Hillary needs to offset the shoot-from-the-hip Trump attack strategy but she can't be seen as engaging in equally wild counter-attacks. Your suggestion about measured, controlled periodic press conferences is a prudent one. She has to be viewed as the reasonable and measured one in this race. That will be the differentiating factor that voters will remember.
22
Republicans get away with all of their nonsense and distractions because there is a large enough portion of the electorate who listens to them.
Fox News wouldn't exist in Denmark. Nobody would tune in.
We have real problems to fix, poverty, healthcare, education.
You won't find people in Denmark working two part-time jobs, below the poverty line, without healthcare.
And Forbes ranks Denmark number 1 for business and ranks the US number 22.
And they have better economic mobility, the ability to pull ones self up by our bootstraps.
Don't Republican politicians and Fox News employees think about the country they are leaving for their children and grandchildren?
Fox News wouldn't exist in Denmark. Nobody would tune in.
We have real problems to fix, poverty, healthcare, education.
You won't find people in Denmark working two part-time jobs, below the poverty line, without healthcare.
And Forbes ranks Denmark number 1 for business and ranks the US number 22.
And they have better economic mobility, the ability to pull ones self up by our bootstraps.
Don't Republican politicians and Fox News employees think about the country they are leaving for their children and grandchildren?
43
Gail,
A real honest human being, with Hillarys' reputation, would withdraw, endorse Bernie, so Trump won't sneak in, for the good of our nation.
Since she epitomizes greed, dishonesty, and is entirely untrustworthy, she will not withdraw.
It is now up to "we the too long apathetic people", to send her packing in November, perhaps ride her out of town on a rail.
A real honest human being, with Hillarys' reputation, would withdraw, endorse Bernie, so Trump won't sneak in, for the good of our nation.
Since she epitomizes greed, dishonesty, and is entirely untrustworthy, she will not withdraw.
It is now up to "we the too long apathetic people", to send her packing in November, perhaps ride her out of town on a rail.
33
Agree with your totally unfunny column.
I would only add that one of things Hillary Clinton could do (must, in my opinion) would fill two of your requirements, make clear to President Obama and the world she really opposes TPP. And, if elected President, she will call in her chits to block any dishonest attempt to backdoor it through Congress's lame duck session, an effort which the Democratic platform committee is trying to rig through a plank which carries water on both shoulders.
That would enrage big pharma and her former benefactor Goldman Sachs who respectively like the TPP's license to rob American patients and the get out of regulations (Dodd Frank) card proffered by the dark side of the TPP -- shadowy arbitration provisions, which allow unelected corporate servants posing as arbitrators to overturn environmental, banking and health laws.
I would only add that one of things Hillary Clinton could do (must, in my opinion) would fill two of your requirements, make clear to President Obama and the world she really opposes TPP. And, if elected President, she will call in her chits to block any dishonest attempt to backdoor it through Congress's lame duck session, an effort which the Democratic platform committee is trying to rig through a plank which carries water on both shoulders.
That would enrage big pharma and her former benefactor Goldman Sachs who respectively like the TPP's license to rob American patients and the get out of regulations (Dodd Frank) card proffered by the dark side of the TPP -- shadowy arbitration provisions, which allow unelected corporate servants posing as arbitrators to overturn environmental, banking and health laws.
21
Trump just made the “crazy” bet you’ve always wanted to see from a Presidential candidate, and Hillary Clinton (and the establishment) have taken the other side of the action. Trump says American workers are the best in the world; Clinton says we face stiff foreign competition, and we need immigrants to rejuvenate our tired blood. Trump says American workers are the best in the world—right now; Clinton says American workers need reeducating, retraining, relocating. Trump says our economic disease is the result of deliberate—and treatable—policy choices; Clinton says it’s the result of globalization, technology, irreversible disruption. Clinton *says* “stronger together”; Trump just put all his chips on it. Everybody knows Trump is rough around the edges and can rub people the wrong way (and sure can go off on tangents), but when it comes down to it, his money is on America and American workers.
9
Take a hard position? It simply isn't in her DNA. She blows with the wind, jumps on every bandwagon, and hasn't accomplished anything difficult in her entire career.
53
If extremely careless and not telling the truth is a problem for Republicans, what do they do about Trump?
50
I don't know. It makes people wonder, what else is she hiding? She once said Bill would be her economic chief or something like that. Really? Doesn't she know Bill is a neoliberal and we will all end just sending checks to the Clintons. He did terrible things in his second term when the danger of another election was over. The prisons, the single mothers with children on the streets. Of course She was his top advisor so she was in on it too. I know, I know every person at the NYTimes is 400% for Hillary. Donald is out of the question so I may just vote for Jill Stein. Her platform is everything I could dream of.
29
After the GOP wasted millions having serial adulterer Newt Gingrich and world class hypocrite and child molester Dennis Hastert have their Inquisition, Bill Clinton handed off a surplus to George Bush. But only in the real world.
43
Re: Clinton witch hunt #87655442
So today it's Comey on the grill.
Definition of Republicanism: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
So today it's Comey on the grill.
Definition of Republicanism: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
53
exactly correct. Hillary could have emailed the specifications of the new stealth bomber to the Russian embassy, and the national security implications would be less damaging than the election of trump.
59
In our house we describe our choices as “the dodo or the ditz.” I have regarded HRC as ditzy since 1993 when she botched her healthcare program assignment by refusing to let the public know which supposedly expert luminaries were helping her. She has always been about big talk and little accomplishment aside from actually being elected U.S. Senator from New York. What is so alarming about her use of private servers is that she either did not seek expert advice on data security or else she did not heed it.
Then there is the “dodo,” which Wikipedia describes as a type of extinct bird. Quoting from a Dutch document, Wikipedia says dodos had “stiff and stern faces, and wide-open mouths...Their war weapon was their mouth, with which they could bite fiercely.” Sounds like Trump to me.
I see no sane choice other than to hold my nose and vote for Clinton. If she were to follow Gail Collins’ advice, perhaps she would convince me that she is not a ditz and I might not need the nose holding.
Then there is the “dodo,” which Wikipedia describes as a type of extinct bird. Quoting from a Dutch document, Wikipedia says dodos had “stiff and stern faces, and wide-open mouths...Their war weapon was their mouth, with which they could bite fiercely.” Sounds like Trump to me.
I see no sane choice other than to hold my nose and vote for Clinton. If she were to follow Gail Collins’ advice, perhaps she would convince me that she is not a ditz and I might not need the nose holding.
23
Hillary is counting on folks like you. Vote 3rd party.
10
Actually, the email issue is a blessing, not a curse, for Hillary. It keeps folks from focusing on the real anti-progressive qualities of this candidate. She supports Big Pharma and Too-big-to-fail Banks. Very much anti progressive, and as long as Democrats focus upon her email non-issue, she gets away with real scrutiny upon the issues that really matter to most Americans.
29
Yesterday Trump announced he supported Saddam Hussein because he "killed terrorists", meaning murdering political opponents and gassing Kurds.
Saddam Hussein, people. And the wee news articles disappear withing an hour. But still, still, on and on, endless articles excoriating Mrs. Clinton. Gail, why are you becoming complicit in this perversion of the press? Where's the Fourth Estate when you need it?
Saddam Hussein, people. And the wee news articles disappear withing an hour. But still, still, on and on, endless articles excoriating Mrs. Clinton. Gail, why are you becoming complicit in this perversion of the press? Where's the Fourth Estate when you need it?
26
Uh, it's the fabled Fourth Estate's job to report the news or in tnis vase to comment upon the news, not to decide that the FBI's decision regarding the leading Presidential candidate isn't news enough for you.
i don't lind liberal and leftist demands for suppression one bit more attractive than those from conservatives and the Right.
Less so, in fact, because we're spozed to believe in the people's right to know, and freedom of the press.
i don't lind liberal and leftist demands for suppression one bit more attractive than those from conservatives and the Right.
Less so, in fact, because we're spozed to believe in the people's right to know, and freedom of the press.
10
I am hoping this is Clinton borrowing the 'rope-a-dope' strategy used by the great Mohammed Ali against George Forman. Trump is wildly throwing haymakers hoping to land just one and is beginning to exhibit behavior of a desperate outclassed boxer continuing to ignore his corner men while sensing imminent defeat. Meanwhile Hillary Clinton has begun stinging her opponent while whispering " is that all you got, Donald" in his ear. Can't wait for the '8th round' knockout.
18
Will someone please tie up Bill Clinton, gag him, and lock him in a closet till after the election! (Possibly even longer.)
21
Lesser of two evils? Sometimes.
Lesser of two mediocrities? Most often.
In the late summer of 1976 I attended a Mort Sahl performance in San Diego. For those unfamiliar with Mort Sahl: His shtick was to read the latest local newspaper edition and riff on what was happening politically.
Sahl held up a copy of the San Diego "Union Tribune" whose headline screamed "Ford vs Carter". He read the headline and lead paragraph twice and put the paper down.
He said, "In 1776 the US had around two million inhabitants. Among these two million were Washington, Jefferson, the Adamses, , et al. In 1976 there are abound two hundred million inhabitants of the US. Are these two (holding up the newspaper again) really the best we can do?"
The applause and laughter still linger.
More the pity...
Lesser of two mediocrities? Most often.
In the late summer of 1976 I attended a Mort Sahl performance in San Diego. For those unfamiliar with Mort Sahl: His shtick was to read the latest local newspaper edition and riff on what was happening politically.
Sahl held up a copy of the San Diego "Union Tribune" whose headline screamed "Ford vs Carter". He read the headline and lead paragraph twice and put the paper down.
He said, "In 1776 the US had around two million inhabitants. Among these two million were Washington, Jefferson, the Adamses, , et al. In 1976 there are abound two hundred million inhabitants of the US. Are these two (holding up the newspaper again) really the best we can do?"
The applause and laughter still linger.
More the pity...
19
Do not, I repeat, do not let her near the presidency!
30
Ms. Clinton is always accused of being surrounded by scandals. A close examination, however, reveals that most of them were manufactured out of smoke by a Republican establishment intent at discrediting her and her husband; at any public cost.
71
Hillary Clinton is far from the "lesser of two evils". She is a brilliant qualified woman who has been in service to our nation for years. Any of the negative press is just that, manufactured by the republicans and their media, because they have become the Greedy Old Party, caring nothing for jobs(except their own) and starving the budgets that feed poor families and a minimal safety net. The democratic platform is pro people and compassionate, also check Hillary's web site for all her proposals. Hillary will save Social Security and the Supreme Court. If Hillary was a man her credentials would not be so suspect. I enthusiastically support her.
70
The e-mail alleged scandal is a political scam. Comey could not indict her, but handed as much ammunition as he could to her enemies. In fact, as Comey tacitly acknowledged (by not recommending an indictment) Clinton was most likely truthful in saying that she'd never knowingly transmitted classified information. Comey referred to "e-mail chains." A non-savvy user, using a Blackberry, would not realize an innocuous message contained confidential confidential information farther down in the chain. Lawyers frequently must deal with such inadvertent disclosures.
Moreover, any professional knows that use of private e-mail accounts is rampant, rules or no rules. My former firm rigged the server so that no one could download Dropbox - so we all accessed Dropbox via Safari and uploaded our work files anyway. We couldn't always access the office server on weekends- too much traffic -- and weren't going to trek to the office to work in a file.
Clinton has never been transparent and has always been poll-driven. She's a wonk, not an intuitive politician; and a moderate, not a progressive. Hence I supported Bernie in the primaries.
But before I let Donald Trump, an ignorant, lying, bloated, inarticulate, shallow, uninformed, impulsive sociopath, anywhere near the White House, let alone the nuclear codes, I'd vote for one my Labrador retrievers.
In fact, with a few reservations (she's a hawk, & not really progressive) I enthusiastically support Hillary Clinton for POTUS.
Moreover, any professional knows that use of private e-mail accounts is rampant, rules or no rules. My former firm rigged the server so that no one could download Dropbox - so we all accessed Dropbox via Safari and uploaded our work files anyway. We couldn't always access the office server on weekends- too much traffic -- and weren't going to trek to the office to work in a file.
Clinton has never been transparent and has always been poll-driven. She's a wonk, not an intuitive politician; and a moderate, not a progressive. Hence I supported Bernie in the primaries.
But before I let Donald Trump, an ignorant, lying, bloated, inarticulate, shallow, uninformed, impulsive sociopath, anywhere near the White House, let alone the nuclear codes, I'd vote for one my Labrador retrievers.
In fact, with a few reservations (she's a hawk, & not really progressive) I enthusiastically support Hillary Clinton for POTUS.
43
Three cheers for hawks and non progressives!
11
Back in his day, Al Capone was probably one of the most thoroughly investigated individuals in the country. All they were able to get to stick on him was the fact that he did not pay income taxes.
That does not mean he was innocent of everything else. And he funded the biggest soup kitchen in Chicago during the early stages of the Great Depression, doing a lot of good for people without alternatives. It was his analog to the Clinton Foundation.
That does not mean he was innocent of everything else. And he funded the biggest soup kitchen in Chicago during the early stages of the Great Depression, doing a lot of good for people without alternatives. It was his analog to the Clinton Foundation.
17
Over the decades the close relationships that the Clintons have developed with important corporate donors has created a situation where the influential money people can influence the system enough so that despite the Clintons indiscretions and all the investigations, it is ultimately always determined that they are never quite breaking the law.
19
"But nobody wants to be remembering 2016 as the year America elected its first woman president by default. Since at least she didn’t get indicted."
But that is exactly the problem, isn't it? Her entire campaign theme is "vote for me because Trump is worse". She never has and never will "take a hard position ... that would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy" because making those contributors happy is the sum total of what she is all about. "Specific recommendations on trade"? Like what? She was completely in favor of TPP until pressure from Sanders forced her to pretend she wasn't. Likewise "tough news for the pharmaceutical industry". You've got to be kidding. That's about as likely as tough news for Goldman Sachs.
Yes, she will most likely make history as the first female US President - and it will be entirely by default. Simply because Trump IS worse.
But that is exactly the problem, isn't it? Her entire campaign theme is "vote for me because Trump is worse". She never has and never will "take a hard position ... that would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy" because making those contributors happy is the sum total of what she is all about. "Specific recommendations on trade"? Like what? She was completely in favor of TPP until pressure from Sanders forced her to pretend she wasn't. Likewise "tough news for the pharmaceutical industry". You've got to be kidding. That's about as likely as tough news for Goldman Sachs.
Yes, she will most likely make history as the first female US President - and it will be entirely by default. Simply because Trump IS worse.
24
I am looking to a candidate who will do the largest good for the largest masses.
Therefore it is Hillary, not Trump. I am willing to ignore stupid inconsequential mistakes by Hillary. In reality they don't mean much. Compared to trump, she is a saint.
By the way one suggestion, how about calling Trump" Crook Trump"
He might want to say " People of this country need to know that their President will not a crook, and I am not a crook. That should take care of Crooked Hillary.
Therefore it is Hillary, not Trump. I am willing to ignore stupid inconsequential mistakes by Hillary. In reality they don't mean much. Compared to trump, she is a saint.
By the way one suggestion, how about calling Trump" Crook Trump"
He might want to say " People of this country need to know that their President will not a crook, and I am not a crook. That should take care of Crooked Hillary.
17
We've seen how good candidates can ruin their chances with a goofy statement. I think Mrs. Clinton is right to avoid press conferences for now. She'll shine in the debates and in her speeches.
10
Against Trump, the master of the media and unpredictability? I am not so sure.
7
I'm not interested in what email box Hillary uses or computer engineers explaining why they would never hire someone who uses the wrong email system. I'm sure its every bit as important as, say, the nuclear weapons North Korea has. But to each his own.
As for holding one's nose when voting, I've been doing this my entire adult life. I can't remember enthusiastically voting for anybody since McGovern and you can check Wikipedia to see how that worked out.
As for holding one's nose when voting, I've been doing this my entire adult life. I can't remember enthusiastically voting for anybody since McGovern and you can check Wikipedia to see how that worked out.
19
Hillary's political history exhibits a curious paradox: While she is aspiring to higher office, she attracts virulent denigration. After she wins that office, the denigration dies down, she seems to get along with everyone, Democrat or Republican, and she goes about her job with confidence and diligence. This was the pattern when she ran for the Senate and won; the pattern during her first run at the presidency, which resulted in her appointment as Secretary of State. What seems to enrage people is the aspiration, as though she is somehow unworthy or unfit to be so ambitious. We can safely assume that if she were a man, this pattern wouldn't exist. But she isn't a man . . . she's a woman!
31
I have no doubt that Clinton promised Comey and Lynch continued employment if by some miracle she gets elected.
This is a preview of the crooked deals and incompetence of a Hillary administration.
This is a preview of the crooked deals and incompetence of a Hillary administration.
9
Great advice which like won't penetrate the Clinton campaign brain trust. As Ms. Collins notes, "She can win without doing anything. It’s just the difference between making great history and being the lesser of two evils."
Based on past performance, it'll be the lesser of two evils approach by the Clintonians.
Based on past performance, it'll be the lesser of two evils approach by the Clintonians.
7
Ms. Collins fails to see that a good leader does not invite such investigations, because they conduct themselves in an exemplary manner. Between Mr. and Mrs. Clinton, there are more investigations and scandals than any other President. Comparatively President "No Drama" Obama is a literal Godsend. Whether one agrees with his policies or not, he and his family have NEVER denigrated the office of the President.
The same is not true of the Clintons. From day one, Mrs. Clinton was embroiled in scandals defended by countless lawyers, from Whitewater to her absconding with White House property on the way out the door.
The email separate server debacle and hide-and-seek investigation is another example, and not just of recklessness. It is indicative of the arrogant disrespectfulness that the Clinton name has come to represent.
There is no victory here. No getting beyond that. First female President or not.
The same is not true of the Clintons. From day one, Mrs. Clinton was embroiled in scandals defended by countless lawyers, from Whitewater to her absconding with White House property on the way out the door.
The email separate server debacle and hide-and-seek investigation is another example, and not just of recklessness. It is indicative of the arrogant disrespectfulness that the Clinton name has come to represent.
There is no victory here. No getting beyond that. First female President or not.
15
She wins by default and command. Because Republican white people (redundancy) like Trump's ostensibly populist pronouncements because so many poor and middle-class whites have been financially hammered horribly for decades by their party's owners. And so they have routed their rulers and positioned whatever their crazy, racist Republican Party is now to nominate Trump, a gift to Ms. Clinton that will surely keep on giving to Election Day (default). And because Establishment media, like the NYT, and elitist DNC leaders (sorry, another redundancy) and Democratic superdelegates, and the Ivy League crowd and entire array of professional pundits, propagandists and b-s artistes shilling for the neoliberal globalization project really believe in their supremacy and vast knowledge of what's best for us (well, at least for themselves) and put the Clinton fix in a long time ago (command). BTW, I'd like Feminist leaders to explain why they sand-bagged Sanders, who ran an authentic, great campaign for a truly comprehensive, inclusive and fair society. Makes me wonder what the Fems really want--a project for a truly better, more humane world for everyone, or just more institutional power to cynically run the machine as they see fit? (Of course, many Clinton supporters are older, poorer and not white, privileged women. Sadly, they are used to getting little from our society; in Ms. Clinton, they can count on pretty much the same. I mean, she still won't come out for a decent minimum wage!)
7
"Hey, let's rake HC over the coals again! Benghazi and Whitewater investigations were so fruitful!"
There are only a finite number of options come November.
1. Don't vote.
2. Vote for a third party candidate.
3. Vote for the R or D candidate who most likely represents the path to the America you want to see. HC and DT are loaded with personal issues, but them's the choices. There is Plan 4.
There are only a finite number of options come November.
1. Don't vote.
2. Vote for a third party candidate.
3. Vote for the R or D candidate who most likely represents the path to the America you want to see. HC and DT are loaded with personal issues, but them's the choices. There is Plan 4.
1
You forgot one.
Vote for President Clinton and Vice President Corry Booker...be part of the solution instead of whining on the sidelines.
Vote for President Clinton and Vice President Corry Booker...be part of the solution instead of whining on the sidelines.
6
Seriously, I'd like to see National Polling companies add an option to their polls: "None of the above".
I'll bet it would win in a landslide.
I'll bet it would win in a landslide.
5
That was actually Jesse Venturas idea and a good one, however, the problem is what do you do if None Of the Above wins?
2
Give 'em hell, Hillary.
I am anticipating lost ballots, hanging chads, minority voters being swept from the rolls, and stuffed ballot boxes in November. The GOP has done it before, but this time forewarned is forearmed.
I am anticipating lost ballots, hanging chads, minority voters being swept from the rolls, and stuffed ballot boxes in November. The GOP has done it before, but this time forewarned is forearmed.
19
Hillary needs to think about the many Bernie voters who say they've had enough of lesser evils and will vote Jill Stein. She needs to get off Trump, get on herself -- and as Collins suggests, how she plans to deal with the big money that has put her where she is.
15
what i can see of clinton rules:
1-you will be questioned about things that nobody cares about.
2-no matter how honest, accomplished and qualified you are, the questions will be about trusting you. sort of a reverse reagan.
3-no matter how much you talk about issues that matter, it's not news.
4-if the bush administration started it and the republican congress wouldn't ever help in a crisis, it's still your fault.
1-you will be questioned about things that nobody cares about.
2-no matter how honest, accomplished and qualified you are, the questions will be about trusting you. sort of a reverse reagan.
3-no matter how much you talk about issues that matter, it's not news.
4-if the bush administration started it and the republican congress wouldn't ever help in a crisis, it's still your fault.
16
RE: "She can win without doing anything. It’s just the difference between making great history and being the lesser of two evils."
Ms. Collins, I take exception to your concluding sentence, your use of the phrasing "lesser of two evils." Sec. Clinton is not evil. If we are talking about qualified, she is so far ahead of Trump that to refer to her as the lesser of two evils is doing her a disservice and giving Trump more credit than he deserves.
Ms. Collins, I take exception to your concluding sentence, your use of the phrasing "lesser of two evils." Sec. Clinton is not evil. If we are talking about qualified, she is so far ahead of Trump that to refer to her as the lesser of two evils is doing her a disservice and giving Trump more credit than he deserves.
29
Ah yes, send Bill home. Keep Bill away. Don't talk to Bill. Don't take Bill's advice. Put him in cold-storage. Then listen to Bernie. Talk to Bernie. Take Bernie's advice. Take meaningful and dramatic positions. Don't use focus groups. Be an authentic person for a change, instead of working overtime to manage your image. Did I mention keep Bill away?
9
Everything you said is true.
Hillary has to stand before the american people and own the fact that she lied.
Explain why she made those statements.
Yes she is the lesser of 2 evils, but we need a strong President, someone who can break the political log jams.
She can start by telling the truth.
Hillary has to stand before the american people and own the fact that she lied.
Explain why she made those statements.
Yes she is the lesser of 2 evils, but we need a strong President, someone who can break the political log jams.
She can start by telling the truth.
10
Given the speed with which the Vatican is minting new saints, Hillary has come in for far more scrutiny by far more for far longer than even the blessed.
11
Unfortunately it's not in Clinton's DNA to "make great history." Her driving passion has always been personal ambition and making lucrative corporate speeches. Sadly, she's not interested in "any reform would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy."
10
The GOP fulminating with its froth, fury, and fumbling agenda will fall by the wayside when the below events arrive on the scene.
I look forward to the debates when the taking down of the Trump bully takes place with impeccable finesse by the far superior Hillary Clinton.
She will dance rings around Trump, the blowhard, with his self-centered bluster and braggadocio, with his lack of anything that he has done for the betterment of this country and its population.
His business practices and money-making schemes will be fair game.
He will be made to look the complete fool when it comes to any desire to be President of the USA and Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces.
The debates will prove to be his undoing - because the man is a total fraud.
He will blow his top and be made to wallow in his own juices of shallow thinking and invective blustering.
Wise up America. The country you save will be your own.
I look forward to the debates when the taking down of the Trump bully takes place with impeccable finesse by the far superior Hillary Clinton.
She will dance rings around Trump, the blowhard, with his self-centered bluster and braggadocio, with his lack of anything that he has done for the betterment of this country and its population.
His business practices and money-making schemes will be fair game.
He will be made to look the complete fool when it comes to any desire to be President of the USA and Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces.
The debates will prove to be his undoing - because the man is a total fraud.
He will blow his top and be made to wallow in his own juices of shallow thinking and invective blustering.
Wise up America. The country you save will be your own.
19
I completely disagree.
Hillary Clinton can't win any other way.
If anything Gail Collins says were true, the Clinton campaign would not be laser focused on petty namecalling, distractions and incessant playing of the race and gender card.
Hillary Clinton isn't out there granting open access to the media and speaking about policy and problem solving--she's running around casting aspersions on Donald Trump as a person, riding the wave of nonstop news media Trump bashing and lobbing cliché like grenades.
Hillary's 2016 campaign is the political equivalent of Seinfeld, when Jerry and George were "hired' by NBC to come up with a show about nothing.
Hillary bad, Trump worse is the de-facto slogan of this election and Team Clinton, now free of accountability under the law, is full steam ahead. The proposal crumbs she threw out were concessions to Bernie, nothing more.
My law professor said this years ago. You can't sit down to have an honest conversation without saving a place at the table for honesty. Come on Gail.
Hillary Clinton can't win any other way.
If anything Gail Collins says were true, the Clinton campaign would not be laser focused on petty namecalling, distractions and incessant playing of the race and gender card.
Hillary Clinton isn't out there granting open access to the media and speaking about policy and problem solving--she's running around casting aspersions on Donald Trump as a person, riding the wave of nonstop news media Trump bashing and lobbing cliché like grenades.
Hillary's 2016 campaign is the political equivalent of Seinfeld, when Jerry and George were "hired' by NBC to come up with a show about nothing.
Hillary bad, Trump worse is the de-facto slogan of this election and Team Clinton, now free of accountability under the law, is full steam ahead. The proposal crumbs she threw out were concessions to Bernie, nothing more.
My law professor said this years ago. You can't sit down to have an honest conversation without saving a place at the table for honesty. Come on Gail.
20
From the Republican "deep bench" we get: Ta-da. Donald Trump; one of the few potential candidates on the face of the planet that Hillary Clinton could beat in a presidential election. Hillary is a congenital conservative, a Goldwater Girl, as resistant to change as any Republican. It seems most likely that she will continue on her present, deeply flawed, course to the White House. And we will end up with a trigger happy president who makes bad decisions and just makes stuff up. I say that as someone who plans to vote for her and as someone who hopes that this doesn't end in tragedy.
7
Hillary Clinton and her subordinates were careless in their handling of e-mail, and should have done a better job.
But how is this missing the point--that the security of the nation, when faced with the sometimes conflicting priorities of secure communications and the urgency of communications over available networks and devices, or utilizing the means of communication of choice for the other party, even when that party is an adversary, is better served by the timely exchange of crucial communications by imperfect and insecure means rather than delay such communications while seeking a secure system that may not even exist, or, in the case of the State Department, wasn't even funded?
The MEDIUM is not the message. The MESSAGE is the message.
In the Grenada invasion, when the secure systems didn't work and were unavailable, the Navy Seals used a Grenada commercial insecure line--certainly tapped by Cuban and Soviet intelligence--to call in an urgently needed air strike that saved American lives. In the Cuban missile crisis, John Scali of ABC had lunch with a known KGB agent who relayed the Kremlin's desire for a peaceful solution when the world was on the brink of nuclear war.
Should we now prosecute those SEALs? And if Mr. Scali was picked up by the FBI for consorting with the KGB, how many "red states" would still be uninhabitable from the radiation left over from nuclear devastation?
But how is this missing the point--that the security of the nation, when faced with the sometimes conflicting priorities of secure communications and the urgency of communications over available networks and devices, or utilizing the means of communication of choice for the other party, even when that party is an adversary, is better served by the timely exchange of crucial communications by imperfect and insecure means rather than delay such communications while seeking a secure system that may not even exist, or, in the case of the State Department, wasn't even funded?
The MEDIUM is not the message. The MESSAGE is the message.
In the Grenada invasion, when the secure systems didn't work and were unavailable, the Navy Seals used a Grenada commercial insecure line--certainly tapped by Cuban and Soviet intelligence--to call in an urgently needed air strike that saved American lives. In the Cuban missile crisis, John Scali of ABC had lunch with a known KGB agent who relayed the Kremlin's desire for a peaceful solution when the world was on the brink of nuclear war.
Should we now prosecute those SEALs? And if Mr. Scali was picked up by the FBI for consorting with the KGB, how many "red states" would still be uninhabitable from the radiation left over from nuclear devastation?
78
I'm not understanding why there is such distain for "the lesser of two evils". I've been voting for 36 years and there has never been a candidate that has been so perfect in every way that I don't consider the lesser of two evils, but also, the greater of two "goods" as well. I apologize to the idealists out there who insist on looking for a savior, but no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes people just do the wrong thing.
If I have ever brought up the idea of the lesser of two evils in this election year, it's because I'm incredulous that the continued petty nitpicking of Hillary Clinton would ever take center stage over the reactionary, unprepared, unorganized, unqualified, divisive, and juvenile antics of Donald Trump, along with his shady and inept business practices.
Hillary Clinton is the lesser of two evils, but also the better of two "goods".
If I have ever brought up the idea of the lesser of two evils in this election year, it's because I'm incredulous that the continued petty nitpicking of Hillary Clinton would ever take center stage over the reactionary, unprepared, unorganized, unqualified, divisive, and juvenile antics of Donald Trump, along with his shady and inept business practices.
Hillary Clinton is the lesser of two evils, but also the better of two "goods".
19
One thing I fail to understand in all this email episode is how she could send "Top Secret" or confidential data to her private email server. In today's world there are so many data security software that prevent sending any confidential data to private email address or non-compliant addresses. Most of the fortune-500 companies use them. We had this software in my organization where our email system would identify confidential data based on the data classification and would prevent from printing or copying-pasting or emailing. Why the State department’s IT-security did not stop or at least identify that this was happening. If this software was already implemented but HRC somehow circumvented the enforcement then she is not just “Careless” but she knew what she was doing was illegal and then should be made accountable.
3
Fox News is probably not reporting that a lot of this classified material was classified retroactively to include ever more and more material.
One such instance was that info about the drone program in Pakistan marked Classified could apparently be accessed in the newspapers there. Maybe they better make up their minds - it just looks like the regular old millionth witch hunt to everyone else.
One such instance was that info about the drone program in Pakistan marked Classified could apparently be accessed in the newspapers there. Maybe they better make up their minds - it just looks like the regular old millionth witch hunt to everyone else.
15
Excellent suggestions for HRC, Gail. These actions would go a long way for her.
4
I couldn't agree more. Hillary, please READ this column and take Gail's advice.
3
How can it be paranoia when real people are attacking on the other side of the door?
15
I am sick to death of the sanctimonias self-righteous nonsense being peddled by the GOP and the NYTimes, among others. Bush and his axis of evil, Cheney and Rumsfeld, broke the world, and now you're taking potshots at Clinton for using a private email server, which everybody in government probably does? Get a grip! Comey was way out of line, just protecting his reputation. Enough already. Things are too dangerous for this foolishness.
36
Who jumped on that war crime train with them? Thats right, Iraq is a business opportunity Clinton, There is much left to do regarding those war criminals, no question. Maybe starting to hold the oligarchs accountable is a good start.
3
You are mistaken. Most people in government do not put classified information on unclassified systems, government owned or otherwise. And if they do there are (or should be) serious consequences.
4
Given a choice between a dishonorable scheming liar and a seriously unbalanced aspiring dictator, I'll take Hillary, but I won't be happy about it. But please, Ms Collins, get your basic facts straight: Hillary's offense was that she recklessly chose not to use separate, secure systems for classified information (not the open "less less-secure" State Department systems to which you refer).
10
The last line says it all: "the lesser of two evils". I, for one, am done voting for the lesser of two evils. I will vote for Bernie Sanders, or Jill Stein, or possibly Gary Johnson, depending upon who is on the ballot in my state and what I learn between now and November about the two lesser known ones if Bernie is not. I invite all who agree that the major parties are driving us to a choice between evils, to please join me and let's upend this corrupt system.
14
And in so doing, you'll be helping to elect Donald Trump.
13
At least watch the debates before you make up your mind.
9
Same-old Clintons; above the law and always blaming someone else for their crimes.
18
Talk about a stale talking point from the 90s. Did we deal with George Bush and Cheney while everyone was out for a cigarette?
10
"smearing the target he couldn't nail"
Thanks, Gail, for underscoring what Comey was really about in his press conference ( strategically timed to upstage the joint appearance of Clinton
and Obama in NC. ? ) And how about the damning insinuation that was not born out by undeniable facts that her server had most likely been attacked?
No mention , of course, that federal servers have been hacked. Looked too much like a political ploy. Or did the Attorney General, to whom he was to report, ask him to announce his findings in a public forum and express his personal opinions?
Thanks, Gail, for underscoring what Comey was really about in his press conference ( strategically timed to upstage the joint appearance of Clinton
and Obama in NC. ? ) And how about the damning insinuation that was not born out by undeniable facts that her server had most likely been attacked?
No mention , of course, that federal servers have been hacked. Looked too much like a political ploy. Or did the Attorney General, to whom he was to report, ask him to announce his findings in a public forum and express his personal opinions?
21
Comey is, after all, a Republican.
13
Thank you, Gail. (May I call you Gail?)
You remind me how to respond, in a pyschologically healthy way, to the utter insanity, corruption and cravenness of our political culture, (especially, He, Trump, and it, the GOP).
And, no less importantly, how to ask more, in reasonable proportion, of she who is worthy of our respect and support, without rushing to pile on with blame.
Yes, enough of the damn emails - but let's strive for more.
Thank you for shining much needed light.
You remind me how to respond, in a pyschologically healthy way, to the utter insanity, corruption and cravenness of our political culture, (especially, He, Trump, and it, the GOP).
And, no less importantly, how to ask more, in reasonable proportion, of she who is worthy of our respect and support, without rushing to pile on with blame.
Yes, enough of the damn emails - but let's strive for more.
Thank you for shining much needed light.
11
This whole country has become so mean, so slaveringly critical (gotcha!), so foul-mouthed, so DUMB, a smart, experienced, committed person--like, say, Hillary!--can't possibly pass muster. So she didn't understand the internet. Give her a briefing. Send an expert with her to the White House. And get off it.
26
Do you give the same pass to Republicans or conservatives when it comes to obeying the law? Doubt it.
6
It's troublesome that the only firewall between us and President Trump is playing prevent defense in the first quarter. Any Giant or Jet fan can tell you about the wisdom of that strategy.
1
Republicans made it clear and apparent today that they believe something is "Classified Top Secret" everytime they see the (C) symbol. Guess they don't recognized © copyright restricted when they see it. That explain a lot to everyone.
This is not about the "lesser of two evils." This election is a choice between good and evil. Racism, fascism and sexism abound in the GOP.
This is not about the "lesser of two evils." This election is a choice between good and evil. Racism, fascism and sexism abound in the GOP.
19
It is very worrying that moderate Republicans are not going to trust Hillary Clinton after this FBI announcement. Many woman who might have felt that she was a candidate that they could trust or that would be a model for women in general may have changed their minds.
3
For once I agree with Bernie Sanders. I am tired of hearing about Mrs. Clinton's emails.
21
The lesser of two evils is an oxymoron. Evil is evil. Period. Clinton is the better of two candidates. And if you compare her to all the Repubs she's a saint.
31
So glad somebody has pointed out the not-so-secure government servers. As far as we know, her server has not been hacked, so to say she endangered the US when the government is doing that on it's own, thank you, is pure GOP smear. And what its this bit about any reasonable person should know when a document was on one of the 'secret categories" when it's not marked so? Wouldn't any 'reasonable person' expect it to be so marked? It would seem the government also switches these labels around on documents; clear on Monday, secret on Friday!
Yep! Hillary does need to vigorously project her ideas on what can really make America greater. We'd all like to see some "brave and specific recommendations". Let Trump alone ( mostly) to put both feet in his mouth.
Yep! Hillary does need to vigorously project her ideas on what can really make America greater. We'd all like to see some "brave and specific recommendations". Let Trump alone ( mostly) to put both feet in his mouth.
15
Here is the difference between Obama and Hillary: Obama refers to his mother-in-law as an unsung hero in his election, because she kept the girls while he and Michele campaigned. Hillary, while she campaigned for her husband, slammed the women staying at home with her famous cookie comment. My life would have been much better and my childrens and grandchildrens if Hillary had stayed home and baked cookies. And, I'm sorry I can't find evidence of the kind of champion she is? She is having to steal Senator Sanders ideas because she has none of her own!
15
Highlighted here are just a few of the bills specific to protecting the rights and health of women and children sponsored by Senator Clinton:
S. 1240 (110th): Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007
S. 1075 (110th): Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2007 A bill to expand access to contraceptive services for women and men under the Medicaid program, help low income women and couples prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce abortion.
S. 907 (110th): GEDI Act – a bill to establish an Advisory Committee on Gestational Diabetes, to provide grants to better understand and reduce gestational diabetes.
S.Res. 6S.Res. 542 (110th): A resolution designating April 2008 as “National STD Awareness Month”.06 (110th): A resolution designating June 27, 2008, as National HIV Testing Day.
S. 1240 (110th): Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies Act of 2007
S. 1075 (110th): Unintended Pregnancy Reduction Act of 2007 A bill to expand access to contraceptive services for women and men under the Medicaid program, help low income women and couples prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce abortion.
S. 907 (110th): GEDI Act – a bill to establish an Advisory Committee on Gestational Diabetes, to provide grants to better understand and reduce gestational diabetes.
S.Res. 6S.Res. 542 (110th): A resolution designating April 2008 as “National STD Awareness Month”.06 (110th): A resolution designating June 27, 2008, as National HIV Testing Day.
16
Director Comey tried to have it both ways, not indict, and not vindicate. The result, he is vilified by both sides and may well have sacrificed his career. Loretta Lynch, far smarter, did the prudent thing. The whole email non-issue reeks of campaign dreck-utainment.
14
Mr. Kristof: thank for your column discussing future activities Sec. Clinton should set her sights on to help the populace focus on other issues. If Mrs. Clinton were to step back and develop a strategy based on her e-mail imbroglio as being SYSTEMIC, rather than personal, she would be more successful. In her case, the FBI stated that they reviewed over 60,000 thousand e-mails. In light of Sec. Clinton's problem, can you imagine the magnitude of the situation if the computers of all appointees and employees with security clearances were screened using the same parameters as Sec. Clinton's. I would suggest that Mrs. Clinton discuss forming a bipartisan committee to determine the requirements for a secure e-mail system, then based on those requirements, hire (new term) "E-Docs" to review the current system for generating, transmitting and saving e-mails for short comings. A new automatic system must be developed that when transmission of e-mails occurs, automatically determines whether both servers are secure, whether the receiving party has the security clearance necessary to receive the document, and the directory or sub-directory in which the email should be saved. It must also contact the recipients of previously received e-mails when the status has changed to "classified" or"top secret." When implemented, a system capable of what, as a minimum, I described would save an enormous amount of time and money should future FBI searches be required.
1
Hillary Clinton is a corrupt, morally bankrupt, chronic liar. Liberals now have the candidate they deserve. Good luck
11
"Send Bill home. This is an easy call. At best, he’s a reminder that she didn’t get where she’s at entirely on her own."
Just who ever got anyone "entirely on their own?" No one. Ever.
Just who ever got anyone "entirely on their own?" No one. Ever.
104
Been listening to Comey in from of Congress. He is really showing his colors as a political hack making no sense and even contradicting himself over and over. He will not answer the most simple direct questions and admits openly there was a lot of evidence the FBI chose not to look at. When asked if Billery lied before Congress he admitted they did not take into consideration any comments she made.
I have never been so ashamed of being a citizen of the US more than I am today. The cowardice and corruption of every part of our federal government is so rampant and deep that there is no hope for us.
I have never been so ashamed of being a citizen of the US more than I am today. The cowardice and corruption of every part of our federal government is so rampant and deep that there is no hope for us.
7
Our government. Wasting time and money for decades. Yes, send Bill home.Hillary has enough of her own baggage without him around.
It's easy to make Trump appear dumb,because he is. All Hillary has to do is show up and be smart because she is. Only once in my life,did I have the opportunity to vote for someone I thought would make a difference etc.,rather than for the lesser of two evils and that was in Barack Obama's first election. Now, we have a scary lunatic to vote against. Our probable first woman President will be smeared until election day with ugly photos, distorted stories, a vicious Republican congress and a mainstream media that is more concerned with ratings and their own choices than truth. I'd rather be voting for Bernie.
It's easy to make Trump appear dumb,because he is. All Hillary has to do is show up and be smart because she is. Only once in my life,did I have the opportunity to vote for someone I thought would make a difference etc.,rather than for the lesser of two evils and that was in Barack Obama's first election. Now, we have a scary lunatic to vote against. Our probable first woman President will be smeared until election day with ugly photos, distorted stories, a vicious Republican congress and a mainstream media that is more concerned with ratings and their own choices than truth. I'd rather be voting for Bernie.
9
Send Bill Home?
Well, he will be in charge of the economy as Secretary Clinton has mentioned. Because he knows how to make it work.
Well, he will be in charge of the economy as Secretary Clinton has mentioned. Because he knows how to make it work.
3
He knows how to make the economy work? Huh? Legislation which led to the removal of the Glass-Steagal Act, introduced by FDR leading to the 2008 meltdown and the telecommunications act of 1995 which has allowed unfettered consolidation of the media to where it is now down to SIX companies controlling 90 percent of what you read, see and hear and are constantly trying to get rid of net neutrality?
Those two pieces of legislation enacted during the Clinton administration were two of the worst in modern history and, by the way, the Koch bros. and the Republicans just loved him for it.
Those two pieces of legislation enacted during the Clinton administration were two of the worst in modern history and, by the way, the Koch bros. and the Republicans just loved him for it.
3
Ms. Collins betrays a profound misunderstanding of political science. Presidents aren't elected by default. They are elected by votes cast by people.
The vast majority of votes cast for Presidential candidates are locked in already. These people always vote in Presidential contests, and always vote for their party's nominee. They don't switch back and forth over individual nominee competence, because the other party is by definition anathema (baby-killers! racists!).
A substantial portion of potential (D) votes are in the hands of urban minorities and young adults who can't relied upon to actually vote. These voters were mobilized to register and vote for Obama, but were not sufficiently mobilized by Kerry, Gore, or the DSCC & DCCC during the mid-terms. Does HRC mobilize these voters? Or has she won the nomination through the votes of the locked-in (D) base?
A number of potential (R) votes are nationalists and white supremacists who have, in large number, sat out elections. Trump has given them a call to action like no prior (R) candidate. We should expect that these people will be mobilized and registered to vote Trump.
What we don't know is if substantial numbers of reliable (R) voters will deem Trump so distasteful they sit out the election. We won't know until November, but we should expect the usual cries of baby-killers! gun-confiscators! welfare-lovers! to be deployed to drive (R) voters to cast their usual vote.
I'm concerned, as Ms. Collins should be.
The vast majority of votes cast for Presidential candidates are locked in already. These people always vote in Presidential contests, and always vote for their party's nominee. They don't switch back and forth over individual nominee competence, because the other party is by definition anathema (baby-killers! racists!).
A substantial portion of potential (D) votes are in the hands of urban minorities and young adults who can't relied upon to actually vote. These voters were mobilized to register and vote for Obama, but were not sufficiently mobilized by Kerry, Gore, or the DSCC & DCCC during the mid-terms. Does HRC mobilize these voters? Or has she won the nomination through the votes of the locked-in (D) base?
A number of potential (R) votes are nationalists and white supremacists who have, in large number, sat out elections. Trump has given them a call to action like no prior (R) candidate. We should expect that these people will be mobilized and registered to vote Trump.
What we don't know is if substantial numbers of reliable (R) voters will deem Trump so distasteful they sit out the election. We won't know until November, but we should expect the usual cries of baby-killers! gun-confiscators! welfare-lovers! to be deployed to drive (R) voters to cast their usual vote.
I'm concerned, as Ms. Collins should be.
6
I hope all you obedient Democrats vote for Hillary. If she's certain to win, then I can vote for downstream Democratic candidates while writing-in Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Jerry Brown, Howard Dean or Sherrod Brown for President, all of whom believe in the liberal domestic policies begun by FDR, and don't need to turn to them only when their campaign is in difficulty. I doubt any of them would have approved of misleading the American public to win an election. Certainly not one that ought to have been no contest.
8
The assumption that Hillary will coast to victory no matter what is very troubling. She has major baggage and image issues. People don't like her, for many reasons - including some valid ones. And she's up against a shrewd media manipulator who's likely to beat her in at least one or two of the tv debates (perception, I mean). It is what it is, but the media's bias may become a liability for HRC as well. The Democrats and the MSM seem to chronically underestimate voters' sophistication, in their effort to paint everything black and white.
6
As it stated in a column in yesterdays paper, the FBI report was a ready made attack ad for the Republicans. Despite all his unpredictability, lies and sheer idiocy about everything, in the polls, Trump has never been more than a few points behind Hillary which, despite all the smug, dismissive rhetoric about his candidacy, without her baggage any other candidate would be walking away with this election. Like it or not, these poll results should still be of major concern to the democratic party.
3
As I was watching a performance of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, a monumental work on injustice, it occurred to me how far removed the Republicans had become from the founders' principles on injustice. It is now not enough for Republicans to tear down their opponents politically but now they want to put them in jail. You better be careful for what you wish for because the road you are going down can be a two way street.
5
Yes, she should take a "hard" position, a "reform" as Ms. Collins suggests, "that would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy".
Why is this difficult for her? Why has she not done this before? This is what a leader or a statesman does. But what a life-long sleazy panderer does not.
