. Unfortunately, Hillary's campaign seems to rely on a stacked deck approach to ascend to the presidency, mimicking the unjust economic structures, rather than addressing the challenges we face... More of the same backward slide is not a winning campaign strategy nor is fear of a opponent to be worse...
Thank you Maureen for finally calling the situation out more articulately...
15
The Sanders campaign started about issues, not personalities, which is why it was important and substantive.
In an election campaign that has largely been about height, hair, hand size and insults, it was a refreshing shift for the adults left in the country to discuss issues, policies and goals.
But math and science has always been important to Democrats, so it is obvious that HRC will be the Democratic nominee and the choice to voters is between Secretary Clinton and Donald Trump.
The choice presented to the electorate has seldom been more clear, if on substance over form.
Trump is good TV because he is funny and outrageous. But having control of the nuclear codes and having the most powerful responsibility in the world is not handed over to America's best insult comic.
Sanders is OK TV because he sees the world in black and white terms. Big banks bad. Fracking bad.
When HRC says fracking can be OK with the proper controls, because it has provided the country with energy independence for the first time in 4 decades, reduces the strategic importance of the Middle East, caused energy prices to drop 75% and increased disposable income for middle class families, that is too much information for people.
It isn't as hilarious as hearing Trump shout little Marco, lying Ted, crazy Bernie or crooked Hillary.
But some people still care about substance, policies, their country and the generations to follow.
Torture and forced deportations won't be as hilarious.
In an election campaign that has largely been about height, hair, hand size and insults, it was a refreshing shift for the adults left in the country to discuss issues, policies and goals.
But math and science has always been important to Democrats, so it is obvious that HRC will be the Democratic nominee and the choice to voters is between Secretary Clinton and Donald Trump.
The choice presented to the electorate has seldom been more clear, if on substance over form.
Trump is good TV because he is funny and outrageous. But having control of the nuclear codes and having the most powerful responsibility in the world is not handed over to America's best insult comic.
Sanders is OK TV because he sees the world in black and white terms. Big banks bad. Fracking bad.
When HRC says fracking can be OK with the proper controls, because it has provided the country with energy independence for the first time in 4 decades, reduces the strategic importance of the Middle East, caused energy prices to drop 75% and increased disposable income for middle class families, that is too much information for people.
It isn't as hilarious as hearing Trump shout little Marco, lying Ted, crazy Bernie or crooked Hillary.
But some people still care about substance, policies, their country and the generations to follow.
Torture and forced deportations won't be as hilarious.
22
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing, sexist name-calling and feral threats — at the Nevada state party convention last weekend was denounced as “a scary situation” by his Senate colleague Barbara Boxer."
-------
Everyone keeps talking about chair-throwing, but no one seems to be able to ever produce a video. Does anyone reading here have a link?
-------
Everyone keeps talking about chair-throwing, but no one seems to be able to ever produce a video. Does anyone reading here have a link?
15
I don't think I'd really like to have a beer with Hillary. She seems to me to be pretty humorless, and I like to laugh over my beer.
But I will vote for her with enthusiasm as she is the most qualified candidate I've seen in my lifetime.
As a Democrat ever since I've been allowed to vote, I really REALLY resent Bernie Sanders tyring to hijack my party at its highest level. If he somehow snatches the nomination from the real Democrat in the race, of course I'll vote for him, as the Republican Party and what it stands for is repugnant to me, I want a Democrat to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice, and Donald Trump is a despicable human being.
And I want to hear Bernie Sanders saying those three things, too.
But I will vote for her with enthusiasm as she is the most qualified candidate I've seen in my lifetime.
As a Democrat ever since I've been allowed to vote, I really REALLY resent Bernie Sanders tyring to hijack my party at its highest level. If he somehow snatches the nomination from the real Democrat in the race, of course I'll vote for him, as the Republican Party and what it stands for is repugnant to me, I want a Democrat to appoint the next Supreme Court Justice, and Donald Trump is a despicable human being.
And I want to hear Bernie Sanders saying those three things, too.
21
I'm a Bernie supporter from the bill maher camp. If/ when he's out, you must support and vote for Hillary. We can not have a , ......gulp......president trump. Hill is really not so bad. She's not so good. But she's not so bad. Trump; come on ! Sensible vs captain nonsensical.
If you don't remember what happened when Ralph Nader ran against Al Gore, look it up. We rationalized that maybe we needed to shake things up and Bush wouldn't be that bad. He couldn't do too much damage. How did that work out? Well, we are STILL paying the price for that. Thanks Ralph! Thanks SOTUS! Hillary is at least qualified and has certainly shifted left thanks to Bernie, but when all is said and done, remember Nader. And Be careful what you wish for, all you Trump supporters, and people who want to " shake things up"
If you don't remember what happened when Ralph Nader ran against Al Gore, look it up. We rationalized that maybe we needed to shake things up and Bush wouldn't be that bad. He couldn't do too much damage. How did that work out? Well, we are STILL paying the price for that. Thanks Ralph! Thanks SOTUS! Hillary is at least qualified and has certainly shifted left thanks to Bernie, but when all is said and done, remember Nader. And Be careful what you wish for, all you Trump supporters, and people who want to " shake things up"
17
It is disappointing to see what has happened to the Sanders campaign. For months I viewed him as running a positive campaign. Now he just seems bitter, delusional and vengeful toward Hillary Clinton and anyone who disagrees with him. The very things that made him such a popular candidate are missing more and more with every passing day.
33
WHY ARE WE DEBATING WHO IS WORSE WHEN THEY ARE BOTH UNACCEPTABLE?
Where, anywhere, does it say we have to accept 2 unfit, no character people for nominees?
Lets put the delegates on notice.
Delegates of both conventions should dial in to the epic negatives of both and produce better candidates at the conventions.
The party's no longer represent the people, they rep themselves.
The primaries are non inclusive and non representative...nonsense.
We will see more about the unacceptable nature of these 2 because it is limitless.
Give us better choices or face a 3rd party.
Then clean THE house in the midterms.
We should be disgusted with political "leadership" but let's be the adult in the room and not race to the bottom with these 2 losers... and then put the revolution to work at the ballot box in November and at the midterms.
WHY ARE WE DEBATING WHO IS WORSE WHEN THEY ARE BOTH UNACCEPTABLE?
Where, anywhere, does it say we have to accept 2 unfit, no character people for nominees?
Lets put the delegates on notice.
Delegates of both conventions should dial in to the epic negatives of both and produce better candidates at the conventions.
The party's no longer represent the people, they rep themselves.
The primaries are non inclusive and non representative...nonsense.
We will see more about the unacceptable nature of these 2 because it is limitless.
Give us better choices or face a 3rd party.
Then clean THE house in the midterms.
We should be disgusted with political "leadership" but let's be the adult in the room and not race to the bottom with these 2 losers... and then put the revolution to work at the ballot box in November and at the midterms.
WHY ARE WE DEBATING WHO IS WORSE WHEN THEY ARE BOTH UNACCEPTABLE?
13
Maureen, you need to get out more. Bernie admitted on camera last week while being interviewed by the SF Chronicle editorial staff that he did not know Wells Fargo Bank (he was in San Francisco where WFB headquarters are located) was one of the top five banks. Gadzooks! He's run his campaign on "breaking up the big banks" and he doesn't even know which banks are too big to fail. Why would any woman with even minimum intelligence vote for Bernie Sanders instead of Hillary Clinton? I think you're trying to hard to be entertaining. We need substance, facts and the truth. Try it sometime.
30
The phrase "death march" could have been employed without reference to the horror of Bataan. Overdoing it weakens a rhetorical flourish.
6
Why does no one see the revolution? Because it isn't being televised.
The Press is unfair and dismissive of Bernie who would be unambiguously leading this primary if the millions of voters excluded for not choosing to register as part of any party had been allowed to vote.
What happens if Bernie wins at the convention? What is the country going to do when they count the ballots and Bernie is the write in winner of the "popular" vote?
Why is it we differentiate votes in that way? I mean what other vote is there than the "popular vote", oh yea the Electoral College.
I guess we'll get to see what kind of people these privileged few are then won't we?
The Press is unfair and dismissive of Bernie who would be unambiguously leading this primary if the millions of voters excluded for not choosing to register as part of any party had been allowed to vote.
What happens if Bernie wins at the convention? What is the country going to do when they count the ballots and Bernie is the write in winner of the "popular" vote?
Why is it we differentiate votes in that way? I mean what other vote is there than the "popular vote", oh yea the Electoral College.
I guess we'll get to see what kind of people these privileged few are then won't we?
12
Maureen is the queen of Hillary haters. I can't tolerate her snide words any longer. Maureen used to be an interesting, even inspirational columnist. Now she's nothing but a sour hack. Is she secretly being paid by Trump?
58
Good to see Bernie get under Hillary's and apparently Maureen's skin. Feel the Bern!
25
Now, that's who I want to run the country - someone whose campaign aide refers to their campaign as the "Bataan Death March". Imagine what that will feel like if that person gets the chance to govern. "Bataan Death March". The country deserves better than the "Bataan Death March".
6
The Bataan Death March? I'm not exactly in tune with Maureen's meme. With a Hillary sticker on my car, I'm donating what money I can and volunteering when I can, with plans to rev up the volunteer hours this fall. My friends are doing the same. We don't yell, scream or shake our fists but we're just getting the work done.
27
Instead of being a Democrat Bernie Sanders is thankfully a liberal progressive libertarian socialist.
Bernie Sanders is a humble humane empathetic poor normal natural human being. Born and bred in Brooklyn New York then educated in Hyde Park Chicago at the University of Chicago Bernie is sympathetic to those who were neither white nor Jewish nor well educated like him. Bernie is a multiple married baby daddy of consistent active advocacy for the betterment of the less fortunate among his brothers and sisters. Even in Vermont he did not lose his warm compassion.
Instead of being a Democrat, Hillary Clinton is a corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare queen. Mr. and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton are the Master and Mistress of Mass Incarceration, Welfare Deformation, Wall Street Welfare, Military-Industrial Complex War Mongering, Bowing to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Riyadh, Seoul and Taipei, Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell barbarian pillaging and plundering.
Scheme Clinton is well too the socioeconomic political educational right of FDR and LBJ as expected but also to the right of Ike and Nixon as well.
Hillary and Donald are socioeconomic political educational fraternal twins. Hillary is a Brown Recluse Spider to Donald's Bark Scorpion. Bernie Sanders is a Bald Eagle.
Bernie Sanders is a humble humane empathetic poor normal natural human being. Born and bred in Brooklyn New York then educated in Hyde Park Chicago at the University of Chicago Bernie is sympathetic to those who were neither white nor Jewish nor well educated like him. Bernie is a multiple married baby daddy of consistent active advocacy for the betterment of the less fortunate among his brothers and sisters. Even in Vermont he did not lose his warm compassion.
Instead of being a Democrat, Hillary Clinton is a corrupt crony capitalist corporate plutocrat oligarch welfare queen. Mr. and Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton are the Master and Mistress of Mass Incarceration, Welfare Deformation, Wall Street Welfare, Military-Industrial Complex War Mongering, Bowing to Tel Aviv, Cairo, Riyadh, Seoul and Taipei, Defense of Marriage Act and Don't Ask, Don't Tell barbarian pillaging and plundering.
Scheme Clinton is well too the socioeconomic political educational right of FDR and LBJ as expected but also to the right of Ike and Nixon as well.
Hillary and Donald are socioeconomic political educational fraternal twins. Hillary is a Brown Recluse Spider to Donald's Bark Scorpion. Bernie Sanders is a Bald Eagle.
30
I love your columns and this is no exception but a correction must be made. According to SNOPES, the independent fact checker there was no physical violence in Nevada. No chairs were thrown. Verbal violence yes, physical violence no. There is no visual proof that anything was thrown during the Nevada convention. Other than that , your column just hit the nail on the head as usual.
23
I'm a Hillary Clinton supporter, no apology, no nose holding. This is a candidate for whom one can have the utmost respect, and she, in turn, treats her supporters with respect, something glaringly missing from the other two campaigns.
Both Trump and Sanders manipulate their base, urging them to do their bidding, and it's not subtle. Even Ms. Dowd sees this. In this column, however, she strains to criticize Hillary's positions, saying she could do more, do better, when the other two candidates have produced nothing.
Ms. Dowd, do a public service, use your laser wit to expose both Sanders and Trump as emperors without clothing...your country needs you.
Both Trump and Sanders manipulate their base, urging them to do their bidding, and it's not subtle. Even Ms. Dowd sees this. In this column, however, she strains to criticize Hillary's positions, saying she could do more, do better, when the other two candidates have produced nothing.
Ms. Dowd, do a public service, use your laser wit to expose both Sanders and Trump as emperors without clothing...your country needs you.
38
Democrats have to stand together as a party to defeat Trump. Unfortunately, Sanders is a Socialist and couldn't care less about that.
You're right that Bernie has gotten a whiff of power; after languishing on the sidelines as a gadfly for decades, it's seduced him and he won’t let it go. He's now reduced himself to borrowing from Trump's playbook by inflaming his supporters with conspiracy theories and personal attacks. He has no way to win personally, but he may well have the power to put Trump into the White House. Not sure how many socialists can say they put a fascist in power. This is worse than what Ralph Nader, another non-Democrat did to the country - all he got us was Bush 43, the wrong war and tens of thousands dead and a Supreme Court that votes for things like Citizens United. Bernie could get us a dictator.
You're right that Bernie has gotten a whiff of power; after languishing on the sidelines as a gadfly for decades, it's seduced him and he won’t let it go. He's now reduced himself to borrowing from Trump's playbook by inflaming his supporters with conspiracy theories and personal attacks. He has no way to win personally, but he may well have the power to put Trump into the White House. Not sure how many socialists can say they put a fascist in power. This is worse than what Ralph Nader, another non-Democrat did to the country - all he got us was Bush 43, the wrong war and tens of thousands dead and a Supreme Court that votes for things like Citizens United. Bernie could get us a dictator.
36
Gotta love how Democrat politicians think that they are calling the shots and anointing who will be the next Democratic nominee for President - fully forgetting the millions of ACTUAL Democrat voters out there - who really ARE the ones calling the shots.
Dem politicians are sounding WAY TOO MUCH like Republican politicians and power types, who for too long have held sway over their party's directions and choices.
Dem politicians are sounding WAY TOO MUCH like Republican politicians and power types, who for too long have held sway over their party's directions and choices.
13
The rainbow is beautiful too. But there will not be a pot of gold at the end of it!
4
I guess you couldn't find anything good to say about Trump this week.
There are many, many people who are excited about HIllary Clinton. Once the convention is over and the voters can concentrate on the November election, the Democrats will come together. Hopefully, by then, the stories in the news will be about substantive issues. And, even more importantly, the media will not only hand the soapbox over to Trump and re-shout his inane remarks, but give fair representation to the issues.
Hillary supporters are here and will be through 2016
There are many, many people who are excited about HIllary Clinton. Once the convention is over and the voters can concentrate on the November election, the Democrats will come together. Hopefully, by then, the stories in the news will be about substantive issues. And, even more importantly, the media will not only hand the soapbox over to Trump and re-shout his inane remarks, but give fair representation to the issues.
Hillary supporters are here and will be through 2016
31
Nothing like reading Maureen Dowd to tell the ongoing truths...or should we say lies and lies and lies...about the "annointed one," as Hillary has been crowned by the corrupt DNC and Debbie Wasserman Schultz. To think that Bernie, who has such a devoted, sound and eager following, and yet, because of years and years of the "inevitable," Hillary is the presumed nominee. No! That is not democracy or fairness in election parlance. Everyone should have had a chance. But, the DNC has had the fix in for years. How about the latest scandal of $2 million to the for-profit fund of Bill's "friend," the "energizer" who has full clearance by the secret service to be let in to their home in Chappaqua? What happened to that story? Yet, Bernie, as honest, decent, caring, and smart is made to think he should surrender to the likes of the Clinton machine and the DNC? Pray no. He should keep on going as far as he can. She's so corrupt as to be dangerous.
18
What's impressive here is that despite all the hate Hillary stuff spewed by the Bernie partisans, they assume that all the Hillary supporters, whose judgment they implicitly assail daily here, would flock to vote for Bernie in the general election. I guess the Bernie Cult must be so seductive to his followers that they can't even imagine that their ranting and whining might be the ultimate turn-off to anybody not in the Cult.
24
Oh Maureen...what has wrought your bitterness? It's astonishing to go from reading your slavering pieces on Trump where you extol all his virtues and none of his vices in a real way, but you seem to hold nothing back in lambasting Hilary in favor of just about anyone else.
32
NOVEMBER 2016
In the place marked “write in” on my mail in ballot
I will proceed with 13 letters
BERNIE SANDERS
I will be voting for a man, a President, not a party
The remainder of my ballot will be marked for
All progressives who ultimately decide the seats on the
SCOTUS, pass bills and make laws
Many will point to the theory of “Anti-War Nader” that gave us Bush
Although it was the supporters Of War
With their Votes (The Votes That Really Counted)
that invaded Iraq
“Shock And Awe” causing thousands of deaths
and destabilizing the world. That title should have been enough to
decide to cast a vote of no.
Well, suppose enough people voted for Nader
I Rest My Case
In the place marked “write in” on my mail in ballot
I will proceed with 13 letters
BERNIE SANDERS
I will be voting for a man, a President, not a party
The remainder of my ballot will be marked for
All progressives who ultimately decide the seats on the
SCOTUS, pass bills and make laws
Many will point to the theory of “Anti-War Nader” that gave us Bush
Although it was the supporters Of War
With their Votes (The Votes That Really Counted)
that invaded Iraq
“Shock And Awe” causing thousands of deaths
and destabilizing the world. That title should have been enough to
decide to cast a vote of no.
Well, suppose enough people voted for Nader
I Rest My Case
17
Bernie and Donald fusticate about stacked decks in their race to the White House.
Ignoring the replies to the first 27 commenters,
the first to enter this discussion all had the
green-square-with-the-white-checkmark.
That looks like the use of a *cold deck*: some form of false shuffle and/or false cut to create the illusion that the cards are not prearranged.
The replies to the verifieds create an illusion that the NYT is not showing impartiality to verified commenters.
Maureen only let in to the discussion first, those who are verified(rarefied),
hoping to achieve for herself a lively reaction to her Op-Ed?
Now go to Reader's Picks and determine how many of the first verified commenters went on to be Reader's Picks.
No one likes to have the deck stacked to their disadvantage-especially when so cleverly done.
Ignoring the replies to the first 27 commenters,
the first to enter this discussion all had the
green-square-with-the-white-checkmark.
That looks like the use of a *cold deck*: some form of false shuffle and/or false cut to create the illusion that the cards are not prearranged.
The replies to the verifieds create an illusion that the NYT is not showing impartiality to verified commenters.
Maureen only let in to the discussion first, those who are verified(rarefied),
hoping to achieve for herself a lively reaction to her Op-Ed?
Now go to Reader's Picks and determine how many of the first verified commenters went on to be Reader's Picks.
No one likes to have the deck stacked to their disadvantage-especially when so cleverly done.
6
A number of commentators try to draw comparisons between the unpleasantness in Nevada and the police riot at the 1968 Democratic Convention. Regrettably I'm old enough to remember 1968 well. It wasn't the protesters who defeated the Democrats and elected Nixon. It was the Democratic party who walled them out, set the police on them, and nominated a weak candidate who refused to oppose the Vietnam War until the last minute that elected Nixon. The moral of the story is that is the Democratic Party wants support in November the most important thing it can do is to listen to Sanders supporters and try to accommodate their concerns, rather than slander them. Dowd is right: a weak candidate like Clinton isn't entitled to the nomination. She has to reach out.
22
By the way, in the few short weeks between now and the last primary, perhaps it would be better to let people vote. Disenfranchisement is not a good game, and it plays into the hands of Republicans, who are rubbing their hands with glee that all their opposition work on the Clintons since the 1990s is bearing fruit with Bernie fans who won't look at the record, only at their group attacks fomenting hatred. HillaryHateTM is narrow and mean and dishonest.
The poor woman is stuck with hair and makeup, and all the closet misogynists who don't like women who can think on their feet.
Her voting record is quite similar to Bernie's.
The poor woman is stuck with hair and makeup, and all the closet misogynists who don't like women who can think on their feet.
Her voting record is quite similar to Bernie's.
13
Just to be clear, I voted for Bernie and now regret it, as he continues to repeat himself, bask in the hero worship, and not have a plan.
But I am suggesting that Bernie fans should be encouraged to vote their preference in the final primaries. And also that they should look closely at the way they repeat Republican opposition work as if it was gospel. She's been around, and she's a democrat. She's stuck up for working stiffs and women forever, is for the best health care we can get passed, and uses her money and fundraising ability to do good.
But I am suggesting that Bernie fans should be encouraged to vote their preference in the final primaries. And also that they should look closely at the way they repeat Republican opposition work as if it was gospel. She's been around, and she's a democrat. She's stuck up for working stiffs and women forever, is for the best health care we can get passed, and uses her money and fundraising ability to do good.
24
Her voting record may be similar. My biggest concern with Clinton is that in a choice between the nation and her own hide, well; you know what she would choose.
8
Donald Trump's advice to Bernie Saunders to run as an independent may seem remote but the outcome of such an event may reduce the election of chief executive as a farce. If Bernie Saunders runs as an independent on the coat tails of the Democratic Party and splits sufficient votes to open the executive suite to The Donald it would cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process and wound the democratic process worse than Citizens United. Unlike a candidate that chooses to stand as an independent, it would be more difficult for a PAC to switch sides 180 late in the game given its stated goals in organization at start-up.
2
'What are you most afraid of?' Nothing.
1
Maureen has never missed a chance to slam Obama or Hillary. Just stop, Maureen. Stop now. Bernie, you can stop now, too. Let's move forward, please.
23
Hillary must prevent Sanders from joining Jill Stein and the Green. So far we don't see anything conciliatory from Clinton or the DNC. Analogies to Clinton in 2008 don't hold. Sanders is not a Democrat.
2
trump is not a republican
your point then is what
your point then is what
5
She's weakened by her lack of appeal to Bernie voters only if the party doesn't find a way to bring us into the tent. Hillary cannot win the White House without a lot of support from Bernie voters. The national breakdown is (so far) 57% her, 43% him. In gambler's parlance, that's 4 to 3. Any strategy that excludes our participation, our donations AND our ideas is just dumb politics.
There is a faction - a minority - of 'Bernie or Bust' voters who would write him in or (irrationally, imo) vote for Trump(?!) but in the cold light of the ballot booth can they really see no difference between Hillary and The Donald? Sheesh!
If any situation screams "fusion ticket" this is it but I suspect that neither candidate is mature enough to swallow that much crow and act for the good of their party and the nation.
Kennedy-Johnson, anyone?
There is a faction - a minority - of 'Bernie or Bust' voters who would write him in or (irrationally, imo) vote for Trump(?!) but in the cold light of the ballot booth can they really see no difference between Hillary and The Donald? Sheesh!
If any situation screams "fusion ticket" this is it but I suspect that neither candidate is mature enough to swallow that much crow and act for the good of their party and the nation.
Kennedy-Johnson, anyone?
5
how many wars will hrc start vs how many wars will bernie start
take your pick, america
take your pick, america
29
Hillary should drop out. Only Bernie can beat Trump.
Bernie on a WRITE-IN ballot.
Bernie on a WRITE-IN ballot.
24
FBI Director Comey may give her a push.
10
What are you most afraid of? Well said Maureen. That is the question.
1
I'm surprised anyone in the Clinton campaign would talk to Ms. Dowd at all, considering she hasn't a good word to say about the Clintons, well, ever.
Her columns are so predictably critical and snide about the Clintons I could write them myself. All I'd have to do is pretend I was writing about a previous psycho boss of mine, and then just change the name to "Clinton." My boss, by the way, was a Republican woman.
Her columns are so predictably critical and snide about the Clintons I could write them myself. All I'd have to do is pretend I was writing about a previous psycho boss of mine, and then just change the name to "Clinton." My boss, by the way, was a Republican woman.
16
Bernie and Trump draw the same type of voter. Those who have tunnel vision and can only see one thing. Trump voters are zenifobic and feel disenfranchised by all of the "foreigners" coming into our country. Sanders voter strictly feel dienfranchised by everything. They went to college and sadly did not do their homework on what the economy needs right now and can't find a job. They also graduated during a very slow economic time which is very difficult.
However, can't these voters look past their tunnel lives and see that without a MAJOR change in the Congress, nothing Bernie or Donald says will come to fruition. I mean really, on day one we will have free college and health care and a wall built by Mexicans to block Mexicans out of our southern border. Really people, it is time to wake up and see that Hillary is the only serious candidate out there. The other two create a voice that needs to be considered but as the only way to move, they make no sense right now.
I predict that when my 2 yo granddaughter is my age, 65, we will be seeing what Sanders is talking about. It will take some time. I can only pray that there will never become a time in our country when we see what Trump is offering. When that occurs the USA will be no more.
However, can't these voters look past their tunnel lives and see that without a MAJOR change in the Congress, nothing Bernie or Donald says will come to fruition. I mean really, on day one we will have free college and health care and a wall built by Mexicans to block Mexicans out of our southern border. Really people, it is time to wake up and see that Hillary is the only serious candidate out there. The other two create a voice that needs to be considered but as the only way to move, they make no sense right now.
I predict that when my 2 yo granddaughter is my age, 65, we will be seeing what Sanders is talking about. It will take some time. I can only pray that there will never become a time in our country when we see what Trump is offering. When that occurs the USA will be no more.
8
Actually my few pals that are Bernie supporters have as much in common as my more mainstream Republican friends which is they are in the 1-2% depending on the year we had & realize we are more lucky than talented. It is not a fantasy the system is rigged. Ask a fast food worker who pays a significant portion of hourly wage to transport oneself to work the meager hours scheduled how they feel about forced unpaid breaks cause it is slow. I am 55 & remember when NYS tuition could be had for$600/semester. Why? We weren't funding perpetual wars.how about a compromise on college tuition if free public tuition can't be afforded let's at least make it affordable.
10
Fine writing, Maureen. You've described the political situation exactly. It is indeed transcendentally bizarre.
6
Clinton's insistence to Chris Cuomo, that she was the nominee, sent shivers down my spine. I was a die-hard Democrat for decades, but witnessing Clinton's zeal to be President, above any interest in actually helping the American public, is nauseating. She told Cuomo she's the appointed one. No need to vote, California! To witness Clinton, the media and DNC continually try to alter our reality, stifle voter's voice and votes is eye-opening. Things will not be the same after this election.
29
Bernie merely has to continue winning to cause a defection of the superdelegates. His pledged-delegate deficit is 274 and his superdelegate deficit is 486 with an additional 187 superdelegates still uncommitted.
If Bernie's momentum continues, the illusion begins to crumble, Bernie's poll numbers vs Trump, already better than Hillary's, will take up her slack, and the superdelegates will begin to defect en masse.
And then, of course, there is her looming indictment…
VEGAS
Her slot machine is her server sins
Her poker chips, her superdel'gate roll
Her roulette wheel, Director Comey spins
Her indictment, Bernie's ace in the hole.
If Bernie's momentum continues, the illusion begins to crumble, Bernie's poll numbers vs Trump, already better than Hillary's, will take up her slack, and the superdelegates will begin to defect en masse.
And then, of course, there is her looming indictment…
VEGAS
Her slot machine is her server sins
Her poker chips, her superdel'gate roll
Her roulette wheel, Director Comey spins
Her indictment, Bernie's ace in the hole.
13
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing, sexist name-calling and feral threats ..."
There was NO violence in Nevada. Repeat - there was NO violence in Nevada. There was NO chair throwing. And sexist name calling and feral threats are NOT violence.
I would expect more from Ms.Dowd then to repeat the egregiously wrong reporting from the corporate media. But I guess that is too much to ask. The anti Bernie fix is in, but a whole whole lot of people are not buying it.
There was NO violence in Nevada. Repeat - there was NO violence in Nevada. There was NO chair throwing. And sexist name calling and feral threats are NOT violence.
I would expect more from Ms.Dowd then to repeat the egregiously wrong reporting from the corporate media. But I guess that is too much to ask. The anti Bernie fix is in, but a whole whole lot of people are not buying it.
28
There was a form a violence. To deny democracy is violence. A vote was called for a change of rules that would have taken away delegates from sanders there was a round of yeas and a round of NOs and she called it a Yes. But then people asked for a real count because they felt that the NOs had won and that count was *illegally* denied.
This is no longer just rigging this is organized, demonstrable, public election fraud and no big media is saying a word about it !
http://www.salon.com/2016/05/20/i_watched_hillary_clintons_forces_swipe_...
And indead there was NO, I repeat NO chair throwing. If there had been an actual chair throwing, they would have shown the footage (cellphones were capturing the scene from lots of angles). One guy lifted a chair and then put it back down.
Schultz and Clinton must come forward and denounce the illegal move made in Nevada. They must do it for the good of the pary to be honest because if they don't, it becomes legitimate for Sanders to support a third party.
This is no longer just rigging this is organized, demonstrable, public election fraud and no big media is saying a word about it !
http://www.salon.com/2016/05/20/i_watched_hillary_clintons_forces_swipe_...
And indead there was NO, I repeat NO chair throwing. If there had been an actual chair throwing, they would have shown the footage (cellphones were capturing the scene from lots of angles). One guy lifted a chair and then put it back down.
Schultz and Clinton must come forward and denounce the illegal move made in Nevada. They must do it for the good of the pary to be honest because if they don't, it becomes legitimate for Sanders to support a third party.
12
Maureen's hate-affair with the Clintons continues. She suggests that the timing in 2008 of Terry McAuliffe's introduction of Hillary as "the next president" was somehow extraordinary and full of hubris. Has Bernie been introduced as "the next president" during any of his rallies, I wonder. She belittles the the threats to the Nevada Democratic Party Chairperson as "feral" threats! Feral!! She suggests that Sen. Boxer's many unreturned calls to Senator Sanders about the Nevada issue were somehow excessive. She says she has talked to several former Clinton and Obama White House aides who "don't enjoy checking in with the joyless Clinton campaign in Brooklyn." (That Brooklyn group from the Obama White House again!) One of them saays "It's the Bataan Death March." What does that mean!? What an absurd correlation! But, then it is dramatic. And drama is important in this column. Apparently more so than reality.
12
When I look at the present state of America, what I am "most afraid" of is having another civil war. We've only had one civil war. England has had two. I think we might be due for good blood letting; because, abortion, state's rights, the right to bear arms, voter suppression and immigration are the kinds of issues that people are willing to die and to kill for. When I look at Trump supporters, I do see traces of Hitler's Brown Shirts. They blame their current economic status on Hispanics lowering their wages. They hate the poor, which is code for Blacks, taking their hard earned money and living a country club lifestyle on it. They actually think our government is hell bent on taking away their guns and with it the 2nd Amendment. Of course, not one of them has ever taken the time to read it and understand it. They want to auction off our private lands to the highest bidder. They want to suppress the right to vote. They want to break our federal government. They want to do away with the EPA. All these issues have created a toxic stew of hatred the may well blow up in our faces. If people don't come out and vote in this election, then the America we know will no longer exist; because, we will have given it over to a bunch of ignorant and crazy people consumed with fear and hate who just might do what they say they will do.
15
"When I look at the present state of America, what I am "most afraid" of is having another civil war."
We were very recently one Gubernatorial veto away from possibly touching off something close to your fear.
If Mary Fallin of Oklahoma had decided to sign that obviously unconstitutional bill making physicians guilty of a felony for performing any abortion, it's not outside the realm to believe that may have ended up with the Presidential dispatching of national guard troops at some point down the road.
That was very instructive, as it highlighted for us exactly where that "bright line" is that abortion zealots in government will not cross.
That law was so obviously unconstitutional that even a nincompoop like Mary Fallin wouldn't sign it.
We were very recently one Gubernatorial veto away from possibly touching off something close to your fear.
If Mary Fallin of Oklahoma had decided to sign that obviously unconstitutional bill making physicians guilty of a felony for performing any abortion, it's not outside the realm to believe that may have ended up with the Presidential dispatching of national guard troops at some point down the road.
That was very instructive, as it highlighted for us exactly where that "bright line" is that abortion zealots in government will not cross.
That law was so obviously unconstitutional that even a nincompoop like Mary Fallin wouldn't sign it.
5
A Sander's Nevada delegate interviewed after the kerfuffle trumpeted Bernie's 'the system is rigged' refrain and said that 500 thousand to 1 million of his supporters, including anarchists, were organizing to protest at the convention.
I hope that before Bernie leads us over a cliff he summons the integrity to step back, take a deep breath and ask himself this: "Am I losing because the system is rigged or because I wasn't quite good enough?" Because Barack Obama faced the same 'rigged' system and 'presumptive' nominee in 2008 and won.
So, what will Bernie's endgame be? Accept defeat graciously and earnestly support Hillary (as she did with Obama in '08), or unleash his supporters to lay waste to the Democratic Party and risk putting Trump in the White House?
I hope that before Bernie leads us over a cliff he summons the integrity to step back, take a deep breath and ask himself this: "Am I losing because the system is rigged or because I wasn't quite good enough?" Because Barack Obama faced the same 'rigged' system and 'presumptive' nominee in 2008 and won.
So, what will Bernie's endgame be? Accept defeat graciously and earnestly support Hillary (as she did with Obama in '08), or unleash his supporters to lay waste to the Democratic Party and risk putting Trump in the White House?
15
• ...she is relying on fear of Trump to get her into the White House. And Trump is relying on fear of everything to get him into the White House.
So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?
"THE ONE PERMANENT EMOTION of the inferior man is fear – fear of the unknown, the complex, the inexplicable. What he wants above everything else is safety."
“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.”
~ H.L. MENCKEN
So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?
"THE ONE PERMANENT EMOTION of the inferior man is fear – fear of the unknown, the complex, the inexplicable. What he wants above everything else is safety."
“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.”
~ H.L. MENCKEN
5
So now all the Clinton 'loyalists'--those beholdin'--are trying to put Bernie behind them--Miss Dowd included. What do you not understand about Hillary Clinton as someone who will do anything, say anything, promise anything to get elected. Her husband Bill is a serial abuser of women, and then Hillary has the gall to say that "all victims [of sexual assault] should be heard." On that issue alone, let alone her relations with Wall Street, her poor performance as SecState (Assad is a reformer, "reset with Russia," etc.) should make voters run away from her as fast as they can. She must never again set foot in the White House as so much a member of a tour group.
12
This election should not be a high school popularity contest.
This election is about the direction of our country for the next 30 years because The Supreme Court will determine the direction of this country as the major political parties become increasingly irrelevant as this new era of entertainment politics sweeps across the land.
Party platforms use to mean something, as it did in 1948 when then Senate candidate Hubert Humphrey spoke eloquently and courageously about civil rights for all Americans and Harry Truman beat Dewey.
In 1968 Richard Nixon delivered and executed the Southern Strategy that has now brought forth the heirs of that discrimination to the forefront of today's politics.
In 1980 Teddy Kennedy damaged Jimmy Carter in a primary season where the Kennedy machine was defeated yet enabled the Senator to remind the nation in an eloquent speech that the dream shall never die.
So wounded was the Carter Presidency in the 1980 primary season that a made for TV candidate with a terrible economic policy became President. A repeat of a tough primary season divided the Democrats in 1984 and wounding a great nominee in Walter Mondale.
The world is very different today, unlimited funds allow big money to overwhelm the two party system. Be careful what you wish for. The winner of a high school popularity contest should not be the criteria for determining the next Commander in Chief and the leader of the Free world.
And our media coverage underwhelms me greatly.
This election is about the direction of our country for the next 30 years because The Supreme Court will determine the direction of this country as the major political parties become increasingly irrelevant as this new era of entertainment politics sweeps across the land.
Party platforms use to mean something, as it did in 1948 when then Senate candidate Hubert Humphrey spoke eloquently and courageously about civil rights for all Americans and Harry Truman beat Dewey.
In 1968 Richard Nixon delivered and executed the Southern Strategy that has now brought forth the heirs of that discrimination to the forefront of today's politics.
In 1980 Teddy Kennedy damaged Jimmy Carter in a primary season where the Kennedy machine was defeated yet enabled the Senator to remind the nation in an eloquent speech that the dream shall never die.
So wounded was the Carter Presidency in the 1980 primary season that a made for TV candidate with a terrible economic policy became President. A repeat of a tough primary season divided the Democrats in 1984 and wounding a great nominee in Walter Mondale.
The world is very different today, unlimited funds allow big money to overwhelm the two party system. Be careful what you wish for. The winner of a high school popularity contest should not be the criteria for determining the next Commander in Chief and the leader of the Free world.
And our media coverage underwhelms me greatly.
6
Maureen has been death on the Clintons forever. What is the problem? Hillary is the best qualified person running for President - eight years in the White House already, years in state politics and government, two terms in the Senate and a term as Secretary of State. Her background is more diverse than Bernie's and way deeper than Trump's. We don't need excitement in the oval office, we need sober judgment and hard work. What you see is what you get. With Trump, there is absolutely no way of telling what he will do.
20
Cut Hillary some slack. You never liked her. All politicians have compromised or lied about something - somewhere. Look at Sanders' flip flop with the NRA. Look at the Bush administration and their private email servers. Look at Romney's staff conveniently disposing of his administrations hard drives from when he was in Gov. And finally, I'd like to see Bernie's poll numbers after he receives the same withering attacks Hillary has endured on all this senseless stuff. Bottom line, the Clinton's have proven heart for the less advantaged of us (time and time again) and that's plenty good for me.
19
No, they have POSED as "having heart for the less advantaged of us. There's a difference: Bernie has exposed the difference, and offers the real thing.
11
I am a lifelong passionate progressive hailing from one of the most liberal corners of this country, and my support for Hillary has never waivered. I am on the same team as Bernie and his supporters, and I refuse to be torn apart from my neighbors and fellow liberals. I am grateful to Bernie for reminding progressives what we stand for, but I have concerns about him as a leader because he seems to be more about Ideology than progress, with a tendency towards magical thinking and divisive rhetoric. At worst, he and his supports have projected a sort of righteous arrogance that is closed to outside views and compromise. Bernie is affirming these worst impressions now, since I can only see three possible reasons for staying in the race: 1) A failure to understand basic math, 2) A sort of mystical thinking that he is still somehow going to win because of a Revolutionary tide of support that has yet to fully materialize, or 3) A righteous belief that he should be the nominee, even if that would require Superdelegates to override the will of the democratic electorate (what!?!). Meanwhile, the primary race continues to tear progressives apart, when the need for us to come together is desperate and unprecedented. If all of this is about a single Man, it is time to cross our arms, throw some chairs, and plan some protests. But if this is about a progressive Movement, it is time to start thinking beyond Bernie.
58
It's that "magical thinking", associated with Bernie, which gave the Europeans universal healthcare, lower income inequality, free or affordable college tuition, generous maternity/paternity/vacation leave half a century ago. We Americans are so very conservative and afraid to vote for the progress every other developed country enjoys. You think there's no repercussions for being so cowardly? Look at our highest suicide rate in 30 years.
4
A righteous belief he should be president? Seriously. He has only run once. Gore did not run again. HRC is the entitled righteous one.
7
No, the primary race is not "tearing Progressives apart," it's separating Progressives from those invested in a toxic status quo that stifles everything Pregressives stand for!
It's time to stand and be counted--you can't play both sides of the net.
It's time to stand and be counted--you can't play both sides of the net.
9
"So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
I'm most afraid of your anti-Hillary columns filled with your vitriolic nonsense!
I'm most afraid of your anti-Hillary columns filled with your vitriolic nonsense!
25
We don't need a candidate who deliberately disenfranchises voters. Particularly one who is in the running only as a dynastic successor.
