Not sure which is more nauseating, the cynicism of the payees or the gullibility of the payors.
11
What an incredible waste of resources. Vain rich people blowing huge sums that could be used to improve the lives of people all over the world.
16
In my 60's now and I can't recall a presidential election or presidency that was up to my squeaky clean standards on either side of the aisle. To me, the relationship between the citizens and their government is much like those between individuals. As much as I love my partner, she has and always will have flaws, at least according to my imperfect judgment, yet I accept all of her. So does Hillary and the DNC and any other politician. I will support Hillary because I know, in spite of her shortcomings, she's by far the best choice we have. However, it's up to us to help keep her on track, and I'm hoping that this brutal campaign to the presidency has taught her that, in this fantastic new age of information, we the people have a greater voice than we've ever had. So it's time to start listening, Hillary.
14
The question is, what kind of proof are people looking for? What documentary evidence would they need to see between now and November that might make them rethink some things? I suspect some people are so cynical, nothing would change their mind. But transparency is not a partisan game.
4
Amazing how you libs can spin this slimy stuff! These people are borderline organized crime organization. Perhaps even some legal issues in moving money around to skirt campaign financing laws.
13
Any word of the Clinton Foundation from wikileaks yet (not unlike the Panama papers leak).
6
The corrupt system (that we all knew existed) is exposed. Politicians exchange favors, power and influence for money. You know that something is wrong with the system, when so many career politicians are rich. When Washington DC, with no industry to speak of, is the richest city in the country, you know the money is flowing to the corrupt politicians.
And Hillary Clinton is right in the middle of it.
And Hillary Clinton is right in the middle of it.
19
I thought I heard that Hillary will support the overturning of Citizens United last night? Of course the President can do nothing about the Supreme Court's decision that money is First Amendment protected speech, and the parties must operated within this framework as long as the government refuses to fund fair impartial elections-so we are stuck with the parties doing all they can to elect the people that their wealthy donors want in office. For the rich, by the rich, of the rich....
The drums however are beating on the right where they have always staunchly supported strong Second Amendment protections due to their distrust of big government (see late Justice Antonin Scalia's most recent opinion regarding the founder's reasons for the Second Amendment). The drums are also beating on the left, and the left's growing distrust of government may lead them to similar position as to the Second Amendment.
If these e-mails are not evidence of improper buying of government, what would be? The rich speak amplified through Marshall media stacks; the rest of us hushed whispers. But there are a lot more whisperers out there and ultimately the many win... sometimes in awful ways-let's hope the Supreme Court puts an end to this before the masses do.
The drums however are beating on the right where they have always staunchly supported strong Second Amendment protections due to their distrust of big government (see late Justice Antonin Scalia's most recent opinion regarding the founder's reasons for the Second Amendment). The drums are also beating on the left, and the left's growing distrust of government may lead them to similar position as to the Second Amendment.
If these e-mails are not evidence of improper buying of government, what would be? The rich speak amplified through Marshall media stacks; the rest of us hushed whispers. But there are a lot more whisperers out there and ultimately the many win... sometimes in awful ways-let's hope the Supreme Court puts an end to this before the masses do.
6
Everyone needs to know how fundraising actually works in this nation. It's how we pay for our bloated election system; our legal and social service agencies; arts organizations; private colleges and universities. We fight diseases and house the homeless and yes, elect our officials this way.
It's a bloated, wasteful and ultimately ridiculous system: "development officers" promising favors like seats at fancy dinners and events, conversations with the powerful, and the ultimate prize: access to power and glory and the feeling of "doing good."
It's the mechanism behind every Kickstarter. And the "charity" fundraiser with its multiple levels of supporters. It's the ranked list of donors in the program of the arts organization. The hospital. The museum. And yes, it's how money gets raised by just about everybody in politics, particularly for the biggest offices.
EVERYTHING we don't pay for with taxes gets supported through this system. We could have higher taxes, or else this series of backscratching-begging-"gold circle donor" privileges. Koch Brothers platinum brand on both Lincoln Center and Mike Pence. Gates family brand on school improvement and malaria control. And a whole system of smaller donations, ranked from silver to bronze to tin to plastic party favors at the charity dinner for the $25.00 donor.