There was a candidate that took these "hard" positions during his campaign and also throughout his life. It wasn't very hard at all for Sanders because he's a leader.
Slick Hillary is no leader.
Ms. Collins mentions in passing that we already know Clinton is "paranoid about privacy". But why is this so? Why the lifelong obsession with hiding her actions?
Ms. Collins says, "Clinton has now probably been examined more thoroughly than any candidate," and that it's unlikely some new revelation will come out.
But Yes, there likely are more "Revelations" - otherwise there'd be no need for Clinton's excessive privacy and paranoia. If all those investigations fully aired her out, why would she not show off her new transparency?
Clinton is not morally qualified to be President. She will only win because the Trumpster is even less so, and she will certainly not win because she takes a stand against the corrupt Big Money Democratic Donors because she owns them and they own her.
Damaged vs Deranged. We need to begin the impeachment process with a blank name space and re-do this twisted election.
Why is this difficult for her? Why has she not done this before? This is what a leader or a statesman does. But what a life-long sleazy panderer does not.
There was a candidate that took these "hard" positions during his campaign and also throughout his life. It wasn't very hard at all for Sanders because he's a leader.
Slick Hillary is no leader.
Ms. Collins mentions in passing that we already know Clinton is "paranoid about privacy". But why is this so? Why the lifelong obsession with hiding her actions?
Ms. Collins says, "Clinton has now probably been examined more thoroughly than any candidate," and that it's unlikely some new revelation will come out.
But Yes, there likely are more "Revelations" - otherwise there'd be no need for Clinton's excessive privacy and paranoia. If all those investigations fully aired her out, why would she not show off her new transparency?
Clinton is not morally qualified to be President. She will only win because the Trumpster is even less so, and she will certainly not win because she takes a stand against the corrupt Big Money Democratic Donors because she owns them and they own her.
Damaged vs Deranged. We need to begin the impeachment process with a blank name space and re-do this twisted election.
14
The email episode is emblematic of the disdain Ms. Clinton has for protocol.
She, like her husband, believe, they are above the law in some respects.
No, the emails didn't result in serious injury (as far as we know), but I really don't believe someone who can't, or doesn't want to follow the rules, should lead our country.
She, like her husband, believe, they are above the law in some respects.
No, the emails didn't result in serious injury (as far as we know), but I really don't believe someone who can't, or doesn't want to follow the rules, should lead our country.
13
Voting for Hillery is voting for the status quo of corruption that is now systemic to the nation's entire political and legislative machine of democracy. It is going to take a real slap in the face to the American public to wake them up and realize that their country is being left in the dust regarding standard of living; as defined by the metrics of health care, education, legislation and justice. What the United States is now is nothing less than a nation completely entrapped by a positive feed back loop of capitalistic extremism with no possibility for cure by public process. If the U.S doesn't watch it the nation could be falling into the incipient stages of social breakdown and REVOLT. Voting for the HillBillies in Washington is not curing the disease
9
Trump (in)famously said, "I could stand in the middle of Fifth avenue and shoot somebody, I wouldn't lose any voters." Clinton supporters are at least as loyal to Clinton as Trump supporters are to Trump. They are equally tone deaf to the many prevarications and ethical shenanigans of their candidate. Her lack of character, judgment and competent leadership, nothing bothers them. After all, these folks blame Nader for the Iraq debacle and excuse their precious candidate who voted for the war. When she helps further entrench the oligarchy and ratchets up the wars in the middle east and the body bags come home, then perhaps some of them will realize the fallacy of voting for the lesser evil.
Americans deserves better.
Americans deserves better.
13
The same could be said for the Bernie supporters. He was never tested beyond his adoring crowds that he promised the moon with no way to get there.
9
Free tuition and job training and retraining for middle aged displaced American workers is an issue screaming for presentation
we are not going to get coal jobs back; American manufacturers require competent well trained workers to compete in the world economy A recipe that Hillary can readily address
After all when the alternative is free market Trump U "training" Hillary can become a hero
Hillary : leave the idealology at the door and come up with a plan to make America a great job generator again. Trump will tweet and die
whadda ya waiting for?
we are not going to get coal jobs back; American manufacturers require competent well trained workers to compete in the world economy A recipe that Hillary can readily address
After all when the alternative is free market Trump U "training" Hillary can become a hero
Hillary : leave the idealology at the door and come up with a plan to make America a great job generator again. Trump will tweet and die
whadda ya waiting for?
4
Director Comey testified that only 3 emails out of thousands contained any "classified" marking and it was with a small "c" within the body of the email marking a line or paragraph. The State Dept explained that yesterday saying these were embassy call lists, which are no longer considered classified. All these millions over a call list? Ridiculous.
11
For a year we've heard that we have to vote for Hillary because she's been vetted. But what has the vetting revealed? She's never met a war she doesn't like. She thinks a trade agreement is the gold standard one day and a bad idea the next. And now the ready-made ad campaign for the Republicans -- she lies whenever possible and is "careless" with national security. As for our own ad campaign: "Vote the lesser of two evils" or "Better a Crooked Democrat than a Crooked Republican." We could have elected an honest, authentic statesman who's devoted his life to working people. But we were told the Republicans would make mincemeat of him. We can look forward to another 4 years of mindless Republican investigations of their least favorite family, or we can nominate the candidate who has captured the passion of young Americans. Millions of Democrats and Independents would turn out enthusiastically to support Bernie. Instead, we'll count on people dragging themselves to the polls not to vote for Hillary, but to defeat Trump. Gail, you and the rest of the Times pushed this deeply damaged candidate at us. What a deeply cynical strategy. We can focus on the future of the young people who've voted overwhelmingly for Bernie, or we can feed Mrs. Clinton's sense of entitlement. We can do what's best for this country or what's best for Mrs. Clinton. They are not the same thing.
16
Suggestions no reasonable person could object to. I think she should also have her family put the Clinton Global Initiative in a blind trust, otherwise many donations, foreign as well as domestic, will create a conflict of interest for legislation she will propose as president—tax legislation especially, but also something as routine as DoD budgets.
11
I'm not a Hillary supporter, but OH, how I wish she'd read this article and follow the thoughtful suggestions made here. Alas, she lacks the moral compass to do what is needed. She will win, be default, and America won't change one iota during her Presidency, and the middle class will continue to be squeezed out of existence, while the top One-percenters will reap even more ungodly sums of money and power at the expense of the working poor. Yea, America.
9
It's really simple. If all else fails, republicans want to retain congressional power. By wounding Hillary Clinton and lessening her mandate, they can stymie any progressive agenda for another eight years. The fact that they've had a reflexive visceral hatred of the Clintons since forever is just an added bonus for them. A strong national democratic turnout is the only way to sweep this toxic congressional mess away.
8
Gail suggest that Hill "could use her intelligence" to turn her story around.
Presumably by "intelligence" she means test scores, verbal skills, vocabulary and the like, but to be an effective surgeon, general, pilot or president the most critical job requirement is judgement.
If intelligence alone resulted in success Hillary wouldn't have made so many unintelligent decisions in her life.
Judgement is what is strikingly missing in Hill's skill set which is the gift which keeps giving to Trump.
America would be better off leaving the presidency vacant for the next 4 years rather than to install either of the two frontrunners.
Presumably by "intelligence" she means test scores, verbal skills, vocabulary and the like, but to be an effective surgeon, general, pilot or president the most critical job requirement is judgement.
If intelligence alone resulted in success Hillary wouldn't have made so many unintelligent decisions in her life.
Judgement is what is strikingly missing in Hill's skill set which is the gift which keeps giving to Trump.
America would be better off leaving the presidency vacant for the next 4 years rather than to install either of the two frontrunners.
12
In the 1980s the Philadelphia Flyers had a great team but the misfortune of running into the superstar-laden Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals twice and lost to them both times.
Hillary's situation is akin to facing a dreadful expansion team in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Hillary's situation is akin to facing a dreadful expansion team in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Yes, Clinton can win by not doing anything. Other things she could not do include not making any more unnecessary comments that will reappear as egg on her face, taking fire in one of those Medvedev-whatever kinds of countries. Not claiming she never transmitted top secret material by email. Not having an actual gimmick reset-with-Russia button that doesn't actually function.
Yes, get Bill to take a hike, a long one to all those spots his foundation has made all nice now. Just to find them might take the next eight years.
Yet, despite her flaws, bad judgment, obliviousness, she's the only rational choice. It used to be a politician you'd vote for was someone you could tolerate having a beer with. Which would you rather spend time with, say, on a flight or a taxi ride: Hillary or the Thing? There probably are not many who would voluntarily choose the Thing even among his legions of poorly- educated, old white angry guy supporters.
Hillary seems to have something in her head besides herself. The Thing not. It's a shame that there are millions of talented, smart, well-informed people in the US with better judgment than Clinton and the Thing, that this is our choice. One who continually embarrasses us and whom we must continually forgive and another who infuriates and embarrasses us. But he also scares us and the world to death.
Yes, get Bill to take a hike, a long one to all those spots his foundation has made all nice now. Just to find them might take the next eight years.
Yet, despite her flaws, bad judgment, obliviousness, she's the only rational choice. It used to be a politician you'd vote for was someone you could tolerate having a beer with. Which would you rather spend time with, say, on a flight or a taxi ride: Hillary or the Thing? There probably are not many who would voluntarily choose the Thing even among his legions of poorly- educated, old white angry guy supporters.
Hillary seems to have something in her head besides herself. The Thing not. It's a shame that there are millions of talented, smart, well-informed people in the US with better judgment than Clinton and the Thing, that this is our choice. One who continually embarrasses us and whom we must continually forgive and another who infuriates and embarrasses us. But he also scares us and the world to death.
5
Yes Gail you are right on target but this coin has a flip side which is in the long run Trump’s Achilles heal, which is that Trump thinks the voters in the general election are a bunch of yokels. This issue will be the more potent in this election than Hillary’s careless with emails or even Trump’s fraudulent and cruel business practices which border on times on a criminal conspiracy to defraud.
This issue is Trump’s flat refusal to make his tax returns public. Voters want to know what is this claimed mega billionaire is hiding from them. Romney tried and failed by offering on year and the public smelled a rat.
Voters want to know how much of Trump’s his assets are taxable in the USA, to whom does he owe money and what are really his sources of income. It would not be a secret unless it was something that would lose hundreds of millions of votes. If Trump appears to be hiding something and you cannot find out what, then people are not going to buy a pig in a poke, not if they smell a rat which they should.
Trump demands that Hillary release transcripts of her speeches to bankers. Okay. Hillary should open a 10 day window. Release 5 years tax retuns and Hillary will put he transcripts in sealed escrow and release them when Trumps tax returns are released.
Trump can not afford to do that and there will be no more talk about transcripts, The majority will know that the tax returns are and admission of unelectability and fitness.
This issue is Trump’s flat refusal to make his tax returns public. Voters want to know what is this claimed mega billionaire is hiding from them. Romney tried and failed by offering on year and the public smelled a rat.
Voters want to know how much of Trump’s his assets are taxable in the USA, to whom does he owe money and what are really his sources of income. It would not be a secret unless it was something that would lose hundreds of millions of votes. If Trump appears to be hiding something and you cannot find out what, then people are not going to buy a pig in a poke, not if they smell a rat which they should.
Trump demands that Hillary release transcripts of her speeches to bankers. Okay. Hillary should open a 10 day window. Release 5 years tax retuns and Hillary will put he transcripts in sealed escrow and release them when Trumps tax returns are released.
Trump can not afford to do that and there will be no more talk about transcripts, The majority will know that the tax returns are and admission of unelectability and fitness.
5
Any security threat that Hillary Clinton created by using a private email server while serving as SoS is dwarfed by the continuing damage done by the GOP and its Congressional leaders, who have wasted vast resources investigating HRC while impeding solutions to important problems confronting most Americans: poor healthcare, poverty, educational debt, rapacious financial industry.
The only thing that threatens us even more is Donald J. Trump, potential Narcissist-In-Chief. If Donald keeps up with his daily atrocities (he seems incapable of self-control) then he could create a political opportunity for HRC and the Democratic party to return sanity to the US government.
The only thing that threatens us even more is Donald J. Trump, potential Narcissist-In-Chief. If Donald keeps up with his daily atrocities (he seems incapable of self-control) then he could create a political opportunity for HRC and the Democratic party to return sanity to the US government.
11
This is in no way an absolution of Hillary's actions, or of whatever the Clintons may or may not have done, but whatever scandals they've been involved in are no worse than what has been going on in every single Republican White House after Ike. Literally. Every. Single. One.
'Oh, she used a private e-mail server?' How about deleting 5 million(!) White House administration emails many of which certainly contained the real truth behind the reasoning for Bush's disastrous debacle in Iraq that cost thousands of American soldiers lives and trillions of dollars. 'Oh, the president had consensual sex with an intern?' How about selling arms to one of our sworn enemies to get money to secretly finance a nasty little civil war involving thousands of dead civilians, and breaking a bunch of laws in the process.
Scandals involving character flaws vs. scandals that involve how our country is actually governed? That should be no contest.
'Oh, she used a private e-mail server?' How about deleting 5 million(!) White House administration emails many of which certainly contained the real truth behind the reasoning for Bush's disastrous debacle in Iraq that cost thousands of American soldiers lives and trillions of dollars. 'Oh, the president had consensual sex with an intern?' How about selling arms to one of our sworn enemies to get money to secretly finance a nasty little civil war involving thousands of dead civilians, and breaking a bunch of laws in the process.
Scandals involving character flaws vs. scandals that involve how our country is actually governed? That should be no contest.
12
Sec Clinton showed remarkably poor judgement in using a personal server to send and receive sensitive and classified documents while Secretary of State. President Obama showed equally poor judgement in allowing her to do it. His administration should have shut her down the moment they noticed her emails weren't coming from a .gov computer. That is all nothing short of incredible.
As was Secretary Clinton's Williamsesque made-up story of taking sniper fire on a tarmac in the Balkans. That alone begs so many questions about her character.
Layer on the fact that her funders are all members of the .1% who know that they will receive appropriate favors from her if she becomes President.
Let's call a spade a spade. She stands for the status quo, which means that nothing much will change if and when she becomes President.
But in this current universe, the one in which the Republicans have nominated a self-important Wealth Inheritor with little or no judgement, I have no choice but to hold my nose and vote for Sec Clinton.
I know this means that the .1%ers will continue to feast on lower class Americans and make their lives thoroughly miserable, but perhaps that is as it should be.
Sec Clinton may be exactly the callous bridge we need between now and a time when Americans of all stripes stand up together and say "Enough!"
As was Secretary Clinton's Williamsesque made-up story of taking sniper fire on a tarmac in the Balkans. That alone begs so many questions about her character.
Layer on the fact that her funders are all members of the .1% who know that they will receive appropriate favors from her if she becomes President.
Let's call a spade a spade. She stands for the status quo, which means that nothing much will change if and when she becomes President.
But in this current universe, the one in which the Republicans have nominated a self-important Wealth Inheritor with little or no judgement, I have no choice but to hold my nose and vote for Sec Clinton.
I know this means that the .1%ers will continue to feast on lower class Americans and make their lives thoroughly miserable, but perhaps that is as it should be.
Sec Clinton may be exactly the callous bridge we need between now and a time when Americans of all stripes stand up together and say "Enough!"
4
“no reasonable prosecutor”
HRC has been unreasonably prosecuted by GOP for decades at tax payer expense. Other than successfully assassinating her character what have they found after all the time and money spent?
If only they would apply the same standard they are using on Hillary to investigate Tyrant Trump who is the definition of getting rich on the backs of others.
HRC has been unreasonably prosecuted by GOP for decades at tax payer expense. Other than successfully assassinating her character what have they found after all the time and money spent?
If only they would apply the same standard they are using on Hillary to investigate Tyrant Trump who is the definition of getting rich on the backs of others.
13
A faux scandal ginned up by a bunch of Right Wing Nut Jobs.
An FBI Director you suddenly thinks he has been appointed as the
"High Commissioner" of the United States.
Comey's job is to investigate and if his investigation gathers enough evidence of criminal conduct to recommend charges be filed, if not he drops the case.
He was not appointed to deliver political lectures.
In what can only be described as the biggest self-serving Department protecting CYA event likely in the history of the FBI, which considering its rather sordid history of civil rights abuses is saying something the Director decides he needs to interject himself into the political process of this country.
You have got to be kidding me!
Director Comey is going to be "grilled" by the Right Wing Nut Jobs up on the Hill in the coming days as to why he didn't "get" Sec Clinton.
Coming from the Republicans I can understand their blind to reality political smoke and mirrors act.
What the Democrats should do is to tell the Republican High Commissioner Comey that its time for him to retire from a post he was never appointed to in the first place!
An FBI Director you suddenly thinks he has been appointed as the
"High Commissioner" of the United States.
Comey's job is to investigate and if his investigation gathers enough evidence of criminal conduct to recommend charges be filed, if not he drops the case.
He was not appointed to deliver political lectures.
In what can only be described as the biggest self-serving Department protecting CYA event likely in the history of the FBI, which considering its rather sordid history of civil rights abuses is saying something the Director decides he needs to interject himself into the political process of this country.
You have got to be kidding me!
Director Comey is going to be "grilled" by the Right Wing Nut Jobs up on the Hill in the coming days as to why he didn't "get" Sec Clinton.
Coming from the Republicans I can understand their blind to reality political smoke and mirrors act.
What the Democrats should do is to tell the Republican High Commissioner Comey that its time for him to retire from a post he was never appointed to in the first place!
7
There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that this horrible person can do to make anyone with half a brain and eyes see what she really is - she will win because of default - she will run against absurdity, but she will not be elected because the people want her to be our president. Her character is so deeply flawed, her record is so terribly inadequate (as senator and secretary of state) - she has so many dishonest and morally questionable deeds in her past that anyone who can read can see the person she is.......you don't need FOX news to illuminate the real person who is running for office - just a brain that can think on its own and isn't terrified and bullied by the screaming and censoring left wing 'fascists'.
7
"... Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn't nail." So you believe that Comey was not reciting the facts that the FBI uncovered during its investigation, but was instead attempting to "smear" Clinton? How did you form such a ridiculous conclusion?
6
Amen, Gail. Amen. And I'm an atheist. ;-)
Just when you think Hillary is done for, via the email brouhaha, the Republicans
overplay their hand by calling FBI director Comey to a hearing. An obviously
competent and honest man, they question his integrity and knowledge
of the law. As usual, they come off as borderline irrational with a deep
hatred of Hillary Clinton.
overplay their hand by calling FBI director Comey to a hearing. An obviously
competent and honest man, they question his integrity and knowledge
of the law. As usual, they come off as borderline irrational with a deep
hatred of Hillary Clinton.
11
Stop giving these people a pass. She lied to everyone. Her husband lied to everyone. She should drop out. She should have stepped aside a long time ago. Instead her narcissistic and borderline behavior has kept her in. What a shock it will be when Trump is elected, and all the democrats will be blaming everyone else. You have to stop propping her up Gail. What good is she really going to do?
4
A. Most of us who have worked with government know that confidential documents are ridiculously overclassified.
B. I would be willing to consider further scrutiny of Hillary's e-mails if the FBI/government promised to just as assiduously pursue the investigation of the five to 22 MILLION e-mails that Bush & Cheney deleted when the jig was up on the Iraq war and all its accompanying follies.
B. I would be willing to consider further scrutiny of Hillary's e-mails if the FBI/government promised to just as assiduously pursue the investigation of the five to 22 MILLION e-mails that Bush & Cheney deleted when the jig was up on the Iraq war and all its accompanying follies.
13
Agree with you Gail. Hillary needs to take a break after the Republican witch trials are over, and give us some red meat We need to hear some policy ideas about student debt but also ways to address wage stagnation and income inequality. And she needs to talk more about her ideas for relieving the child care cost burden for working parents.
4
I'm two months older than Hillary Clinton. I wouldn't have a clue if there was a private email server in my living room. My husband maintains my computer for me. Somebody convinced her this was the way to go. And how was it possible that it happened at all? President Obama couldn't even take a Blackberry into the Oval Office. Can we brush it off as new technology? I'd suggest sending Bill on a very long scientific expedition to the Antarctic, or Mars. What puzzles me is how she is letting the discussion of her service as Secretary of State devolve into a controversy over email. She must have been accomplishing something when she was in that role. Can't she change the conversation to what she actually did that helped improve our relations with countries all over the world? Of is that classified?
3
I am quite a bit older than HC and I had to learn to use a computer to a degree that went way beyond merely sending an email in order to do my job. I was a pretty old lady already when I learned. If Clinton isn't smart enough to do that it seems she would be hardly be smart enough to run the country. It would not be in her favor that she has failed to keep up even at the most basic level with business methods that are in everyday use.
It is time to stop the ageist garbage that anybody over 50 hasn't got a clue about technology. It is also well past the time to stop making excuses for Hillary Clinton simply because she isn't Donald Trump..
It is time to stop the ageist garbage that anybody over 50 hasn't got a clue about technology. It is also well past the time to stop making excuses for Hillary Clinton simply because she isn't Donald Trump..
2
The coming political election is not a soccer match or online video game. The very existence of the survival of the American democratic society is at stake. If Donald Trump wins the election,it will be a total disaster for this country and many American Citizens. NO Presidential Candidate, Democrat or Republican achieved the opportunity to run for the White House “on their own”. Yes, Hillary Clinton was irresponsible and made poor decisions by using less than secure private email servers. Unfortunately, many corporate executives, medical and financial institutions,prominent politicians and government officials are guilty of similar decisions and actions. Ms. Clinton isn’t the only prominent American citizen who is paranoid about her privacy. Many other prominent government officials and technology leaders are equally paranoid about their own privacy and would hire extensive legal experts to “fudge the facts” if cornered. These same billionaire technocrats have no regard about protecting the privacy of American Citizens who use their online services and servers. Journalists all over the world need to get to work asking very pointed questions.This serious issue is not just a challenge or problem for campaign strategist it’s a dilemma every American Citizen needs to consider. Data Security and WHO has access to an individual’s online information will continue to be one of the greatest potential threats to democracy throughout the world.
4
"Send Bill home. This is an easy call. At best, he’s a reminder that she didn’t get where she’s at entirely on her own."
And who does? (But you are right that she does not need much more "help" from Bill at this point)
And who does? (But you are right that she does not need much more "help" from Bill at this point)
3
We have to choose between a terrible candidate and a monstrous candidate. What has America come to?
Please, stop with the meme of the most qualified candidate ever. Being a first lady, a senator in Democratic state that she had nothing to do with (set up for the run) and then a failed Sec. of State (is the world better) isn't the same as Eisenhower, for instance. He helped save the world from tyranny. Lincoln had less a resume but saved the Union.
Does anyone really think that President Hillary will:
1. Return better jobs for the average working person. Maybe she could teach them how to give speeches?
2. End the conflicts in the Middle East. Pres. Obama has pretty much said in his Atlantic interviews and the analyses of such, that this is an impossible task.
She will be better on some social issues as she is not overtly bigoted. However, she will have committees and meetings with minority leaders that cost a great deal and feed them well. Nothing will change for the poor under her. Her goal is just to be president.
A crazed sociopath vs. a less crazed sociopath - a battle of the narcissists. Let's stop praising her or him. They are both failures.
Trump was generated by the average working person seeing the GOP be tools of the rich. Hillary was generated by her turn to be the Queen. She was diverted by Obama. But the party fell in line.
Both will fail us as Presidents.
Please, stop with the meme of the most qualified candidate ever. Being a first lady, a senator in Democratic state that she had nothing to do with (set up for the run) and then a failed Sec. of State (is the world better) isn't the same as Eisenhower, for instance. He helped save the world from tyranny. Lincoln had less a resume but saved the Union.
Does anyone really think that President Hillary will:
1. Return better jobs for the average working person. Maybe she could teach them how to give speeches?
2. End the conflicts in the Middle East. Pres. Obama has pretty much said in his Atlantic interviews and the analyses of such, that this is an impossible task.
She will be better on some social issues as she is not overtly bigoted. However, she will have committees and meetings with minority leaders that cost a great deal and feed them well. Nothing will change for the poor under her. Her goal is just to be president.
A crazed sociopath vs. a less crazed sociopath - a battle of the narcissists. Let's stop praising her or him. They are both failures.
Trump was generated by the average working person seeing the GOP be tools of the rich. Hillary was generated by her turn to be the Queen. She was diverted by Obama. But the party fell in line.
Both will fail us as Presidents.
14
Headline worthy comment: from
"Stephen J Johnston Jacksonville
Who cares about her E Mails? On her watch Obama committed, by his own admission, his worst mistake by taking down Muammar Gaddafi, and in so doing he loosed the forces of sectarian tribal warfare within Libya. I mean for God's sake she was his Secretary of State. Syria is today a shooting gallery for ISIS recruits, but she and Obama want to depose the secular Assad to add to our Jihadist headaches! ISIS on the Mediterranean. Why?
Victoria Nuland, who got her start with Bill Clinton, is of the Kagan family who are neocon royalty. As such, how did she get into the position as Under Secretary of State to finance the billionaires coup in Ukraine, and restart the Cold War, which is now back in full? I'll tell you how. She is the protege of Hillary Clinton, who is also an unapologetic neocon.
HRC is from among the worst political clique to have formed in the US, since plutocrats suborned USMC General Smedley D Butler to participate in a plot to overthrow FDR. As a neocon HRC is owned by Israel, and she is a member of the Israel Firster coalition, which infests the Beltway as a tool of AIPAC.
Although, Harry Dexter White was an agent for Joe Stalin, during WWII as Under Secretary Of the Treasury, it would be truly remarkable for an American President to harbor such profound and unquestioning affection for a Foreign Nation, as she enters office. Those of you who support Hillary Clinton, what are you thinking?"
"Stephen J Johnston Jacksonville
Who cares about her E Mails? On her watch Obama committed, by his own admission, his worst mistake by taking down Muammar Gaddafi, and in so doing he loosed the forces of sectarian tribal warfare within Libya. I mean for God's sake she was his Secretary of State. Syria is today a shooting gallery for ISIS recruits, but she and Obama want to depose the secular Assad to add to our Jihadist headaches! ISIS on the Mediterranean. Why?
Victoria Nuland, who got her start with Bill Clinton, is of the Kagan family who are neocon royalty. As such, how did she get into the position as Under Secretary of State to finance the billionaires coup in Ukraine, and restart the Cold War, which is now back in full? I'll tell you how. She is the protege of Hillary Clinton, who is also an unapologetic neocon.
HRC is from among the worst political clique to have formed in the US, since plutocrats suborned USMC General Smedley D Butler to participate in a plot to overthrow FDR. As a neocon HRC is owned by Israel, and she is a member of the Israel Firster coalition, which infests the Beltway as a tool of AIPAC.
Although, Harry Dexter White was an agent for Joe Stalin, during WWII as Under Secretary Of the Treasury, it would be truly remarkable for an American President to harbor such profound and unquestioning affection for a Foreign Nation, as she enters office. Those of you who support Hillary Clinton, what are you thinking?"
5
Sure. Hillary Clinton didn't get where she is "completely on her own".
Nor did Bill.
Nor did anyone.
Nor did Bill.
Nor did anyone.
9
This will be this first time I vote for Clinton.
My choice eight years ago was John Edwards.
He was the only one of the three that was talking "unions".
Fast forward, and, yes, I voted for Obama twice.
This time my first choice was Sanders... until I realized that his stump speech never changed, never was updated, and that I, as a woman, was never mentioned any further than as a tag-on line.
I expected him to, at least, offer up that Equal Rights Amendment again.
Nope.
Musta been too radical.
I haven't a doubt on voting for Clinton.
Yup, I know all the spiels from grudging Liberal's, "Whatever", to the shrieking hysterics of the Rightie Republiklans who really think that if they scream loud enough and long enough that I'll never notice that gibbering loonie over there who is flinging parts of himself outward, getting tinier and tinier by every moment.
But all those spiels and shrieking cannot take away Clinton's record of competent service for the last 30 years.
It is no coincident that, once again, given Benghazi and email, that she steps away with no charges.
There never are any charges because the Rs just make stuff up.
They always have, they always will.
That's why they are just loud-mouthed losers, just like the crazy one that, like dog doo-doo, they can't seem to scrape off their shoes.
I'll continue to ignore the crazys.
Trump is their problem, not mine.
Someday, someone will support the ERA, maybe not in my lifetime, but someday.
Til then: Go Hillary!
My choice eight years ago was John Edwards.
He was the only one of the three that was talking "unions".
Fast forward, and, yes, I voted for Obama twice.
This time my first choice was Sanders... until I realized that his stump speech never changed, never was updated, and that I, as a woman, was never mentioned any further than as a tag-on line.
I expected him to, at least, offer up that Equal Rights Amendment again.
Nope.
Musta been too radical.
I haven't a doubt on voting for Clinton.
Yup, I know all the spiels from grudging Liberal's, "Whatever", to the shrieking hysterics of the Rightie Republiklans who really think that if they scream loud enough and long enough that I'll never notice that gibbering loonie over there who is flinging parts of himself outward, getting tinier and tinier by every moment.
But all those spiels and shrieking cannot take away Clinton's record of competent service for the last 30 years.
It is no coincident that, once again, given Benghazi and email, that she steps away with no charges.
There never are any charges because the Rs just make stuff up.
They always have, they always will.
That's why they are just loud-mouthed losers, just like the crazy one that, like dog doo-doo, they can't seem to scrape off their shoes.
I'll continue to ignore the crazys.
Trump is their problem, not mine.
Someday, someone will support the ERA, maybe not in my lifetime, but someday.
Til then: Go Hillary!
15
rosa,
Could you point me to some stories where you had posted pro-Sanders comments?
Or, are you new here?
I'm asking because it is public knowledge that Hill's campaign has a super pac that exists paying commenters to post.
Could you point me to some stories where you had posted pro-Sanders comments?
Or, are you new here?
I'm asking because it is public knowledge that Hill's campaign has a super pac that exists paying commenters to post.
6
She just thinks she can run out the clock on the media (watchdogs), because......you keep letting her!
9
So Gail, we're supposed to accept Hillary because:
A. She has a long track record of dishonesty and so we shouldn't be surprised - or object to that - now; and -
B. Trump is worse.
Got it.
This is the woman that the DNC and MSM, including your own "august" paper, anointed before even a single primary was held. And then you have the what - naivete, obtuseness, cynicism - to offer her suggestions on how to improve her chances? Why should she bother listening when she knows the fix is in? I can just hear her now, responding to you:
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Gail sweety. Save it for for someone who needs help. With friends like I have, I don't need help from little people like you".
Yes, the Republicans deserve Trump because they spent decades grooming the conditions for him to bloom, but the Dems deserve Hillary for their backroom deal they obviously made with her and Bill after 2008. And I guess the American people deserve both, because we keep electing people who take advantage of us. We must suffer from Battered Voter Syndrome to keep doing this.
A. She has a long track record of dishonesty and so we shouldn't be surprised - or object to that - now; and -
B. Trump is worse.
Got it.
This is the woman that the DNC and MSM, including your own "august" paper, anointed before even a single primary was held. And then you have the what - naivete, obtuseness, cynicism - to offer her suggestions on how to improve her chances? Why should she bother listening when she knows the fix is in? I can just hear her now, responding to you:
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Gail sweety. Save it for for someone who needs help. With friends like I have, I don't need help from little people like you".
Yes, the Republicans deserve Trump because they spent decades grooming the conditions for him to bloom, but the Dems deserve Hillary for their backroom deal they obviously made with her and Bill after 2008. And I guess the American people deserve both, because we keep electing people who take advantage of us. We must suffer from Battered Voter Syndrome to keep doing this.
9
Very good advice, especially about Bill. I think she started yesterday with her tough talk speech about Trump's morally reprehensible business (and personal) practices. Keep it up!
2
What does " albeit possibly even less less-than-secure" mean? Does it mean that the State Department system is less secure than HRC's private server? Or more? The "albeit" leads me to think that you meant to say that the State Department system was less secure but your double "less" implies that it was actually more so.
Why would Clinton open up to the press when most reporters, Gail excluded, seem intent on presenting only negative click-bait? A brief glance at the NYT serve as valid evidence of this sexist phenomena and the recent Harvard media study furthers this reality of a Clinton hating press/public. In case you didn't know or had forgotten, Clinton has given multiple important but largely ignored policy speeches in which she supports pretty big, i.e. game changing, programs such as affordable child care, infrastructure improvements. BUT, when she makes these speeches she gets very little attention from the larger media and public. Sure, she can have a press conference but don't hold your breath that anyone will pay attention or do anything but find a why to create a negative spin.
5
She won't be "limping across the finish line," because most voters aren't obsessed with this issue like folks in politics and the media.
3
",,,didn't get where she's at"? Criminy. Time was, we could expect NYT columnists to at least use good grammar and - failing that - be thoroughly edited. Please, Gail. Please.
This may be unpopular with righteous lefties and the crazy right wingnuts, but Hillary Clinton is not corrupt. She is actually an admirable person. She has fought for American values - fairness, opportunity for all, compassion - against a tide of meanness and small-mindedness. She needs a "Come to Jesus" speech that says: "look, you try being the object of Republican scrutiny for 30 years, "look, you try to do something good in Washington with Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and Donald Trump setting the agenda." And, to win, she needs to attach herself like glue to Obama and his record.
10
Just like Benghazi, the emails have always been a witch hunt no different than the Salem Witch Trials. A non story then and a dead story now.
The Republican'ts and their ilk need to grow up and change their diapers then go home and not disgrace and embarrass this nation ever again just as they have done since day one. Fortunately the Democrats are adults unlike the Republican'ts who are little children now and always will be.
Just another reason to vote ONLY Democrat 2016 and shove the Republican'ts and their ilk so far down so that they will never recover.
The Republican'ts and their ilk need to grow up and change their diapers then go home and not disgrace and embarrass this nation ever again just as they have done since day one. Fortunately the Democrats are adults unlike the Republican'ts who are little children now and always will be.
Just another reason to vote ONLY Democrat 2016 and shove the Republican'ts and their ilk so far down so that they will never recover.
10
"...F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail." Spot on - Comey exposed himself for the political hack he is. Remember, this is the same guy running around saying that cops can't do their jobs because of video cameras. Not that a few bad cops assault and sometimes shoot innocent citizens; but that they can't do their jobs because someone might film them. Despicable.
5
It would be best to foster a program by which one parent stays home with the young children. (Finally the kids would understand the responsibility involved in having children.) Hillary's words and actions have harmed our children and our families.
I believe Hillary Clinton just as I believed Anita Hill. Sexism: 1991-2016.
8
Gail Collins advises Hillary Clinton to come up with a plan to fix Obamacare that "would involve tough news for the pharmaceutical industry." Hello, Gail. Hillary already has a tough plan. Have you checked Hillary's website? Click on the link under Issues--Health Care, and you will find a detailed plan to lower drug prices for Americans--involving a long list of specific measures that I'm sure Big Pharma will hate, like eliminating their tax writeoff for advertising costs, allowing Medicare to bargain drug prices, requiring rebates to low-income consumers, and much more. What more does Gail want? https://www.hillaryclinton.com/briefing/factsheets/2015/09/21/hillary-cl...
6
None of this matters.
Whether HC or DT wins the presidency, congress will gridlock anything and everything. It will be at least 4 years of mudslinging.
To alleviate heartburn I suggest placing filters on your computers deleting any article that mentions HC, DT, and congress. That leaves us with the obituary column and cartoons.
Tune back in in 4 years and discover you haven't missed a thing.
Whether HC or DT wins the presidency, congress will gridlock anything and everything. It will be at least 4 years of mudslinging.
To alleviate heartburn I suggest placing filters on your computers deleting any article that mentions HC, DT, and congress. That leaves us with the obituary column and cartoons.
Tune back in in 4 years and discover you haven't missed a thing.
1
One of the enduring American myths is that the US presidential election process is good at selecting effective presidents.
The process, from the election of 1800 to the present, has been remarkably good at generating lots of defamation and mudslinging.
The same attacks have been made for centuries now -- a candidate is a secret agent of our enemies, another is guilty of moral turpitude, still another is actually a member of a religion, race, or sexuality that the privileged currently despise. On and on.
But after 216 years of bare-knuckled campaign warfare in this country, there seems to be only useful observation:
The candidate who receives the most vicious, the most hyperbolic, the most transparently desperate and vile attacks, usually wins. And they usually go on to be better-than mediocre presidents. And some of them turn out to be truly great.
No fan of Hillary Clinton here. But it is noted that she has already been attacked as the murderer of a man (her friend) who actually committed suicide.
That one attack sounded pretty vicious, desperate and vile to us.
The process, from the election of 1800 to the present, has been remarkably good at generating lots of defamation and mudslinging.
The same attacks have been made for centuries now -- a candidate is a secret agent of our enemies, another is guilty of moral turpitude, still another is actually a member of a religion, race, or sexuality that the privileged currently despise. On and on.
But after 216 years of bare-knuckled campaign warfare in this country, there seems to be only useful observation:
The candidate who receives the most vicious, the most hyperbolic, the most transparently desperate and vile attacks, usually wins. And they usually go on to be better-than mediocre presidents. And some of them turn out to be truly great.
No fan of Hillary Clinton here. But it is noted that she has already been attacked as the murderer of a man (her friend) who actually committed suicide.
That one attack sounded pretty vicious, desperate and vile to us.
1
In November I will vote for Hillary. I cannot imagine doing otherwise. But I have to say that all the comments, here and elsewhere, that she is a very flawed candidate ring true to me.
Gail's column doesn't mention this point, but many of us are still waiting to learn what was in those speeches she gave on Wall Street where she was paid an ENORMOUS bundle of money.
If she can't bring herself to reveal the contents of those speeches, she really lacks a sense of how important transparency is for voters trying to decide between an oligarch and an oligarch.
Gail's column doesn't mention this point, but many of us are still waiting to learn what was in those speeches she gave on Wall Street where she was paid an ENORMOUS bundle of money.
If she can't bring herself to reveal the contents of those speeches, she really lacks a sense of how important transparency is for voters trying to decide between an oligarch and an oligarch.
3
She is presently definitely the lesser of two evils. Not much of a recommendation until you examine the alternative.
1
I cannot for the life of me understand why the Democratic Party can allow Hillary Clinton to continue as their candidate for the office of the President.
She has so thoroughly demonstrated her poor judgement and lack of trustability as to make her unfit for the office. In fact, she would not be able to obtain security clearance for ANY public position at this time, and it remains to be seen if she will be granted security clearance of she is elected.
And don't forget that Billary comes with the Hill, and with him the baggage of an impeached President and a disbarred lawyer. What a disgraceful combination!
There ARE better candidates! Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, or anyone but Hillary Billary.
She has so thoroughly demonstrated her poor judgement and lack of trustability as to make her unfit for the office. In fact, she would not be able to obtain security clearance for ANY public position at this time, and it remains to be seen if she will be granted security clearance of she is elected.
And don't forget that Billary comes with the Hill, and with him the baggage of an impeached President and a disbarred lawyer. What a disgraceful combination!
There ARE better candidates! Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders, or anyone but Hillary Billary.
4
On balance, Ms. Collins makes a very sensible case. I hope that Hillary and her handlers do better than simply to speed-read it. As for Bill, no argument there. Surely there's yard work to be done at home, which would be much healthier than baking on the 100+ degree Phoenix tarmac. Loretta can wait.
Let us not underestimate the Clintons' capacity to rain on their own parades with their persistent intimations of immorality. Some of the self-destruction is simply jaw-dropping.
If Hillary wins the White House over an opponent who cannot hold a train of thought for more than five seconds as he is driven to rant about the virtues of Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, she must keep Bill at the weed whacker for up to eight years.
Yard work is never done and the White House has a big lawn.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Let us not underestimate the Clintons' capacity to rain on their own parades with their persistent intimations of immorality. Some of the self-destruction is simply jaw-dropping.
If Hillary wins the White House over an opponent who cannot hold a train of thought for more than five seconds as he is driven to rant about the virtues of Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, she must keep Bill at the weed whacker for up to eight years.
Yard work is never done and the White House has a big lawn.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
Few Democrats who have observed the consequences of attempting to appease Republicans since the election of Reagan think there is any upside to the practice. Give them an inch and they steal a mile.
2
I agree with Gail: send Bill home.
The electorate this cycle has amply demonstrated they want to shake things up. Bill is 20 years ago. Please go away.
Maybe if Bill goes home, Hillary can be a more authentic Hillary. Whomever that may be.
I've always thought he was a bad influence on her Methodist self, anyway.
The electorate this cycle has amply demonstrated they want to shake things up. Bill is 20 years ago. Please go away.
Maybe if Bill goes home, Hillary can be a more authentic Hillary. Whomever that may be.
I've always thought he was a bad influence on her Methodist self, anyway.
Amen on going on the offensive with big, inspiring causes and related projects. I will never stop loving Eisenhower for the Interstate Highway System, or JFK for going to the moon. My personal favorite is the looming (if under most folks' radar) problem of water in our changing climate. Much of America is being flooded with growing frequency. The West is suffering ever greater drought. How about another WPA... Water Project for America? Put millions of folks to work and save our tuchuses from both flood and drought.
http://seniorjunior.blogspot.com/search?q=flood
http://seniorjunior.blogspot.com/search?q=flood
3
And the stomach continues to turn. The Republicans have already announced they are going to ask the FBI to investigate whether or not Clinton lied to Congress during the never ending Benghazi hearings. Yet another sterling use of taxpayer money, by a Party which claims to abhor wasteful government spending. Gee, where were these people when we found out with certainty that we were lied into the most disastrous war this country has ever been involved in. The ongoing war in the Middle East has had an enormous disastrous effect on those living in the Middle East, not to mention giving rise to terrorist groups, resulting in refugees fleeing for their safety. Where were these people when a CIA agent was outed by the Bush administration? That did rise to the criminal, and was a national security breach.
The Republicans will nominate and support a candidate whom they know is ill prepared and ill suited to be President. Trump is an embarrassment, and barely more than a huckster with no qualifications whatsoever to be President. He has ranted his way to the nomination and his rallying cry has been xenophobia and racism. Yet, the Republicans, without any compunction, are alright with this unstable man being entrusted with the nuclear codes. It staggers the imagination to think about the level of politics before country the Republicans are engaged in.
Clinton has made some errors in judgement, yes, but she is clearly the most qualified person to lead this country.
The Republicans will nominate and support a candidate whom they know is ill prepared and ill suited to be President. Trump is an embarrassment, and barely more than a huckster with no qualifications whatsoever to be President. He has ranted his way to the nomination and his rallying cry has been xenophobia and racism. Yet, the Republicans, without any compunction, are alright with this unstable man being entrusted with the nuclear codes. It staggers the imagination to think about the level of politics before country the Republicans are engaged in.
Clinton has made some errors in judgement, yes, but she is clearly the most qualified person to lead this country.
6
Can anyone withstand the scrutiny that Mrs. Clinton has undergone the past 25-30 years? It's a miracle that she is where she is.
I look for the GOP to start an new round of "investigations" to "get to the bottom" of the non-existent e-mail problem, they have proven so adept at it. Would they actually spent half as much energy to better the lives of the people they supposedly represent.
I look for the GOP to start an new round of "investigations" to "get to the bottom" of the non-existent e-mail problem, they have proven so adept at it. Would they actually spent half as much energy to better the lives of the people they supposedly represent.
7
Au contraire: she was nailed, alright. Comey's remarks were not at all the "now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn't nail." He flinched politically, but not intellectually. He didn't have to prove "intent" to indict her for an egregious breach of national security. Yes, there was some word play involved, but there is no room for disagreement about substance. Comey knew that Lynch wouldn't indict. He also knew if he simply handed over the FBI's investigation findings Lynch would have buried them and simply stated that the DOJ won't recommend a criminal indictment based on the "FBI's exhaustive investigation," or something to that effect. The emphasis would have been on non-indictment -- not on the outrageous conduct that EVERYONE knows would have meant indictment for anyone except Hillary Clinton -- or, to be fair -- anyone other than the candidate of a national party on the eve of a presidential race. Comey served the truth as best he could, all the time with both arms tied behind his back. He still had the chance to speak to the nation and warn us about the kind of dangerous person Hillary Clinton is: someone whose leading concern is watching her political back but most certainly not the nation's security. Yes, he should have indicted. But had he moved in that direction he would have been fired by DOJ. Then the story -- or at least a good part of the real story -- would never have come out.
7
Gail, great column as usual.
Hillary's email thing did not start WW III; however, the jerk who won't disclose his income tax returns may start it.
I wonder if America is really paying attention.
Hillary's email thing did not start WW III; however, the jerk who won't disclose his income tax returns may start it.
I wonder if America is really paying attention.
3
It is beyond time to chuck the fallacy that a woman candidate for anything has to be some perfect mermaid doing battle while the GOP can run serial cheats, child molesters, government shut down types, pious know-nothings and be taken seriously by anyone. Jabba the Ailes apparently is still using the ancient practice of ogling women's rumps in his Fox newsroom to see if they deserve a raise while simultaneously fake-preaching to religious types on all channels. If Trump chooses Gingrich for VP they will have at least 6 marriages between them - and these are the old goats telling women what to do about family planning.
It is time to quit letting the goal posts be moved- there will NEVER be a woman good enough, brave enough, yadda yadda yadda.
Just grab it, Hillary and keep going.
It is time to quit letting the goal posts be moved- there will NEVER be a woman good enough, brave enough, yadda yadda yadda.
Just grab it, Hillary and keep going.
4
What makes you think that Hillary can win without doing these things? After Comey's statement and the answers to Republican questions he's likely to give today, she'll be lucky to win no matter what she does.