14
Enough with the conspiracy stuff. The Republicans are involved in voter suppression. Insider reports fed by Republican opposition work are not a good resource for making decisions, no matter how many times they are circulated in chat rooms and on message boards, etc.
9
You need to look up "dynasty", Fern.
4
Ah... Shame on me for forgetting that it's always a mistake to read Maureen Down!
15
A revolution is coming - whether a Trump or Sanders revolution makes no difference. Revolutions are made by the angry, the disaffected, the stupid, the ignorant, the left behind - with help from the part of the educated class Josef Stalin correctly called "useful idiots". They will wake up when the country is in ruins but by then it'll be too late.
Waking up is a revolution. Americans have been zombies, allowing wall street to scam them while wealthy keep getting wealthier, buying off politicians and elections. Sooner or later citizens need to wake up to prove America is not an oligarchy but a democracy. We have already seen 2 Bushes in the WH. Now 2 Clintons? No thanks.
9
@KEVIN&RIMA: Both of you r too young to remember the 1960's, and as the old joke goes, if you do remember you weren't there. Today, you do not have a c-in-c as unpopular, as reviled as LBJ was in 1968, so divisive a presence that he finally withdrew from politics for the good of the country. You have no dangerous, revolutionary groups out there like the Weathermen and SDS, no Brian Flanagans, no Bill Ayres,(Obama's friend and writing partner), threatening to blow up the Pentagon, no Jane Alperts, Sam Melvilles, Abby Hoffmans or Rennie Davises resorting to violence to prove their point. Recall that the killings at Kent State in 1970 put the kibosh on student protests for good. Nonetheless, there r still bitter enders in prison serving 75 to life--Gilbert and Clark--for their involvement in a bank robbery in upstate NY, allegedly to gain funds to carry on the struggle. There will be no DAYS OF RAGE in streets of Chicago. Best outcome:Withdrawal of HRC,in ill health and shaky on her pegs, in favor of Sanders or the Party's beau ideal, Biden, who will enter to "sauver les meubles," and pull out a win to save the country from Mr. TRUMP. .
5
It's too early for Schadenfreude, Maureen.
The pendulum of intra-party headaches will swing back once the Never Trump movement quietly manifests itself in polling strength for the Libertarian Party.
I'm sure you're enjoying the cleverness of your buddy as he "mischievously" suggests a third party run to Bernie. Now, Previous Trump might have gotten amnesia about his earlier derision against "Berrrnie people" as he used to call them out in his rallies. But, I have faith in Bernie that he will do the right thing and not let Dangerous Donald anywhere near The White House.
Oh, and while you're celebrating Trump's political prowess, and thinking of other clever ways to present him every week, don't forget about the P-word: pathological... It was only last week that he lied to you that it wasn't his voice in that recording and that he wasn't masquerading as his own PR guy. Surely, it must have hurt a bit to have your friend lie to your face? Or, are you one of those people who wouldn't blink if Trump shot someone on Fifth Avenue as he proclaimed?
The pendulum of intra-party headaches will swing back once the Never Trump movement quietly manifests itself in polling strength for the Libertarian Party.
I'm sure you're enjoying the cleverness of your buddy as he "mischievously" suggests a third party run to Bernie. Now, Previous Trump might have gotten amnesia about his earlier derision against "Berrrnie people" as he used to call them out in his rallies. But, I have faith in Bernie that he will do the right thing and not let Dangerous Donald anywhere near The White House.
Oh, and while you're celebrating Trump's political prowess, and thinking of other clever ways to present him every week, don't forget about the P-word: pathological... It was only last week that he lied to you that it wasn't his voice in that recording and that he wasn't masquerading as his own PR guy. Surely, it must have hurt a bit to have your friend lie to your face? Or, are you one of those people who wouldn't blink if Trump shot someone on Fifth Avenue as he proclaimed?
7
"So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
Evidently, Maureen, you have never attended a Sanders rally? No muck, no negative to be found! What's negative about "A Future to Believe In?" Sanders is intent upon the Hope and Change that Obama promised, but failed to deliver (the biggest bait-and-switch in recent history)--and Hillary doesn't even PROMISE.
What seems to confound the cynics, the One Percent and their enablers, is that millions upon millions of people are wanting a shot at a decent life: a decent job, with decent benefits; a decent education, decent and affordable healthcare, and a decent chance to raise healthy children, who have a future they can believe in...and a livable climate!
The same thing Americans have always wanted, until right-wingers took over the government and gamed the system to create trickle-UP economics.
Simple.
Against these millions are arrayed the few who are benefitting from this toxic status quo; trying to impose on the electorate candidates who will help the rich stay rich, and super rich get even super-richer while everyone else suffers!
This ain't rocket science. The reason she cannot pull off the coronation is that her DO NOTHING approach to these troubled times is out of sync with the zeitgeist: she's trying to thwart these ambitions for a decent life, and the People are not having it!
It's going to be a long, hot summer.
Evidently, Maureen, you have never attended a Sanders rally? No muck, no negative to be found! What's negative about "A Future to Believe In?" Sanders is intent upon the Hope and Change that Obama promised, but failed to deliver (the biggest bait-and-switch in recent history)--and Hillary doesn't even PROMISE.
What seems to confound the cynics, the One Percent and their enablers, is that millions upon millions of people are wanting a shot at a decent life: a decent job, with decent benefits; a decent education, decent and affordable healthcare, and a decent chance to raise healthy children, who have a future they can believe in...and a livable climate!
The same thing Americans have always wanted, until right-wingers took over the government and gamed the system to create trickle-UP economics.
Simple.
Against these millions are arrayed the few who are benefitting from this toxic status quo; trying to impose on the electorate candidates who will help the rich stay rich, and super rich get even super-richer while everyone else suffers!
This ain't rocket science. The reason she cannot pull off the coronation is that her DO NOTHING approach to these troubled times is out of sync with the zeitgeist: she's trying to thwart these ambitions for a decent life, and the People are not having it!
It's going to be a long, hot summer.
17
I totally agree with Madeline. Just as she is a twenty-something woman who is excited about Hillary, I am not falling in line with the media narrative that older, white, middle class women are for Hillary. I, in my mid-seventies, am excited about that Democratic Socialist.
All of my life I have asked myself, "If I am not a Democrat and am not a Republican, not a socialist or communist, what am I?" Then Bernie came along and I said, "That's it!! I am a Democratic Socialist!"
Thanks, Maureen Dowd, for a thoroughly enjoyable op-ed. And keep up that involvement, Madeline!
All of my life I have asked myself, "If I am not a Democrat and am not a Republican, not a socialist or communist, what am I?" Then Bernie came along and I said, "That's it!! I am a Democratic Socialist!"
Thanks, Maureen Dowd, for a thoroughly enjoyable op-ed. And keep up that involvement, Madeline!
24
Hoping California comes in big for Bernie and puts Clinton away to give more $$$ speeches to help the Clintons become the .001%, work on pay equity at the Clinton Foundation, and actually supervise that lackadaisical do-nothing big bucks charity instead of sell out the United States. Go Bernie!
21
I used to look forward to your column Ms. Dowd. Now with your strange vendetta toward Hillary, it's become almost unreadable.
25
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing ..."
I have not seen one iota of evidence that any chair was thrown. Just the yammerings of journalists' parroting other journalists, as with the Central Park jogger case.
I have not seen one iota of evidence that any chair was thrown. Just the yammerings of journalists' parroting other journalists, as with the Central Park jogger case.
23
See it all on Rachel Maddow. Here's another link:
http://www.msnbc.com/andrea-mitchell-reports/watch/chaos-threats-after-n...
It's not gossip, it happened.
Denying reality does not increase your believability.
But honestly, can we throw out the Bernie bro stuff? It's insulting to women to start with. I prefer Berniebot (and Hillarybot) for the unthinking advocates. And to me, Berniebots are buying Republican opposition work wholesale. They're good at it, but the Bb's should think for themselves and not guy the hate.
http://www.msnbc.com/andrea-mitchell-reports/watch/chaos-threats-after-n...
It's not gossip, it happened.
Denying reality does not increase your believability.
But honestly, can we throw out the Bernie bro stuff? It's insulting to women to start with. I prefer Berniebot (and Hillarybot) for the unthinking advocates. And to me, Berniebots are buying Republican opposition work wholesale. They're good at it, but the Bb's should think for themselves and not guy the hate.
15
Hatred, Trump's main stock in trade, solves nothing. I meant to write "buy the hate"
1
@Susan,
Your video shows no physical violence or chair throwing. In fact, the 2:54 minute video, only show about 3 - 5 seconds of the convention. Most of it is devoted to commentary, not evidence. You do understand the difference, no?
At this point, people will believe what they want to believe, even if they have no evidence for said belief.
Your video shows no physical violence or chair throwing. In fact, the 2:54 minute video, only show about 3 - 5 seconds of the convention. Most of it is devoted to commentary, not evidence. You do understand the difference, no?
At this point, people will believe what they want to believe, even if they have no evidence for said belief.
4
I'm not afraid of anything because I intend to vote Democrat for Congress, and write--in Bernie for President. The only thing I ever fear is going to bed at night with a guilty conscience. I won't.
27
Dowd is spot on. My greatest hope is that Joe Biden rides to the rescue and saves the dnc from itself.
11
Maureen and all of her supporters leaving comments here, you are the problem! We live in an era of divided government and even more divided public opinion, which means no one can get everything it wants. This is so disturbingly reminiscent of all that nonsense 16 years ago of people saying there's no difference between W and Gore. So how did all of that work out for us? People need to channel they're inner Rolling Stones and realize we can't always get what we want, however we might get what we need -- but only if we take our heads out of our butts! To state the obvious for all those still in denial: Bernie has no chance! Your choices are Hillary or Trump people, and that should be a no-brainer (even for Maureen & her pathological anti-Clintons disposition): don't cut off our collective nose to spite our face! Maureen, how about (for a change) responsibly using your platform to be a constructive voice in this conversation -- and channel people to what is clearly the better of their only two choices.
4
I fear Trump. But I also fear Clinton. In response to another article, a fellow commenter (thank you, Uncle Duddly) provided a link to an article that I just read about the draconian Clinton welfare bill. A bill that the late Ted Kennedy called "legislative child abuse." The author of the article was Peter Edelman, a Clinton appointee who resigned in disgust.
Here is the link: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1997/03/the-worst-thing-bill...
Sorry all you Clinton supporters, but I truly believe that the Clintons are a power couple, who have no conscience. They want their house back. That's it.
I'll take the recent election in Myanmar, a country with an abominable political history, over the mess back home. Short of a Sanders' miracle, I won't be back anytime soon. Good luck to all of you.
Here is the link: http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1997/03/the-worst-thing-bill...
Sorry all you Clinton supporters, but I truly believe that the Clintons are a power couple, who have no conscience. They want their house back. That's it.
I'll take the recent election in Myanmar, a country with an abominable political history, over the mess back home. Short of a Sanders' miracle, I won't be back anytime soon. Good luck to all of you.
19
A virtual tsunami of inane metaphors and silly similes just to beat that same old dead horse (Bernie) one more time.
Tiresome Maureen -VERY tiresome!
Tiresome Maureen -VERY tiresome!
8
Another nasty, snarky attack on Hillary by Ms. Dowd. Nothing new here. At least she's let up on President Obama. One can practically see the venom and anger coming off of her as she writes this drivel. Really it's too much. Just stop. It's just annoying and stupid.
23
the republican establishment party just learned big lesson about democracy. all their establishment "vote rigging" couldn't stop the republican people's choice. and the repub estab went full bore out to stop trump. they threw everything including the kitchen sink at the people's choice, along with hundreds of millions of dollars too. the democrat establishment party saw this, and dem estab still refuses to stop rigging the game, the dem estab still want to shove down the throats of dem party "people" their annointed one. the repub people really opened the eyes of the dem people - all the people now see how the party estab rig'seach of these games. so now - the dem estab party is still going to "shove it down the throats" of the dem people, and force them to eat it. and by doing so - all the people now see exactly what the dems are all about - force. and also all about - "we dem estab's know whats really best for you "little people", "you common people" "you women", "african americans", "you and you and you too" people. and bid rigger in chief - hillary - says this all the time. just listen to her carve up and profile american's under this and that "moniker". hillary and the dem estab are wiping themselves out - day by day. exposed - you bet. ps - did you note - this artice is entitled "W e a k" end at bernies. thats right hillary and the dem estab are weak, weak bullies, bid rigging bullies, doing everything imaginable to sidestep the people and the peoples choice.
4
Maureen Dowd's hatred of Hillary Clinton has led this otherwise brilliant journalist to reduce the contest between Secretary Clinton and Apprentice star Donald Trump to a choice between two unpopular candidates. Doing so ignores the profound differences between their policies, fitness to be President and what their election would mean for this country and the world. Dowd faults Clinton for lacking a large vision and putting out policy papers that only "tinker around the edges". Even if this critique was correct (which it is not) how can Dowd equate those weaknesses with Trump's: dangerous and unfair economic pronouncements; vile comments about Mexicans; hypocrisy on immigration; disrespect for captured veterans and people with disabilities; vows to keep all Moslems out of the country; warm embrace of the NRA's most outrageous positions; his hatred of women; and his denial of climate change etc? Shame on you Maureen, you are much better than this.
21
Yo, Marvin, It's America. The comments section of any of Ms. Dowd's columns that mention Mrs. Clinton always include those which accuse her of "hated," as you have, or a "vendetta" against the Clintons. Were that the case, my response is that this is still America and Ms. Dowd is entitled to her opinion. But the more rational explanation for Ms. Dowd's remarks about Hillary, begetting the often unreasonable inferences made by many, as you have, is that she understands the woman better than we thanks to her access as a Washington-savvy reporter with years of experience. Pointing out examples of Mrs. Clinton's hypocrisy or unfitness for the nations's highest office (including comments about the incipient iteration of the 90's Clinton "co-presidency" she has now proposed, incredibly, by dubbing Bill as the de facto "economy czar" of her presidency) have, in my opinion, been done with accuracy and eloquence. Above all, Ms. Dowd has had the courage to take those perilous steps away from the herd of True Believers, embodied by no less than the staff of the New York Times.
4
Don't they fact-check Maureen Dowd at the NYT? No chairs were thrown at the Nevada convention, and Sanders' record in Congress is not "nondescript." He's the amendment king, and worked with both Dems and Republicans to get things done - all while fearlessly calling himself a democratic socialist. Will NYT editors run corrections? I hope so. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/mar/24/bernie-s/...
21
If the Obama Administration can still claim its record is stronger on deportations than its predecessor's, someone can claim a chair was thrown.
1
"So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
Such an easy question: Any scotus judge picked w/ gop collusion
Such an easy question: Any scotus judge picked w/ gop collusion
15
"many Democrats assumed that their front-runner would come out of the gate with a vision for the future that gave her campaign a fresh hue, instead of white papers tinkering around the edges. " In a few words this is the heart of the problem that many of us have with Senator Clinton. She seems to have no ability to articulate a vision that catches our hearts.
We need some big picture thinking to bring us together, even though we don't see clearly how to get to the promised land right away. I'm afraid Trump is going to fill the vacuum.
We need some big picture thinking to bring us together, even though we don't see clearly how to get to the promised land right away. I'm afraid Trump is going to fill the vacuum.
8
Drawing on my own experience of supporting McGovern, PASSIONATELY, in my twenties, I have lived the shift that Gloria Steinem identified on Bill Maher:
“Women are more for [Clinton] than men are. ...First of all, women get more radical as we get older, because we experience. ...Not to over-generalize, but ... men tend to get more conservative because they gain power as they age, women get more radical because they lose power as they age."
We also don't go to rallies and wave signs as much. We do vote and we do send money. And many of us fought to get birth control, much less abortions.
Where is Bernie's's recognition that family wealth, women and children' economic well being is tightly correlated to controlling the timing and number of our children? When his out of wedlock son was born, did he take up the banner of working mothers? Not my candidate Bernie.
“Women are more for [Clinton] than men are. ...First of all, women get more radical as we get older, because we experience. ...Not to over-generalize, but ... men tend to get more conservative because they gain power as they age, women get more radical because they lose power as they age."
We also don't go to rallies and wave signs as much. We do vote and we do send money. And many of us fought to get birth control, much less abortions.
Where is Bernie's's recognition that family wealth, women and children' economic well being is tightly correlated to controlling the timing and number of our children? When his out of wedlock son was born, did he take up the banner of working mothers? Not my candidate Bernie.
19
Where is Hillary's recognition, that women pay the largest price in all of the countries where she has so blithely supported military intervention (aka dropping bombs)? Iraq, Syria, Libya, Gaza, Kosovo, Serbia, etc, etc. In my eyes, feminism means opposing war and protecting women everywhere, including brown ones. Not just women who can vote for you.
13
The scary part is, if Hillary's campaign is the Bataan Death March, imagine what her presidency, facing a hostile public and congress, will turn into. You thought gridlock was bad with Obama? Just wait.
15
I can hardly wait for the era of good will that will come when President Sanders tells the Congress to vote for bank break-ups, free tuitions, and higher taxes. His many achievements as a senator give us a taste of that. What were those, again?
9
By that logic, no we should not "just wait" we should actively vote out the corrupt, lazy, free loading GOP representatives.
7
It's true. No one will credit/accuse Mrs. Cliinton of appealing to a mobocracy as Trump is, as is Bernie in this late stage of his campaign (decry the bedlam but stoke the anger). Instead, she stands side-by-side with mothers of gun victims and summons the moral courage to call for stricter gun laws. She's called for a new focus on profit sharing. She's called for minimum wage increases based on state-by-state market realities. And she doesn't hesitate to say she will build on Obama's legacy. She's not just campaigning. She's showing us how she would govern - methodically and deliberately, with an emphasis on reason and positive outcomes. Shouting may get delerious cheers, but talking and listening gets results.
20
A couple of months ago I dug into the meme that Sanders made his big impact in Congress through the amendment process, that he was the "Amendment King". What I found:
From 1995-2007, Sanders was responsible for the passage of 17 "recorded roll call votes,” more than anyone else in Congress. But during the same period, "Ohio Democrat James Traficant came in second with 16 roll call amendments, but he served five less years than Sanders after being indicted on several corruption charges in 2002 and then expelled from Congress. If we look at all amendments, not just those passed by roll call votes, Traficant passed 72 more than Sanders." And a little technicality: amendments may be passed by other means than roll call votes. Since 2007? Four (!) amendments passed.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/mar/24/bernie-s/...
To date, Sanders has submitted 419 total amendments. They're listed at Congress's website. But most of these have never even been voted on. Of the most recent 25 amendments, 1 has passed, 1 hasn't, and 23 have been “submitted” only, which means that the amendment has been filed "with the clerk for possible future consideration by the Senate. A submitted amendment is not pending until it is formally proposed/offered..." None of the 23 has yet been proposed, and several are over a year old. Isn't this just window dressing?
So I'm still asking. What has Sanders done?
From 1995-2007, Sanders was responsible for the passage of 17 "recorded roll call votes,” more than anyone else in Congress. But during the same period, "Ohio Democrat James Traficant came in second with 16 roll call amendments, but he served five less years than Sanders after being indicted on several corruption charges in 2002 and then expelled from Congress. If we look at all amendments, not just those passed by roll call votes, Traficant passed 72 more than Sanders." And a little technicality: amendments may be passed by other means than roll call votes. Since 2007? Four (!) amendments passed.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/mar/24/bernie-s/...
To date, Sanders has submitted 419 total amendments. They're listed at Congress's website. But most of these have never even been voted on. Of the most recent 25 amendments, 1 has passed, 1 hasn't, and 23 have been “submitted” only, which means that the amendment has been filed "with the clerk for possible future consideration by the Senate. A submitted amendment is not pending until it is formally proposed/offered..." None of the 23 has yet been proposed, and several are over a year old. Isn't this just window dressing?
So I'm still asking. What has Sanders done?
19
How much success would you expect from an anti-corporate, workers-first congress person in a pro-corporate, anti-workers congress? The fact that he was marginalized in a congress that, every year, sinks lower and lower in public approval should be a reason to support him, but I guess Lew thinks the status quo is just fine.
10
Sanders' supporters are not the type who evaluate a politician based on his experience. A record of results is inconsequential. They go purely on his words. And his intentions. If anything, they seem not to be able to differentiate between these. Words speak to them the way results speak to others.
When he fails to deliver, they will, however, quickly home in on the actions of others and lay all the blame on them for obstructing and preventing their guy from delivering utopia.
When he fails to deliver, they will, however, quickly home in on the actions of others and lay all the blame on them for obstructing and preventing their guy from delivering utopia.
10
"Amendment King" is not a compliment.
6
Democrats for HRC here ignore the FBI's criminal investigation of her, as if the 150 agents are a GOP fiction. Comey's agency is also looking at crimes and corruption in the Clinton Slush Foundation which means Bill is in the loop.
Democrats live in an alternative universe by ignoring the decadence of the Clintons and the pretense that her only replacement at the moment is a whacky communist fossil.
Democrats live in an alternative universe by ignoring the decadence of the Clintons and the pretense that her only replacement at the moment is a whacky communist fossil.
9
Actually, the lawsuit was brought by Judicial Watch, a Kochtopus outfit.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Judicial_Watch
But enjoy doing the Republicans' bidding and blaming victims.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Judicial_Watch
But enjoy doing the Republicans' bidding and blaming victims.
10
Honestly, Maureen. You think Hillary is the horrible woman here?
25
You write, "She assumed that the fix was in."
No, everybody in the media thought it was a done deal, but I don't think Clinton ever thought there was a fix and it certainly wasn't "in" or it wouldn't be such a "joyless" campaiign, a "Bataan Death March", would it?
And it's only the media that seem to crave a double side of excitement with their politics. Hillary doesn't generate enough excitement and Bernie generates enough to make you wonder where all the excitement is coming from. Really, does the idea of a president Bernie make people want to scream and cheer, wave posters and chant his name over and over and over, and if so, why? Is it his personality? I admit I'm missing something. I do think some of his ideas are excellent, but so are Hillary's.
But you say Hillary's Bataan Death March is making Republicans reconsider their own suicide mission with Trump. Do you read the NYT? Yesterday's story about how donors can't find a spoon long enough to sup with the Trump devil and aren't coughing up support for him, and why fund a loser?
I wonder if a President Trump would finally put to rest your almost obsessively negative criticism of Hillary Clinton. Well, maybe when President Trump shuts down the press like his mentor Putin, you will find something worth getting excited about and can shift away from the Clintons.
No, everybody in the media thought it was a done deal, but I don't think Clinton ever thought there was a fix and it certainly wasn't "in" or it wouldn't be such a "joyless" campaiign, a "Bataan Death March", would it?
And it's only the media that seem to crave a double side of excitement with their politics. Hillary doesn't generate enough excitement and Bernie generates enough to make you wonder where all the excitement is coming from. Really, does the idea of a president Bernie make people want to scream and cheer, wave posters and chant his name over and over and over, and if so, why? Is it his personality? I admit I'm missing something. I do think some of his ideas are excellent, but so are Hillary's.
But you say Hillary's Bataan Death March is making Republicans reconsider their own suicide mission with Trump. Do you read the NYT? Yesterday's story about how donors can't find a spoon long enough to sup with the Trump devil and aren't coughing up support for him, and why fund a loser?
I wonder if a President Trump would finally put to rest your almost obsessively negative criticism of Hillary Clinton. Well, maybe when President Trump shuts down the press like his mentor Putin, you will find something worth getting excited about and can shift away from the Clintons.
19
The people of New York State outperformed the polls in their votes for Hillary. Could that be that because she was their senator, they actually, you know, know something about her.
Her voting record is very similar to Bernie's. I'm uncomfortable with her hawkishness and support for fracking, but those are conflicted issues where there is no right answer (people want energy, but don't want to know where it comes from; meanwhile we need to leave most of it in the ground - this is hard but people don't want to know, they just want to yell and scream and get on with their social media and energy use). Otherwise, she has been staunchly Democratic and stood up for people every since she left the young Republicans. Health care: she worked hard on that and is a realist. Universal health care: of course we all want it. But even Obama couldn't get that.
As a recovering Bernie voter, I say, vote, vote downticket, notice that Republican operative versions are being echoed by Bernie's fans, and stop letting them play you.
Part of the reason we are in this mess is because Democrats stayed home in droves in 2014 and 2010 (and back in the 90s, Bill Clinton had to compromise partly because of a similarly united opposition and for similar cause). Republicans are united, but Democrats prefer to shoot at each other.
Vote, vote downticket, throw the bums out!
Her voting record is very similar to Bernie's. I'm uncomfortable with her hawkishness and support for fracking, but those are conflicted issues where there is no right answer (people want energy, but don't want to know where it comes from; meanwhile we need to leave most of it in the ground - this is hard but people don't want to know, they just want to yell and scream and get on with their social media and energy use). Otherwise, she has been staunchly Democratic and stood up for people every since she left the young Republicans. Health care: she worked hard on that and is a realist. Universal health care: of course we all want it. But even Obama couldn't get that.
As a recovering Bernie voter, I say, vote, vote downticket, notice that Republican operative versions are being echoed by Bernie's fans, and stop letting them play you.
Part of the reason we are in this mess is because Democrats stayed home in droves in 2014 and 2010 (and back in the 90s, Bill Clinton had to compromise partly because of a similarly united opposition and for similar cause). Republicans are united, but Democrats prefer to shoot at each other.
Vote, vote downticket, throw the bums out!
56
Agree. Keep fighting the good fight!
1
Until last week, Hillary was staunchly against giving the middle-class, relief from the insurance industry. It's scary that she flip-flops that much, ONLY to achieve votes. She's obviously scared she won't get the nomination and it's obvious to any human brain that her zeal for that nomination. and disinterest in the 99% is not healthy.
2
Fearing Trump is a real fear.
26
Fearing anither corrupt Clinton administration is the real fear!
6
Watching her be humiliated on the world stage for a second time by no less a quirk than Donald Trump is going to be delicious.
19
Is it any wonder we can't get ahead with conservatives at the helm? What an immature bunch.
4
John,
So your main goal in this presidential election is the pleasure of the 'second' public humiliation of Sec. Clinton? Wow. I was thinking more along the lines of functioning governance and maintenance of various citizen rights; but, okay, I guess, if that's where your head's at.
So your main goal in this presidential election is the pleasure of the 'second' public humiliation of Sec. Clinton? Wow. I was thinking more along the lines of functioning governance and maintenance of various citizen rights; but, okay, I guess, if that's where your head's at.
3
"The two most unpopular candidates in recent political history". Unemployment at near-record lows, economy growing at a reasonable rate etc...What is going on? People are unhappy because a growing number of them, of all ages, are becoming unproductive in today's digital and global cocktail. An increasing number of constituents have started to realize that they will never earn enough to afford the "American dream" - not with just hard work and not without a premium (mostly unaffordable) education. Wealth in America today is created by a few good ideas that sprout overnight-billionaires. The data support that the middle class is disappearing. Barring a major economic breakthrough that would trickle down wealth in America more evenly, this country has no choice but to tax the ultra wealthy or let the poor starve. So that is really the tag line of this and future elections. How you vote will likely be determined by your location on the tax or starve spectrum and this behavior meaningfully shift partisan politics as we have known it for so long.
9
Amazing how the fanatical ideologues continue to ignore reality: the rich are already taxed. The top 1% paid nearly half of income taxes collected in 2014. The bottom 50% had a negative tax rate. You could confiscate the entire net worth of the top 1% and that would fund Big Government for 1 year. Then what will you do?
Much of the activity on the internet is virtual, without real effect.
Really, Maureen? "She assumed the fix was in, that she and the DNC had arranged for the coronation she felt she was robbed of"? I know you don't like Hillary, but maybe, just once, you could stop using the sleaze attacks the GOP has been gleefully pushing.
Maybe the reason Hillary "can't create excitement" is the exact reason she'll make a great president; while others (read:men) say anything to get elected, she's actually talking about real issues and real solutions, not pie in the sky. Real talk just isn't as sexy as "make America great" or "a political revolution is coming."
But that's what adults do.
Maybe the reason Hillary "can't create excitement" is the exact reason she'll make a great president; while others (read:men) say anything to get elected, she's actually talking about real issues and real solutions, not pie in the sky. Real talk just isn't as sexy as "make America great" or "a political revolution is coming."
But that's what adults do.
102
She should be indicted. She has no respect for the law, the constitution, or the country. She runs a large criminal enterprise called the Clinton foundation. Putting her kind of corruption the White is beyond irresponsible.
1
Hillary has almost no record of actually accomplishing anything substantial. She was a fairly mediocre senator and a very mediocre secty of state. She has hawkish tendencies and little interest in meaningful financial regulation. She lacks real conviction and tends to blow with the wind, justifying herself by saying she's being realistic. At best she's a competent technocrat, not a leader.
3
her sole claim is that she has a vagina, that hardly qualifies her for the presidency
2
I predict that by the fall of this year Bernie will be regarded as a pariah. Sad for a man in the winter of his life. If only he began in the spring. All in all bad judgment.
38
That depends on Sanders' choices. If he continues following in the footsteps of the Nader 2000 vanity/spoiler campaign, he will indeed be just as much a pariah as Ralph Nader himself (i.e., yuge). On the other hand, if he endorses Clinton and campaigns for her with half the enthusiasm she showed in 2008 after losing the nomination to Obama, he can look forward to well-deserved position of party leadership.
7
what a fool bernie is for trying to do some good for americans they dont deserve it
they will get a trumop or a hrc
which they do deserve
in spades
they will get a trumop or a hrc
which they do deserve
in spades
4
No need to wait till fall for that. Bernie has already lost my respect. He has gone back on his promise not to wage personal attacks, which he did once he messed up his NY Daily News interview. He realized after that disastrous interview, that voters would soon find out that alongside Clinton's experience and workable solutions he just can't win. So he stopped talking issues. Instead he talks about rigged elections and poll numbers just like Trump and how he could defeat him with greater margins. He must realize that pretending he could still win the primary when the math is against him is really fraudulent behavior. Why would anyone trust him when even in this most basic thing he can't admit the truth be gracious instead of turning nasty.
Bernie is no democrat. He only used the Democratic Party to gain a footing - and now ...he has no further use for the party. Just like he has been promising free college tuition just to get millennial votes. It's a promise he can't and won't be able to deliver on. But he won't let that be known if he can help it.
Bernie is no democrat. He only used the Democratic Party to gain a footing - and now ...he has no further use for the party. Just like he has been promising free college tuition just to get millennial votes. It's a promise he can't and won't be able to deliver on. But he won't let that be known if he can help it.
4
Before Hilary was "weakend at Bernie's" she was "weakend at Barry's." And now she's already being "weakend at (your pet) Donnie's." America has embraced Hillary's favorite foreign policy--"regime change"--at home. They toppled "low energy Jeb" and are on the verge of toppling self-anointed Queen Clinton. Regime change is coming here to America and "all the Democrats' super delegates and all queens Wall Street backers cannot put weak Hillary together again." The question for America is: Do you want the Bernie's big-hearted large open hand up for the suffering many, or Donnie's big-mouthed small closed hand out for the wealthy few?
23
If you don't vote downticket, the Republicans will make things worse. Stop blaming Democrats for what Republicans have accomplished.
29
The problem with Hillary is that too many will not vote, so up-ticket, down-ticket is a pipe dream! The DNC, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Hillary must Back not Bash, Bernie if they want to have a chance to win and "Take back the Senate" this November. I "Feel the Bern" and the Democratic establishment will be burned if they continue to wage war upon their party's progressive wing.
1
He's only blaming Democrats for THEIR share of the accomplishments--chief among them, trying to force the nomination of a candidate that does not embody the will of the people. A perilous oversight in a democracy!
1
Clinton, Sanders, Trump: I am so sad.
10
I find it highly ironic that the big time feminist candidate plans to turn over the second most important Presidential duty (running the economy, second only to national security) over to her husband. It's going to be Trump - he's already ahead in the polls and he hasn't even started yet. Bernie, however, will send Trump back to World Wrestling Federation. The contrast couldn't be clearer: he is the 99%, Trump the 1%; against Hillary, no contrast: both rich, both corrupt, both arrogant, both morally bankrupt, both sociopathic, both unlikable. Only her, more so: the more you know about her, the less there is to like. Trump, who is, unfortunately, genuinely telegenic, will get the makeover from the media (already in progress) that, including the Times, created him. They like the ratings and don't want their corporation or their multi million dollar talking heads (they are propagandists, NOT journalists) taxed; she will get coverage for her emails, transcripts, lies and evasions; her huband's crooked and perverted friends, and their crooked "foundation," as well as her exceedingly bad judgment on almost everything over the past thirty years. Bernie supporters are not going to vote for her after the crooked and dishonest campaign she has run, full of gaslighting, misrepresentation, dirty trick chicanery, co-opting, and outright voter fraud in state after state. A terrible choice for the soulless, bought and paid for Democratic Party, a disaster for America.
31
People trying to pass off these sorts of adjective-heavy rants stuffed with made-up numbers as intelligent comment are exactly why I prefer Hillary Clinton. Especially since they always go right down the same list in pretty much th same way.
11
I am most afraid of political commentators who have replaced insight with snark. Their need to be part of the story as a political groupie contributes to the circus atmosphere of this election. What exactly is Ms. Dowd's point of view? We get that she despise the Clintons, that's a given, but to what purpose? Does she really believe that a businessman with no political experience, whose greatest accomplishment is establishing a brand name and a reality show, would be a good president? Or does the idea of a democratic socialist who has firm beliefs, but no workable plans, appeal to her. Being clever for the sake of cleverness can only take someone so far. It seems Ms. Dowd has gone far enough. Perhaps she believes we need someone with no journalism experience to replace her and inject a fresh populist voice into the opinion columns?
78
Maureen, have you decided to retire? Because your heart doesn't appear to be in this any more . . . all I've seen from you in a while is adolescent snark.
74
What is in the water in Vermont?
Produces Howard Dean and Bernie ( my parents were Polish immigrants)
Sanders. I can only wonder what his real name was.
His attraction to Millennials and their fellow travelers who want and expect
everything for free and more then happy to do little to earn the rewards
has propelled BS much like the euphoria over HD.
HD fizzled in a well publicized flameout and BS will as well if and when
his less then stellar past is put under the microscope of a Presidential
campaign.
His everything for free socialist platform of course is never going to happen
and bankrupt the country if it were to become the paw of the land.
Hillary's platform, which seems to be forgotten in this piece, makes sense,
and will continue the policies of President Obama who took this country from the brink to the strong nation we are today.
His ability to add Obama Care to the Medicare and Social Security social safety net is nothing short of miraculous in view of the hostile and disrespectful
conduct of the Republicans in Congress who did all they could to be
obstructionists. They do not deserve the White House and the country
will flourish under a President Clinton who will continue the remarkable
progress begun under our current brand of Democratic Progressivism.
Seems to me if HC can stand up to all the attacks she has weathered
over her life then the Russians should be a piece of cake. Maureen
can you even imagine 4 years of BS?
I cannot.
Produces Howard Dean and Bernie ( my parents were Polish immigrants)
Sanders. I can only wonder what his real name was.
His attraction to Millennials and their fellow travelers who want and expect
everything for free and more then happy to do little to earn the rewards
has propelled BS much like the euphoria over HD.
HD fizzled in a well publicized flameout and BS will as well if and when
his less then stellar past is put under the microscope of a Presidential
campaign.
His everything for free socialist platform of course is never going to happen
and bankrupt the country if it were to become the paw of the land.
Hillary's platform, which seems to be forgotten in this piece, makes sense,
and will continue the policies of President Obama who took this country from the brink to the strong nation we are today.
His ability to add Obama Care to the Medicare and Social Security social safety net is nothing short of miraculous in view of the hostile and disrespectful
conduct of the Republicans in Congress who did all they could to be
obstructionists. They do not deserve the White House and the country
will flourish under a President Clinton who will continue the remarkable
progress begun under our current brand of Democratic Progressivism.
Seems to me if HC can stand up to all the attacks she has weathered
over her life then the Russians should be a piece of cake. Maureen
can you even imagine 4 years of BS?
I cannot.
38
Millennials don't "want everything for free." They are investing their time, energy, presence and yes, money, to support a candidate who advocates the values they themselves hold. Free college tuition is a reality in many countries around the globe that aren't waging endless and costly imperial wars to spread "democracy" and "regime change." Hillary has supported every such war waged by the US in the last 20 years, or more. Paying for infrastructure, health care and education is actually a pretty simple equation.
7
"Criticaleyes", you might use your critical thinking abilities to check into how laws are made here, the make-up of the Congress, and the actual ability of Sanders to keep those promises he's making you.
4
The people who support Bernie and want things for free--well, what is it they want? Free vacations to Cancun? Free fancy cars or condos? Free recreational drugs? A free wardrobe or Iphone? No, these pesky youngsters and their allies like me simply want free public university and free health care. Things for the common good. Oh horrors!
4
As one well-versed in equal rights, I think Hillary is the revolutionary choice.
50
Bernie Sanders claims to be the first candidate to demand free health care and free college tuition for all Americans. However, Hillary Clinton advocated for universal health care when her husband was president but was thwarted by Congress and the strength of the insurance companies. She has advocated for the welfare of all people, especially women and children, all of her working life. When I was growing up in New York, the city had a network of highly renowned colleges (Hunter, Brooklyn, CCNY among them) that were tuition free. While I was able to attend NYU, a private university, thanks to a generous grant, most of my friends attended Brooklyn College and became teachers, social workers and members of other professions. Unfortunately for the students of today, these colleges were incorporated into one university and now charge tuition, probably due to lack of funding. If voters think that Mr. Sanders would be successful in bringing about free anything they are dreaming in technicolor. Thanks to her experience, abilities, pragmatism and passion, Hillary Clinton is definitely the best choice for president
73
"No We Can't!" -- the rallying cry of Clinton supporters.
3
It is not free college tuition, it is free "public college" tuition, like it was just 50 years ago. Is that too much to ask?
2
Skip the whole thing. Make the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs the CIC. Leave the SCOTUS at 4/4. Rent out the White House. The Congress doesn't do any work anyway.
14
The guy's demanding that we throw out the Constitution and just have a military junta take over the country, and people are APPROVING this?
8
never ever vote for a lawyer, or put a lawyer in charge of anything.
8
Yeah, that darn John Adams and that creepy Lincoln...
Don't you people know ANYTHING?
Don't you people know ANYTHING?
5
One needs to have the knowledge of a lawyer to avoid being scammed by them in this farcical nation of unequally protective law.
2
A future to believe in sounds good and what is our vision of the future in 2020? Earlier a friend, a teacher of life. came in and we went off to 'China'. We skirted the block of the vacuous man in a stout suit and I ventured that America might become an insular Superpower facing the other. China is already in Africa, she reminded me, her country of birth, while I added that this was not the America I recognize.
My Country, for better or worse, it is enough to have a fear of the marketplace, of politicians and people. Sitting on a bench enjoying a cuppa, a Vietnam veteran, a neighbor, told me that he wanted to join me. He asked if I watched Sunday political news shows. It was part of my homework as a typist, I replied, and the days of David Brinkley are long gone.
Bernie Sanders looks like my brother, the same age, the latter describing himself an 'addled professor' due for a hip operation. What was striking was that Sanders is planning to 'harm' Hillary Clinton's campaign. Arms and harm go together.
I only hear the President, and listen to what others have to say, barring the man with rude hands and a tinny voice. 'Come on', insisted a brilliant friend with a beautiful mind, 'your intuition is far better than mine', wishing Sanders out of the picture, 'your forecast for the next President' and I fibbed.
She once said Obama is our last Hope, she was right but we both want Hillary Clinton to win. For the sake of America, our Loved Ones, and Humanity.
My Country, for better or worse, it is enough to have a fear of the marketplace, of politicians and people. Sitting on a bench enjoying a cuppa, a Vietnam veteran, a neighbor, told me that he wanted to join me. He asked if I watched Sunday political news shows. It was part of my homework as a typist, I replied, and the days of David Brinkley are long gone.