Like swag bags after an event? Shaking the hand of a musician selling merch after the show? You're a part of the system. Everybody should know how this works.
It's a bloated, wasteful and ultimately ridiculous system: "development officers" promising favors like seats at fancy dinners and events, conversations with the powerful, and the ultimate prize: access to power and glory and the feeling of "doing good."
It's the mechanism behind every Kickstarter. And the "charity" fundraiser with its multiple levels of supporters. It's the ranked list of donors in the program of the arts organization. The hospital. The museum. And yes, it's how money gets raised by just about everybody in politics, particularly for the biggest offices.
EVERYTHING we don't pay for with taxes gets supported through this system. We could have higher taxes, or else this series of backscratching-begging-"gold circle donor" privileges. Koch Brothers platinum brand on both Lincoln Center and Mike Pence. Gates family brand on school improvement and malaria control. And a whole system of smaller donations, ranked from silver to bronze to tin to plastic party favors at the charity dinner for the $25.00 donor.
Like swag bags after an event? Shaking the hand of a musician selling merch after the show? You're a part of the system. Everybody should know how this works.
10
I am shocked, shocked! The question is why do we need leaks doing the media's job.
17
I hope those mid-level staffers considered the writing abilities of all these fat cats who were asking for perks. I would've put some of those ungrammatical and poorly worded requests at the bottom of the pile!
4
It's very sad. Last night, listening to the chants for "Bernie, Bernie, Bernie" at the convention, I couldn't help but notice that what i think people really want, what they may really be chanting for is "Freedom, Freedom, Freedom".
Freedom to choose your doctor, your occupation, your education, freedom to choose what happens in your life. Right now, most people's lives have already been decided by others. Yes, the great thing about America is that you can change that be realistically, only a few are that lucky. This country has turned into a caste system. I personally feel like an indentured servant. I don't go to my job because I like it, I go because if I didn't have a paycheck everything would fall apart. Where is the freedom in that?
Next time you hear the chant for Bernie, think about how much it sounds like a chant for Freedom and yes, Freedom to vote for whom you choose as well.
Freedom to choose your doctor, your occupation, your education, freedom to choose what happens in your life. Right now, most people's lives have already been decided by others. Yes, the great thing about America is that you can change that be realistically, only a few are that lucky. This country has turned into a caste system. I personally feel like an indentured servant. I don't go to my job because I like it, I go because if I didn't have a paycheck everything would fall apart. Where is the freedom in that?
Next time you hear the chant for Bernie, think about how much it sounds like a chant for Freedom and yes, Freedom to vote for whom you choose as well.
11
I am not about to read the 15,000 leaked emails, but I have yet to see a single quote of an email that indicates the DNC actually ACTED in a way that was detrimental to Sanders. Most of what I have seen (at least in THIS article) are anecdotes of people who gave a lot of money and asked to be given a good seat close to the action either at the convention or some other event. BFD. As to sabotaging Sanders' campaign, all I have seen are emails from random staffers (with no indication that said staffers have any actual clout) SUGGESTING ways to sabotage Sanders. I have yet to see anything regarding actual ACTIONS taken along those lines. Just because the DNC is supposed to ACT neutral in a campaign doesn't mean that those who work for it don't have their own preferences.
Please - can anyone point me to an email indicating actual ACTIONS taken against Sanders? It seems to me that what passes for news in this country is simply OPINIONS about events, never any actual FACTS about those events.
Please - can anyone point me to an email indicating actual ACTIONS taken against Sanders? It seems to me that what passes for news in this country is simply OPINIONS about events, never any actual FACTS about those events.
20
Corrupt to the point of sand bagging Bernie to save HRC shows how empty the democrats are.
17
Wikileaks has already announced that the Russian narrative is without any proof and another Lie emanating from the DNC and HRC. Anything to deflect the attention away from voter and delegate rigging. It's the Clinton playbook, cover a Lie with a deeper Lie. Welcome back to 1994.
22
and you would believe Wikileaks Julian Assange more than the FBI? Assange is a danger to the United States of America...don't you find it disturbing that these hacks are considered normal? we should be upset that these hacks happened but no we are so eager to dig dirt that any shock is mute.