2
Ms. Collins has written some truly incredible columns for NYT. Remember her repetitive diatiribes on Romney's "dog on the roof" during his campaign?
She must have "bats in her belfry" that keeps her from confonting obvious truths. One of those truths can be found in parting Obama's incredible endosement earlier this week: “There has never been any man or woman more qualified for this office than Hillary Clinton, ever, and that’s the truth...."
Whatever trust you may have had for Obama perforce took the circular trip down the toilet bowl after that ludicrous statement. She is the least qualified in 227 years. Obama made a fool of himself and Clinton with his ludicrous lie.
Yes, she can win without doing anything. The history she would make despoils this first opportunity for a female president, and would set a standard of performance never forgotten. Yes, she may be the lesser of the two evils, just as the eighth ring of Dante's Inferno is better than whatever is below it.
Beware the liars! Do a Write-In vote for a worthy candidate this fall. Send a message that needs to be heard!
She must have "bats in her belfry" that keeps her from confonting obvious truths. One of those truths can be found in parting Obama's incredible endosement earlier this week: “There has never been any man or woman more qualified for this office than Hillary Clinton, ever, and that’s the truth...."
Whatever trust you may have had for Obama perforce took the circular trip down the toilet bowl after that ludicrous statement. She is the least qualified in 227 years. Obama made a fool of himself and Clinton with his ludicrous lie.
Yes, she can win without doing anything. The history she would make despoils this first opportunity for a female president, and would set a standard of performance never forgotten. Yes, she may be the lesser of the two evils, just as the eighth ring of Dante's Inferno is better than whatever is below it.
Beware the liars! Do a Write-In vote for a worthy candidate this fall. Send a message that needs to be heard!
5
The NYT said in on its editorial page: "The Chilcot report does not in itself entail accountability. Criminal prosecutions appear unlikely, and outside of the courts, there is a poverty of options to hold the culpable to account." In sort it was a Comey! They were bad but basically so what! That is exactly the kind of thing Hillary supporters are saying. She's bad but so what!
Hillary is Trump in progressive clothing! The Democratic Party has turned its back on a candidate of change, real systemic change not shallow surface change because corporate donors and lobbyists want the party to go on! She's bad but she's ours....so let the good times roll!
Hillary is Trump in progressive clothing! The Democratic Party has turned its back on a candidate of change, real systemic change not shallow surface change because corporate donors and lobbyists want the party to go on! She's bad but she's ours....so let the good times roll!
4
Really this Bill and the Attorney General meeting has been blown out of proportions - If the Clintons wanted to put in a fix - it is easier to do in a non-public private meeting or better yet have a third party do it.
2
You nailed it Gail! Ms Clinton's knowledge, experience and commitment are peerless, but a strong display of leadership will not only produce a resounding election victory, but also set the stage for an effective presidency.
I think Hillary Clinton's delivery is backwards.
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She keeps rambling on and on and few people seem to be listening to what she says. Trump, on the other hand is getting lots of attention, all the time.
1) Clinton might try contrasting herself with Trump. For example, she could say that Trump's "Achilles Heel" is his total lack of experience in government. He has never worked a day of his life in any government role, period. And yet he asks the American people to give him a 4 (four) year binding contract to be president. This is scary! This is frightening!
2) After saying that Trump is a zero, Clinton can then briefly mention some experiences she had in government. Then, she could remind voters, again that Trump has no experience.
I say, Trump is a zero, but Clinton's message is not working.
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She keeps rambling on and on and few people seem to be listening to what she says. Trump, on the other hand is getting lots of attention, all the time.
1) Clinton might try contrasting herself with Trump. For example, she could say that Trump's "Achilles Heel" is his total lack of experience in government. He has never worked a day of his life in any government role, period. And yet he asks the American people to give him a 4 (four) year binding contract to be president. This is scary! This is frightening!
2) After saying that Trump is a zero, Clinton can then briefly mention some experiences she had in government. Then, she could remind voters, again that Trump has no experience.
I say, Trump is a zero, but Clinton's message is not working.
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1
At this point are there really undecided voters en masse? I am from NC and have lived in nyc since college. When I go visit family they are surprised that the relaxed gun laws are scarier to me than traveling in Europe. Many of my friends here are down with Bernie despite not recognizing their own privilege and making nasty comments abt Clinton's gender.
I'm surprised at this article. What matters is that Hillary Clinton gets elected in a way that Gail Collins finds agreeable? If that's the issue, why didn't Ms. Collins run for president?
If Hillary hadn't been the subject of the FBI investigation, there's no doubt that an indictment would have been imminent. Mr. Comey played the perfect straw man, building up the case for prosecution then negating himself, telling the American public that there was no basis for doing so. It makes no sense.
What does make sense: if Hillary were to be put under indictment who would the Democrats have to run, Joe Biden? Connect the dots.
Last thing Gail. Toting Hillary as an alternative to Donald Trump is no reason to vote for her. Hillary should be able to stand on her own two feet.
What does make sense: if Hillary were to be put under indictment who would the Democrats have to run, Joe Biden? Connect the dots.
Last thing Gail. Toting Hillary as an alternative to Donald Trump is no reason to vote for her. Hillary should be able to stand on her own two feet.
2
Excellent recommendations for Clinton
. It is exactly what the vast number of Americans want.
. It is exactly what the vast number of Americans want.
1
Donald Trump doesn't understand a thing about the world outside of his own grimy pump and dumps. Hillary is like the Prime Minister of the underworld. Trump is more Vito Genovese refusing to do business with other old families outside his box store. Trump is also out of touch with his own people like Castellano.
Come on, the Dems were so tight with the mob in Arkansas back in FDR's day, Hot Springs is where Vinny took two chins off! Don't tell me Trump knows where to dump the bodies, low planes drifters. He's ready to toss the whole Risk Game into the private sector and see what falls into his lap.
That was for you, Frank.
Come on, the Dems were so tight with the mob in Arkansas back in FDR's day, Hot Springs is where Vinny took two chins off! Don't tell me Trump knows where to dump the bodies, low planes drifters. He's ready to toss the whole Risk Game into the private sector and see what falls into his lap.
That was for you, Frank.
1
If someone wants to run for public office then they should be prepared for public scrutiny and try as hard as they can to do everything above board and beyond reproach. This would start by using the publicly paid for email system. Why is this so hard for Hillary to understand? She deserves all the grief she has gotten for this episode.
Count me one of the many voters who feel forced to vote for her given the horrific alternatives.
Count me one of the many voters who feel forced to vote for her given the horrific alternatives.
3
The email server thing is just the latest in a very long line of McIssues primped and puffed by the Republicans. A whole lot of us out here in Voter-land don't care. The pundits stuck in the Acela Corridor are too close to the stage to see the circus.
2
Courage to speak from the heart and bring bold positions sounds like the noble path. But Gail, Secretary Clinton is a woman in a culture that degrades, effeminates, harasses, disempowers, underpays, devalues, ... women. When Hillary speaks boldly and courageously she is slammed, when she speaks compassionately and calmly, she is slammed, when she tries to protect herself from the unparalleled assault by the press, the Republicans, and the Christian right she is slammed. She will find her wings over the next four months. We saw it in her Senate service and in her State service. And when she does I believe we will see the dreams of Obama, the idealism of Sanders, and the righteousness of Black Lives Matter come to fruition, not to mention the beginning of the end of sexism in our culture. I would rather that she keep her head down and her nose clean and make it to the election, than to expose herself a'la Benazir Bhutto and be taken down because she wanted to let the people see her.
1
She will do for feminism what Obama did for race relations.
Out political system is not the system of Pakistan where one political family controls the country, although that is what it seems that too many want here. We expect to see and hear our candidates, and to allow the press to interview and question them. Trump has already band several news organizations from his rallies. Clinton just isn't talking to anybody. Neither is what one has any right to expect in an American election, given that a free press is a cornerstone of a Democracy.
Out political system is not the system of Pakistan where one political family controls the country, although that is what it seems that too many want here. We expect to see and hear our candidates, and to allow the press to interview and question them. Trump has already band several news organizations from his rallies. Clinton just isn't talking to anybody. Neither is what one has any right to expect in an American election, given that a free press is a cornerstone of a Democracy.
2
How can you possibly describe a student loan proposal that fails to identify the source of its funding as "well thought out"? Really.
1
How about using the $$$ from all these bogus investigations. Must be billions by now.
3
All very good suggestions except for one. I still like seeing Bill on the trail. Perhaps limiting his public appearances would be apt. An occasional appearance on Charlie Rose, a comfortable schedule designed to not put too much strain on the old pro's voice. Less rallies, more intimate discussions.
Bill still can be brilliant. Like any aged pitcher when given enough rest between outings, Bill still has the potential of throwing a perfect game up his sleeve. And just for old time sake's the Silver Fox can charm. We all know Hillary does not need him as a crutch to her buttress her gravitas. We've always known Hillary could have been as good a president as he but for her gender. Bill brings out the folksy fun side of us. He has become an icon, a impressionist's dream character. Bill in just the right doses is something many of us still want to see.
As for his impromptu meeting with Loretta, well, I disagree with most folk. I think this "secret" meeting is just the kind of juicy bone thrown at the opposition Bill might have intended. He's a master at the fake. There was no fire only smoke, a distraction for critics to conjure up more Clinton conspiracy theories, showing them once again to be a psychotically obsessed group of suspicion mongers who will chew on this bone, or red herring, completely taking their eye off the ball.
Within days, it's all over. Once again Bill pitches another Strike Three by the opponent. And then Hillary hits a homer. Game over.
DD
Manhattan
Bill still can be brilliant. Like any aged pitcher when given enough rest between outings, Bill still has the potential of throwing a perfect game up his sleeve. And just for old time sake's the Silver Fox can charm. We all know Hillary does not need him as a crutch to her buttress her gravitas. We've always known Hillary could have been as good a president as he but for her gender. Bill brings out the folksy fun side of us. He has become an icon, a impressionist's dream character. Bill in just the right doses is something many of us still want to see.
As for his impromptu meeting with Loretta, well, I disagree with most folk. I think this "secret" meeting is just the kind of juicy bone thrown at the opposition Bill might have intended. He's a master at the fake. There was no fire only smoke, a distraction for critics to conjure up more Clinton conspiracy theories, showing them once again to be a psychotically obsessed group of suspicion mongers who will chew on this bone, or red herring, completely taking their eye off the ball.
Within days, it's all over. Once again Bill pitches another Strike Three by the opponent. And then Hillary hits a homer. Game over.
DD
Manhattan
2
If it wasn't for the infamous blue dress the argument that Bill Clinton is an infallible master strategist would be more convincing. I doubt he planned on being impeached for his smoking moment of fun.
There is no question that he is a brilliant politician. The Arkansas hillbilly proved his enemies were little more than amateurs when he ended up coming out on top of the whole affair. Though he did get a little scorched.
There is no question that he is a brilliant politician. The Arkansas hillbilly proved his enemies were little more than amateurs when he ended up coming out on top of the whole affair. Though he did get a little scorched.
Fortitude is not an easily learned quality. In general, it is an innate characteristic. Speaking as a Bernie supporter, she gets my vote not just based on fortitude, but primarily. Go get em Madame Secretary.
4
Unfortunately, there are many who see the lack of indictment as an example that "the fix is in". And there is still the incredible lack of good judgement, whether she has been indicted or not. Fair, probably not, but fairness is not a standard by which the business of politics is conducted.
2
I hope the Clinton team reads your article and passes it on to Hillary. Good suggestions for her to implement.
How is at all possible that a person can be a candidate in the elections if she is afraid to hold a press conference and is hiding from people??
She is scared to death to sit for a legitimate, normal length, interview with "unfriendly" media!!
She hasn't held a news conference in more than seven months!!
She is scared to death to sit for a legitimate, normal length, interview with "unfriendly" media!!
She hasn't held a news conference in more than seven months!!
2
Is it too late for either (or both) the Republicans or Democrats to deny their nomination to the "presumptive" winner and and install a candidate with a clean record and a modicum of dignity? If not, we can look forward to at least four years of waiting for the inevitable other shoe to drop.
4
The FBI used up 11 months investigating emails from Hillary Clinton's office. Eleven months. Concluded that they didn't find anything they were looking for.
Eleven months. What was the Bureau doing for almost a year? How many people were paid for how many hours of doing whatever it was? How much money was sunk into this muckraking endeavor?
Is there an entire department over there charged with email investigations?
Are they into Trump's emails? Sanders's? President Obama's?
Eleven months. What was the Bureau doing for almost a year? How many people were paid for how many hours of doing whatever it was? How much money was sunk into this muckraking endeavor?
Is there an entire department over there charged with email investigations?
Are they into Trump's emails? Sanders's? President Obama's?
2
Good column, save the description of Hillary Clinton as "paranoid". Paranoia would be irrational. For the amount of dirt thrown at Mrs. Clinton- baselessly, no less – and the political probing into her private life, the reasonable reaction is for Mrs. Clinton to be deeply mistrustful.
3
I would like to hear one good reason why HRC refused to collaborate with the State Department's inspector general.
She also instructed her aids to do the same.
How could anyone defend that?
WJC's intrusion on the AG went against all ethical standards.
A Yale-trained lawyer has no excuse.
Maybe Gail could answer these and the uranium/foundation issue.
HRC has given the opposition so much material to sabotage her presidency.
We should all be concerned.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-a...
She also instructed her aids to do the same.
How could anyone defend that?
WJC's intrusion on the AG went against all ethical standards.
A Yale-trained lawyer has no excuse.
Maybe Gail could answer these and the uranium/foundation issue.
HRC has given the opposition so much material to sabotage her presidency.
We should all be concerned.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/24/us/cash-flowed-to-clinton-foundation-a...
5
One test for Presidential selection is whether the voter thinks he/she can put up with the candidate in their faces for a minimum of 4 years. Having had Clinton overload for a long time now I still have to say that while distasteful, the Clinton product is considerably less toxic than the Trump brand which may need a health warning before consumption.
2
Sure enough and true to form, Ryan has to get his 'there for the grace of god go I' licks in on Clinton. This man sets the example of remarkably crass politics. His mealymouthed plaintive pleas for civility in politics rings hollow when he himself was an active member of a group of senior GOP leaders who in 2009 met during Obama's inauguration to plot to sabotage his presidency. These senior GOP members strategized to bring congress to a standstill regardless how much it would hurt the economy by pledging to obstruct and block Obama on all legislation. This skullduggery emerged into a GOP party of "NO" where the extreme acrimony of the current absurd political theatre took root. Ryan is a shameful and shameless hypocrite.
2
The Benghazi hearings, in the form of “E-mail Hearings” are now upon us and will continue through November. We can’t get a vote on gun control, but at the drop-of-a-hat we have E-mail Hearings.
The House Select Committee and other independent investigations had to concede that Ms. Clinton was not responsible for any possible (and tortured) scenario of wrongdoings in Benghazi. Now the FBI director feels that based on what “should have been known” that Ms. Clinton is guilty of some violation of a law or laws that date back before the Internet and Email were contemplated. He can’t prove the crimes but he can easily imply it does not pass “the smell test”, to him.
So, the hearings begin. First it will be the FBI Director, who brought this on himself. Next will be dragging every Clinton staffers before the committee, one by one to prove a criminal case that does not exist. Ms. Clinton will be subpoenaed and refuse.
The media is salivating: it is convinced it has the female equivalent of Richard Nixon and wants to prove it. What theater.
The House Select Committee and other independent investigations had to concede that Ms. Clinton was not responsible for any possible (and tortured) scenario of wrongdoings in Benghazi. Now the FBI director feels that based on what “should have been known” that Ms. Clinton is guilty of some violation of a law or laws that date back before the Internet and Email were contemplated. He can’t prove the crimes but he can easily imply it does not pass “the smell test”, to him.
So, the hearings begin. First it will be the FBI Director, who brought this on himself. Next will be dragging every Clinton staffers before the committee, one by one to prove a criminal case that does not exist. Ms. Clinton will be subpoenaed and refuse.
The media is salivating: it is convinced it has the female equivalent of Richard Nixon and wants to prove it. What theater.
2
What no one seems to mention is that the US Government has done a horrible job of protecting their servers. That the Congress has routinely leaked confidential information in attempts to smear rivals. Clinton's use of a "home" server was no more dangerous than putting your SSN, DOB, and POB in the US Governments Office of Personnel Management servers (note: those servers were hacked and the private information of every government employee and spouse is currently being sold to hackers around the world, including presumably, Ms. Clinton's and all of her staff, and AG Comey). So, enough with the "she put confidential information at risk" punch line. She used her own server because she did not trust people in the US Government to protect confidential information.
3
Good column. Thank you. I so want Hillary to win, but not because I am wildly supportive of her. I've always been a Democrat and believe she will be a good president. That said, I one of the legions who do not entirely trust her, and agree with your call for her to take hard positions. (And please, release the speeches to Wall Street - it really irks me that she hasn't done that.) She's campaigning in a very calculated way, and that scares me. The email story is good fodder for the other side, and I fear for a Trump victory.
1
I hope journalists will finally start serious investigative journalism on the republican candidate and people he has and had dealings with and debate his qualifications for the highest office and expose his dishonest immoral business transactions to electorate. Clinton may have not had the best judgement by hiring aides that were not cautious, after all it is the assistant's job to get and secure her e mail address, but I can only imagine how it would be, with a fool like Trump, for President; his aides would not only be careless and clueless but corrupt!
2
My dictionary defines a smear as a *false* accusation. So where's your predicate?
2
Gail and the rest of you people,
Am I the only one still wanting to see Trump's taxes? Why is the media letting him off this easy? I haven't heard one reporter asking him about it in weeks. Imagine what the ruckus would be if Hillary had not produced her returns!
Gail, you reminded us about the dog on the roof at every turn during the last election cycle. Why not Trump's missing tax returns this time. Please do so.
Am I the only one still wanting to see Trump's taxes? Why is the media letting him off this easy? I haven't heard one reporter asking him about it in weeks. Imagine what the ruckus would be if Hillary had not produced her returns!
Gail, you reminded us about the dog on the roof at every turn during the last election cycle. Why not Trump's missing tax returns this time. Please do so.
3
Good article. I don't care how Hillary wins as long as she wins. Looking at her side of the e-mail story, the fact that she has been persecuted by Republicans for decades, it's understandable that she might be a little paranoid. And Bill....send him home, send him somewhere out of the country on a mission for the foundation. He has become toxic to the campaign.
1
Good points here. Hillary will likely win. But to govern she needs more than just to be not trump.
2
The fuss is not about the e-mail server, per se. It's about a pattern of behavior stretching decades. An overweening sense of entitlement, an arrogance about rules not applying, and a propensity for lying.
The sad thing is there are so many first-rate Democratic women holding high executive office and Clinton is the best the Party could come up with.
For many, the lesser-of-two-evils option is no longer an option.
The sad thing is there are so many first-rate Democratic women holding high executive office and Clinton is the best the Party could come up with.
For many, the lesser-of-two-evils option is no longer an option.
3
"[T]he now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn't nail."
The article is worth reading just for this extraordinary phrase, which describes in a nutshell all the virulent slander Clinton has had to endure her whole life. Since the dawn of time, honorable women have been subjected to specious, unfounded smearing of this kind. Don't need proof, just the accusation. No smoke without a fire, right, guys?
The article is worth reading just for this extraordinary phrase, which describes in a nutshell all the virulent slander Clinton has had to endure her whole life. Since the dawn of time, honorable women have been subjected to specious, unfounded smearing of this kind. Don't need proof, just the accusation. No smoke without a fire, right, guys?
2
If there is an Olympic event for running backwards, then Paul Ryan is the shoo-in. Just scare him down the track with a photo of Herr Drumpf as a prod.
I still think that the email deal is blown way out of proportion . Mrs. Clinton shouldn't be so careless with classified information. However, these classified info are kind of trivial: one is about UN secretary general planning to step down and the other is about scheduling her phone call to a small African state. Why are these things classified anyway? Well, I can certainly see that when every email and every piece of paper that you touch is either "classified" or "top secret", these labels start to mean very little after a while. This revelation really kills any ambition that I will want to work for the government. Can't say that I want to work in an environment that is inherently paranoid. I also have a hard time seeing that Mr. Trump is any more rule binding.
3
Yet another puffery piece from Gail in an effort to somehow explain why our former Secy. of State, who is so cavalier and incompetent in her handling of our nations secrets, is qualified to be POTUS.
It's really not about Trump or Comey or Ryan. If she was so arrogant or incompetent (not sure which is worse) that she believed it acceptable to have a private server for the Nations business, how can her experience as SOS be used as a qualifier for the leader of the free world?
In addition, she bought the NYS Senate seat after her husband ramming through the Religious land use act which the Hasidic bloc vote population has used to destroy Rockland and Orange counties' tax base and school systems. How does this qualify her to be POTUS.
Do we really need this circus to continue? Oh yea, right, she's a survivor....just not sure if the country can survive 4 more years of the Clinton version of backdoor (or back tarmac in the most recent example) politics.
It's really not about Trump or Comey or Ryan. If she was so arrogant or incompetent (not sure which is worse) that she believed it acceptable to have a private server for the Nations business, how can her experience as SOS be used as a qualifier for the leader of the free world?
In addition, she bought the NYS Senate seat after her husband ramming through the Religious land use act which the Hasidic bloc vote population has used to destroy Rockland and Orange counties' tax base and school systems. How does this qualify her to be POTUS.
Do we really need this circus to continue? Oh yea, right, she's a survivor....just not sure if the country can survive 4 more years of the Clinton version of backdoor (or back tarmac in the most recent example) politics.
4
I am tired of the emails as well. What should be focused on is the fact that she voted for the illegal invasion of Iraq for her own personal gain. She was afraid that her political future would be compromised (as did John Kerry) if the war went well. This is worse than Cheney and Rumsfeld in my opinion. It shows a complete lack of any conviction and why I will write in Bernie Sanders instead of her. She is also a wall street employee as is her son in law.
4
Why doesn't the Times do an article on how porous the State Department's servers are to hacking, etc? That's the big story here. Technology is not up to par at the federal level.
I think Hillary set up her own system so she could hit the ground running and do her job. That's what she's all about. Marvelous there were so few classified emails. Get some tech folks to tell you about the State Dept's systems, and the White House and worse yet, Congress.
I think Hillary set up her own system so she could hit the ground running and do her job. That's what she's all about. Marvelous there were so few classified emails. Get some tech folks to tell you about the State Dept's systems, and the White House and worse yet, Congress.
9
Give me a break!
2
We knew about the email issue when we voted for her in the primary. We also knew that previous Secretaries used private emails as have countless others in government.
We also know that Congress does nothing to solve actual problems and does nothing but spend our money on stupid investigations. They're the one s with no credibility and I hope they're job hunting after the next election! Ryan? Zero integrity.
We also know that Congress does nothing to solve actual problems and does nothing but spend our money on stupid investigations. They're the one s with no credibility and I hope they're job hunting after the next election! Ryan? Zero integrity.
5
I don't think it would be a bad idea for her to remind voters of the successes of her husband's presidency. The last time wages were going up, Bill Clinton was president. The last time the budget was balanced, Bill was president. Heck, the last time we won a war, Bill was president. Another Clinton term? Sign me up.
3
The last time all of a president's accomplishments were due to a tech bubble, Bill was president.
5
"But the bottom line was that Clinton had used less-than-secure private email servers rather than the State Department system, which was the proper procedure, albeit possibly even less less-than-secure."
How do you know - or could speculate - that the State Department email system is possibly less secure? Gail, I get that this is an opinion piece but such articles still must be based on credible evidence and facts of which you have provided none for that line. Unless you know something I don't, that line smacks of cynicism.
How do you know - or could speculate - that the State Department email system is possibly less secure? Gail, I get that this is an opinion piece but such articles still must be based on credible evidence and facts of which you have provided none for that line. Unless you know something I don't, that line smacks of cynicism.
3
She does know something you do not: the State Dept's servers have been hacked numerous times, while the Clintons' personal server has never been hacked. In fact, just last year they discovered that Russian hackers had had access to State's servers for the better part of a year. Therefore one could argue that HRC was doing the country a favor by using her personal email account!
2
I sure hope Hillary reads Gail's column today--lots of solid advice, starting with leave Bill at home. For whatever the reason, Bill seems to have an unconscious need to sabotage Hillary's chances for success and power. Maybe it's to stoke his vulnerable ego and power needs. He is not the only married guy on the planet to do this.
A core problem is Hillary and Bill's twisted relationship with telling the truth, so another piece of advice for Hillary is to be her own person, and be blunt and tell the truth at every opportunity.
Hillary may not be a barn burner as a speaker, but she is at her best when she is clear headed and direct--as she was at the silly $7 million dollar GOP Benghazi hearings.
Hillary is an older, highly experienced, and powerful woman, who (in stark contrast to Trump) has some gravitas & can cut to the chase. Tell the truth, get to the point (Bernie does), and if Hillary does not know or has not yet figured out what to do, just say so with conviction. I have seen doctors do this, and it is quite effective. It is difficult to argue with the truth. (Patients are most likely to sue when if find out the doctor lied to them.)
Now since lying is what the GOP and right-wingers do, especially Trump, being direct and telling the truth will be refreshing (a big part of Bernie's success with voters).
Step 1: Leave Bill at home
A core problem is Hillary and Bill's twisted relationship with telling the truth, so another piece of advice for Hillary is to be her own person, and be blunt and tell the truth at every opportunity.
Hillary may not be a barn burner as a speaker, but she is at her best when she is clear headed and direct--as she was at the silly $7 million dollar GOP Benghazi hearings.
Hillary is an older, highly experienced, and powerful woman, who (in stark contrast to Trump) has some gravitas & can cut to the chase. Tell the truth, get to the point (Bernie does), and if Hillary does not know or has not yet figured out what to do, just say so with conviction. I have seen doctors do this, and it is quite effective. It is difficult to argue with the truth. (Patients are most likely to sue when if find out the doctor lied to them.)
Now since lying is what the GOP and right-wingers do, especially Trump, being direct and telling the truth will be refreshing (a big part of Bernie's success with voters).
Step 1: Leave Bill at home
2
HRC is not just the lesser of two evils. I am fed up with her being portrayed as this calculating green witch with a team of flying monkeys because she is a smart and ambitious woman. This made up distraction about email servers is utterly ridiculous when compared to Bush's made up reasons to invade a country and destabilize the Middle East for revenge. And our own country will investigate her until the cows come home, over and over, for political gain wasting OUR money and keeping the countries politicians from actually having to do THIER job of running the country.
As you point out Trump should and could be investigated for fraud for bilking people out of their money with bogus classes on how to bilk others out of their money through slimy real estate deals.
Could HRC please get some props for being a smart female? Instead because she is a smart female she is put under a microscope for doing what other SOS had done in the past. And this Comey guy could have just said no charges are warranted. No he makes a big grandstand show of it.
As you point out Trump should and could be investigated for fraud for bilking people out of their money with bogus classes on how to bilk others out of their money through slimy real estate deals.
Could HRC please get some props for being a smart female? Instead because she is a smart female she is put under a microscope for doing what other SOS had done in the past. And this Comey guy could have just said no charges are warranted. No he makes a big grandstand show of it.
9
Excellent article. Unfortunately, she IS the lesser of two evils.
Don't hold your breath waiting for any changes. Bill might disappear for a while, but he most certainly will be back (if he goes away at all). Beyond that nothing will change, even after she is elected.
Don't hold your breath waiting for any changes. Bill might disappear for a while, but he most certainly will be back (if he goes away at all). Beyond that nothing will change, even after she is elected.
4
if Hillary wanted to really make history, and shock the world, she could pick Bernie Sanders as her running mate. She's already taking a lot of his general ideas and rolling them into her campaign promises. It's really not that far fetched from a party/political standpoint. It would show that, while the Republican Party is divided and essentially leaderless, the Democrats can at least kiss and make up.
1
Well, the GOP should be proud that all the tax dollars and years of human hours spent looking to disgrace their rival finally yielded the smoking email on Myanmar. Silly me, I thought these elected representatives were paid to confirm supreme court justices, deal with crucial challenges like climate change , fair taxation, education and immigration. Imagine if Ronald Reagan's Iran Contra or Cheney's war, Bush's election or the NRA's lobbying were subject to the same investigative energy. Running down Hillary's faults from decades of public service is not a foreign policy or a tax policy or an economic plan. We can do better- and Hillary should indeed talk about real issues from now on beginning with today's news of the horror of that unfortunate man in Minnesota.
5
Wonder why the same level of outrage by the R's was not evidenced in 2012 when Issa knowingly revealed classified information during the Benghazi hearings of 2012? He dumped 160 pages of classified and sensitive material and nothing was done. Two wrongs don't make a right but Clinton's e-mail were not on the same scale. The difference is that one is a R and the other a D.
4
Thanks, Gail, for writing this column. For decades, unlike some of your colleagues, I have found that your articles have been very fair towards Hillary. As one who has supported her against Republican onslaughts for decades, I think your reasoning for specifying three changes needed were done with the best of intentions. You wrote: "......she can use her intelligence, experience and fortitude to turn her story around.".
For this supporter, I would prefer that she show all Americans from now until November why she has been elected for the past 20 years the most admired woman in the world. Thus, I agree with your thoughtful suggestions.
For this supporter, I would prefer that she show all Americans from now until November why she has been elected for the past 20 years the most admired woman in the world. Thus, I agree with your thoughtful suggestions.
7
The American people deserve so much better. And they stand by and accept these two highly flawed candidates for the nation's highest office. Tragic.
3
Yes, because they are the candidates that were chosen by a majority of voters. That's how Democracy works.
1
I have a better idea (since no matter what Hillary promises, we all know that she lies and no doubt none of what she is promising will ever stick around long enough to get done). Scrap both of these terrible candidates at the conventions (yes there is still time) and find some good ones. In a country this big, surely there must be dozens of good people. In fact, Bernie is standing there with loads of candidates for starters. And Paul Ryan could probably be coaxed into it. Scraping the two evils will be much easier than either curbing Bill (which would be impossible anyway) or getting anyone to believe anything Hillary proposes now or ever.
5
There are two things about this so called email "scandal" that are troubling. First off the FBI investigation was an administrative investigation of the State Department's email systems, prompted by a GOP request that appears to have been a deliberate effort to perpetuate the email issue that emerged from the Benghazi investigation (a GOP witch hunt, price tag $7 million). Second, the FBI director James Comey some 20 years ago was the Deputy Special Counsel who carried out the senate's investigation of the so called Whitewater "scandal" (yet another GOP witch hunt into the Clintons, price tag $2 million), clearly a ‘conflict of interest’ situation from which Comey should have recused himself.
For years the GOP and their legions of shrill extreme right wing pundits have been waging a veritable war of attrition on the Clintons ... their legacy and their character. These two investigations are the skulduggery hallmarks of one of the most ugly persistent prolonged smear campaigns in US political history.
For years the GOP and their legions of shrill extreme right wing pundits have been waging a veritable war of attrition on the Clintons ... their legacy and their character. These two investigations are the skulduggery hallmarks of one of the most ugly persistent prolonged smear campaigns in US political history.
6
A public option for healthcare, public campaign finance only, maximum wage, tougher anti-trust laws, affordable housing, a new tax code, and someone who's bold enough to call for a gasoline tax would be on my list. Having said that, Hillary's platform (some thanks to Bernie) is one of the most progressive platforms we've ever seen. We seem to demand more of her than we have any other candidate in history. Yes, she voted for the Iraq war, but so did John Kerry and that didn't seem to be an issue when he was running. Yes she used a price email server, good for her, I can guarantee you it was more secure than the government's. Yes she may be for the scary TPP, but most economist will tell you that trade agreements help the economy, and if you're smart about it you can actually increase labor (look at Germany). Let's get real, we have a great candidate against a racist orangutane, not the lesser of two evils.
3
Hillary Clinton is more than 65 years young and very smart politically among other aspects to be the leader of this Country. But perhaps not a tech savvy person and also she was relying on her experts to make sure her email addy was all right to use.
Her biggest mistake was not to have an eight year old to fix her issues which she failed to do.
Her biggest mistake was not to have an eight year old to fix her issues which she failed to do.
3
Sorry, Gail. But, she is the lesser of two evils, one we have no choice but to vote for because Trump is the Devil in Disguise. Excuses, excuses, excuses. I have no trust or faith in her, I don't believe in her. Period. I don't think she will do anything to help or fight for those of us at the bottom of the barrel, which describes way too many Americans. It makes me sick that I will have to pull the lever for her. I am no longer a Democrat. The wealthy have won, Gail. Our country has been bought and sold. We've joined the Third World. And what we are leaving behind for the future generations makes me weep and pound the walls in anger. I will vote, go home and pour a shot of something, smoke a joint and wait for what will surely be some form of taking it to the streets. Poliitcs in the US has become putrid. Clinton? Trump? Either way, we're on the highway to hell and we're going down. Fast.
3
There is no need for Hillary to do something big, as it will not pass the House anyway. I think a capable technocratic administration like what President Obama has managed is a rare feat and grossly undervalued. Hillary is the only presidential candidate left most likely to achieve this standard, and should only focus on getting elected. She should then set about trying to continue the good government policies enabled by the Obama administration.
1
She will, alas, win (IF she wins) only by default, by running against the worst opponent in history.
One "mistake" after another eventually becomes a pattern of, at best, poor judgement. Eventually, the "mistakes" cannot be simply explained away with the expectation that we'll all say "Oh, well, she admitted her mistake, so it's OK." Yet we have to hold our collective nose and vote for her anyway...sigh...
Warren 2020! (Though even Warren now seems willing to forget HRC's previous stances that have been so at odds with what Warren has fought for for so long.) double sigh...
One "mistake" after another eventually becomes a pattern of, at best, poor judgement. Eventually, the "mistakes" cannot be simply explained away with the expectation that we'll all say "Oh, well, she admitted her mistake, so it's OK." Yet we have to hold our collective nose and vote for her anyway...sigh...
Warren 2020! (Though even Warren now seems willing to forget HRC's previous stances that have been so at odds with what Warren has fought for for so long.) double sigh...
3
The Clintons. Selling America ten million dollars at a time. Gail Collins' offers her candidate of choice cynical stunts to pull one over on the public.
"Or pretty much any reform that would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy."
How stupid do you think the voters are? We know what the Clintons are. No more lectures about morality or ethics, Gail. Please.
"Or pretty much any reform that would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy."
How stupid do you think the voters are? We know what the Clintons are. No more lectures about morality or ethics, Gail. Please.
5
What I would like her to do is find ways to help the group running for the House and Senate. Congress has been terrible. Let the roads become worst, allow the rich to pay low taxes, look like they belong in Venezuela, scream at the poor and middle class, show their distaste for minorities over and over. this needs to change.
4
Again Collins is correct to stand against the herd. Comey behaved as an opinion enforcement officer, sputtering calumnies in the tradition of the ducking stools of our colonial past. He should be reprimanded by the Attorney General. He won't be, she is too compromised. In taking advantage of this, too, to burnish himself, Comey has earned unforgettable disgust and repudiation.
4
The Republicans' entire program consists of nothing but obstruction, character assassination and hyper-partisanship. If only they devoted as much passion and sustained commitment to governing the country as they do to the destruction of Hillary Clinton, they wouldn't be the basket case and laughingstock of a political party that they've turned themselves into. Pathetic.
5
Sorry, Gail. "Lesser of Two Evils" is not just Hillary's campaign strategy, it's her official motto.
5
The lesser of 2 evils argument is incomplete
The full argument goes like this:
You should choose Hillary Clinton becuase she is the lesser of 2 evils..... that passed the selection process
Trump managed to beat a field of what? 15 contenders?
Hillary Clinton won a contest against Bernie Sanders, O'Malley and the Benghazi committee. She won handily, gaining 30% more votes than Sanders did.
The fact that she is disliked does not take away from the fact that she is highly qualified, highly competent (yes, even taking into account the email debacle), highly knowledgable and constantly maligned by the Republican party.
The full argument goes like this:
You should choose Hillary Clinton becuase she is the lesser of 2 evils..... that passed the selection process
Trump managed to beat a field of what? 15 contenders?
Hillary Clinton won a contest against Bernie Sanders, O'Malley and the Benghazi committee. She won handily, gaining 30% more votes than Sanders did.
The fact that she is disliked does not take away from the fact that she is highly qualified, highly competent (yes, even taking into account the email debacle), highly knowledgable and constantly maligned by the Republican party.
4
Win first. Then do imaginative and bold things so that people will remember her as more than a trudger who faced the worst Republican candidate ever.
1
I suspect that it was two things, first just about nobody at the cabinet level gets charged with anything, it's different spanks for different ranks. The logic of that I'm not sure of. Look what just happened in the UK with Tony Blair, the outrage there for him following a frat boy into the biggest blunder of this century. And who remembers Bush here? No talk of even looking into it.
The second issue is the FBI didn't want to hand the election and the country to the crazy guy. The logic of that I'm not sure of. As bad as he is I don't think we can take eight years of the same thing we have had since Reagan. A friend remarked if he could go back in time he wouldn't take out Hitler, he'd take out Reagan.
The second issue is the FBI didn't want to hand the election and the country to the crazy guy. The logic of that I'm not sure of. As bad as he is I don't think we can take eight years of the same thing we have had since Reagan. A friend remarked if he could go back in time he wouldn't take out Hitler, he'd take out Reagan.
Hillary is fortunate that she is running against someone who is more personally despicable in every conceivable way.
But she needs to do more than win by default. I agree that she should take some more bold positions.
But she needs to do more than win by default. I agree that she should take some more bold positions.
1
1) Hillary Clinton's problems are self inflicted and, I believe, stem from an over developed sense of entitlement.
2) If Trump's "Crooked Hillary" takes hold generally I believe that she is done.
3) The Clinton Foundation has not yet come up yet. My fear is that sometime this fall something is going to slither out of it that pushes the election to Trump.
4) Ms Collins writes as though Hillary Clinton has this thing in the bag. I do not believe that Clinton has a lock on the election.
2) If Trump's "Crooked Hillary" takes hold generally I believe that she is done.
3) The Clinton Foundation has not yet come up yet. My fear is that sometime this fall something is going to slither out of it that pushes the election to Trump.
4) Ms Collins writes as though Hillary Clinton has this thing in the bag. I do not believe that Clinton has a lock on the election.
5
Yes, do have a look at the Clinton Foundation. It does a lot of good.
http://www.factcheck.org/2015/06/where-does-clinton-foundation-money-go/
Some other good answers in there too, to oft-repeated misinformation about Hillary. Bernie fans should stop ganging up with Trumpsters to repeat this stuff.
http://www.factcheck.org/2015/06/where-does-clinton-foundation-money-go/
Some other good answers in there too, to oft-repeated misinformation about Hillary. Bernie fans should stop ganging up with Trumpsters to repeat this stuff.
1
Hillary Clinton can't "send Bill home" for the simple reason that he provides the humanity that she lacks, and at age 68 she's a bit far along to learn to fake it. Even the now-diminished Bill is interesting, clever, and, when the need arises (as it often does), he is forgivable. He's a guy you'd like to have a beer with, whether you agree with his politics or not. Hillary pushed Bill to the presidency. Bill will do his part to help Hillary attain her dream. And that requires emotionally connecting with the public, Bill's specialty.
1
How about this as a job for the future administration...address the uses and abuses of modern technology, given the increasing capacity to hack, leak, and otherwise strain global communication. What if Hillary were to present what she's learned from her mistakes in leading a dedicated study of modern communication systems that will only grow in potential for jeopardy?
History is long on spying, intercepting codes, phone-tapping...is any conversation safe anymore?
Meanwhile, Donald devours the Twitter bird and spits out feathers.
History is long on spying, intercepting codes, phone-tapping...is any conversation safe anymore?
Meanwhile, Donald devours the Twitter bird and spits out feathers.
2
Trump gets to be a warmed over 1950s lounge lizard act right down to the greasy hair wings. He is a total cartoon, but he has 240 years of conformity wind to electing males behind him and all he has to do is step through a stencil. Fortunately, he messing even that up, but as you say, it isnt enough.
I remember when George Bush's people picked on Ann Richards in Texas. She had been around the block politically and was tough as nails, but she was also an alcoholic. Karl Rove's usual of selling sanctimonious hatred to the pious types who love knifing "flawed" women candidates in the back totally worked.
Clinton has to risk being open- there is a danger of being formed by the people who hate you, just because. The weaselly Paul Ryans will always be there, leveraging the cheap shots until we have more women in our own government.
The bigger picture than Hillary Clinton is that half the population deserves half the representation and we need to get on with it- it is 2016 and 20% representation is not OK. The Future is NOT Trump. Clinton is still standing but she has to lead, not let the GOP beta types keep using her for bait.
3
I'm waiting to see whether some of the hundreds of talking heads, columnists, and reporters will include in their accounts of Hillary's email that Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice's aides also had classified information in their inboxes. (See New York Times 2/2/16) To tar her alone with this brush smacks of incomplete, biased, and unfair reporting. I'm still waiting.
2
Those who are predicting a one-term presidency for Clinton should slow their roll. First off, she hasn't won this election yet, but when she does (fingers crossed), what she is best at will reveal itself. She is not a consistently good campaigner, but when she gets to roll up her sleeves and go about the business of governing, that's when she shines. And her approval numbers will reflect that. She had a very tough 1st election to the Senate, but won her 2nd term very comfortably. Her constituents experienced the opposite of buyers remorse. Although they'd like you to forget this, many of her current critics highly approved of the job she did as S of S. She was one of the most admired people in the world during her tenure. She will do what she's been saying all along- she'll get the job done. Avoiding unforced errors will be a plus-Obama can coach her on that. Many people may hold their noses when they vote for her in November, but I'm confident in time they won't regret it.
2
Ms. Collins, I can't wait til the election is over so that I can read your columns without gritting my teeth. Even the unbelievably pro-Hillary NYTimes has an article today which found Comey's assessment of the (non-criminal) fault very damning for someone who has been running on the basis of her competence and experience. Apparently, if we read the FBI findings as neutrally as possible, Hillary and her staff weren't criminal or willfully dishonest, but incompetent and arrogant. Which is hardly comforting for some of us.
OH and by the way there are currently 22 female world leaders so we should stop patting ourselves on the back for this one, who is not at all coincidentally the wife of a former president (which is how she obtained her responsibilities for health care reform in the 90s, how she became the carpetbagger NY Senator, why she somehow was gifted the position of Secretary of State and why we know her name today).
Long live the Clinton Dynasty. I look forward to seeing Chelsea's name on the ballot in 25 years following by Charlotte if I live long enough.
OH and by the way there are currently 22 female world leaders so we should stop patting ourselves on the back for this one, who is not at all coincidentally the wife of a former president (which is how she obtained her responsibilities for health care reform in the 90s, how she became the carpetbagger NY Senator, why she somehow was gifted the position of Secretary of State and why we know her name today).
Long live the Clinton Dynasty. I look forward to seeing Chelsea's name on the ballot in 25 years following by Charlotte if I live long enough.
4
My plea to Hillary is simple: Stop gift-wrapping attack ads for your opponents and critics. Any competent political advisor would be able to see that Hillary's refusal to hold press conferences opens the door for endless hit pieces from Republicans, all questioning her transparency, her honesty, and her ability to give anything that isn't a canned answer. Sadly, these critiques might be successful, especially when the Republican nominee prides himself on "telling it like it is."
Mrs. Clinton may be the most fortunate nominee in history, running against a sociopathic blowhard unfit for even the office of dogcatcher. Let's hope her camp recognizes its weaknesses and self-corrects.
Mrs. Clinton may be the most fortunate nominee in history, running against a sociopathic blowhard unfit for even the office of dogcatcher. Let's hope her camp recognizes its weaknesses and self-corrects.
4
I think Comey politely avoided the most descriptive word, arrogance. Why would she take the advice of subordinates in the State Department.when she had her own loyal gang to rely on?
I will vote for Clinton mainly because Gail is one of my favorite columnists, and my fear that Trump will waterboard her (along with quite a few other journalists) if elected.
I will vote for Clinton mainly because Gail is one of my favorite columnists, and my fear that Trump will waterboard her (along with quite a few other journalists) if elected.
"In his big press appearance Tuesday, F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail."
This. Whatever we think/know/imagine about Hillary Clinton, I felt it was inappropriate for Mr. Comey to deliver what was essentially a Republican attack ad at his press conference.
This. Whatever we think/know/imagine about Hillary Clinton, I felt it was inappropriate for Mr. Comey to deliver what was essentially a Republican attack ad at his press conference.
1
Not long ago, I voted enthusiastically for Bernie Sanders in the PA primary. I anticipated, if Bernie lost, that I'd vote for Hillary Clinton without reservation in the general election. Now, I understand why some folks are reluctant to vote for either of the major party candidates. Sad.
2
If you look at the Dept. of State guidelines, neither Clinton nor Trump would be eligible for security clearances: she because of her blatant violation of the rules on storing classified information, and he for his injudicious temperament. They should both be disqualified for their antics from any chance of becoming president. Let the Speaker of the House for the Republicans and the Vice President for the Democrats become the candidates. Pronto. ASAP.
"Or a plan to fix Obamacare that would involve tough news for the pharmaceutical industry. "
Listen to Gail, Hillary. Send Bill home and give us something we can support with pride.
Listen to Gail, Hillary. Send Bill home and give us something we can support with pride.
1
Collins: You leave out the most important changes HRC can make - adopt a lot more - no, all of them - of Sanders positions. We do not want incremental changes in Clinton but real regret if we are to vote for her IF she is nominated.
I still want to vote for someone I respect for President, not a survivor or someone who is extremely careless. Suffering does not make you a good person. In fact many so-called criminals were people who suffered and used that to be unjust.