Bernie Sanders looks like my brother, the same age, the latter describing himself an 'addled professor' due for a hip operation. What was striking was that Sanders is planning to 'harm' Hillary Clinton's campaign. Arms and harm go together.
I only hear the President, and listen to what others have to say, barring the man with rude hands and a tinny voice. 'Come on', insisted a brilliant friend with a beautiful mind, 'your intuition is far better than mine', wishing Sanders out of the picture, 'your forecast for the next President' and I fibbed.
She once said Obama is our last Hope, she was right but we both want Hillary Clinton to win. For the sake of America, our Loved Ones, and Humanity.
17
Sanders has made the point---convincingly, i think---that Clinton needs to give his supporters and not him a reason to unify behind her. One can be sure she's already offered Bernie a career in the cabinet somewhere. It was good enough for her when Obama offered a deal in 2008 but Sanders didn't go for it and that is why she's livid.
Arguing principles with a careerist is typically this confusing. Sanders cannot corral his voters into supporting Clinton unless she makes deliberate and believable strides to take on banks and/or reverse Citizens United, but her campaign is behaving as if he has the same kind of muscle with his supporters that HRC has with the DNC. There is a values disconnect in effect here that is severe enough to constitute a language barrier.
Arguing principles with a careerist is typically this confusing. Sanders cannot corral his voters into supporting Clinton unless she makes deliberate and believable strides to take on banks and/or reverse Citizens United, but her campaign is behaving as if he has the same kind of muscle with his supporters that HRC has with the DNC. There is a values disconnect in effect here that is severe enough to constitute a language barrier.
20
You forget that Citizens United was about attacking Clinton. They're still at it, and you're buying.
Clinton is against Citizens United, and has said so over the years.
Clinton is against Citizens United, and has said so over the years.
26
To oppose Citizen's United is to oppose free speech
1
The unacknowledged elephant in the room is Clinton's potential e-mail issues. Sanders is staying in the race because there is a real genuine chance that Clinton will be political poison when the FBI recommends she be indicted, even if Obama's DOJ decines to do so.
16
I think that sadly FBI is in Obama's bag and Obama promised to protect Hillary.
7
Have a look at Judicial Watch, spearheading the emails attack. They are a part of the Kochtopus.
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Judicial_Watch
http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/Judicial_Watch
11
Have a look at the fact that Hillary illegally used an unsecure email server and account so she could avoid oversight and hide what she was doing from The People
5
How can anyone possibly complain about this column – it’s hysterical. It doesn’t go after any particular candidate – the column is more like a rotor blade tearing up any and every politician unfortunate enough to cross its path.
Just some observations:
There’s a big gap between what Trump is accused of saying and what he actually says. What he is accused of saying scares the be-Jesus out of me. What he says is crude, not the same. Right now the biggest issue i have with him is that his kids go trophy hunting in Africa. They have the money to be helping with conservation issues and instead are getting cheap thrills by killing. That doesn’t speak well of Donald, so I’ll be interested in hearing how he comes out on conservation.
I like the Clintons and their efforts to do what they perceive to be good for America and life in general. But Hillary as a woman is at a disadvantage not having been punched in the nose early in life in the playground. Bill in his autobiography said as a teenager he was using big words against a dim witted bully who then did just that, afterward Bill avoided big words or acting haughtily. Where haughty means you don’t respect/hear the other side out of a feeling of superiority. (r u listening Hillary )
Just some observations:
There’s a big gap between what Trump is accused of saying and what he actually says. What he is accused of saying scares the be-Jesus out of me. What he says is crude, not the same. Right now the biggest issue i have with him is that his kids go trophy hunting in Africa. They have the money to be helping with conservation issues and instead are getting cheap thrills by killing. That doesn’t speak well of Donald, so I’ll be interested in hearing how he comes out on conservation.
I like the Clintons and their efforts to do what they perceive to be good for America and life in general. But Hillary as a woman is at a disadvantage not having been punched in the nose early in life in the playground. Bill in his autobiography said as a teenager he was using big words against a dim witted bully who then did just that, afterward Bill avoided big words or acting haughtily. Where haughty means you don’t respect/hear the other side out of a feeling of superiority. (r u listening Hillary )
6
You beg the question, who are you most afraid of? My answer is you and people like you who paint a broad brushstroke in negativity.
30
The essayist Elbert Hubbard was once described as writing "... with a scratchy quill and a dash of vitriol in the ink." Well, Maureen, I guess that means that you are in good(?) company.
4
"Weekend at Bernies" - I love that movie. i reminds me of a time when a 74 year old socialist from Vermont wouldn't have had a prayer in a presidential campaign. Same goes for Hillary.
3
Hillary trotting out novel "visions" and "fresh hues" would be a tacit critique of Obama's stewardship, and she's going to do nothing further* to jeopardize their symbiotic relationship: she says nothing but nice things about him, and he doesn't have her indicted. (*Her abandoning TPP is a union necessity in an election year; her slamming his "stupid 'stuff'" foreign policy motto was an unforced error.)
5
I have three Millennium children, all college educated, all very socially liberal, hopefully loving their Dad despite him being an old fuddy duddy. Two of them are lukewarm Bernie supporters. Never in a million years would one of them consider registering as Republican, and they sure as heck would never take political advice from me. One refused to speak to me for two months because I praised Trump, though I was a Rubio supporter.
Now, all three plan to vote for Trump over Hillary. They want someone to shake up the political world, and see Hillary as providing only four boring years of the Obama malaise.
I don't dare to praise their decisions out of fear they'd change just to spite me.
For the past two weeks, all stories have been of the rank and file lining up behind Trump and demanding party leaders do likewise.
The big question will be the independents. I have no idea, but I think the attempts by liberals to portray Trump as crazy will fail miserably. Yeah, I agree he's brash and too boastful. But he does represent the new, the exciting. Only he and Bernie have ignited real passion among voters. I have to think those aged 18-35 are going to look at the prospects of a real shakeup that Trump provides, and the dull return to the 1990s that Hillary promises and decide what my children have decided.
Well, that's what I would do if I were that age, grab for the new, not the old and tired. We'll see.
Now, all three plan to vote for Trump over Hillary. They want someone to shake up the political world, and see Hillary as providing only four boring years of the Obama malaise.
I don't dare to praise their decisions out of fear they'd change just to spite me.
For the past two weeks, all stories have been of the rank and file lining up behind Trump and demanding party leaders do likewise.
The big question will be the independents. I have no idea, but I think the attempts by liberals to portray Trump as crazy will fail miserably. Yeah, I agree he's brash and too boastful. But he does represent the new, the exciting. Only he and Bernie have ignited real passion among voters. I have to think those aged 18-35 are going to look at the prospects of a real shakeup that Trump provides, and the dull return to the 1990s that Hillary promises and decide what my children have decided.
Well, that's what I would do if I were that age, grab for the new, not the old and tired. We'll see.
11
Nothing more exciting than a egomaniac with the nuclear code, unless it is the glory days of a great depression he would cause.
30
A con man good at taking money and leaving others holding the bag?
4 bankruptcies. Vain and empty, dangerous dangerous dangerous.
4 bankruptcies. Vain and empty, dangerous dangerous dangerous.
20
Words of a con man: "If you like your plan, you can keep it! Period!" Or his line about every family saving $2500 on their insurance. Or his lies about the Iran surrender
Bernie may be cranky, but he has a vision and reminds me of years ago in grad school in NY City arguing in class with a bunch of young radical political activists and a super activist professor what ever his or her background. He has a vision for the future and no matter how hard it would be to get to, he has shaken up the campaign. We slugged it out verbally in class and I learned so much about other people's worlds, cultures and beliefs.
Hillary may be the most experienced but she sure doesn't run a good campaign. Every time i have listened to her, right from the beginning, she sounded like she had already achieved the vote and we owe it to her. Nonsense. she may be the final candidate but she needs to win it fairly and squarely - if there is any such thing in politics today.
Hillary may be the most experienced but she sure doesn't run a good campaign. Every time i have listened to her, right from the beginning, she sounded like she had already achieved the vote and we owe it to her. Nonsense. she may be the final candidate but she needs to win it fairly and squarely - if there is any such thing in politics today.
14
Bernie is NOT crazy. Sorry edmele, you so misunderstand him because the media has portrayed him that way. You, as and Americans addicted to the media, are sadly suckers, the media will never tell you the truth because they have been bought by corporate media who will only report what is in THEIR best interest, not the country's, not the citizen's.
2
Today's comments are more entertaining than Maureen's column. Americans are decrying the state of their country that a Trump would become a nominee but are failing to accept that Donald is America.
Donald is aggressive capitalism personified along with a dose of self absorption and self importance. He is the natural product and outcome for a country that celebrates its exceptionalism, starts unnecessary wars and gets everybody killed including deluded Americans drunk on patriotism.
Donald is aggressive capitalism personified along with a dose of self absorption and self importance. He is the natural product and outcome for a country that celebrates its exceptionalism, starts unnecessary wars and gets everybody killed including deluded Americans drunk on patriotism.
13
What I and most of the more than seven billion of us who have to share this globe we call home, but don't have a say in the forthcoming election, fear most is this. It's that the natural-born American citizen, elevated to POTUS In 2016 by those who do have a say, may well be the trigger for as yet unimaginable disasters that will affect every one of us, not just those born or permanently resident in the US.
The USA is by far the most powerful, technologically advanced, military-industrial machine that has ever existed. Envisage for one moment the havoc, the destruction and the sorrow wreaked by Napoleon in Europe and on the Russian Empire. Now multiply that, not just tenfold but one hundredfold.
One hyper-ambitious, narcissist little Corsican with a chip on his shoulder, an inferiority complex, and everything to prove. He had little hands too.
The USA is by far the most powerful, technologically advanced, military-industrial machine that has ever existed. Envisage for one moment the havoc, the destruction and the sorrow wreaked by Napoleon in Europe and on the Russian Empire. Now multiply that, not just tenfold but one hundredfold.
One hyper-ambitious, narcissist little Corsican with a chip on his shoulder, an inferiority complex, and everything to prove. He had little hands too.
12
Thanks for a cogent, and surprisingly honest (for the NYT) take on the election to this point.
Rendell's comment on "ugly women" is Trump-worthy. And it is just one small sign of how the Democratic establishment doesn't get it.
It is astonishing that Hillary has the cheek to keep bellowing about her "record". Her record is a sorry mash up of international war mongering, tragic violence on three continents, and two-fisted enrichment of her family foundation. (See Roger Clinton's adventure in Haiti.)
People have forgotten the Rose Law Firm records, insider trading, incestuous relationship between the Treasury and Wall Street under Bill, the swoop into New York to keep feeding at the trough. The $130 million fortune amassed in a decade, Hillary plundering the NY Senate seat at Moynihan's death bed and robbing Nita Lowy of the nomination in 2000. Her six years on the Walmart Board voting against union organizing rights, and her destruction of Bill's paramours. What happened to the audio tape of Hillary chortling after her court room defense of a violent serial rapist and her utter destruction of the victim on the stand? This is a worthy first female president? And, by the way, why is Bernie's age the butt of media jokesters while for Hillary, who will be 70 in a matter of months, her age is never mentioned? DId I mention Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is another Democrat for Goldman Sachs and Pay Day Lenders? What a smell.
Rendell's comment on "ugly women" is Trump-worthy. And it is just one small sign of how the Democratic establishment doesn't get it.
It is astonishing that Hillary has the cheek to keep bellowing about her "record". Her record is a sorry mash up of international war mongering, tragic violence on three continents, and two-fisted enrichment of her family foundation. (See Roger Clinton's adventure in Haiti.)
People have forgotten the Rose Law Firm records, insider trading, incestuous relationship between the Treasury and Wall Street under Bill, the swoop into New York to keep feeding at the trough. The $130 million fortune amassed in a decade, Hillary plundering the NY Senate seat at Moynihan's death bed and robbing Nita Lowy of the nomination in 2000. Her six years on the Walmart Board voting against union organizing rights, and her destruction of Bill's paramours. What happened to the audio tape of Hillary chortling after her court room defense of a violent serial rapist and her utter destruction of the victim on the stand? This is a worthy first female president? And, by the way, why is Bernie's age the butt of media jokesters while for Hillary, who will be 70 in a matter of months, her age is never mentioned? DId I mention Debbie Wasserman-Schultz is another Democrat for Goldman Sachs and Pay Day Lenders? What a smell.
22
I have to say that there are those in the media and Sanders supporters who remind me of announcers of athletic events in which one side is so clearly going to prevail that they then begin to verbally prop up the underdog in an effort to discourage the viewers from changing the channel.
"This game is far from over," they will solemnly intone, even when the game is clearly over.
A Hail Mary only works when one is within one score of at least tying the game.
They do not work when time is expiring and all hope is lost.
They only annoy.
"This game is far from over," they will solemnly intone, even when the game is clearly over.
A Hail Mary only works when one is within one score of at least tying the game.
They do not work when time is expiring and all hope is lost.
They only annoy.
10
No, it's about the simple freedom of being able to vote for our candidate in the USA. The fact that Clinton supporters want to prevent that from occurring, says a lot about their right-of-center comfort level.
3
Hillary just doesn't have it.
19
And we know the "it" you mean.
2
Hillary's tone-deafness toward voters is an old story.
She has always been clueless about why people are voting
for her or not for her, as she focuses on each micro-segment
of the voter market in order to pander to the tastes of each
identifiable group. Her campaign is always mixing the cocktail --
Latinos here, African-Americans there, LGBT community over
yonder, and so on -- that should add up to 270 electoral votes.
Every Clinton issue paper is arrayed and deployed toward a
specific voting bloc -- mothers, truck drivers, X____-Americans
(enter ethnic bloc next to X), and so on.
I believe Hillary is earnest and has good intentions about these
issues, and about the needs of specific subgroups of the
electorate.
But she seems never to be just a person who cares about all the people, all the time, leave their labels and special interests aside, and to
address what's good for the country. And, she's always grim! If she tries
humor, it looks painfully forced.
And the kiss of death in retail politics -- she always takes herself much too seriously. She wears that grim-grinch look like a permanent mask, as if she thinks Lincoln was out of line for somehow finding humor in a world of chaos and hate. Voters, people, want to know their leaders are intelligently optimistic
She has always been clueless about why people are voting
for her or not for her, as she focuses on each micro-segment
of the voter market in order to pander to the tastes of each
identifiable group. Her campaign is always mixing the cocktail --
Latinos here, African-Americans there, LGBT community over
yonder, and so on -- that should add up to 270 electoral votes.
Every Clinton issue paper is arrayed and deployed toward a
specific voting bloc -- mothers, truck drivers, X____-Americans
(enter ethnic bloc next to X), and so on.
I believe Hillary is earnest and has good intentions about these
issues, and about the needs of specific subgroups of the
electorate.
But she seems never to be just a person who cares about all the people, all the time, leave their labels and special interests aside, and to
address what's good for the country. And, she's always grim! If she tries
humor, it looks painfully forced.
And the kiss of death in retail politics -- she always takes herself much too seriously. She wears that grim-grinch look like a permanent mask, as if she thinks Lincoln was out of line for somehow finding humor in a world of chaos and hate. Voters, people, want to know their leaders are intelligently optimistic
14
If you can name me a single person who has accomplished more than Hillary, please produce one. She wasn't hanging on Bill's coat ails. I'd argue it was the other way around.
Bernie Sanders is from a state of how many people? How about picking up a paper young ladies and waking up to the fact that colleges are as big a business as big pharma and big agri. He is never going to break up banks and give free college or free healthcare.
The thing that really drives me crazy the idea she isn't trustworthy. She has been the most honest in regard to policy. And her not sticking by women who slept with her husband, good for her. I'm sure she kicked his butt behind closed doors but she also had a family to protect. And she did it fiercely and with dignity and I would love to see her president.
we have proof positive of Trump cheating, lying, bigot and have no proof he even produced anything. His father didn't leave him all the $$$ and it seems he wasn't the smartest of the Fred Trump litter.
Can you imagine the 3 am call..."hey Vlad, loved what you did to the Ukraine today. It was yuuuuge. They're totally fired! I mean fired upon LOL"
Bernie Sanders is from a state of how many people? How about picking up a paper young ladies and waking up to the fact that colleges are as big a business as big pharma and big agri. He is never going to break up banks and give free college or free healthcare.
The thing that really drives me crazy the idea she isn't trustworthy. She has been the most honest in regard to policy. And her not sticking by women who slept with her husband, good for her. I'm sure she kicked his butt behind closed doors but she also had a family to protect. And she did it fiercely and with dignity and I would love to see her president.
we have proof positive of Trump cheating, lying, bigot and have no proof he even produced anything. His father didn't leave him all the $$$ and it seems he wasn't the smartest of the Fred Trump litter.
Can you imagine the 3 am call..."hey Vlad, loved what you did to the Ukraine today. It was yuuuuge. They're totally fired! I mean fired upon LOL"
26
Hillary has not "accomplished" anything.
Everything she touched as Sec of State turned into a neocon disaster. Neocons therefore flock to her now.
She did nothing as a Senator.
As two for one with Bill, she ruined health care reform for twenty years.
She has had many chances, and she failed again and again, each time because of her right wing (for a Democrat) ideas that embrace neocon foreign policy, neoliberal economics, and the wealthy of Wall Street and oligarchs generally.
Her record is the reason to vote against her.
Everything she touched as Sec of State turned into a neocon disaster. Neocons therefore flock to her now.
She did nothing as a Senator.
As two for one with Bill, she ruined health care reform for twenty years.
She has had many chances, and she failed again and again, each time because of her right wing (for a Democrat) ideas that embrace neocon foreign policy, neoliberal economics, and the wealthy of Wall Street and oligarchs generally.
Her record is the reason to vote against her.
23
There are no accomplishments other than enriching herself through government contacts. Having titles and accomplishments are two separate things.
6
Crooked Hillary hasn't accomplished anything. She is a resume padder and career climber. It's the American way for some and the bane of the existence of many.
5
I can't recall a past candidate from either party blaming his or her losses on his party's primary structure and leadership. The Republican Party also has open primaries and its leadership was much more intent on stopping Trump, but that didn't stop Trump from easily prevailing.
7
Meant to say "closed" primaries...
"The chair throwing". Right. Like the 1 chair that wasn't even thrown? Or the 0 arrests? These writers are hacks.
18
I've always loved the comments, but now the green-check commentators have taken over! No one wants to read Rima Regas' multiple defenses of why she is not a Republican. NYT, please save your great newspaper before the comments section turns it into the WSJ!
11
Yeah, I'm done with it. We're paying to be treated this way? It used to be a great conversation, but now it's the cool kids' club and the rest at the back of the bus.
4
Electing Trump is like a "prank" that seemed impossibly hilarious while it was being hatched but after it's "success" the planners realized what a stupid idea it was.
If you are not "scared" of a Trump presidency, you should be.
People, like chimpanzees, are insatiably curious about things that they have never seen before. A Trump presidency would be so bizarre that people might vote for him just to see "what happens", not even because they have a strong feeling one way or another about his competence.
This election will show whether or not we have more sense than apes.
Don't bet the ranch on us.
If you are not "scared" of a Trump presidency, you should be.
People, like chimpanzees, are insatiably curious about things that they have never seen before. A Trump presidency would be so bizarre that people might vote for him just to see "what happens", not even because they have a strong feeling one way or another about his competence.
This election will show whether or not we have more sense than apes.
Don't bet the ranch on us.
168
Many people will vote for him if the choice is that or Clinton, simply to cause the most harm to the establishment. Also, a little collateral damage to do that is acceptable.
2
Trump will be a great President. He will undo everything Obama has done on his first day of office.
1
Let's split the difference between Trump and Hillary and agree to elect the communist.
3
What am I most afraid of? Without a doubt, the answer is a Trump presidency. He is unbalanced. He has no integrity, no character, no quality that can be admired. He is a bully and a buffoon, and he will make the United States the laughing stock of the rest of the world. It used to be that Americans could feel a certain admiration for our president, but no more. Now the office is just a joke.
Trump may be a campaigner who can win votes, but that's not the same as being a good president. Trump has lots of big ideas, but it’s not enough for a president merely to have a position. He has to have the skill necessary to follow through on his promises and translate his position into policy. That requires cooperation, compromise, and negotiation, qualities that Trump has shown no evidence of. Trump has proven many times that his word cannot be trusted. And, he does not have the judgment or temperament to handle the erratic and unpredictable pressures of the presidency.
So, yes, I'll vote for "Queen Hillary" rather than Trump, the court jester.
Trump may be a campaigner who can win votes, but that's not the same as being a good president. Trump has lots of big ideas, but it’s not enough for a president merely to have a position. He has to have the skill necessary to follow through on his promises and translate his position into policy. That requires cooperation, compromise, and negotiation, qualities that Trump has shown no evidence of. Trump has proven many times that his word cannot be trusted. And, he does not have the judgment or temperament to handle the erratic and unpredictable pressures of the presidency.
So, yes, I'll vote for "Queen Hillary" rather than Trump, the court jester.
11
With millions more votes, and hundreds more pledged delegates, Hillary will be the HISTORIC, ENTHUSIASTIC first ballot nominee of her party. With actual policies, intelligence and experience, she will garner many, many, more electoral votes than the poorest excuse for a candidate for President of ANY party, this columnist fawningly (ENTHUSIASTICALLY) worships.
When Hillary is elected, one hopes that while the aging Dowd sharpens her poison pen for another 8 years of purple prose (ENTHUSIASTICALLY) attacking yet another DEMOCRATIC President, that the NYT finally, ENTHUSIASTICALLY awards her a Pink Slip...
When Hillary is elected, one hopes that while the aging Dowd sharpens her poison pen for another 8 years of purple prose (ENTHUSIASTICALLY) attacking yet another DEMOCRATIC President, that the NYT finally, ENTHUSIASTICALLY awards her a Pink Slip...
6
On paper, Hillary is 'the one'. The one who will continue to bring America into the 21st Century as safely and sanely as possible.
In person, Hillary is......still my candidate of choice. But internally I cringe at her persona and her baggage.
And then I think of 'The Donald', and I know I will work tirelessly for Hillary,
In person, Hillary is......still my candidate of choice. But internally I cringe at her persona and her baggage.
And then I think of 'The Donald', and I know I will work tirelessly for Hillary,
7
The Democratic contest isn't over until the last vote is cast. Crooked Hillary is behaving as if she wants to steal the nomination rather than earn it. If Democrats are serious about taking the White House and stopping Trump, they will be better off nominating Bernie Sanders. If Hillary really wants to make history consider making her vice president, if Bernie wants her as his running mate.
16
Actually it is over as soon as the number of votes to win are cast. Hillary has 85 more delegates to win, she will likely do that in New Jersey, before she wins a lot more delegates from California. For her to claim victory was a bit boisterous, but much more honest than a candidate who is so far behind he can never catch up telling his supporters to keep sending him money so he can win.
4
I'm afraid of paying every penny I make for medical expenses. 60 years old and trying to stay above ground.
12
why ?
by 60 youve seen it all
its just going to be a repeat from here on out
by 60 youve seen it all
its just going to be a repeat from here on out
Maureen asks - "What are you most afraid of?" That's easy. A lunatic in the White House.
14
I have lost all respect for Bernie Sanders. I supported him initially and even gave him money before deciding that he had zero chance of implementing any of his proposals. Many of his supporters say they will not vote for Hillary if she is the nominee even it it means that Trump might win the presidency. News flash: some of Hillary's supporters like me would never vote for him. If she doesn't get the nod, I will either write her name in or that of whoever the Green party nominates. I have been a registered Democrat for over 60 years. Bernie has been one for a year. His failure to reprimand his thug squad at Nevada sealed the deal for me. He now says that he wants to hurt Hillary's chances in the general election. One of his operatives on CNN opined that he represented the future of the Democratic party. I don't think so. Minorities including blacks, Latinos (the fastest growing constituency) and Asians don't like him. Hillary currently has won more than 3 million votes in the primaries than Bernie. So how is he the future of the party?
15
All those who keep dismissing Sanders because "Hillary has the most votes and delegates" are dismissing the fact that for the most part the largest bloc of voters - Independents - have not been allowed to weigh in. However, they will vote in November, and that bodes ill for the Anointed One.
17
It's a DEMOCRATIC primary. That DEMOCRATS vote in to pick the representative of the DEMOCRATIC party.
3
What a broad brush you paint with - not all primaries are closed or semi-closed. Hillary actually won most of the open ones as well. They should all be closed. The opportunity for political mischief is great.
1
Ms. Dowd, and her media peers, should not assume that because we are not drooling and foaming at the mouth that Hillary Clinton supporters are neither excited nor passionate about their candidate. More they should realize we are smart, thoughtful, well-informed and serious people, who between us, thus far, have cast more votes for her than for her competitors. We have not yelled and screamed, because we are more mature than that.
As Hillary Clinton does, we quietly go about doing the important work of the day. This is not a game, or an election cycle endeavor for us. This is an everyday effort to make our country stronger, which requires us to make a smart choice every few years at the ballot box. We volunteer in organizations that are working to strengthen families and communities, we contribute to groups and foundations that do the heavy lifting daily in the places in which we live, and when it comes time to elect new representatives at any, and every, level of government we do our homework, and rally behind candidates who are serious about helping American's succeed.
So, to put it clearly, we are as serious, and concerned about the future of our country as our candidate. We want to eradicate barriers to opportunity for all American's. We want to see respect for our constitution and the return to compromise in pursuit of meaningful solutions that it was designed to deliver, and we want to help elect Hillary Clinton the first female President of the United States.
As Hillary Clinton does, we quietly go about doing the important work of the day. This is not a game, or an election cycle endeavor for us. This is an everyday effort to make our country stronger, which requires us to make a smart choice every few years at the ballot box. We volunteer in organizations that are working to strengthen families and communities, we contribute to groups and foundations that do the heavy lifting daily in the places in which we live, and when it comes time to elect new representatives at any, and every, level of government we do our homework, and rally behind candidates who are serious about helping American's succeed.
So, to put it clearly, we are as serious, and concerned about the future of our country as our candidate. We want to eradicate barriers to opportunity for all American's. We want to see respect for our constitution and the return to compromise in pursuit of meaningful solutions that it was designed to deliver, and we want to help elect Hillary Clinton the first female President of the United States.
17
No Maureen, Hillary was not expecting a coronation. That's your out of date women's identity talking. She will be the nominee and the next President, no matter how snarky you get. Hillary has worked hard (unlike you) to get where she is.
17
You ask, what are you afraid of?
Your tone and that of most of the media and continued negative caricature of Secretary Clinton.
We have one of the most intelligent, informed, and qualified candidates, and yet she is disliked mostly for the nonstop negative portrayal and attempt to discredit her by you and articles like this.
She may not be charming or have the inspiring gift for oration, but she has dedicated her life to making lives better for others, and we would be fortunate to have her leading this country at a time so tumultuous.
Your tone and that of most of the media and continued negative caricature of Secretary Clinton.
We have one of the most intelligent, informed, and qualified candidates, and yet she is disliked mostly for the nonstop negative portrayal and attempt to discredit her by you and articles like this.
She may not be charming or have the inspiring gift for oration, but she has dedicated her life to making lives better for others, and we would be fortunate to have her leading this country at a time so tumultuous.
13
I am afraid the most competent person in the race will be so hobbled by double binds and standards she is defeated. Two men's unadulterated ego merits no criticism while Secretary Clinton's confident assertion is "foot stamping."
12
Dowd's distaste for the Clintons is well known and her column distorts the reality of the situation to fit her view. Not much here. Typical.
18
Isn't Maureen Dowd too old and scared to have an opinion worth listening too?
8
About the same as Hillary in that. Would you apply the same test?
11
What a surprise! More of Ms. Dowd spitting venom at Hillary. Snore. I can't believe the NYT is paying this woman to pump out such canned pseudo-celeb tabloid junk given the value of the Op-Ed space that could be far better utilized by serious journalists. Please, there is already too much CO2 being spewed into the atmosphere as it is, put a carbon tax on Dowd's noxious emissions.
22
Most Hillary fans are not jump up and down screaming types. They relate to her steadiness and stick to it never say die nature. We forgive many of her flaws because we can acknowledge many flaws in ourselves and we can relate to that. She has been around enough so that we see her as human. perhaps in her zeal to achieve something she has failed and some especially those who believe she wants to be a Queen do not see her this way.
Because of our media and our short attention spans we make people into characterizations of themselves. Hillary through it all has shown herself to have the low keyed traits of a leader. She is not flashy even in a political arena and society that demands flash but no content.
Because of our media and our short attention spans we make people into characterizations of themselves. Hillary through it all has shown herself to have the low keyed traits of a leader. She is not flashy even in a political arena and society that demands flash but no content.
17
Bernie "isn't even a Democrat".
Well, he was. He's an FDR New Dealer. Bill and Hillary and the Democratic Leadership Council turned the Democrats into Republicans Lite, the party of corporate technocrats., joined Newt in attacking black men as super predators and women as welfare queens, but then abandoned the white working and middle classes to the banksters. So Reagan Dems might vote for Trump, feminist white women for Hill. The kids have figured out that a college degree will get them a load of debt and a job at McDonalds.
Enthusiasm? Give me a break. You've got it right, "What are you most afraid of". Donald the Dictator.
Hill might win, and fix the Supreme Court. Bernie could then lead the Dems back to the New Deal.
Well, he was. He's an FDR New Dealer. Bill and Hillary and the Democratic Leadership Council turned the Democrats into Republicans Lite, the party of corporate technocrats., joined Newt in attacking black men as super predators and women as welfare queens, but then abandoned the white working and middle classes to the banksters. So Reagan Dems might vote for Trump, feminist white women for Hill. The kids have figured out that a college degree will get them a load of debt and a job at McDonalds.
Enthusiasm? Give me a break. You've got it right, "What are you most afraid of". Donald the Dictator.
Hill might win, and fix the Supreme Court. Bernie could then lead the Dems back to the New Deal.
17
“Sanders condemned the violence while stoking the outrage, urging the Democratic Party to “open the doors, let the people in.”
This is the lie the MSM intentionally tells - equating honest criticism with stoking violence. Sanders supporters do not doubt Bernie’s sincerity when he strongly unequivocally condemned violence, but also know that at the same time he has to take stand against corrupt politics.
If any badly treated people rioted we would all condemn it, while criticizing the cause of their anger. If anyone doesn’t see the necessity of both being said, including at the same time, then they need to rethink what honesty means.
For the cynics among us, it should be said that there are also very good selfish reasons to sincerely condemn any violence. If you are less powerfully armed, being violent will only justify your opponent’s use greater violence against you, and close the minds of everyone else.
Already DWS is trying to use what the MSM claimed happened in Nevada to justify her dirty tactics in setting up the convention and then seem “generous” in throwing Sanders voters a bone, the two seats on the platform committee.
Listening to MSM reports is the quickest way to be misinformed about almost anything. Fairness at the Democratic Party convention is essential if Trump is to be beaten.
This is the lie the MSM intentionally tells - equating honest criticism with stoking violence. Sanders supporters do not doubt Bernie’s sincerity when he strongly unequivocally condemned violence, but also know that at the same time he has to take stand against corrupt politics.
If any badly treated people rioted we would all condemn it, while criticizing the cause of their anger. If anyone doesn’t see the necessity of both being said, including at the same time, then they need to rethink what honesty means.
For the cynics among us, it should be said that there are also very good selfish reasons to sincerely condemn any violence. If you are less powerfully armed, being violent will only justify your opponent’s use greater violence against you, and close the minds of everyone else.
Already DWS is trying to use what the MSM claimed happened in Nevada to justify her dirty tactics in setting up the convention and then seem “generous” in throwing Sanders voters a bone, the two seats on the platform committee.
Listening to MSM reports is the quickest way to be misinformed about almost anything. Fairness at the Democratic Party convention is essential if Trump is to be beaten.
6
Made my 9th donation to Bernie yesterday, and was entertained this morning by Maureen's commentary on the campaign (she so good at mocking the Clintons). . . Go Bernie . . .
16
…key for Trump is his VP "nomination"=ability to unify GOP with. It is no fluke Chris Chritie was early coming out for Trump; should Christie be chosen, or another republican insider, GOP is "unified", allowing Trump to posture political dialogue while VP runs the "party"…a return to those thrilling days of bush-cheney, whereby the front man could afford be "lost"…
As for HC, her records of wrongs, Iraq, Honduras, Libia, Syria, define her as "more of same", as she chains herself to Obama-continuation of bush-cheney wars, war crimes, destabilization of Middle-East, Wall $treet frauds-economic disaster, "quantitative easing" bailouts...
As for HC, her records of wrongs, Iraq, Honduras, Libia, Syria, define her as "more of same", as she chains herself to Obama-continuation of bush-cheney wars, war crimes, destabilization of Middle-East, Wall $treet frauds-economic disaster, "quantitative easing" bailouts...
2
As the granddaughter of a survivor of The Bataan Death March and 3 1/2 years in a POW camp, I resent any one representing either of these trivial campaigns - yes that's what they've become - comparing their journey to what thousands of American and Filipinos endured.
6
"We seem to have a majority of voters in both parties who are driven by the desire to vote against the other candidate, rather than for their own." I'm not sure that fully explains this transcendently bizarre political season. Instead, a lot of voters in both parties are finally giving the middle finger to establishment politicians, the media elite, and the ivory tower pundits who lecture from their comfortable perches that they know best. People are sick of it, however naive or ignorant that may be.
4
I am sick and tired of Dowd dumping on Clinton, and previously Obama, while pandering to Trump. How about turning that vicious wit against Trump, Ms. Dowd? Or has he promised you a position in his administration, say, as press secretary?
9
I love the ''hammering her with a sickle'' line. No one else at the Times can write like this, sadly.
10
hey maureen - no one here has yet to pick up on the wordplay in your article's title. readers no comprende.
Go Bernie. The Clintons do NOT make me proud to be a Democrat.
17
Bill and Hillary. United in grabbing millions in "speaking" fees and Clinton Foundation gifts from bankers and corporate elite during their respective interregnums off the government payroll -- not counting Bill's hefty White House pension benefits.
Hillary and Bill. United in making America the Clinton State again -- once Bernie backs off and the Donald is defeated.
It's back to the future: Like Juan and Eva (Evita) Peron. Don't cry for them, America. They just need another White House pension.
Hillary and Bill. United in making America the Clinton State again -- once Bernie backs off and the Donald is defeated.
It's back to the future: Like Juan and Eva (Evita) Peron. Don't cry for them, America. They just need another White House pension.
10
I can't believe that I write to say Maureen wrote a fairly balanced piece, albeit with her usual snark, but fair.
5
Interesting that the "share the wealth" candidate is not a team player. Sanders is willing to hand the election to Trump. I will vote for Hillary Clinton but would never vote for Bernie Sanders. This is all so unbelievable. It is coming down to two of the least serious candidates being the choice. This is really a choose-your-poison type of election. The resurrection of old scandals, conspiracies and half-truths makes this a sad, media-driven election, too bad the stakes are so high.
6
I had the pleasure of running into the Clintons in 2008 on the street in Woodstock, right after the last primary and before the convention. I asked them if they were going to support Obama at the convention and Hillary said " Obama needs to define himself." I mentioned the Maureen Dowd Op-Ed piece that had run that day describing a scenario where Hillary might try to steal the nomination from Obama. This sent Bill into a fit, complete with finger pointing, saying of Dowd, "Everything that woman says is 180% the opposite of the truth." Hillary added "We have tried talking with her but she won't listen." I find it completely fascinating the position the Clintons find themselves in this year and, once again, Dowd hits it squarely on the head.
14
Hang in their Bernie. If Loretta Lynch foregoes the Supreme Court nomination Clinton has promised her and actually indicts Hillary on the facts and recommendations of the FBI, you become the default nominee. Never give up.
10
Michelle Obama for President!
5
"So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
--Having to read another of these dreadful columns.
--Having to read another of these dreadful columns.
4
If one wants to get a good look at just how far the Democratic Party has "lost its way" since the Clinton administration of the 1990s, please read Jill Stein's , "Power to the People Plan" (http://www.jill2016.com/plan ). It clearly states all that has been considered to be the best of the Democratic Party since the days of FDR. Bernie Sander's platform is consistent with all of the principles advocated by Jill; however, if he doesn't get the Democratic Party's nomination, it makes sense for the millions of his supporters to join forces with Jill and the Green Party -- which is on the ballot in at least 38 States, certainly enough electoral votes to win the election especially if there are 3 candidates in the race for President-- to keep Bernie's and Jill's "revolution" going and return to a government for and by the people. One does not have to be faced with a choice that involves picking the "lesser of two evils". Of course, this all might be better facilitated if Bernie joined the Green Party (as Jill's running mate?) after the Democratic convention ....... It would enable him to fight on for a cause that he believes in.
9
Most afraid of Hillary, 'cause that means another round of Bill.
Independents should have been permitted to vote in open primaries and caucuses. We would see who is the true Dem candidate if that had happened. Bernie got shut out by the Dem machine, which is no better than the Republican machine.
Bernie on a WRITE-IN ballot.
Independents should have been permitted to vote in open primaries and caucuses. We would see who is the true Dem candidate if that had happened. Bernie got shut out by the Dem machine, which is no better than the Republican machine.
Bernie on a WRITE-IN ballot.
18
Reading Ms. Dowd makes me miss Michael Kelly all the more. His colums were never tawdry and personal as Ms. Dowd's have become.
8
Ms. Dowd writes of Hillary Clinton in 2008, "But even on the day of the last primaries in that race (Jun 3), when she was the one who was mathematically eliminated unless the superdelegates turned, she came onstage to Terry McAuliffe heralding her as “the next president of the United States.”
True enough, but it's worth noting that 4 days later (June 7,2008) and two and half months before the Democratic convention (Aug 25-28), Clinton withdrew and enthusiastically endorsed Obama, saying that she and her supporters should "take our energy, our passion and our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama ... I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me."
Hopefully Bernie will do same when the primaries are over next month, and all the talk about talking the fight to the convention will pass when it is absolutely determined that Clinton will win the nomination (though I fear that it will not pass.)
At present, it all but certain that Clintonwill be the nominee but it is fair to wait till every state has voted.
However, to continue to attack Clinton after that would be show how little Sanders really cares about the people whose lives would be so harshly affected by a Trump presidency, and how little he understands about building parties that can win elections and produce change.
True enough, but it's worth noting that 4 days later (June 7,2008) and two and half months before the Democratic convention (Aug 25-28), Clinton withdrew and enthusiastically endorsed Obama, saying that she and her supporters should "take our energy, our passion and our strength and do all we can to help elect Barack Obama ... I ask all of you to join me in working as hard for Barack Obama as you have for me."
Hopefully Bernie will do same when the primaries are over next month, and all the talk about talking the fight to the convention will pass when it is absolutely determined that Clinton will win the nomination (though I fear that it will not pass.)
At present, it all but certain that Clintonwill be the nominee but it is fair to wait till every state has voted.
However, to continue to attack Clinton after that would be show how little Sanders really cares about the people whose lives would be so harshly affected by a Trump presidency, and how little he understands about building parties that can win elections and produce change.
10
The author asks "what are you afraid of?" The issue is that Americans are afraid. The unfortunate answer is that neither Clinton, Sanders or Trump created the fear that is so palpable in America today. Sanders appeals to the fear of big business and finance. Trump appeals to the fear of immigrates consuming our assets and jihadists who vow to conquer us. Hillary appeals to the fear of Trump. But then the divisive politics of Obama may have something to do with the fear. After all, we have been schooled on how "evil" those folks with a different point of view must be. Why should we expect anything other than the mess we have created?
3
Is there really anyone in the US left who can't see that people like Mitch McConnell simply bawled and beat and kicked the ground for the whole Obama administration?
There doesn't appear to be a Republican drawing breath who takes responsibility for their own behavior.