8
Oh, well that settles it! If Wikileaks says something it must be true because there's certainly no possibility that they might have an agenda of their own. Are you really so naive to think that Wikileaks would own up to it if there was a Russian connection? Wikileaks itself is a pretty slippery and self-serving entity and apparently they're answerable to no one - demanding transparency for everyone but themselves. I would regard anything they say or do with considerable skepticism.
7
ironic, the DNC 'University' has a laser focus on gathering money and is similar to the liberals' claims of Trump University's focus on revenue, the same bullying and tugging
8
Having worked in non-profit I agree on seating charts etc. you always place your best donors up front or near the guest speakers or Board Members. However, the Democratic Party has always portrayed themselves as non manipulative and not pandering to money. Reality check, the portrayal and the emails don't jive. Although this article only gave the "Bernie" situation one paragraph in this article and it is the most distressing part because the democrats want to be know as representing those underserved etc. and now we know for sure that Bernie was done with the DNC even before he began. Don't get me wrong, the Republicans also didn't want to recognize that Trump was elected by the majority of Republics and the media kept asking where the Bush family was during the convention. Hello political establishment and media, can we get back to listening to the American people? I believe this is why so many voters are threatening to skip the election this year. Very sad.
8
The DNC was hacked? They must have been using a home brewed server in Hillary's basement.......
13
Anything to divert attention from the meat of the leak:the unfathomable fraud that is our "democracy." For shame NYT.
19
A reader below says: “Should the New York Times be reporting in detail the content of stolen emails? The answer is NO.” And, I ask WHY NOT? It is highly newsworthy in showing the buying of favors in a corrupt party – not that the other party isn’t corrupt also. But what concerns me most is what are the billions of dollars from foreign nationals and corrupt corporations are buying in favors that hurt the American public, our economy, the preservation of our land, and the ultimate destruction of democracy to the highest bidders. This is outrageous! The DNC ran a corrupt election under the watch of DWS and I cannot doubt with the silent (or maybe not so silent) collusion of the Clintons. We are becoming the oligarchic tyranny that we once rebelled against when we stood up to the British and became America. Folks, we need a rebellion against this movement, against these corrupt politicians, against those who have created the 1% wealthy control of the 90% of working class Americans! This is unacceptable. We cannot stand by and vote for the lesser of two evils as that is still voting for evil! I believed Bernie Sanders was the un-owned politician who could help but it seems they have even broken him. It is the two party system that is corrupt and must be broken down. If we cannot change the presidential nominees, then we must rise up and VOTE OUT EVERY POLITICIAN DOWNLINE WHO HAS BEEN IN OFFICE FOR MORE THAN TWO TERMS. It is the only way to break this oligarchic control.
8
Gillian,
It's not for the hoi polloi to know these things.
If the voter knew, our miserable participation would be even lower.
Then we could no longer pretend just how exceptional we think we are.
It's not for the hoi polloi to know these things.
If the voter knew, our miserable participation would be even lower.
Then we could no longer pretend just how exceptional we think we are.
7
After a career of over 40 years raising money for charities, not political organizations, I can tell all that the concerns about seating, access, etc. permeate fundraising generally. To ignore the desires of prospects and donors is foolish, just as foolish as accommodating the more outrageous ones.
26
Has anyone even checked Trump's credit score? It's probably pretty low. Would you, as a landlord, even rent to this guy?
4
Steve,
Is that all you can do?
Are you the least bit embarrassed by the DNC's molesting of our democracy?
Can you defend Wasserman-Schultz's cynical trickery?
Luckily, our hedge-fund-granny is running against a clown.
Is that all you can do?
Are you the least bit embarrassed by the DNC's molesting of our democracy?
Can you defend Wasserman-Schultz's cynical trickery?
Luckily, our hedge-fund-granny is running against a clown.
10
You know, if Trump were like "little person" who defaulted on a mortgage, he would owe huuuuge taxes on his forgiven debts in bankruptcies.
Who thinks he paid these taxes?
Who thinks he paid these taxes?
9
Nonsense. While its true that a foreclosure can create a taxable event as the money borrowed, and then repayment defaulted upon, is considered income. However the IRS Code says that if any court has found that borrower-defaulter is insolvent then there is no tax obligation on those funds. A finding by the federal bankruptcy court that a person is entitled to liquidation of debts is a finding of insolvency....if a person were not insolvent then the bankruptcy trustee owes it to the creditors to recommend the court either do a debt restructure or deny bankruptcy protection. In the case of a restructure there would be no default and foreclosure and therefore no taxable event.