Trump is the worst candidate in American history and only that phony Reagan even comes close. We need a Democratic candidate who is careful, really competent, honest and trustworthy. That person is certainly not Hillary Clinton. It is Bernie Sanders. It is not too late!
I still want to vote for someone I respect for President, not a survivor or someone who is extremely careless. Suffering does not make you a good person. In fact many so-called criminals were people who suffered and used that to be unjust.
Trump is the worst candidate in American history and only that phony Reagan even comes close. We need a Democratic candidate who is careful, really competent, honest and trustworthy. That person is certainly not Hillary Clinton. It is Bernie Sanders. It is not too late!
3
8 years ago The Republican Party announced they would not work with President Obama, although duly elected by the people of the USA. When he beat them again 4 years later, their obstructionist position did not change.
Now the Republican Party has a candidate that has no idea what the Party's message is (if they actually have one) and all the top brass are basically running away from Trump as fast as they can. Many of them are actually supporting Hillary.
If they treat President Hillary Clinton the way they treated Obama, then the Party of Lincoln deserves to disappear. They should not be able to run the House or the Senate. They have lost all right to be have a voice in how this country is run. Either they get their act together and behave like adults, or, they make way for people who truly care about America.
Now the Republican Party has a candidate that has no idea what the Party's message is (if they actually have one) and all the top brass are basically running away from Trump as fast as they can. Many of them are actually supporting Hillary.
If they treat President Hillary Clinton the way they treated Obama, then the Party of Lincoln deserves to disappear. They should not be able to run the House or the Senate. They have lost all right to be have a voice in how this country is run. Either they get their act together and behave like adults, or, they make way for people who truly care about America.
3
I will vote for Hillary. But there is nobody so blinkered as her defenders who ascribe her reputation for mistakes and bad judgment solely to GOP attacks. Any unprejudiced person can see she lacks political wisdom, over and over. The canard that she is the most qualified person who ever ran for president is absurdly ridiculous. Wonkism is not wisdom.
She SHOULD send Bill away. To a secret closet where she can sneak in and get his advice. But there should be a third person present to vet them both. Maybe James Carville. I joke not.
She SHOULD send Bill away. To a secret closet where she can sneak in and get his advice. But there should be a third person present to vet them both. Maybe James Carville. I joke not.
1
Two presidential candidates, one republican and one Democrat, each with a lifetime of work behind them.
Experience teaches that everyone will make mistakes as they reach higher and overcome obstacles to satisfy their life goals. Start with yourself.
Voters should examine Clinton and Trump in the context of each one’s lifetime service to the public good. Sort out their methods and their public achievements. Then vote for your better candidate.
Experience teaches that everyone will make mistakes as they reach higher and overcome obstacles to satisfy their life goals. Start with yourself.
Voters should examine Clinton and Trump in the context of each one’s lifetime service to the public good. Sort out their methods and their public achievements. Then vote for your better candidate.
Can we please have a moratorium on Berniebusters repeating Republican talking points derived from Republican talking points?
Trump is good at marketing, and he has adopted Bernie's language. That should sound the alarm bells.
How about you all take an honest look at her outside your social media bunkers?
Trump is good at marketing, and he has adopted Bernie's language. That should sound the alarm bells.
How about you all take an honest look at her outside your social media bunkers?
2
Gail for President, I say!
Of course HRC can't detach from big money. NOONE can win the presidency without it. That is the system we have in this country. Until that fact is changed, we will continue to suffer the results of specialized interests that ensure more wealth for those interests. I am not a dewy-eyed admirer of the Clinton's; yes they both are flawed people. So is the rest of the world. They have not been completely forthright, over the years, and that's putting it nicely. But they have been made into default scapegoats. In this day of having to fill a 24 hour news cycle with "news" (and why? for ratings and again, $$$,) noone would survive the endless scrutiny. You know the news saying, "if it bleeds it leads..."
Of course HRC can't detach from big money. NOONE can win the presidency without it. That is the system we have in this country. Until that fact is changed, we will continue to suffer the results of specialized interests that ensure more wealth for those interests. I am not a dewy-eyed admirer of the Clinton's; yes they both are flawed people. So is the rest of the world. They have not been completely forthright, over the years, and that's putting it nicely. But they have been made into default scapegoats. In this day of having to fill a 24 hour news cycle with "news" (and why? for ratings and again, $$$,) noone would survive the endless scrutiny. You know the news saying, "if it bleeds it leads..."
1
While Hillary was stubborn and thus used her own email setup, I don't think her intention was to harm the country. However, I do think the State Department has a lot of explaining to do regarding classified information and how it is managed by the SD. They should have serious protocols, procedures and equipment that MUST be used by all SD employees who have clearance to "handle" classified information. Their current practices seem Mickey Mouse. The FBI/Homeland Security should investigate the State Department. They LET Hillary go rogue.
Donald Trump, the mentee of Roy Cohn, is causing mental complications in the already sociopathic Republican party. "Never admit you're wrong; never apologize; always attack; project you own failures on your opponents; lie when it works; adopt your fans' delusions; make up fake facts to fit your argument..." On and on. The Repubs did most of this already, but with whisps of subtlety. Along comes DJ Trump and it all goes above board and painfully obvious. "Lesser of two evils" is wildly off target. Hillary is a remarkable - if flawed like the rest of us - human being. Trump - and the bulk of the Repubs - is actually evil.
3
As long as the GOP controls the House we will see endless investigations. They're already investigating the results of the email investigation. Sigh....
2
You imagine Clinton will win by default. Much as I, and millions more, recognize the signs of pathological narcissism in Turmp's character.... that doesn't mean we're voting for Clinton. Some will just not vote at all. Others will hold their nose and vote for Turmp, knowing full well much of what he speaks may be lies, ultimately. But they will be -new- lies, which are somehow fresher than the same old lies.
1
I'm not voting for Hillary as the lesser of two evils, as a default vote. I'm voting FOR Hillary, because I like her, I've always liked her, I trust her leadership abilities and intelligence. Period.
4
I know this editorial is all about Hillary, and I wish I could hear Hillary say
Donald Trump, Build Roads, Not Bias.
Donald Trump, Build Roads, Not Bias.
1
Excellent advice Gail. Let's talk again the end of October and see how things have played out. I am guessing that within weeks we will be completely ignoring both candidates as they roll around in the mud together. I don't believe I have ever felt so disappointed in and discouraged about our political system in my lifetime. Today's politicians (not all of them, of course) have set a new low for honesty, respect, and tact. Where do I pull the lever that expresses how I really feel and what I really want? The only lever left is the one that flushes the toilet.
Amidst the email crisis, the NYT could not resist its weekly Bernie bashing article, calling out us Sanders supporters as usual.
To clarify, we did not want an indictment, or to profit in any way from Clinton's email problem. We, like Sanders, want to switch the conversation to the issues.
Our only concern is that this makes Clinton an even weaker candidate, and that Trump may win because of it.
To clarify, we did not want an indictment, or to profit in any way from Clinton's email problem. We, like Sanders, want to switch the conversation to the issues.
Our only concern is that this makes Clinton an even weaker candidate, and that Trump may win because of it.
2
If you think this obvious partisan episode weakens Secretary Clinton you don't know Hillary.
This whole sordid travesty masquerading as a nonpaetisan investigation has made her defeat of Sanders that much morw impressive.
Can you imagine what an undistracted Clinton would have done to Sanders?
Bernie is lucky and his supporters are becomjng sad.
This whole sordid travesty masquerading as a nonpaetisan investigation has made her defeat of Sanders that much morw impressive.
Can you imagine what an undistracted Clinton would have done to Sanders?
Bernie is lucky and his supporters are becomjng sad.
1
Ladies like Hillary lost me when they left their homes and paid other women slave wages to keep their children, while they screamed for equal pay. Then they sell our daughters the dream, raise the wages of the daycare workers, and now grandmas are forced to care for the children because the wages don't go around. No end to the idiotic thinking. And, then the champion, asks if she should stay home and bake cookies, insulting all of the women doing the just work, raising the next generation. And, now, the tax payer is on the hook for even more, in early childhood education, because women like Hillary haven't figure out you can't be in two place at once. She lacks judgment even on the simplest of things.
2
The Republican machine will crank the propaganda out in support of their mentally ill nominee. James Comey took several inappropriate cheap shots, yet the GOP was not satisfied, they wanted blood. Predictably, the Republicans will overreach and fall on their own nasty sword. It's laughable to see the vacuous Paul Ryan, Scott Walker and the rest of these half wits, twist themselves like pretzels with their support of their "brilliant" nominee. A sad circus has come to town.
2
I am afraid you are wrong on all counts in your advice Ms Collins.
1. She needs big dog who is still popular for whatever reason. She doesn't connect
2. Holding weekly press conferences simply will showcase her weaknesses, particularly that slow, enunciating talk that grates on everyone's nerves or the cackle.
3. Announcing something serious would open the door, she would have to go up against other heavy contributors. Not Hillary. She is who she is. Unfortunately.
1. She needs big dog who is still popular for whatever reason. She doesn't connect
2. Holding weekly press conferences simply will showcase her weaknesses, particularly that slow, enunciating talk that grates on everyone's nerves or the cackle.
3. Announcing something serious would open the door, she would have to go up against other heavy contributors. Not Hillary. She is who she is. Unfortunately.
1
But it is abundantly clear that Clinton won't do any of the things that Gal Collins wisely counsels because these ideas are against Clinton's nature and/or beyond her abilities.
She is defensive and paranoid for good reasons: people are out to get her AND she bends the rules AND she is pig-headed about it. So what would a weekly news conference be like? Clinton talking to the press is Clinton's own worst enemy.
Send Bill home? First, no way the Big Dog takes to a leash. Second, imagine the stories that would swirl: divorce? separation? marital tensions (unbelievable, I know, but we'd hear it)? and an assault on Hillary for emasculating Bill (do we have to ask if Trump would go there?).
Take a hard position? Why, she wrote a whole book about Hard Choices! Please.
Bottom line: Trump is a fascist and kind of nuts. Hillary should win no matter what she does. And then we're going to have 4 bad years in the progressive democratic party will suffer some of what sane convservative republicans (all 3 of them) are suffering during the Trump candidacy.
Let's switch to the British parliamentary system. It is not immune to crises, as we see, but allows more flexibility to sort through feckless leaders.
She is defensive and paranoid for good reasons: people are out to get her AND she bends the rules AND she is pig-headed about it. So what would a weekly news conference be like? Clinton talking to the press is Clinton's own worst enemy.
Send Bill home? First, no way the Big Dog takes to a leash. Second, imagine the stories that would swirl: divorce? separation? marital tensions (unbelievable, I know, but we'd hear it)? and an assault on Hillary for emasculating Bill (do we have to ask if Trump would go there?).
Take a hard position? Why, she wrote a whole book about Hard Choices! Please.
Bottom line: Trump is a fascist and kind of nuts. Hillary should win no matter what she does. And then we're going to have 4 bad years in the progressive democratic party will suffer some of what sane convservative republicans (all 3 of them) are suffering during the Trump candidacy.
Let's switch to the British parliamentary system. It is not immune to crises, as we see, but allows more flexibility to sort through feckless leaders.
I wish someone would explain why the Bill/Loretta meeting is so important. I cannot imagine what he could have said to her that he could not have said on a phone call. Do we imagine that he found some new way of interpersonal communication that caused her to reach into the FBI and cause them to change their report in less than a week?
On television, prosecutors talk to the families of defendants all the time. Please, someone explain this without using the word 'optics'.
On television, prosecutors talk to the families of defendants all the time. Please, someone explain this without using the word 'optics'.
3
It seems to me that the government servers have been hacked ( IRS, Pentagon) so perhaps Clinton actually had better security since her servers were not in the crosshairs of hackers. We know they have been hacked- where was the FBI criminal investigation of the tech people responsible for security on those servers? Of course there wasn't.
In any case, this email nonsense is a tempest in a teapot and does not warrant the scrutiny it has received- not by a long shot. OK, from now on, no more personal servers- we got it- now let's move on to issues that matter to people's lives. I can name about 30 critical issues that need to be addressed for the survival of this country- and believe me, email servers is not one of them.
This whole thing is just another GOP distraction away from important issues that the GOP has no clue about solving- not do they want to. Their only goal is to stay in power- and the rest of us can go to hell for all they care.
In any case, this email nonsense is a tempest in a teapot and does not warrant the scrutiny it has received- not by a long shot. OK, from now on, no more personal servers- we got it- now let's move on to issues that matter to people's lives. I can name about 30 critical issues that need to be addressed for the survival of this country- and believe me, email servers is not one of them.
This whole thing is just another GOP distraction away from important issues that the GOP has no clue about solving- not do they want to. Their only goal is to stay in power- and the rest of us can go to hell for all they care.
6
Gail, the campaign should'nt muzzle Bill Clinton. Trump has made it clear that he will go after Bill's pecadillos. I, for one, would love to see President Clinton stand facing the camera and say something to the effect that, "I haven't always been the best husband, but I have been married to Hillary for 41 years. I never traded her in on a new model -- yet alone twice! I am a flawed human being, but I never stiffed a contractor. I've never been sued for lending my name and prestige to a phony "University." And I have never denigrated the leaders of our country, or those wanting to lead it, by calling them stupid."
Just a thought. I am really looking forward to this year's Presidential Debate series. Now that will take us well beyond e-mails.
Just a thought. I am really looking forward to this year's Presidential Debate series. Now that will take us well beyond e-mails.
4
She is permanently damaged now, beyond any of sort of 'repair'. If she has any courage at all she would drop out now and spare the country of more of her lies..
Bernie Sanders now is the only candidate who can beat Trump. Hillary will lose in any general election now, based on what the FBI has told us. If the DNC had any brains they would realize this, sooner rather than later.
Bernie Sanders now is the only candidate who can beat Trump. Hillary will lose in any general election now, based on what the FBI has told us. If the DNC had any brains they would realize this, sooner rather than later.
When people reach the level of dishonesty the Clintons have become comfortable with on a daily basis, they don't change; they try to change the way they are perceived so their lies will not harm them, politically.
2
If Hillary Clinton had used only government email servers, with the all too real chance and/or incidences of hacking, she'd be condemned for being naive and not tech savvy enough to find a way to protect her information. She can't win this game of popularity no matter what she does - for many that 3 letter pronoun is the reason. She's not perfect, certainly, but she is smart, experienced and tough - and far better qualified to be president than most candidates, let alone this year's opponent.
2
The GOP may slowly be coming around to the reality that there will be a woman in the White House next year, but they'll be darned if they don't do their best to humiliate and "own" her before she takes office. The constant witch hunt is as much about making sure a woman knows her place as it is about the politics of this race.
3
In an alternate universe, a policy-rich contest is raging between Warren and Bloomberg as they fend off credible third-party attacks from Cruz, Johnson, and Stein. Trump and Clinton have retired to spend more time with their lawyers.
2
" F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail."
My thoughts exactly. And he smeared her with sheer speculation that maybe an enemy read an email but, hey, he doesn't know that. Why is that appropriate?
My thoughts exactly. And he smeared her with sheer speculation that maybe an enemy read an email but, hey, he doesn't know that. Why is that appropriate?
6
I keep hearing from Republicans that "others have been indicted for far less."
One example please.
One example please.
6
I am not of the opinion that Clinton maliciously used her private server to conduct government business. Yes, it was a careless oversight, but she didn't leak any of the emails to outside sources. David Petraeus assuredly did for he was having an extramarital affair with the very woman that was penning his biography. She assuredly is a flawed candidate, but she has been attacked for years. Donald Trump's record speaks for his money grubbing tactics to enrich his ego and bank account. And so I heard, that Bernie Sanders will join the Clinton team to defeat the DONALD. The election will be over. His Trump Tower residence awaits him but not the White House.
1
Honey, Comey didn't "smear" the person he "couldn't prosecute". He simply did what he has done in his career and opted to not take on the liberal (evil) icon. Hillary is a congenital and habitual liar. That's all there is to it. If she were a republican you can bet the NYTimes, et al, would be roasting her career over an open spit an displaying the char on the front page daily until public opinion, or a congressional investigation, "proved" what they would, in that case, have assumed, that she was guilty as sin and that this was just one in a long series of misuse of power, public prevarications and scandals.
3
In four years, the Republicans will no doubt nominate a sane candidate from their "deep bench". But they'll still be the same tired old party and President Clinton will still eat their lunch. Perhaps then they will finally stop living in the wishful past and put forward ideas and candidates for this challenging century.
3
Hillary has all the appeal of canned spaghetti these days. A press conference a week sounds like a starter. This campaign behaves like they intend to smuggle her into the White House. Open up! Treat her like damaged goods and voters will come to believe it.
2
The only possible reason to vote for Mrs. Clinton is that Mr. Trump is worse; or perhaps because she is a woman.
1
Nonesnse doc.
It's because of all the many candidates we've seen over the months HRC is the only candidate with balls and brains.
It's because of all the many candidates we've seen over the months HRC is the only candidate with balls and brains.
3
If events like the emails continue to pile up, are you certain that Hillary's election is a certainty? Her transgressions are not like Mitt Romney's dog-on-the-car-roof. They are not mitigated by Trump's unsuitability. It's regrettable that her candidacy can't be unreservedly supported. Still nothing justifies treating this as just another tequila sunrise for a flawed candidate. Even if the Democrats controlled Congress, it would be irresponsible if Comey's report and the details of Bill Clinton's ill-conceived meeting with Loretta Lynch weren't probed.
1
I'd be more inclined to believe these were not partisan antics by the GOP if AWOL Bush had been dragged before Congress half as many times as Clinton for getting 4,000 Americans killed looking for nonexistent WMD in Iraq.
Comey is just the latest rightist twerp to realize that HRC is tougher and more honest than any of the jokes the right can muster.
Comey is just the latest rightist twerp to realize that HRC is tougher and more honest than any of the jokes the right can muster.
2
Tom Friedman has argued that the country needs a responsible right of center party. It sure doesn't either Trump or Clinton.
Consider Johnson/Weld 2016
Consider Johnson/Weld 2016
No thanks.
CLINTON/BOOKER 2016 is the winning ticket.
CLINTON/BOOKER 2016 is the winning ticket.
2
Ms. Collins has rendered another excellent article, per her standards. Perhaps in a nutshell, she is just saying what so many people want to see and hear from Ms. Clinton - please, show us your intelligence, your sophistication and experience in action. As Ms. Collins says, become more transparent in your plans and proposed policies. We all know your past...boy, do we know it! And we can work with that; but give us your vision of your future - be a true, open and straightforward politician; bring Bernie back into the fold so that he too can shed the political foolishness even he succumbed to, and can help this country regain its true social footing. It's there, inside both of you, just show us in a mature and thoughtful manner - we are, most of us, adults here, engaged in a very adult process; so many are just starving to see the same in a candidate - ideas, not juvenile trope; vision, not pandering to lowest common denominator. What a breath of fresh air that would be!
2
Give me a break. Mrs Clinton is a better candidate because trump is a terrible business man? He may be a lot of things but terrible business man is not one if them.
With respect to the thousands of dollars people spent on trump university that figure is paltry in comparison to the economic costs of the chaos as a result from Mrs clintons actions in Libya, Syria and Iran.
Is there an IQ test to write for the Times?
With respect to the thousands of dollars people spent on trump university that figure is paltry in comparison to the economic costs of the chaos as a result from Mrs clintons actions in Libya, Syria and Iran.
Is there an IQ test to write for the Times?
Judging by your post, I'd say not.
For openers, this editorial didn't say "Vote for Hillary, because Trump's a terrible businessman." It said "Vote for Hillary despite this screwup and her tendency towards a paranoid crouch, because a) she's immensely well-qualified, and b) her opponent's a wealthy, narcissistic idiot who'll say absolutely anything no matter how nuts, who endorses wacko policies such as torturing prisoners and hunting down their families."
But since you bring it up, why yes, Trump's not a bad businessman. He's a born-rich real estate developer who's had some success in a shabby career sawing up neighborhoods and selling off the pieces, lying like crazy to hyperinflate his wealth and value, sticking it to small contractors as well as suckers who paid through the nose for his phony college, and turning to bankruptcy, the courts, and his various Saudi partners every time he gets busted.
For openers, this editorial didn't say "Vote for Hillary, because Trump's a terrible businessman." It said "Vote for Hillary despite this screwup and her tendency towards a paranoid crouch, because a) she's immensely well-qualified, and b) her opponent's a wealthy, narcissistic idiot who'll say absolutely anything no matter how nuts, who endorses wacko policies such as torturing prisoners and hunting down their families."
But since you bring it up, why yes, Trump's not a bad businessman. He's a born-rich real estate developer who's had some success in a shabby career sawing up neighborhoods and selling off the pieces, lying like crazy to hyperinflate his wealth and value, sticking it to small contractors as well as suckers who paid through the nose for his phony college, and turning to bankruptcy, the courts, and his various Saudi partners every time he gets busted.
2
"We already knew that she was paranoid about privacy."
If one greatly values about privacy perhaps the US presidency is
not an ideal aspiration. But for Hillary, ambition eclipses all.
All!
Privacy. Truth. Dignity. National security. All subordinated to ambition.
If one greatly values about privacy perhaps the US presidency is
not an ideal aspiration. But for Hillary, ambition eclipses all.
All!
Privacy. Truth. Dignity. National security. All subordinated to ambition.
2
Please File this under:
This is My Opinion.
I am filing it under Tiresome Opinions from the GOP.
That is not the same as facts or truth about another person.
This is My Opinion.
I am filing it under Tiresome Opinions from the GOP.
That is not the same as facts or truth about another person.
1
Let's be clear, "no reasonable prosecutor would indict her" is purely a function of Repuglican fanaticism and obstruction, not seen since the days of teapot dome. There would be no such quote, if not for the extreme right's inclination to destroy, instead of improve. They are the embodiment of evil, and as Socrates is thought to have said, "Ignorance is the ultimate evil."
4
Since the republicans find themselves in a place where facts make no difference and the big lie is elevated to the point of absurdity nothing will change for the good in this country. Time for America to open it's eyes - again!
2
If you look at the larger picture, the email kerfuffle has almost nothing to do with the main issues of our era: climate change, the growing disparity of wealth here and abroad, infrastructure disintegration, chaos abroad, terrorism. Wake up people and vote for what really matters! Know which side your bread is buttered!
7
Clinton boxed herself in. She can't hold a news conference. The first two hundred questions would be about Servergate.
I can't vote for someone with her level of paranoia.
I can't vote for someone with her level of paranoia.
3
It is beyond rich watching Republican outrage over Hillary's (and Bill's and Obama's) crimes of the century. This from the party whose catalogue of sins just goes on and on. A party whose full-time occupation appears to be investigating Hillary and obstructing Obama and any progress that our nation might make. An organ that continues to hobble our Supreme Court. A GOP that attempts to foist a Trump on us while holding its nose. Where were the years' long investigations into 9/11, the Iraq and Afghan debacles, Katrina, the economic collapse of 2008? One would think that Hillary is the most dangerous person alive - brought to you by a party that made Sarah Palin its no. 2, that has shut down government every chance it gets, that wants to deny healthcare to large swaths of our citizenry, that wants to emasculate Social Security, and whose focus on the 2nd amendment is so singular that no number of mass shootings will divert its focus. Yet it is Hillary who endangers us. Right.
4
Thank you, Gail, for a beautiful column. It's tough, funny, fair, and full of common sense. With so much of the media going gaga over the emails, you are a voice of reason here. Your advice for Hillary is excellent.
1
After all of the partisan yelling dies down and the smoke machines are turned off then voters still will have a stark choice: Clinton or Trump (Gary Johnson fans ought to speak with aging Perot and Nader supporters). Although I do not believe there are substantial numbers of undecideds anymore ("undecided" about what, exactly?) I cannot fathom a reasonable person truly believing that Donald Trump has the experience, ability, background, and temperament ("feelings" don;t count; reality counts) for the most important job on the planet. Go ahead, rail against the candidates in 2016, hate Hillary all you want and for any reason, regurgitate every "issue" you have had with her for 25 years (and to be fair, do the same with Mr. Trump who has had even more "issues") and there is a lot to be unhappy about on both side. Then be honest. For the good of the nation and for the world there is only one choice. Hillary Clinton, with every single imperfection, is still the only candidate actually capable of being president.
2
Clinton could make all those changes Ms. Collins suggest but it is doubtful she will. Throughout the campaign against Sanders she could have been bolder. Instead we got that she would consider releasing her Goldman Sachs transcripts, that she would consider lifting the cap on income covered by the Social Security tax, that she would consider a $15 minimum wage.
Let's face it. She's like the scorpion in the scorpion and the frog story. She could have done more than consider these things and actually gain the trust and support of Sanders supporters. Instead she'll sting the frog and, if she was running against anyone except a joke candidate, she would be taking the Democrats down to defeat and even this may still happen.
Let's face it. She's like the scorpion in the scorpion and the frog story. She could have done more than consider these things and actually gain the trust and support of Sanders supporters. Instead she'll sting the frog and, if she was running against anyone except a joke candidate, she would be taking the Democrats down to defeat and even this may still happen.
1
Gail, your advice to Hillary would put her on the offensive and get her off defense. My advice to Hillary is, once she is sworn in, get some long needed revenge. Open special investigations that go back decades. Eight investigations of Benghazi prove you can never investigate your political enemy enough. I would like an exhaustive investigation of Ronald Reagan's illegal war in Nicaragua, his sale of missiles to Iran; I want an investigation of George H. W. Bush for his role in the Reagan crimes, for misleading America into the First Gulf War; I want a non-ending investigation of George W. Bush's crimes of misleading our country into invading Iraq, his authorization of torture, extraordinary rendition, incompetence, malfeasance, and swindling people in his business ventures before entering politics.
It doesn't matter that the statute of limitations has run and these crimes can't be punished by law (or can we change the laws!). These crimes and investigations should be the news in our daily papers, evening TV news, Internet news sources. The next 8 years should be a new kind of extraordinary rendition, meaning it should be a performance of revenge of Democrats on the Party that has been consumed with political revenge since Nixon resigned in disgrace. Republicans have continued to disgrace their positions in government with their witch hunts and vendettas; they deserve a large helping of 'what goes around, comes around.'
It doesn't matter that the statute of limitations has run and these crimes can't be punished by law (or can we change the laws!). These crimes and investigations should be the news in our daily papers, evening TV news, Internet news sources. The next 8 years should be a new kind of extraordinary rendition, meaning it should be a performance of revenge of Democrats on the Party that has been consumed with political revenge since Nixon resigned in disgrace. Republicans have continued to disgrace their positions in government with their witch hunts and vendettas; they deserve a large helping of 'what goes around, comes around.'
1
I don't think she should imitate Republicans' waste of energy and time and treasure attacking her. She's going to be busy. I'd rather have her work on universal health care and a carbon tax, etc. etc.
3
It would be pretty hard for her to investigate the war in Iraq since she voted for it. Bush is her pal and she won't investigate him any further than Obama did.
Director Comey, as a former federal prosecutor, knew a losing case when he saw one, so what was his need to sully Secretary Clinton on his way out? We know he was a Bush appointee, so no love would be lost between Comey and Clinton, but his cheap shot makes him look bad. Clinton, on the other hand, is no less serious, no less intelligent, no less accomplished than she was before Comey admitted there was no case. So what's the problem?
3
How can this be about Hillary Clinton anymore? Republicans are uniting around which version of a bull in a china shop they want to be, with no regard for the wreckage they leave behind.
They are uniting around a man who praises Saddam Hussein, who gassed his own people to death, and tortured many innocents. Who trolls racist websites for images to tweet. Who brags about donating millions to charities, then refuses to substantiate -- or even to share tax info.
Voting against Trump is not a vote for Clinton -- it's a refusal to buy a ticket on a runaway train heading towards a cliff.
They are uniting around a man who praises Saddam Hussein, who gassed his own people to death, and tortured many innocents. Who trolls racist websites for images to tweet. Who brags about donating millions to charities, then refuses to substantiate -- or even to share tax info.
Voting against Trump is not a vote for Clinton -- it's a refusal to buy a ticket on a runaway train heading towards a cliff.
2
Here's the problem. Comey made it clear that if the target of the investigate had been anyone else that person would have been indicted and prosecuted! As a result, what the FBI did was confirm that some people are simply above the law. Hillary supporters may be happy but I will tell you, as someone who once admired her, they are being willfully blind. It is just that kind of blindness that has given us a government that is run by corporations and for corporations. A government where secrecy from Americans is a goal while throwing open every area of our government to corporate and foreign lobbyists is seen as appropriate.
As a result, Hillary will never get beyond the emails. This is so because it isn't just the emails. They are a symptom of her view that what she does is always right no matter what it is and thst anyone who criticizes her is a "hater", shallow, belongs in hell; a bigot; a racist.... She doesn't like being criticized or disagreed with. After all she's making history here so shut up about ethics, workers, consumers, the environment and all that stupid stuff. It's history!
As a result, Hillary will never get beyond the emails. This is so because it isn't just the emails. They are a symptom of her view that what she does is always right no matter what it is and thst anyone who criticizes her is a "hater", shallow, belongs in hell; a bigot; a racist.... She doesn't like being criticized or disagreed with. After all she's making history here so shut up about ethics, workers, consumers, the environment and all that stupid stuff. It's history!
2
"Comey made it clear that if the target of the investigate had been anyone else that person would have been indicted and prosecuted! "
False. Comey actually said the exact opposite: "no reasonable prosecutor would bring charges" in this case.
False. Comey actually said the exact opposite: "no reasonable prosecutor would bring charges" in this case.
1
Gail, I hope Hillary's strategists are as wise as you are. Hillary needs to go bold- up to now if it weren't for Bengazhi and e-mails her campaign would have put us all to sleep with her incremental, wonkishness. She's not running against a candidate like Jeb! who would make her look exciting by comparison; she's running against the ultimate reality show contestant. Go bold on the platform- a public option for Obamacare, oppose more trade deals and a carbon tax to curb climate change. Nominate Elizabeth Warren for VP. She's more than qualified to be president herself, she makes us Bernie supporters happy, and relishes going after Trump. And please get out there and talk to the press.
3
What seems to be lost in all this discussion is that if Hillary Clinton sent or received classified e-mails, did they go to -- or come from-- individuals who were authorized to get/send them? If that is the case, then where is the "breech" in security?
3
In other words, why can't Hillary be more like Bernie?
2
Because Bernie is not like Hillary. He's too one-note, not solutions oriented, and has chosen to undermine her. He appears to not be able to tell the difference between rockstar, evangelist tent crowds cheering him on and actually figuring out how to get things done.
Blaming victims - Democrats - for what perps - Republicans - have done is not helping.
I voted for him, and followed him for a long time, but am now disgusted with him and his diehard fans. I am also sick and tired of hearing oversimplified Republican talking points based on decades of skilled opposition and PR work coming from my left. I'm a progressive, and there's lots about Hillary that I would like to see change, but if you support her she might have a chance.
Blaming victims - Democrats - for what perps - Republicans - have done is not helping.
I voted for him, and followed him for a long time, but am now disgusted with him and his diehard fans. I am also sick and tired of hearing oversimplified Republican talking points based on decades of skilled opposition and PR work coming from my left. I'm a progressive, and there's lots about Hillary that I would like to see change, but if you support her she might have a chance.
3
I like the mea culpa route for Hillary on whatever real or imagined scandal she's dealing with. The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.
Not taking responsibility for a mess is so very white male, GW Bush like.
Not taking responsibility for a mess is so very white male, GW Bush like.
2
This column is euphemistic to the point of farce.
"The bottom line was that Clinton had used less-than-secure private email servers rather than the State Department system, which was the proper procedure." No the bottom line is that Clinton transmitted and stored Top Secret Special Access information via said servers and lied about it.
"She did not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth when she was cornered." Actually she lied at ever turn. Nothing material she has said about the entire affair has been true.
"We already knew that she was paranoid about privacy." Well, paranoia may be the one word in the column that is not euphemistic. She is certainly psychologically and pathologically unfit for office. A ham-handed, self-serving, and dishonest attempt to evade freedom of information laws has nothing to do with "privacy."
"She can use her intelligence, experience and fortitude to turn her story around." Apparently you can be completely incompetent and dishonest (email server, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Russia) and still be characterized as intelligent and experienced.
"The bottom line was that Clinton had used less-than-secure private email servers rather than the State Department system, which was the proper procedure." No the bottom line is that Clinton transmitted and stored Top Secret Special Access information via said servers and lied about it.
"She did not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth when she was cornered." Actually she lied at ever turn. Nothing material she has said about the entire affair has been true.
"We already knew that she was paranoid about privacy." Well, paranoia may be the one word in the column that is not euphemistic. She is certainly psychologically and pathologically unfit for office. A ham-handed, self-serving, and dishonest attempt to evade freedom of information laws has nothing to do with "privacy."
"She can use her intelligence, experience and fortitude to turn her story around." Apparently you can be completely incompetent and dishonest (email server, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Russia) and still be characterized as intelligent and experienced.
4
Most original, insightful, and prescriptive opinion to date on Hillary and her campaign.
3
Hillary Clinton has written her story over the course of nearly 40 years in public life. Her mishandling of classified information and subsequent lies about it are just the latest chapter in this tragedy. She may be a better option than Trump but that's a pathetically low hurdle to jump.
4
Hillary Clinton has to be more than a policy wonk with a long resume. She has to learn to communicate more directly with the people.
She can tell stories and jokes to make some points. She can laugh and laugh. She can pause at length. She can use gestures and catchwords. Trump does all these things and he continues to win over many voters.
Trump should be a push over. He offers nothing but sound bits. He has zero experience in government and yet he speaks to the masses and they take him seriously.
I suggest the use of symbols, like a zero (0) formed with the fingers and thump to remind voters that Trump has zero experience. I suggest forming a "W' for woman, by bringing both hands together with "V" signs.
Hillary Clinton must find ways to out trump Trump, right now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
She can tell stories and jokes to make some points. She can laugh and laugh. She can pause at length. She can use gestures and catchwords. Trump does all these things and he continues to win over many voters.
Trump should be a push over. He offers nothing but sound bits. He has zero experience in government and yet he speaks to the masses and they take him seriously.
I suggest the use of symbols, like a zero (0) formed with the fingers and thump to remind voters that Trump has zero experience. I suggest forming a "W' for woman, by bringing both hands together with "V" signs.
Hillary Clinton must find ways to out trump Trump, right now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1
Lance Armstrong used to claim that he was the most drug tested athlete in sports, all while cheating the whole time. Hillary Clinton is the Lance Armstrong of politics. Claims most scrutinized, yet still getting away with the cheating. It will not end well for her. And it is not going well for us when she is in power.
3
A primer for being a compelling candidate, Ms. Collins? After all these years in politics should you really have to tell Mrs. Clinton what to do? Your stage prompts don't encourage great confidence.
Now is the time for Secretary Clinton to deliver the type of speech that candidate Obama did in 2008, following the Jeremiah Wright controversy. Press conferences would be great, but she needs to reaffirm herself as a candidate and tell Americans who she is, why she's running, and why she set up that private server.
1
Let's not forget that Trump's most important mentor other than his father was Roy Cohn, he who had special ties to mobsters and originated the smear tactics used by Sen. Joe McCarthy.
4
I think it is very dangerous to assume that Clinton "can win without doing anything". She desperately needs the votes she will attract by following Ms Collins' third suggestion.
2
either restrict access to the classifieds, or fine her multi-multi milions of dollars
1
I was disappointed in 2008 when HRC had a political response to an alarming rise in the cost of gas. BHO won me by reminding people to take good care with their vehicles and drive wisely.
Practicality, not politics, is the solution. If HRC would tell people the simple, apolitical truth, she will win.
Practicality, not politics, is the solution. If HRC would tell people the simple, apolitical truth, she will win.
3
Gail, this is a great quote, "Every problem with Hillary Clinton’s campaign comes attached to a reminder that the alternative is the businessman with a terrible business record and attraction to murderous tyrants. It’s hard to imagine anything that she could do that would make her look like the worse option in this particular contest."
With the ditto email babbling of CNN, we have lost track of what a shabby alternative lies before us in Trump.
Frankly, I think it’s his turn in the pot. There is one around somewhere big enough to hold him.
Finally, as you say, Gail, "She can win without doing anything. It’s just the difference between making great history and being the lesser of two evils."
First priority, Hillary, don’t be “the lesser of two evils!”
With the ditto email babbling of CNN, we have lost track of what a shabby alternative lies before us in Trump.
Frankly, I think it’s his turn in the pot. There is one around somewhere big enough to hold him.
Finally, as you say, Gail, "She can win without doing anything. It’s just the difference between making great history and being the lesser of two evils."
First priority, Hillary, don’t be “the lesser of two evils!”
1
"A brave and specific series of recommendations on, say,............. Or pretty much any reform that would make big-money Democratic campaign contributors unhappy."
Okay, that's a good start, but a few others might be: 1. We're gonna tax investment income above $250K at double the rate workers pay in taxes, not half. 2. And we're gonna make college free, just like high-school is now, for all who wish to contribute to our progress. 3. Everyone will have single-payer guaranteed health insurance that sets all rates based on the needs of patients, not the greed of big-pharma, chain-hospitals and the physicians' union known as AMA. 4. Overturn Citizens United once and for all. 5. And finally, determine the election of presidents by popular vote, doing away with the 18th century idea of the Electoral College.
Okay, that's a good start, but a few others might be: 1. We're gonna tax investment income above $250K at double the rate workers pay in taxes, not half. 2. And we're gonna make college free, just like high-school is now, for all who wish to contribute to our progress. 3. Everyone will have single-payer guaranteed health insurance that sets all rates based on the needs of patients, not the greed of big-pharma, chain-hospitals and the physicians' union known as AMA. 4. Overturn Citizens United once and for all. 5. And finally, determine the election of presidents by popular vote, doing away with the 18th century idea of the Electoral College.
3
Just a disclosure. I’m paranoid about privacy too. I’m also a modest person who gets along easily and is very kind. I’m also incredibly analytic and bright. Also extremely focused when problem solving. I’m nothing if not devoted and constancy is my best trait. I never give up and was born with a determination gene. That’s it. Just one more thing. I have the same astrological signs, as Hillary: Sun in No Stopping Me Scorpio, Moon in gentle Pisces. On the border for Sagittarius, so a great sense of humor. So, like it or not, like her or not, NY Times talk or not, there is something to be heeded about the ancient science of planet placement at birth, whether one goes into law, philosophy, or social services. Why not look for the good in Hillary? She is a highly developed person who continues to learn and be productive. I don’t think she will disappoint. She is, like me, one amazing woman, parent and grandmother.
3
I wonder if Comey regrets his 15 minutes of fame as judge, jury and prosecutor. What a weird spectacle for the FBI chief to smear Clinton for 15 minutes before announcing no charges. Somehow that seems unethical. It's definitely unprecedented. And it diminishes Comey to a partisan player. Nobody wins here.
6
Well, I have this problem. I'm a Democrat. So I'll support and vote for Hillary Clinton. That's a done deal. My reward will be a Democrat in the White House and that's better than the alternative. You're right. It's time for Hillary to take the next step, to actually run for something rather than against Donald Trump. Pretty much anything that would make Democrats happy would make Mrs. Clinton's campaign contributors unhappy. That's always been her dilemma.
She can't please the voters without alienating her mega-donors. The voters dilemma is nobody knows just who Hillary Clinton intends to please after she is elected.
She can't please the voters without alienating her mega-donors. The voters dilemma is nobody knows just who Hillary Clinton intends to please after she is elected.
3
The prospect of being plunged back into the thick of Clinton Drama does not thrill me, nor does it please me that the Clintons still can seem so careless about their behavior, so quick to parse the lawyerly language as they make excuses. But I'm With Her -- because for God's sake, look at Trump, who is con man personified. We know Hillary can do the job of being president; it's her baggage we don't like. Trump would spell utter disaster for the country and the world, period.
7
I could not agree more. Thank you for saying it so clearly. Hillary, please read this and know that many of us pulling for you agree. I would also add that you need to show that you have learned from the email issue and will do better about transparency. Period. The anger in this country demands it. Not doing so will only put more fuel on the fire.
Gail Collins is so insightful, bold, and colorful in her recommendations that I hope Clinton not only chooses to follow them, but that she does so with the very qualities that Collins displays in making them. Clinton's problem is not that she lacks intelligence or competence, but that she does not use them with the verve that the best leaders (and columnists) do.
When the Clinton campaign runs ads showing Trump praising Saddam Hussein, the typical Trump voter will think "Well, yeah, that Saddam guy wasn't so bad". And the Republican leadership will say "We're supporting our party's nominee". No matter what the Democrats throw at Trump, it will not affect these people any more than do my reasoned pleas to my cat to improve her behavior.
2
Yes, it's true, we already knew Hillary Clinton was an arrogant liar and lawbreaker, so the email scandal didn't teach us anything new.
But here's a thought. The Democrats don't have to nominate her. They can vote for someone who has integrity, like, say, Bernie Sanders.
But here's a thought. The Democrats don't have to nominate her. They can vote for someone who has integrity, like, say, Bernie Sanders.
I fear that former President Bill Clinton in his private airplane conversation with Attorney General Loretta Lynch may have told her that his wife Hillary, if elected President, would nominate Mrs. Lynch to the Supreme Court, when an opening occurred. If true, the US Justice Department and the FBI are acting illegally in exonerating Mrs. Clinton.
This is how insane rumors get started.
Mrs. Lynch heads the justice department. She does not have oversight over the FBI. Therefore, her meeting with Bill would have no bearing on the FBI's findings.
Mrs. Lynch heads the justice department. She does not have oversight over the FBI. Therefore, her meeting with Bill would have no bearing on the FBI's findings.
2
Gail, my husband and I work way too hard and pay way too many taxes to listen to the lies of our public employee, Hillary. If she truly believed she was doing no wrong, why, did she lie? Someone once told me, you get what you deserve. Until, the Hillary supporters in this country grow a backbone, and quit giving her special ease (especially the women who play the "woman card") we will have politicians believing a lie is standard issue. I'd love to see how she would rule --- it could only be a double standard. She'll get tired of the lies --- you reap what you sow.
1
I disagree with Gail Collins concluding that Hillary is "the lesser of two evils". Hillary is a flawed candidate, a complex mixture of compelling virtues and some dismaying flaws. Donald Trump is evil.
4
I agree, time for Hillary to go on the attack. She's got good programs, good ideas, and has fought the good fight forever. Sure, I hope she dials back the supposed hawkish tendencies, though to my jaundiced eye they are greatly exaggerated.
For example, Republican budget cutting is the culprit on Benghazi.
I don't like her waffling about fossil fuels, but everybody does it. How about John Podesta's Earth2100, a 2009 ABC prime time special which sank without a trace ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDqRpM72Odg )? People forget we inhabit a once hospitable planet under extreme stress, being used as a dump. Most fossil fuels need to remain in the ground. She might not be able to lead on this as much as we'd like before the election, she could try.
On the email server, the State Department server was hacked, and 21.5 million Americans had their personal information hacked, in 2015. So she served her convenience? She was dealing with leaders worldwide and some of them were not friendly, and by all accounts she did pretty well. Didn't any of your watch Madam Secretary? Tea Leoni is prettier, but that's no reason to hate on Hillary as if she were your least favorite female relative.
Citizens United? She was the *subject* of the attack and is against it.
Fundraising? You want all the big money to stay with the Kochs and Roves etc.?
Speech fees? Any evidence whatsoever that she let it influence her votes?
That voting record is pretty good, by the way.
Excelsior!
For example, Republican budget cutting is the culprit on Benghazi.
I don't like her waffling about fossil fuels, but everybody does it. How about John Podesta's Earth2100, a 2009 ABC prime time special which sank without a trace ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDqRpM72Odg )? People forget we inhabit a once hospitable planet under extreme stress, being used as a dump. Most fossil fuels need to remain in the ground. She might not be able to lead on this as much as we'd like before the election, she could try.
On the email server, the State Department server was hacked, and 21.5 million Americans had their personal information hacked, in 2015. So she served her convenience? She was dealing with leaders worldwide and some of them were not friendly, and by all accounts she did pretty well. Didn't any of your watch Madam Secretary? Tea Leoni is prettier, but that's no reason to hate on Hillary as if she were your least favorite female relative.
Citizens United? She was the *subject* of the attack and is against it.
Fundraising? You want all the big money to stay with the Kochs and Roves etc.?
Speech fees? Any evidence whatsoever that she let it influence her votes?
That voting record is pretty good, by the way.
Excelsior!
8
This is a great column and you are absolutely right Gail. I will definitely vote for Hillary but I want to feel excited about it when I do. Unfortunately, Americans only know division now, we are beat up and alone. Tribalism is not good for the heart, it only breeds hostility. This was never the American way, not sure that it is promoted by this newspaper.
How can she champion old and new Americans without offending either? I would suggest that a focus on saving the planet and equalizing income inequality...would be the most effective rallying cries.
How can she champion old and new Americans without offending either? I would suggest that a focus on saving the planet and equalizing income inequality...would be the most effective rallying cries.
4
"But the bottom line was that Clinton had used less-than-secure private email servers rather than the State Department system, which was the proper procedure, albeit possibly even less less-than-secure." Seriously? This is the "bottom line?" And you're suggesting that maybe it's OK because the State Department system is "even less-than-secure?" Did you even read the transcript of Comey's remarks?
Yes, it's quite likely that Hillary Clinton will be our next President, but please don't insult your readers by glossing over her faults and actions. In case you haven't noticed, much of the American public is decrying a choice between the "evil of two lessers." If it were anyone other than Trump running against her, it's more than possible she'd be trailing badly. The fact is, Clinton will win "by default."