There doesn't appear to be a Republican drawing breath who takes responsibility for their own behavior.
11
Obama is still whining and crying and lying and blaming Bush for everything Obama messed up, and it's the GOP that can't take responsibility??????
3
Thanks for illustrating my point Steve. I am not a Republican. Your response is unfortunately so typical of the divisiveness in America today. Obama's position of leadership trumps McConnell's. It is the leader's role to unite and bring together divergent points of view. In my view, Obama has failed miserably in that respect and in the process has fueled the fears dominating politics today.
1
Oh why do we have Bernie, oh why do we have Trump? I find it remarkable that the media and especially the journalist at the NYT have such a hard time understanding what's going on in the nation. I'm just wondering what they are paid for? Carrying the message of their bosses or writing about our country, our times? 20 years of political apparatchiks who have done as they pleased, enriched themselves and gutted the nation of stable, well-paid jobs, leaving young people unable to afford the American dream - that is what has happened. Young people don't want to be indebted for the rest of their life, they want to afford a house that they can pay off one day, they want their kids to have a better life than they do. In 20 years, the Clintons, the Bushes and the way too timid Mr. Obama have ruined the dream. People want some hope and HRC is not going to bring any. She's the candidate of wars and of Wall Street. She doesn't even try to go to those young Americans and tell them things are going to change. She just looks like a very selfish person who would say anything to get elected. Nobody believes her. She will not be elected.
10
It's deja vu all over again. Back to the sixties. Where's the Peace and Freedom Party? Hillary assumes that her nomination is a slam dunk. Wrong. What this country needs is a good old fashioned raucous and rebelious democratic convention. Yeah, there will be some fights and outbursts. but at the end of the dayHillary will have earned her stripes. It's her attitude and disdain for the egalitarian system that causes people to dislike her. It is not a coronation. Having said all of the above, Trump needs to be defeated at any cost by any means. Put on your hard hats people.
3
Hopefully without a communist being the nominee. Oh wait, they both are.
Clinton is 50 years or so out of step.
My 86 year old mother loves her - why - well she did what she was supposed to do - got a good education, dated and married the right guy, had a baby, supported his career, stood by him even when he turned out to be a jerk and then at his urging and direction tries to recapture his youth for him.
She doesn't have passion for running to be president because it isn't for her she is doing it but for Bill. He wants tat third term to bolster his legacy.
Hillary would be happier as president of the Junior League where volunteers dole out food baskets to the poor and unfortunate.
Sanders supporters and Hillary's campaign don't see eye to eye because they are living in a time when they can't afford healthcare and tuition. Where good paying jobs are scarce yet some live lives of undeserving wealth beyond imagining.
Hillary still lives in the golden days when the world believed in US might, American know how, and moral justice. All she needs to do is protect that myth and everything will be okay.
Sanders' voters worry about the future and Clinton worries about preserving the past. My 86 year old mother and Hillary have more in common than the voters who are inheriting the world they leave behind. She should at least give them a place at her table because it is their future.
My 86 year old mother loves her - why - well she did what she was supposed to do - got a good education, dated and married the right guy, had a baby, supported his career, stood by him even when he turned out to be a jerk and then at his urging and direction tries to recapture his youth for him.
She doesn't have passion for running to be president because it isn't for her she is doing it but for Bill. He wants tat third term to bolster his legacy.
Hillary would be happier as president of the Junior League where volunteers dole out food baskets to the poor and unfortunate.
Sanders supporters and Hillary's campaign don't see eye to eye because they are living in a time when they can't afford healthcare and tuition. Where good paying jobs are scarce yet some live lives of undeserving wealth beyond imagining.
Hillary still lives in the golden days when the world believed in US might, American know how, and moral justice. All she needs to do is protect that myth and everything will be okay.
Sanders' voters worry about the future and Clinton worries about preserving the past. My 86 year old mother and Hillary have more in common than the voters who are inheriting the world they leave behind. She should at least give them a place at her table because it is their future.
9
Let's see if I get this straight, my choice is between:
A race and gender baiting, warmongering, opportunist lawyer from Arkansas who, to my knowledge, has never created an actual business yet somehow amassed a personal fortune in excess of 30 million dollars. I guess that’s why she gets on so well with the paper shuffling billionaires at Goldman Sacks and the ultra rich Hollywood set who have as much in common with the plight of everyday Americans as the Queen of England. The cherry on this Presidential Sundae: Forget Benghazi or emails. As a lawyer she staunchly defended an alleged child rapist then chuckled about the alleged rapist's guilt in an interview. I guess she was just following orders and upholding her oath.
Or
A seemingly narcissistic, ill-tempered, egomaniacal billionaire developer who vociferously vilified illegal Mexican immigrants, talks like he's on the playground in Jr High, bullies and berates his opponents, indicates that some how trade deals and extorting money from foreign countries is going to fix the economy whiles simultaneously having his ties made in China. The Cherry on this Presidential Sundae: despite having billions in the bank, felt the need to take money from desperate people via his “University” like a sleazy infomercial huckster.
And people are seriously upset Bernie is still fighting on? Even a glimmer of hope is better than no hope at all.
A race and gender baiting, warmongering, opportunist lawyer from Arkansas who, to my knowledge, has never created an actual business yet somehow amassed a personal fortune in excess of 30 million dollars. I guess that’s why she gets on so well with the paper shuffling billionaires at Goldman Sacks and the ultra rich Hollywood set who have as much in common with the plight of everyday Americans as the Queen of England. The cherry on this Presidential Sundae: Forget Benghazi or emails. As a lawyer she staunchly defended an alleged child rapist then chuckled about the alleged rapist's guilt in an interview. I guess she was just following orders and upholding her oath.
Or
A seemingly narcissistic, ill-tempered, egomaniacal billionaire developer who vociferously vilified illegal Mexican immigrants, talks like he's on the playground in Jr High, bullies and berates his opponents, indicates that some how trade deals and extorting money from foreign countries is going to fix the economy whiles simultaneously having his ties made in China. The Cherry on this Presidential Sundae: despite having billions in the bank, felt the need to take money from desperate people via his “University” like a sleazy infomercial huckster.
And people are seriously upset Bernie is still fighting on? Even a glimmer of hope is better than no hope at all.
18
It is really sad that the #1 argument you hear for supporting Hillary Clinton is "Trump's worse," while the #1 argument for supporting Donald Trump is "Hillary's worse."
Being the lesser of two evils should never suffice to become leader of the free world.
What's clear is that we need to have more competitive field--and not just for the primaries, but also in the general election.
I urge everyone to learn about ranked choice voting (RCV). It takes away the "spoiler" concern that keeps alternative candidates from getting into the race and at the same time empowers voters by ensuring their votes aren't wasted. (A primer on how this works is available at FairVote.org.)
As the National Review recently pointed out, under RCV, Trump would not have been so dominant in the primaries.
More importantly, though, if ranked choice voting were in use for the November election, the country wouldn't be so confined in its choices.
Being the lesser of two evils should never suffice to become leader of the free world.
What's clear is that we need to have more competitive field--and not just for the primaries, but also in the general election.
I urge everyone to learn about ranked choice voting (RCV). It takes away the "spoiler" concern that keeps alternative candidates from getting into the race and at the same time empowers voters by ensuring their votes aren't wasted. (A primer on how this works is available at FairVote.org.)
As the National Review recently pointed out, under RCV, Trump would not have been so dominant in the primaries.
More importantly, though, if ranked choice voting were in use for the November election, the country wouldn't be so confined in its choices.
3
I'm most afraid of.... Bill, and Hillary hiding behind Bill on the economy as if he is the last Great White Hope to obscure the fact that she cuddles with the money and is more interested in international than the people she must serve.
His time was done, he shuffled off the stage trailing clouds of disgrace, he let history do his work for him to burnish a couple of "got lucky" years, he went off to try to be a celebutante and a billionaire (whch seems to be what all of our not-born-with silver-spoon-in-mouth Presidents do, except for Jimmy Carter.) I was resigned to Hillary like a bad tasting cough syrup, until she brought up Bill.
His time was done, he shuffled off the stage trailing clouds of disgrace, he let history do his work for him to burnish a couple of "got lucky" years, he went off to try to be a celebutante and a billionaire (whch seems to be what all of our not-born-with silver-spoon-in-mouth Presidents do, except for Jimmy Carter.) I was resigned to Hillary like a bad tasting cough syrup, until she brought up Bill.
9
"Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee. Really. Just ask her." Or you can ask the pledged and super-delegates. They will tell you the same thing. Hillary Clinton is the Democratic nominee. You, Bernie's supporters, and - many, if not most, Hillary supporters may not like the current system. Who could? What a dysfunctional process. But the current rules were put in place before Bernie was even a twinkle in the eyes of his cult followers. The rules should be changed. Ditch the super-delegates and the caucuses too. But like it or not, under the rules, Hillary is the nominee. You don;t need to limit your inquiry to Hillary -- just ask anyone who can do elementary mathematics.
4
Debbie Wasserman Schulz has much to be accountable for concerning the tenor of the campaign. She is loosing the party both donations and members by her ham fisted machinations on Hillary's behalf. As a woman, I cringe at them: Hillary for her trainload of baggage, her tin ear for the times, her dragging Bill in to the fray as a shield against her stumbles and her insistance that backwards is right direction to head. I cringe at DWS for her boorish attrmpts to control the outcome and her dismissive attitiude when it is raised as an issue. No, ladies, it is not about misogyny. It is about massive incompetence on both your parts. How far back will the desired female presidency be set when Hillary looses again, as she most surely will?
Behind them is Obama who refused to replace DWS after her bungling of the last election? It appears he keeps her inplace to support Hillary, the person he either "owes" big time for support or thinks will be his third term. He may be ruining his own legacy.
Hillary can't stand up to Sanders by herself. It takes an army of surrogates to drag her tired campaign along, her coronation dress heavy with weight from the mudhole she wallows in to attack her opponent. She is an incompetent campaigner.
When she looses to Trump, who is just warming up, she and DWS will blame Sanders and misogyny before admitting it is her baggage, personality, and dirty tricks that cost her the election. Obama is included for keeping DWS, his thumb on the scale.
Behind them is Obama who refused to replace DWS after her bungling of the last election? It appears he keeps her inplace to support Hillary, the person he either "owes" big time for support or thinks will be his third term. He may be ruining his own legacy.
Hillary can't stand up to Sanders by herself. It takes an army of surrogates to drag her tired campaign along, her coronation dress heavy with weight from the mudhole she wallows in to attack her opponent. She is an incompetent campaigner.
When she looses to Trump, who is just warming up, she and DWS will blame Sanders and misogyny before admitting it is her baggage, personality, and dirty tricks that cost her the election. Obama is included for keeping DWS, his thumb on the scale.
8
So, what are you saying? I'm
A big fan, Maureen, but aren't editorial pieces supposed to take a position? Other than the position that this election cycle is weird?
A big fan, Maureen, but aren't editorial pieces supposed to take a position? Other than the position that this election cycle is weird?
1
Great column Maureen. After NAFTA, and financial deregulation, another disastrous consequence of the Clinton war in Kosovo in support of the Muslim separatists n the 90s; the creation of a jihadi factory and a Saudi Arabia terrorist, backward state in the heart of Europe:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/22/world/europe/how-the-saudis-turned-kos...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
People who want a Clinton dynasty should think twice.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/22/world/europe/how-the-saudis-turned-kos...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
People who want a Clinton dynasty should think twice.
9
Hillary has so much experience with: wall street, big banks, biotech's, closed door politics, obfuscation, enabling and more. And, she can throw or swing a lamp with considerable accuracy. She is the perfect oligarch.
11
Hillary still needs to convince Sanders supporters, and she's doing a poor job. So anxious is she to take the helm, that she can't wait until the official moment. Let the last primary voters express their opinions, as is their right to do, for pity's sake. I hate to see her stepping on her own tongue. Timing is everything, or so we're told.
5
Again snarky Maureen is wrong in her assessment of Hillary's appeal to many women such as myself. I think she has the best resume of any candidate in decades if not ever and that is why I support her. As a daily reader of the Tiimes since college I am well aware of Dowd's and other Times reporters' bias against the Clintons . This was acknowledged by the public editor some months ago and it's getting old, very old.
13
Bernie's support is much thinner than it looks. It is a bunch of kids who think that because you think you're right you can change things. They're idealistic and untested; they simply haven't learned enough about how the world works to have opinions that should carry much weight with anyone. Kids by nature are rebellious and Bernie is all talk about storming the citadel, which is appealing to rebellious people, though he seems to have accomplished very little storming in 30 years in the Senate.
Every Democrat with a few years under their belt knows that in this age of hyper-partisanism on the part of Republicans, Bernie's wild-eyed bomb throwing in the presidency will accomplish exactly zero, just as it did in the senate. His idealism will amount to nothing more than talk and his socialistic tendencies will hit a brick wall at every turn. He is a ridiculous candidate that only a bunch of college kids could love.
I remain ever more dismayed at how Democrats appear to have bought into the long-standing Republican smear campaign against the Clintons. It appears that now even among Democrats, Hillary is viewed as dishonest and untrustworthy. I would like someone who falls into that camp to kindly enumerate instances of her dishonesty and untrustworthiness. Please. Whitewater, Vince Foster, Benghazi, etc. - all nonsensical and baseless accusations without a shred of supporting evidence. That somehow have been absorbed into the narrative and become defining of her.
Every Democrat with a few years under their belt knows that in this age of hyper-partisanism on the part of Republicans, Bernie's wild-eyed bomb throwing in the presidency will accomplish exactly zero, just as it did in the senate. His idealism will amount to nothing more than talk and his socialistic tendencies will hit a brick wall at every turn. He is a ridiculous candidate that only a bunch of college kids could love.
I remain ever more dismayed at how Democrats appear to have bought into the long-standing Republican smear campaign against the Clintons. It appears that now even among Democrats, Hillary is viewed as dishonest and untrustworthy. I would like someone who falls into that camp to kindly enumerate instances of her dishonesty and untrustworthiness. Please. Whitewater, Vince Foster, Benghazi, etc. - all nonsensical and baseless accusations without a shred of supporting evidence. That somehow have been absorbed into the narrative and become defining of her.
11
"It is a bunch of kids who think that because you think you're right you can change things. They're idealistic and untested; they simply haven't learned enough"
However Hillary's supporters may vilify them, Hillary needs their votes to have any chance of winning. This sort of thing isn't the way to get those votes.
In fact, Hillary herself is dong all she could to ensure she won't get enough of those votes. Of course, she blames them and Bernie for that.
However Hillary's supporters may vilify them, Hillary needs their votes to have any chance of winning. This sort of thing isn't the way to get those votes.
In fact, Hillary herself is dong all she could to ensure she won't get enough of those votes. Of course, she blames them and Bernie for that.
9
Thank you
2
Clinton is ahead of Trump in percentage of delegates needed for the nomination. She's ahead of where Obama was at this point in the campaign. The main difference is that Cruz dropped out to avoid damaging the Republican Party's electoral chances, and Sanders, not being a Democrat, continues his doomed, zombie campaign.
The situation will change once math triumphs and Clinton inevitably gets the delegates needed to clinch the nomination on June 7.
The situation will change once math triumphs and Clinton inevitably gets the delegates needed to clinch the nomination on June 7.
3
I am most afraid of the next president.
Your hate for Hillary is showing and its not a pretty sight.
13
I am most afraid of another Clinton. Franklin & Mamie were 2 for the price of one. Billary was never a healthy partnership; we don't want it again. They started the Democratic Party on its leap to the right.
Bill's disdain of good judgment cost us Gore's environmental-friendly White House. The unelected SCOTUS gave us W, who left us with a world in chaos, both economically and ecologically. Hillary's poor judgment leaves her with an already written winning strategy for Trump. As Secretary of State she loved regime change, sent thousands of terrified people fleeing for safety, and sold herself to the oligarchs.
California has already given us 2 fine Senators. Please give us the only grown-up in the race. Give Bernie Sanders a landslide victory. Are you not tired of the DNC throwing democracy under the bus?
Bill's disdain of good judgment cost us Gore's environmental-friendly White House. The unelected SCOTUS gave us W, who left us with a world in chaos, both economically and ecologically. Hillary's poor judgment leaves her with an already written winning strategy for Trump. As Secretary of State she loved regime change, sent thousands of terrified people fleeing for safety, and sold herself to the oligarchs.
California has already given us 2 fine Senators. Please give us the only grown-up in the race. Give Bernie Sanders a landslide victory. Are you not tired of the DNC throwing democracy under the bus?
8
"Everyone just laughed when Sanders, a cranky loner from Vermont with a nondescript Senate record, decided to challenge Queen Hillary."
The angry “loner” is actually more connected to people than any greasy politician in Washington, He is one of the few leaders who really has other people in mind and not just wanting to look good or winning his latest race.
His record is not “nondescript.” He has had more legislation passed as riders to other bills than anyone. And those amendments were in behalf of the American people not some partisan, donor or personal agenda.
While Trump may represent the Devil, Hillary does not. But she most represents the few people who have grabbed the wealth of America created by all of us, and caused the deaths of many people, including our own troops in behalf of that profiteering and narrow ego satisfaction.
If voters are really against what Trump stands for - ego unbound - they will not just chuckle at his latest antics but passionately support the only candidate with the real heart of America behind him and beat the worst thing in America for which Trump stands. "Go Bernie" should be on the lips of every American who really wants all Americans to do well.
The angry “loner” is actually more connected to people than any greasy politician in Washington, He is one of the few leaders who really has other people in mind and not just wanting to look good or winning his latest race.
His record is not “nondescript.” He has had more legislation passed as riders to other bills than anyone. And those amendments were in behalf of the American people not some partisan, donor or personal agenda.
While Trump may represent the Devil, Hillary does not. But she most represents the few people who have grabbed the wealth of America created by all of us, and caused the deaths of many people, including our own troops in behalf of that profiteering and narrow ego satisfaction.
If voters are really against what Trump stands for - ego unbound - they will not just chuckle at his latest antics but passionately support the only candidate with the real heart of America behind him and beat the worst thing in America for which Trump stands. "Go Bernie" should be on the lips of every American who really wants all Americans to do well.
8
Ms. Dowd,
No one, nobody, not a single person threw a single piece of furniture at the Nevada Democratic Convention in Las Vegas, last week. There is not one piece of photographic or video evidence or first-hand account by an actual witness that this ever occurred. Because it didn't.
"The Bernie bro violence" meme is a creation of the Clinton PR machine. Its goal is to portray Sanders and his supporters as unhinged and dangerous. Your glancing mention of this non-incident gives credence to a lie told to further this larger lie.
There is however video of the chairwoman of the NDP completely abandoning the rules adopted by her own central committee and party at large to govern the allotment of delegates to the national convention, then ramming the changes through on a more than questionable voice vote and then immediately adjourning while several motions and requests were on the floor. This is the only violence that occurred at the Paris Hotel ballroom. It was political, not physical and therefore not worthy of mention in the national press.
No one, nobody, not a single person threw a single piece of furniture at the Nevada Democratic Convention in Las Vegas, last week. There is not one piece of photographic or video evidence or first-hand account by an actual witness that this ever occurred. Because it didn't.
"The Bernie bro violence" meme is a creation of the Clinton PR machine. Its goal is to portray Sanders and his supporters as unhinged and dangerous. Your glancing mention of this non-incident gives credence to a lie told to further this larger lie.
There is however video of the chairwoman of the NDP completely abandoning the rules adopted by her own central committee and party at large to govern the allotment of delegates to the national convention, then ramming the changes through on a more than questionable voice vote and then immediately adjourning while several motions and requests were on the floor. This is the only violence that occurred at the Paris Hotel ballroom. It was political, not physical and therefore not worthy of mention in the national press.
7
What are the plans for when, not if, Hillary (aka Inmate 547683) gets indicted for her many crimes?
3
What are your plans when your loved ones commit you to the psychiatric ward for delusional political dilettantes? Concerned about the feds investigating Jane Sanders for misrepresenting Burliington College's finances when she tried to obtain a $10 million loan? That's the college she was president of, mismanaged, bankrupted and then took 200K in severance before it shut down. Is that Bernie's model for free college for all?
7
Maureen, sometime, way in the past, the Clintons must have committed the crime of not inviting you to a party that was a "social must." I do not know what else can explain your uniformly sarcastic and negative approach to both of them. I think most Democrats agree that whoever gets the nomination through the most votes needs to have the united support of their former primary opponents to win the general election. Moreover, I think most Democrats would agree that a Trump White House is more to be feared than a Clinton White House. By encouraging violence at Democratic gatherings, when he knew the primary rules before he started his campaign and failed to complain, combined with his intent to do Trump's job for him all the way to the DNC convention, Bernie is sacrificing the good of the nation because he is a sore loser, I love Bernie's ideas, but he has never, after being asked over and over, how he would implement them, been able to answer that simple question. Hopefully, after Hillary gets those last 100 votes to win, we won't hear you openly supporting Trump because of Hillary's last name.
6
You are hopefully on the short list for VP,,.
2
In the voters eyes, it's not really about the candidates this election cycle. More of a voter revolt against both Political Parties.
Trump on the Republican side and Bernie on the Democrat side.
The DNC is gambling their "Party" candidate is going to win the general in this political climate. They are taking an unnecessary political risk.
Bernie Sanders is the better candidate in this political climate.
HRC's lead is down to 274 pledged delegates. (NYT's)
Bateen Death March is a good analogy indeed. Or Picket's charge in the Civil War. Any analogy where an army is taking heavy losses while moving forward, closing ranks, leaving the fallen as they march forward.
That's HRC's campaign style, always has been. This time she may make it over the line to the Dem convention but her army will be torn to shreds in the general. I am not looking forward to a Trump presidency and blame is squarely with the DNC for running a rigged primary.
Bernie has a huge army of energized brand new voters with an exciting progressive action plan. What is not to like?
The DNC and we the voters are lucky to have such a candidate and I for one am not passing up the chance to vote for the candidate I choose.
Trump on the Republican side and Bernie on the Democrat side.
The DNC is gambling their "Party" candidate is going to win the general in this political climate. They are taking an unnecessary political risk.
Bernie Sanders is the better candidate in this political climate.
HRC's lead is down to 274 pledged delegates. (NYT's)
Bateen Death March is a good analogy indeed. Or Picket's charge in the Civil War. Any analogy where an army is taking heavy losses while moving forward, closing ranks, leaving the fallen as they march forward.
That's HRC's campaign style, always has been. This time she may make it over the line to the Dem convention but her army will be torn to shreds in the general. I am not looking forward to a Trump presidency and blame is squarely with the DNC for running a rigged primary.
Bernie has a huge army of energized brand new voters with an exciting progressive action plan. What is not to like?
The DNC and we the voters are lucky to have such a candidate and I for one am not passing up the chance to vote for the candidate I choose.
4
I don't understand commenters who say Hillary has laid out no clear plans for her proposed policies. Whenever I've turned on the talking heads where she's a guest and having listened to the primary debates, she was the only candidate who outlined specifics. She's actually been accused of being boring because she outlines her positions in more words than a Twitter post, which is a problem for a severely attention deficit-disordered society.
Having heard everything I need to hear in the primaries, I tend not to listen or watch these things anymore. Can't bear to hear Trump bloviate on whatever random thought pops into the vacant space between his ears anymore. Like nails on a chalkboard.
That said, it was not a good idea for Hllary's tacticians to award and announce a spot for Bill. No one wants the POTUS spouse to do anything more than something innocuously feel-goody for the country, be it encouraging more reading or dealing with childhood obesity.
Speaking of POTUS spouses, how about a Clinton (Hillary)/Obama (Michele) ticket? That would make for some serious frothing at the mouth across the aisle.
Having heard everything I need to hear in the primaries, I tend not to listen or watch these things anymore. Can't bear to hear Trump bloviate on whatever random thought pops into the vacant space between his ears anymore. Like nails on a chalkboard.
That said, it was not a good idea for Hllary's tacticians to award and announce a spot for Bill. No one wants the POTUS spouse to do anything more than something innocuously feel-goody for the country, be it encouraging more reading or dealing with childhood obesity.
Speaking of POTUS spouses, how about a Clinton (Hillary)/Obama (Michele) ticket? That would make for some serious frothing at the mouth across the aisle.
5
Both parties are imploding and Maureen is here to let everyone know that The Donald isn't the only reprehensible throwback to the past. There's been so much press about Trump and the crumbling Republican Party that no one seems to have noticed that the Democratic Party is in meltdown, too. Thank you, Bernie, for showing that the Democratic Party is on its last legs, too. The system simply doesn't work anymore. It's become too corrupt. Time for the cool fresh water at the bottom of the lake to rise.
6
Sanders and Trump are promising the moon without any pressure to back up their words. Frankly, Obama got away with a lot of happy talk too back in 2008. It's easy to be the darling underdog when voters are angry and distrustful of conventional politics.
I think any experienced, centrist politician would have trouble "putting away" Bernie this year, and that includes Obama if he were running for a second term. Apart from his unrealistic calls for free health care and free college tuition, there's nothing deeply appealing about Sanders. He embodies the sour anger of a group of Americans who feel marginalized and ripped off but Bernie isn't much more than a rallying point for anger on the left.
Does anyone really think that a political revolution is going to happen if Bernie gets elected? That gridlock, Republican opposition and Democratic infighting are going to magically melt away? That revolution can happen if Bernie's supporters stay involved and push for realistic goals. There is a base for a grassroots-based move to the left for the Democratic party, a base that begin with Occupy Wall Street and continues with Bernie. But it can't stop with his success or failure this year.
Conventional politics got upended this year. It's not just about Trump's new way of campaigning or Hillary's cautiousness or Bernie's bold ideas. Maureen, please focus on the rise of grassroots politics instead.
I think any experienced, centrist politician would have trouble "putting away" Bernie this year, and that includes Obama if he were running for a second term. Apart from his unrealistic calls for free health care and free college tuition, there's nothing deeply appealing about Sanders. He embodies the sour anger of a group of Americans who feel marginalized and ripped off but Bernie isn't much more than a rallying point for anger on the left.
Does anyone really think that a political revolution is going to happen if Bernie gets elected? That gridlock, Republican opposition and Democratic infighting are going to magically melt away? That revolution can happen if Bernie's supporters stay involved and push for realistic goals. There is a base for a grassroots-based move to the left for the Democratic party, a base that begin with Occupy Wall Street and continues with Bernie. But it can't stop with his success or failure this year.
Conventional politics got upended this year. It's not just about Trump's new way of campaigning or Hillary's cautiousness or Bernie's bold ideas. Maureen, please focus on the rise of grassroots politics instead.
2
Ms Clinton's support of Obama in 2008 was bought with the promise of being named Secretary of State. Ms Clinton rightly earned that promise by her very strong performance in the primaries. But it is laughable to present her 2008 support as a great altruistic act inspired by a deep love of and loyalty to the Party.
4
"What are you most afraid of?"
That's an easy one.
A Hillary administration, of course.
It's impossible to imagine that a Trump administration could ever be as bad as one headed by Hillary.
That's an easy one.
A Hillary administration, of course.
It's impossible to imagine that a Trump administration could ever be as bad as one headed by Hillary.
5
Another weekly criticism of Hillary. Maureen, when Bernie finally faces reality and gets tired of his hissy fit, we will have Hillary and Trump left. What then will you add to the national conversation? I suspect you will continue to vilify Hillary and wink at Trump's seriously disordered behavior. Hope the NYT can eventually see through your meanspiritedness..
8
"Hostage to Hillary! '16"
"Harnessed to Hillary! '16"
Down hit it on the head with the Bataan Death March analogy. Most everyone I talk to here (NY) seems to support Hillary "because we have to". That will certainly get out the vote. Clinton should be grateful on a certain level for Trump.
"Harnessed to Hillary! '16"
Down hit it on the head with the Bataan Death March analogy. Most everyone I talk to here (NY) seems to support Hillary "because we have to". That will certainly get out the vote. Clinton should be grateful on a certain level for Trump.
1
I'm a proud Bernie supporter but most definitely not a Hillary hater! I have yuuuuge amounts of respect for Secretary Clinton. I just agree more with most of the policies Bernie advocates and I think it's good to have choice. I will happily cheer on (and support) her bid for the Whitehouse. The people should have a right to choose and I do think it's a little hypocritical to rail against a broken system on one hand and enable to stay broken on the other hand. The Bernie bros need to deal with the fact that nobody thinks their behavior is appropriate or cool. We're not that party of brown shirts and it's an election not the end of the world as we know it. Democracy will survive a few "unfair" rules and only calm rational meaningful dialogue and principled protests will change it. I applaud Bernie for sticking to his principles.
7
What a disrespectful and depressing article. Huge disappointment from Maureen Dowd. I am VERY EXCITED about Hillary Clinton and cant wait till she is the nominee and we can get on to the business of electing her president.
Bernie sanders does need to step aside NOW!
Bernie sanders does need to step aside NOW!
9
It is important that Hillary win this time around. She is the only logical choice. Also, I agree with Joe Sabin's question "what did Hillary ever do to you?"
Stroking Sander''s ego when his ego is in the clouds as it is does nothing for the prospects at the Democratic convention. He is threatening the Democratic party and, in fact, threatening all of us with his blustering, sputtering appeal to the 'masses' as only a radical can. The country is in no way ready for a revolution. Adjustments need to be made to reduce the effects of inequality and that may be all we can expect given the fragmented voter population today.
But, Ms Dowd, you may be helping Trump as others here have noted. That is counter to our best interests and very, very dangerous. Give us a break please.
Stroking Sander''s ego when his ego is in the clouds as it is does nothing for the prospects at the Democratic convention. He is threatening the Democratic party and, in fact, threatening all of us with his blustering, sputtering appeal to the 'masses' as only a radical can. The country is in no way ready for a revolution. Adjustments need to be made to reduce the effects of inequality and that may be all we can expect given the fragmented voter population today.
But, Ms Dowd, you may be helping Trump as others here have noted. That is counter to our best interests and very, very dangerous. Give us a break please.
7
Inequality is chaos. Inequality is thereby equality. A boy is a girl? You are the President.
It's true that nothing is true.
Liberty/license
Equality/chaos
Fraternity/fratricide
It's true that nothing is true.
Liberty/license
Equality/chaos
Fraternity/fratricide
In 1980 there were the Reagan Democrats.
In 2016 there will be the Trump Democrats, motivated to vote Republican when their own party has produced such a lackluster and untrustworthy candidate.
In 2016 there will be the Trump Democrats, motivated to vote Republican when their own party has produced such a lackluster and untrustworthy candidate.
1
Has it occurred to anyone that Bernie Sanders feigned outrage over Wall Street was really a clever smokescreen covering up his real intention to seize control of the Democratic Party to reshape it in his own ultra leftwing image??
1
What are you most afraid of?
Well, since you asked.
That the outcome of this raw and altogether offensive election will be the worst possible for America. That our pitched battle with ourselves rolls on even more intensely.
That in the face of that, we will all settle in for 8 more years of the same kind of same’o same’o smarmy Washington politics and government dysfunction, while the 1% keep right on raking in the bacon and every other prime part of the 500 pound American blue ribbon pig.
Snout and tail for the rest of us.
Is that negative enough?
Well, since you asked.
That the outcome of this raw and altogether offensive election will be the worst possible for America. That our pitched battle with ourselves rolls on even more intensely.
That in the face of that, we will all settle in for 8 more years of the same kind of same’o same’o smarmy Washington politics and government dysfunction, while the 1% keep right on raking in the bacon and every other prime part of the 500 pound American blue ribbon pig.
Snout and tail for the rest of us.
Is that negative enough?
4
Come on.
Your Trump-fawning is tiresome. The dude is not fit to clean toilets, yet he is given a fair shake.
Joe-sixpack's still love them to vote for a king: a BS-talking silver-spoon.
So what, Hill gets caught up in the moment and says things like "I will be the nominee". The other loser calls a woman "fat pig" and you still give him a fair shake. Who do you carry water for?
Your Trump-fawning is tiresome. The dude is not fit to clean toilets, yet he is given a fair shake.
Joe-sixpack's still love them to vote for a king: a BS-talking silver-spoon.
So what, Hill gets caught up in the moment and says things like "I will be the nominee". The other loser calls a woman "fat pig" and you still give him a fair shake. Who do you carry water for?
6
So 'what'?
I thought it was towels...
I'm most afraid of the Monopoly Media. While the Media slanders and slurs Sanders and Trump and co-ops the Clinton Corruption with in-kind contributions totaling trillions of dollars, the public no longer gives a twit about the Chardonnay sipping Dowd et al (Gore, Jazeera, etc) speaking down from on High to the 'little people'. We recognize serial liars and that's why their Little Queen Bee Hillary puppet in this election will only get votes from the Liberal Progressive Communist Fascist Democrat Party insiders. The people paying for the freeloaders are in full revolt and have rejected the kingmakers (or queen makers). November can't get here soon enough so we can kick the corrupt cabal to the curb.
1
Makes perfect sense to me. But for idiots that work for the NYT and people in DC it is understandable that you are perplexed. Through all your "intellect" you were caught off guard by the people of this country, especially the so called fly over states. You still don't even realize how much of a game changer this political cycle is in destroying anything related to the establishment. Your days are numbered, just look at the NYT subscriptions down 80%.
2
I compare Benie and The Donald to the ACA Vote....Just elect them! WORRY ABOUT THE DETAILS LATER.
Insanity begets insanity Dems!
Insanity begets insanity Dems!
2
The thing is, Ms. Dowd, Hillary already has put Bernie away. I'm surprised that a seasoned political journalist like you can't count delegates.
6
Agree or disagree with Dowd, her opinion is not remotely fresh. The majority of American people in this presidential will likely have two major candidates that they really don't trust or like. One is obsessed with his own power, and the other's career is the personification of Machiavelli's "the end justify the means." Of course, the end for neither has had ever really centered around the American people. The truth is the American people are obviously to blame for this sad choice. And a close second are the media, which--like this column--did nothing of the sort to live up to their civil charge to do good for the country.
2
"What are you most afraid of?" Media pulling the strings of influence based on whom it most attends to. The chronic reporting of polls (that falsely appear to take the temperature of the nation) and as a result creates bandwagons which people (who care about nothing but aligning with a presumptive winner; to heck with lack of qualifications or consequences) mindlessly hop onto. And Bernie Sanders, whose egoism has apparently replaced idealism and rational thought and is, as a consequence, preventing Democrats from uniting and going all out to ensure that the greatest of all fears--the Republican nominee know nothing man-child come November continues to do what he does best: make money, live the good life, and dabble in conspiracy theories and real estate.
7
Surprise, surprise, another hatchet job from Ms. Dowd, apparently still somewhat green to the extreme with envy about those nasty Clintons. So instead of focusing her sarcasm and disdain on the whiny it's-never-our-fault of the Sanders crusade that has only increased its tilting at the windmills of a 'rigged' primary campaign, oh no, Maureen, ever true to form, flails away with her critical scalpel of nastiness. Gee, wouldn't it be the ultimate satisfaction Ms. Dowd, if you could help bring down the Clintons and show them and "Barry' that they should have been listening to YOU all these years. Boo hoo.
12
I will tell you Maureen exactly what I am afraid of I am terrified that a narcissistic egomaniacal bufoon in the White House who thinks he has the answers to our nations problems and consults with himself over policy might very well get us into a conflagration with another nuclear power that we cannot extricate ourselves from without a fight And although I can't stand Hillary at least I know she won't act impulsively on the global stage
5
I a afraid of having to read 4 years by Molly D. of snideness and smirks about Hillary and Bill. Though it is a small price to pay for not having to read four years about Maureen and the Donald's first date. If only Barry had invited Molly to the prom, she might have been nicer to him. Too late now.
12
Mrs. Clinton is the Democratic nominee. That's just how the delegate count adds up. We need to move on and Mr. Sanders needs to either climb on board the Democratic train to November or get out of the way!
As for Ms. Dowd's venomous jealousy of Mrs. Clinton, it's turned her poison pen even more caustic, using Mr. Trump style slurs to refer to Mrs. Clinton. A very sad slippery slope for Ms. Dowd.
The fact is that Bernie is NOT a Democrat and spent most of his life establishing that fact. Now he's showing that very fact with his morphing into his Trump-lite rants about how everyone's against him, or the rules aren't fair, or they out to get me, when in fact the rules have been the rules for a very long time. Its just that Bernie wants to play by his rules. That's not very Democratic!
This November's Presidential election is critical for America's future. Mr. Tump is marshaling the forces of hate, bigotry, intolerance, prejudice and racism, which unfortunately simmer in far too many Americans.
Mrs. Clinton offers measured, detailed plans and policies coupled with a dedicated lifetime of giving voices to those in need and less fortunate. She has matured as a leader, politician and states person and like most Americans she has become a better person.
All of us have flaws. All of us have made mistakes. It's how we learn from those challenges that's shows us the merit of who we are.
Mrs. Clinton is the right choice as our Democratic nominee and our next President.
As for Ms. Dowd's venomous jealousy of Mrs. Clinton, it's turned her poison pen even more caustic, using Mr. Trump style slurs to refer to Mrs. Clinton. A very sad slippery slope for Ms. Dowd.
The fact is that Bernie is NOT a Democrat and spent most of his life establishing that fact. Now he's showing that very fact with his morphing into his Trump-lite rants about how everyone's against him, or the rules aren't fair, or they out to get me, when in fact the rules have been the rules for a very long time. Its just that Bernie wants to play by his rules. That's not very Democratic!
This November's Presidential election is critical for America's future. Mr. Tump is marshaling the forces of hate, bigotry, intolerance, prejudice and racism, which unfortunately simmer in far too many Americans.
Mrs. Clinton offers measured, detailed plans and policies coupled with a dedicated lifetime of giving voices to those in need and less fortunate. She has matured as a leader, politician and states person and like most Americans she has become a better person.
All of us have flaws. All of us have made mistakes. It's how we learn from those challenges that's shows us the merit of who we are.
Mrs. Clinton is the right choice as our Democratic nominee and our next President.
16
Excellent perspective. Nobody likes either "leading" candidate for either party, and, if it were not for many folks "religious" approach to party affiliation, most folks would not even vote.
What am I most afraid of: I am most afraid of being broke (again, like when I was young) after my kids (twins) get out of college, and, them not being able to get jobs.
Hence, my attraction to Bernie for proposing something rational; reduce military contractor socialism and bank bailouts sponsored by Republicans.
Re-direct that (socialist redistribution of my wealth to for profit entities), stolen by people faking "defending American freedom" for profit, and, stolen by Wall Street and,
Take seriously the future of our youth instead of selling weapons to every rogue regime on the planet to sponsor killing.....
let's sponsor our children's futures with a little support for education. Go Bernie!
Makes complete sense to me after a lifetime of watching America become the worlds largest arms supplier, shooting up 12 year old boys in Afghanistan with advanced attack helicopters, and, handing out bank employee bonuses with my money.
And, they call Bernie a socialist.
That's the joke.
What am I most afraid of: I am most afraid of being broke (again, like when I was young) after my kids (twins) get out of college, and, them not being able to get jobs.
Hence, my attraction to Bernie for proposing something rational; reduce military contractor socialism and bank bailouts sponsored by Republicans.
Re-direct that (socialist redistribution of my wealth to for profit entities), stolen by people faking "defending American freedom" for profit, and, stolen by Wall Street and,
Take seriously the future of our youth instead of selling weapons to every rogue regime on the planet to sponsor killing.....
let's sponsor our children's futures with a little support for education. Go Bernie!
Makes complete sense to me after a lifetime of watching America become the worlds largest arms supplier, shooting up 12 year old boys in Afghanistan with advanced attack helicopters, and, handing out bank employee bonuses with my money.
And, they call Bernie a socialist.
That's the joke.