3
Frankly I don't care about donations from filthy rich Americans who want their tushes kissed so they can brag about it to their friends. I'm more interested in foreign money disguised as legal campaign contributions that seeks to control our incoming president. Maybe through a charitable organization or something like that. That would be a much more interesting story, Mr. Editor.
19
Funneled to the DNC through the Clinton foundation, possibly?
Why aren't the editors of the New York Times investigating this possibility?
Why aren't the editors of the New York Times investigating this possibility?
12
The combination of the DNC acts to undermine the campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders, the use of rank anti-Semitism and "super-delegates" suggests a party that cannot really apologize to the American people for its impact on our political life during a very important election.
12
It could have been the pope who leaked the emails, it doesn't make any difference.
Point is, there is little of anything very democratic in the Democratic Party. If you like billionaires determining education policy in our inner-cities; if you like Exxon deciding our energy future; if you like Monsanto determining our agriculture; if you like our arms manufacturers running our military.... by all means support the DNC.
Shame on our frightened New Silent Majority that ignores all the injustice in our country and in our foreign policy. We no longer merit to have a democracy.
If HRC risks losing Illinois, I'll put on a hazmat suit and vote for our "compassionate" oligarch from the North; only for the Supreme Court .
I'm hoping that my fellow Sanders backers can form an effective unit to form a serious opposition to our truly rotten corporatist system. Our DNC shall never understand just how bad things are at this time in history.
I've never heard Hill nor Barack ever mention the Sixth Massive Extinction nor the fact that poverty rose 25% in this country from 2007 to 2014.
If we continue on this trajectory, we shall be handing the reins of this country on a silver platter to the first American fascist party.
BTW: If you want a preview of Hill's administration, just look at Rahm's unjust, soft-apartheid, Chicago.
Point is, there is little of anything very democratic in the Democratic Party. If you like billionaires determining education policy in our inner-cities; if you like Exxon deciding our energy future; if you like Monsanto determining our agriculture; if you like our arms manufacturers running our military.... by all means support the DNC.
Shame on our frightened New Silent Majority that ignores all the injustice in our country and in our foreign policy. We no longer merit to have a democracy.
If HRC risks losing Illinois, I'll put on a hazmat suit and vote for our "compassionate" oligarch from the North; only for the Supreme Court .
I'm hoping that my fellow Sanders backers can form an effective unit to form a serious opposition to our truly rotten corporatist system. Our DNC shall never understand just how bad things are at this time in history.
I've never heard Hill nor Barack ever mention the Sixth Massive Extinction nor the fact that poverty rose 25% in this country from 2007 to 2014.
If we continue on this trajectory, we shall be handing the reins of this country on a silver platter to the first American fascist party.
BTW: If you want a preview of Hill's administration, just look at Rahm's unjust, soft-apartheid, Chicago.
16
I'm really surprised that commenters here seem to think that this piece is news, and that it reflects on the Clintons. Given the system and the ground rules that we the voters have been partners in creating, how else would anyone expect to gain power and work to make the system more equitable? Do politicians, much less, statesmen and women, like the obligations associated with fundraising? Does anyone over the age of thirty think that Bernie Sanders or Donald Trump could ignore the rules and become an effective president? If the process is to be changed it will be by people who know how to play the game while maintaining their integrity.
8
Interesting that the NYT decided to pick the lamest of e-mails to chat about: big money & politics, instead of the e-mails that confirmed the collusion of MSM in ignoring Bernie for the last year! Or the e-mails that implied rigging the primaries.
23
Finding it hard to see why any or all of this makes Debbie Wasserman Schulz the Anti-christ. Hard-working fundraisers facing up to the tough challenges of raising a ton of cash from a variety of people, all of whom have to be made to feel special above and beyond knowing they are crucial and doing the right thing. Given the delicacy of fundraising, how could the DNC afford not to anticipate a Clinton victory and strategize with that in mind?