Yes, it's quite likely that Hillary Clinton will be our next President, but please don't insult your readers by glossing over her faults and actions. In case you haven't noticed, much of the American public is decrying a choice between the "evil of two lessers." If it were anyone other than Trump running against her, it's more than possible she'd be trailing badly. The fact is, Clinton will win "by default."
2
"Hi General Powell, Hillary, can you tell me what security protocols you used for your emails? Oh, DoD, makes sense."
2
Well said as usual. comey is beyond belief.
3
I have never seen a more ignorant electorate -- lie to me some more. Isn't about time to demand something better! Have to love the British for sending a message to their elites!
1
I love the comment, "Clinton has now probably been examined more thoroughly than any candidate not up for canonization in the Catholic Church."
LOL
The Amercacn Political machine and your tax dollars! OMG!
LOL
The Amercacn Political machine and your tax dollars! OMG!
4
Gail, I love your witty and sardonic columns. This column, however, is dead serious. It needed to be because we have a very serious election ahead of us and it's hard to make jokes about the candidate who is himself a joke. Strapping a dog to the top of your car is comical but defrauding students and using the bankruptcy laws to cheat employees and suppliers are not funny — they're tragic and serious. Thank you.
5
Yesterday, while watching her in Atlantic City giving a speech under the shuttered Taj Mahal (a Trump bankruptcy) she said (paraphrasing), "He doesn't follow the rules". I cringed. Big Time. Her speechwriters have to beware of ironic statements such as that. Who else doesn't follow the rules? A-hem? Please don't emphasize that Hillary also does not follow the rules.
4
The FBI director and the Attorney General should both resign in disgrace. The travesty of justice that they've let Hillary get away with is unconscionable. She broke the law but because she didn't INTEND to break the law, she gets a pass? By this logic everyone who's ever been convicted of vehicular homicide whilst driving drunk should have those charges dismissed. Sure they broke the law by driving drunk, but if they didn't INTEND to kill the people, where is the fault?
Clinton reeks of scandal and sleeze. Trump is no bargain either with his "University" and alleged Mafia influence. The only decent candidate left standing in the lot is Bernie Sanders. Lord knows we the people now prefer drama and reality politics compared to an honest statesman. And that is our tragedy. We will get the politicians we deserve, and from this crop, we don't deserve much.
Clinton reeks of scandal and sleeze. Trump is no bargain either with his "University" and alleged Mafia influence. The only decent candidate left standing in the lot is Bernie Sanders. Lord knows we the people now prefer drama and reality politics compared to an honest statesman. And that is our tragedy. We will get the politicians we deserve, and from this crop, we don't deserve much.
4
Rather than a beer with Hillary, I'd prefer to have a vodka on the rocks...and discuss how she could keep President Obama as charged up as he is to campaign for her and persuade him to withdraw TPP from a Senate up or down vote and give her a chance to replace Froman and take a hard look at TPP and especially ISDS and WTO's rulings against American laws.
Maybe Gail whose column brought the above to mind and Lorrie of Public Citizen could join us.
E-mails don't count for much but hundreds if not thousands of corporations being able to sue America in Kangaro ISDS courts and losing a few more millions of American jobs that destroy whole communities, count a very great deal more.
Don't believe me? Ask those people who voted for the Tweeter in the Republican primaries.
Stephen Kelleher
Maybe Gail whose column brought the above to mind and Lorrie of Public Citizen could join us.
E-mails don't count for much but hundreds if not thousands of corporations being able to sue America in Kangaro ISDS courts and losing a few more millions of American jobs that destroy whole communities, count a very great deal more.
Don't believe me? Ask those people who voted for the Tweeter in the Republican primaries.
Stephen Kelleher
Sorry Gail, I believe you are wrong. Hillary should win by being the "saner" alternative. She should constantly remind people of how crazy Trump is. Your suggestions, though with good intent, were the failed recipe of the Gore candidacy. Please do not suggest going down the same path, the outcome will be much worse this time around.
Like she cares: Contrary to her nature, her self-concept, and so far, her life's work.
Default, somersault, a wins, a win--something the two candidates share passionately. She has the advantage, though, and knows it: She's the known evil, while The Donald is an imagined evil--write whatever you want on that "wall"--by hers, the media, and that middle ground voter. Imagine that.
Her greatest desire, it seems, is to sit in Bill's old Oval Office pleasure chair believing all the self-serving deceit and quasi-criminal behavior was all worth it and then picking up the phone: "Hello, Wall Street, have I told you about the Clinton Foundation ... ."
Default, somersault, a wins, a win--something the two candidates share passionately. She has the advantage, though, and knows it: She's the known evil, while The Donald is an imagined evil--write whatever you want on that "wall"--by hers, the media, and that middle ground voter. Imagine that.
Her greatest desire, it seems, is to sit in Bill's old Oval Office pleasure chair believing all the self-serving deceit and quasi-criminal behavior was all worth it and then picking up the phone: "Hello, Wall Street, have I told you about the Clinton Foundation ... ."
4
Like the dog on the roof of Mitt's car, every mention of HRC's private email server should have appended to it "the same kind of thing that Collin Powell and Condi Rice used during the Bush2 administration."
Or words to that effect.
Thank you.
Or words to that effect.
Thank you.
4
Imagine Donald Trump in a dress (I know it's hideous, but just humor me). In the last couple of days, "Donna" Trump has ripped people off at her day job, tweeted an anti-Semitic image, sent a shout out to Saddam Hussein and keeps talking about building a wall to keep (brown) people in Mexico. "Donna" is not hot, definitely not a ten and would not be anywhere in the polls "telling it like it is" (insert Carly Fiorina here).
My point is that there is a double standard for ol' Hill. She can't do any of the things you suggest Gail, not one. Trump can stumble around like drunk uncle at a white supremacist gun show and his polls don't change much. ANY admission of weakness on her part will cue the mob. Hillary rhymes with pillory. Why do we hate Hill and find Trump "successful" and "telling it like it is"?
My point is that there is a double standard for ol' Hill. She can't do any of the things you suggest Gail, not one. Trump can stumble around like drunk uncle at a white supremacist gun show and his polls don't change much. ANY admission of weakness on her part will cue the mob. Hillary rhymes with pillory. Why do we hate Hill and find Trump "successful" and "telling it like it is"?
5
I suppose it’s not a serious subject, but what about The Donald’s looks – the one-of-a-kind hair-over, the squinty eyes, the little puckered mouth? Jeepers creepers.
3
I am imagining this column with the same fact set applied to Condoleeza Rice.
2
"Steady as she goes" = meh, flirtation with mediocrity and, yes, losing. Collins has solid insight and advice here. Anybody, including you Hillary, on your team listening?
3
She can't "without doing anything". With her baggage and her opponent, she going to have to channel her Harry Truman, Ann Richards and, yes, Bernie Sanders to get otherwise tepid supporters and undecided voters blood up and out to the polls on November.
If certain Cubs and Red Sox seasons are an example, just because you have a nine game lead on September first, it doesn't mean you'll be in the playoffs on October first. Just ask Tom Dewey.
If certain Cubs and Red Sox seasons are an example, just because you have a nine game lead on September first, it doesn't mean you'll be in the playoffs on October first. Just ask Tom Dewey.
2
To use the language of Errol Morris' Rumsfeld documentary, the problem with Hillary is not likely to be the "unknown unknown," or "known unknown."
Her greatest flaw is the "known known" of her reflexive war hawkishness, as documented in Mark Landler's cover of the NYT Mag profile of her, "How Hillary Clinton Became a Hawk."
She chose not to read available intelligence analyses before making the politically calculated decision to support the Iraq Invasion. Nor did she protest about the Junior Bush Administration's De-Baathification requirement that created disenfranchised military and government officials who gave rise to ISIS. Even knowing all of that, she became the Obama Administration's leading advocate for regime change in Libya. About Qaddafi, her flip sound bite, "we came, we saw, he died," has no place in the vocabulary of a president. Now that Libya has the 3d most prominent ISIS presence (after Syria & Iraq, both linked to the Iraq Invasion), President Obama calls Libya his greatest foreign policy regret. It seems HRC disagrees.
My greatest fear of a Clinton Presidency is the potential that she will ignore TWO previous bad calls on her part and try her hand at regime change in Syria (the government of which has the backing of a nuclearly armed, disinhibited narcissist), or in Iran.
But even with these awful "known knowns," she is vastly preferable to Trumplestiltskin. But you, Ms. Collins, like most of your op-ed buds, have been in the tank for her. You own it...
Her greatest flaw is the "known known" of her reflexive war hawkishness, as documented in Mark Landler's cover of the NYT Mag profile of her, "How Hillary Clinton Became a Hawk."
She chose not to read available intelligence analyses before making the politically calculated decision to support the Iraq Invasion. Nor did she protest about the Junior Bush Administration's De-Baathification requirement that created disenfranchised military and government officials who gave rise to ISIS. Even knowing all of that, she became the Obama Administration's leading advocate for regime change in Libya. About Qaddafi, her flip sound bite, "we came, we saw, he died," has no place in the vocabulary of a president. Now that Libya has the 3d most prominent ISIS presence (after Syria & Iraq, both linked to the Iraq Invasion), President Obama calls Libya his greatest foreign policy regret. It seems HRC disagrees.
My greatest fear of a Clinton Presidency is the potential that she will ignore TWO previous bad calls on her part and try her hand at regime change in Syria (the government of which has the backing of a nuclearly armed, disinhibited narcissist), or in Iran.
But even with these awful "known knowns," she is vastly preferable to Trumplestiltskin. But you, Ms. Collins, like most of your op-ed buds, have been in the tank for her. You own it...
4
Paul,
Can't wait till she reviews the Iran treaty, and then starts pushing Putin's buttons with NATO.
Can't wait till she reviews the Iran treaty, and then starts pushing Putin's buttons with NATO.
Clark, all she has to do is go along with the 51 State Dept. neocons whose dissent channel memo was inappropriately leaked.
Foment regime change in Syria, propped up by the Russian Trumplestiltskin, a nuclearly armed narcissistic nut? What could possibly go wrong?
Foment regime change in Syria, propped up by the Russian Trumplestiltskin, a nuclearly armed narcissistic nut? What could possibly go wrong?
2
Is it just a simple case of misplaced emails...? Or is it a case of insulating one's self from possible political damage at the expense of state secrets?
2
Most corrupt politician ever. This is just the latest. Jail Hilliary now!
2
I find it really astonishing that even a pro-Hillary Clinton piece such as this wraps up by describing her as "the lesser of two evils"!
2
One of your dullest columns ever, Ms. Collins. Clueless & tone-deaf -- are you auditioning to be on CNN? Please name a "hard[er] position" than gun control?
“Take a hard position….a plan to fix Obamacare that would involve tough news for the pharmaceutical industry.” Or you could have supported Bernie instead of trying to get Hillary to adopt his agenda.
3
"F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail"
Smear is defined as damaging the reputation of someone by false accusations; slander
So what did Mr. Comey say that was false or slanderous Ms. Collins?
Standard response from the Team Hillary playbook - attack the messenger
Smear is defined as damaging the reputation of someone by false accusations; slander
So what did Mr. Comey say that was false or slanderous Ms. Collins?
Standard response from the Team Hillary playbook - attack the messenger
1
Here's a handy comparison of Trump and Clinton, read by over 2500 so far https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/open-letter-sanders-supporters-scott-s-sm...
1
You nailed this one Gail. I hope she takes your suggestions to heart.
1
Ok. Let's at least put the star thing to rest. Just Google "Jews with stars in Nazi Germany". Just takes a second. Look at the images - the Nazi star. Compare.
I found it particularly ironic that Trump made his statements about his "star" standing in front of a bunch of American flags boasting the traditional, American 5 pointed "star". That wasn't a good enough image for his tweet?
I found it particularly ironic that Trump made his statements about his "star" standing in front of a bunch of American flags boasting the traditional, American 5 pointed "star". That wasn't a good enough image for his tweet?
1
I simply can not get past the fact that Hillary was proven beyond a shadow of doubt to be a lier. I was hoping that she would come out of the FBI investigation with flying colors, but no. I will not be voting for her. She has COMPLETELY lost my trust. She needs to have a "come to Jesus" moment to explain why she lied to us. It's the ONLY way she can regain the trust of me, and many other voters. I'm very disappointed in her. Very.
1
But Comey is not the prosecutor! He is the investigator, and had no business smearing extra-legally. What is the legal basis for, say, "extremely" careless, versus just careless? You can be sure the firestorm on the right was fanned much hotter by his choice of words, but those subjective word choices are for mom when she tells dad what junior did...not the head of the FBI. Comey acted like a vigilante...with a badge. He's the equivalent of a Wild West sherif who finds the evidence does not implicate the guy, but when releasing him lets the mob outside the jail know *wink* *nudge* that he thinks the guy should be punished...then shoves him toward the crowd. "Extremely careless", nevermind irresponsible of him.
4
Mistakes made? Absolutely!
Poor decisions? Who hasn’t made a few?
But outright criminal offenses? Hardly
No candidate in the history of this country has been more scrutinized than Hillary, and no candidate has ever had the same level of qualifications.
Decisions should ALWAYS be based on fact, not hearsay or “Trumped” up hype. This isn’t about voting for your least favorite candidate, it’s about voting for the one whose interests are to serve the people and the greater good, not themselves.
Poor decisions? Who hasn’t made a few?
But outright criminal offenses? Hardly
No candidate in the history of this country has been more scrutinized than Hillary, and no candidate has ever had the same level of qualifications.
Decisions should ALWAYS be based on fact, not hearsay or “Trumped” up hype. This isn’t about voting for your least favorite candidate, it’s about voting for the one whose interests are to serve the people and the greater good, not themselves.
5
North America's current levels of literacy perhaps do not allow folks to know what is meant by "Hobson's Choice".
Here you have it - soup or salad, Donald or Hillary!
Can we please have Bernie on the menu?
Ashis Gupta
Calgary, Canada
Here you have it - soup or salad, Donald or Hillary!
Can we please have Bernie on the menu?
Ashis Gupta
Calgary, Canada
Bernie lost...badly.
Why should a loser be on the ballot?
Sorry but this is US politics and in US politics there are no Participation Ribbons.
Bernie lost and he and his supporter' whinnig just isn't that cute anymore.
Why should a loser be on the ballot?
Sorry but this is US politics and in US politics there are no Participation Ribbons.
Bernie lost and he and his supporter' whinnig just isn't that cute anymore.
2
LHM, Petraeus just took one in the shorts for Judy! This live feed should be providing the bag for this kind of oat chewing. Way to punch back, Dems!
Spoiler alert, Petraeus will be Donald's ruling mate. Murdoch doesn't think he can live long enough to see his own apprentice make the pay grade.
Spoiler alert, Petraeus will be Donald's ruling mate. Murdoch doesn't think he can live long enough to see his own apprentice make the pay grade.
1
GC's role is to make us laugh, whether at the GOP, her favorite target, or less often, the Democratic Party establishment . That is her vocation, and presumably the reason she was hired by the paper. Yet when she becomes a vulgar propagandist for HRC or anyone else, she loses me and no doubt other faithful readers. Recall that when Mort Saul went overboard in his criticism of Eisenhower, he began to lose bookings as well as his audience.Keepit light,Ms. COLLINS, and remember the best humor is non partisan. Attack ur target, not with a "coup de hache," but with a "coup de bistouri," metaphorically speaking,
Your best column ever!
let's backtrack a bit to a similar case with General David Petraeus where he as a republican favorite and whom Bush appointed to head the American forces in Iraq was faced with a similar charge. The Obama administration overruled the FBI to charge him with a misdemeanor instead of a felony in handling that case. Not a peep from our Republican clown car about being outraged as a result of the handling of the Petraeus investigation. Nada.
Now the head of the FBI will be asked to appear before the Republican notables such as Baggy Pants, Cupcake, Dimples, Harpo, Cornflake, and Pickles so they can show FBI Director Comey just how important the Republican Clown Car is in the matters of non governing. In the meantime real governing still continues to grind to a halt.
So when you read the Republican leadership are remaining neutral to their American Mussolini running for president, it is clear they are doing everything they can do hand Trump yet another weapon to attack her.
Now the head of the FBI will be asked to appear before the Republican notables such as Baggy Pants, Cupcake, Dimples, Harpo, Cornflake, and Pickles so they can show FBI Director Comey just how important the Republican Clown Car is in the matters of non governing. In the meantime real governing still continues to grind to a halt.
So when you read the Republican leadership are remaining neutral to their American Mussolini running for president, it is clear they are doing everything they can do hand Trump yet another weapon to attack her.
5
Sheeesh! That's how Gail would respond to an article written by a conservative taking Mrs. Clinton to task for her indiscretions. That's the extent of the thinking when it comes to the 'comparative political studies' school of 'Progressivism'. Hillary Clinton could not care less about Little People except that she will do ANYTHING to get their votes. Hillary is a fraud dishonest to the core. And we haven't even opened the Foundation fish can. It's HIGHLY likely that she and Bill are committing financial and tax fraud. She sold access to the US State Department in exchange for donations to the Foundation. This is going to get more interesting as you witness the extent to which the majority of Americans detest Mrs. Clinton and all that she represents. Yes, The Donald has flaws. Mrs. Clinton at this point should not be issued an entry level security clearance.
1
Other suggestions:
• Publish the transcript of Wall Street speeches. The sooner, the better.
• Condition Presidential debates to instantaneous fact checking, so viewers can read discrepancies while the candidates talk.
• Publish the transcript of Wall Street speeches. The sooner, the better.
• Condition Presidential debates to instantaneous fact checking, so viewers can read discrepancies while the candidates talk.
1
I must congratulate you, Gail. This has to be the most hilarious column you've ever written!
I loved the way you juxtaposed Trump as hanging out with tyrants, without even having to mention the donor list of the Clinton Foundation. You bang away on the keyboard, it must all be in the wry, wise wrist.
And, after having thoroughly trashed Bernie Sanders as did nearly all of your colleagues ( it looks like Hillary is buying more than half of the ads in today's New York Times--so now we know) you impishly credit Clinton with his college tuition plan and suggest that she should grab more of his ideas and hope that would create some enthusiasm for her candidacy. You're too much!
When you have the two worst candidates for President in perhaps the entire history of the Republic, the ground will be fertile for future columns, too.
Better yet, as the oligarchs' favorite gal, you can count on Hillary to push through a tax holiday for our multinational corporations that will let them dodge hundreds of billions in taxes, and then turn to America's college students and turn out the pockets of her pantsuit, declaring that there's no money to do anything for them.
It's really funny, Gail! It's Hillaryious!
I loved the way you juxtaposed Trump as hanging out with tyrants, without even having to mention the donor list of the Clinton Foundation. You bang away on the keyboard, it must all be in the wry, wise wrist.
And, after having thoroughly trashed Bernie Sanders as did nearly all of your colleagues ( it looks like Hillary is buying more than half of the ads in today's New York Times--so now we know) you impishly credit Clinton with his college tuition plan and suggest that she should grab more of his ideas and hope that would create some enthusiasm for her candidacy. You're too much!
When you have the two worst candidates for President in perhaps the entire history of the Republic, the ground will be fertile for future columns, too.
Better yet, as the oligarchs' favorite gal, you can count on Hillary to push through a tax holiday for our multinational corporations that will let them dodge hundreds of billions in taxes, and then turn to America's college students and turn out the pockets of her pantsuit, declaring that there's no money to do anything for them.
It's really funny, Gail! It's Hillaryious!
3
I'm very disappointed, Gail. In you, along with the rest of the media.
You've followed the laziest of options, the primrose path, by simply bashing Hillary over and over a la Congress, rather than doing any REAL journalism on REAL issues. I mean, email? Seriously? No deaths, no leaks, no wars were caused, and it certainly didn't cost us taxpayers the $7 million that Trey Gowdy wantonly frittered away on yet another partisan witch-hunt.
Scandal-mongering requires no real investigation, reporting, or reflection. Our media, including you (to my chagrin) are doing their best to continue Reagan's work of destroying every semblance of trust in government and willingness to keep going with our democracy. Instead, you seem to prefer to drag us down into the land of GOP weasels like Gowdy and cowards like Ryan and worst of all, would-be dictators like Trump.
Wake up and start doing your job, for heaven's sake. What are you waiting for, another NYT-backed Iraq War?
You've followed the laziest of options, the primrose path, by simply bashing Hillary over and over a la Congress, rather than doing any REAL journalism on REAL issues. I mean, email? Seriously? No deaths, no leaks, no wars were caused, and it certainly didn't cost us taxpayers the $7 million that Trey Gowdy wantonly frittered away on yet another partisan witch-hunt.
Scandal-mongering requires no real investigation, reporting, or reflection. Our media, including you (to my chagrin) are doing their best to continue Reagan's work of destroying every semblance of trust in government and willingness to keep going with our democracy. Instead, you seem to prefer to drag us down into the land of GOP weasels like Gowdy and cowards like Ryan and worst of all, would-be dictators like Trump.
Wake up and start doing your job, for heaven's sake. What are you waiting for, another NYT-backed Iraq War?
3
Gail, you seem to know Hillary so well, why do you think there is any chance that she will take a risk and be seen as transformative? We all know she's going to triangulate and win by default.
1
Gail you have outdone yourself! This column is truly a ringing endorsement of Hillary. Cannot wait to get to the poles in November!
Do take one minor issue with you though, Comey did not smear her, he let her off scot-free!
Slogan: " Vote for Clinton cause you sure can't vote for Trump!".
Do take one minor issue with you though, Comey did not smear her, he let her off scot-free!
Slogan: " Vote for Clinton cause you sure can't vote for Trump!".
There's no question among objective voters that Hillary is an extremely flawed candidate. This is not lessened one iota by the fact that her opponent is an extremely flawed candidate as well. It strikes me that one could step back and wonder how a country as filled with wonderful people as ours is could offer up only these two. It's not as if the field is barren of good candidates. I think a Joe Biden - Paul Ryan race would have been well worth the price of admission.
1
How quickly they turn. All those Trumpsters out there who were so insistent, so smug about the "fact" that they "knew" that Clinton was about to be indicted "any day". Fantasizing and gloating before the fact at the vision of her being led off the campaign trail in handcuffs.
And now those dreams are dashed. The Benghazi report is final and the FBI has - no matter how cravenly - declined not to indict. And not one hint of contrition. Not even an "Oops, we got that wrong but we still don't like her."
Without the loss of a drumbeat they switched to saying she is still guilty, but "beat the rap" because she is - wait for it - an insider.
Yes, Gail. I agree she must lose Bill. He has completely lost that famous political acumen and I seriously wonder about the state of his mental health.
She must hold those news conferences. The first few will be painful, but, like going to the dentist, if you do it often enough each visit gets easier.
And she must give us something to be passionate about. She, unfortunately for all her brains and experience, does not have the personal charisma to engender passion - it must be her ideas that inflame - that give rise to the type of dedication from her supporters that leads to the White House, to down ticket wins, and to the ability to pass the legislation that her ideas inspire.
She doesn't have a lot of time left.
And now those dreams are dashed. The Benghazi report is final and the FBI has - no matter how cravenly - declined not to indict. And not one hint of contrition. Not even an "Oops, we got that wrong but we still don't like her."
Without the loss of a drumbeat they switched to saying she is still guilty, but "beat the rap" because she is - wait for it - an insider.
Yes, Gail. I agree she must lose Bill. He has completely lost that famous political acumen and I seriously wonder about the state of his mental health.
She must hold those news conferences. The first few will be painful, but, like going to the dentist, if you do it often enough each visit gets easier.
And she must give us something to be passionate about. She, unfortunately for all her brains and experience, does not have the personal charisma to engender passion - it must be her ideas that inflame - that give rise to the type of dedication from her supporters that leads to the White House, to down ticket wins, and to the ability to pass the legislation that her ideas inspire.
She doesn't have a lot of time left.
3
The phrase " extreme Carelessness " coupled with " poor judgement " will dominate this election and drown out any substantial discussion on the issues we must address in the best interests of our country and future generations.
It will also obscure any coordinated examination of Trumps record , this man is a serial con man.
It can realistically lead to a Trump victory and the republicans keeping the Senate . This will be a disaster .
The polls in the near future will show a closing of the gap between Trump and Clinton.
We cannot risk the future of the country and Democrats need a plan B.
My plan b would be Ms Clinton stands aside and throws her weight and votes behind a Biden/ Warren ticket.
Sanders should get on board too .
As unfair as this may be for Ms Clinton it will be an incredible action of courage and love of country.
Imagine how the Republicans will react, they will be on the defensive with Trump and the electorate will find they have nothing .
Democrats will win the Presidency, the Senate and make serious inroads in the house
It will also obscure any coordinated examination of Trumps record , this man is a serial con man.
It can realistically lead to a Trump victory and the republicans keeping the Senate . This will be a disaster .
The polls in the near future will show a closing of the gap between Trump and Clinton.
We cannot risk the future of the country and Democrats need a plan B.
My plan b would be Ms Clinton stands aside and throws her weight and votes behind a Biden/ Warren ticket.
Sanders should get on board too .
As unfair as this may be for Ms Clinton it will be an incredible action of courage and love of country.
Imagine how the Republicans will react, they will be on the defensive with Trump and the electorate will find they have nothing .
Democrats will win the Presidency, the Senate and make serious inroads in the house
2
I don't see Bill's chance meeting as an error. He was doing Lynch a big favor, letting her off the hook. The aw shucks I screwed up act isn't convincing. He was willing to take a hit for his wife and it was about time...Lynch then put the ball squarely in the FBIs court. They had to make the determination and live with the results. Comey was obviously unwilling to stake his reputation on the case to prosecute but couldn't bring himself to be professional when he missed his target. Again.
Let us not forget that Comey has a Moby Dick/white whale relationship with both Clintons. He tried and failed to get them on Whitewater and has been giving chase ever since. I'm sure the decision was difficult for him to swallow but as he himself said, no reasonable prosecutor would prosecute this case. That statement was the professional limit to his comments.
Of course he didn't stop at professional. He went on to list all the reasons he continues to pursue he Clintons literally to the ends of the earth. His comments do not rise to the level of fact or charges would have been brought against Mrs. Clinton. His opinions are irrelevant in a court of law. So the head of the FBI just pulled a Hoover without the finesse to make it stick. Honestly, the man should resign in disgrace. The FBI is no place to pursue personal vendettas.
Let us not forget that Comey has a Moby Dick/white whale relationship with both Clintons. He tried and failed to get them on Whitewater and has been giving chase ever since. I'm sure the decision was difficult for him to swallow but as he himself said, no reasonable prosecutor would prosecute this case. That statement was the professional limit to his comments.
Of course he didn't stop at professional. He went on to list all the reasons he continues to pursue he Clintons literally to the ends of the earth. His comments do not rise to the level of fact or charges would have been brought against Mrs. Clinton. His opinions are irrelevant in a court of law. So the head of the FBI just pulled a Hoover without the finesse to make it stick. Honestly, the man should resign in disgrace. The FBI is no place to pursue personal vendettas.
5
Interesting view re: getting Lynch off the hook. Makes sense.
1
Hillary won't do it (her sense of self-entitlement won't allow it), but she should withdraw. Morally, ethically, and for the good of America, she should make a simple apology and walk away from the lecturn. It is time to seriously consider releasing from their commitments all the delegates at Philadelphia and throwing the convention wide open. We'd probably see a spirited "Draft Joe" v. "Bring on Bernie" contest, ending up with either Biden leading the ticket and Bernie as VP or vice versa, with Joe making the history books as the first threepeat VP. Possible, as the constitution restricts only the President's years in office.
Either result at an open Democratic convention would blow Trump's boat out of the water, if that hasn't already happened in Cleveland. The loose cannon on the SS Trump is the namesake himself. The only way his campaign team can keep him from burning the ship to the waterline is to gag and manacle him and stow him in the bilge so he'll at least be in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Left un-checked, Trump's Lonsome Rhodes shtick will burn itself out as his fans grow simultaneously much louder and much, much fewer in number.
No doubt some Hollywood screenwriters are already hard at work on the movie script. Sorry, guys, we're seeing this blockbuster realtime and in living color, and for free, to boot. Compared to real life, reel life is just a watered down direct to DVD re-run.
Either result at an open Democratic convention would blow Trump's boat out of the water, if that hasn't already happened in Cleveland. The loose cannon on the SS Trump is the namesake himself. The only way his campaign team can keep him from burning the ship to the waterline is to gag and manacle him and stow him in the bilge so he'll at least be in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Left un-checked, Trump's Lonsome Rhodes shtick will burn itself out as his fans grow simultaneously much louder and much, much fewer in number.
No doubt some Hollywood screenwriters are already hard at work on the movie script. Sorry, guys, we're seeing this blockbuster realtime and in living color, and for free, to boot. Compared to real life, reel life is just a watered down direct to DVD re-run.
3
..."the less of two evils" sounds pretty real at the moment; but it may be simplistic, as we are dealing with a complex individual, flaws and all, and of substance simultaneously, when compared to an empty suit (crooked lying Trump). The Press has its work/function cut out...if willing to forgo the sensationalism, and commercial success, made by uttering the stupid minutiae thrown up by an ever hungry egomaniac to see and hear his name, no matter how negative. So far, no news that really matter, other than the circus to feed people's appetite for trash. If Hillary can get away from facing the Press, she may be hard pressed to pursue it, given the liabilities in a minefield where she is well known already; hell, she is even in the soup that feeds us, whether we like it or not. Still, a critical perspective of the truth, and reality, given the ongoing politicking, is of the essence. After all, we shall pay the price on today's decisions for the foreseeable future.
2
I hope her strategists take your three recommendations seriously. At this point in time Hillary is playing not to lose, not to win. While I understand her caution with the media, she is smart, and does well in those forums. In fact, she is better talking in those impromptu sessions then in staged events. One more recommendation, just be honest. This entire email mess would have been mitigated if she had just admitted that yes, she had a private service, and yes, in reviewing her correspondence she was not as careful as she should have been --just say, "I was careless." Now having said that, please find someone on her staff who will speak truth to power, someone who has the standing to say, "Sec. Clinton, don't do that."
Well, we know that security of State secrets will not be an issue with Trump, he's going to tweet them as soon as he knows of them, and then give a speech defending his tweet.
As to the security of the State Department email system, the Times notes that system was in fact hacked by the Russians since 2007 and that for truly sensitive data "it quietly uses a network run by one of the major intelligence agencies." If that is the NSA, Edward Snowden has spilled those beans.
And by the way, as to cell phone security, ask Angela Merkel how she feels about the US hacking her phone.
All in all Ronnie Halperin, in his letter to the editor of the Times, nails it: ".. she has been consistently judged against a standard of complete purity and precision, a standard to which no one else has been held."
As to the security of the State Department email system, the Times notes that system was in fact hacked by the Russians since 2007 and that for truly sensitive data "it quietly uses a network run by one of the major intelligence agencies." If that is the NSA, Edward Snowden has spilled those beans.
And by the way, as to cell phone security, ask Angela Merkel how she feels about the US hacking her phone.
All in all Ronnie Halperin, in his letter to the editor of the Times, nails it: ".. she has been consistently judged against a standard of complete purity and precision, a standard to which no one else has been held."
3
I do better every passing day, thanks to what I learn from Hillary everyday, to take my day one step at a time and never forget my lifelong goal. I learn that being there is 60 percent of winning so I must survive and be there. And any true winning is the cumulation and the completion of a multistage building process. Once Hillary is the POTUS, she will continue to progress toward her lifelong goal, which is her greatest and ultimate legacy -- Making Everyone Great.
4
It is becoming very clear now, decade by decade, that the conservative party (at one time that of Lincoln) has steadily pivoted in every which way by showing malice to practically everyone, charity only to the one percenters, and with the insane real estate developer/huckster their current presidental nominee, this once proud beacon of light to the world will be critically dimmed. Hillary Clinton,yes, is our best hope. Don't blow it, America.
4
This is the problem with Hillary as the Democratic nominee. She has honesty issues. Clinton's lies don't justify accepting Donald Trump, but they make honesty and integrity moot points during this election. And that is a shame because Trump is one of the most immoral and personally corrupt candidates in American History. Her campaign now has to build on her record of service, her actual proposals and their efficacy, and the horrible prospect for the future of this nation of having a reckless, duplicitous, narcissistic, selfish, thin skinned, mad man as President.
2
Why is the FBI and other law enforcement not examining every member of congress - and do a wikileaks about money coming in to them. Examine trump´s ties to foreign money. Publicize to the ends of the earth individual stories of businesses and people bankrupted by Trump, put off jobs because he hired illegals. Speak up please Union NY construction workers who were displaced in his enterprizes in favor of uninsured $10 an hour aliens who created unsafe buildings that fall apart. Speak up people who have been abused and manipulated by these sharks in congress, in the GOP.
3
Hillary Clinton already has staked out a position that sets her head and shoulders above Senator Bernie Sanders and light years away from anything vaguely connected to the degenerate collection of broken toys also known as the Republican Party: She wants far stricter laws and regulations making Americans safer from gun violence - including guns wielded by law enforcement officers.
The NRA has long targeted Clinton. Trump threw himself at the NRA full knowing this. It is a marriage made in the bowels of hell. It is evil personified.
Most Americans, and this goes for our politicians exponentially, have thrown the brains out with the bathwater in response to the constant onslaught of sloppy propaganda informed 'thinking' on guns.
The Second Amendments posits a ''well regulated militia'' and mentions the right to maintain and own arms not being infringed in that breath and context. The NRA succeeded in perverting this association into the right of every American to carry an assault rifle and handgun, or six or ten, or twelve.
The NRA has been operating since 1977 as a criminal organization that politically assassinates any politicians or gun company CEO's that fail to tow its line. Even those who have survived its armed onslaught such as former Arizona representative Gabrielle Giffords, were forced out of office.
Effective gun control is what we require for a meaningful effect on the public health and welfare. HRC is about the only one who can help get us there.
The NRA has long targeted Clinton. Trump threw himself at the NRA full knowing this. It is a marriage made in the bowels of hell. It is evil personified.
Most Americans, and this goes for our politicians exponentially, have thrown the brains out with the bathwater in response to the constant onslaught of sloppy propaganda informed 'thinking' on guns.
The Second Amendments posits a ''well regulated militia'' and mentions the right to maintain and own arms not being infringed in that breath and context. The NRA succeeded in perverting this association into the right of every American to carry an assault rifle and handgun, or six or ten, or twelve.
The NRA has been operating since 1977 as a criminal organization that politically assassinates any politicians or gun company CEO's that fail to tow its line. Even those who have survived its armed onslaught such as former Arizona representative Gabrielle Giffords, were forced out of office.
Effective gun control is what we require for a meaningful effect on the public health and welfare. HRC is about the only one who can help get us there.
4
After reading articles the last two days and the columns this morning, I wish The NY Times would stop going along with the story that the Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch meeting was a stupid mistake. It makes this venerable paper seem like a Clinton agent itself. Former presidents don't have "impromptu" meetings, which is the word The Times used. They definitely don't have them in private on an airplane with an attorney general who has been a longtime Clinton vassal who happens to be in charge of an investigation into that former presidents wife who is currently running for president, a couple days before the FBI interviews Hillary, on July 4th weekend, and a week before the FBI director holds a press conference the morning after July 4th to announce whether the FBI recommends charges, which in and of itself is unique, as usually it is the prosecutor who holds the press conference, not the FBI director saying no reasonale prosecutor would bring charges based on his agency's investigation. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. Bill and Lynch are pretending to be idiots for a week so they could punt the decision of whether to charge Hillary Clinton to Comey, who Republicans can't attack head on. Pretty good moves, Clintons.
3
The more I hear this line of thought, the more I buy it. More Clinton shenanigans.
1
I think I must be getting old. Of all the character attributes being bandied about concerning Sec. Clinton, or any other candidate nowadays, the one that stands out for its absence is honor.
There is still a couple of weeks before the Democratic convention and a lot can happen between now and then, but Hillary may very well face the prospect of being a tragic and mortally wounded candidate who, for the sake of the country, and for her own honor, needs to withdraw from the race to insure that the catastrophe of a President Trump (think about that: "President Trump") is averted.
There is still a couple of weeks before the Democratic convention and a lot can happen between now and then, but Hillary may very well face the prospect of being a tragic and mortally wounded candidate who, for the sake of the country, and for her own honor, needs to withdraw from the race to insure that the catastrophe of a President Trump (think about that: "President Trump") is averted.
6
As a lifelong (and I'm 76) progressive (aka "liberal") Democrat, I desperately wanted Bernie, but got Hillary. Of course, I will vote for her. She is fortunate to be running against a man that numerous commentators called "unhinged" after his rambling, incoherent, self-focused remarks at a rally in Cincinnati last night. I had expected to see "the men in white coats" cart him off stage at any moment. It's a sad commentary when the ultimate criteria for your vote becomes who is the mentally stable candidate rather than the important issues that have been crippling our country. It seems, as the voter protests have revealed, that our political parties are truly dysfunctional not only in Congress, but in the terribly flawed candidates they have produced.
7
It's disappointing, to say the least, that Hillary Clinton's candidacy is perceived my many as 'the lesser if two evils". Hillary Clinton is one of the most, if not the most, qualified individuals to run for the highest office in the U.S. Not only does Secretary Clinton possess the intelligence and policy smarts that we should expect from a potential Commander-in-Chief, she has the determination, strength of character and requisite toughness that the Presidency demands. If (when)Hillary Clinton is elected President come November she will become our nation's first woman President. The fact that her opponent is so uniquely unqualified should not detract from this historic occasion.
4
It is beyond the pale that the media keep pointing out that the election is decided by "the worst option" because of personal flaws. In the first place it is ridiculous to compare Hillary's actions that did not hurt a single American to Trump's "colleges" and bankruptcies. But that is not the point of this election. The point is the program offered for governing the country. Hillary's is a solid platform of programs to help all Americans and protect the nation's standing in the world. Trump's, and all the other Republican candidates' platform consist mostly of negatives: stop health insurance subsidies, stop women's rights, find enemies around the world. The choice is NOT about the worst option, but about the best one.
4
I know that this newspaper has been part of the Clinton political machine from the beginning and is part of the reason why Bernie Sanders will apparently not win the Democratic nomination even though he is a true progressive Democrat and Clinton is a true centrist Republican of old. But the convention has not yet happened and she still could lose the nomination.
I don't much care about her email scandal even though she did break the law. There are so many other reasons that she should not be president, especially when there is a much better alternative in Sanders.
I don't much care about her email scandal even though she did break the law. There are so many other reasons that she should not be president, especially when there is a much better alternative in Sanders.
6
The "lesser-of-two-evils" argument is intellectually bankrupt. And although the words truth and HRC are not terms that many people tend to associate, the terms hypocrisy, double standard and Trump should be. Let's take little take walk down memory lane. Imagine what would happen if a Democratic candidate impugned a former POW military's record and sacrifice. That candidate would not only be committing professional suicide, the entire Party would be at risk of immolation for simply allowing them to share their brand. Or, suppose a Democratic presidential hopeful only reluctantly rebuked the support of a white supremacist group...again, a existential Party threat. First Lady Michelle Obama was ferociously criticized for being un-American when she suggested that our nation could be better than it was; now, the same people that leveled that ugliness at Mrs. Obama are heralding Trump a conquering hero under the banner of "Making America Great Again." And we all know what Trump will say if he loses in November: "the system is rigged." It's already one of his favorite go-tos. (It's also a favorite among 6-year-olds.). Mrs. Clinton's transparency avoidance is and unfortunate byproduct of the realization that unfairness and hypocrisy are the currency of her opposition. There is no equivalent to her flaws and that of the self-enriching, megalomaniacal Mr. Trump.
3
Dear HRC,
I have really enjoyed the way you have frustrated the Kochs over all 8 Benghazi hearings and the silly email nonissue.
That the Koch brothers will now have to spend even more of their inheritance to try to beat you tickles me.
Keep driving the Kochs crazy Mrs. President.
I have really enjoyed the way you have frustrated the Kochs over all 8 Benghazi hearings and the silly email nonissue.
That the Koch brothers will now have to spend even more of their inheritance to try to beat you tickles me.
Keep driving the Kochs crazy Mrs. President.
5
Gail, you're totally riight.
After the Japanese's attack on Pearl Harbor Isoroku Yamamoto's famously said: "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."
All the GOP has done with its multi million dollar witch hunt is make HRC a more formidable candidate.
A battle hardened candidate who will wade through Trump or Johnson or Paul or whoever they muster like they are two inches of bath water.
Thanks for help GOP.
All the GOP has done with its multi million dollar witch hunt is make HRC a more formidable candidate.
A battle hardened candidate who will wade through Trump or Johnson or Paul or whoever they muster like they are two inches of bath water.
Thanks for help GOP.
3
"Worse, she did not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth when she was cornered."
There is no evidence AT ALL that she did not tell the truth as she knew it.
If you truly believe the earth is only 6,000 years old, and swear to that under oath, that IS the truth to you, and even though it is obviously NOT true, it cannot be said that you lied about it.
A LIE requires that you know what you said is not the truth as you know it.
There is no evidence AT ALL that she did not tell the truth as she knew it.
If you truly believe the earth is only 6,000 years old, and swear to that under oath, that IS the truth to you, and even though it is obviously NOT true, it cannot be said that you lied about it.
A LIE requires that you know what you said is not the truth as you know it.
6
Let's not forget Comey was AG Ashcroft's Chief Asst. They both sang(sing) in the same choir.
3
The best we can say about Hillary is that she has not been convicted of a felony. Just like a Mafia don who has avoided conviction. All the bad judgment notwithstanding. The most experienced candidate failed in health care reform, voted for the Iraq war, toppled the Libyan government, failed in Syria, failed with the Reset button with Russia, supported TPP before she opposed it, supported NAFTA, CAFTA and GATT, supported the repeal of Glass-Steagall, and supported ending welfare as we knew it. But at least she has made tons of money from Wall Street.
4
Great summation:
"In his big press appearance Tuesday, F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail."
Some how Comey's comments became TRUTH for the Republicans as well as a number of sane citizens as well. Comey is just upset as he struck out on Whitewater.
They go on and on about how they are so upset with Trump, but there isn't a dimes bit of difference between the RNC and Donald Trump. The best evidence might be the leading VP candidate: Newt "Buy my book" Gingritch
"In his big press appearance Tuesday, F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail."
Some how Comey's comments became TRUTH for the Republicans as well as a number of sane citizens as well. Comey is just upset as he struck out on Whitewater.
They go on and on about how they are so upset with Trump, but there isn't a dimes bit of difference between the RNC and Donald Trump. The best evidence might be the leading VP candidate: Newt "Buy my book" Gingritch
There is ZERO new in the FBI report but Republicans will be spinning it and extracting fragments from it because it feeds into the lies they have been blasting Hillary with for more than 20 years.
And no, Rep Ryan, other people would not have been prosecuted for less, the Head of the FBI plainly said NO reasonable prosecutor would indict her or anyone else, I assume for this.
Republicans will probably hold more hearings - they have no intention any actual work and they have a real crook and know-nothing running as their candidate.
I agree with Gail's suggestions - first, SEND BILL HOME!!!
And no, Rep Ryan, other people would not have been prosecuted for less, the Head of the FBI plainly said NO reasonable prosecutor would indict her or anyone else, I assume for this.
Republicans will probably hold more hearings - they have no intention any actual work and they have a real crook and know-nothing running as their candidate.
I agree with Gail's suggestions - first, SEND BILL HOME!!!
Take a hard position, just because. How about gun control? Oh, wait. She already did that. She is the ONLY presidential candidate to do it.
1
I have begun thinking that Donald doesn't want, never wanted to be president. An aide who worked for him early on has said this, that he never expected to get the nomination, but just wanted to do it because he could and was bored with just being a millionaire and a not so great businessman. He likes his name in big letters on things and he wanted a place in history as having been a presidential candidate. And then: the perfect political storm and here he is. I think he is terrified of actually winning, of actually having to do the job and so is now saying wild, crazy insane things to ensure he doesn't get elected. Pretty soon, he'll probably disrobe at a rally hoping THAT will get him out of the mess he's in. Really, I think he can't sleep nights for the terror of thinking he'll actually have to be president. Think about it: would YOU want to be president? Do you think YOU could do the job at all well? Me neither!
5
I agree and have thought his for quite some time.
2
Couldn't agree more. The whole campaign comes across as the ultimate marketing ploy for the Trump brand, not as the pursuit of an earnest (if not honest) presidential candidate.
But hey, at least you are not in Britain. And even with all the apocalyptic pronouncements, you can't beat the last year in terms of political entertainment. I can't wait for the movie. Bizarre and perverse.
But hey, at least you are not in Britain. And even with all the apocalyptic pronouncements, you can't beat the last year in terms of political entertainment. I can't wait for the movie. Bizarre and perverse.
1
Y'know, Gail, this is all going to get a lot easier when the media gets around to recognizing that Ms. Clinton is NOT all that smart, is NOT a capable politician, and is not even a particularly admirable human being.
Sorry. The facts speak for themselves. The mistakes she makes...keeps making...are dumb mistakes. Her response to these mistakes has been...and keeps on being...politically maladroit. And at the root of all this is a person who simply cannot overcome her personal weaknesses for the sake of public service.
Yes, she keeps getting away with it. Barely. And then the media keeps falling back on the same "she's so intelligent, she's so politically adroit, why doesn't she just..." At a certain point you've got to face the fact that she just won't because she just can't. Never could. Never will.
I'd really like to believe otherwise about her. But facts are stubborn things.
It's not hard to see the denial of reality at the root of support for Donald Trump, and the media has gone to great lengths to chronicle the denial of reality behind a lot of the Bernie support. It's high time you faced your own denial. We could use a bit of cold, hard reality in the mix.
Sorry. The facts speak for themselves. The mistakes she makes...keeps making...are dumb mistakes. Her response to these mistakes has been...and keeps on being...politically maladroit. And at the root of all this is a person who simply cannot overcome her personal weaknesses for the sake of public service.