6
The only one "stuck in the negative" is Maureen Dowd, and I think myself for reading her column which is like a reader's experience (to use her phrase) of the "Bataan Death March." The last time I wrote a negative comment about a Maureen Dowd column, the New York Times didn't publish it. So only Maureen is allowed to be negative? And boy is she negative on Hillary. She's so negative that she presumes the voters share her tightfisted view. But more people have voted for Hillary than either Trump or Sanders. Her grit is phenomenal. She is the only candidate who has so openly taken on the NRA, and she stands with the families of victims of gun violence. I think that is very positive, and I look forward to enthusiastically voting for her on June 7th.
14
Maureen have you not noticed that Bernie Sanders seeks to proselytize his message as long and as many times as he can. The idea is to build the country's awareness so the next president does not have to start from scratch.
Bernie would be doing the same thing with or without Hillary.
I don't think Bernie wants to be president. He is not using the right lexicon. The same for Trump.
Bernie was a mayor. Hillary was a secretary of state which is the second most influential job in our government. Trump is a magnate who is use to giving orders and operating around and within a variety of in-place rules and regulations.
But even more he is a blowhard to his fans. When you see them in the crowd do any of them have any idea what a president's job is and how you go about picking one. If you don't know the job requirements how can you possibly match a person to the job?
I think Maureen you ought spend a little time back-engineering what you need in a president so you can have a better idea how each of the candidates fit into the requirements.
Bernie would be doing the same thing with or without Hillary.
I don't think Bernie wants to be president. He is not using the right lexicon. The same for Trump.
Bernie was a mayor. Hillary was a secretary of state which is the second most influential job in our government. Trump is a magnate who is use to giving orders and operating around and within a variety of in-place rules and regulations.
But even more he is a blowhard to his fans. When you see them in the crowd do any of them have any idea what a president's job is and how you go about picking one. If you don't know the job requirements how can you possibly match a person to the job?
I think Maureen you ought spend a little time back-engineering what you need in a president so you can have a better idea how each of the candidates fit into the requirements.
4
Another insightful and amusing column, Maureen, poignantly describing a "transcendentally bizarre" campaign.
2
It's true that Sanders' supporters sometimes seem to ignore the fact (and it is a fact) that Secretary Clinton has now earned not only a delegate majority, but a substantial majority in the popular vote. That said, the impatience and irritation of the Clinton camp with the Sanders campaign is even more disturbing. Clearly, Sanders has had a message that has resonated with a much larger group of Democratic and other voters than the Clinton folks ever imagined. In addition, he has run a superbly skilful campaign (just look what happened to 16 Republicans faced with the Donald). Clinton entered this campaign with unparalleled advantages: party and Democratic establishment (press, unions, advocacy groups...) support rivaling that of an incumbent, strong funding, a previous presidential campaign, and eight years with President Clinton in the White House. She is widely regarded as supremely qualified to be president. Is it too much to ask that she could demonstrate those qualifications by figuring out a way to decisively beat Senator Sanders _and_ make the kind of reconciliation with his supporters that will be needed to win in November? She surely will face tougher challenges in the White House.
1
"She is widely regarded as supremely qualified to be president. Is it too much to ask that she could demonstrate those qualifications by figuring out a way to decisively beat Senator Sanders .... "
As Mario Cuomo said, you campaign in poetry, but govern in prose. Bernie is so poetic, she is ploddingly so. But come governance time, I believe she would be more effective. I dont think Bernie will have any luck with the Congress. Blocking things has been found to be quite doable. I dont think he has a power base there to work with, and just as Obama's call to his own supporters to "keep the momentum going" after the election, fizzled out, I am afraid Bernie's revolution will fade away too, and it will be the knowledge of the levers of raw power that will count. I just think Hillary has that power better than Bernie. And there is an accusation that she is incremental and he is full tilt boogie for his agenda. I dont think she believes the right thing is to only make incremental changes, it just means she will get whatever she can get from the fight, rather than all or nothing. And she will fight more effectively
I loved Bernies ideas, but eventually he didnt give me the feeling of surety that he would be able to do them very well, if at all. It's just a tough jungle and saying "Hey the people elected me to do this" will be met by individuals in Congress who will say "That may well be, but I was elected by my constituents, and they told me to do something different."
As Mario Cuomo said, you campaign in poetry, but govern in prose. Bernie is so poetic, she is ploddingly so. But come governance time, I believe she would be more effective. I dont think Bernie will have any luck with the Congress. Blocking things has been found to be quite doable. I dont think he has a power base there to work with, and just as Obama's call to his own supporters to "keep the momentum going" after the election, fizzled out, I am afraid Bernie's revolution will fade away too, and it will be the knowledge of the levers of raw power that will count. I just think Hillary has that power better than Bernie. And there is an accusation that she is incremental and he is full tilt boogie for his agenda. I dont think she believes the right thing is to only make incremental changes, it just means she will get whatever she can get from the fight, rather than all or nothing. And she will fight more effectively
I loved Bernies ideas, but eventually he didnt give me the feeling of surety that he would be able to do them very well, if at all. It's just a tough jungle and saying "Hey the people elected me to do this" will be met by individuals in Congress who will say "That may well be, but I was elected by my constituents, and they told me to do something different."
4
Dowd portrays Bernie Sanders as a loner from Vermont. What baloney! The point of this campaign is that Sanders is connecting with voters on the issues of the pay to play system of politics in the US; the cost of a college education (The Times own article cites just over a 60 cent increase in hourly pay for college graduates since 2002... now that's something to look forward to after several years in college and significant debt); the endless wars the nation now simultaneously fights; and the extreme weakness of the health care system in providing affordable coverage for all Americans.
No wonder that so many young people have become energized by the Sanders campaign and find Hillary Clinton as the same old same old.
No wonder that so many young people have become energized by the Sanders campaign and find Hillary Clinton as the same old same old.
7
Democrats are subjected to gratuitous grief from the followers of the plethora of right-wing media forums - I don't think they deserve it here in an uninformative column. I am most appreciative that any Democrat has the tenacity to work so hard to try to serve America. I think Hilary cares about people; Bill's failure to stop the Rwandan genocide was a big influence on her as Secretary of State.
"Most Afraid of?" Last I checked Politifact, Hillary and Bernie each had about 50% of their statements rated "true" or "mostly true" (typical of campaigns - McCain was around there, Obama was better, in 2008). Donald is at 8% true or mostly true, with 76% of his statements rated "false", "mostly false", or "pants on fire".
"Most Afraid of?" Last I checked Politifact, Hillary and Bernie each had about 50% of their statements rated "true" or "mostly true" (typical of campaigns - McCain was around there, Obama was better, in 2008). Donald is at 8% true or mostly true, with 76% of his statements rated "false", "mostly false", or "pants on fire".
7
Another of Dowd's snarky anti-Hillary pieces. Don't you ever get tired of writing the same garbage over and over, Maureen? Hillary will be the Democratic nominee. She's correct when she says it's a done deal. Hillary has been attacked with phony "scandals" and political "investigations" for 30 years and has survived. Your pettiness doesn't even register with her. Bernie and his bros and goons have whined about everything in this campaign, from the DNC to the Times and the rest of the media, to the fact that Hillary is raising money for down-ticket Democrats while he keeps everything he raises for himself. After whining that the "fix is in" and the DNC is corrupt, Bernie now says that even though he is 3,000,000 votes behind Hillary needs only 90 delegates to win, the super-delegates should change their support to him. He and his comic book campaign manager have decided if they can't get the nomination, they will burn the party down and elect Trump. And you, Ms Dowd, claim that you have spoken to former Clinton and Obama aids and they said that her campaign is "the Bataan Death March." As if any former aid or Obama aid would even talk to you after you have made a living trying to run Hillary into the ground. Hillary generates plenty of excitement and she has gotten a lot more votes than Sanders or Trump. It's just that Hillary's supporters don't throw chairs when they don't get their way. If you don't like Hillary, vote for Trump and see what that gets you.
9
The mere fact that Ms. Dowd poses the question of "who do you fear most?" as debatable is what is truly frightening. This is not a "coin toss" choice. Maureen, please look again at the policies Hillary proposes, and then tell me you see insufficient evidence of an approach to governing that is not objectively superior to The Donald.
5
Paragraph 14's lies cannot be allowed unchallenged. All the video refutes Dowd's casual, third-hand slander.
Shame for repeating false narrative. No chair-throwing, etc. video exists--even CNN pundits point out the only arrest was of an HRC supporter assaulting a Bernie supporter. Lazy, lazy, lazy recitation of this propaganda about Nevada is amply refuted by online videos citing both HRC and Bernie people on that floor that DNC state reps mangled the rules and ignored voice vote results to twist the results for Hillary. A chair was lifted and set down. The angry participant hugged into calm. On camera.
On camera.
Did Dowd also see the footage of Boxer giving the Bernie people the finger? Did Dowd watch the video of Boxer taunting them, flipping them the bird after blowing them ironic kisses?
Shame for repeating false narrative. No chair-throwing, etc. video exists--even CNN pundits point out the only arrest was of an HRC supporter assaulting a Bernie supporter. Lazy, lazy, lazy recitation of this propaganda about Nevada is amply refuted by online videos citing both HRC and Bernie people on that floor that DNC state reps mangled the rules and ignored voice vote results to twist the results for Hillary. A chair was lifted and set down. The angry participant hugged into calm. On camera.
On camera.
Did Dowd also see the footage of Boxer giving the Bernie people the finger? Did Dowd watch the video of Boxer taunting them, flipping them the bird after blowing them ironic kisses?
15
Ironically, the Bernie supporter caused the trouble at the Trump rallies and the NYT blamed the disturbances on Trump supporters!
1
"A chair was lifted and set down. The angry participant hugged into calm. On camera."
I have watched that chair numerous times now, from more than one video, and it does seem to me that it was about to be tossed. One person comes up and grabs his left arm, another person grabs the chair from the right side and sets it down, in a way that really looks like it was meant to stop it being thrown. The gentle hugging did come later but the hugger was not the guy who took the chair away. No chair was thrown, but it WAS taken away, and not gently.
So I cant prove it, but that was my take. I am fond of Bernie, I am not looking for something to hit his campaign with. And I know a lot has been said about his people being mistreated, but Politifact rated the claims overall as False. There is a LOT of detail involved in the proceedings, and the details pretty much didnt add up to "allegations of fraud and misconduct."
One thing that IS true is that really disturbing tweets and phone calls were made.
I have watched that chair numerous times now, from more than one video, and it does seem to me that it was about to be tossed. One person comes up and grabs his left arm, another person grabs the chair from the right side and sets it down, in a way that really looks like it was meant to stop it being thrown. The gentle hugging did come later but the hugger was not the guy who took the chair away. No chair was thrown, but it WAS taken away, and not gently.
So I cant prove it, but that was my take. I am fond of Bernie, I am not looking for something to hit his campaign with. And I know a lot has been said about his people being mistreated, but Politifact rated the claims overall as False. There is a LOT of detail involved in the proceedings, and the details pretty much didnt add up to "allegations of fraud and misconduct."
One thing that IS true is that really disturbing tweets and phone calls were made.
3
Watch the 'voice vote' as measured electronically on line, when the Nays are higher, but Chairwoman Lange bangs the gavel and gives it to the ayes. The rules then argue for a recount, but this was refused.
A good YouTube on the procedural fraud throughout is in an interview posted by Jordan on TYT with an HRC delegate about the erasure of her name and her husband's under Lange's 'freedom to eliminate arbitrarily' clause.
As for disturbing tweets and phone calls, with the Clinton campaign boasting of its investment of one million dollars in online trolling under a "Correct the Record' guise, nothing can be trusted or attributed authoritatively.
People were angry, including Clinton people. Instead of relying on mainstream media or Politifact, explore more of the video coverage and testimony from participants.
Watching Boxer flip Bernie supporters her finger while escorted cleanly off the podium and then claiming later than she, a DNC leader, felt 'afraid' for her safety because she had to face a crowd of people booing her is nauseating.
A good YouTube on the procedural fraud throughout is in an interview posted by Jordan on TYT with an HRC delegate about the erasure of her name and her husband's under Lange's 'freedom to eliminate arbitrarily' clause.
As for disturbing tweets and phone calls, with the Clinton campaign boasting of its investment of one million dollars in online trolling under a "Correct the Record' guise, nothing can be trusted or attributed authoritatively.
People were angry, including Clinton people. Instead of relying on mainstream media or Politifact, explore more of the video coverage and testimony from participants.
Watching Boxer flip Bernie supporters her finger while escorted cleanly off the podium and then claiming later than she, a DNC leader, felt 'afraid' for her safety because she had to face a crowd of people booing her is nauseating.
OK, we get it. Maureen Dowd has disliked the Clintons for a long, long time. And she discounts Bernie (so do I), but enjoys chatting up Donald Trump. Because he's a man's man, and if she visits his apartments, she gets to sit in a big golden chair.
She needled Obama for years because he didn't show enough machismo to entertain her.
And now she writes that Hillary's supporters are trying to "herd" young women by stoking fears that Donald Trump's presidency would overturn Roe vs Wade?
Dear Ms. Dowd, I can see that you enjoy writing slightly naughty columns, but let's get something straight. Donald Trump and his Republican allies might well overturn Roe v Wade. Women have struggled to gain access to reliable contraception and safe abortions for years. It's key to their lives. Donald Trump is pandering to Republicans who attack Planned Parenthood, want to carry concealed weapons into schools, would love to nuke the Middle East and water board a couple of foreign folk, are fighting to save fictional little girls from demonized LGBT citizens ... Need I go on?
And Donald Trump ain't as cute as you think he is. He is a serious threat to our nation. Wake up. Stop accepting his brunch invitations. Your jokes about Hillary are not only stale. They're irresponsible, privileged, predicatable, and self-indulgent.
Take off your high heels and take a hike.
She needled Obama for years because he didn't show enough machismo to entertain her.
And now she writes that Hillary's supporters are trying to "herd" young women by stoking fears that Donald Trump's presidency would overturn Roe vs Wade?
Dear Ms. Dowd, I can see that you enjoy writing slightly naughty columns, but let's get something straight. Donald Trump and his Republican allies might well overturn Roe v Wade. Women have struggled to gain access to reliable contraception and safe abortions for years. It's key to their lives. Donald Trump is pandering to Republicans who attack Planned Parenthood, want to carry concealed weapons into schools, would love to nuke the Middle East and water board a couple of foreign folk, are fighting to save fictional little girls from demonized LGBT citizens ... Need I go on?
And Donald Trump ain't as cute as you think he is. He is a serious threat to our nation. Wake up. Stop accepting his brunch invitations. Your jokes about Hillary are not only stale. They're irresponsible, privileged, predicatable, and self-indulgent.
Take off your high heels and take a hike.
13
The biggest threat to America is Obama/Hillary
Hmm. Larry. Have you ever taken time to listen to a woman? You ever been pregnant when you didn't want to be? You ever listen to the ferocious macho, anti-female, anti-gay doctrines being promulgated by Republican representatives in the Midwest (see Oklahoma)? Try it. And put on a bikini. Imagine yourself female. Prance around on the beach, see how it feels. Then I'll come talk to you.
2
“old socialist dude hammering her with a sickle,”
Maureen,
The hammer and sickle (☭) or sickle and hammer (Russian: Серп и молот) is a Communist symbol that was conceived during the Russian Revolution.
Senator Sanders is a Democratic socialist.
And comparing the Hillary Clinton campaign to the Bataan Death March?
My father was a WWII vet who fought for the US Army in the Philippines. Thousands of troops died because of the brutality of their captors, who starved and beat the marchers, and bayoneted those too weak to walk. Survivors were taken by rail from San Fernando to prisoner-of-war camps, where thousands more died from disease, mistreatment and starvation.
My father was a strong man but he would tear up and turn away when this horrific part of war in the Pacific theater was ever brought up.
Your hyperbole and hatred is so vitriolic, so venomous it is reprehensible.
Maureen,
The hammer and sickle (☭) or sickle and hammer (Russian: Серп и молот) is a Communist symbol that was conceived during the Russian Revolution.
Senator Sanders is a Democratic socialist.
And comparing the Hillary Clinton campaign to the Bataan Death March?
My father was a WWII vet who fought for the US Army in the Philippines. Thousands of troops died because of the brutality of their captors, who starved and beat the marchers, and bayoneted those too weak to walk. Survivors were taken by rail from San Fernando to prisoner-of-war camps, where thousands more died from disease, mistreatment and starvation.
My father was a strong man but he would tear up and turn away when this horrific part of war in the Pacific theater was ever brought up.
Your hyperbole and hatred is so vitriolic, so venomous it is reprehensible.
13
And Hitler was a National Socialist, Stalin was a Soviet Socialist, etc. the fact is that Crazy Bernie is a committed Communist who even honeymooned in Soviet Russia in the early 1980s
Hillary Clinton is exactly equally despised as Donald Trump by voters. It remains unclear why Hillary does not to support the Democratic Party and the country by resigning.
2
I am afraid of the two guys in the race...two sides of the same coin. Belligerant male entitlement on full display. I'm with Hillary.
13
Ms. Dowd has encapsulated this strangest presidential race and primary season in memory. So well has she felt the spirit of this race, that it raises hope that the longer it can be protracted, the greater the possibility that unexpected events might play a surprise role. Like many other new Democrats and Bernie loyalists in Utah, we strongly urge our brothers and sisters in California and Jersey to keep the faith, don't be dissuaded, and continue to rally. A little earnest protest in Nevada won't topple the system, but will help attract attention. Perseverance, diligence, selflessness. Perhaps the delegates at the convention will have the nerve and the imagination to change some rules, ruffle some feathers, gain the media spotlight, and clog the cogs of the party machine. Can't super delegates be sidelined within the convention apparatus?
2
When is the NYT going to hire a black woman columnist?
That is the thought that struck me as I read Ms. Dowd's 1,937,739th anti-Hillary screed, because whomever she writes for or speaks to, it certainly can't be the overwhelming percentage of African-American women who support Hillary, not that the NYT columnists are here to represent any group much less all demographics, but there is a calculus nonetheless that its columnists reflect its readership in some way, and it is obvious in 2016 the the NYT does not think reflecting black woman readership is particularly important, in an era when even SNL has hired 2 black women cast members whose sensibilities diverge so much that it is all the more striking the NYT does not even have one, such that at this point, I'd be happy to read even a black Maureen Dowd.
That is the thought that struck me as I read Ms. Dowd's 1,937,739th anti-Hillary screed, because whomever she writes for or speaks to, it certainly can't be the overwhelming percentage of African-American women who support Hillary, not that the NYT columnists are here to represent any group much less all demographics, but there is a calculus nonetheless that its columnists reflect its readership in some way, and it is obvious in 2016 the the NYT does not think reflecting black woman readership is particularly important, in an era when even SNL has hired 2 black women cast members whose sensibilities diverge so much that it is all the more striking the NYT does not even have one, such that at this point, I'd be happy to read even a black Maureen Dowd.
8
Bernie. Hillary. Donald. The three stooges. It's possible I'll vote for the candidate who I expect will put on the best White House television show. Lights, Camera, Action. We see: Bernie walking well-worn circles around the Oval Office, hands behind his back, head down. What is he thinking? We see: Hillary sitting behind her desk in the Oval Office, glasses digging into her nostrils, staring down at a stack of intelligence reports. What is she thinking? We see: Donald sitting on the couch in the Oval Office, talking on two cell phones at the same time. What is he thinking?
1
Years back when I listened to "lunch with Bernie" every Thursday on progressive talk radio, I thought he was good guy with good ideas. Now, more and more, I think he's an uncompromising zealot, with a nasty streak. I don't see him uniting the party or the country. HIs sneering rhetoric about punishing the billionaires reminds me a lot of Trump's rants about immigrants. I am tired of these men building their campaigns by attacking others and promising a world they can't deliver. If those will be my choices this fall, I'm staying home.
6
Take any of Crazy Bernie's speeches and every time he says "billionaires, "1%", "banksters", etc, substitute the word "Jews". Now tell me who he sounds like
2
Although I never heard Sanders' radio program - he was a near-complete nonentity to me until he launched this vanity run - I initially thought perhaps his run would be salutary to the party. My preferred candidate was Martin O'Malley (and I may yet write in his name in our June primary, and/or in November).
Now, though, I think the simultaneous rise of the Sanders and Trump movements - and they are two sides of the same counterfeit coin - is the most frightening thing to happen to American politics in my lifetime - and at age 61, I've seen a lot of frightening things.
I've read quite a bit of political economy, including Henry George, Shaw and the Fabians, et al. There are coherent socialist philosophers. Sanders isn't one of them. His 'policies' don't hang together logically and his followers, like Trump's, have great enthusiasm but not enough logic to see through him.
Plato said democracy inevitably deteriorates into chaos, followed by the rise of a dictator who will then restore order. Elsewhere in this paper today, a Venezuelan columnist describes how Pres Chaves's brand of 'socialism', after a few oil-fed soak-the-rich boom years, has deteriorated into just such squalid chaos and is on the road to selecting its autocrat. I wonder how long a Pres Sanders would take to make us into Venezuela, just as Pres Trump would make us into China or possibly North Korea.
Now, though, I think the simultaneous rise of the Sanders and Trump movements - and they are two sides of the same counterfeit coin - is the most frightening thing to happen to American politics in my lifetime - and at age 61, I've seen a lot of frightening things.
I've read quite a bit of political economy, including Henry George, Shaw and the Fabians, et al. There are coherent socialist philosophers. Sanders isn't one of them. His 'policies' don't hang together logically and his followers, like Trump's, have great enthusiasm but not enough logic to see through him.
Plato said democracy inevitably deteriorates into chaos, followed by the rise of a dictator who will then restore order. Elsewhere in this paper today, a Venezuelan columnist describes how Pres Chaves's brand of 'socialism', after a few oil-fed soak-the-rich boom years, has deteriorated into just such squalid chaos and is on the road to selecting its autocrat. I wonder how long a Pres Sanders would take to make us into Venezuela, just as Pres Trump would make us into China or possibly North Korea.
2
The battle between Sanders and Clinton seems to me to be over real issues of both style and substance and it has been a legitimate battle. Clinton would do better to concede that Sanders supporters feel passionate and recognize that the fight will go through the California primary. I submit that it is good for the party that we have two legitimate candidates, just as it was in 2008.
I'm a Clinton supporter (though I do wish Elizabeth Warren had thrown her hat in the ring) but it bothers me to see this petulant refusal to accept that the campaign isn't over until we've all had a chance to vote. Recognizing that there are important issues that she hasn't yet successfully addressed would go much further in unifying the party and convincing Sanders to support her than trying to suppress his support by saying that the campaign is already over. I think that acknowledging that she hasn't paid enough attention to questions of economic and social justice and that she will offer to meet with Sanders if she wins a majority of delegates after the California to discuss a jointly agreed platform might have more power for bringing unity even if it doesn't bring her any primary votes.
I'm a Clinton supporter (though I do wish Elizabeth Warren had thrown her hat in the ring) but it bothers me to see this petulant refusal to accept that the campaign isn't over until we've all had a chance to vote. Recognizing that there are important issues that she hasn't yet successfully addressed would go much further in unifying the party and convincing Sanders to support her than trying to suppress his support by saying that the campaign is already over. I think that acknowledging that she hasn't paid enough attention to questions of economic and social justice and that she will offer to meet with Sanders if she wins a majority of delegates after the California to discuss a jointly agreed platform might have more power for bringing unity even if it doesn't bring her any primary votes.
92
> but it bothers me to see this petulant refusal to accept that the campaign isn't over until we've all had a chance to vote
So, did it bother you when, as stated in the article, Clinton, didn't concede until AFTER all of the primaries and caucuses had completed, even though she was behind and was clearly not going to be the nominee?
So, did it bother you when, as stated in the article, Clinton, didn't concede until AFTER all of the primaries and caucuses had completed, even though she was behind and was clearly not going to be the nominee?
1
Maureen, your dislike for Hillary clouds your judgement. Hillary will have a winning combination of delegates with New Jersey, which I regret, because I would like California to put her over the top. She is the only candidate running who is qualified and skilled enough to run this country.
Bernie's supporters who have cursed out Barbara Boxer and shouted insults at Delores Huerta have more energy than thought process. For a half a year they have been saying how inaccurate polls are and now they can't speak a sentence without spitting out the argument that "He beats Trump by more than Hillary." The more experienced voters, including the super delegates, know that no one has really laid a glove on Bernie. The Republicans would never be so kind as Hillary has been, his past would emerge and the polls would change.
What Hillary offers this country is the most experienced leader we have had entering the oval office. Her lifetime commitment to helping children, the poor and women, along with the working families of our nation is a clear indication of where she would go as President. She brought universal health care back to the national stage as soon as she arrived in Washington. Bernie had been there over a decade and had no health care initiative at all. Of course, Hillary Care, failed, but she got up, dusted her self off and we got the Children's Health Insurance Program....and eventually Obama care. Hillary is a great leader with vision, skill and experience.
Bernie's supporters who have cursed out Barbara Boxer and shouted insults at Delores Huerta have more energy than thought process. For a half a year they have been saying how inaccurate polls are and now they can't speak a sentence without spitting out the argument that "He beats Trump by more than Hillary." The more experienced voters, including the super delegates, know that no one has really laid a glove on Bernie. The Republicans would never be so kind as Hillary has been, his past would emerge and the polls would change.
What Hillary offers this country is the most experienced leader we have had entering the oval office. Her lifetime commitment to helping children, the poor and women, along with the working families of our nation is a clear indication of where she would go as President. She brought universal health care back to the national stage as soon as she arrived in Washington. Bernie had been there over a decade and had no health care initiative at all. Of course, Hillary Care, failed, but she got up, dusted her self off and we got the Children's Health Insurance Program....and eventually Obama care. Hillary is a great leader with vision, skill and experience.
10
I am a late comer to the Bernie side. I just assumed my Hillary vote was a done deal. The Bernie effect made me take a closer look at Hillary and Bill's record. The Goldman connection, the Clinton Foundation, Iraq and Libya not to mention her super pac all have me uncomfortable. She defends everything with arrogance rather than explains or apologizes. Bernie has forced the media to shine some light on the issues. I would never have known nor cared about the inconsistencies without his campaign. She has begun to move on some issues including healthcare and minimum wage. I will be voting for Bernie in the upcoming NJ primary. I am by no means a radical but when and if I must vote for Hillary in the general I will thank Bernie for making her a candidate I can endorse. By the way NYT I did not think you did a very good job on covering the campaign issues. Sorry Paul Krugman you have lost me as a fan. I have gone to alternate media including BillMoyers.com (great essays though they stopped in January), Democracy Now, Huffington Post and the Intercept for more in depth understanding - another Bernie effect.
8
Bill Moyers is a good place to go! Wish hes come back to Sunday television.
In case you missed it this is Maureen Dowd's column, not Paul Krugman. Like Bill Moyers? Nice fellow from Texas who was LBJ's mouthpiece during the Vietnam War. He and his wife (a senior producer) made millions off PBS but hid under the desk when Republicans attacked it during the first cultural war. A fair weather liberal who strikes a heroic pose but not about to risk his multi-million dollar paychecks from public television. Controls some big foundation now but mainly gives money to his own projects. Been part of the 1 percent for a long, long time.
My theme continues to be that by keeping Bernie around making wild eyed speeches is going a long way to giving us Trump as president. Hillary is being beaten up badly and is looking quite tired these days. How many of true Bernie supporters will inconvenience themselves very much to vote for Hillary in November?
Trump is loving it. Polls (We can believe them, can't we?) show that PA, FL, and OH are now virtually toss ups. Dems, wake up! Throw him a bone! Anything to get him to shut up.
Trump is loving it. Polls (We can believe them, can't we?) show that PA, FL, and OH are now virtually toss ups. Dems, wake up! Throw him a bone! Anything to get him to shut up.
1
The under-reported fact of the primary campaign is that Bernie has spent a lot on advertising. His MO has been to fire up the ads a few weeks before a given state's primary/caucus. By the way, his ads are pretty good, too, at least for a couple of weeks. Contrary to the CW from the other side, they move the polls. It's happened in state after state. And why not? Bernie doesn't have anything to spend it on after June 7, anyway. Meanwhile, Clinton is saving up for the general election.
3
You can be involved with the "foundation", make many millions from
"speeches",and have your personal server/emails while SofState or you
can be a viable candidate for the Presidencey;but, you can not do
both.
"speeches",and have your personal server/emails while SofState or you
can be a viable candidate for the Presidencey;but, you can not do
both.
2
Do we have to have Bill again? I didn't like the results the first time. NAFTA, Welfare 'Reform' etc are just a few of the things. He also gave us a couple of financial 'modernization' bills that were at the root of the financial crisis. Help! Bernie at least asks the right questions like " if we can support the world's largest military budget why can't we make college affordable for the average person?" Indeed. Or why are we not making health care affordable, not the insurance, the care itself. The insurance would be affordable of the healthcare was as the premiums reflect the cost of the payouts. On and on. This is a terrible year.
1
Ms. Dowd continues down her path of irrational hate for Mrs Clinton and her husband with a snark and a giggle and thinking she us cure when in fact she reveals her own shortcomings and insecurities. The use of the Bataan Death March is not only inappropriate but does a grave disservice to those who suffered thought it. She should be ashamed of herself.
9
I'm most afraid of the lies, corruption, and deception that follows Hillary Clinton everywhere she goes. NOTHING done by anyone else could be nearly as bad for this country as her failure of leadership. Contrary to what she likes to portray, she is interested in only one thing: power... and the amenities it provides her.
5
Dear Ms. Dowd,
Your criterion in the voter's question, "So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?" may be the right one for some or even many voters.
Had the media sensed voters’ mood in this election, it would have recognized that another possible criterion is, "So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: Whom do you disrespect the most?"
When no one in the roster of available candidates commands respect, voters may then just vote for the one whom they disrespect or despise the least. They may also decide not to vote.
Your criterion in the voter's question, "So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?" may be the right one for some or even many voters.
Had the media sensed voters’ mood in this election, it would have recognized that another possible criterion is, "So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: Whom do you disrespect the most?"
When no one in the roster of available candidates commands respect, voters may then just vote for the one whom they disrespect or despise the least. They may also decide not to vote.
1
several thoughts:
-- polls: these are conducted via landline. which means the universe of potential poll respondents is skewed.
-- early polls: living & dying with today's poll results is like looking ahead to the 2017 NFL draft now. who knows what will happen from now until November?
-- Bernie: he showed his true colors. he's a hunk o' burning hubris. congress would mop the floor with him. he ain't no LBJ, that's for sure.
-- Parties: are parties even relevant anymore? I mean, we have two party "brands" and candidates who opt in according to convenience, not ideology.
-- Process: note to bernie and to his supporters -- there are rules pertaining to primaries in place. they've been in place for many years. these are not surprises. this is the system. don't pretend to be appalled because your ground forces failed to navigate the system in a nimble, professional fashion.
-- dowd: if hillary wins, and i hope she does, maureen dowd will not see the inside of the white house for at least the next 4 years. and i will shed not a single tear.
-- polls: these are conducted via landline. which means the universe of potential poll respondents is skewed.
-- early polls: living & dying with today's poll results is like looking ahead to the 2017 NFL draft now. who knows what will happen from now until November?
-- Bernie: he showed his true colors. he's a hunk o' burning hubris. congress would mop the floor with him. he ain't no LBJ, that's for sure.
-- Parties: are parties even relevant anymore? I mean, we have two party "brands" and candidates who opt in according to convenience, not ideology.
-- Process: note to bernie and to his supporters -- there are rules pertaining to primaries in place. they've been in place for many years. these are not surprises. this is the system. don't pretend to be appalled because your ground forces failed to navigate the system in a nimble, professional fashion.
-- dowd: if hillary wins, and i hope she does, maureen dowd will not see the inside of the white house for at least the next 4 years. and i will shed not a single tear.
6
"Bataan Death March", "Hammering her with a sickle" - good grief, Maureen. You didn't take a long enough sabbatical. Bernie will run his course by June, return to the senate and continue to fight for social justice like he always has. He will be a vocal antagonist of Trump and his 1% clown car that throws little paper-wrapped candies to the masses. Hillary stands for bringing, yes, a woman's perspective to the presidency and, although she won't rattle Wall Street like Bernie would have, Hillary will make sure that the working poor and the struggling middle class will have her ear and a seat at the table. So please stop with your blatant biases and start going after the dude in the towers whose phone calls you pine for.
7
Another anti-Hillary column by Maureen Dowd, who, like many American males, can't stand seeing a woman in power.
4
Maureen Dowd persists in writing through her gut instead of her head. Hillary might be woefully inadequate, and Trump a disaster, but when you get past their weaknesses and begin loking at their positions, the snarkiness becomes juvenile.
Take the examples of gun control and abortion. Trump wants to get rid of gun-free zones and apparently has no problem pandering to the fanatics who run the NRA. Hillary -- virtually alone of major party candidates -- wants to begin ending the hegemony of the national gun culture. On abortion, Trump will go along with the most extreme restrictions the Republican "leaders" can dream up. nd he goes a step further, asserting that women who have abortions be charged with a crime. Hillary is pro-choice and defends Roe v. Wade.
These are serious, defining issues, and the choice couldn't be clearer to thinking adults. Perhaps it's time for Maureen to control her antipathy towards Clinton(s) and write like an adult for adults.
Take the examples of gun control and abortion. Trump wants to get rid of gun-free zones and apparently has no problem pandering to the fanatics who run the NRA. Hillary -- virtually alone of major party candidates -- wants to begin ending the hegemony of the national gun culture. On abortion, Trump will go along with the most extreme restrictions the Republican "leaders" can dream up. nd he goes a step further, asserting that women who have abortions be charged with a crime. Hillary is pro-choice and defends Roe v. Wade.
These are serious, defining issues, and the choice couldn't be clearer to thinking adults. Perhaps it's time for Maureen to control her antipathy towards Clinton(s) and write like an adult for adults.
8
Yet another column by Maureen that further cements her as the bitter, spiteful voice of the NYT. Nothing good to be said about anyone.
5
Bitter and spiteful. It's what she's paid to do. Great gig, if you can get it.
2
Some thoughts here...
I keep seeing readers state Clinton has more votes, there's no fix by the DNC, etc. Clinton has more registered Democratic votes in the primary, but Independents have been shut out of closed primaries, and some Dem voters in certain states found themselves de-registered on voting day. Caucus votes are not included. So the DNC and these commenters have decided that although these disenfranchised primary voters didn't get to be part of the selection, they MUST vote for the candidate they would not have chosen in the general election.
I often see Clinton supporters prefacing their comments with "Clinton has her flaws, but..." Right, but we don't consider these just flaws but serious character and policy defects. I didn't want Clinton in 2008 and even less now, given her decision to route government emails to her own secret server (and well as tamper with the emails before turning over that server to the FBI), plus her enormous intake of money from speeches (what's worth $250,000 an hour, really ?) to industries that she would be making decisions on regulations, and her wrongheaded approach to Libya.
The "chair throwing and violence" has been debunked, and there is video showing so. Nothing was thrown, nobody was arrested, and Boxer was blowing sarcastic kisses while leaving as she "feared for her safety".
Lastly, Gore lost in 2000 because of his association with the sleaze of the Clinton admin...not because of Nader.
I keep seeing readers state Clinton has more votes, there's no fix by the DNC, etc. Clinton has more registered Democratic votes in the primary, but Independents have been shut out of closed primaries, and some Dem voters in certain states found themselves de-registered on voting day. Caucus votes are not included. So the DNC and these commenters have decided that although these disenfranchised primary voters didn't get to be part of the selection, they MUST vote for the candidate they would not have chosen in the general election.
I often see Clinton supporters prefacing their comments with "Clinton has her flaws, but..." Right, but we don't consider these just flaws but serious character and policy defects. I didn't want Clinton in 2008 and even less now, given her decision to route government emails to her own secret server (and well as tamper with the emails before turning over that server to the FBI), plus her enormous intake of money from speeches (what's worth $250,000 an hour, really ?) to industries that she would be making decisions on regulations, and her wrongheaded approach to Libya.
The "chair throwing and violence" has been debunked, and there is video showing so. Nothing was thrown, nobody was arrested, and Boxer was blowing sarcastic kisses while leaving as she "feared for her safety".
Lastly, Gore lost in 2000 because of his association with the sleaze of the Clinton admin...not because of Nader.
6
Gore lost because he could not carry the state of Tennessee.
His home state which he and his family owned politically.
Guns did him in not Bill Clinton.
If anything if had shown some "challions" instead of running away
from Bubba he would have carried that state and the rest sadly
Is history.
His home state which he and his family owned politically.
Guns did him in not Bill Clinton.
If anything if had shown some "challions" instead of running away
from Bubba he would have carried that state and the rest sadly
Is history.
2
"Bataan Death March". Good one. The bayonet fixed at Hillary's neck while they trudge towards their doom has a name. That name is Bill.
Hillary is absolutely electable. Billary is a stone cold corpse. Until the Big Dog figures out he needs to vanish- immediately, if not sooner- watching him sink her candidacy is like watching one of the old horror movies where the audience sees the monster coming but the actors can't. All the sludge and slime being throw at her about his, uh, "relations" with other women is sticking to her campaign like glue (actually, not precisely glue) instead of being old news, easily ignored. Her insistence on not only featuring him prominently in her campaign but including him in the her plans in the highest levels of government is a lethal political miscalculation that only reinforces (serious) questions about her judgement.
The biggest rap against her is that she's tone deaf. If she doesn't feel, see and hear this train coming down the tracks at her, she'll be spending this Christmas as a private citizen.
Hillary is absolutely electable. Billary is a stone cold corpse. Until the Big Dog figures out he needs to vanish- immediately, if not sooner- watching him sink her candidacy is like watching one of the old horror movies where the audience sees the monster coming but the actors can't. All the sludge and slime being throw at her about his, uh, "relations" with other women is sticking to her campaign like glue (actually, not precisely glue) instead of being old news, easily ignored. Her insistence on not only featuring him prominently in her campaign but including him in the her plans in the highest levels of government is a lethal political miscalculation that only reinforces (serious) questions about her judgement.
The biggest rap against her is that she's tone deaf. If she doesn't feel, see and hear this train coming down the tracks at her, she'll be spending this Christmas as a private citizen.
4
She is tone deaf. Leave Bill at home with the sitter. He's not running, although he acts like he is. Ugh.
Clinton has been preparing for this presidential run for almost a decade and still she's on the back foot. I guess assumptions are the mother of all mistakes. I can't believe Democrats are going with the only possible candidate with a credible chance of losing to Donald Trump.
Seriously, you could have run the volleyball Wilson and you'd have a walk-in this November. Instead, Democrats convinced themselves Clinton was a safe and competitive bet. Total face-palm.
Seriously, you could have run the volleyball Wilson and you'd have a walk-in this November. Instead, Democrats convinced themselves Clinton was a safe and competitive bet. Total face-palm.
5
The notion that Hillary "can't put Bernie away", and that she deserves to be criticized for that is preposterous.
A committed and passionate constituency that believes its own message is as urgent as the Bernie movement's is--they aren't going away until every vote is counted. They still have a shot--just win 80% of Cali and NJ. Why should they quit believing?
Why does Hillary deserve criticism for the impossibility of out-inspiring the already inspired?
That's just not an option. Her tone-deaf and ham-handed attacks (he's a hypocrite on guns, he wants to end Onama-care) are as little likely to "put Bernie away" as are his foolish sniping at Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, supporting her primary opponent and insinuations of party-rule conspiracies.
His tepid response to the attacks on Barbara Boxer and his foolish refusal to call on his supporters to be absolutely civil, and denounce those who are not by saying he doesn't want their vote is a lost opportunity. By asking his supporters to shame the rowdies and rude with cell phone videos he could kill media-driven narrative of equivalent angry nuts on the "right" and "left". Maybe a very public apology/make-out session with Barbara Boxer could have gained him some more votes in California.
Because my question is, if he's so awesome and different, and Hillary is so hated among Dems--why hasn't he put her away?