Sanders proved one can go far appealing to common voters. But is the $27 plan a durable strategy? Seems to me, Sanders is a kind of political lottery winner: a guy favored by mysterious forces--1 in a million. But "win the lottery" does not a political machine make.
Which leaves us with the DNC--not, lest we forget, the big money party--and the basic need to raise cash to fight the vicious lies of the GOP. DWS presided over a successful fundraising machine, for which she deserves our thanks and then some, but one which by its nature influenced the nominating process. I grieve the imperfections of our system, but the scapegoating mechanism of the Bernie or Bust folks, with their continuous yelps of dissatisfaction and smug, self-satisfied assumption that they are the only virtuous girl in the room, seems a worse alternative.
Sanders proved one can go far appealing to common voters. But is the $27 plan a durable strategy? Seems to me, Sanders is a kind of political lottery winner: a guy favored by mysterious forces--1 in a million. But "win the lottery" does not a political machine make.
Which leaves us with the DNC--not, lest we forget, the big money party--and the basic need to raise cash to fight the vicious lies of the GOP. DWS presided over a successful fundraising machine, for which she deserves our thanks and then some, but one which by its nature influenced the nominating process. I grieve the imperfections of our system, but the scapegoating mechanism of the Bernie or Bust folks, with their continuous yelps of dissatisfaction and smug, self-satisfied assumption that they are the only virtuous girl in the room, seems a worse alternative.
33
I don't think it does. DWS seems to have had sharper than usual elbows, or so it is reported, and this episode simply provided an opportunity to move her out. While she held a position traditionally thought to be among the highest in the political hierarchy of modern politics, she served at a time when emphasis on the party, from that of the president on down, was declining. Candidates have their own campaigns and raise their own money; they resent sharing with other organizations.
2
Isn't that a Catch-22 -- anticipating a Clinton victory, therefore working to ensure one? It makes it difficult, in the aftermath, to know that Sanders was guaranteed to lose, had the party not worked against him.
3
That's a rational argument, Abbot, but the empirical evidence here suggests that Clinton would probably have won, anyway, based on her pre-existing support among Blacks, Hispanics and older voters (especially women). None of the machinations detailed in the leaked e-mails seem relevant to that unalterable fact.
And I don't see any clear evidence that the DNC "worked against" Sanders, or really influenced anything. Some committee officials had internal discussions about some rather sophomoric schemes to discredit Sanders. These are described in the Shear/Rosenberg article, but in every case, no action was taken. DWS or another higher-up vetoed the plan. Kudos to her and to them. So, where's the beef?
What we're left with finally is a complaint that there were too few debates that were scheduled at times they would attract few voters. This is a just complaint; yet Sanders did raise a lot of money and did get his message out to the people. Additional debates were scheduled at which both candidates acquitted themselves very well--Hillary demonstrated she had a more nuanced and broader understanding of the issues,and Bernie showed he had great passion and dignity.
And I don't see any clear evidence that the DNC "worked against" Sanders, or really influenced anything. Some committee officials had internal discussions about some rather sophomoric schemes to discredit Sanders. These are described in the Shear/Rosenberg article, but in every case, no action was taken. DWS or another higher-up vetoed the plan. Kudos to her and to them. So, where's the beef?
What we're left with finally is a complaint that there were too few debates that were scheduled at times they would attract few voters. This is a just complaint; yet Sanders did raise a lot of money and did get his message out to the people. Additional debates were scheduled at which both candidates acquitted themselves very well--Hillary demonstrated she had a more nuanced and broader understanding of the issues,and Bernie showed he had great passion and dignity.
As the Supreme Court says, speech and money are the same thing and those with lots of money get to do a lot of speaking. In many of the comments for this article, the writers claim to be surprised or shocked that the DNC is dealing with big donors who want to sit close to the President at dinner or other favors. But this is how politics works. Every member of the House, Senate, and candidates for President needs to raise large amounts of money and anyone who writes a check for hundreds of thousands of dollars has more in mind than just good government. If all the donor asks for is to sit close the President at a dinner, I view that as a good thing. Many big donors probably ask for and try to get much more.
The republicans would like to single out Hillary for speaking and raising money as if she is the only person who has done or does this. I wonder if the Russians are donating to the Trump campaign. We may never know.