Yes, she keeps getting away with it. Barely. And then the media keeps falling back on the same "she's so intelligent, she's so politically adroit, why doesn't she just..." At a certain point you've got to face the fact that she just won't because she just can't. Never could. Never will.
I'd really like to believe otherwise about her. But facts are stubborn things.
It's not hard to see the denial of reality at the root of support for Donald Trump, and the media has gone to great lengths to chronicle the denial of reality behind a lot of the Bernie support. It's high time you faced your own denial. We could use a bit of cold, hard reality in the mix.
5
I am truly saddened to admit that my confidence and optimism regarding the future of our great Republic is waning.
Our current political process is a farce, our presumptive nominees are absolute knuckleheads and members of the so-called '4th estate' are now professional 'info-tainers' having chosen not encumber themselves with difficult/time consuming concepts like impartiality, accuracy and/or verification.
We still suffer from a "Cold War' hangover (believing we can impose our political will over other sovereign populations) and, inexplicably, here at home we find new and creative ways to kill our fellow citizens in greater numbers without remorse.
Lastly...here's the worst part....everyone's frustrated and becoming increasingly disenfranchised (via gerrymandering, political gamesmanship or general apathy) with too few actually exercising their Constitutional 'right' (note: it's OUR country, as such, it's really an obligation) and VOTING......
All things considered...I can only conclude that the TRUMP phenomenon is a harbinger of a fascist apocalypse heading our way....Not Good....
Our current political process is a farce, our presumptive nominees are absolute knuckleheads and members of the so-called '4th estate' are now professional 'info-tainers' having chosen not encumber themselves with difficult/time consuming concepts like impartiality, accuracy and/or verification.
We still suffer from a "Cold War' hangover (believing we can impose our political will over other sovereign populations) and, inexplicably, here at home we find new and creative ways to kill our fellow citizens in greater numbers without remorse.
Lastly...here's the worst part....everyone's frustrated and becoming increasingly disenfranchised (via gerrymandering, political gamesmanship or general apathy) with too few actually exercising their Constitutional 'right' (note: it's OUR country, as such, it's really an obligation) and VOTING......
All things considered...I can only conclude that the TRUMP phenomenon is a harbinger of a fascist apocalypse heading our way....Not Good....
1
The comments section reveals that Hillary's die-hard supporters still come from the position that she is exceptional, above the law, and that this is no big deal. They are spinning this into a positive to say that it shows her "survival skills." Trump does not change the fact that her management of classified materials was on the border of being illegal. We are in for at least four years of Clinton scandals and the hyper-partisan politics that the Clintons generate. If the Democrats don't win Congress, look forward to endless Congressional hearings on Hillary and little getting done. The American people definitely deserve better at this point. How can most Americans who supported another candidate, in either party, not be completely depressed and ready to throw in the towel?
4
Above the law?
Who said that?
If you rightists can prove she broke the law then by all means arrest her.
If you can't then please be adult enough to admit she has broken no laws...but we won't hokd our breath.
Admitting you were wrong is an adult thing and the GOP is anything but.
Sorry but y'all can't have it both ways.
Who said that?
If you rightists can prove she broke the law then by all means arrest her.
If you can't then please be adult enough to admit she has broken no laws...but we won't hokd our breath.
Admitting you were wrong is an adult thing and the GOP is anything but.
Sorry but y'all can't have it both ways.
1
What the nation may not survive is the re-ascendance of the negligently self-absorbed Clintons by virtue of a double standard for legal malefaction in the service of the rich and powerful, while, for example, ordinary black Americans continue to be gunned down needlessly by the police, on a more or less regular basis.
Perhaps history will show those factors to be the true legacy of the Obama Administration, as this President visited totalitarian Cuba, perhaps daydreaming about compassionate tyranny, and the possibility that a US nation could be the first in world history to survive without functional national borders, or legally enforced immigration policy.
Perhaps history will show those factors to be the true legacy of the Obama Administration, as this President visited totalitarian Cuba, perhaps daydreaming about compassionate tyranny, and the possibility that a US nation could be the first in world history to survive without functional national borders, or legally enforced immigration policy.
3
Gail.
"She can win without doing anything."
This is Trumps greatest stealth weapon to up end Hillary. Your denial and that of many others that America would never elect Trump is a most dangerous and treacherous attitude and against the best interest of Hillary and a chance of at least some decency in the USA.
Believe me, with Trump and the GOP congress there is little to no chance of decency to all those that clamber for this.
Trump has no constructive policies of any kind, domestic or foreign.
He can only run on attacking Hillary.
To me she has no choice, she must run on her policies and support measures to alter the downward spiral from the middle class on down and stem the excesses of the 1%ers and capitalists without a conscience.
She should not rebut most of Trumps attacks it will only keep her floundering in the polls and jeopardize the chance of being elected.
She has to come out swinging for the better policy, ideal, and social community.
If she focuses on Trump's attacks she will be called out on strikes without taking a swing for the betterment of the American equality to pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
"She can win without doing anything."
This is Trumps greatest stealth weapon to up end Hillary. Your denial and that of many others that America would never elect Trump is a most dangerous and treacherous attitude and against the best interest of Hillary and a chance of at least some decency in the USA.
Believe me, with Trump and the GOP congress there is little to no chance of decency to all those that clamber for this.
Trump has no constructive policies of any kind, domestic or foreign.
He can only run on attacking Hillary.
To me she has no choice, she must run on her policies and support measures to alter the downward spiral from the middle class on down and stem the excesses of the 1%ers and capitalists without a conscience.
She should not rebut most of Trumps attacks it will only keep her floundering in the polls and jeopardize the chance of being elected.
She has to come out swinging for the better policy, ideal, and social community.
If she focuses on Trump's attacks she will be called out on strikes without taking a swing for the betterment of the American equality to pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.
60
I recommend this but would add that she could toss some zingers in there about him, Lord knows he's ripe for them every day.
Sorry, the media have been working overtime to destroy Hillary for years. Every stumble she makes is blown out of proportion. For example, no reports on her email mistakes ever included the fact that her predecessors did the same thing. She made money talking to Goldman Sachs, but it is never mentioned that her fees fit the market, or what all of the Republican candidates did to make speaking fees (it was comparable). Everything she does is spun negatively by the media, just like the media did to Al Gore.
I don't blame her for blowing off the press. They have earned their lack of access.
I don't blame her for blowing off the press. They have earned their lack of access.
4
The GOP and their legions of shrill extreme right wing pundits have been waging a veritable war of attrition on the Clintons, their legacy and their character for well nigh a quarter century. It is one of the most ugly persistent prolonged smear campaigns in US political history. And if it works, her bid for the presidency will fail given a fickle low information electorate that put a bunch of gleeful stalwart GOP obstructionists in power not once but twice since 2010. The nation is in peril.
2
What you propose makes sense: for her, for many undecided voters (including myself) and ultimately for the country: What honorable individual would want to be chosen as the lesser of two evils?
Not a cynic, but given her long history of denials and prevarication, don't think she is humble enough to that out of her heart. If she chooses to do so out of political convenience it will appear to be insincere.
It is too bad that the ‘We, the People,’ have no real choice and have the false options offered by the two parties which have lost their soul. It is a critical time to have other platforms to re-launch and reclaim our democracy!
Not a cynic, but given her long history of denials and prevarication, don't think she is humble enough to that out of her heart. If she chooses to do so out of political convenience it will appear to be insincere.
It is too bad that the ‘We, the People,’ have no real choice and have the false options offered by the two parties which have lost their soul. It is a critical time to have other platforms to re-launch and reclaim our democracy!
2
The most important, relevant suggestion is for her to take a on a news conference once a week. The only way Trump gains momentum is by being hyper-available to the press while Hillary continues to dodge. If people only see "I'm with Her" ads and the occasional scripted speech Trump, may be able to contrast that with his motor-mouth nonsense. She sat on the Benghazi hearing for hours on end; she can manage a the press once a week. After the conventions, a once a week press meeting should be standard for every candidate.
1
I loved this column, especially the part about prosecutors smearing those they cannot indict. As for Hillary becoming more daring in her campaign, I agree it's about time she learned how to handle press conferences. For the rest, she has already been courageous, in ways that, of course, the press has downplayed. I believe this is the first time a presidential candidate has made gun control such as central part of a campaign. If we have a Democratic House and Senate, they will have a mandate to act. She also has proposed financial reforms and changes in the Affordable Care Act that I'm sure big party donors don't like; if there were a sane alternative to Hillary, they would oppose her.
Who hasn't worked in a modern office where women routinely get favorable treatment? Petraeus, Brezler, Nishimura get punished. Clinton and Broadwell get a wink and a nod.
All because, you know, War on Women. [smh]
All because, you know, War on Women. [smh]
Next Up: Dealing with the Bernie Sanders who have found themselves in the curious position of using opposition "research" by Sen Hannity and FOX news (led by serial sexual predator Roger Ailes)
It is WAY past time for a woman president--and Vice President, Speaker of the House, etc. etc. We would all be better off. Lead the way Hillary!
It is WAY past time for a woman president--and Vice President, Speaker of the House, etc. etc. We would all be better off. Lead the way Hillary!
1
You can't fight terrorism with racism: Hillary knows that; Trump doesn't. That's all you need to know.
1
sorry gail..... she's already back to incrementalism. you know that steady drip drip that trickles down to us but never nourishes? all the while the gears already set in motion keep making the wealthy wealthier. nice dream but she will do nothing before november or after...... but she will still be the best we can do.
2
the thought has occurred to me that trump and Clinton are lucky they're running against each other......
2
"In his big press appearance Tuesday, F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail."
You're good at making word salad, Gail. What does the term "extremely careless" connote to you? Do you think it's an accurate synonym for "gross negligence"?
You're good at making word salad, Gail. What does the term "extremely careless" connote to you? Do you think it's an accurate synonym for "gross negligence"?
Well put, lacking the honor Gail often uses, i like the straight talk. Thank you Gail. I hope Hillary thanks you.
OMG, who's the young twerk grinning like he's on acid behind Comey? Give that kid the hook! Looks like FOX Hound bound for story!
Congress is going to ask Comey to investigate whether Hillary lied to them.
Congress is going to ask Comey to investigate whether Hillary lied to them.
Gail Collins really nailed Comey here....."smearing a target he could not indict" Let us not forget that Mrs. Clinton was Secretary of State for four years....and somehow no issue was raised about her emails or her private server until after she was no longer SOC and, indeed, until after she started running for the Dem POTUS nomination...Thank you NY Times for starting this witchhunt, too.
And, thank you Socrates...I always look forward to your comments!
And, thank you Socrates...I always look forward to your comments!
Gail, you're dead nuts on about one thing: LOSE THE BIG DOG.
It's circular reasoning.
1) Trump's worse than Hillary.
2) Bill's worse than Trump.
3) That puts Hillary....well, let's just say that if we dropped the second provision, we wouldn't have to finish off the math and be right back where we started.
You've had your eight years, dude. Get lost.
It's circular reasoning.
1) Trump's worse than Hillary.
2) Bill's worse than Trump.
3) That puts Hillary....well, let's just say that if we dropped the second provision, we wouldn't have to finish off the math and be right back where we started.
You've had your eight years, dude. Get lost.
Who cares about her E Mails? On her watch Obama committed, by his own admission, his worst mistake by taking down Muammar Gaddafi, and in so doing he loosed the forces of sectarian tribal warfare within Libya. I mean for God's sake she was his Secretary of State. Syria is today a shooting gallery for ISIS recruits, but she and Obama want to depose the secular Assad to add to our Jihadist headaches! ISIS on the Mediterranean. Why?
Victoria Nuland, who got her start with Bill Clinton, is of the Kagan family who are neocon royalty. As such, how did she get into the position as Under Secretary of State to finance the billionaires coup in Ukraine, and restart the Cold War, which is now back in full? I'll tell you how. She is the protege of Hillary Clinton, who is also an unapologetic neocon.
HRC is from among the worst political clique to have formed in the US, since plutocrats suborned USMC General Smedley D Butler to participate in a plot to overthrow FDR. As a neocon HRC is owned by Israel, and she is a member of the Israel Firster coalition, which infests the Beltway as a tool of AIPAC.
Although, Harry Dexter White was an agent for Joe Stalin, during WWII as Under Secretary Of the Treasury, it would be truly remarkable for an American President to harbor such profound and unquestioning affection for a Foreign Nation, as she enters office. Those of you who support Hillary Clinton, what are you thinking?
Victoria Nuland, who got her start with Bill Clinton, is of the Kagan family who are neocon royalty. As such, how did she get into the position as Under Secretary of State to finance the billionaires coup in Ukraine, and restart the Cold War, which is now back in full? I'll tell you how. She is the protege of Hillary Clinton, who is also an unapologetic neocon.
HRC is from among the worst political clique to have formed in the US, since plutocrats suborned USMC General Smedley D Butler to participate in a plot to overthrow FDR. As a neocon HRC is owned by Israel, and she is a member of the Israel Firster coalition, which infests the Beltway as a tool of AIPAC.
Although, Harry Dexter White was an agent for Joe Stalin, during WWII as Under Secretary Of the Treasury, it would be truly remarkable for an American President to harbor such profound and unquestioning affection for a Foreign Nation, as she enters office. Those of you who support Hillary Clinton, what are you thinking?
2
As flawed as Hillary Clinton is as a candidate and person, there is no comparison between her and Donald Trump. Clinton is highly qualified to be president. She is smart, tough, will work to improve upon Obama's successes, and has a proven ability to work with Republicans. Trump is a loud-mouthed bully who would be a danger to America and the world.
This election is about what kind of country we want to be. The choice couldn't be starker. Will we continue to be a model for freedom and democracy, that embraces people of all colors and religions (including no religion)? Or will we turn our back on the ideals that have governed our country for 240 years?
We will see.
This election is about what kind of country we want to be. The choice couldn't be starker. Will we continue to be a model for freedom and democracy, that embraces people of all colors and religions (including no religion)? Or will we turn our back on the ideals that have governed our country for 240 years?
We will see.
1
Much ado about nothing. The State Department has said that classified material includes the call lists for the secretary, and that once she decided which people to call, the call lists were declassified.
And in the meantime, Republicans have a candidate who will not even show his tax returns as all major candidates have done in modern times.
Spectral evidence was permitted by the magistrates in the Salem witch trials, meaning dreams and visions. So the accusers could say the "witch" appeared in the form of a black cat and scratched them or something similar. The "witch's mark" could be any wart, mark or bump on the accused witch's body. The sink or swim test would be someone tied up in a way that prevented breathing with rocks fastened to their ankles. If they sank and died, then they weren't witches. Is that what the Republicans want to try next with Sec. Clinton?
Clinton has already outlined numerous policy proposals that would be good for the country. Improving the infrastructure alone is critical and would create jobs.
And in the meantime, Republicans have a candidate who will not even show his tax returns as all major candidates have done in modern times.
Spectral evidence was permitted by the magistrates in the Salem witch trials, meaning dreams and visions. So the accusers could say the "witch" appeared in the form of a black cat and scratched them or something similar. The "witch's mark" could be any wart, mark or bump on the accused witch's body. The sink or swim test would be someone tied up in a way that prevented breathing with rocks fastened to their ankles. If they sank and died, then they weren't witches. Is that what the Republicans want to try next with Sec. Clinton?
Clinton has already outlined numerous policy proposals that would be good for the country. Improving the infrastructure alone is critical and would create jobs.
1
If either party had a shred of dignity, they'd jettison both candidates and start over. Well start with the premise that Trump is unqualified, due to his temperament. No other argument necessary. Hillary, too, is unqualified, due to her tendency to prevaricate and its consequences. She lied to the grieving families of Benghazi, about the cause of the event. That is a fact, and demonstrates a penchant to choose politics over empathy. She lied, repeatedly, to Americans, about her home-brew e-mail server. That is a fact, despite her escaping indictment. Both of these incidents would preclude any other American from receiving a top-secret clearance from the Federal government and military.
The Presidents integrity should be beyond reproach, no matter their policies. Both of these candidates fail to meet this low-bar metric. They are both a disgrace to the American political system.
The Presidents integrity should be beyond reproach, no matter their policies. Both of these candidates fail to meet this low-bar metric. They are both a disgrace to the American political system.
2
Has it ever occurred to you that officials in the government simply cannot always tell the whole truth? It would be foolhardy of a president to give a completely honest and open answer about every question they are asked. It is likely that the CIA presence in Benghazi had to be kept secret. It is possible that the private email server actually was the best choice--since previous Secretaries of State also used private servers. Do you sincerely think that George W. Bush always told the whole truth when he was planning the invasion of Iraq? Do you even think he *should* have told the whole absolute unvarnished truth? Maybe FDR should have come clean about the Normandy thing he had planned? Use some grown-up sense!
2
One of the most important things she could do is to stimulate investment by putting forth an ambitious and detailed plan for infrastructure spending. This would require deficit financing and be fiercely opposed by Ryan and other Republicans, but should gain the support of the private unions, the construction industry, and other business people.
We need more investment to increase aggregate demand, hiring, and wage growth.
We need more investment to increase aggregate demand, hiring, and wage growth.
1
It seems the main theme is not that "Hillary is above the law" and not that "the Clintons get a free pass" even though I hear that a lot. That seems to be defeatist and weak and capitulation.
The truth is in this: if a Navy sailor, agency intelligence officer, or civil service government employee created a system of private servers and downloaded and housed classified information off the secure government network and kept them on private computers over a 3 year span, such a person would be slammed with severe criminal penalties, job termination, sentencing to fines and years of punishment in prison.
Rather there are now two tiers of Justice. This is alarming in the United States of America which is a nation of law and democracy and equal protection. This is not alarming for the top tier and the billionaire class who run the new Soviet States of America.
The truth is in this: if a Navy sailor, agency intelligence officer, or civil service government employee created a system of private servers and downloaded and housed classified information off the secure government network and kept them on private computers over a 3 year span, such a person would be slammed with severe criminal penalties, job termination, sentencing to fines and years of punishment in prison.
Rather there are now two tiers of Justice. This is alarming in the United States of America which is a nation of law and democracy and equal protection. This is not alarming for the top tier and the billionaire class who run the new Soviet States of America.
3
The tenor of this entire controversy about what amounts to adherence to e-mail administration standards circa 2008 baffles me. So let's be clear about something - if there had been clear, well-defined and well-enforced Federal standards in place when Hillary took office, we would not be having this conversation right now. The Obama administration then continued and built on with the very ill-advised pattern of excessive classification of documents.
If Hillary really wants to turn this into a positive, she should start advocating for an effective overhaul of Federal secrecy standards. There should obviously be serious maintenance of secrecy when needed (and the possibility of embarrassment does not meet that need), but aside from that things should be considerably opened up.
If she would go on the offensive with something positive like this, the whole exercise might turn out to have had some value after all. In any case, all the pontificating about what amounted to deficient IT standards is just seriously out-of-place. We have bigger fish to fry.
If Hillary really wants to turn this into a positive, she should start advocating for an effective overhaul of Federal secrecy standards. There should obviously be serious maintenance of secrecy when needed (and the possibility of embarrassment does not meet that need), but aside from that things should be considerably opened up.
If she would go on the offensive with something positive like this, the whole exercise might turn out to have had some value after all. In any case, all the pontificating about what amounted to deficient IT standards is just seriously out-of-place. We have bigger fish to fry.
1
Nobody is a Saint when it comes to politicians. Many do illegal things some intentionally, some by mistake and other to protect their personal interests. The whole thing with Hillary Clinton has becoming one of the most absurd obsessions of the GOP. They have spend tremendous amount of time, money and many other resources to bring her down. It is absolutely nauséabond that they are so fixated with her that they forget all the other priorities that need to be taken care of. Yes some people die in Benghazi, but how many people have died since due to their ineptitude to take care of business. Yes she use the mail wrongly, but what about all the misinformation that Bush sold us to get into war, it is not that more expensive and costly economically and in human lives, What about Afghanistan. Etc Enough is enough the GOP it is on MET
1
Re Collins' suggestions that Clinton offer press conferences and bold positions to distinguish herself through the remainder of the presidential race: laughable.
Honesty and strong positions are no longer in Clinton's repertoire. The candidate who embodies these qualities is Bernie Sanders.
Honesty and strong positions are no longer in Clinton's repertoire. The candidate who embodies these qualities is Bernie Sanders.
4
Hillary Clinton's only attribute in this election year is being a shade better than the worst candidate in American politics. She's a default choice; not a historic achievement. P.S. I will vote for Hillary Clinton but I don't have to like it.
12
Poor baby...
1
Comey smeared Hillary?
What a joke Gail!!! She smeared herself via her reckless and secretive behavior!!!
What a joke Gail!!! She smeared herself via her reckless and secretive behavior!!!
15
She can win without doing anything. Why risk doing anything, since that could jeopardize winning without doing anything. When Hillary IS our President, THEN she can do all the right things. Simple exercise in logic....Hillary is above all logical.
3
Gail
You shot your own argument down in the last sentence. HRC is not a "risk taker." She does do things that are totally bonehead because she has no idea how other people perceive her, or she thinks that she can 'splain whatever away. That shows she has all the common sense of a 2x4.
Fortunately for HRC, Littel Donnie is even more flawed, and hopefully, enough of the American people still have the wits to figure that out. But you never know until they count the ballots.
What a disgusting election. The best the two parties can do are deeply flawed candidates. Pathetic. Dangerous. Americans should be demanding better.
Given the issue of filling Supreme Court vacancies, one should not stay home. I will HOLD MY NOSE and vote AGAINST Trump. That means a straight (D) ballot for me, and not because I am enamored of that choice. The other choice is unacceptably bad.
You shot your own argument down in the last sentence. HRC is not a "risk taker." She does do things that are totally bonehead because she has no idea how other people perceive her, or she thinks that she can 'splain whatever away. That shows she has all the common sense of a 2x4.
Fortunately for HRC, Littel Donnie is even more flawed, and hopefully, enough of the American people still have the wits to figure that out. But you never know until they count the ballots.
What a disgusting election. The best the two parties can do are deeply flawed candidates. Pathetic. Dangerous. Americans should be demanding better.
Given the issue of filling Supreme Court vacancies, one should not stay home. I will HOLD MY NOSE and vote AGAINST Trump. That means a straight (D) ballot for me, and not because I am enamored of that choice. The other choice is unacceptably bad.
12
"A few suggestions:" 1: Tell the truth. Of course she can't do that because, like Bill, telling the truth would destroy her. 2: "...demonstrate... she's better than her own current background noise." However, she's not better, that's who she is. 3: Stop making half loaf "...progressive..." proposals that are in reality conservative ideas! 4: Stop accepting the "...big-money... Gail refers to. That of course she can't do either.
"...no reasonable prosecutor would indict her." You or I probably, but not her!
"...no reasonable prosecutor would indict her." You or I probably, but not her!
10
1. Has she lied?
Nope.
2. I won't even pretend to know what your second point means.
3. Examples please so we can demonstrate how you are wrong yet again.
4. What big money?
Nope.
2. I won't even pretend to know what your second point means.
3. Examples please so we can demonstrate how you are wrong yet again.
4. What big money?
1
I'm with her. Always have been with her. Grandmother was a suffragette. Mom was highly skilled but got paid less for doing more than her male coworkers. Wife made career choices women had to make back the days when America was great, just not so great for women. Daughter is just starting out and I want her to see a women POTUS. No more waiting. I'm with her.
I support Hillary. Totally understand what she is up against. She's is paying the price for being in the public eye for three+ decades. We are few months away from truly being a changed for the better county. I'm with her.
I support Hillary. Totally understand what she is up against. She's is paying the price for being in the public eye for three+ decades. We are few months away from truly being a changed for the better county. I'm with her.
7
She's paying the price for believing SHE is above the law because "electing her will make history"!
2
Well, what about all of the women that made it possible? The ones baking cookies that the kids depend on?
Please, someone in Hillary's camp show Gail's column to her ASAP! It's time for Mrs. Clinton to go bold, be forthcoming, & send Bill back home to babysit the grandkids! Please!!!!
7
Because the kids deserve Bill!
"In his big press appearance Tuesday, F.B.I. Director James Comey took the now-familiar prosecutorial path of smearing the target he couldn’t nail."
So, Comey SMEARED Clinton? Those facts about Clinton's lies were a SMEAR?
How low Clinton's defenders can descend?
So, Comey SMEARED Clinton? Those facts about Clinton's lies were a SMEAR?
How low Clinton's defenders can descend?
7
The facts were there was no reason to indict. The rest were Comey's personal opinions which had no place in an official FBI statement and were made just to provide more political fodder for another anti-Hillary farce.
2
She is running against the epitome of evil, so the smart political play is to run as the lesser evil.
Trump has no policies to propose, so she does not need to compete by laying out politically controversial proposals. She has already done that with gun control. And, it probably alienated more people who might have voted for her as the lesser evil than it attracted people who wouldn't otherwise have voted for her.
For the next couple of weeks, expect she will make modest feints - like she just did with free college (for some colleges and some kids) - to the left to nail down Bernie and his supporters. After that expect her to make general statements of principle and non-controversial policy proposals so she appears to stand for something.
But don't expect her to intentionally run into the arms of her opponent. Even macho football players run away from their opponents and don't dance around until after they've crossed the goal line.
Trump has no policies to propose, so she does not need to compete by laying out politically controversial proposals. She has already done that with gun control. And, it probably alienated more people who might have voted for her as the lesser evil than it attracted people who wouldn't otherwise have voted for her.
For the next couple of weeks, expect she will make modest feints - like she just did with free college (for some colleges and some kids) - to the left to nail down Bernie and his supporters. After that expect her to make general statements of principle and non-controversial policy proposals so she appears to stand for something.
But don't expect her to intentionally run into the arms of her opponent. Even macho football players run away from their opponents and don't dance around until after they've crossed the goal line.
4
When the Republicans indulge themselves in publicly beating up Comey and Lynch, they'll do once again what they've become famous for. They'll make themselves look so nasty and mean-spirited that most Americans will side with their targets. This is exactly what happened with Bill Clinton during the impeachment fiasco and with Hillary Clinton at the Benghazi hearings (although her own impeccable handing of the situation contributed greatly to their humiliation).
One respect in which Trump perfectly exemplifies the party that will select him as its nominee in a couple of weeks: they all have a talent for seizing upon every opportunity to shoot themselves in the foot. Trump's reaction to Comey's scathing public statement about Clinton has been to create serial distractions, for example by praising Saddam Hussein and by defending and doubling down on his ridiculous excuses for re-tweeting an obviously anti-Semitic ad created by white supremacists.
I expect the Congressional Grand Inquisitors to be especially Trump-like (bigoted and lacking in self-control) with Lynch. She's a type of person they especially detest--a dignified, accomplished black woman. The more frustrated they grow at her refusal to knuckle under to them, the more they'll come off as the racist, sexist, disrespectful, hateful goons they are.
One respect in which Trump perfectly exemplifies the party that will select him as its nominee in a couple of weeks: they all have a talent for seizing upon every opportunity to shoot themselves in the foot. Trump's reaction to Comey's scathing public statement about Clinton has been to create serial distractions, for example by praising Saddam Hussein and by defending and doubling down on his ridiculous excuses for re-tweeting an obviously anti-Semitic ad created by white supremacists.
I expect the Congressional Grand Inquisitors to be especially Trump-like (bigoted and lacking in self-control) with Lynch. She's a type of person they especially detest--a dignified, accomplished black woman. The more frustrated they grow at her refusal to knuckle under to them, the more they'll come off as the racist, sexist, disrespectful, hateful goons they are.
7
Posturing and dramatization. This is what politicians -- of both parties -- are particularly good at.
The latest... Paul Ryan declaring that Clinton should be denied classified briefings during the election process. Thanks, Paul! We really needed you to take up this critical issue. By the way, do you think Trump has exhibited the degree of restraint and composure necessary to be trusted with confidential information? Crickets, of course.
Just silliness.
Please solve real problems.
I picked on Paul Ryan, but let's not pretend that the Democrats are not doing the same stuff. It's the game, and both sides play it, and neither will unilaterally cease. We've got ourselves a mess.
The press, of course, feeds this mess. But, they are just doing their job. After all, what would the ratings look like for a station/show/commentator/editorial writer that just ignores the noise? The noise is where the juicy entertainment value is.
To solve the real problems of this world, we need folks who are willing to do the hard work, out of the lime light, and without seeking rewards. They exist and are among our citizenry.
Meanwhile, let the sideshow of presidential election year play out for its entertainment value.
The latest... Paul Ryan declaring that Clinton should be denied classified briefings during the election process. Thanks, Paul! We really needed you to take up this critical issue. By the way, do you think Trump has exhibited the degree of restraint and composure necessary to be trusted with confidential information? Crickets, of course.
Just silliness.
Please solve real problems.
I picked on Paul Ryan, but let's not pretend that the Democrats are not doing the same stuff. It's the game, and both sides play it, and neither will unilaterally cease. We've got ourselves a mess.
The press, of course, feeds this mess. But, they are just doing their job. After all, what would the ratings look like for a station/show/commentator/editorial writer that just ignores the noise? The noise is where the juicy entertainment value is.
To solve the real problems of this world, we need folks who are willing to do the hard work, out of the lime light, and without seeking rewards. They exist and are among our citizenry.
Meanwhile, let the sideshow of presidential election year play out for its entertainment value.
Apply the same standard to Hillary Clinton which would apply to any other candidate of any other party in this situation. Where are the calls from principled members of her own party for her to step aside? The head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has catalogued how her public answers in the email matter were dishonest. He went on to list the variety of ways in which she was careless with sensitive information. Any other candidate would have the common decency to resign. Not Hillary Clinton.
It is the same dreary narrative. Democratic voters never got a choice. Because of her vast resources she was ceded the nomination. Even then she nearly lost it to a self-identified socialist. Enough is enough.
She must withdraw.
It is the same dreary narrative. Democratic voters never got a choice. Because of her vast resources she was ceded the nomination. Even then she nearly lost it to a self-identified socialist. Enough is enough.
She must withdraw.
6
If I was from NC, I don't think I'd harp on "common decency" right at this moment. Get your own house in order.
1
Good idea. Hold a news confernce every week. Talk directly. If there is an unfair, biased question, call it out. Explain the email thinking. Tell us why and what has been learned. The whole U.S. Government email security and other protocols need to be reviewed and overhauled.
Talk directly to the white working class, some of whom are Trump supporters. Acknowledge the imense contribution, they, thir grandfathers, mothers and fathers made to build this country. Talk about how they and their children can adapt to the economy as it exists today -- not foolishly try to make it what it was again. The country needs a tremendous new infrastructure investment. People need support, education, good jobs, and faith in the future. Hillary should be talking directly to people the way she does one on one.
Talk directly to the white working class, some of whom are Trump supporters. Acknowledge the imense contribution, they, thir grandfathers, mothers and fathers made to build this country. Talk about how they and their children can adapt to the economy as it exists today -- not foolishly try to make it what it was again. The country needs a tremendous new infrastructure investment. People need support, education, good jobs, and faith in the future. Hillary should be talking directly to people the way she does one on one.
The FBI Director's comments about Secretary Clinton were unnecessary and attempt to punish someone who was not convicted and not even charged of a crime. It would have been enough to simply say what he started with, that there was no evidence to suggest she committed a crime and that no reasonable prosecutor would indict her.
Secretary Clinton's use of private e-mails and a private server could not have been secret. She was Secretary of State for four long years. Anyone receiving her e-mails, not only the ones who were computer nerds, could have figured out that she was using a private account, not a government account. No one, friend or foe, in the State Department, CIA, NSA, Justice Department or White House called her out on its use. They must have thought it was OK or at least not worth bothering about. As as result of her use of private e-mails, no one died, no undercover agent was exposed, no harm was done to anyone.
The only damage that seems to have occurred over four long years of private e-mail use was to her political ambition. The only gain is to her political opponents. Enough already. Bernie Sanders had it right when he said it. Enough of these damn e-mails.
Secretary Clinton's use of private e-mails and a private server could not have been secret. She was Secretary of State for four long years. Anyone receiving her e-mails, not only the ones who were computer nerds, could have figured out that she was using a private account, not a government account. No one, friend or foe, in the State Department, CIA, NSA, Justice Department or White House called her out on its use. They must have thought it was OK or at least not worth bothering about. As as result of her use of private e-mails, no one died, no undercover agent was exposed, no harm was done to anyone.
The only damage that seems to have occurred over four long years of private e-mail use was to her political ambition. The only gain is to her political opponents. Enough already. Bernie Sanders had it right when he said it. Enough of these damn e-mails.
8
Gail Collins has put her finger on a very serious character flaw of Hillary: her paranoia over political enemies. There is a previous public figure who demonstrated the same degree of paranoia: Richard Nixon, and we all know what that led to.
Somehow, she needs to deal with this in a way that reassures voters that she won't be secretly taping visitors to the Oval Office or conducting secret bombing campaigns. In her defense, she's been under attack for decades, and has a legitimate gripe about her political opponents who have never let up in their ceaseless assaults. Unfortunately, this has heightened Hillary's suspicions (and those of her immediate staff) in the same way that Nixon became unhinged over revelations of his seemingly inexplicable desire for secrecy.
An outside voice in her inner circle is mandatory, at this stage: someone who is politcally savvy and has no problem dealing forthrightly with Hillary's paranoia. James Carville, for example. Or Leon Panetta or Wesley Clark or Howard Dean. She can't let her fear and loathing of her political foes consume her.
Somehow, she needs to deal with this in a way that reassures voters that she won't be secretly taping visitors to the Oval Office or conducting secret bombing campaigns. In her defense, she's been under attack for decades, and has a legitimate gripe about her political opponents who have never let up in their ceaseless assaults. Unfortunately, this has heightened Hillary's suspicions (and those of her immediate staff) in the same way that Nixon became unhinged over revelations of his seemingly inexplicable desire for secrecy.
An outside voice in her inner circle is mandatory, at this stage: someone who is politcally savvy and has no problem dealing forthrightly with Hillary's paranoia. James Carville, for example. Or Leon Panetta or Wesley Clark or Howard Dean. She can't let her fear and loathing of her political foes consume her.
4
T'ain't paranoia if its real and it is real.
The Kochs hate Clinton so they makentheir rightist property endlessly badger her.
But unlike the soft doughy Kochs HRC is as hard as rock.
It'll take more than rightistbhacks Gowdy, Issa or Comey to take her down.
The pampered born to privlege GOP simply ain't tough enough.
The Kochs hate Clinton so they makentheir rightist property endlessly badger her.
But unlike the soft doughy Kochs HRC is as hard as rock.
It'll take more than rightistbhacks Gowdy, Issa or Comey to take her down.
The pampered born to privlege GOP simply ain't tough enough.
I'm not sure Paul Ryan knows what he is asking for. Comey's statement was as harsh as he could spin it while staying within the bounds od professionalism. What Comey didn't say (as it would have let Clinton off the hook somewhat) is that, as Secretary of State, Clinton had the ultimate authority in deciding what was an appropriate classification for information and what was an appropriate container for that information-- she was the most senior "officer" mentioned in the security statutes he referenced. He was correct in stating her team made some poor choices that made some information more vulnerable. But given her ultimate authority, she had the legal right to do almost anything, as long as she did not intend to compromise security.
1
With no indictment, it's over. Let's grow up, the voting majority in the United States is not ignorant nor intolerant and why Trump will never be President. This election and it's revelations of the Republican Parties successful over 50 year recruitment of the nations intolerant and politically ignorant, starting with their '60's "Southern Strategy" will have reached it's high watermark. Now the Republican realization their out of control intolerant and ignorant recruits have become the Republican rank and file majority has snapped and scared the Republican establishment back to the reality without educated, informed and mature leadership and control the Republican Party is finished. In fact it may be too late now. As you are beginning to see Republican reluctance will help prevent a Trump Presidency.
1
It's unfortunate to say the least, that so many Americans consider Hillary Clinton to be the "lesser of two evils" in the 2016 Presidential election. Secretary Clinton is one of the most qualified, if not the most qualified, individuals to seek our nation's highest office. Not only does Hillary Clinton possess the intelligence and policy smarts to be Commander-in-Chief, she has the determination, strength of character, and requisite toughness that the office requires. Hillary Clinton, like candidates throughout U.S. History, has flaws; the difference is the level of awareness that results from such intense and unparalleled scrutiny of a candidate.
Come November, Hillary Clinton will become the first woman elected President in the history of the United States. This truly historic occasion should not be diminished because the Republican candidate is the most uniquely unqualified person to seek our nation's highest office.
Come November, Hillary Clinton will become the first woman elected President in the history of the United States. This truly historic occasion should not be diminished because the Republican candidate is the most uniquely unqualified person to seek our nation's highest office.
5
Hey People!!!
It is not going to be Trump. Bet your money on one of the following:
1. He is clearly heading downhill and will soon be hospitalized following a psychotic break.
2. He will decide that he has had enough publicity and will withdraw to bankrupt more casinos and golf courses.
3. He will tire of dealing with the hoi polloi who criticize him and do not understand that he is really, really great and hugely successful.
There is simply no way on planet earth that this man will permit himself to be drubbed in an election in which the votes are actually counted. It would be more than he could stand and he will avoid it at all costs.
So, it will be Paul Ryan vs Hillary in the end.
So remember that the opposition is not the Trumpster, the opposition is the GOP.
a. They threaten the well being of human society and contemporary ecosystems by denying climate change and thwarting efforts to limit it.
b. They promote racism and xenophobia
c. They hollowed out the middle class by supporting free trade without strengthening the social safety net.
d. They facilitate 15000 suicides a year by gun and 17000 deaths by drunken driving simply by opposing simple changes that would deter these behaviors.
e. etc
So do not run against the cartoon character with the orange hair. He is leaving soon. Run against Ryan, Cotton, Inhofe, Ernst et al. These are not our reasonable Republican neighbors of yesteryear with whom we disagree on the path to a better America. They are...
It is not going to be Trump. Bet your money on one of the following:
1. He is clearly heading downhill and will soon be hospitalized following a psychotic break.
2. He will decide that he has had enough publicity and will withdraw to bankrupt more casinos and golf courses.
3. He will tire of dealing with the hoi polloi who criticize him and do not understand that he is really, really great and hugely successful.
There is simply no way on planet earth that this man will permit himself to be drubbed in an election in which the votes are actually counted. It would be more than he could stand and he will avoid it at all costs.
So, it will be Paul Ryan vs Hillary in the end.
So remember that the opposition is not the Trumpster, the opposition is the GOP.
a. They threaten the well being of human society and contemporary ecosystems by denying climate change and thwarting efforts to limit it.
b. They promote racism and xenophobia
c. They hollowed out the middle class by supporting free trade without strengthening the social safety net.
d. They facilitate 15000 suicides a year by gun and 17000 deaths by drunken driving simply by opposing simple changes that would deter these behaviors.
e. etc
So do not run against the cartoon character with the orange hair. He is leaving soon. Run against Ryan, Cotton, Inhofe, Ernst et al. These are not our reasonable Republican neighbors of yesteryear with whom we disagree on the path to a better America. They are...
7
"So, it will be Paul Ryan vs Hillary in the end." Yes, James Wilson.
That has been my theory for some time now. Ryan and Trump have an agreement I believe that, if Ryan will support him, Trump will hand the baton to Ryan at the conviction, er convention.
That has been my theory for some time now. Ryan and Trump have an agreement I believe that, if Ryan will support him, Trump will hand the baton to Ryan at the conviction, er convention.
This was the story all throughout the primary too. You keep waiting for Clinton to actually stand for something. Instead, you get the occasional watered down policy initiative targeted at a very specific constituency. Very much like throwing the dog a bone.
Which the latest student policy is right in line: good but never great. The threshold for tuition is $125,000 in household income. NPR just did a report yesterday highlighting how, depending on where you live, $120,000 is no longer middle class. Any limit needed to be considerably higher to have a broad impact.
Also, most students today won't have college age kids for 2 decades. In a two-income, college educated household with grown children: the chances are incredibly unlikely that these adults will still qualify for the benefit. The threshold isn't even indexed to inflation. Doesn't help them now; won't help them later. The policy isn't designed for today's college students. It's just sold that way.
The incident highlights Clinton's positive failings: cautious, calculated, compromising, and always political. I needn't mention the negative ones. You put the two together and this should be a non-starter. She already took a bumpy ride from an independent with zero name recognition. If Trump were anyone but Trump, you'd be seeing red drapes in the White House.
Hence, we get the "No Trump" plank. If Clinton is going to run on anything else, she better figure it out soon. Otherwise, witness uninspired victory at best.
Which the latest student policy is right in line: good but never great. The threshold for tuition is $125,000 in household income. NPR just did a report yesterday highlighting how, depending on where you live, $120,000 is no longer middle class. Any limit needed to be considerably higher to have a broad impact.
Also, most students today won't have college age kids for 2 decades. In a two-income, college educated household with grown children: the chances are incredibly unlikely that these adults will still qualify for the benefit. The threshold isn't even indexed to inflation. Doesn't help them now; won't help them later. The policy isn't designed for today's college students. It's just sold that way.
The incident highlights Clinton's positive failings: cautious, calculated, compromising, and always political. I needn't mention the negative ones. You put the two together and this should be a non-starter. She already took a bumpy ride from an independent with zero name recognition. If Trump were anyone but Trump, you'd be seeing red drapes in the White House.
Hence, we get the "No Trump" plank. If Clinton is going to run on anything else, she better figure it out soon. Otherwise, witness uninspired victory at best.
What I found most humorous about the interview Representative Robert W. Goodlatte of Virginia, chair of the committee investigating the decision of an investigation of an investigation of an investigation in the Today show this morning, is that he - like many of the Republicans - derides supposed special treatment for Clinton while codifying special treatment for members of Congress into law that they don't have to follow the laws that they make for the rest of us. So what we have are those who receive special treatment everyday of their lives due to position and their own law making accusing others of getting special treatment.
2
She's not "evil." Her platform on major issues is admirable. We're blind, too hooked on sensationalism to notice the good she's done all her adult life, how smart she is, how prepared.
Once she's president, her many advisors will guide her decisions and actions carefully. And Sander's progressives are helping to craft a platform, which she generally approves, that could make this election an awesome victory over the most corrupt, hateful and obstructionist GOP-controlled congress we've seen since the early 1950's.
I've appreciated Sanders and once considered supporting him because of what he represents, but not because I disrespected Hillary Clinton. At that point I thought "We're lucky. Both these candidates are strong choices." I would never have considered Hillary's flaws to outweigh her many good qualities. But many people I know, well educated, concerned about major issues, say they will write in someone else or stay home. We have a chance to right the wrongs and we have an incredible potential leader to make that happen.
I'm proud to be a Clinton supporter, confident that she is anything but the lesser of two evils. She's the best we can get and we're lucky she's the nominee. Now is our chance.
Once she's president, her many advisors will guide her decisions and actions carefully. And Sander's progressives are helping to craft a platform, which she generally approves, that could make this election an awesome victory over the most corrupt, hateful and obstructionist GOP-controlled congress we've seen since the early 1950's.
I've appreciated Sanders and once considered supporting him because of what he represents, but not because I disrespected Hillary Clinton. At that point I thought "We're lucky. Both these candidates are strong choices." I would never have considered Hillary's flaws to outweigh her many good qualities. But many people I know, well educated, concerned about major issues, say they will write in someone else or stay home. We have a chance to right the wrongs and we have an incredible potential leader to make that happen.
I'm proud to be a Clinton supporter, confident that she is anything but the lesser of two evils. She's the best we can get and we're lucky she's the nominee. Now is our chance.
13
Hillary Clinton according to Donald Trump may be "the most corrupt" politician ever to run for president. She is certainly the most investigated politician, if not most investigated person alive, period.
When Hillary said in a previous century that her husband was the target of a "vast right-wing conspiracy," she should have realized that she was also in their cross hairs. After Whitewater (sounds like Watergate), Vince Foster, Travelgate, Lost-and-found-documentgate, the accusation and investigation cycle seemed to have become self-sustaining. Any action Mrs. Clinton took in her professional or private life has been vetted of -gatehood by Fox News, (sic), Rush Limbaugh, and shamefully by any Congressional committee controlled by Republicans.
Is it really surprising that she wanted as Secretary of State to control her own correspondence? A less than prime choice, but devoid of criminal intent. This tempest too shall pass, and Hillary will just have another coat of Teflon applied. If it were in her power, she would stop giving the conspiracy boys openings for investigations. But she is an "actor" with an ambitious agenda for government which means more targets for the right wing to attack.
When Hillary said in a previous century that her husband was the target of a "vast right-wing conspiracy," she should have realized that she was also in their cross hairs. After Whitewater (sounds like Watergate), Vince Foster, Travelgate, Lost-and-found-documentgate, the accusation and investigation cycle seemed to have become self-sustaining. Any action Mrs. Clinton took in her professional or private life has been vetted of -gatehood by Fox News, (sic), Rush Limbaugh, and shamefully by any Congressional committee controlled by Republicans.
Is it really surprising that she wanted as Secretary of State to control her own correspondence? A less than prime choice, but devoid of criminal intent. This tempest too shall pass, and Hillary will just have another coat of Teflon applied. If it were in her power, she would stop giving the conspiracy boys openings for investigations. But she is an "actor" with an ambitious agenda for government which means more targets for the right wing to attack.
2
I'm so tired of hearing people ask for Hillary to apologize.
When she used a non-government email address, it was routine and normal, and everyone could see it. When she opted to have a private email server, it was *more* secure than the government server.
When Bill Clinton met with Loretta Lynch, it was *Bill* not Hillary, and it was nothing more than a social visit. The irony of that encounter is that the Republicans got what they wanted: the attorney general would defer to the FBI on whether to pursue a criminal case. And then Comey had to carry the water for Lynch, there never having been an offense in the first place.