A committed and passionate constituency that believes its own message is as urgent as the Bernie movement's is--they aren't going away until every vote is counted. They still have a shot--just win 80% of Cali and NJ. Why should they quit believing?
Why does Hillary deserve criticism for the impossibility of out-inspiring the already inspired?
That's just not an option. Her tone-deaf and ham-handed attacks (he's a hypocrite on guns, he wants to end Onama-care) are as little likely to "put Bernie away" as are his foolish sniping at Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, supporting her primary opponent and insinuations of party-rule conspiracies.
His tepid response to the attacks on Barbara Boxer and his foolish refusal to call on his supporters to be absolutely civil, and denounce those who are not by saying he doesn't want their vote is a lost opportunity. By asking his supporters to shame the rowdies and rude with cell phone videos he could kill media-driven narrative of equivalent angry nuts on the "right" and "left". Maybe a very public apology/make-out session with Barbara Boxer could have gained him some more votes in California.
Because my question is, if he's so awesome and different, and Hillary is so hated among Dems--why hasn't he put her away?
6
For a columnist that likes to be at the forefront of the news reporting about trends and having the inside track, you Ms. Dowd are totally blowing the real scoop in this election. Your Clinton hatred is blinding you to the fact that the nation is about to elect it's first female President and yes, enthusiastically. I have never seen a more competent and prepared candidate than Mrs. Clinton.
It is unworthy of you to talk about coronations and queens when we see she has bested a populist opponent with more than 3 million votes. Yet predictably, you harp on this worn out narrative. Time to give it a rest. Look around Maureen, the nation is ready. Hillary will not have it easy in the GE trying to vanquish the old sexist tropes surely poised to be tossed her way. The change has come with the population not swayed by that rhetoric any longer. You may decide to open your eyes at some point to see that that this is occurring. You may then decide to retire your old worn out Hillary meme's at that time as well.
It is unworthy of you to talk about coronations and queens when we see she has bested a populist opponent with more than 3 million votes. Yet predictably, you harp on this worn out narrative. Time to give it a rest. Look around Maureen, the nation is ready. Hillary will not have it easy in the GE trying to vanquish the old sexist tropes surely poised to be tossed her way. The change has come with the population not swayed by that rhetoric any longer. You may decide to open your eyes at some point to see that that this is occurring. You may then decide to retire your old worn out Hillary meme's at that time as well.
5
Can we get one thing straight?
What does Hillary mean we're getting a twofer and Bill will be in charge of the economy?
Is Hillary Clinton the candidate or is Bill Clinton just getting a 3rd term?
Has Bill Clinton forever been managing the career and campaign of the "I'm not a natural politician" Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Never mind all those women, they don't mean anything to me! Stick with me and I'll make you Queen of America! I'll get you anointed a New York State Senator. Okay, we didn't quite make it in 2008, but we'll campaign our butts off for Obama and he'll appoint you Secretary of State, so that they can acclaim you the most qualified candidate in 2016. We'll get Barbara Boxer to remove all potential women Senator competitors with a secret letter in 2013. The minorities will support you because they supported me; as long as you tell them that Obama trusted you to be SOS but he won't endorse you. We'll get you and me on the speakers circuit and run the Clinton Foundation and become multi-millionaires and be tight with all the right people, corporate elite, and international powerbrokers.
Just you and me, babe!
Bill Clinton is back in town!
Okay, maybe I got carried away, but really, is Hillary campaigning to be the first woman President or is it Billary Clinton, the first married couple President?
Can she lead on her own without relying upon Bill like George W Bush relied upon Cheney?
Can we just get this one thing straight now before it's too late?
What does Hillary mean we're getting a twofer and Bill will be in charge of the economy?
Is Hillary Clinton the candidate or is Bill Clinton just getting a 3rd term?
Has Bill Clinton forever been managing the career and campaign of the "I'm not a natural politician" Hillary Rodham Clinton?
Never mind all those women, they don't mean anything to me! Stick with me and I'll make you Queen of America! I'll get you anointed a New York State Senator. Okay, we didn't quite make it in 2008, but we'll campaign our butts off for Obama and he'll appoint you Secretary of State, so that they can acclaim you the most qualified candidate in 2016. We'll get Barbara Boxer to remove all potential women Senator competitors with a secret letter in 2013. The minorities will support you because they supported me; as long as you tell them that Obama trusted you to be SOS but he won't endorse you. We'll get you and me on the speakers circuit and run the Clinton Foundation and become multi-millionaires and be tight with all the right people, corporate elite, and international powerbrokers.
Just you and me, babe!
Bill Clinton is back in town!
Okay, maybe I got carried away, but really, is Hillary campaigning to be the first woman President or is it Billary Clinton, the first married couple President?
Can she lead on her own without relying upon Bill like George W Bush relied upon Cheney?
Can we just get this one thing straight now before it's too late?
3
Reading this thread you would not know that Hillary is 3 million votes ahead of Bernie.
Here lead is absolutely crushing.
Ok - you can go back to pretending that the race is close now....
Here lead is absolutely crushing.
Ok - you can go back to pretending that the race is close now....
7
Who we elect is who we deserve.
All of them....
1
Trump Presidency is a nightmare and Bernie Sanders is becoming a nightmare that refuses to go away will help Trump to grant his wishes.
Both these men needs to go away.
Time for Hillary no matter how much MoDo feels threatened by her presence.
Both these men needs to go away.
Time for Hillary no matter how much MoDo feels threatened by her presence.
8
What am I most afraid of? Someone who has no idea of how government works nationally or internationally being in charge of whether or not we go to war and being Commander in Chief.
8
"Asserting her dominance?"
No. Simply stating the obvious: she will be the nominee.
The rest is your own projection.
No. Simply stating the obvious: she will be the nominee.
The rest is your own projection.
7
Dowd's expertise is self-loathing snark. Her political prognostications are as good as Sarah Palin's. If she says it's sunny out, bring your umbrella.
In 2004 Kerry sealed the nomination months before the July convention. Dean and Wesley Clark withdrew when it was clear Kerry won. John Edwards refused and forced Kerry to campaign until July. Bush/Cheney secured renomination in March. The GOP swiftboat attack on Kerry began immediately and built traction for 4 months.
Bush won with the smallest margin ever for an incumbent because the 4 extra months of swiftboat smears eroded Kerry's higher poll numbers over Bush.
Sanders' lunatic ego trip gives Trump an extra 6+ weeks to solidify GOP support, raise funds, and kick start his smear campaign unopposed while Hillary continues against Sanders, who now displays a level of derangement as scary as Trump. He can't win.
With 3 million more votes, Hillary has the support of all 17 declared governors, every Democratic Senator except Sanders and Merkley, 177 House Reps and 268 DNC members, a total of 506 to 42. 166 DNC members have to vote for the candidate with most delegates -- Hillary. Congressional super-delegates -- senators and reps who know and worked with Sanders -- don't support him. And why would any of the 400+ DNC members with free votes support a carpetbagger who's never been a Democrat? 268 are already pledged to Hillary.
Hillary will beat Trump. Sanders just makes it harder. In every sense, he's lost it.
In 2004 Kerry sealed the nomination months before the July convention. Dean and Wesley Clark withdrew when it was clear Kerry won. John Edwards refused and forced Kerry to campaign until July. Bush/Cheney secured renomination in March. The GOP swiftboat attack on Kerry began immediately and built traction for 4 months.
Bush won with the smallest margin ever for an incumbent because the 4 extra months of swiftboat smears eroded Kerry's higher poll numbers over Bush.
Sanders' lunatic ego trip gives Trump an extra 6+ weeks to solidify GOP support, raise funds, and kick start his smear campaign unopposed while Hillary continues against Sanders, who now displays a level of derangement as scary as Trump. He can't win.
With 3 million more votes, Hillary has the support of all 17 declared governors, every Democratic Senator except Sanders and Merkley, 177 House Reps and 268 DNC members, a total of 506 to 42. 166 DNC members have to vote for the candidate with most delegates -- Hillary. Congressional super-delegates -- senators and reps who know and worked with Sanders -- don't support him. And why would any of the 400+ DNC members with free votes support a carpetbagger who's never been a Democrat? 268 are already pledged to Hillary.
Hillary will beat Trump. Sanders just makes it harder. In every sense, he's lost it.
8
I was a Bernie supporter but I think he has gotten the "power" fever.
I might just sit this one out and let the angry people make an angry decision.
Good luck America.
I might just sit this one out and let the angry people make an angry decision.
Good luck America.
1
5:12 a.m. Pacific Standard Time
An important fact ignored in this story is typical of coverage of the Sanders campaign.
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing, sexist name-calling and feral threats — at the Nevada state party convention last weekend was denounced as “a scary situation” by his Senate colleague Barbara Boxer.....
Boxer had to call Sanders several times before he called back. She and other Democratic Senate women are fed up with his crusade, feeling enough is enough."
Barbara Boxer has been featured prominently in the Times in its anti-Sanders crusade.
However, I wonder how many Times readers know that Hillary Clinton's brother, Tony, was married to Boxer's daughter Nicole and is the father of her grandchild Zachary.
Is the fact Boxer is --in effect-- related to Clinton by marriage not relevant in her stance vis-a-vis Sanders? Is it not worthy of mention in these reports?
An important fact ignored in this story is typical of coverage of the Sanders campaign.
"The Bernie bro violence — chair throwing, sexist name-calling and feral threats — at the Nevada state party convention last weekend was denounced as “a scary situation” by his Senate colleague Barbara Boxer.....
Boxer had to call Sanders several times before he called back. She and other Democratic Senate women are fed up with his crusade, feeling enough is enough."
Barbara Boxer has been featured prominently in the Times in its anti-Sanders crusade.
However, I wonder how many Times readers know that Hillary Clinton's brother, Tony, was married to Boxer's daughter Nicole and is the father of her grandchild Zachary.
Is the fact Boxer is --in effect-- related to Clinton by marriage not relevant in her stance vis-a-vis Sanders? Is it not worthy of mention in these reports?
6
What am I afraid of Miss Dowd? Yellow journalists like yourself. I took an on line test to see which candidates supported the views that are most important to me. Both Sanders and Clinton got 93%. They obviously agree on a zillion things that we need to move our country forward. And enough of the Hillary bashing, Maureen. You must be smart enough to be able to write about something else.
8
Trump reminds me of Eddie Haskell. "You look very lovely today, Mr. and Mrs. American Voter. Heh, heh, heh."
3
I have followed the Times' coverage of Ms. Clinton for months, and most of the comments have overwhelmingly been pro Mr. Sanders ... until Ms. Clinton's Super-PAC recently spent $1 million hiring "Correct the Record" workers to insert positive comments online about Ms. Clinton while negating what Mr. Sanders' supporters had to say. Now I'm seeing lots of pro-Clinton comments. It looks like that money was well spent. Who says money can't buy you love?
5
What I'm most afraid of is the continued force-feeding press coverage of Donald Trump, whether it is "opinion" such as Ms. Dowd or opinion in supposed hard news sources.
Donald Trump reportedly got 70% of the press coverage available in the Republican primary, for which he paid nothing. Unhappily, we no longer have a fairness doctrine to make the press do the right thing.
Can't we please return to the days of real news?
Donald Trump reportedly got 70% of the press coverage available in the Republican primary, for which he paid nothing. Unhappily, we no longer have a fairness doctrine to make the press do the right thing.
Can't we please return to the days of real news?
8
A very balanced expose of issues which fill the mind but get little articulation. Secretary Clinton's continued Silence in the face of Senator Sanders' challenge to her leadership - in a primary contest for leadership ! - does raise questions of her own Attitude to Face challenges. Would President Clinton similarly refuse to face up to China & allow the South China Seas to fall under Chinese territory ? Would President Clinton refuse to engage Russia & allow Ukraine to merge into Russia ? Secretary Clinton Must Address the Leadership Question in the minds of the American people Now. Secretary Clinton's cold arithmetic calculations do Nothing to win the hearts & minds of Democrats & Americans as their future POTUS. Secretary Clinton must Fire Up the Democratic Base to demolish Senator Sanders in the remaining primaries. If Secretary Clinton cannot Best a Hollow Imposter like Senator Sanders, how will she Lead the World as POTUS ??
it is called a comprehensive political crisis in America Maureen, and there is no telling what comes out on the other end. Fasten your seat belts and please dispense with this quintessentially American assumption that somehow it will all work out in the end. It may actually be different this time.
1
what do i fear?
in addition to the $2.5 billion-plus that will be spent throwing manure at all of us,
is another tragic Republican majority in the 115th Congress,
and in particular in the Senate.
the 45th POTUS,
no matter whom,
is odds-on to be a one-term occupant.
Congress is clearly where the continuing quagmire is located.
however,
the still greater fear,
is that our citizens will not vote - - -
and then blame the ones who do for all of their troubles.
Ms. Dowd,
you should dedicate the remaining 24-weeks of your weekly soapbox
to a higher calling:
by repeatedly urging everyone to get registered,
and then to go out and actually vote.
our constitutional-democratic-republic demands no less.
1
Thanks for another great piece from Maureen Dowd, whose politics and wit are enormously appreciated.
What am I most afraid of is another Andrew Jackson's 'trail of tears' and the deportation of millions symbolically across the Reo Grande River. I'm afraid of another Mussolini type rise to power and a manifold Constitutional crisis. One crisis is the pre-appointment or declaration of Federal Judges along conservative political standing instead of judicial integrity and acumen. Biologically, I afraid of illegalization of contraceptives and abortion and the birth of highly deformed infants without care.
2
“there are probably more ugly women in America than attractive women.” If Trump had said that the Times would splash the negative comment in a headline. Trump's much published comments on women are (mostly) from the past; residue from appearances on Howard Stern like shows - what does one expect when the first question Stern usually poses to women is "do you shave?" So Trump fed that audience.
Neither Trump or Clinton offer us anything in the "looks" department. Both are aged and appear middle aged only in comparison to Bernie. But all still have plenty of energy, nastiness, and a penjent for divisiveness: baby boomer traits nurtured in those glorious '60's. Unfortunately for the country the "big" donor money is resident in rich boomers. And so we get Donald and Hillary for the presidency. For the sake of the country wouldn't it be preferable for those '60's relics to just go away and allow the rest to move on?
Neither Trump or Clinton offer us anything in the "looks" department. Both are aged and appear middle aged only in comparison to Bernie. But all still have plenty of energy, nastiness, and a penjent for divisiveness: baby boomer traits nurtured in those glorious '60's. Unfortunately for the country the "big" donor money is resident in rich boomers. And so we get Donald and Hillary for the presidency. For the sake of the country wouldn't it be preferable for those '60's relics to just go away and allow the rest to move on?
Debbie Wassermann-Schultz is the devil incarnate...
Corrupt to the bone.
A cancer on the body politic.
Pray fact-check her to learn what poison she is!!
Corrupt to the bone.
A cancer on the body politic.
Pray fact-check her to learn what poison she is!!
8
Mr Obama got somehow misled by Debbie, perhaps she blackmailed him and his family to fall in step with her DNC? Sheesh Obama, we expected you to be wise, not blind.
As I trudge through the muck of this primary season with my Wellies on, one train of thought keeps gnawing at me - Why is Bernie running as a Democrat and what party bosses thought this was a good idea? He is a Socialist who happens to caucus with the Democrats for the most part. Bernie sort of reminds me of Eugene McCarthy [who I happened to support in my youth] - grandiose ideas attractive back in the day without a chance of becoming reality.
I would like a third option - none of the above - from both sides of the aisle with child-like do over ploy. Not only are their collective policies bordering on reckless, but from an age perspective, I wonder if any will actually see the end of their term. As answer to the Saturday crossword clue 4 down stated so appropriately - the presidency, notably - ager.
I would like a third option - none of the above - from both sides of the aisle with child-like do over ploy. Not only are their collective policies bordering on reckless, but from an age perspective, I wonder if any will actually see the end of their term. As answer to the Saturday crossword clue 4 down stated so appropriately - the presidency, notably - ager.
Staying at home is a vote for Trump.
And a lack of civic responsibility.
And it proves nothing nor achieves nothing .
So stay at home if you will but understand the rest of us
Will pay the price.
And a lack of civic responsibility.
And it proves nothing nor achieves nothing .
So stay at home if you will but understand the rest of us
Will pay the price.
3
What a surprise! Ms. Dowd's irrational hatred of the Clintons once again on full display. Mrs. Clinton got 3 million more votes than Sanders so far and yet, somehow, the narrative is she is the most disliked! Some of us can actually think for ourselves and come to our own conclusions based on facts and evidence, rather than the drivel spun by GOP for 25 years which is now also picked up by Sanders supporters.
2
What Hillary and the Dems should do is some serious analysis of why people are voting for Trump, and then offer them more effective solutions to those problems. Steal his voters away with radical new solutions instead of platitudes.
I think their issues are:
1. politicians don't tell me the truth
2. we are not winning a war we've been fighting for 15 years
3. executives get more money and I don't get my share
4. government workers don't get fired when they fail to do their job
5. entitlements shouldn't be free, they should be earned
I think their issues are:
1. politicians don't tell me the truth
2. we are not winning a war we've been fighting for 15 years
3. executives get more money and I don't get my share
4. government workers don't get fired when they fail to do their job
5. entitlements shouldn't be free, they should be earned
3
They are ignorant of the complex realities that exist within each of these items listed, as though issues were black-and-white 100% bumper-sticker matters. They aren't. And a dictator can't fix them with a hammer or even an army and nukes. And if one could, it wouldn't be Trump who would. Until these people are willing to listen, to learn, and to understand, instead of waving their arms and demanding more for themselves and less for others, there won't be a good outcome at all.
2
"It must be hard for Hillary to look at all the pictures of young women swooning over Bernie as though he were Bieber. She assumed that the fix was in, that she and the D.N.C. had arranged for the coronation . . . ."
And at the end of her Op-Ed, Maureen asks: "So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
I am most afraid that Maureen Dowd is the only person employed by the New York Times that will ever knowingly admit that Hillary Clinton "assumed that the fix was in, that she and the D.N.C. had arranged for the coronation . . . ."
On Feb. 26, the Editorial Board of the New York Times published "Mrs. Clinton, Release Those Transcripts," referring to the transcripts of the 51 speeches Mrs. Clinton made in 2014 and 2015 to Wall Street banks and other major corporations in exchange for $11 million added to her personal wealth. These corporations correctly anticipated that Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic Party's nominee for President in 2016. Hillary Clinton "stonewalled" the Editorial Board, who then conveniently went "stone cold" silent on this blatantly obvious "pay to play" issue of corruption politics (as Bernie Sanders correctly sees this issue).
Regarding the recent Nevada Democratic Party convention, Bernie Sanders contended that the fix was in with the appointment of Democratic National Committee member Roberta Lange as the dictatorial ruler of the convention. The New York Times did not do an analysis story.
And at the end of her Op-Ed, Maureen asks: "So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
I am most afraid that Maureen Dowd is the only person employed by the New York Times that will ever knowingly admit that Hillary Clinton "assumed that the fix was in, that she and the D.N.C. had arranged for the coronation . . . ."
On Feb. 26, the Editorial Board of the New York Times published "Mrs. Clinton, Release Those Transcripts," referring to the transcripts of the 51 speeches Mrs. Clinton made in 2014 and 2015 to Wall Street banks and other major corporations in exchange for $11 million added to her personal wealth. These corporations correctly anticipated that Hillary Clinton would be the Democratic Party's nominee for President in 2016. Hillary Clinton "stonewalled" the Editorial Board, who then conveniently went "stone cold" silent on this blatantly obvious "pay to play" issue of corruption politics (as Bernie Sanders correctly sees this issue).
Regarding the recent Nevada Democratic Party convention, Bernie Sanders contended that the fix was in with the appointment of Democratic National Committee member Roberta Lange as the dictatorial ruler of the convention. The New York Times did not do an analysis story.
5
I would not be surprised if Bernie's intention is to destroy the Democratic party in an ambitious effort to create the multi-party system he's always wanted. He seems to follow any narrative that feeds anger and suspicion of Hillary Clinton and her motivation for being president. Same for the structure of the Democratic party.
It is true that Hillary Clinton is not a natural politician and it is the accomplishments of her husband more than her own that brings her on the cusp of the Democratic nomination. Skillful public communication is pretty much a requirement of the office, after all.
The fact that the Dems failed to bring up new talent during the 8 years of the Obama presidency is the real failure of the party. Bernie's success is as much a testament of Hillary's lack of crowd appeal as his message.
Having said this, I firmly believe she would be a competent Commander in Chief. Bernie or Trump- not so much.
It is true that Hillary Clinton is not a natural politician and it is the accomplishments of her husband more than her own that brings her on the cusp of the Democratic nomination. Skillful public communication is pretty much a requirement of the office, after all.
The fact that the Dems failed to bring up new talent during the 8 years of the Obama presidency is the real failure of the party. Bernie's success is as much a testament of Hillary's lack of crowd appeal as his message.
Having said this, I firmly believe she would be a competent Commander in Chief. Bernie or Trump- not so much.
2
"Bernie's success is as much a testament of Hillary's lack of crowd appeal as his message."
Well, for once we know what an honest politician looks like and his message is about creating more income equality. People are broke, their futures grim…Bernie's message is everything, and why Clinton flip-flops towards it.
Well, for once we know what an honest politician looks like and his message is about creating more income equality. People are broke, their futures grim…Bernie's message is everything, and why Clinton flip-flops towards it.
4
I fear journalists. I fear journalists that place the profit surge that Trumps outlandish comments bring them over the well being of America and the World. Journalists know better but can't resist the profits and we the citizens may pay dearly with a fascist President for their abdication of duty.
5
What Maureen is not telling you is that there have been close contests before and it has not been because the ultimate winner was lifeless.
Thomas Jefferson won the presidency by one vote. I guess he had a little bit of life left in him after a very nasty run for the presidency.
Maureen helped make it ugly. She'll have a place in history and that's her place.
Thomas Jefferson won the presidency by one vote. I guess he had a little bit of life left in him after a very nasty run for the presidency.
Maureen helped make it ugly. She'll have a place in history and that's her place.
5
I'm afraid we have lost our mind. For starters, were there chairs actually thrown in Nevada? According to to Robin Williams of "Here and Now" the chairs were only "picked up" not thrown. Big difference but that wouldn't make good media frenzy. And the so called debates with the cheering and booing at one liners from the candidates. Media Frenzy. And Fox News calling Bernie a communist. Frenzy. Truth is as hard to come by in the Media as it is in Politics. Like Hillary promising to get all the Lead Paint out of all the homes in America at the debate in Michigan. Gee whiz how much would that cost? What I am really afraid of is that if Hillary is elected people will finally realize that she will be referred to as President Clinton.
3
Hedge Fund Hillary promises all the nastiness of Margret Thatcher combined with all the competence of Dilma Rousseff.
2
Maureen, you can stop now.
Regrettably, it's highly likely the 'short-fingered vulgarian' will be our next president.
Not that you're necessarily off-base with your incessant bashing of anything named Clinton.
You're just boring.
Regrettably, it's highly likely the 'short-fingered vulgarian' will be our next president.
Not that you're necessarily off-base with your incessant bashing of anything named Clinton.
You're just boring.
9
To know how a Bernie presidency will be turn out, read "in Venezuela, God does not provide." http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/22/opinion/sunday/in-venezuela-god-does-n...
1
Or read "Denmark Ranks as Happiest Country, Burundi, Not So Much". The Scandinavian countries rank the highest for happiness, year after year. But Conservatives would rather live in a miserable economy and point to corrupt countries like Venezuela as classic example of a country with socialism programs.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/world/europe/denmark-world-happiness-r...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/17/world/europe/denmark-world-happiness-r...®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
2
That's so funny! For starters I think you overestimate Bernie's power to do whatever he likes if he became the POTUS. But even if he had a house and senate filled with like-minded individuals for two terms he'd help make the US like Canada, Australia, New Zealand - maybe even like Sweden and Denmark. Not like Venezuela.
3
Why would anyone consider putting the safety and security of our Country in the hands of someone that couldn't even keep FOUR AMERICANS safe and secure in BENGHAZI?
1
Good old Ben. A reliable partner. He is an empty shell but useful for Hillary haters.
3
Well, you no doubt voted for Reagan, and against advice he positioned the AMERICAN Marines as sitting ducks in Lebanon, causing HUNDREDS to DIE.
There were 60 EMBASSY DEATHS under George Bush. I'm not a Clinton fan, but she has a stellar record compared to any Republican. How many Americans have died in Iraq because of GWB's war which served only to increase terrorism and steal a trillion away from revenue, which should have gone to infrastructure, schools and to reduce healthcare, college tuition costs.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/may/12/john-gara...
There were 60 EMBASSY DEATHS under George Bush. I'm not a Clinton fan, but she has a stellar record compared to any Republican. How many Americans have died in Iraq because of GWB's war which served only to increase terrorism and steal a trillion away from revenue, which should have gone to infrastructure, schools and to reduce healthcare, college tuition costs.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2014/may/12/john-gara...
4
The most defining words of this election are Trump's announcing with pride, that he could murder a random person in public and not lose a vote. We can't continue to treat this like a regular election where the candidate who taps the most voters' interests will prevail.
It is true what Trump says about random violence, and could have gone further. His exultation in his will to power is liberating to all of those who feel overwhelmed, to be resolved by falling in line with this fearless leader . The message is not only could he murder a single person, but many, and not only on Fifth Avenue, but Washington D.C. or Smalltown U.S.A. or Moscow.
Hillary is unprepared to respond to what Trump is offering his followers, which is to be a member of his team that is powerful and effective and has no hesitancy to do what must be done to prevail.
I fear that Clinton will go the way of the seventeen Republicans, not all lightweights, who engaged him without being aware of what they were up against. She could start to define herself by announcing "one more epithet out of his mouth such as "crooked Hillary" and she will never appear on the same stage with him." And mean it.
AlRodbell.com
It is true what Trump says about random violence, and could have gone further. His exultation in his will to power is liberating to all of those who feel overwhelmed, to be resolved by falling in line with this fearless leader . The message is not only could he murder a single person, but many, and not only on Fifth Avenue, but Washington D.C. or Smalltown U.S.A. or Moscow.
Hillary is unprepared to respond to what Trump is offering his followers, which is to be a member of his team that is powerful and effective and has no hesitancy to do what must be done to prevail.
I fear that Clinton will go the way of the seventeen Republicans, not all lightweights, who engaged him without being aware of what they were up against. She could start to define herself by announcing "one more epithet out of his mouth such as "crooked Hillary" and she will never appear on the same stage with him." And mean it.
AlRodbell.com
3
I am getting sick and tired of your negative articles on Hillary Clinton. No matter what year, no matter what setting, as long as it is negative about Hillary Clinton.
Why do you assume people voting for H. Clinton in the primaries are not excited?? Is that based on research? Representative research? Hillary Clinton is the only one in the primaries who has presented plans with content and plans that are realistic. Which to me is not unimportant.
Bernie Sanders is a grumpy old man without any trackrecord of ever accomplishing anything of his so called wonderful ideas. The people who seem to have almost messianic expectations of him and seem to view him as some sort of guru don't convince me of the validity and intelligence of his ideas. Hillary Clinton won more states than Sanders, she has 3 mil more votes than Sanders, and much more superdelegates. Did all these people vote for her by mistake, without enthusiasm? Yes, Hillary Clinton has flaws. Who hasn't ?! This isn't about perfection. It's about vision, strength, experience, realism. Sanders is, yet again, about : No, we cannot.
Why do you assume people voting for H. Clinton in the primaries are not excited?? Is that based on research? Representative research? Hillary Clinton is the only one in the primaries who has presented plans with content and plans that are realistic. Which to me is not unimportant.
Bernie Sanders is a grumpy old man without any trackrecord of ever accomplishing anything of his so called wonderful ideas. The people who seem to have almost messianic expectations of him and seem to view him as some sort of guru don't convince me of the validity and intelligence of his ideas. Hillary Clinton won more states than Sanders, she has 3 mil more votes than Sanders, and much more superdelegates. Did all these people vote for her by mistake, without enthusiasm? Yes, Hillary Clinton has flaws. Who hasn't ?! This isn't about perfection. It's about vision, strength, experience, realism. Sanders is, yet again, about : No, we cannot.
13
Ditto.
4
The most interesting dynamic in the race is that women are moving away from Hillary. Young women are embracing Sanders while many others are leaning in Trump's direction. The key moment indicating a shift was on was when a women was asked on CNN how and why she could possibly support Trump after his well documented outlandish comment about how no flat chested woman could be a "10". The media questioner was stunned when the reply was "Trump is right. Why do you think there are so many breast implants going on?"
5
I think this election reminds me of 1968, the layers of anger and dread are parallel.
2
Maureen Dowd is as nasty and bitter as the Comrade.
13
Bernie's surprise success is a statement of just how out of touch the Democratic party establishment is with voters, not just Democrats. And indirectly it is a statement of how far out of touch the Republican party establishment is with voters, not just Republicans.
I hope Hillary will do what candidates who win primaries by narrow margins do -- reach out to the loser and to his supporters, not just with words but, with platform planks that will attract their support. If she does not, she could well lose to Trump who will be courting Bernie supporters. She argues, unsuccessfully to me, that it is Bernie's responsibility to unite the party. Wrong. She is, or soon will be, the Democratic candidate. She's the team captain. If she continues to sit back and wait for Bernie to do the hard work of uniting the party, she'll make a serious, maybe fatal, mistake.
I hope Hillary will do what candidates who win primaries by narrow margins do -- reach out to the loser and to his supporters, not just with words but, with platform planks that will attract their support. If she does not, she could well lose to Trump who will be courting Bernie supporters. She argues, unsuccessfully to me, that it is Bernie's responsibility to unite the party. Wrong. She is, or soon will be, the Democratic candidate. She's the team captain. If she continues to sit back and wait for Bernie to do the hard work of uniting the party, she'll make a serious, maybe fatal, mistake.
5
Hillary is not winning by a narrow margin -- she is thirteen million votes ahead and hundreds of pledged (elected delegates ahead). She has won something like 57% of the vote.
That is not 'narrow'. 2008 was a narrow victory for Obama, 2016 is not.
Neither is her substantial lead 'a statement of just how out of touch the Democratic party establishment is with voters, not just Democrats'. May be an indication that the party is not in sync with the most leftist members of the party and the most leftist Independents, but those groups do not constitute a majority of either the party or the electorate at large. If they did, we'd have all enjoyed the Mondale, Dukakis, Kerry and, who knows, maybe even the Nader Presidency.
American Presidential elections are won in the middle. My own leanings are to the left of Sanders, but I learned a few elections ago that I am in a minority. I vote for the best available option. In November, there no doubt who that will be, her flaws and my disagreements on some things with her notwithstanding.
That is not 'narrow'. 2008 was a narrow victory for Obama, 2016 is not.
Neither is her substantial lead 'a statement of just how out of touch the Democratic party establishment is with voters, not just Democrats'. May be an indication that the party is not in sync with the most leftist members of the party and the most leftist Independents, but those groups do not constitute a majority of either the party or the electorate at large. If they did, we'd have all enjoyed the Mondale, Dukakis, Kerry and, who knows, maybe even the Nader Presidency.
American Presidential elections are won in the middle. My own leanings are to the left of Sanders, but I learned a few elections ago that I am in a minority. I vote for the best available option. In November, there no doubt who that will be, her flaws and my disagreements on some things with her notwithstanding.
3
I can't think of anyone at the NYT who has contributed more bile and sourness to US politics than Maureen Dowd.
12
Maureen has been consistent in her insights of the Clinton brand for some time now. She continues to give voice to those of us on the left who see HRC as too flawed and damaged to carry our flag. Seeing her patronizing and pandering to racial figures gives one pause for her simplistic view of vote-getting. She and my friends at the Times are killing the progressive movement by stale, outdated and prejudicial comment on our rapidly changing political landscape. Please Ms. Dowd, continue your effort to inform readers and columnists like Krugman and others(who we enjoy) the danger of their obvious bias .
2
I consider myself a moderate Independent voter who chooses to go left because there is no option in the center and I dislike the right wing more than the left. I also think Obama is the best President since Roosevelt- maybe even ever. Yes, I really like BHO.
As things stand now I can't vote for Clinton and refuse to vote for Trump. I would vote for Sanders though - because he is mostly authentic. And I say this even though he's much too left for me.
I so want a viable moderate common sense third party candidate to jump in. The Democratic Party should have known better than to anoint Mrs. Clinton.
What a pathetic mess.
The rigged two party system needs to fall apart. Its tribalistic and simply doesn't work anymore. We, the moderate majority, feel left out.
As things stand now I can't vote for Clinton and refuse to vote for Trump. I would vote for Sanders though - because he is mostly authentic. And I say this even though he's much too left for me.
I so want a viable moderate common sense third party candidate to jump in. The Democratic Party should have known better than to anoint Mrs. Clinton.
What a pathetic mess.
The rigged two party system needs to fall apart. Its tribalistic and simply doesn't work anymore. We, the moderate majority, feel left out.
8
There are at least two national third parties. The two party system is not a Constitutional requirement but it is a historical reality. American voters, for whatever reasons, have, for most of the time the nation has existed, preferred two main choices to more. No third party candidate has won the Presidency since Lincoln. Perot received less than twenty per cent his first run, less than ten his second. Wallace peaked at about ten. Teddy Roosevelt, as a third partier, got to 27%, but he had already been President. No one has got close to that since.
You want a third party? Then vote for one. But there is no historical reason to believe that US national elections will at any time in the foreseeable future really be between more than two major parties.
And reports that either party is about to implode and disappear are probably exaggerated (or wishful thinking about the other on both sides). One or the other might implode and be weakened for a cycle or two or three, but there isn't much reason to believe either will disappear.
Yes, depending on one's leanings, it does mean for virtually all of us that, at some point, the electable choices are between the lesser of two evils. (Note: I don't believe that this time. I think the choice is between a dangerous incompetent candidate and a highly experienced, if humanly flawed, one.)
The parties are 'rigged' only in the sense that they get to create their own rules for the selection of their own candidates. Why is that so bad?
You want a third party? Then vote for one. But there is no historical reason to believe that US national elections will at any time in the foreseeable future really be between more than two major parties.
And reports that either party is about to implode and disappear are probably exaggerated (or wishful thinking about the other on both sides). One or the other might implode and be weakened for a cycle or two or three, but there isn't much reason to believe either will disappear.
Yes, depending on one's leanings, it does mean for virtually all of us that, at some point, the electable choices are between the lesser of two evils. (Note: I don't believe that this time. I think the choice is between a dangerous incompetent candidate and a highly experienced, if humanly flawed, one.)
The parties are 'rigged' only in the sense that they get to create their own rules for the selection of their own candidates. Why is that so bad?
1
"attempting to shake off the old socialist dude hammering her with a sickle,"
This is language unbecoming to a dudess like you or the paper that publishes you. Enough foul language from your buddy Trump. Your brother can write cleaner than that. Enough already.
This is language unbecoming to a dudess like you or the paper that publishes you. Enough foul language from your buddy Trump. Your brother can write cleaner than that. Enough already.
7
I found that line to be witty. And your issue with this writing is...
1
dude not witty, dude plain rude
1
A joyless, uninspiring piece.
9
This only shows that ANYONE, can beat Hillary Clinton.
As for Trump, he truly energized voters with his message and it has nothing to do with fear. The only fear is in the dishonest media, like the NYT who has done its best to sell the Bataan Death March.
As for Trump, he truly energized voters with his message and it has nothing to do with fear. The only fear is in the dishonest media, like the NYT who has done its best to sell the Bataan Death March.
2
I stopped reading Ms. Dowd several years ago, given her age and penchant for stomping her feet about every Clinton breath on earth. She wallowed in the muck of jealousy and petty rivalry, as a result her writing became less than unattractive, it grew ugly and bizarre. Occasionally her less than stellar articles become click bait so I succumb to her negative fear mongering, and read, regretfully.
In my view Ms. Dowd needs meditation, Transcendental or otherwise.
In my view Ms. Dowd needs meditation, Transcendental or otherwise.
11
Let's face it, Maureen, you've got most of it right and I'm a Democrat. Hillary is a very weak, lackluster establishment candidate who is barely "likable enough" (with her email and Benghazi Baggage, really her cheer leading for regime change in Libya) to be dragged to the nomination by her ally and DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz and 500 super-delegates. It was the pro-Hillary chair at the Nevada Democratic convention who blatantly ignored the voting rules handing Bernie's delegates to Hillary and unleashing a "Feel the Bern"moment of justifiable anger (If not the personal death threats). At this moment Hillary and the DNC need to be Bernie Backers not Bashers or face a Trump Thrashing in November. The Democratic Party like its Republican counterpart is badly split and it will take a strong embrace of the progressive populist positions of Bernie (rather than sub-contracting them out to Bill who will once again "End Welfare As We Know It") for them to blunt the phony populism of the Twittering Trumpmeister with a huge turnout to win. America desperately needs another New Deal and Bernie is the Real Deal while both Donald and Hillary are the Raw Deal.
6
Well said.
1
Actually, Clinton will win the nomination because she has a massive lead in votes and pledged delegates. Believe the conspiracy theories all you want, but the bottom line is that supposedly unlikeable Clinton is winning by rather a lot. This is not a close race and mathematically there is almost no chance that it can become one ion the remaining primaries.
4
Bernie not a Democrat and Hillary wasn't a NY when she ran for the Senate. Carpetbagger! Hillary is not ahead 3 million votes. This is not a true statement and should be corrected. Hillary doesn't count all the States and caucus states can't be included so we're looking at apples and oranges. As the MSM has done this election by including super delegate votes in the count. They can't vote until the convention and the DNC continually has said to stop counting them in your delegate counts. The election just shows how undemocratic the US really is. I can never criticize foreign elections again. We are once again making fools of American democracy. It's time for a third party in America.
12
We have a third party - the Green party headed by Dr. Jill Stein. I'll be voting for her again this time. Please join me.
1
It's not personal about HRC, It's her politics. She's a centrist. The primary would have been much more useful if she had run as a centrist instead of pretending to be Bernie Lite. Then we could have had a real debate.
Maureen, you of all people should not just be repeating the complaints about Bernie's supporters' actions in Nevada without asking why they were so angry. As I understand it the party head engineered rules changes a half hour before the scheduled start of the meeting when only HRC delegates were there. One of the changes eliminated written votes in favor of voice votes. I heard recordings of several motion where the Nays seemed overwhelming but the Chair ruled "the Ayes have it." When a Bernie supporter tried to move to have the chair replaced his mike was cut off. All that, if true, would make anyone angry.
Maureen, you of all people should not just be repeating the complaints about Bernie's supporters' actions in Nevada without asking why they were so angry. As I understand it the party head engineered rules changes a half hour before the scheduled start of the meeting when only HRC delegates were there. One of the changes eliminated written votes in favor of voice votes. I heard recordings of several motion where the Nays seemed overwhelming but the Chair ruled "the Ayes have it." When a Bernie supporter tried to move to have the chair replaced his mike was cut off. All that, if true, would make anyone angry.
6
Oh, and I almost forgot: Please suggest a candidate, third party or otherwise. Either or both leading candidates could implode. And both should, haha.
I'm going to suggest Gates/Gates. Or Gates/Patraeus. You pick the Gates.
I'm going to suggest Gates/Gates. Or Gates/Patraeus. You pick the Gates.
I would suggest Bernie Sanders.
4
Bernie bro-violence - chair throwing.
That's now in dispute, as is the assertion that Donald Trump's campaign manager attacked a female reporter. Sorry but the most violent act of this whole campaign was the haymaker meted out by a 78 year old at a Trump rally.
Google Democratic Convention - Chicago -1968, if you want to see real political drama. Then, think back a few years before then to when people were murdered trying to get American citizens registered to vote.
But, hey, let's make American great again, right?
That's now in dispute, as is the assertion that Donald Trump's campaign manager attacked a female reporter. Sorry but the most violent act of this whole campaign was the haymaker meted out by a 78 year old at a Trump rally.