Presidents should hold regular press conferences. Candidates have no need to do so, and why should they?
Hillary put up with about 12 hours of grilling from the House Benghazi witch-hunting committee, which ought to satisfy a lifetime of press conference obligations.
Hillary has been accused of causing the mess in Libya when it was the French government that started the war. But never mind the facts, people will continue to blame Hillary. Small wonder that she might feel a bit persecuted.
What gives her positive attraction as a candidate? How about a working lifetime of advocating for children and women? How about her efforts to expand healthcare when she was First Lady? How about steadiness under pressure? How about experience and leadership skill?
Hillary has no need to apologize for anything.
When she used a non-government email address, it was routine and normal, and everyone could see it. When she opted to have a private email server, it was *more* secure than the government server.
When Bill Clinton met with Loretta Lynch, it was *Bill* not Hillary, and it was nothing more than a social visit. The irony of that encounter is that the Republicans got what they wanted: the attorney general would defer to the FBI on whether to pursue a criminal case. And then Comey had to carry the water for Lynch, there never having been an offense in the first place.
Presidents should hold regular press conferences. Candidates have no need to do so, and why should they?
Hillary put up with about 12 hours of grilling from the House Benghazi witch-hunting committee, which ought to satisfy a lifetime of press conference obligations.
Hillary has been accused of causing the mess in Libya when it was the French government that started the war. But never mind the facts, people will continue to blame Hillary. Small wonder that she might feel a bit persecuted.
What gives her positive attraction as a candidate? How about a working lifetime of advocating for children and women? How about her efforts to expand healthcare when she was First Lady? How about steadiness under pressure? How about experience and leadership skill?
Hillary has no need to apologize for anything.
392
Candidates for president who hold press conferences at which they are questioned by members of a press corps substantially more informed than the public -- without earning multiple Pinocchios or Pants-on-Fire -- build trust and confidence and earn a mandate if elected.
Isn't that the proper reason to seek election to office?
Isn't that the proper reason to seek election to office?
1
I agree. I am so tired of the mostly male Republicans and many journalists placing the "scarlet letter" on her and using words intended to shame her, words that are reserved for women who have "misbehaved." Can't wait to vote for her in November and help save this country from a man who is no alternative.
2
Congress is so preoccupied with ruining Hillary Clinton's campaign that they are not taking care of the real security risks in electronic government communications. From what I heard from an electronic communications expert who monitors electronic systems for a huge bank, the governments servers/ systems are antiquated and vulnerable. Does congress remember or hold hearings about the wholesale transfer of the identities of EVERY U.S. employee to the Chinese who hacked our server? No that's a security breech. Clinton's server had 3 emails referring to top secret information, which was probably an oversite, among thousands. If congress is so worried about security it might want to appropriate big money to secure the communications system of the United States of America instead of going into conniption fits over 3 emails referring to classified information, and 100 emails determined to be sensitive AFTER the fact. What a bunch of hooey.
1
If there's still a doubt about the real "Clintonian Destruction" purpose of this e-mail controversy, all we have to do is listen to Paul Ryan's request to the Intelligence community: "Stop providing candidate Clinton between now and November with intelligence briefings that are normally given to the official candidates." It's also anti-American.
In other words, Mr. Ryan wants to keep one candidate blind of the serious problems we confront in the world until she suddenly has to start fixing them.
Of course, Donald Trump will continue to receive those briefings to feed his foolish tweets and statements that even Mr. Ryan finds offensive.
The Speaker of the House, the third man to become president if something should happen to the President and Vice President, is giving us evidence that Donald Trump is not the only person who isn't ready to occupy the White House.
In other words, Mr. Ryan wants to keep one candidate blind of the serious problems we confront in the world until she suddenly has to start fixing them.
Of course, Donald Trump will continue to receive those briefings to feed his foolish tweets and statements that even Mr. Ryan finds offensive.
The Speaker of the House, the third man to become president if something should happen to the President and Vice President, is giving us evidence that Donald Trump is not the only person who isn't ready to occupy the White House.
3
Gail Collins wants Hillary to hold a news conference and take questions.
Hillary may do it out of necessity to get elected.
But it will be the last news conference she will ever agree to.
Given her penchant for obscurity, hatred of the press and choice not take questions from the press these last 7 months, if she's elected president, no one can force her to take questions from reporters and I predict President Hillary won't do it.
This will be on top of the Republicans doing everything possible to obstruct her -even more than they've hatefully obstructed Obama. And the endless stream of "investigations" that Congress will hold throughout her presidency with an eye toward impeaching her.
She will not be able to get any Supreme Court nominee confirmed.
Paul Ryan, who will be the ringleader in obstructing her, will run against her in 2020 and win, claiming "Hillary Clinton can't get anything done."
Hillary's presidency will be conducted from a bunker.
Hillary may do it out of necessity to get elected.
But it will be the last news conference she will ever agree to.
Given her penchant for obscurity, hatred of the press and choice not take questions from the press these last 7 months, if she's elected president, no one can force her to take questions from reporters and I predict President Hillary won't do it.
This will be on top of the Republicans doing everything possible to obstruct her -even more than they've hatefully obstructed Obama. And the endless stream of "investigations" that Congress will hold throughout her presidency with an eye toward impeaching her.
She will not be able to get any Supreme Court nominee confirmed.
Paul Ryan, who will be the ringleader in obstructing her, will run against her in 2020 and win, claiming "Hillary Clinton can't get anything done."
Hillary's presidency will be conducted from a bunker.
1
Decades ago I applied for Irish citizenship, which is available to anyone who can show descent from a grandparent born in Ireland. Once conferred - it's entirely legal for U.S. citizens to claim dual nationality - it also entitles one to live and work in any European Union country without impediment. I treasure this for many reasons, but never has it been more important to me than this year. Trump is, of course, abhorrent -- but Clinton, with her endless duplicity, equivocation and demonstrated hawkish instincts, is bad as well. Certainly, there are demonstrable differences between them, but no matter which prevails in November I see a bleak future for our country. It may, finally, be time to go.
2
I think you should. Perhaps that will solve your problems...
That's where Tomi Ungerer says one can live like a human without fear another will make you feel small about your half pint. I just want to dig a hobbit hole and shell out. These blue meanies are making me so sad. Sometimes it feels like were going backward in rhyme. It's just another day.
I was doing a thought experiment last night trying to game out how the Civil War would have been covered between 1862 and 1864 on today's cable news and talk radio. Crazy First Lady and her shopping sprees on credit; a President who cannot make up his mind on what generals should run the army; a slave emancipation declaration that deprives citizens of property without due process and then only in areas not controlled by the government; a President who gives few speeches, and when he does, says little specific; a War Department riven by corruption; Presidential son who does not serve in the Army; and on and on of seeing trees and not forests, expecting perfection without any learning curve, and absolutely no sense of history past, opportunities present, and hope in the future. More perspective and less news would be better. I felt better informed when the country had three TV networks and almost every community had a local newspaper worth reading.
2
The excruciating questioning of Director Comey is on in the background; the GOP attempts to trap a master investigator into endorsing their viewpoints is getting irritating. Or lecturing him on his work. I would so enjoy schadenfreude writ large if they were subject to such scrutiny. If only - on TV/Cable etc - Trump was put under the gun to account for his background.
it is true - no presidential candidate - no candidate or politician - has ever been subjected to this level of scrutiny.
it is true - no presidential candidate - no candidate or politician - has ever been subjected to this level of scrutiny.
3
"■ Send Bill home. This is an easy call. At best, he’s a reminder that she didn’t get where she’s at entirely on her own. At worst — well, plane. Attorney general."
Ms. Collins, this is singularly solid advice.
Bill is always a reminder of a particularly tawdry episode.
For practical political reasons, given the puritanical and hypocritical attitudes so many voters use when evaluating politicians, I have always thought that Bill Clinton should have resigned--all the better to clear the path for Al Gore--when the Monica Lewinsky affair came to light.
Instead Bill Clinton hung in there until the bitter end, pretty much as a lame--no, dead--duck and, as a consequence, we all had to suffer through the disastrous Bush-the-younger years. Of course Bill's actions and refusal to resign were not the sole cause of this outcome. Nader voters and the GOP appointed members of the Supreme Court also had some small part to play.
I fear allusions to sexual improprieties will play far too central a role during the present political season. Some "religious" voters who are concerned with "moral" issues place far too much emphasis on issues of sexual conduct, and far too little on issues related to social justice and truth. They tend to invert Gospel priorities. But they do vote and campaigns do pander to prurient interests.
Are we all preparing ourselves for the inevitable October surprise?
Ms. Collins, this is singularly solid advice.
Bill is always a reminder of a particularly tawdry episode.
For practical political reasons, given the puritanical and hypocritical attitudes so many voters use when evaluating politicians, I have always thought that Bill Clinton should have resigned--all the better to clear the path for Al Gore--when the Monica Lewinsky affair came to light.
Instead Bill Clinton hung in there until the bitter end, pretty much as a lame--no, dead--duck and, as a consequence, we all had to suffer through the disastrous Bush-the-younger years. Of course Bill's actions and refusal to resign were not the sole cause of this outcome. Nader voters and the GOP appointed members of the Supreme Court also had some small part to play.
I fear allusions to sexual improprieties will play far too central a role during the present political season. Some "religious" voters who are concerned with "moral" issues place far too much emphasis on issues of sexual conduct, and far too little on issues related to social justice and truth. They tend to invert Gospel priorities. But they do vote and campaigns do pander to prurient interests.
Are we all preparing ourselves for the inevitable October surprise?
2
"State Department system, which was the proper procedure, albeit possibly even less less-than-secure"... perhaps Hillary knew that her private server is more secure than the government's server (think Snowden). Her husband probably has a private server at home in Chappaqua since past president's continue to get top secret information. Besides, if Hillary replied to most of these emails, the correspondent's email was more than likely saved on the government's "less less-than-secure" server.
If I needed to communicate something of top secret importance, I would not use email. There are other ways of sharing very confidential information. The government is not storing private conversations. Recall when telephone conversations were taped and what happened.
So what is the big deal here? It is politics at work. Now Ryan is going to waste the tax payers money again because this Republican Congress has no idea of what it takes to pass meaningful bills.
Thank you, Hillary, for being strong through this witch hunt.
If I needed to communicate something of top secret importance, I would not use email. There are other ways of sharing very confidential information. The government is not storing private conversations. Recall when telephone conversations were taped and what happened.
So what is the big deal here? It is politics at work. Now Ryan is going to waste the tax payers money again because this Republican Congress has no idea of what it takes to pass meaningful bills.
Thank you, Hillary, for being strong through this witch hunt.
6
I wonder if the 1850s felt just this way. The U.S. repeatedly found itself deciding among weak candidates due to a highly polarized electorate. As a result, we had some of the weakest presidents in U.S. history, such as Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, and Buchanan. One major party, the Whigs, even collapsed.
Then, we saw the rise of Lincoln and a socially progressive new party, the Republican party. This new party actually had some backbone and moral fortitude.
Today's Republican party, of course, is hardly recognizable as the party of Lincoln. I can hardly imagine a person more opposite to Lincoln in just about every way than the current orange-haired presidential nominee. (Sorry, I can't even bring myself to put his name in the same sentence as I mention Lincoln). However, history does give me hope that a new movement is possible.
Hillary Clinton will do a fine job. I'm hoping she paves the way for a more dynamic group of leaders to emerge in both parties.
Then, we saw the rise of Lincoln and a socially progressive new party, the Republican party. This new party actually had some backbone and moral fortitude.
Today's Republican party, of course, is hardly recognizable as the party of Lincoln. I can hardly imagine a person more opposite to Lincoln in just about every way than the current orange-haired presidential nominee. (Sorry, I can't even bring myself to put his name in the same sentence as I mention Lincoln). However, history does give me hope that a new movement is possible.
Hillary Clinton will do a fine job. I'm hoping she paves the way for a more dynamic group of leaders to emerge in both parties.
4
Let's be honest. Virtually everyone understands she's guilty as sin—the prima facie case against the prima donna is massive/compelling. But the fix is in. A mere mortal would be contemplating today 4 walls of a jail cell, not a possible stint in the WH.
AG Mukasey put it best:
"From her direction that classification rules be disregarded, to presence on her server of information at highest level of classification, to her repeated falsehoods that juries are told [are] evidence of guilty knowledge…support conviction
The proposition that everyone is equal before the law suggests Clinton’s state of mind—whether mere knowledge of what she was doing as to mishandling classified information; or gross negligence in…mishandling of information relating to national defense; or bad intent as to actual or attempted destruction of email; or corrupt intent as to State Dept business—justifies a criminal charge of one sort or another"
An ex-prez, his presidency-lusting wife, the current prez, security, justice, the Constitution, Nixonian coverup/conflict of interest—indictment vs endorsement of Clinton just scratches the surface
This is about more than an election. Our democracy hangs by one frayed thread…that we are all equal before the law
Some argue Sandy Berger is a counterexample, failing to see the irony—Berger stuffed classified docs down his pants to take the fall for Clinton
As for Berger getting his life back, he can't. He's dead
Another Clinton sacrificial lamb bit the dust
AG Mukasey put it best:
"From her direction that classification rules be disregarded, to presence on her server of information at highest level of classification, to her repeated falsehoods that juries are told [are] evidence of guilty knowledge…support conviction
The proposition that everyone is equal before the law suggests Clinton’s state of mind—whether mere knowledge of what she was doing as to mishandling classified information; or gross negligence in…mishandling of information relating to national defense; or bad intent as to actual or attempted destruction of email; or corrupt intent as to State Dept business—justifies a criminal charge of one sort or another"
An ex-prez, his presidency-lusting wife, the current prez, security, justice, the Constitution, Nixonian coverup/conflict of interest—indictment vs endorsement of Clinton just scratches the surface
This is about more than an election. Our democracy hangs by one frayed thread…that we are all equal before the law
Some argue Sandy Berger is a counterexample, failing to see the irony—Berger stuffed classified docs down his pants to take the fall for Clinton
As for Berger getting his life back, he can't. He's dead
Another Clinton sacrificial lamb bit the dust
2
With the national media appearing completely uninterested in covering in any depth what the candidates would do as President to deal with the major problems confronting the United States of America in the 21st century, weekly press conferences would be useless.
Reporters would pounce on Clinton with questions about the email scandal, Loretta and Bill, Benghazi and what a woman President should look and dress like. "Gotcha journalism" would prevail. Or she'd be egged on to attack Trump.
This country is facing problems so serious that --if not dealt with in the near future-- could conceivably destroy or at least seriously harm the American citizenry and its institutions for the foreseeable future.
1) Mass desperation resulting from a lack of jobs that pay enough to support a family. Many of those with only high school diplomas are basically condemned to lifelong poverty. Young college graduates can't find work in their fields.
2) The time bomb of $1 trillion in student debt that --thanks to the private debtor services that fund Congress-- cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.
3) The many devastations of climate change.
4) Wasting trillions on foreign military adventures that have destabilized the Middle East and kindled hate for the U.S., leaving nothing to spend for things like feeding poor children.
5) A gerrymandered Congress intent on defeating any Democratic President.
How many of these subjects would make it to Clinton's weekly new conference?
I can guess.
Reporters would pounce on Clinton with questions about the email scandal, Loretta and Bill, Benghazi and what a woman President should look and dress like. "Gotcha journalism" would prevail. Or she'd be egged on to attack Trump.
This country is facing problems so serious that --if not dealt with in the near future-- could conceivably destroy or at least seriously harm the American citizenry and its institutions for the foreseeable future.
1) Mass desperation resulting from a lack of jobs that pay enough to support a family. Many of those with only high school diplomas are basically condemned to lifelong poverty. Young college graduates can't find work in their fields.
2) The time bomb of $1 trillion in student debt that --thanks to the private debtor services that fund Congress-- cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.
3) The many devastations of climate change.
4) Wasting trillions on foreign military adventures that have destabilized the Middle East and kindled hate for the U.S., leaving nothing to spend for things like feeding poor children.
5) A gerrymandered Congress intent on defeating any Democratic President.
How many of these subjects would make it to Clinton's weekly new conference?
I can guess.
3
I have Hillary fatigue, and Bill fatigue, and the convention hasn't even happened.
Hillary is lucky that she can avoid press conferences, doesn't have to be inspirational, can limp over the finish line and that she is running against the most noxious presidential candidate in the history of our country. If one more friend protests that she "is the most qualified person to ever run for office," I will scream. And I will point out the obvious, yes, she's supremely qualified, but what about her terrible judgement?
But, of course I will vote for her, as she is definitely better than that orange-haired-racist-idiot. And, she is better than any Republican candidate who wants more tax cuts for the 1%, wants to abolish the ACA, wants to chip away at women's rights, wants to stop the poor and disenfranchised from voting, wants to invade every country as a starting point in foreign policy.
What a country.
Hillary is lucky that she can avoid press conferences, doesn't have to be inspirational, can limp over the finish line and that she is running against the most noxious presidential candidate in the history of our country. If one more friend protests that she "is the most qualified person to ever run for office," I will scream. And I will point out the obvious, yes, she's supremely qualified, but what about her terrible judgement?
But, of course I will vote for her, as she is definitely better than that orange-haired-racist-idiot. And, she is better than any Republican candidate who wants more tax cuts for the 1%, wants to abolish the ACA, wants to chip away at women's rights, wants to stop the poor and disenfranchised from voting, wants to invade every country as a starting point in foreign policy.
What a country.
11
Both these people probably wouldn't meet the standards for a security clearance if they weren't nominees, she for her email woes and he for his personality disorders. Both parties should use these guidelines as grounds to lift/limit any security clearances, and start over with new nominees at their conventions. It's only a matter of will on the part of the party leaders.
13
I'm all in, with gratitude, for Ms. Hillary Rodham Clinton and I know many people are.
8
Who would be the alternative for Clinton?
Hmmm
Hmmm
This visceral hate that many people feel for Hillary has been tenderly nurtured by the Republican party for years. Rational thought and true evaluation of this woman's character and accomplishments has rarely been the issue.
And she has accomplished much plus she very smart and actually knows what she is talking about.
And she has accomplished much plus she very smart and actually knows what she is talking about.
40
I am no fan of the GOP, but as their famous saint once said. "There you go again." Is there nothing HRC is not responsible for or does she actually walk on water? The blame on the "vast right wing conspiracy" has been going on since Slick Willie was in office. That dog don't hunt.
As for her "accomplishments" and "actually knows what she is talking about", please enumerate. I've asked this question of Hillbots throughout this campaign circus and not one of them has been able to give me a credible answer. Of course, I know she's a woman (as am I), and that should explain everything.
As for her "accomplishments" and "actually knows what she is talking about", please enumerate. I've asked this question of Hillbots throughout this campaign circus and not one of them has been able to give me a credible answer. Of course, I know she's a woman (as am I), and that should explain everything.
1
What an inane and condescending comment. She was accepted at Wellesley, graduated at the top of her class. Went on to Yale school and then adovocated for the rights of poor children. Became first lady of Arkansas and did the same.
And that's just in the first half of her life.
And that's just in the first half of her life.
4
Up until this episoode I too hoped Hillary would beat Trump. Now I hope it is someone else who beats him, maybe Bernie Sanders or Gary Johnson. Her psychological problems are too great.
She knew better and Obama and someone in his administration knew better but let it slide.
She knew better and Obama and someone in his administration knew better but let it slide.
20
Her psychological problems? What are these, exactly? She made an error in using the non-governmental e-mail, and has admitted it (albeit a little late). This seems like perfectly normal human behavior to me. The obstinacy of Bernie Sanders in not conceding the primary race seems like a more pressing psychological issue at this point.
2
Sorry, Ms. Collins, it's the media that needs to use their intelligence, fortitude and experience to do some real reporting. The media is keeping this e-mail trivia, and DT's trivia, alive. The media used the same tactics when Bill Clinton lied about having oral sex with a woman and republicans tried to impeach him. The American people did not care. Only the BIG democracy-destroying money masters cared because they want people to mistrust government that they don't control. Let it go.
19
If the Re
unlicensed had any their candidate, Hillary would be destroyed. As it us, she is barely holding her own against Trump. Hillary is Crooked Hillary. That us how everyone thinks of her.
Pity the crooked DNC who rigged the primaries in her favor via the Hillary Victory Fund which bought off the Superdelegates for Hillary regardless of who won the state primary. They are stuck with Crooked Hillary when there were other better possibilities who just could not compete against the DNC/ Hillary team.
Those of us, including liberal Democrats , who loath the corrupt Clintons, have no one to vote for in November.
Write about that Gail.
unlicensed had any their candidate, Hillary would be destroyed. As it us, she is barely holding her own against Trump. Hillary is Crooked Hillary. That us how everyone thinks of her.
Pity the crooked DNC who rigged the primaries in her favor via the Hillary Victory Fund which bought off the Superdelegates for Hillary regardless of who won the state primary. They are stuck with Crooked Hillary when there were other better possibilities who just could not compete against the DNC/ Hillary team.
Those of us, including liberal Democrats , who loath the corrupt Clintons, have no one to vote for in November.
Write about that Gail.
18
You just did as you spoke for all "like break democrats."
I don't think of her a crooked Hillary, so that is not how everyone thinks of her. I do think of "Don the Con" though.
3
The bar has been set low. If she wins, I have no idea how she will keep a rein on the people around her --- as they can just throw it back in her face, "you did it!"
12
That must be why all these rightist candidates are draft dodging cowards.
Reagan chickened out of WWII it so why not them?
Reagan chickened out of WWII it so why not them?
2
Good advice. Unfortunately, Hillary is so cautious, so clumsy and slow-footed that she is managing to turn a landslide win into a nail-biter at best--or at worst a definitive rejection once and for all.
The Hillary Clinton Enterprise is not unlike an aircraft carrier: very powerful, with a million moving parts and slow to turn around. Today's environment is more like whitewater (no pun intended) rafting, than ocean sailing.
The mindset that requires its own e-mail server in order to avoid political disaster has caused the very outcome it was trying to avoid.
When she tries to "connect" with people it is a painful exercise in awkward glad handing , tone deaf "oratory" (shouting) and body language that makes Al Gore seem like Fred Astaire. But lest I veer off into Maureen Dowdian snark--I do think that she would make an excellent President, if only she could find the voice she had the day after the NH primary in '08.
She needs to be genuine. Say you are sorry you placed your own needs above paying close attention to the workplace rules of your job. Release your transcripts of the speeches you made to Goldman Sachs. Donate the fees from those speeches to scholarships for girls. Proudly show the amount of money the Clinton Foundation has spent doing good and seize back the narrative that it is a pay-to-play scheme.
This email thing is her "Jeremy Wright-Bill Ayers" moment. She can turn things around just as Obama did in a far less damaging crisis than his was.
The Hillary Clinton Enterprise is not unlike an aircraft carrier: very powerful, with a million moving parts and slow to turn around. Today's environment is more like whitewater (no pun intended) rafting, than ocean sailing.
The mindset that requires its own e-mail server in order to avoid political disaster has caused the very outcome it was trying to avoid.
When she tries to "connect" with people it is a painful exercise in awkward glad handing , tone deaf "oratory" (shouting) and body language that makes Al Gore seem like Fred Astaire. But lest I veer off into Maureen Dowdian snark--I do think that she would make an excellent President, if only she could find the voice she had the day after the NH primary in '08.
She needs to be genuine. Say you are sorry you placed your own needs above paying close attention to the workplace rules of your job. Release your transcripts of the speeches you made to Goldman Sachs. Donate the fees from those speeches to scholarships for girls. Proudly show the amount of money the Clinton Foundation has spent doing good and seize back the narrative that it is a pay-to-play scheme.
This email thing is her "Jeremy Wright-Bill Ayers" moment. She can turn things around just as Obama did in a far less damaging crisis than his was.
9
I disagree that having press conferences is a constructive venture unless one likes to be a piñata. The media is quite anxious to see who can ask the most embarrassing question which, in the scheme of things, has nothing to do with anything that is important to the American people except those from the opposite party who are looking for campaign sound bites. If the media would transform itself into a body committed to informing the American people about important matters perhaps it would be different. The odds of that happening=zero.
11
More likely the lesser of three evils if you choose to consider her husband.
18
Stephen: If one choses to consider the Clinton's "two for the price of one" campaign slogan, what one is likely to get is two evils out of three.
Hillary Clinton has been tested, vetted, and tried so many times by the GOP that it's amazing they can still find something to complain about. We know more about her than we do about their presumptive nominee. I don't know anyone in politics who hasn't got some thing(s) to hide, things they wish they'd done differently, who doesn't bow to their polls to get votes, etc. I think that Clinton and Democrats should start making this election about the issues and point up every spot where the GOP has failed the American people. Exhibit one could be the inadequate candidates they had running for the nomination and the fact that one of them, a GOP man in name only and one not worthy of sitting in the White House, is probably going to win the nomination. The visual created by the thought of a Trump Gingrich ticket is funny and alarming. Two hot air balloons entering the White House, neither of whom has the people skills to run a country versus someone who has a reputation of rolling her sleeves and doing the job. I'll take the one who does the job.
107
In the days we finally get the Chilicot report on how the Iraq War really started, it is a very good thing to have the Republican Presidential candidate ADMIT that things have been even worse after Saddam than they were under him.
Worse for Iraq by about 5,000 every month still killed by terrorists.
Worse as the whole region has come unglued.
He admitted it.
If we were not in such deep need of lesser evilism to promote Hillary, we would not be saying as Gail does " the speech in which Trump praised Saddam Hussein."
We'd be saying "Bush Administration crimes now admitted by even their own candidate.
Then again, we see a need to help Hillary by promoting her views, which are not very different from the hawks of the Bush Admin.
That leaves Gail saying the same things as hard line Republicans in defense of Bush, at least he got Saddam, that justifies all.
This has gotten all twisted around.
Worse for Iraq by about 5,000 every month still killed by terrorists.
Worse as the whole region has come unglued.
He admitted it.
If we were not in such deep need of lesser evilism to promote Hillary, we would not be saying as Gail does " the speech in which Trump praised Saddam Hussein."
We'd be saying "Bush Administration crimes now admitted by even their own candidate.
Then again, we see a need to help Hillary by promoting her views, which are not very different from the hawks of the Bush Admin.
That leaves Gail saying the same things as hard line Republicans in defense of Bush, at least he got Saddam, that justifies all.
This has gotten all twisted around.
40
Same vein as "Republicans SecStates Powell and Rice both used private email." Well, they did, and the whole Bush Admin should have been investigated, indicted and tried by the Obama AG and Justice Dept. But Obama protected the Bush Administration and the CIA torturers. The sight of torturers going to jail for long times would have silenced the Trump boast that he would return to torture.
It was the failures of the Obama Administration that gave their SecState Clinton permission to flaunt the reasonable rules of security, common sense and ethics when she became SecState. And the media continues to make excuses for Obama and Clinton. We're not buying it.
It was the failures of the Obama Administration that gave their SecState Clinton permission to flaunt the reasonable rules of security, common sense and ethics when she became SecState. And the media continues to make excuses for Obama and Clinton. We're not buying it.
3
Mark Thompson: As usual thank you for your clarity on this issue, there is so much spin going on around Hillary its stupifying. Iraq was a lie from the beginning and a colossal screw up, Hillary was part of it, everyone with any credibility and experience in the Middle East had been saying for years that there had to be a strongman like Saddam or Kaddaffi to hold the place together. I have had many friends from the Middle East for decades with no horse in the race who always say the same thing, without these almost dictatorships the place would blow up, unfortunately the folks who actually lived there were right and our State Department led by special interests was dead wrong.
3
Hillary is smart but has not yet figured out the tried and true way of putting mistakes behind her. Saying she is sorry is not enough. She must ask her Lord and Savior for forgiveness. This seems to work whenever a Republican is caught with his pants down ( literally).
Or maybe try the Trump way - never say you are sorry and tell the crowd that the media is just a bunch of idiots and too p.c. And then repeat the mistake loudly and obnoxiously.
As for press conferences - there will be a thousand questions on email servers and none on substantive policy issues - Why bother?
Or maybe try the Trump way - never say you are sorry and tell the crowd that the media is just a bunch of idiots and too p.c. And then repeat the mistake loudly and obnoxiously.
As for press conferences - there will be a thousand questions on email servers and none on substantive policy issues - Why bother?
71
That is exactly I was going to say but you said better. She may have made one, two or three mistakes, all un-intensely but her opponent ?? No need to mention as it cant be counted. So good luck to Hillary.
Oh Hillary only if she was a Man none of these would ever happened.
I say to the Republicans get over with it and all they have chosen is a thin skinned fool and Hillary is ready to send that person to his golf course.
I say to the Republicans get over with it and all they have chosen is a thin skinned fool and Hillary is ready to send that person to his golf course.
153
Sexist tripe
Yup, all clubs and no balls.
Nothing angers the rightists more than the fact that for years this woman has run circles around their attempts to delegitimize her.
She embarrassed Gowdy and Issa at the flaccid Benghazi hearings.
She has now shown Comey, another partisan rightist hack, that he had better have a bigger gun if he plans on taking her down with baseless, trumped up charges.
I thank the feckless Koch owned GOP.
They have given HRC the practice in dealing with dirtbags who really hate America that she'll need when they swear her in.
Thanks GOP.
Your hatred of America is exactly the practice President Clinton needed.
Sorry, Secretary Clinton...my bad.
She embarrassed Gowdy and Issa at the flaccid Benghazi hearings.
She has now shown Comey, another partisan rightist hack, that he had better have a bigger gun if he plans on taking her down with baseless, trumped up charges.
I thank the feckless Koch owned GOP.
They have given HRC the practice in dealing with dirtbags who really hate America that she'll need when they swear her in.
Thanks GOP.
Your hatred of America is exactly the practice President Clinton needed.
Sorry, Secretary Clinton...my bad.
3
I just got my absentee ballot for the congressional primary in the mail (shock, in Myanmar, where little mail arrives anywhere). Unfortunately, it is a glued together mess due to the monsoon rains here. I thought I would be downloading it, like the presidential primary ballot, but now getting an actual usable ballet is another hoop I'll have to jump through. Voting isn't always easy.
People scoff when I say that the race is really between Hillary and sitting on the couch. Now you seem to agree. But for progressives, it's a lot harder than you make it seem. Hillary wants credit for being First Lady and Bill's partner, but yet, I still challenge anybody to come up with any truly progressive legislation he signed. As to the opposite, I give you ending welfare, repealing Glass-Steagall, NAFTA, the crime bill, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the Defense of Marriage Act, for starters. Add in her own record as a hawk (see the New York Times article), especially in LIbya, Syria and Iraq, and the problems aren't small. Would we really believe any "brave and specific" progressive proposals you're advocating she now propose?
Lucky Hillary, the only thing that could make most real progressives vote for her, and turn a blind eye to the above, is Trump. But I wouldn't count on them throwing confetti in Philly.
People scoff when I say that the race is really between Hillary and sitting on the couch. Now you seem to agree. But for progressives, it's a lot harder than you make it seem. Hillary wants credit for being First Lady and Bill's partner, but yet, I still challenge anybody to come up with any truly progressive legislation he signed. As to the opposite, I give you ending welfare, repealing Glass-Steagall, NAFTA, the crime bill, Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and the Defense of Marriage Act, for starters. Add in her own record as a hawk (see the New York Times article), especially in LIbya, Syria and Iraq, and the problems aren't small. Would we really believe any "brave and specific" progressive proposals you're advocating she now propose?
Lucky Hillary, the only thing that could make most real progressives vote for her, and turn a blind eye to the above, is Trump. But I wouldn't count on them throwing confetti in Philly.
45
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) signed by Clinton.
You were saying?
See what bothers we fact based folks is that fact free rightists think their brainwashed Fox-Kids programming carries any weight with us.
Sorry it doesn't.
Fox-Kids "news" viewers are, year after year, the most uninformed or misinforend group in America.
So when a Fox-Kids newsie such as youraelf make lie based claim, we fact based adults take offense.
Maybe if the Fox-Kids news anchors spent less time sexually harrassing their female coworkers they could pretend to be real journalists for a minute and rely on facts in their reporting.
You were saying?
See what bothers we fact based folks is that fact free rightists think their brainwashed Fox-Kids programming carries any weight with us.
Sorry it doesn't.
Fox-Kids "news" viewers are, year after year, the most uninformed or misinforend group in America.
So when a Fox-Kids newsie such as youraelf make lie based claim, we fact based adults take offense.
Maybe if the Fox-Kids news anchors spent less time sexually harrassing their female coworkers they could pretend to be real journalists for a minute and rely on facts in their reporting.
1
How fortunate for Hillary to be running against the most singularly unfit Presidential nominee in American history.
Trump the clown, King of the Birthers, buffoon, admirer of Saddam Hussein.
How lucky can a girl be?
Trump the clown, King of the Birthers, buffoon, admirer of Saddam Hussein.
How lucky can a girl be?
85
Yeah.
Lucky.
AWOL Bush got over 4,000 Americans killed in his lie based Iraq War and faced a total of ZERO Congressional inquiries.
Treason Clinton was dragged before Congress 8 times after 4 Americans, not 4,000, 4 Americans were tragically killed in Lybia.
He and his boss Cheney outted Valerie Plame a CIA agent and he and his boss weren't even charged with High Treason.
Clinton, like Colin Powell, uaed a private email server and the Kochs lost their minds.
Sorry, the GOP lost its mind.
Yeah HRC is the luckiest girl in the world.
Lucky.
AWOL Bush got over 4,000 Americans killed in his lie based Iraq War and faced a total of ZERO Congressional inquiries.
Treason Clinton was dragged before Congress 8 times after 4 Americans, not 4,000, 4 Americans were tragically killed in Lybia.
He and his boss Cheney outted Valerie Plame a CIA agent and he and his boss weren't even charged with High Treason.
Clinton, like Colin Powell, uaed a private email server and the Kochs lost their minds.
Sorry, the GOP lost its mind.
Yeah HRC is the luckiest girl in the world.
2
Almost like these "former" friends arranged it!!!
I would question Clinton's depiction of a progressive, or even a feminist. As Secretary of State, she backed the military coup which ousted the democratically elected government and the subsequent sham elections in which her man was installed. The continuous bloodbath recently claimed the life of indigenous activist, feminist and environmentalist, Berta Cáceres. The outspoken critic of Clinton's role in the coup was assassinated by the death squads, who have purged Honduras of progressive elements.
28
We have known Hillary Rodham Clinton for as long as it is possible for any electorate to know a candidate for the Presidency since she was a student at Wellesley, a young law student at Yale, making googoo eyes with Bill in the Law Library , and on through the decades to today, when, Lord willing and the crick don't rise, she will be our Presidential choice. There is no one, woman or man better qualified to be our President, as Obama passionately averred on the Hillary stump yesterday. OK, she had a private email server. Cyber-aether, and what occurs there is the social media horror of our time, more's the pity, since emails are not paper letters with stamps and envelopes glued shut and addresses of sender and sent by on them. Letters can be burnt or collected till they disintegrate, but email disintegrates instanter it's sent. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has praised Saddam for being great at killing terrorists. And whomever tweeted for him with the Star of David in front of a "crooked Hillary" nasty, should be hung from a lamppost. That wasn't a "sheriff's" star, that was the Star of David. Not OK was Bill Clinton's serendipitous meeting with AG Loretta Lynch and her husband in her plane in Phoenix. As Trump said, you can talk about golf and grandchildren for five
minutes, but not for half an hour. Bill's bad. Send him home to Chappaqua. Meanwhile GOP leaders are distancing themselves from their presumptive nominee's big mouth and their RNC in Cleveland in two weeks.
minutes, but not for half an hour. Bill's bad. Send him home to Chappaqua. Meanwhile GOP leaders are distancing themselves from their presumptive nominee's big mouth and their RNC in Cleveland in two weeks.
30
She also has a foundation and was Secretary of State when some questionable exchanges were made.
remember who's ultimately responsible for the 24/7 news cycle and the subsequent dumbing-down of every second: Ted Turner.
9
Yeah...I know she can do better, Gail.
BUT....
She is running against a deranged lunatic who is tweeting out pictures of "Frozen" sticker books with six-sided stars on the covers in an attempt to show that an image that originated with white supremacists is innocuous and should not have been deleted from his Twitter feed.
And the other supposed leader of his party, the Speaker of the House, who is alleged to be the brains of the GOP, is demanding House inquiries into an FBI investigation led by a Republican who handed Trump a roadmap on how to derail the Clinton campaign.
And Trump is tweeting pictures of "Frozen" sticker books.
I wish Hillary could win on a message of hope and inspiration. She should not settle for a campaign based on the lesser of two evils. But is she has to, I'm just fine with that.
BUT....
She is running against a deranged lunatic who is tweeting out pictures of "Frozen" sticker books with six-sided stars on the covers in an attempt to show that an image that originated with white supremacists is innocuous and should not have been deleted from his Twitter feed.
And the other supposed leader of his party, the Speaker of the House, who is alleged to be the brains of the GOP, is demanding House inquiries into an FBI investigation led by a Republican who handed Trump a roadmap on how to derail the Clinton campaign.
And Trump is tweeting pictures of "Frozen" sticker books.
I wish Hillary could win on a message of hope and inspiration. She should not settle for a campaign based on the lesser of two evils. But is she has to, I'm just fine with that.
76
I suggest send Bill the baggage if not to the dog house to the kitchen.
I will not call Hillary Clinton evil Gail but extremely careless and negligent .
Saying that Hillary Clinton is the most vetted candidate ever running for Presidency.
Then there is Bernie Sanders who never was vetted is waiting behind the curtains waiting for Hillary to fall to a point he was booed by his fellow Democrats.
Someone needs to tell the Senator he has lost and needs to get on with his job and stop helping Trump who is now borrowing all Sanders attack lines and spitting them out.
Can we move on now ?
I will not call Hillary Clinton evil Gail but extremely careless and negligent .
Saying that Hillary Clinton is the most vetted candidate ever running for Presidency.
Then there is Bernie Sanders who never was vetted is waiting behind the curtains waiting for Hillary to fall to a point he was booed by his fellow Democrats.
Someone needs to tell the Senator he has lost and needs to get on with his job and stop helping Trump who is now borrowing all Sanders attack lines and spitting them out.
Can we move on now ?
42
You can't keep pounding Bernie for how massively flawed your candidate is. Yes, people in swing states are going to have to vote for her to stop Trump. And I'm sure he agrees. But if she loses? It's all on the DNC and her. You all had your shot at a candidate who truly wanted the best for all Americans, and you passed him by, or worse.
1
Another smear job. As Colonel Potter said of Corporal Klinger when the latter prepared to eat a Jeep, "This too shall pass."
8
Hillary has rolled out "brave and specific" recommendations on just about every issue facing the country. Go to the link, every issue leads into more and more specifics. Her health care platform does include lowering the cost of prescription drugs! And what other candidate is talking about campus sexual assault? Wildlife conservation? Certainly nobody else is brave enough to take on the NRA and gun manufacturers.
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/
https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/
92
Anyone can fill up a website with policy recommendations. America needs a leader we can trust, not one that is extremely careless.
1
Hillary beyond email is liking saying OJ beyond Buckingham. The deed defines the person, interminably.
16
Agreed...which clearly makes Trump a crazy person.
1
Unfortunately, the email "deed" has been hyped beyond its importance. Seriously people.
Hogwash. The email business is overblown. Some of us know people in "high places" in the government who have used private email accounts; not a wise choice, to be sure. But done and perhaps even safer than the government email system. This is a "witch hunt"--one of many. Compared to the Republican candidate HC is Joan of Arc. Comparisons of Trump with Fascist Mussolini or Nazi HItler are not far "off base." If we elect Trump to be President of the United States we will all deserve the nightmare and dark times he will bring not only to the United States but to world since we are the "Superpower."
1
The Republicans have continued to go after Hillary Clinton for her emails. Poor judgment on her part, perhaps. It has now come to light that Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice that did pretty much the same thing.
http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/04/politics/hillary-clinton-email-classified-...
Will the Republicans go after them with as much zeal as they did Hillary Clinton?
http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/04/politics/hillary-clinton-email-classified-...
Will the Republicans go after them with as much zeal as they did Hillary Clinton?
68
Condoleeza Rice never personally used email. The report mentions her staff receiving a few messages at a free commercial personal email address that were up classified years later. Colin Powell received a dozen messages later up classified (to confidential, not top secret) 12 years later.
The state department made strict new security guidelines (that Hillary ignored) partially because email use rules where not clear for Rice / Powell.
Hillary set up and paid $5000 for setup of a private network and server which contained thousands of classified messages and 50,000 hidden from FOIA requests. It was not an accident, it was the clear purpose of the server arrangement.
The state department made strict new security guidelines (that Hillary ignored) partially because email use rules where not clear for Rice / Powell.
Hillary set up and paid $5000 for setup of a private network and server which contained thousands of classified messages and 50,000 hidden from FOIA requests. It was not an accident, it was the clear purpose of the server arrangement.
1
Not to pick nits, but Condoleezza Rice did NOT do the same thing. The report you link to states that Colin Powell and staffers working for Rice received classified information through personal email, but not Rice herself. In fact, Rice did not use ANY email for government business during her tenure--according to the report cited in the CNN article.
1
Wrong!
Rice and Powell did not lie and intentionally deceive.
Rice and Powell did not lie and intentionally deceive.
Hillary, Bernie, Tony Blair, David Cameron Jeremy Corbyn, Francois Hollande, (not to speak of Bush, Reagan, and Nixon). Hillary is no exception among these seriously flawed humans and rather mediocre leaders. When we get an Obama we don't know how to react -- he's so not-flawed. But he is also all too rare. We are left with the mediocre.
Separation of powers, a reasonable constitutional foundation, a somewhat competent press (less so by the day), and a vibrant civic life (increasingly corrupted by greedy corporations, the wealthy, and the simple-minded who become our public intellectuals) are saving us.
It is not the presidents, but all these local leaders and engaged citizens who should be the focus of analysis. And we should all put more effort into paying attention to them -- who we vote for, how they get selected, and who we listen to. The Gail Collinses, Linda Greenhouses, Krugmans, and even the Edsalls and Blows should be appreciated. We need more of these to help uncover what is really going on, and help in figuring out where we want to go. What should we be doing about health care, education, housing, poverty, and brutality -- these are the issues, not the private lives of a few individuals, or even their daily bad choices. What should we be doing, and how can we do it best?
Separation of powers, a reasonable constitutional foundation, a somewhat competent press (less so by the day), and a vibrant civic life (increasingly corrupted by greedy corporations, the wealthy, and the simple-minded who become our public intellectuals) are saving us.
It is not the presidents, but all these local leaders and engaged citizens who should be the focus of analysis. And we should all put more effort into paying attention to them -- who we vote for, how they get selected, and who we listen to. The Gail Collinses, Linda Greenhouses, Krugmans, and even the Edsalls and Blows should be appreciated. We need more of these to help uncover what is really going on, and help in figuring out where we want to go. What should we be doing about health care, education, housing, poverty, and brutality -- these are the issues, not the private lives of a few individuals, or even their daily bad choices. What should we be doing, and how can we do it best?
25
Did you see Trump's speech last night? I thought he was going to have a nervous breakdown. Red-faced and doing the weirdest Trump stream of consciousness to date, he just rambled about golf, his kids, the media, particularly his new target of intense anger, Chuck Todd.
Trump outdid the usual Trump at a time when he could have taken the verbiage from Comey to hit Clinton on trust as a candidate. Instead, he looked like his head was going to explode.
Strategists for Clinton must have seen the speech last night and concluded, "Steady as she goes. This guy is hanging himself."
Trump outdid the usual Trump at a time when he could have taken the verbiage from Comey to hit Clinton on trust as a candidate. Instead, he looked like his head was going to explode.
Strategists for Clinton must have seen the speech last night and concluded, "Steady as she goes. This guy is hanging himself."
494
And, Hillary attends his wedding?
I have seen no evidence to date that refutes the "Nervous breakdown" scenario.
There is evidence that suggests his brain has exploded internally.
I wouldn't want to be in a car driven by Donald, let alone a nation.
A picture boy for road rage?
There is evidence that suggests his brain has exploded internally.
I wouldn't want to be in a car driven by Donald, let alone a nation.
A picture boy for road rage?
2
I couldn't watch the speech all the way through because it sounded more and more like disjointed ramblings from an old man in the early stages of dementia - I felt acutely embarrassed for Mr. Trump, even though I am not a fan at the best of times. Doesn't it seem incredible that 15 Republican candidates could not bring this guy down?
3
How did we ever end up with these 2 choices? I have always voted Democrat, but will vote Green, or write in this year. I just cannot vote for HRC. I don't know what happened to my Democratic Party, but I can no longer support it. Don't blame voters like me , when Trump wins. Blame the DNC, for pushing such a flawed candidate.
41
No, I will blame people like you, because you have a vote that could make the difference and you chose not to use it. There is clearly one candidate who is qualified and one candidate who is not; and one of them will become president. Pretending you don't have a responsibility doesn't make it so.
21
Is this a serious comment? You would "throw away" your vote and help bring Donald Trump to the most important job on the planet? HC may not be your personal perfect candidate ....but Trump would be our worst nightmare.
3
Nice. Give the world another Iraq mess all because you need to have a tantrum. Vote green and your precious world goes to trump. Grow up.
1
What do Hillary Clinton and Obama's 60's era terrorist pal, Bill Ayers, have in common? "Guilty as sin. Free as a bird!" But, of course, Ayers was the one honest enough to publicly admit it.
12
And what does John Casteel have in common with the squirrels in my yard? Both are nuttier than a fruitcake.
2
So, is Ms. Collins saying the Ms. Clinton is the lesser of the two evils that our pathetic political system seems to be offering? This candidate who has gleefully embraced every military adventure in the past three decades and promises to continue doing so? Who embraces wars with a giddy enthusiasm, for example, saying "we came, we saw, he died" with an inane giggle when the head of another state was murdered? Can we vote for this person as the "lesser of the evils"?
What have we become as a people if we accept either of these two choices that the NY Times and the others of the accepted media tell us we have been offered? We must reject both Ms. Clinton and Mr. Trump, as they both are far too extremely flawed to be acceptable, even by the pathetic standards of the lesser evil to which we have become, so sadly, accustomed. Who to chose: Caligula or Nero? At a certain point we need to find the courage to say no to the two alternatives from which we are told, time after time, we must chose. No, neither of them can be accepted unless we wallow in self loathing. Vote for Ms. Stein or Mr. Johnson if they are on your ballot, but not for Mr. Trump and not for Ms. Clinton.
We cannot accept the false choices of the so-called two party system. Have we not arrived at the point where we must reject what the political class is trying to force on us? Reject these choices as unacceptable both. Do not give in to the despair that we are being asked to accept.
What have we become as a people if we accept either of these two choices that the NY Times and the others of the accepted media tell us we have been offered? We must reject both Ms. Clinton and Mr. Trump, as they both are far too extremely flawed to be acceptable, even by the pathetic standards of the lesser evil to which we have become, so sadly, accustomed. Who to chose: Caligula or Nero? At a certain point we need to find the courage to say no to the two alternatives from which we are told, time after time, we must chose. No, neither of them can be accepted unless we wallow in self loathing. Vote for Ms. Stein or Mr. Johnson if they are on your ballot, but not for Mr. Trump and not for Ms. Clinton.
We cannot accept the false choices of the so-called two party system. Have we not arrived at the point where we must reject what the political class is trying to force on us? Reject these choices as unacceptable both. Do not give in to the despair that we are being asked to accept.
25
Clinton is pro-child and pro-mother/family, and that's much more controversial than it sounds.
I once had a friendship with a guy who had been the leader of our state legislature. We were driving down a country road when I asked whether a set of policy proposals would move through the legislature because it benefited children. The former legislative leader turned round to look me in the eye, astonished that I could be that stupid, and said. "Bob, the legislature doesn't care about children."
The one thing I absolutely trust Hillary Clinton to do is aggressively make policy changes that benefit children and families.
I once had a friendship with a guy who had been the leader of our state legislature. We were driving down a country road when I asked whether a set of policy proposals would move through the legislature because it benefited children. The former legislative leader turned round to look me in the eye, astonished that I could be that stupid, and said. "Bob, the legislature doesn't care about children."
The one thing I absolutely trust Hillary Clinton to do is aggressively make policy changes that benefit children and families.
96
I support Hillary - I'm probably even enthusiastic about her - but I do recognize she and Bill certainly have a lot of personal baggage. The point is that we're not electing somebody we'd like to have a beer with - look how well that worked out with W. We're electing somebody to lead the country. Bill had a plethora of issues during his administration yet he was a good president and the country pretty much prospered. I'm looking for the same thing from Hillary.
627
Yes the country prospered under Clinton unless you include the poor cut off welfare rolls, all those young black men thrown into jail with prison sentences even he agrees now were overly harsh, and the middle class.
Of course if you were a Wall Street friend of Bill's, you did more than prosper.
Of course if you were a Wall Street friend of Bill's, you did more than prosper.
Dear RF,
I totally agree with your analysis except on one point: I would love to have a beer with Hillary and Bill.
I totally agree with your analysis except on one point: I would love to have a beer with Hillary and Bill.
3
Yes, amazing how so many people forget that the Clinton years were the prosperous years.
2
Great column, but here's a nit over the claim that "Worse, she did not tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth when she was cornered." OK, more than a nit.
Comey was very cagey on this topic of “marking” of classified information, in stark contrast to his precision in laying out instances where classified information was picked up in an email discussion. Comey used the phrase “a very small number” of instances where classified information was specifically marked as such. We now know he was referring to two unclassified emails mistakenly marked as classified. In short, there were no messages with indications of classification.
This is significant because Clinton claimed that she did not send or receive information “marked” as classified. In short, she did not lie.
Then there's the notion that she had to be the email security sheriff in addition to her day job as Secretary of State, fourth in line to the presidency, responsible for formulating US foreign policy to be implemented across over three hundred embassies and consulates by thousands of diplomats and foreign service professionals. There are many thousands of people who deal with classified information every day. Take over 100 FBI agents and have them look at any group’s emails for a year, shopping them around to rival intelligence agencies for review, and you’re virtually certain to have the answer come back a good number of times as "yeah, that was classified."
Comey was very cagey on this topic of “marking” of classified information, in stark contrast to his precision in laying out instances where classified information was picked up in an email discussion. Comey used the phrase “a very small number” of instances where classified information was specifically marked as such. We now know he was referring to two unclassified emails mistakenly marked as classified. In short, there were no messages with indications of classification.
This is significant because Clinton claimed that she did not send or receive information “marked” as classified. In short, she did not lie.
Then there's the notion that she had to be the email security sheriff in addition to her day job as Secretary of State, fourth in line to the presidency, responsible for formulating US foreign policy to be implemented across over three hundred embassies and consulates by thousands of diplomats and foreign service professionals. There are many thousands of people who deal with classified information every day. Take over 100 FBI agents and have them look at any group’s emails for a year, shopping them around to rival intelligence agencies for review, and you’re virtually certain to have the answer come back a good number of times as "yeah, that was classified."
63
Thank you for a rare effort at separating facts and truth from rhetorical gobbledy gook.
And where the hell is the call for a criminal investigation of Comey for criminal negligence in overseeing the domestic law enforcement of the nation allowing both the Boston and Orlando terrorists to slip through the cracks and KILL?
Email server routing vs. Killers? Really, this political hack has had his 15 minutes. Let's move to the trial phase if we are that serious about security.
And where the hell is the call for a criminal investigation of Comey for criminal negligence in overseeing the domestic law enforcement of the nation allowing both the Boston and Orlando terrorists to slip through the cracks and KILL?
Email server routing vs. Killers? Really, this political hack has had his 15 minutes. Let's move to the trial phase if we are that serious about security.
3
Comey also used the word "thread" in relation to the classification issue. If an email thread that started as being unclassified later became classified on account of someone else writing something in it of a classified nature, both Clinton and Comey would be correct and not really contradictory.
I think he was offering the Republicans bait when he used the words "email thread" being classified.
I think he was offering the Republicans bait when he used the words "email thread" being classified.
2
Gail, I'd like to parallel your report with Linda Greenhouse's on the Scalia-free Supreme Court, which until the Justice's death was considered by many to be the most conservative in history.
Yes, Presidents can issue executive orders, and Congress, in theory, can pass meaningful legislation, but no group in Washington other than the Supreme Court has an almost unlimited ability to reorient this country.
Every day of this campaign Clinton should remind voters that the America Trump wants back included strong unions that represented middle- and lower-tier workers against employers who, as unions have waned, have redoubled a downward pressure on wages as executive compensation has skyrocketed.
This Spring, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association presented the Supreme Court with the opportunity to drive a spike into the heart of public labor unions. Had Scalia a vote, it would be illegal henceforth for a union to assess a non-union state worker a small fee to cover negotiating expenses.
Women's health, Affirmative Action, sensible gun control, civil forfeiture: So many cases will be brought during the next four to eight years to a Supreme Court that can be redesigned by 2016 voters. A Democratic President is only a start; flipping the Senate is mandatory.
HRC, EW, the President, and Bernie should pound this theme home every day until November: The current Roberts Supreme Court is the residue of bad decisions we made in 1988 and 2000. Let's not repeat those mistakes.
Yes, Presidents can issue executive orders, and Congress, in theory, can pass meaningful legislation, but no group in Washington other than the Supreme Court has an almost unlimited ability to reorient this country.
Every day of this campaign Clinton should remind voters that the America Trump wants back included strong unions that represented middle- and lower-tier workers against employers who, as unions have waned, have redoubled a downward pressure on wages as executive compensation has skyrocketed.
This Spring, Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association presented the Supreme Court with the opportunity to drive a spike into the heart of public labor unions. Had Scalia a vote, it would be illegal henceforth for a union to assess a non-union state worker a small fee to cover negotiating expenses.
Women's health, Affirmative Action, sensible gun control, civil forfeiture: So many cases will be brought during the next four to eight years to a Supreme Court that can be redesigned by 2016 voters. A Democratic President is only a start; flipping the Senate is mandatory.
HRC, EW, the President, and Bernie should pound this theme home every day until November: The current Roberts Supreme Court is the residue of bad decisions we made in 1988 and 2000. Let's not repeat those mistakes.
91
I've been with Hillary through thin and thin. It just got even thinner.
17
She has dropped a few pounds; chasing grand children around? I bet some grandmother's haven't got the energy at the end of a day taking care of them after work.
The issue dogging Hillary Clinton is basic honesty. She can change the narrative by changing her tendency to lie whenever questioned about anything. Why not start today? Hold a press conference, as you suggest. Answer every question honestly. Strive for progress, not perfection.
21
Nonsense.
The only issue "dogging" HRC is that she isn't a rightist.
The GOP would give its eye teeth to have an HRC on their side bit alas all they can muster is Sarah Palin or the one who ruined Hewlett Packard's good name. Look at that, I already forgot her name.
If HRC was a rightist the GOP would have comoletely forgotten about Hollywood Reagan and the texas twits.
The only issue "dogging" HRC is that she isn't a rightist.
The GOP would give its eye teeth to have an HRC on their side bit alas all they can muster is Sarah Palin or the one who ruined Hewlett Packard's good name. Look at that, I already forgot her name.
If HRC was a rightist the GOP would have comoletely forgotten about Hollywood Reagan and the texas twits.
2
Yeah, then apply the same standard to Donald Trump, who not only cannot tell the truth --- ever --- but also and importantly, who truly endangers our national security every time he speaks.
2
Without quibbling about whether or not Gail Collins is too harsh on Hillary Clinton’s email performance and too lenient on James Comey’s gratuitous smearing of her, we can recognize good advice when we read it.
Or can we?
Gail Collins writes, “Send Bill home. This is an easy call.” The problem with that advice is that voters will be reminded that when Hillary is elected, “home” will be the same address as hers.
Is there still time for a quickie divorce in Reno or Las Vegas before heading to Philadelphia?
It could be a media event with great symbolism about a woman’s Declaration of Independence.
Or can we?
Gail Collins writes, “Send Bill home. This is an easy call.” The problem with that advice is that voters will be reminded that when Hillary is elected, “home” will be the same address as hers.
Is there still time for a quickie divorce in Reno or Las Vegas before heading to Philadelphia?
It could be a media event with great symbolism about a woman’s Declaration of Independence.
7
The email announcement just confirms what we already knew. Hillary Clinton is an awful candidate and a flawed person who couldn’t beat any of the other Republicans who ran in the primaries with the possible exception of Ted Cruz. She probably will beat Trump, and become what Trump would be in the unlikely event that he wins - a one-term president who can nominate, and probably get confirmed, at least one Supreme Court Justice. Other than that, either of them will be hamstrung by congress and their own self-destructive foibles, and preside over four years of dithering while the climate warms, the economy slides and the divisions in this country harden. The best thing for her would have been a Supreme Court appointment by President Obama, which was once rumored to be in the works.
89
Bruce Rubenstein: Great analysis and likely outcome to a Clinton Presidency, the only caveat being I am afraid she will drag us further into the Middle East nightmare and I am even more concerned with her choice of friends in Nuland and Kagan and the potential for a World War Three over the Ukraine issue, not to mention the understandable loss of our allies in Europe as they struggle to clean the refugee mess we created particularly if She escalates the situation as she has often proposed.
1
She isn't "an awful candidate." She just needs better style advice, particularly with her delivery of messages. And she needs to take on the entire GOP in terms of how they have "governed" both nationally and in states where people suffer from the abject stupidity of their Republican law makers (breakers).
HRC's dancing, frothing, lying opponent is terrifying in his appeal to the lowest base of voters, and then some. She needs to connect him inextricably to the GOP. He is their progeny.
His list of transgressions is gargantuan. When she speaks to these, it would be wise not to shout but rather to speak softly and wield the "big stick" of evidence against him, stopping to acknowledge her audience, making eye contact and responding to them. This isn't a gendered comment. The shouting isn't good.
Those of us who love her (warts and all), want her to win. To do this, she needs to juxtapose a calm (and humorous) demeanor with the wild-eyed insanity of her competitor.
HRC's dancing, frothing, lying opponent is terrifying in his appeal to the lowest base of voters, and then some. She needs to connect him inextricably to the GOP. He is their progeny.
His list of transgressions is gargantuan. When she speaks to these, it would be wise not to shout but rather to speak softly and wield the "big stick" of evidence against him, stopping to acknowledge her audience, making eye contact and responding to them. This isn't a gendered comment. The shouting isn't good.
Those of us who love her (warts and all), want her to win. To do this, she needs to juxtapose a calm (and humorous) demeanor with the wild-eyed insanity of her competitor.
1
I respectfully disagree, Bruce. I think Hillary would beat any of the GOP candidates that ran in the primaries. J.E.B. was unable to talk about his brother's disastrous presidency. Rubio can't defend his attendance record and just spews out talking points. Carson was unhinged from reality.
I think Clinton's record and policy proposals stack up well against anyone in the GOP field.
I think Clinton's record and policy proposals stack up well against anyone in the GOP field.
2
I don't care about her emails. No one died. No supposed security breaches led to terrorist attacks. Hillary is smart, knowledgable and not Trump. It's not a choice between the lesser of two evils. It's a choice between an intelligent woman and a racist failure.
1170
So are you concerned about the people who did die? In Benghazi? Quite an interesting, tunnel vision view you have there.
1
LBarken: You are right nobody died with her emails it's her vote for the war in Iraq and her desire to continue that war among many others including Libya Ukraine, Syria and a redo in Iraq where thousands have died and thousands more will if she is elected President and her foreign policy dictated by A.I.P.A.C. Is allowed to continue. Yes Trump is in many ways loathsome but he is less of a war monger and there is a difference between a manipulative businessman, (let's face it even Benjamin Franklin went behind the back of the French to cut a deal with the British after the war the French helped us in) and a person who essentially takes bribes from Wall Street for anticipated future favors, none of these people whether A.I.P.A.C. Or Goldman Sachs give someone something for nothing. You want more war and Wall Street coddling, Hillarie's your canidate, just don't say you weren't warned when there is a draft and YOUR kids get dragged off to some hell hole and you can bet it won't be Chelsea and Marc they will be just fine.
4
the point is not the emails, but as always with politicians, it's the cover-up, the endless series of lies and evasions that Clinton generated in response to the email scandel. And in fact, floughting safety rules for ones 'conveience' is not a strong qualification for any job -- most of us would be fired for doing something equivalent. Gail is right, she'll win be default (we all hope) as the lesser of two evils but I fear she's a terrible role model for my daughters who are excited about a woman president. And saying she didn't get to this point in her career herself is the understatement of the century -- i doubt a one-term senator would have been named secretary of state, etc. She reminds me of those lists one reads of the most wealthy women and most of them got their wealth from their (dead) husbands or fathers. Terrible role models indeed., to empower our daughters...
2
Ah yes, the last bullet. There is trade, big pharma, etc. Come on, Hillary! Tell us why we should vote for you, not just against Trump.
16
Hillary has won this particular battle but lost the war. She can't recover from this scandal. It shows that she put her own political and personal interests above those of the safety and security of the US.
And there are other cases that mirror those of Hillary's use of personal devices that have classified information on them - John Deutsch, Brian Nishimura, etc., that ended differently.
Add to this the incredibly unbelievable "coincidences" of the Bill/Lynch meeting, the leaks of no prosecution for months, the "coincidence" of being able to schedule a joint campaign stop with Obama hours after Comey's speech, and so and so and so on.
She's created her own damaging meme that the Clintons are above the law, and then talks at a podium with the presidential seal with Obama, gets funding for her campaign and for the Clinton charity from the biggest money of the big including foreign governments. She and Bill can't shake the smell of the scandals past, and troubles in the future, no matter hard they try.
It's her election to lose. And she's going to lose it.
And there are other cases that mirror those of Hillary's use of personal devices that have classified information on them - John Deutsch, Brian Nishimura, etc., that ended differently.
Add to this the incredibly unbelievable "coincidences" of the Bill/Lynch meeting, the leaks of no prosecution for months, the "coincidence" of being able to schedule a joint campaign stop with Obama hours after Comey's speech, and so and so and so on.
She's created her own damaging meme that the Clintons are above the law, and then talks at a podium with the presidential seal with Obama, gets funding for her campaign and for the Clinton charity from the biggest money of the big including foreign governments. She and Bill can't shake the smell of the scandals past, and troubles in the future, no matter hard they try.
It's her election to lose. And she's going to lose it.
22
Your comment, minh z, recites the image of Hillary Clinton which the Republicans have spent more than 30 years and millions of dollars – much of them tax dollars – to create and nurture. It is a contrived image of deceit which is far from the truth.
The current email flap involved an effort by Mrs. Clinton to have some semblance of normal privacy and protection from incessant and often unlawful intrusions by Republicans searching for scandal. Mrs. Clinton made a mistake with the private server and has apologized. Her transgression, however, was far less serious and nefarious than those of men who had no need to circumvent the rules, yet escaped serious penalty for doing so. General David Petraeus comes to mind.
Unlike her predecessor as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton traveled the world alone, trying to learn what is happening on various fronts. She did not travel in the tow of the president or content herself to remain in Foggy Bottom. She also did not trust having her private emails routinely read by partisans at State or at the C.I.A.
Hillary Clinton is a highly intelligent, highly experienced candidate who has fought for many years for the rights of less fortunate Americans who Republicans victimize on a daily basis, hypocritically mouthing a faux-populism.
No patriotic American in his or her right mind would choose a willfully ignorant, self-obsessed and unstable person like Donald Trump to sit in the Oval Office.
The current email flap involved an effort by Mrs. Clinton to have some semblance of normal privacy and protection from incessant and often unlawful intrusions by Republicans searching for scandal. Mrs. Clinton made a mistake with the private server and has apologized. Her transgression, however, was far less serious and nefarious than those of men who had no need to circumvent the rules, yet escaped serious penalty for doing so. General David Petraeus comes to mind.
Unlike her predecessor as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton traveled the world alone, trying to learn what is happening on various fronts. She did not travel in the tow of the president or content herself to remain in Foggy Bottom. She also did not trust having her private emails routinely read by partisans at State or at the C.I.A.
Hillary Clinton is a highly intelligent, highly experienced candidate who has fought for many years for the rights of less fortunate Americans who Republicans victimize on a daily basis, hypocritically mouthing a faux-populism.
No patriotic American in his or her right mind would choose a willfully ignorant, self-obsessed and unstable person like Donald Trump to sit in the Oval Office.
5
To minh z.
And your alternative is ........... drum roll - Donald Trump !!!
And your alternative is ........... drum roll - Donald Trump !!!
2
It would add to her credibility if she donated much of her wealth obtained from speaking fees to the political causes she is supporting.
12
Why? Isn't Hillary allowed to make a living?
2
Ha ha.
The strategy of trying to improve your reputation by discrediting someone else's, no matter how bad the other person is, can't do a whole lot to help you. I find Clinton's persistent Trump-bashing counterproductive and even a little cringe-worthy. If she doesn't watch herself she'll do a Rubio and fall into the Trump insult-vortex. I think I heard Ms. Clinton roll out that old chestnut about her mom telling her to stand up to bullies. In my experience, more bullies have been taken down with finesse than with force. Time to go positive, no? Maybe delegate the Trump-bashing to someone else.
12
I agree. We need to hear her positive proposals on policies, etc. which will be clearly more sensible than anything Trump blurts out. She can remind us that there are issues that need attention from grownups without indulging in smart aleck points against Trump's idiocy. Leave that to others to make the snide points.
She has been given bad advice from her campaign staff and will come to regret taking on the Trump bashing herself. Speak out strongly on the important stuff, like her heartfelt speeches on foreign policy, etc. Show the voters that her strength and heart are with these important things. She is most charismatic when she speaks from the heart about issues.
She has been given bad advice from her campaign staff and will come to regret taking on the Trump bashing herself. Speak out strongly on the important stuff, like her heartfelt speeches on foreign policy, etc. Show the voters that her strength and heart are with these important things. She is most charismatic when she speaks from the heart about issues.
To R. Adelman.
I agree - especially with your last sentence.
I look forward to the debates when the taking down of the Trump bully takes place "with finesse" by the far superior Hillary Clinton.
She will dance rings around Trump, the blowhard, with his self-centered bluster and braggadocio, with his lack of anything that he has done for the betterment of this country and its population.
His business practices and money-making schemes will be fair game.
He will be made to look the complete fool when it comes to any desire to be President of the USA and Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces.
The debates will prove to be his undoing - because the man is a total fraud.
Wise up America. The country you save will be your own.
I agree - especially with your last sentence.
I look forward to the debates when the taking down of the Trump bully takes place "with finesse" by the far superior Hillary Clinton.
She will dance rings around Trump, the blowhard, with his self-centered bluster and braggadocio, with his lack of anything that he has done for the betterment of this country and its population.
His business practices and money-making schemes will be fair game.
He will be made to look the complete fool when it comes to any desire to be President of the USA and Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces.
The debates will prove to be his undoing - because the man is a total fraud.
Wise up America. The country you save will be your own.
3
Gail,
If only Hillary were as good a candidate as you are a writer. Alas, your
Hillary does not exist. What about copies of her speeches? She has
been involved in controversies from the outset of her political life, i.e.
the Watergate Committee. But, she is a very tough woman who could
possibly save the Supreme Court from its devolution to infamy. If she
does well and the D's regain the Senate and House, we might be able
to bring those millions of undocumented immigrants the recognition
that a decent society would provide. And revise the demented thing
called Obamacare, which has resulted in the obliteration of most of
the Democratic Party. Finally, she needs a VP who is very strong on
national security. None of those on the current list qualify. How about
Petraous (sp)?
If only Hillary were as good a candidate as you are a writer. Alas, your
Hillary does not exist. What about copies of her speeches? She has
been involved in controversies from the outset of her political life, i.e.
the Watergate Committee. But, she is a very tough woman who could
possibly save the Supreme Court from its devolution to infamy. If she
does well and the D's regain the Senate and House, we might be able
to bring those millions of undocumented immigrants the recognition
that a decent society would provide. And revise the demented thing
called Obamacare, which has resulted in the obliteration of most of
the Democratic Party. Finally, she needs a VP who is very strong on
national security. None of those on the current list qualify. How about
Petraous (sp)?
3
A lot of good points, Soxin11, till you got to Petraeous, however it is spelled.
Remember, he is the one who REALLY shared big black binders of the super classified information, straight from his CIA office, with his lover, the journalist. Phew! And got off with a wrist slap, if that. Life is going on nicely for him....
But he sure doesn't need to be awarded or appointed any gold stars in the future as a government employee, no matter how supposedly smart he is. Not so much.
Remember, he is the one who REALLY shared big black binders of the super classified information, straight from his CIA office, with his lover, the journalist. Phew! And got off with a wrist slap, if that. Life is going on nicely for him....
But he sure doesn't need to be awarded or appointed any gold stars in the future as a government employee, no matter how supposedly smart he is. Not so much.
yes. you are correct. he was the first name that came to mind.
he does have good name recognition and an otherwise quite
exemplary career. I have no expectation that we will ever elect
a person of the highest character/honesty, etc. to the presidency.
The real turning point for this country was the failure to elect
Dukakais. (a very decent man, but a very flawed candidate).
he does have good name recognition and an otherwise quite
exemplary career. I have no expectation that we will ever elect
a person of the highest character/honesty, etc. to the presidency.
The real turning point for this country was the failure to elect
Dukakais. (a very decent man, but a very flawed candidate).
"Donald Trump’s anti-Semitic tweet"
I dislike Trump, but I think the media's accusing him of anti-Semitism is way below the belt. His daughter converted to Judaism. He's a New Yorker. As a Trump supporting Jewish friend from Westchester County told me, "He is the closest we're getting to having a New York Jew as president."
Trump isn't an anti-Semite. And shame on the media for gratuitously creating and propagating these accusations.
I dislike Trump, but I think the media's accusing him of anti-Semitism is way below the belt. His daughter converted to Judaism. He's a New Yorker. As a Trump supporting Jewish friend from Westchester County told me, "He is the closest we're getting to having a New York Jew as president."
Trump isn't an anti-Semite. And shame on the media for gratuitously creating and propagating these accusations.
14
I think you are right, that Trump himself is not anti-Semitic, but his staff borrowed from a website that is anti-Semitic and Trump has thus far refused to apologize for the mistake. It is the refusal to straight up acknowledge an error that reveals a highly questionable temperament.
8
It doesn't matter if Trump is or isn't an anti-Semite personally. His tweets signal to the Anti-Semites that he's their guy. He knows that and won't stop.
3
We know some of his best friends are Jewish. Indeed, some are women. So of course he couldn't be signalling to white supremacist fascistic voters and supporters. Of course he couldn't be.
2
Your calculus is impressive notwithstanding an interesting yet unreported aspect of the Trump election machinery. That is monitoring racist, fascist web sites for election material as evidence the anti-Semitic material used with the bold Star of David. Trump might deny deny deny but looking for material from hate groups is endemic to his entire philosophy. He and his followers obviously do not understand "Never Again" and misunderstand that classic White racism of all irks includes anti-Semitic sentiments.
7
FBI Director James Comey is a law enforcement agent, not a political commentator.
He forgot that on Tuesday.
(Perhaps he thinks if CNN would stoop to hire Corey Lewandowski, there may be big TV bucks in HIS post-FBI career - which is certain to be sooner than later once Hillary is inaugurated next January.)
Look: Comey had every right to recommend legal indictment of Hillary Clinton yesterday. Perhaps he should have.
However, he had no right to issue his own political indictment and then basically say, "But no reasonable prosecutor would say she broke any laws so I ain't gonna recommend indicting her, which means she will never have the benefit of a trial to defend herself."
"Oh, well...guess you all will either have to listen to MSNBC or Fox News and decide for yourselves what to do with her.
"Sorry, no questions. See ya!"
If Hillary Clinton violated standards of professionalism, as Comey more than just implied, his pseudo-political performance yesterday matched her violation for violation.
I, along with so many, had respected James Comey as a non-partisan, career professional who was above reproach.
Tuesday, he neatly and completely proved us wrong.
He forgot that on Tuesday.
(Perhaps he thinks if CNN would stoop to hire Corey Lewandowski, there may be big TV bucks in HIS post-FBI career - which is certain to be sooner than later once Hillary is inaugurated next January.)
Look: Comey had every right to recommend legal indictment of Hillary Clinton yesterday. Perhaps he should have.
However, he had no right to issue his own political indictment and then basically say, "But no reasonable prosecutor would say she broke any laws so I ain't gonna recommend indicting her, which means she will never have the benefit of a trial to defend herself."
"Oh, well...guess you all will either have to listen to MSNBC or Fox News and decide for yourselves what to do with her.
"Sorry, no questions. See ya!"
If Hillary Clinton violated standards of professionalism, as Comey more than just implied, his pseudo-political performance yesterday matched her violation for violation.
I, along with so many, had respected James Comey as a non-partisan, career professional who was above reproach.
Tuesday, he neatly and completely proved us wrong.
48
Comey is a very conservative republican. That came through and he seemed heart broken he could find no indictable offense!
God Bless you for thinking clearly for Hillery Clinton. The news conference idea is 'way to go'. Tell Bill to take a long long nap ! And last get your brave hard positions out there, like college debt, fixing Obarma care. We know you can do it.
Thank you John Metz Clark Boston
Thank you John Metz Clark Boston
9
And don't forget - appointing justices to the Supreme Court.
1
You don't make history by running a feel-good campaign. You make it by making historic, fierce, hard-nosed, progressive progress in the presidency. The "feel-good" obsession is why the same self-satisfied flouncers who feel Obama "let them down" after running a wildly unrealistic campaign full of hope and nice balloons, now feel Hillary is the "lesser of two evils". You're not picking an ice-cream, you're choosing the leader of a complicated and unforgiving world that only exists in shades of grey. So pick the one who will actually accomplish powerful incremental change, the safe pair of hands, and stop griping about your dream of tutti-frutti.
22
I realize that if pundits did not over anaylyze everything, they would be out of jobs. However sometimes things are very simple.
So called "Clinton Fatigue" is really the Boy who cried wolf syndrome. For 25 years every breath taken by Bill or Hillary Clinton (hell even Chelsea) is followed by the Fox News, NY Post, Drudge echo chamber screaming the sky is falling. The same can be said of the above treatment of president Barrack Obama. Throw mud and let's see what sticks. The Clintons are far from perfect, but compared to the cacophony on the right that can't shut up for five minutes, they ain't that bad.
So called "Clinton Fatigue" is really the Boy who cried wolf syndrome. For 25 years every breath taken by Bill or Hillary Clinton (hell even Chelsea) is followed by the Fox News, NY Post, Drudge echo chamber screaming the sky is falling. The same can be said of the above treatment of president Barrack Obama. Throw mud and let's see what sticks. The Clintons are far from perfect, but compared to the cacophony on the right that can't shut up for five minutes, they ain't that bad.
32
Yes, Hillary and other Democrats have to turn the story around. Forcefully, for a change. Start by not pretending the email issue will just fade with time by November. Can't let the Republicans control the message because it's a message of lies and distortions that just encourages piling-on by media-types.
Everyone knew that at some time the FBI would come to a conclusion and, whatever the outcome, it would be politicized. Just seems that the Republicans and the hate-Hillary crowd were more prepared to take her down than Democrats and supporters were prepared to stand up for her.
Many...Republicans, pundits, comedians and even Comey...are creating noise with their opinions. Reality: After many months of examining the factual evidence, the FBI exonerated Hillary. I don't hear that message coming from her side loudly enough to compete.
Everyone knew that at some time the FBI would come to a conclusion and, whatever the outcome, it would be politicized. Just seems that the Republicans and the hate-Hillary crowd were more prepared to take her down than Democrats and supporters were prepared to stand up for her.
Many...Republicans, pundits, comedians and even Comey...are creating noise with their opinions. Reality: After many months of examining the factual evidence, the FBI exonerated Hillary. I don't hear that message coming from her side loudly enough to compete.
215
Did not indict is not the same as exonerate.
not sure you understand the meaning of the word "exonerated" -- don't recall seeing that in Comey's statement.
I keep looking at real estate listings outside Toronto.
8
I think that it is too easy for many of those Republicans, like the Speaker, and the Senate Majority, to throw darts at Hillary. The FBI should widen its investigation into the practices of all of the politicians in position of power and I am sure when they are turned upside down and shaken, all sorts of misuse of servers and protocols would come falling out! Technology is moving very quickly and it is almost impossible to protect all modes of communication. None of these communications actually had 'confidential' or 'top secret' labelled but I agree that she and/or her staff should have been better informed. However, am I missing something or wasn't it the government, so called protected, servers were actually hacked! And not just once! How secure is that!
25
At the risk of being politically incorrect, one of Mrs. Clinton's most off-putting characteristics is her body language, which could be at the root of her relatability problem. Her default facial expression may have the intent of being regal, but the vibe it sends is imperious, even condescending.
This is compounded by mechanically nodding her head up and down to the cadence of compliments from whomever is introducing her at a given event. It's as if she's inviting her audience to join in with "the nod," somewhat similar to "the wave" at a ballgame or other stadium event. Not a good optic.
Staying deep within a bubble and as far away as possible from journalists' questions doesn't help, either. She hasn't held a news conference in more than seven months, which, especially to an undecided voter, is downright insulting.
Rightly or wrongly, voters seek a comfort zone with the person who will be running the country for the next four or eight years, rather than the feeling that they're being lectured to all the time. But in that regard -- despite the fact that Ms. Rodham/Mrs. Clinton has been in the public eye for some 47 years -- she still has a long way to go to win hearts and minds rather than merely be the lesser of two evils.
This is compounded by mechanically nodding her head up and down to the cadence of compliments from whomever is introducing her at a given event. It's as if she's inviting her audience to join in with "the nod," somewhat similar to "the wave" at a ballgame or other stadium event. Not a good optic.
Staying deep within a bubble and as far away as possible from journalists' questions doesn't help, either. She hasn't held a news conference in more than seven months, which, especially to an undecided voter, is downright insulting.
Rightly or wrongly, voters seek a comfort zone with the person who will be running the country for the next four or eight years, rather than the feeling that they're being lectured to all the time. But in that regard -- despite the fact that Ms. Rodham/Mrs. Clinton has been in the public eye for some 47 years -- she still has a long way to go to win hearts and minds rather than merely be the lesser of two evils.
18
Seriously? Her body language? Whatever.
2
Gail is right, a news conference where she answered all the tough questions could really benefit her. The irony is that her compulsive need to control, which got her here in the first place, prevents her from holding an event over which she has no control.
13
While we're listening to the old news about the careless e-mails, why isn't the scandal of the season the fact that Donald Trump is deliberately, systematically trying to raise money from foreign officials for his campaign. Since it is illegal to accept such donations, much less solicit them, shouldn't we be anticipating prosecution down the road for Trump? If Clinton did this, what would Republicans be saying about it?
16
Here is one of the better explanations as to why Director Comey said no reasonable prosecutor would move to indict: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2016/07/th... . The crux of the piece relates to the Espionage Act of 1917. The opening paragraph:
"Tuesday’s announcement by FBI Director Jim Comey that the Bureau is not recommending charges against Hillary Clinton for her improper use of a personal email server to conduct State Department business is, from a legal perspective, completely unsurprising. Despite the legion of Hillary critics qua armchair prosecutors who will say otherwise, federal law doesn’t prohibit the discussion of classified information over unsecured networks."
Since Ms. Colllns' title today contains "beyond email," I'd mention another of Trump's recent bits of wisdom: Saddam Hussein and terrorist control. I saw one of Trump's spokeswomen on CNN defending her boss and talking about how much worse ISIS was, relative to Hussein, largely because of the videos of beheadings. There was no indication of any background research--that Hussein had murdered somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 of his own people by guns and gas. That is one way to control terrorists, just kill the whole population--including women and children.
Ms. Collins' concluding remark about the lesser of two evils is an understatement.
"Tuesday’s announcement by FBI Director Jim Comey that the Bureau is not recommending charges against Hillary Clinton for her improper use of a personal email server to conduct State Department business is, from a legal perspective, completely unsurprising. Despite the legion of Hillary critics qua armchair prosecutors who will say otherwise, federal law doesn’t prohibit the discussion of classified information over unsecured networks."
Since Ms. Colllns' title today contains "beyond email," I'd mention another of Trump's recent bits of wisdom: Saddam Hussein and terrorist control. I saw one of Trump's spokeswomen on CNN defending her boss and talking about how much worse ISIS was, relative to Hussein, largely because of the videos of beheadings. There was no indication of any background research--that Hussein had murdered somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 of his own people by guns and gas. That is one way to control terrorists, just kill the whole population--including women and children.
Ms. Collins' concluding remark about the lesser of two evils is an understatement.
10
And OF COURSE there is NO mention of Bernie Sander's very strong and popular run for the presidency, and his superiority against Trump. The Coronation Parade continues with no regard for real voters and for democracy… oh ya.. this is the NYTimes.. silly me for forgetting.
16
For the four hundred thousand four hundred and twenty-sixth time, Bernie Sanders has never been vetted. First because Clinton has always needed the votes of his supporters, and second because Republicans were salivating at just the thought of an opportunity to run against a Jewish Socialist.
1
REAL voters chose Hillary.
2
Of course there's no mention, he lost, get over it and move on.
2
Another approach is to court and close Millenial voters. e-mail is for olds. Define the future and sell it.
3
It is mind boggling that the brilliant GOP brainiacs have been on a forever anti-Hillary campaign that only preaches to the choir. How much more toxic can Hillary get to the GOP fanatics? The independents who are proud of their intelligence are seeing through the GOP's hysterical lies and generally funny but stupid talking points. It hasn't worked through two national elections and now they are presenting a grotesque orange caricature to further insult the national intelligence.
12
Clinton can write 100 position papers, but she is up against a professional showman who is the main issue for both his supporters and his critics. Trade policy announced by Hillary will be well below the fold. The headlines are always what Trump says.
8
Great column and spot on. It is desperately sad that someone as talented as Mrs. Clinton is also so utterly tone deaf to standard common sense -and possibly also to standard morality. I keep feeling that she COULD be an amazing leader & then something comes along to remind me that here is someone who has wanted to be President for most of her adult life & will do just about anything EXCEPT take a bold stand to get there. Please stay tough Maureen, we need some of that right now!
118
John? Maureen?
This is just a perfect example of how voters read and understand nothing about the government that herds them around every four years. Both parties mirror each other, suffering from a form of dementia, they defecate where they eat, and eat from where they defecate. Should we thank ourselves for lowering the bar with W. Bush. Then came Your Highness the nefarious "Prince Transparency." Let's by pass, Sanders, Warren and any other person trying to help us reestablish an economy and functioning government that works for us since we pay them to do only that! Instead we lung desperately to illicit the buffoonery of "Carrot Top," to save the day. Did we graduate from "Trump University" and jumped into a Beetle Bug? I am left with Hillary Clinton, I will vote for her, not because I can or cannot share a beer with her, or because she was forced to play along with NAFTA, unwanted military engagements, just to remain in the only viable party that could take her to the WH. She is no more or less ambitious than any male counter part, and by far more knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with the hyenas that wonder through the halls of government, searching for weak prey. I am voting for her because she is the best qualified candidate available. To the surprise of all she also will put into action programs that will better all our lives. I am voting or a President not a sweet heart.
John, it's Gail Collins, not Maureen.
This is just a perfect example of how voters read and understand nothing about the government that herds them around every four years. Both parties mirror each other, suffering from a form of dementia, they defecate where they eat, and eat from where they defecate. Should we thank ourselves for lowering the bar with W. Bush. Then came Your Highness the nefarious "Prince Transparency." Let's by pass, Sanders, Warren and any other person trying to help us reestablish an economy and functioning government that works for us since we pay them to do only that! Instead we lung desperately to illicit the buffoonery of "Carrot Top," to save the day. Did we graduate from "Trump University" and jumped into a Beetle Bug? I am left with Hillary Clinton, I will vote for her, not because I can or cannot share a beer with her, or because she was forced to play along with NAFTA, unwanted military engagements, just to remain in the only viable party that could take her to the WH. She is no more or less ambitious than any male counter part, and by far more knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with the hyenas that wonder through the halls of government, searching for weak prey. I am voting for her because she is the best qualified candidate available. To the surprise of all she also will put into action programs that will better all our lives. I am voting or a President not a sweet heart.
John, it's Gail Collins, not Maureen.
6
Gail Collins wrote this column.
4
Oh, no: Gail is getting so tough on Hillary that some commenters are mistaking her for Maureen!
2
Hillaria's apologists pulling out their "NINTENDO" defense.
She didn't "intend to"....(fill-in-the-blank).
We will get the leadership we deserve.
And we will all pay the consequences.
Meanwhile back at the 1% yacht, the Martini fountain is flowing again.
She didn't "intend to"....(fill-in-the-blank).
We will get the leadership we deserve.
And we will all pay the consequences.
Meanwhile back at the 1% yacht, the Martini fountain is flowing again.
4
Subject of Republican investigative hearings:
-House Republicans in Congress spent 10 days taking 140 hours of testimony into whether Bill Clinton used the White House Christmas card list for political purposes.
Subjects for which no hearings by Republicans were held:
-Lies about WMD that launched the Iraq War
-Torture at Abu Ghraib,
-Profiteering by Halliburton and other contractors
-The outing of CIA Agent Valerie Plame by Cheney
We have just witnessed another witch hunt brought against Hillary Clinton by the Republicans because they have yet again chosen to abuse their Congressional power. They do not seek truth or justice, they seek only to politically assassinate Clintons when they are not undermining healthcare or Social Security or cutting taxes for the 0.1%
Let us hope that Hillary does sincerely adopt even more progressive positions- it makes sense and is politically savvy. The greater the Clinton victory the greater will be the opportunity to put an end to Republican Congressional tyranny.
-House Republicans in Congress spent 10 days taking 140 hours of testimony into whether Bill Clinton used the White House Christmas card list for political purposes.
Subjects for which no hearings by Republicans were held:
-Lies about WMD that launched the Iraq War
-Torture at Abu Ghraib,
-Profiteering by Halliburton and other contractors
-The outing of CIA Agent Valerie Plame by Cheney
We have just witnessed another witch hunt brought against Hillary Clinton by the Republicans because they have yet again chosen to abuse their Congressional power. They do not seek truth or justice, they seek only to politically assassinate Clintons when they are not undermining healthcare or Social Security or cutting taxes for the 0.1%
Let us hope that Hillary does sincerely adopt even more progressive positions- it makes sense and is politically savvy. The greater the Clinton victory the greater will be the opportunity to put an end to Republican Congressional tyranny.
37
I'm the type of guy that can't wait for the holidays to be over so I don't have to listen to the ads and manufactured gaiety anymore. I feel the same way about election cycles, but this year.....The Worst Ever!!!
8
The entire 'Benghazi affair' is, in summary, a final, futile death gasp of the Republican Party as it continues its trail to oblivion. Those e-mails were a minor event, not affecting anything except the ire of the GOP, and the only thing they could exploit. It is way past time to move on to important matters - such as the remote possibility of having Donald Trump's finger on the Nuclear Button. Now, THAT is something to fear.......
21
Gail,
You make the case for her very well:
Nothing commends her.
Everything condemns her.
Question: what, in her long, tortured history, would make you trust her?
You make the case for her very well:
Nothing commends her.
Everything condemns her.
Question: what, in her long, tortured history, would make you trust her?
2
Hillary will make her mark in the debates. It will be the first time the public sees the two side by side and the audience will be HUGE. It will be the graduate school test that all Trump handlers have been dreading. In the past month Trump seems incapable of staying focused on any type of coherent policy position. His speeches continue to be incoherent and rambling. Hillary is waiting with a hatchet of focus and preparation. Trump will no longer be playing to an audience of rubes. There will be no chanting of build a wall, only the naked spotlight on a candidate totally unprepared for the task at hand.
613
I hope you are correct. When I watched Al Gore and Geo W I thought, this guy is an idiot. No one will vote for him.
And we all know how that one turned out. And before anyone says Al Gore did win, if he'd done it decisively, the Supreme Court would have never been able to jerk it out from under him.
And we all know how that one turned out. And before anyone says Al Gore did win, if he'd done it decisively, the Supreme Court would have never been able to jerk it out from under him.
1
The moderator at debates with Trump will have to be amazingly in control, since Trump just blasts randomly without any discipline or respect for the process. And watch Chris Matthews' interview with Trump, where Trump manages to take a discussion about his position on abortion into an attack on Matthews for not being true to his Catholic religion. Trump is an idiot, but an even bigger bully. It will be hard to restrain him.
2
I'm thinking that DJT will not be allowed anywhere near a debate with HRC for the very reasons you state. His team knows full well that the comparison will not be pretty or favorable to him and will elect to not participate in debates. They will think that the firestorm of protest over not debating as the lesser problem when compared to being "beaten like a drum" by a competent woman on national TV.
2
For some reason I refuse to believe that Hillary Clinton is an 'evil'. Not that I am particularly religious-minded, she is beginning to bring to mind Joan of Arc, putting up a great fight for our Country. C.S. Lewis might be able to write it right, while her great foe, Mr. Trump, is beginning to bumble and lose it right in front of the Nation.
Democrats and Republicans will go to any length it appears to support their Party. Ms. Collins, you are the 'real' Jane Austen, a formidable social and political satirist, we are fortunate to have you, and I want the best president for my Country.
Keep writing because the battle is not over, and do we really want to feel that America was Lost because of some Emails? A Presidency with Hillary Clinton offers this citizen some peace of mind, and this is the beginning to go on to greater things if we unite as The People of the United States.
Democrats and Republicans will go to any length it appears to support their Party. Ms. Collins, you are the 'real' Jane Austen, a formidable social and political satirist, we are fortunate to have you, and I want the best president for my Country.
Keep writing because the battle is not over, and do we really want to feel that America was Lost because of some Emails? A Presidency with Hillary Clinton offers this citizen some peace of mind, and this is the beginning to go on to greater things if we unite as The People of the United States.
28
The more Clinton takes the easy road of campaigning as the un-Trump (Bernie is still the anti-Trump), the more likely it becomes that the Republicans will not nominate Trump.
And there will be Clinton saying, "I'm not Trump."
And there will be Ryan saying, "Neither am I."
And there will be Clinton saying, "I'm not Trump."
And there will be Ryan saying, "Neither am I."
6
We haven't found out more about any woman since Katie Couric's colonoscopy.
Stop it.
Stop it.
23
Unfortunately Hillary reminds me too often of all the privileged ladies I've known and seen who believe that somehow the world they influence does not touch or deserve them, that all their work is a free gift, noblesse oblige, from a gracious distance. And as you learn the hard way, they can always go home, far from you, well insulated, carefully cared for, and luxuriously surrounded. Volunteer in Harlem, vacation in the Hamptons. For them, for her, the rules just don't apply because they can always leave the game. Hillary has tried hard to posture, or pose, against that type and cannot shake it.
Would she be better than the Trump, without question: even the meanest luncheon lady would be. Will she make us better, I don't think so because she's made very clear that she's not one of us.
Would she be better than the Trump, without question: even the meanest luncheon lady would be. Will she make us better, I don't think so because she's made very clear that she's not one of us.
11