Google Democratic Convention - Chicago -1968, if you want to see real political drama. Then, think back a few years before then to when people were murdered trying to get American citizens registered to vote.
But, hey, let's make American great again, right?
6
Rather than Mo's bilious invective against Clinton and powerless puffing about Trump, read Adam Gopnik's article on Trump in the New Yorker. Serious and eloquent; anyone concerned about what is at stake in November should read that article.
12
Maybe folks who read her columns would think she knows wherefrom she speaks. She spends her time reading and analyzing most everything on the subject at hand and we armchair experts criticize her well thought out views. Perhaps she has a greater grip on the necessary facts, Nevada notwithstanding.
1
Everything is rigged. The party establishment is manipulating the system against me. They need to be taken down. My polls show I'm the best.
This campaigning for president business changes people. Bernie and Trump both have the same fever. It causes them to sound just alike.
Maureen's hatred for Hillary seems to be losing steam. And there's still 5 months to go. I wonder who she'll vote for. Which one would she enjoy slamming the most for the next four years?
This campaigning for president business changes people. Bernie and Trump both have the same fever. It causes them to sound just alike.
Maureen's hatred for Hillary seems to be losing steam. And there's still 5 months to go. I wonder who she'll vote for. Which one would she enjoy slamming the most for the next four years?
5
Excellent piece. Thank you, Ms. Dowd.
3
Disclaimer: I am an 81 year old angry, old, Jewish man from the Bronx. The differences between me and Bernie Sanders is that he is 9 years younger and from Brooklyn.
But we are both angry, old, Jewish men most of whom have a tendency to care more about putting down their "enemies" (almost everyone still alive) then doing the correct thing or believing that Ralph Nader didn't cost Al Gore the Presidency in 2000 (just think of how many American kids, men and women would still be alive today).
"Our" opinions have been handed down from Mt. Ararat so they therefore must be correct. No one, not Moses, Jesus or Ronald Reagan should question our brilliance.
Most, if not all of the young people in the photo attached to Ms Dowd's piece have never voted and probably won't vote in the general election even if "thebern" somehow gets the nomination.
Generation after generation of young people have "stood up for a cause" but have never put their "money where their mouth is" in November. The polls be damned, Senator Sanders (who in England would be called a back bencher because he has not accomplished a single thing while serving as a U.S. Senator) is just taking out his anger and forgetting that he is going to make Donald Trump the President of the United States of America.
But we are both angry, old, Jewish men most of whom have a tendency to care more about putting down their "enemies" (almost everyone still alive) then doing the correct thing or believing that Ralph Nader didn't cost Al Gore the Presidency in 2000 (just think of how many American kids, men and women would still be alive today).
"Our" opinions have been handed down from Mt. Ararat so they therefore must be correct. No one, not Moses, Jesus or Ronald Reagan should question our brilliance.
Most, if not all of the young people in the photo attached to Ms Dowd's piece have never voted and probably won't vote in the general election even if "thebern" somehow gets the nomination.
Generation after generation of young people have "stood up for a cause" but have never put their "money where their mouth is" in November. The polls be damned, Senator Sanders (who in England would be called a back bencher because he has not accomplished a single thing while serving as a U.S. Senator) is just taking out his anger and forgetting that he is going to make Donald Trump the President of the United States of America.
17
Well I'm afraid of Op-Eds like this one that will help put Trump in the white house.
8
What are you most afraid of? Continued dreck from Dowd....
5
I watched Cuomo's Clinton interview. Reduced to stomping her feet? Give me a break. Clinton was calm, confident and right - she will be the Democrat's nominee and it is time for Bernie Sanders to decide if wants have a lasting impact on our lives or be a petulant, uncompromising one-hit wonder who will be forgotten 15 minutes after Hillary takes the oath of office.
Dowd is great at writing easy to read, catty personality columns -- particularly when she can turn the clock back eight years to a time when she seemed only to write Clinton-hate columns, but just once it would be nice to read a column that focused on substance. Hillary Clinton is undeniably qualified to President to the United States. Take her name off the bumper stickers and no would question her priorities or knowledge of the issues even if not everyone would agree with every policy response.
I am looking forward to casting my vote for Hillary Clinton and celebrating her victory with my wife and daughter. I assume Maureen Dowd will be in her office, having been reduced to stomping her feet.
Dowd is great at writing easy to read, catty personality columns -- particularly when she can turn the clock back eight years to a time when she seemed only to write Clinton-hate columns, but just once it would be nice to read a column that focused on substance. Hillary Clinton is undeniably qualified to President to the United States. Take her name off the bumper stickers and no would question her priorities or knowledge of the issues even if not everyone would agree with every policy response.
I am looking forward to casting my vote for Hillary Clinton and celebrating her victory with my wife and daughter. I assume Maureen Dowd will be in her office, having been reduced to stomping her feet.
12
You have terrified me!
1
The absolute, number one concern of both Clinton and Sanders supporters should be that Trump is not elected to the Presidency.
I am most afraid that enough voters will lose sight of that fact.
I am most afraid that enough voters will lose sight of that fact.
6
Thanks for admitting there is not even one reason in favor of electing any Democrat
BERNIE the bald bedhead Is no Bieber and tiny-fingered Trump is most assuredly no Prince, though both break all party stereotypes. Bernie may be having the time of his life as a political debutante, stepping on the toes of his rival, Hillary. While Trump delights in stomping on the faces of anyone other than his own. I'm waiting to see Bernie ask Hillary to dance circles around Trump when she is proclaimed the victor of the primary race. Tripping up Trump on the dance floor will be a delightful prelude to make mincemeat of him during the debates. My fear is that Hillary will rise to the bait and the tone of their squawkathons masquerading as political debate will make fishwives proud. The current tenor of traded barbs between Hillary and Bernie puts her at a great disadvantage. As a successful First Lady in two different roles, as a Senator and a Secretary of State, bombast has never been her style. Her style away from the chaos of campaigning, will resemble Obama's cerebral manner. Borrowing from his breezy humor would be a welcome shift, for without humor, Obama's 8 years would have been unendurable. My opinion is that Bill may advise here and there, but he will not be on her VP short list. Bottom line is still that Bern and Hillary had better make their peace for the good of the nation. As a Hitler act-alike, Trump is unfit for office. As time goes by, he becomes more grandiose, unmodulated, preposterous, unstable and dangerous. No Trump nookyuhler war!
1
Congratulations to the author of this article, for pointing out an important truth: Hillary Clinton is not even able to dispatch an old socialist from the primaries. Do you realize what kind of issues she will face, if she became POTUS? Do you think she will be able to cope with China, Russia, the Middle East, international terrorism, etcetera? Considering the negative qualities of candidate Trump, who reminds me of Berlusconi with a blond tupee and high heels, the best option for the USA, and the rest of the world, in my humble opinion, is to confirm Barak Obama as POTUS for 4 more years, or at least till a better candidate comes along. What's the hurry?
The story of chair throwing at the Nevada convention has been debunked by Snopes. It's time for the Times staff to stop passing along rumor and innuendo. The Nevada Convention was neither open or democratic. The chair had absolute authority granted to her by the Party Politburo. That is the real story in Nevada and across America this primary season - the decline of our democracy.
6
“She assumed that the fix was in, that she and the D.N.C. had arranged for the coronation that she felt she was robbed of in the tulip craze of 2008.”
We can picture her, giggling in delight, as she typed these words on her laptop or tablet. Forget how silly the notion actually is. Imagine . . . a Democratic Party so organized and single-minded that it had determined its candidate even before the political season began months ago. Only a very naïve, conspiracy-obsessed Republican would believe that such a pre-arrangement had occurred.
There probably was a moment when she considered pressing the delete key? Nah, type on, type on. She had waited eight years to type something like this.
We can picture her, giggling in delight, as she typed these words on her laptop or tablet. Forget how silly the notion actually is. Imagine . . . a Democratic Party so organized and single-minded that it had determined its candidate even before the political season began months ago. Only a very naïve, conspiracy-obsessed Republican would believe that such a pre-arrangement had occurred.
There probably was a moment when she considered pressing the delete key? Nah, type on, type on. She had waited eight years to type something like this.
1
So you're suggesting that the Democratic was a fair, open process that didn't have a per-ordianed result? Hillary had hundreds of delegates before the first vote was cast.
3
Preordained? Peculiar way to describe 30 years of campaigning and fundraising for hundreds of Democratic candidates, supporting the DNC and having the support of all Dem senators who are super-delegates except for Sanders and Merkely. About 150 or so delegates are obligated by party rules to support whoever has the most delegates, that's Hillary. Ignorance is a poor authority for anything, specially politics.
Yes, Larry, I'm suggesting that it "was a fair, open process" and that Bernie Sanders and anyone else who wanted to throw his or her hat into the ring were free to do so. Sanders took advantage of some of the rules in states where he won primaries or caucuses, There was no conspiracy.
Sanders and his supporters want to pick and choose which rules they follow. Hillary Clinton has endured unprecedented scrutiny and has been expected to answer for the personal misbehavior of her husband years ago. The minute Bernie Sanders is asked how he would accomplish the grandiose reform he promises, he flounders and cries foul.
Sanders and his supporters want to pick and choose which rules they follow. Hillary Clinton has endured unprecedented scrutiny and has been expected to answer for the personal misbehavior of her husband years ago. The minute Bernie Sanders is asked how he would accomplish the grandiose reform he promises, he flounders and cries foul.
Okay we get that Ms. Dowd doesn't like Hillary (I suspect it is more about Bill then Hillary) and is out there for Bernie. That's her right.
But let's consider this: the fact is Hillary will be the Democratic nominee and that is as close to a mathematical certainty as you can get. With that fact in mind what we have then is Bernie going after her for the sole purposes of strengthening his hand and getting a few rule changes at the convention. However, he's already pretty much achieved the first by pushing Hillary more left and the rules he's supposedly troubled by have actually benefited him at least as much as they have benefited her if not more.
Let's face it, Bernie's strength has been in caucus states where small groups can have outsized influence. Bernie's pandering to the energetic college age youth with free education is like throwing catnip to your cat or a wall with Mexico to the extreme rightwingers. It may get them rolling all over the floor in ecstasy up but beyond that it ain't real.
So here we find ourselves with Bernie already exceeding any hoped for influence and as much the beneficiary of his major complaint as anyone still willing to carry water for Trump and the Republicans in a hopeless and useless cause. At this point, anyone who doesn't think he's doing more good for Trump then any of the principles he is supposedly fighting for is living in a delusion.
Apparently Ms. Dowd is in there with them.
But let's consider this: the fact is Hillary will be the Democratic nominee and that is as close to a mathematical certainty as you can get. With that fact in mind what we have then is Bernie going after her for the sole purposes of strengthening his hand and getting a few rule changes at the convention. However, he's already pretty much achieved the first by pushing Hillary more left and the rules he's supposedly troubled by have actually benefited him at least as much as they have benefited her if not more.
Let's face it, Bernie's strength has been in caucus states where small groups can have outsized influence. Bernie's pandering to the energetic college age youth with free education is like throwing catnip to your cat or a wall with Mexico to the extreme rightwingers. It may get them rolling all over the floor in ecstasy up but beyond that it ain't real.
So here we find ourselves with Bernie already exceeding any hoped for influence and as much the beneficiary of his major complaint as anyone still willing to carry water for Trump and the Republicans in a hopeless and useless cause. At this point, anyone who doesn't think he's doing more good for Trump then any of the principles he is supposedly fighting for is living in a delusion.
Apparently Ms. Dowd is in there with them.
3
For the last century we have had a sea change election about once a generation - 1932, 1952, 1980 and 2008. 2008 didn't suffice as evidenced by 2010 and 2014 so we are having a do over.
Conventional wisdom is no longer wise. Policy, schmolicy - it don't matter at all. That's for the political wonks and they have very little influence when the tsunami arrives.
Hillary is about as establishment as you can possibly be. Even without all her baggage it would be tough for her to win. Bernie might stand a chance but in light of 2010 and 2014 it is doubtful.
Despite the doubts we all share we'd best gird ourselves to face it.
Conventional wisdom is no longer wise. Policy, schmolicy - it don't matter at all. That's for the political wonks and they have very little influence when the tsunami arrives.
Hillary is about as establishment as you can possibly be. Even without all her baggage it would be tough for her to win. Bernie might stand a chance but in light of 2010 and 2014 it is doubtful.
Despite the doubts we all share we'd best gird ourselves to face it.
The best and most sane presidential match-up should have been Gov. Martin O'Malley vs Gov. John Kasich. The Democrats and the Republicans both blew it and now the voters are stuck in the muck.
1
Ms. Dowd-
I am starting to wonder if you have made it this far in the newspaper business on sheer vitriol and snark. Your reputation does not seem grounded on insightful analysis or actual news; this column is just a rehash of major events of the past week with stinging remarks added, many of which fall shy of the mark. For example, the criticism that Hillary 'can't put away" Bernie is simply uninformed. As NBC news pointed out in their discussion of this past Tuesday's results, Hillary is actually numerically closer to her delegate goal than Trump is. The results in the Kentucky and Oregon primaries this past week, similar to preceding weeks, correspond closely to the demographics of those states. Hillary has more than met her targets in the large majority of the states, and will likely win decisively in NJ and California based on the same demographic yardstick. She is on track to win by a far larger share than Obama in 2008.
And did you even watch the CNN interview in which she claimed the nomination? I saw nothing resembling "foot stamping" - she was firmly stating the obvious.
Well, you've been able to indulge in your periodic attack of Hillary (with a dig at Bernie just for the sake of variety) - now you can return to your recent specialty, of puff interviews with Donald Trump. He is the one national political figure that seems to enjoy talking with you.
I am starting to wonder if you have made it this far in the newspaper business on sheer vitriol and snark. Your reputation does not seem grounded on insightful analysis or actual news; this column is just a rehash of major events of the past week with stinging remarks added, many of which fall shy of the mark. For example, the criticism that Hillary 'can't put away" Bernie is simply uninformed. As NBC news pointed out in their discussion of this past Tuesday's results, Hillary is actually numerically closer to her delegate goal than Trump is. The results in the Kentucky and Oregon primaries this past week, similar to preceding weeks, correspond closely to the demographics of those states. Hillary has more than met her targets in the large majority of the states, and will likely win decisively in NJ and California based on the same demographic yardstick. She is on track to win by a far larger share than Obama in 2008.
And did you even watch the CNN interview in which she claimed the nomination? I saw nothing resembling "foot stamping" - she was firmly stating the obvious.
Well, you've been able to indulge in your periodic attack of Hillary (with a dig at Bernie just for the sake of variety) - now you can return to your recent specialty, of puff interviews with Donald Trump. He is the one national political figure that seems to enjoy talking with you.
5
For the umpteenth time, there is absolutely NO documented proof of chair throwing in Nevada. Even Snopes.com says it didn't happen. Please stop recycling this trope, which was originally intended to discredit Bernie and his supporters.
You're shredding what little journalistic credibility you've got left by continuing to do so.
You're shredding what little journalistic credibility you've got left by continuing to do so.
5
Sorry Ms Dowd, Trump is the scary one. And the specter of overturning Roe v Wade is real. And I'll never figure out what Hillary ever did to deserve decades of spite. It certainly is tiresome. This constantly repeated notion that Clinton and Trump are so incredibly unpopular is in its own way a self-fulfilling prophecy. I am an all-out admirer of Mrs Clinton, but it's reached the point that, if a telephone pollster were to ask me if I had a favorable opinion of her, I might say no just to be trending.
The Three Stooges of American politics are busting up the scenery perforce; these knucklehead candidates revolting the voters with their continuing low class antics and ridiculous shenanigans.
Moe (Sanders) showers Curly Clinton with cream pies; while Porcupine (Trump) is a dirty rat! Curly Clinton slaps Porcupine around with a wet mackerel; leaving ole Porky to once again pull down his pants and tear his orange hair out.
Maureen Down claims this election to be “transcendentally bizarre”. Now Ms. Dowd is a compelling writer, but in this case she is far, far too generous. The spectacle of presidential election as an orgy of baggy pants inanities is neither transcendental nor bizarre; but a sad and mystifying reality for the voters who remain as yet not amused by the Three Stooges of American politics.
Moe (Sanders) showers Curly Clinton with cream pies; while Porcupine (Trump) is a dirty rat! Curly Clinton slaps Porcupine around with a wet mackerel; leaving ole Porky to once again pull down his pants and tear his orange hair out.
Maureen Down claims this election to be “transcendentally bizarre”. Now Ms. Dowd is a compelling writer, but in this case she is far, far too generous. The spectacle of presidential election as an orgy of baggy pants inanities is neither transcendental nor bizarre; but a sad and mystifying reality for the voters who remain as yet not amused by the Three Stooges of American politics.
Reading a Maureen Dowd column is like reading a high-school girl's Facebook posts. There is an excess of snark over substance.
4
Hillary Clinton is ending the Democratic campaign weakly, but then she started it weakly too. At first, the best she could do was to point to her experience, even though her experience shows she has bad judgment, and the record of a neo-liberal warmonger. Then the best she could do was to embrace Obama while running against hope and change.
Now, at the end of her uninspiring slog, the best she can do is have her surrogates talk about party unity. She can't say it herself, because back in 2008 she was willing to hold it hostage until she was promised Secretary of State. But now her supporters all agree with Lenin, that a good party member must rule out "all criticism which disrupts or makes difficult the unity of an action decided on by the Party."
Sanders has forced a serious discussion of economic issues, but at no point have Clinton or her supporters given any new ideas. All they do is tell us what's not possible. Somewhere along the way, this became part of the proof that one of the most unpopular politicians in the country could get cooperation from a Republican Congress for any sort of positive change, because... well, something about pragmatism. This is a more fantastic delusion than anything Sanders supporters believe.
I'm afraid that if their candidate crashes and burns in the general election, the "pragmatists" sticking us with the unpopular candidate will blame the voters who tried to make a better choice.
Now, at the end of her uninspiring slog, the best she can do is have her surrogates talk about party unity. She can't say it herself, because back in 2008 she was willing to hold it hostage until she was promised Secretary of State. But now her supporters all agree with Lenin, that a good party member must rule out "all criticism which disrupts or makes difficult the unity of an action decided on by the Party."
Sanders has forced a serious discussion of economic issues, but at no point have Clinton or her supporters given any new ideas. All they do is tell us what's not possible. Somewhere along the way, this became part of the proof that one of the most unpopular politicians in the country could get cooperation from a Republican Congress for any sort of positive change, because... well, something about pragmatism. This is a more fantastic delusion than anything Sanders supporters believe.
I'm afraid that if their candidate crashes and burns in the general election, the "pragmatists" sticking us with the unpopular candidate will blame the voters who tried to make a better choice.
2
Dowd and Collins are tired old ladies who are at the end of their careers, jealous of Clinton who will be the next President.
Bernie has been a joke from day one. He is a tired and grouchy old man with no substance, and his delusions of grandeur risk us having a Fascist pig for a President, which should be any thinking person's only concern.
Bernie has been a joke from day one. He is a tired and grouchy old man with no substance, and his delusions of grandeur risk us having a Fascist pig for a President, which should be any thinking person's only concern.
3
Here is a profile of a Bernie backer: a middle-aged woman with $132,000 in student loans who wants the government to bail her out. In my opinion, Bernie has had his place in the sun, braying on and on about "fixing Wall Street" (but strangely lacking the details or program on how to do it) and starting a "political revolution". And, of course, "high turnout". Bernie, go home, please. It's over. It's OVER.
3
It's easy to be snarky this election year, but I wonder why Maureen doesn't get tired of her own negative tone, week after week. Slyly clever little one-liners are so merely habitual, and add exactly what to public discourse?
2
If the statement below is all that Hillary has to offer to convince young female votes to vote for her over Sanders and possibly then Trump, then young voters should be asking themselves is this what she thinks of us that this is the most important issue on our minds:
"Debbie Wasserman Schultz tries to herd young women to Hillary by raising the specter of Roe v. Wade being overturned".
I find Bernie Sanders as a much more honest person over Hillary, however I would never endorse him for president for the mere fact that he le probably most people fell this country is a "democracy" when the fact still remains this country is a "republic" and should always continue to function as a republic since this nation still remains a great nation despite the slogans of some groups and people, because of the balance a republic brings for a nation of this size population.
"Debbie Wasserman Schultz tries to herd young women to Hillary by raising the specter of Roe v. Wade being overturned".
I find Bernie Sanders as a much more honest person over Hillary, however I would never endorse him for president for the mere fact that he le probably most people fell this country is a "democracy" when the fact still remains this country is a "republic" and should always continue to function as a republic since this nation still remains a great nation despite the slogans of some groups and people, because of the balance a republic brings for a nation of this size population.
1
I still hope for a Bernie miracle--and no I'm not a "bro." However, there is another reason I want him to stay in it as long as possible. Simply, he represents my views--on peace, income inequality, poverty, campaign finance, the environment, education, the military budget, Wall Street, infrastructure stimulus, to name a few.
If it comes down to Clinton and Trump, I lose my voice. And it will be a long 8 years without one. Here's a story from the Clinton years: a friend called me from Washington, DC. She said, "There's a protest against the impeachment, which I could join. And there's one against (Clinton's) bombing of Sudan, which I could also join. Am I for him or against him? I'm going out for drinks."
Yes, I can still write my comments in the Times and support local candidates across the country who support my views (I just gave to Tim Canova who is running against Debbie Wasserman Shultz in the Florida primary). But even from overseas, it's meant so much to have Bernie out there day after day saying what I believe in.
If it comes down to Clinton and Trump, I lose my voice. And it will be a long 8 years without one. Here's a story from the Clinton years: a friend called me from Washington, DC. She said, "There's a protest against the impeachment, which I could join. And there's one against (Clinton's) bombing of Sudan, which I could also join. Am I for him or against him? I'm going out for drinks."
Yes, I can still write my comments in the Times and support local candidates across the country who support my views (I just gave to Tim Canova who is running against Debbie Wasserman Shultz in the Florida primary). But even from overseas, it's meant so much to have Bernie out there day after day saying what I believe in.
5
"Everyone just laughed when Sanders [...] decided to challenge Queen Hillary."
No, that's not true. But mainstream media outlets, NYTimes included, undermined his campaign from the outset by presenting him as old fogey - unworthy of serious consideration.
And this, incidentally, is why my friends and I may occasionally check the NYT online, but we'll never again pay a cent to read the NYT. Judging by the Grey Lady's recent financial woes, many other people feel the same way.
No, that's not true. But mainstream media outlets, NYTimes included, undermined his campaign from the outset by presenting him as old fogey - unworthy of serious consideration.
And this, incidentally, is why my friends and I may occasionally check the NYT online, but we'll never again pay a cent to read the NYT. Judging by the Grey Lady's recent financial woes, many other people feel the same way.
5
"So voters are stuck in the muck of the negative: What are you most afraid of?"
What am I most afraid of? That "reporters" covering the election will continue to completely avoid expending the mental energy to analyze detailed policy proposals and continue to make the election about slogans, sound bites and personalities
What am I most afraid of? That "reporters" covering the election will continue to completely avoid expending the mental energy to analyze detailed policy proposals and continue to make the election about slogans, sound bites and personalities
4
I'm no fan of Sanders, although he is my second choice behind Trump, but there is no evidence of any thrown chairs in Nevada. Just more lying hype propagated by Clinton's toadies like excreble Barbara Boxer and Joan Walsh. The problem Hillary faces is that her tawdry past has been deemed off limits by traditional Republican self-emasculated eunuchs like McCain and Romney, unfortunately joined by sackless Sanders, who refuses to attack Hillary on such low hanging fruit as her closeted emails, corrupt foundation, and her decades long War on females who said they were sexually brutalized by her husband. I'm sure she expected the same type of eunuch to be her Republican opponent, since 15 of the 16 original Republican male candidates were pathetic 'run a respectable campaign' types despite knowing that Hillary's thugs would dive into the gutter and turn the eunuch into a perceived monster just this side of ahitler. But lo and behold, the one intact male, Donald Trump, emerged from the pack. And he's already shown that he will not cower under Hillary's viperous attacks, but counterattack with no holds barred. Cattle futures, failed DC bar exam, crooked Watergate stint, not to mention the aforementioned scandals. Most important, she's had no experience dealing with an all out baller. That's why she'll almost certainly lose to Trump.
1
I'm most afraid of so-called journalists like Ms. Down who spin a story to get lots of clicks. I'm not afraid of Trump or Sanders. I'm as confident as can be that Hillary will win in November, and we will have our first female president, finally. And trust me...her supporters couldn't be MORE enthusiastic. I guess that's why she's won more votes than Trump or Sanders.
9
A female president for the sake of having a female president. Such stupidity boggles the mind.
3
It seems clear to most people that the system is down and it's not worth reviving. The question is, who's agenda do you want to base the new operating system on? Clinton only offers more punitive neoliberalist economic policies with a fierce hawkish foreign policy, Trump hasn't a clue what to do but it clearly won't be good and probably fatal. Sanders wants to reinvent the Great Society, engage new leaders and force a return to ethical government. Personally - I have no trouble making the right choice. It's too bad we don't have a political party in the United States willing to run the best candidate.
4
Maureen I think that you have a better grasp of the 2016 election dynamic than any of the NYT op-ed columnists, certainly better than Conscience-of-a-Neoliberal Krugman (who used to be the main reason that I read this paper, back when he at least sounded like a progressive instead of an apologist for the oligarchy). A whole lot of folks both conservative and liberal are fed up with the bait and switch by both parties and refuse to accept the status quo.
I have no doubt that Hillary would stand up for equal rights and most social issues that Democrats care about. But what about campaign finance, trade & economic inequality? The Goldwater Girl bringing predatory lending to the 3rd World via microloans, spreading fracking around the globe, Henry Kissinger, the Iraq war and Super PAC's. DNC chair Wasserman Schultz deregulating payday lenders and inviting in the lobbyists while she does whatever she can to undermine the Sanders campaign. None of this sounds Democratic to me. Bernie Sanders is still the moral compass of this election cycle and I would prefer his veto pen to all the neoliberal 'deals' that I'm sure Hillary is quite capable of making.
I have no doubt that Hillary would stand up for equal rights and most social issues that Democrats care about. But what about campaign finance, trade & economic inequality? The Goldwater Girl bringing predatory lending to the 3rd World via microloans, spreading fracking around the globe, Henry Kissinger, the Iraq war and Super PAC's. DNC chair Wasserman Schultz deregulating payday lenders and inviting in the lobbyists while she does whatever she can to undermine the Sanders campaign. None of this sounds Democratic to me. Bernie Sanders is still the moral compass of this election cycle and I would prefer his veto pen to all the neoliberal 'deals' that I'm sure Hillary is quite capable of making.
3
Contrary to what Dowd writes Hillary Clinton has an insurmountable lead and only needs 90 delegates to secure the nomination.
She did not stamp her feet on CNN. All she was calmly stating what is a fact.
In 2008 Hillary got the most delegates of any primary candidate in US history.250,000 more than President Obama. However she urged her supporters to rally around President Obama.
Contrary what Dowd writes Hillary`s office in Brooklyn is not joyless. I am a volunteer there. I can testify that the people who work there share my passion for Hillary and her candidacy.
Although we despise Trump, Hillary`s supporters are voting for Hillary because we know that she is by far the best person for the job.
There are milllions of people who are exited by Hillary`s candidacy.
Dowd should stop making generalizations based on anecdotal information and twisting the facts because of her well known psychotic hatred of Hillary Clinton.
8
Did you post that enile at her campaign headquarters, like so many other commenters?
2
Sanders' success can be partly explained by the fact that the US has 1.2 trillion dollars of student loan debt. Giant elephant in the room. I support Clinton and encourage her find a way to cut through the Sanders and Trump media noise with proposals that clearly address problems like household debt and inequality. Clinton has better solutions than Sanders and Trump but we are not getting the information because the media goes round and round focusing on Trump's latest hideous statement and nasty sexist attacks on Clinton like this opinion piece.
1
Et tu, Maureen?
What's becoming more clear now is how empty Hillary's "idea chest" is. It's apparent that she was promised the nomination in the back room, and didn't really prepare herself to be challenged. Living in the incredibly privileged, and exclusive bubble she's lived in most of her life, she has no concept of what the majority of Americans face each day. So she is left with offering her husband as the one who will actually deal with the biggest issue we face: growing wealth disparity an a crippled economy that works only for the 1%. This is the woman who claims that she's the "most ready" to lead. How so? When you have to punt the ball to your aging and frail husband because you don't have a clue, you all but admit your lack of qualification.
The tone-deafness of the DNC and MSM that has allowed them to ignore Bernie Sanders and trumpet Hillary is going to cost the Dems the WH. And when that happens, they'll cry "It's all Bernie's fault! He never should have run!" But the real fault lies with the DNC making a deal with the devil, and with Hillary for doggedly chasing after something that she feels entitled to, but isn't qualified for.
What the pundits ignore is that the American people are sick of the same old empty promises to improve their lives, while the rich get richer. At this point, many would choose anarchy over the status quo. That doesn't bode well for Mrs. Establishment Herself.
The tone-deafness of the DNC and MSM that has allowed them to ignore Bernie Sanders and trumpet Hillary is going to cost the Dems the WH. And when that happens, they'll cry "It's all Bernie's fault! He never should have run!" But the real fault lies with the DNC making a deal with the devil, and with Hillary for doggedly chasing after something that she feels entitled to, but isn't qualified for.
What the pundits ignore is that the American people are sick of the same old empty promises to improve their lives, while the rich get richer. At this point, many would choose anarchy over the status quo. That doesn't bode well for Mrs. Establishment Herself.
2
I see "tone-deaf" is the latest word-of-the-day from Fox.
1
I can't understand why anyone wouldn't be thrilled by this election. You have the choice between a technocratic centrist who will have a theme song "Let's do the 90's all over again" and an imbecilic know-nothing whose main attribute is scaring the living daylights out of rational voters.
What's not to like?
What's not to like?
1
You can't quite wrap you head around the fact that Bernie has many supporters of ALL ages can you.?
4
Once again Maureen can't resist throwing a punch at Hillary Clinton at the same time she continues to treat Donald Trump with kid gloves!
If Trump is elected next November, Ms. Dowd, many of us will never forget how you contributed to that disastrous--perhaps Apocalyptical--result! Never.
If Trump is elected next November, Ms. Dowd, many of us will never forget how you contributed to that disastrous--perhaps Apocalyptical--result! Never.
7
Bernie Sanders will gradually morph into Ralph Nader, with THE SAME voting outcome as LOSER Nader.
Everybody who has bought the years of heavy, relentless Republican anti-Hillary Clinton PROPAGANDA should look in the mirror while singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" To be willingly TRICKED into assuming that all other candidates have been pristine and blemish-free, with "nicer sins", is beyond naive and pathetically stupid.
Everybody who has bought the years of heavy, relentless Republican anti-Hillary Clinton PROPAGANDA should look in the mirror while singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" To be willingly TRICKED into assuming that all other candidates have been pristine and blemish-free, with "nicer sins", is beyond naive and pathetically stupid.
5
No. What is happening is more analogous to Gore in 2000. The media treated him very much the same way they are treating Sanders: ridicule, misrepresentations and false equivancies. I was furious with them at the time as we listened to them drool over "having a berr" with a recovering alcoholic. They had a collective mancrush on W. (or their owners did). Look where that got us.
1
HRC will not win if she is the nominee. She is a well known and deeply disliked candidate. Trump for all his bluster, ignorance and xenophobia has excited the base of the Republican Party and the establishment smelling a possible win is following along hoping they can teach him how to be a president, good luck with that!
Bernie Sanders is telling the truth about what should and could be done if our Congress wasn't so compromised by money. He has a supporter base of people who are fed up with the current state of the country and he has inspired the young to vote again. I believe he can fight Trump and win because he will further energize democrats to vote for their interests, Hillary will not.
Bernie Sanders is telling the truth about what should and could be done if our Congress wasn't so compromised by money. He has a supporter base of people who are fed up with the current state of the country and he has inspired the young to vote again. I believe he can fight Trump and win because he will further energize democrats to vote for their interests, Hillary will not.
5
For just a brief moment of clarity, let's focus on the positive of the candidates. Eliminating all the raw sewage that gets pumped over the airways and just look at who has the most positives.
The answer is clear -- Secretary Clinton.
Years in a governors mansion, years in the White House, a US Senator, a Secretary of State and a feminist. This level of experience is unparalleled in US history. How about 2 minutes focused on that.
But this would not lend itself to Ms. Dowd's snide diatribes.
The answer is clear -- Secretary Clinton.
Years in a governors mansion, years in the White House, a US Senator, a Secretary of State and a feminist. This level of experience is unparalleled in US history. How about 2 minutes focused on that.
But this would not lend itself to Ms. Dowd's snide diatribes.
5
Since when did be the spouse of a governor or president count as personal experiencd? By that measure, maybe Nancy Prlosi's husband is the "most qualified".
4
As a longtime Dem, I'm most afraid of Hillary winning. I voted for Bill once and will regret it to my dying day. Anyone would be better than her, Sanders, Trump, anyone. In a world full of self-serving and corrupt politicians the Clintons stand head and shoulders above the rest.
4
What am I afraid of? I'm most afraid of Maureen's quarterly "time to humiliate Hillary again" columns.
9
Bernie is a phoney just as Donald. Both of them thrive on the fear, hate and anger mongering created by the Grand Obstruction Party over the eight years. Bernie' s record in Congress is extremely poor- 3 bills in 30 years for a career politician. He pretends to be an outsider like Donald. But the reality is he is a career politician. Bernie promises a lot- but math does not add up. His proposals would lead to 8 trillion dollar deficit which the nation cannot afford. Both Donald and him runs on populist campaign and they are fraud. Bernie talks about revolution- where was he during his 30 years in Congress? Where was he during the Wall Street movement?Unfortunately, some people are falling for what he says- they are closing there eyes to analyze who Bernie is. Like Donald, he is unfit to serve as the commander in chief of our great nation.
7
You may like to sound like someone who did his homework, but you only cribbed notes from Hillary's campaign. You flunked the exam.
1
The thing I'm most afraid of, Ms. Dowd, is *you*...and your hatred of the Clintons, and now Bernie and maybe just a little bit of Trump. Hatred is a very powerful and communicable virus. Having read this column, I think I'll go wash my eyes.
5
What am I most afraid of? Hands down, Hillary.
Donald Trump I could take. I don't like him, but I think he has a lot of good points to balance out the bad. And Bernie Sanders I just don't worry about. He hasn't got a chance. He only registered as a Democrat last year.
But Hillary Clinton I loathe. Don't ask me why, because I don't know. But the first time I saw her back in 1992, my reaction was visceral and immediate. And it hasn't changed in all the years since.
Donald Trump I could take. I don't like him, but I think he has a lot of good points to balance out the bad. And Bernie Sanders I just don't worry about. He hasn't got a chance. He only registered as a Democrat last year.
But Hillary Clinton I loathe. Don't ask me why, because I don't know. But the first time I saw her back in 1992, my reaction was visceral and immediate. And it hasn't changed in all the years since.
3
I find it more than disheartening to continually read of "chair throwing" when no such thing ever occurred. The MSM's willingness to pile onto a lie and repeat it over and over again, is bad enough. But for the NYT to perpetrate this myth is further proof that it is Not Your Trusted newspaper any longer. Sad.
9
As one commentator put it..I think I remember,
"we have the choice between a narcissistic buffoon and a corrupt kleptocrat"
God bless America. We will need it.
"we have the choice between a narcissistic buffoon and a corrupt kleptocrat"
God bless America. We will need it.
3
No, Maureen the choice for voters is not 'what are you most afraid of'. The reason that Bernie Sanders continues to resonate with voters is he is the only option for those unwilling to wait thru 4 or 8 years of another scandal plagued Clinton administration to see movement on the things that matter most: income inequality, climate change, and our big money funded and rigged electoral system. The head of the DNC (Wasserman-Schultz, Hilary's 2008 campaign co-chair) and the compromised and sold out to Wall Street Clinton do not know 'what is best' for the American voter. Sanders remains the only
candidate speaking the truth and that is why he 'won't go away'.
candidate speaking the truth and that is why he 'won't go away'.
5
What I'm afraid of is the insistence, especially this time around, on ours being a two-party system. Bernie has more than enough for a third party run. Logically, with both ends of the spectrum being stacked against the middle, this would make sense.
2
Absolutely ridiculous article. There is no pie-in-the-sky scenario where Bernie wins, even in just pledged delegates, let alone pledged plus super delegates. He's lost the vote, and he will most certainly lose in all types of delegates even if Clinton gets just 40% of the vote in California (and right now she's ahead in the polls there by 9 points). Clinton is right to assert she is the nominee, in a matter-of-fact way, which is ALL she did, and you are a nitwit for making fun of her for that, Maureen Dowd.
5
At this point, it's fighting over the right to lose landslide to Trump. Which means come Jan 2017, both candidates have zero chance of being anything other than looking forward to life force-retired.
So as a democrat, you have to back the one that'll be less battle-scarred from the experience. Yes Bernie, nothing to lose, specially not his sanity, would actually relish losing. For Hillary, losing to Trump would only harden the rancor, not to mention humiliation, which would also be to her personally devastating.
Go Bernie! Bad-a** grumpy old sore loser you.
So as a democrat, you have to back the one that'll be less battle-scarred from the experience. Yes Bernie, nothing to lose, specially not his sanity, would actually relish losing. For Hillary, losing to Trump would only harden the rancor, not to mention humiliation, which would also be to her personally devastating.
Go Bernie! Bad-a** grumpy old sore loser you.
2
The agist rhetoric aimed st Bernie would be considered out of bounds were we to substitute "race" or "ethnicity" for age. Additionally, both Tump and Hillary are less than a half dozen younger than he. It is offensive and it is time for the Times to stop doing it!
1
Well Maureen, having at least glanced at most of your columns in recent years, I know what you're most afraid of- that Hillary will be elected and be the truly fabulous President she is capable of becoming.
3
Clinton had like 80% favorables when she was Secretary of State, even Ms Dowd wouldn't write disparaging columns then. Where did that all go? Bengazi, emails? Hardly. It's still the same woman (I think). That campaign is so helpless against negatives that I'd consider a shake up. They seem to have been thinking that with a 95% name recognition, you can't be redefined. And that after witnessing Karl Rove's playbook... Also, I don't see Hillary's campaign recognizing the advantages of Bernie running to her left., it's General Election time already. Use it.
I swore that I would never click on a Maureen Dowd column again due to her continuing negativity about Secretary Clinton. Unfortunately, I fell for the headline click bait thinking the column would be about Bernie. How wrong I was. Never again!
2
Honestly, Maureen, I'm most afraid of the bogus narrative you're pushing. A tiny fraction of Americans have voted for Trump, and an even smaller fraction for Bernie. They're fringe groups.
Hilary, meanwhile, is a pragmatist's dream, absolutely the most qualified and capable presidential candidate alive today. She might lack in charisma, but then we're hiring her to do a job, not to host a TV show.
You should like you're talking about a TV show. It would be super rad if you would stop that and focus on the issues.
Hilary, meanwhile, is a pragmatist's dream, absolutely the most qualified and capable presidential candidate alive today. She might lack in charisma, but then we're hiring her to do a job, not to host a TV show.
You should like you're talking about a TV show. It would be super rad if you would stop that and focus on the issues.
1
Tackling man made climate change/global warming by leading international cooperation and building a green energy future vs. Denying that man made climate change eve exists and claiming that it is plot by the Chinese.
Defending women's reproductive rights and expanding economic rights/opportunities vs. Overturning Roe v. Wade making woman's right to choose and control her reproductive rights a states rights issue and having the promotion of a daughter you would like to date as a key womens's rights accomplishment.
Sensible gun safety regulations vs. Shoot outs in crowded theaters and eliminating all gun free zones (airports, courts, schools)
A highly qualified, very intelligent, deeply informed woman becoming our first woman President (finally) vs. Our first blowhard, racist, xenophobe, misogynist, sexist, religous bigot, ignoramus, demagogue, proto-Facist President.
Choosing Hillary over Trump is the easiest choice ever for anyone with decency and a brain.
Only for people like Maureen Dowd is it a close call - and we know she is actually trying to get Trump elected so she can get a White House invite.
Defending women's reproductive rights and expanding economic rights/opportunities vs. Overturning Roe v. Wade making woman's right to choose and control her reproductive rights a states rights issue and having the promotion of a daughter you would like to date as a key womens's rights accomplishment.
Sensible gun safety regulations vs. Shoot outs in crowded theaters and eliminating all gun free zones (airports, courts, schools)
A highly qualified, very intelligent, deeply informed woman becoming our first woman President (finally) vs. Our first blowhard, racist, xenophobe, misogynist, sexist, religous bigot, ignoramus, demagogue, proto-Facist President.
Choosing Hillary over Trump is the easiest choice ever for anyone with decency and a brain.
Only for people like Maureen Dowd is it a close call - and we know she is actually trying to get Trump elected so she can get a White House invite.
1
If I were running against an opponent under FBI INVESTIGATION for multiple felonies, misdemeanors, obstruction, and corruption, I would stay in the race too.
3
That chair story again. Great. I suppose that if enough pundits say it it becomes true. Even though no chair was thrown and that the only arrest that day was by a Clinton supporter doing violence to a Sanders supporter. Odd, how that little fact was left out. But, of course, we wouldn't want the facts to get in the way of a good story. Instead, we get a controversy around Sanders not condemning the violence that his supporters didn't commit. Pro Bernie violence? Yeah, there definitely is some of that. Some subtle prose doing Bernie's message violence.
3
Another anti-Hillary column from Ms. Dowd. Yawn...
I think she's got a soft spot in her heart for The Donald. She and Megan Kelly could lead the "Sweetheart Girls for Trump" anti-feminist campaign for the semi-billionaire.
I think she's got a soft spot in her heart for The Donald. She and Megan Kelly could lead the "Sweetheart Girls for Trump" anti-feminist campaign for the semi-billionaire.
Ms. Dowd, we all know the money for the media is with D T. But it's nice of you to spread your venom. I'm sure Hillary is used to it and wishes you well.
You might think San Francisco would be prime Sandersland but even in my uber-progressive zip code (we are not democrats) it's over. People didn't even bother to display their Bernie bumper stickers because it's been over for a while now.
There is some warning of a coming swarm.
You might think San Francisco would be prime Sandersland but even in my uber-progressive zip code (we are not democrats) it's over. People didn't even bother to display their Bernie bumper stickers because it's been over for a while now.
There is some warning of a coming swarm.
"Fear of Trump" and "Fear of Hillary" is a false equivalence and you, Maureen, should stop treating Trump as if he is even remotely qualified or remotely suited to be President. The Bernie Bros. need to wake up and smell the coffee. Their candidate has been treated with KID GLOVES. We are forced to hear 24/7 about Bill's affairs, but there was barely a mention in the press of the fact that Jane Sanders could well find herself the subject of a federal investigation for possible bank fraud in connection with a $10 million loan she secured for Burlington College (as its then President). based on fundraising commitments (or so she represented) that never materialized. The monies never came through; the College is closing its doors at the end of this month. Hillary. not wanted to antagonize the Bernie Bros., obviously hasn't even hinted at this potential scandal and there was only passing reference in the press. Anyone who thinks that Bernie (and Jane, since spouses apparently have become fair game) will sail through a general election as he has been able to sail through the primary season is fooling herself/himself. So what am I most afraid of? That the naivete of the Bernie cult will ultimately destroy this country by insuring a Trump presidency.
2
Maureen, Maureen... You are just beside yourself...Jump on the Trump Train and you will see the light.. You will be happy again... Can't feel the positive vibes? Too bad...All the rest of you can move to Canada or Cuba or Europe and see how that works out for you. I love America, Americans and those who fight for the Constitution of the United States of America, The Pledge of Allegiance, "In God We Trust" and the 2nd Amendment.
Hillary/Bernie - Bernie/Hillary.
This is about the Supreme Court for next 20 years.
What am I afraid of? Voters!
This is about the Supreme Court for next 20 years.
What am I afraid of? Voters!
1
"What are you most afraid of?" Given the behaviors of these disliked "presumptive" nominees and their parties, a better question might be what are you most ashamed of?
1
Maureen Dowd, your ridicule of Al Gore and his earth tones helped to give us George Bush and all that followed.
Now you're relentless beyond reason about Hillary and appear to be intent on bringing us Donald Trump who will wreck what GWB left standing.
Why not use your column to create good in the world? It's become a waste of space.
Now you're relentless beyond reason about Hillary and appear to be intent on bringing us Donald Trump who will wreck what GWB left standing.
Why not use your column to create good in the world? It's become a waste of space.
5
Maureen, getting a most imperfect president in Hillary Clinton may be a blessing in disguise. The reality is that progress takes time, Maureen.
I think that having our first woman president will be huge. It will encourage women and men to rise up in the system for years to come. One step for (W)oman. One giant step for (H)umankind!
Run Hillary, run!
--------------------
I think that having our first woman president will be huge. It will encourage women and men to rise up in the system for years to come. One step for (W)oman. One giant step for (H)umankind!
Run Hillary, run!
--------------------
4
Maureen you use to be a serious writer.
You are not a comedian.
You really can't find any positive comments on the most qualified individual ever nominated to be President and a woman at that????
You are not a comedian.
You really can't find any positive comments on the most qualified individual ever nominated to be President and a woman at that????
8
I am sick of this election. Maybe it is time to change the name of the the Potomac to the Nile so it can be called by its more appropriate name of Washington on the Nile.
America is broken and after November it is not going to get any better.
We know Trump and Clinton aren't going to make it any better. We know the DNC and RNC aren't going to make it any better. We know Bernie can't make it any better unless he can get all of America behind him.
Bernie at least has drawn a map into the future but it is quite obvious the NYT and and the rest of America's corporate media are not going to let the only plan get any currency in a nation clearly intent on suicide.
Bernie's is the only plan out there that makes some of the changes needed to turn the ship around. There may be better options than democratic socialism but nobody is putting anything forward. Same old same old means a totally dysfunctional legislature and court. Libertarianism may have a place in Lichtenstein or some sparsely inhabited Island but the USA is the most important nation on the planet.
Who put the Lemmings in charge?
America is broken and after November it is not going to get any better.
We know Trump and Clinton aren't going to make it any better. We know the DNC and RNC aren't going to make it any better. We know Bernie can't make it any better unless he can get all of America behind him.
Bernie at least has drawn a map into the future but it is quite obvious the NYT and and the rest of America's corporate media are not going to let the only plan get any currency in a nation clearly intent on suicide.
Bernie's is the only plan out there that makes some of the changes needed to turn the ship around. There may be better options than democratic socialism but nobody is putting anything forward. Same old same old means a totally dysfunctional legislature and court. Libertarianism may have a place in Lichtenstein or some sparsely inhabited Island but the USA is the most important nation on the planet.
Who put the Lemmings in charge?
4
What am I most afraid of? The one certifiably ugly man left in this campaign. Ugly. Very, very ugly! Afraid. Very, very afraid! Where's Sarah Palin when we need her?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Stop the presses! Headline: Maureen Dowd finds grave fault with HRC's campaign style. Sub Head: Once highly respected columnist for the New York Times fiddles while America burns.
4
I'm most afraid of reading the comment of all the saggy old battle axes and sissy men who will pillory you for bringing up (over the) hill's advanced age.........
what her campaign just dosent get is noone likes her. she's the bright girl who always gets 100 on her tests (plus extra credit for shining the teachers apple) yet a) when given a task that dosent involve test taking, falls utterly on her face b/c she has the common sense of a doornail and b) when given a position of leadership, she gets nothing done. not b/c she isnt "prepared" or writes nice papers..... its b/c she is not and never has been, a leader. she's a mostly competent administrator. sec of state was great for her b/c she just had to follow and not lead.
bill's the leader in the family (or was, he's about as worn out as she is) and even he aint no rock star anymore. getting old is hard. getting old as a clinton must be real hard esp when a 70-something cranky jew is whooping her butt. but the kids are alright in one respect; they're tired of the weasel, professional liar class that she and trump live in. a pox on both their houses.
what her campaign just dosent get is noone likes her. she's the bright girl who always gets 100 on her tests (plus extra credit for shining the teachers apple) yet a) when given a task that dosent involve test taking, falls utterly on her face b/c she has the common sense of a doornail and b) when given a position of leadership, she gets nothing done. not b/c she isnt "prepared" or writes nice papers..... its b/c she is not and never has been, a leader. she's a mostly competent administrator. sec of state was great for her b/c she just had to follow and not lead.
bill's the leader in the family (or was, he's about as worn out as she is) and even he aint no rock star anymore. getting old is hard. getting old as a clinton must be real hard esp when a 70-something cranky jew is whooping her butt. but the kids are alright in one respect; they're tired of the weasel, professional liar class that she and trump live in. a pox on both their houses.
2
Rigging the vote to favor the establishment's choice is not to be criticised, but objecting to it is to be condemned.
1
The excitement is , we are going to have a woman president who will get the job done; Trump and Bernie cannot.
5
If you mean by getting the job done as a war hawk supporting Wall Street to keep the status quo then yes you're rights
2
Another instance where Bernie supporters are criticized based on a hyped and inaccurate account with insufficient attention paid to the cause of the dispute. The Hillary-affiliated arbitrarily suspended the convention rules and – in what amounts to a coup – replaced them with new rules ensuring success for the Hillary forces.
When you combine this sort of thing with abuse of the voting process by party officials nationwide (see 160,000 purged voters in Brooklyn et al) it is perfectly understandable that Berniecrats should be furious. If Hillary becomes president, she will owe her victory to serial elections fraud.
When you combine this sort of thing with abuse of the voting process by party officials nationwide (see 160,000 purged voters in Brooklyn et al) it is perfectly understandable that Berniecrats should be furious. If Hillary becomes president, she will owe her victory to serial elections fraud.
5
So now the talking points on Sanders comes down to "he's not a Democrat"? This from the Boxer/Pelosi wing of what is laughingly called the Democratic party. The major accomplishment of the power structure of the DNC is to make the world safe for endless cheesy strip malls surrounding decayed and dead cities like the Baltimore Nancy Pelosi abandoned years ago. The major accomplishment of the Debbie Wasserman Shultz is to have curly hair. It would be more accurate to say that the ONLY Democrat in the race is Sanders. The rest of the Democrats have become Rockefeller Republicans.
8
Given these trying times, lately I have been finding solace in Lewis Carroll.
" Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
We are living in a "Through the looking glass" political world. While immensely entertaining in its own way, immense tragedy can also befall our country in November. In the coming years, decades of progressive achievements can be swept away in tsunamis of legislative actions and Supreme Court decisions. I still believe that Bernie Sanders is the stronger Democratic candidate. The past is such a dead weight for Hillary, it will be painful just to watch her hobble across the field with Trump breathing down her neck, and painful still to watch her stumble and fall just before the finish line.
" Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
We are living in a "Through the looking glass" political world. While immensely entertaining in its own way, immense tragedy can also befall our country in November. In the coming years, decades of progressive achievements can be swept away in tsunamis of legislative actions and Supreme Court decisions. I still believe that Bernie Sanders is the stronger Democratic candidate. The past is such a dead weight for Hillary, it will be painful just to watch her hobble across the field with Trump breathing down her neck, and painful still to watch her stumble and fall just before the finish line.
4
Clinton's ability to win the general may depend on whether Sanders supporters are unsuspicious of things like:
- Clinton's repudiation of trade deals she once marketed (TPP, NAFTA)
- The many 1% donors flooding millions into the Clinton campaign
- Clinton's refusal to release the Wall Street speech transcripts
- The inconsistencies Mrs. Clinton has voiced on trade and energy
- Clinton's parade of celebrity endorsements
- The superdelegates' overwhelming preference for Clinton
- Clinton's repudiation of trade deals she once marketed (TPP, NAFTA)
- The many 1% donors flooding millions into the Clinton campaign
- Clinton's refusal to release the Wall Street speech transcripts
- The inconsistencies Mrs. Clinton has voiced on trade and energy
- Clinton's parade of celebrity endorsements
- The superdelegates' overwhelming preference for Clinton
5
Let us face it. Bernie is one of those who so believes in himself, that he is willing to burn everything in his way. He has managed so well with his messianic promises to put stars in the eyes of the uninitiated that Hillary's solid programs, the programs of one of the most prepared candidates ever to be president, look "boring." Bernie, though, has a match, and that is Maureen Dowd with her supercilious arrogance. She may think she is clever, and often she is, insightful, too, and often she is, but compare this hatchet-job with Gail Collins's constructive criticism of the other day, even though the themes were the same. Do that, and I need say no more.
3
When I saw the heading for this piece, I thought it was the greatest analogy for Bernie Sanders' current situation and that it would be a great read. For anyone who does not know, this is the title for a movie where a couple of young execs get invited to their boss's oceanfront retreat for a weekend of wild partying. However, when they arrive before anyone else, they find he has had a heart attack and died. They then spend the weekend doing everything possible to convince everyone he is still alive. You know, there is no way Bernie Sanders can catch up and win, but his campaign and followers still want to convince everyone he is still alive???
However, Maureen, in a piece that looks like she dashed it off from a few quick notes just before deadline probably on her laptop while still laying in bed, says nothing about this great analogy, just returns to her typical cynicism of one and all, especially Hillary. It must say in Journalism 101 that you should speak to your headline in the body of your essay? I dunno, maybe she never saw the movie and just liked the title.
However, Maureen, in a piece that looks like she dashed it off from a few quick notes just before deadline probably on her laptop while still laying in bed, says nothing about this great analogy, just returns to her typical cynicism of one and all, especially Hillary. It must say in Journalism 101 that you should speak to your headline in the body of your essay? I dunno, maybe she never saw the movie and just liked the title.
2
Bernie strikes me as a person whose ideology conflicts with his personality. Politically, he is liberal and progressive. His positions are intelligent and humane. His personality strikes me as rigid and authoritarian vs. flexible and cooperative. Since his personality traits seem more unconscious than his ideology, the personality traits are more powerful and come out in surprising ways.
Unconsciousness of one's personality causes one to project all over other people and then blame them for the conflict. With national politicians, one sees the story writ large. I wish journalists paid more attention to these nuances, to the psyche, to how behavior tells the truth, to the splits between politician's words and actions, and to what this all implies.
Unconsciousness of one's personality causes one to project all over other people and then blame them for the conflict. With national politicians, one sees the story writ large. I wish journalists paid more attention to these nuances, to the psyche, to how behavior tells the truth, to the splits between politician's words and actions, and to what this all implies.
1
What effect is Dowd trying to achieve with her arch snideness? The Times op-ed pages are influential spaces that should be occupied by writers with knowledge and eloquence. All I get from Ms Dowd is self-impressed pseudo cleverness.
5
The so-called violence at the NV conference was a hyped up lie - there was no chair throwing. One person picked up a chair and then put it down at the request of fellow participants. that's it. The lies being spread by Senator Boxer, who I used to admire, and other members of the Democratic establishment, is sickening and now Ms. Dowd is continuing to perpetuate them. When will reporters/op-writers conduct due diligence before they put finger to keyboard?
5
I am proud to have contributed to the cracks in the highest glass ceiling. Thirteen million already in this cycle. More pledged delegates, more popular votes than Senator Sanders, all earned the hard way. Where is the coronation? I am not sure what your beef Ms. Dowd is with Secretary Clinton, but there are many ordinary voters like me who see in her someone with tremendous intellect, experience, steely resolve, compassion, and ability to work across divides to accomplish things. She is the most qualified of all the current, and many past, candidates to be President. We may not show up at rallies, or express our views constantly in social media, or actively campaign, but we do show up where it counts- at the ballot box. Hillary Clinton has been vetted over many years, and I am not sure how many would still be standing taking the hits that she has. Looking at the policies and positions articulated by the leading candidates to solve the many problems facing the country, I find that hers are the ones more pragmatic, detailed and rooted to the ground. Senator Sanders has contributed tremendously to focusing attention on important issues facing the middle class. His positions are lofty and ideal, but not practical. Some could argue that the media ignored him, but I feel like the media never questioned him hard on how he is going to accomplish the many things he promises. Of course, it thoroughly failed to vet Mr. Trump in time to make any significant dent to his rise.
3
Really disappointing stuff. It's not bad enough that though Hillary Clinton has spent a lifetime - literally - fighting the good fight on behalf of women, children, and the middle class, she now also has to put up with a misogynist, a sexist hippy radical, and the nonsense of so called pundits like you. Rodney Dangerfield got more respect!
It is a weak ending by Bernie, though you focused not at all on this. He ran a good campaign until about two months ago; since then it's been all about him, not the so called revolution, but not a word about that. Nor about just how close these two candidates are on policy. Closer in fact, than Barack Obama and Hillary ever were, despite Obama's pedigree as an organizer.
It's completely disingenuous to state that Hillary can't "put away Bernie." It's amazing the woman is still standing, given the relentlessly negative coverage of her personality, looks, voice, actions,lack of action,you name it. He's not going away, and has the bucks to stay in!
And there would be no "Teflon Don" if you and the rest of the media were doing your job, instead of, like Megyn Kelly, bowing down before the great orange blowhard.
Hillary Clinton has solid governing chops and a coherent worldview that will take us forward. She is ready to be President, unlike either Bernie, or Trump the demagogue.
Trump is dangerous, and blythely minimizing his down sides while damning Clinton (not even any faint praise!) is not helpful. There is too much at stake!
It is a weak ending by Bernie, though you focused not at all on this. He ran a good campaign until about two months ago; since then it's been all about him, not the so called revolution, but not a word about that. Nor about just how close these two candidates are on policy. Closer in fact, than Barack Obama and Hillary ever were, despite Obama's pedigree as an organizer.
It's completely disingenuous to state that Hillary can't "put away Bernie." It's amazing the woman is still standing, given the relentlessly negative coverage of her personality, looks, voice, actions,lack of action,you name it. He's not going away, and has the bucks to stay in!
And there would be no "Teflon Don" if you and the rest of the media were doing your job, instead of, like Megyn Kelly, bowing down before the great orange blowhard.
Hillary Clinton has solid governing chops and a coherent worldview that will take us forward. She is ready to be President, unlike either Bernie, or Trump the demagogue.
Trump is dangerous, and blythely minimizing his down sides while damning Clinton (not even any faint praise!) is not helpful. There is too much at stake!
4
Does maureen dowd have any idea what the Bataan death march was? Or does she just google "bad things" and then use the results haphazardly in illogical metaphors?
3
Where is the Maureen Dowd whose precious sense of the absurd enabled her to write "Girl Talk" - an imaginary, but not doubt precisely accurate column about a conversation between Monica Lewinsky and Linda Tripp about Monica's relationship with President Bill. She apparently has been abducted - perhaps by aliens - no not that kind of aliens - I mean the one from space who rent in area 51, and been replaced by a witless mean girl who indiscriminately spews vitriol. Maureen it ain't nice to to say unkind thing about a woman - flawed as she is - who has spend a lot of her life working for those less privileged - and given what you are paid to do - it ain't even funny.
1
Can't we Democrats find someone people like to be our nominee? Maybe we can all agree on, say, Howard Schultz of Starbucks as a counter to Trump. There must be a Democratic football coach who can work a crowd or a foundation or college president. HRC is wooden, unimaginative and uninspiring.
(An aside: Shame on the media for giving her the nomination before she faced the voters. The media have swallowed the whole Clinton line. My favorite lie is that candidates such as Sanders, who have a vision, can't get things done.
(An aside: Shame on the media for giving her the nomination before she faced the voters. The media have swallowed the whole Clinton line. My favorite lie is that candidates such as Sanders, who have a vision, can't get things done.
3
What readers should fear is that for once Maureen Dowd is right. Trump voters hate and fear Clinton. Clinton voters hate and fear Trump. Only Sanders voters are voting for love of their country.
5
Only we are pure, huh? Only we are good. That does sound like Sanders supporters, it's true. Sigh.
1
If Clinton only spent less time working tirelessly to amass more money through scams to get around election and donation laws, twisting the truth and conspiring with her henchmen and women, she might be an adequate leader. But to rally this country to return to its heritage, we need a generous spirit and a heart as big as it has bad.
Abe Lincoln didn't mock the idea of free college and cry it was a bribe or worse, that we couldn't afford it like Clinton has done. Lincoln signed a law in 1862 to make colleges widely available by being free. A 150 years later Clinton says it can't be done. No, it was done
We need leaders who have creative, daring consciousnesses to believe in a better future. 150 years ago Lincoln did what Clinton can't conceive of doing today. Thank you, Bernie, for dreams of future as big as the best of our past.
Abe Lincoln didn't mock the idea of free college and cry it was a bribe or worse, that we couldn't afford it like Clinton has done. Lincoln signed a law in 1862 to make colleges widely available by being free. A 150 years later Clinton says it can't be done. No, it was done
We need leaders who have creative, daring consciousnesses to believe in a better future. 150 years ago Lincoln did what Clinton can't conceive of doing today. Thank you, Bernie, for dreams of future as big as the best of our past.
4
It's always horrible when Dowd writes about Clinton. Her voice drips with Schadenfreude or even the merest whiff of possible Schadenfreude. She is a sad figure.
3
Ms Dowd, when you refer to Bernie as "the old socialist dude hammering [Hillary] with a sickle" you are not funny. Instead, you are merely insulting and pathetically ignorant. So, democratic socialism as espoused by Bernie and practiced in Scandinavian countries is the same as Soviet-style communism?
Furthermore, your claim of "Bernie bro violence" in the form of "chair throwing" at the Nevada state party convention last weekend may be more in line with establishmentarian dogma (Sidney Rosenthal yesterday made the same claim about "chair-throwing violence", as have John Ralston and practically all of the mainstream media); but no one has produced a single picture of that event actually taking place--as TYT and the Salon have noted.
On the other hand, neither the NYT nor any other mainstream pundits have reported the many and very real reasons for the frustration of Bernie's supporters with the outrageously biased proceedings in Nevada. (For example, two voice votes clearly favoring the Bernie supporters' Neys being dismissed by the Clintonite chairwoman.)
Ms. Dowd is beyond redemption. Is there no one else left at NYT that cares for the truth and for unbiased reporting?
Furthermore, your claim of "Bernie bro violence" in the form of "chair throwing" at the Nevada state party convention last weekend may be more in line with establishmentarian dogma (Sidney Rosenthal yesterday made the same claim about "chair-throwing violence", as have John Ralston and practically all of the mainstream media); but no one has produced a single picture of that event actually taking place--as TYT and the Salon have noted.
On the other hand, neither the NYT nor any other mainstream pundits have reported the many and very real reasons for the frustration of Bernie's supporters with the outrageously biased proceedings in Nevada. (For example, two voice votes clearly favoring the Bernie supporters' Neys being dismissed by the Clintonite chairwoman.)
Ms. Dowd is beyond redemption. Is there no one else left at NYT that cares for the truth and for unbiased reporting?
3
After Sanders drops out and Clinton is indicted followed by the FBI investigations then concentrating on the crimes of Obama who then resigns , Biden becomes the sitting President , pardons Obama and Clinton and becomes the parties nominee as the sitting President , which is a good plan except for those pesky American voters who then hand the Democrat Party the worst defeat in American political history, and so it goes, that was what Dowd was really trying to tell you.
1
Put Bill in charge of the economy? What a declaration of inadequacy by Hillary!
The economy is the biggest issue to Americans. That's the reason there are populist revolts against establishment candidates: both parties have failed to provide economic growth to support the working class.
So Hillary declares that she is clueless about economic growth and is appointing Bill the economics czar. She is saying that she is incapable of handling the most important job the president has ... growing the economy.
How stupid is that? But then Hillary has demonstrated some pretty bad judgment in this campaign. This is just another example.
We need a president who can lead on the economy, and Hillary just said she isn't that person.
The economy is the biggest issue to Americans. That's the reason there are populist revolts against establishment candidates: both parties have failed to provide economic growth to support the working class.
So Hillary declares that she is clueless about economic growth and is appointing Bill the economics czar. She is saying that she is incapable of handling the most important job the president has ... growing the economy.
How stupid is that? But then Hillary has demonstrated some pretty bad judgment in this campaign. This is just another example.
We need a president who can lead on the economy, and Hillary just said she isn't that person.
5
A vote for Bernie = a vote for Trump.
It's time to grow up.
Trump is horrifying.
It's time to grow up.
Trump is horrifying.
3
Good article.
1
Hillary is corrupt and incompetent. If there was an honest administration in power, she would be in jail.
Bernie is simply clueless. He hasn't had a real job, just a government teat.
Trump is great because he shows the left to be bungling fools, who are being exposed as frauds.
Pass the pop corn, I can't wait for the disaster that the convention will be for hillary. if she isn't in jail by then.
Bernie is simply clueless. He hasn't had a real job, just a government teat.
Trump is great because he shows the left to be bungling fools, who are being exposed as frauds.
Pass the pop corn, I can't wait for the disaster that the convention will be for hillary. if she isn't in jail by then.
1
There was *no* chair-throwing in Nevada. Zero pictures, zero videos, zero arrests with a line of officers in the room. This misinformation really needs to die. There were people booing. At a political caucus. Someone picked up a chair, put it down, and he was hugged. The horror.
10
I've said it before and I'll say it again. You, Ms. Dowd should seek mental health counseling to deal with your feelings about HRC. From the Clinton's first Christmas in the White House to today's column, you have consistently demonstrated a vitriol against this woman that is not rational.
7
We get it already.
Maureen Dowd really, really does not like Hillary Clinton.
Maureen Dowd really, really does not like Hillary Clinton.
6
I'm most afraid of Lil Debbie Cakes Wasserman Schultz having a role in the next administration. Shudder.
2
I think that the girl has a crush on both boys.
Whatever happened to the Democratic Party? They use to represent the common man, today they represent their Masters of the Universe...Wall Street and its fellow 1%. As much as I abhor Da Donald, what has Hillary said to assure me she is sincere about representing the other 99%? A "hawk" by nature, someone whom aligns herself with those who do God's Work LOL, and assuring America that Bill will be in charge of the economy doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy. What many Americans fail to understand is that Bernie represents and behaves like the Party of old did. If the Democrats lose in November they have no one else but themselves to blame. This was their opportunity to extend the Presidency for another eight years and really make a positive change, unfortunately that looks like its slipping away
2
Ms Dowd is a lazy columnist--the chair throwing canard was a fabrication, acknowledged as such more than 2 days before the publication of this column--whose snarky creative juices flow most briskly when Clinton blood is in the water. Tiresome. Instead, why doesn't Dowd propose a positive tack, say on the way for Clinton to appeal to Sanders' ideological and personal principles in bringing the Democratic Party in line with the zeitgeist of both its traditional core and all these new voters who might otherwise be lost to progressive politics. Ms Dowd, if you can't see what is at stake in this race beyond venal political personalities, you don't have any business writing for the audience you are so fortunate to reach.
2
She has despatched Sanders. Far more easily than Obama despatched her. Sanders is done.
8
It may be time to put Dowd out to pasture. She seems to be more confused and one note than Ross Douthat. Keep on (pl)ucking that chicken Maureen.
3
Bernie has been very clear from the outset about his positions, a call for a political revolution. His entire career revolves around lifelong values. His message has resonated with millions of young people ( our future ). Maureen summarizes what has happened adding her opinion. While keeping Trump out of the White House is crictical, Bernie has added a much needed refresh to the Democratic party and process. If we get universal healthcare in the next decade it will be thanks to Bernie, not the DNC.
3
Whoa there Hill/Billy hornets!
Ms. Dowd speaks more truth than perhaps you're accustomed to facing at the NY Times. Give her a break.
She's just casting a very few tiny drops of reality mixed with a tad of humor on a nominee who has long claimed to be wearing the Queens Cloths, but in fact is wearing, at most, a G string, or it is a maternity outfit.
It's her job and if she didn't do it with some humor, you could only cry reading about Hill constantly shooting herself in the foot. But, to her credit, she has made a decent living doing it while at the same time making a lot of BFFs.
So chill out and vote your interest.
Maureen just wants to have a little fun at her job while pointing out the facts.
Ms. Dowd speaks more truth than perhaps you're accustomed to facing at the NY Times. Give her a break.
She's just casting a very few tiny drops of reality mixed with a tad of humor on a nominee who has long claimed to be wearing the Queens Cloths, but in fact is wearing, at most, a G string, or it is a maternity outfit.
It's her job and if she didn't do it with some humor, you could only cry reading about Hill constantly shooting herself in the foot. But, to her credit, she has made a decent living doing it while at the same time making a lot of BFFs.
So chill out and vote your interest.
Maureen just wants to have a little fun at her job while pointing out the facts.
1
What am I most afraid of, Ms. Dowd?
I'm not afraid of Hillary losing the election to Trump, because of the importance to many "savoring shattering that highest hardest glass ceiling" by electing our first female president. That's incentive enough to go to the polls. I just wish Hillary's mother, Dorothy Rodham, who faced discrimination herself, as an abandoned child, were here, savoring along with the rest of us.
I'm also not afraid of Hillary looking "at the pictures of the young women swooning over Bernie, as if he were Bieber." Tsk,tsk, Ms. Dowd, why aren't the Bernie Bros swooning as well?
"Queen Hillary" gives Bernie's women supporters more credit than your bimbo description of them. The fact that 22 million jobs were created under Bill Clinton's administration and that Trump has filed for bankruptcy four times is good reason for Bill's role and women will take note.
When you compare graduation rates with men, women are the linchpin to the bridge to a 21st American century. That's "her big new idea"; empowering women as Hillary has done many times before.
And despite your characterization of the "joyless Clinton campaign" (it's only exhaustion), Hillary need not panic to punditry hysteria and feel compelled to "generate excitement on her own" to win election.
As she draws a sharp contrast to the race baiting, misogynistic Trump, using her detailed knowledge of the issues to draw comparison, Emperor Trump's new clothes will be visible for all to see.
I'm not afraid of Hillary losing the election to Trump, because of the importance to many "savoring shattering that highest hardest glass ceiling" by electing our first female president. That's incentive enough to go to the polls. I just wish Hillary's mother, Dorothy Rodham, who faced discrimination herself, as an abandoned child, were here, savoring along with the rest of us.
I'm also not afraid of Hillary looking "at the pictures of the young women swooning over Bernie, as if he were Bieber." Tsk,tsk, Ms. Dowd, why aren't the Bernie Bros swooning as well?
"Queen Hillary" gives Bernie's women supporters more credit than your bimbo description of them. The fact that 22 million jobs were created under Bill Clinton's administration and that Trump has filed for bankruptcy four times is good reason for Bill's role and women will take note.
When you compare graduation rates with men, women are the linchpin to the bridge to a 21st American century. That's "her big new idea"; empowering women as Hillary has done many times before.
And despite your characterization of the "joyless Clinton campaign" (it's only exhaustion), Hillary need not panic to punditry hysteria and feel compelled to "generate excitement on her own" to win election.
As she draws a sharp contrast to the race baiting, misogynistic Trump, using her detailed knowledge of the issues to draw comparison, Emperor Trump's new clothes will be visible for all to see.
8
There was a time when I enjoyed reading Maureen Down, but that was many years ago. I think there have to be other columnists with more to add to the conversation. I cannot for the life of me understand why the NY Times continues to give you this bully pulpit.
6
If Sanders felt the Democratic primary system was unfair or "rigged," he could have actually joined the party at any time during the 40 or so years that he's been in public life and worked to change it.
Sanders has finally joined the party simply to run for its presidential nomination, after keeping the party at arm's length for decades and not doing much to help others in the party. Now he's disappointed that he's not getting more love from long-time Dems.
And his campaign team apparently didn't do a good enough job of informing Sanders-friendly voters about changing parties so that they could vote in closed primaries. That's not a "rigged" system; that's the Sanders's team's failure to learn the rules of the process (Obama was only in national govt. for 2 years when he began to run for president in 2008, but I don't recall him whining about the process.)
Go back to Vermont, Senator; you're drunk... on a power trip.
Sanders has finally joined the party simply to run for its presidential nomination, after keeping the party at arm's length for decades and not doing much to help others in the party. Now he's disappointed that he's not getting more love from long-time Dems.
And his campaign team apparently didn't do a good enough job of informing Sanders-friendly voters about changing parties so that they could vote in closed primaries. That's not a "rigged" system; that's the Sanders's team's failure to learn the rules of the process (Obama was only in national govt. for 2 years when he began to run for president in 2008, but I don't recall him whining about the process.)
Go back to Vermont, Senator; you're drunk... on a power trip.
6
Learn the process of all 50 states? Please, tell me why the voting process is so confusing in a democracy where every vote is suppose to be so important.
I'll give you a hint: You're not as important as you think. And that should outrage you, but, for some reason it doesn't.
I'll give you a hint: You're not as important as you think. And that should outrage you, but, for some reason it doesn't.
3
If the choice is Hillary or Donald the vote won't be based solely on our biggest fears, it will also be on who disgusts us the most. The Buffoon, aka Donald, wins scariest and most disgusting hands down.
You seem to have direct access to the Buffoon, Maureen, but I can't recall any time when you've spoken directly to Hillary or Bernie. Are you avoiding them or are they avoiding you? As bright and intelligent as you are this seems a little school girlish- a little like a Twitter fight between adolescents.
Be glad I'm not your boss-I'd have you out talking to everyone, even voters.
You seem to have direct access to the Buffoon, Maureen, but I can't recall any time when you've spoken directly to Hillary or Bernie. Are you avoiding them or are they avoiding you? As bright and intelligent as you are this seems a little school girlish- a little like a Twitter fight between adolescents.
Be glad I'm not your boss-I'd have you out talking to everyone, even voters.
5
I totally wish Maureen Dowd would be replaced by somebody with something to say.
What a waste of time. Again.
What a waste of time. Again.
10
Was 'twas there a point to this column?
4
Thank you. My thoughts exactly.
What would Maureen Dowd do if she didn't have the Clintons to beat on? This woman hasn't had an original idea in years. It is really very sad.
4
Yeah, "weakened" at Bernie's, as Bernie Sanders gradually becomes Ralph Nader, with the EXACCT same voting outcome as loser Nader.
Everybody who has bought the years of heavy, relentless Republican anti-Hillary Clinton PROPAGANDA should look in the mirror while singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" To be willingly TRICKED into assuming that all other candidates have been pristine and blemish-free, with "nicer sins", is beyond naive and really stupid.
Everybody who has bought the years of heavy, relentless Republican anti-Hillary Clinton PROPAGANDA should look in the mirror while singing "What Kind of Fool Am I?" To be willingly TRICKED into assuming that all other candidates have been pristine and blemish-free, with "nicer sins", is beyond naive and really stupid.
4
I love reading Dowd. They say you can't judge a book by its cover but that's not true. You can. Look at the cover of most books. There's a good chance by just glancing at the cover you can ascertain its contents. It's true of movie posters, campaign mottoes, bumper sticker slogans, a soap and cereal box. The covers are designed to send you a message, to draw you in, to provide you with an incentive to pick up the product, purchase it, take it home, love it.
And so I return to Mo. Her piece "Weakend at Bernie's" caught my eye as it was suppose to. I first read, "Weekend at Bernie's", a goofy comedy from some years ago. This one-trick pony comedy's sole gimmick was based on some guys carting around a dead guy pretending he was alive. I thought for a moment this was theme of Ms. Dowd's article, only dead guy Bernie was now a Senator on his Last Hurrah. But then I saw the word was "Weakend", as in "Weak End" or "Weakened". Oh wow, dumb me. I finally got it. This is really just another hit piece on Hillary, par for the course from this source, disguised as a tale of comic relief about the Great Green Mountain Crusader.
Well, you got me. I'll admit though, it is somewhat entertaining. But after spending seven decades on this spinning blue marble I'm tired of too much cute. The real story is about who will president. It's not a comedy. Long ago, I have made my pick. Reading Mo and the Average Joe's comments herein have not changed that pick one bit.
DD
Manhattan
And so I return to Mo. Her piece "Weakend at Bernie's" caught my eye as it was suppose to. I first read, "Weekend at Bernie's", a goofy comedy from some years ago. This one-trick pony comedy's sole gimmick was based on some guys carting around a dead guy pretending he was alive. I thought for a moment this was theme of Ms. Dowd's article, only dead guy Bernie was now a Senator on his Last Hurrah. But then I saw the word was "Weakend", as in "Weak End" or "Weakened". Oh wow, dumb me. I finally got it. This is really just another hit piece on Hillary, par for the course from this source, disguised as a tale of comic relief about the Great Green Mountain Crusader.
Well, you got me. I'll admit though, it is somewhat entertaining. But after spending seven decades on this spinning blue marble I'm tired of too much cute. The real story is about who will president. It's not a comedy. Long ago, I have made my pick. Reading Mo and the Average Joe's comments herein have not changed that pick one bit.
DD
Manhattan
2
Most afraid of Dowd's trademark cynicism.
3
Ms Dowd again shows he bias against the Clinton's in this commentary. Hilary Clinton has beaten Bernie Sanders who believes he is the savior of left wing of the Democrat Party despite the fact that the costs of his ideas are excessive. The problem is his promises are appealing to many including young voters.
It is clear that Ms Dowd has not studied the race and is allowing her bias over rule facts.
It is clear that Ms Dowd has not studied the race and is allowing her bias over rule facts.
4
Gee. Hillary's not "exciting." I guess Ms. Dowd is in full reality TV mode, where if it isn't "exciting," it's no good.
Says much about politics these days, even more about Ms. Dowd.
Says much about politics these days, even more about Ms. Dowd.
4
The existence of super-delegates, the inside-baseball aspect, the opaqueness surrounding them, greatly undermines the validity of Clinton's lead. Remove them from the equation and the race is wide open.
Bernie Sanders for President.
Bernie Sanders for President.
3
Seriously, Bernie is turning into that guy who supports the biggest rival of your city's team just so he can consider himself an outsider, and when (in the spirit of friendly competition) you invite him over to watch the big game between the two teams, sits there making ever-more-snide comments as his team falls further and further behind, things like "oh what a surprise another call goes to the home team" and "Christ could the refs make it any more obvious they're not even trying to hide how biased they are anymore" and "I can't watch to see those smug jerks get crushed in the playoffs", all of which is making the rest of your friends uncomfortable even as they try to pretend he isn't bringing down the the mood of the entire party.
231
What a great analogy!
3
Most of us in this country are NOT Democrats. You need to remember that.
1
Ever notice how Maureen Dowd always manages to dig up some anti people to speak to and report their anti comments no matter who the article is about?
2
I, for one, am thrilled to have someone with HRC's deep expertise as President over a celebrity reality show host who advocates torture, religious tests, trade wars, racism and the forced deportation of 12 million people from our nation.
There are still people joyful to have a leader with productive policies for the nation regarding the environment, the economy, social issues, the Supreme Court and foreign policy.
I am thrilled that HRC would put up with demagogic battles from the left and the right and endless criticism and insults from her lessers.
I wonder what you would say about Hillary if she ran casinos, bankrupted 4 companies, had 3 marriages, starred in a 3rd rate celebrity reality show and had run an unaccredited for profit school shut down for fraud?
I can see your column write itself with that material.
But when you talk to Trump your fawning superficiality is on public display, and it isn't joyful or exciting. It is a sad reflection on the politics of the day.
An election held on policies or competence or experience would give HRC over 80% of the vote.
There are always the gullible rubes who will believe Trump's promises that they will get sick of winning too much, and the racists and bigots who don't care if he pays his taxes or is a con man as long as he attacks the groups they want.
You just make it easier for them, your position to enlighten notwithstanding.