The republicans would like to single out Hillary for speaking and raising money as if she is the only person who has done or does this. I wonder if the Russians are donating to the Trump campaign. We may never know.
13
If the Russians are donating it's a state secret which means that Trump will talk about it.
1
Aubrey - "I wonder if the Russians are donating to the Trump campaign."
"And shortly after the Russians announced their intention to acquire a majority stake in Uranium One, Mr. Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin that was promoting Uranium One stock."
"As the Russians gradually assumed control of Uranium One in three separate transactions from 2009 to 2013, Canadian records show, a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation. Uranium One’s chairman used his family foundation to make four donations totaling $2.35 million.
We know it certainly went to the Clintons.
"And shortly after the Russians announced their intention to acquire a majority stake in Uranium One, Mr. Clinton received $500,000 for a Moscow speech from a Russian investment bank with links to the Kremlin that was promoting Uranium One stock."
"As the Russians gradually assumed control of Uranium One in three separate transactions from 2009 to 2013, Canadian records show, a flow of cash made its way to the Clinton Foundation. Uranium One’s chairman used his family foundation to make four donations totaling $2.35 million.
We know it certainly went to the Clintons.
11
Everything is for sale. So incredibly sad.
11
Should the New York Times be reporting in detail the content of stolen emails? The answer is NO.
5
The emails show more than mere doling out of tickets. They show the purchasing of federal appointments by donors through the DNC, a practice that would have provoked a thunderous condemnation and a call for investigation from the NYT had this been a revelation of RNC activity. Instead, we are treated to a smoke screen and must turn to other news sources to find the incriminating details, an all too familiar scenario when elections loom.
13
US ambassadors do tend to be large political donors rather than people with deep and intimate knowledge of the country where they are posted. Both parties reward big donors this way.
5
Ah yes, the "everyone does it" defense, the very defense that both sides want you to use. If you excuse them this way, then you have no business complaining about corruption. Prosecution of crimes of corruption must begin somewhere. If you shield your party because the other party does, it will never begin. And if a paper takes a hard line against the corrupting influence of money and then averts its gaze when its favored party engages in quid pro quos, it cannot be taken seriously.
3
This is why we need campaign finance reform, resulting in fully publicly financed elections, offering an equal playing field for all candidates. Until that great day, campaigns will employ skillful fundraising to encourage donations from major donors. Money = access is a tried and true method, found in all non-profit fundraising from your local Arts Council to major party elections. If someone (Russians?!) hacked and leaked RNC emails, no doubt we would see the same kind of maneuvering. Let's fix that!
7
The two national US political parties are already semi-nationalized through the state governments.
This highlights the great divide between the poor, middle class, and I-have-to-much-discretionary-income. Priorities really do vary as much as opinions. Glad more and more of it is being brought into the open.
2
This pandering by our ruling class, and the concomitant elitist obsequiousness, is not exclusive to the DNC. It's endemic in our politics. Hell, it's a feature of ALL politics across all national systems. I'll admit it's repulsive and hypocritical to a fault, but it seems a basic characteristic of the game we hominids play when living in groups.
Even so it comes to this for me. This office being striven for by the two sides is ostensibly to represent the People of the United States. To act as a Leader, and as such act on the task of securing the greater good and future for all Americans. One would think, given this role, that equal access would be given - indeed made paramount - to the citizenry. You know, the average American and such.
Equal access made available to them to come to the festivities and such. Equal access to the ear of the leader. The rich and monied will always have their avenues, their corridors, accessing the throne (so to speak). But a little leveling of the field in that regard would certainly be a refreshing change of pace don't'cha think? Hey DNC/RNC! How's'bout you spend some time with your huddled masses, eh? Get out from behind the gates of your guarded communities. Come live amongst us common folk. Let's see you put some action to the lip-service of your words.
Juuuust sayin' is all...
John~
American Net'Zen
Even so it comes to this for me. This office being striven for by the two sides is ostensibly to represent the People of the United States. To act as a Leader, and as such act on the task of securing the greater good and future for all Americans. One would think, given this role, that equal access would be given - indeed made paramount - to the citizenry. You know, the average American and such.
Equal access made available to them to come to the festivities and such. Equal access to the ear of the leader. The rich and monied will always have their avenues, their corridors, accessing the throne (so to speak). But a little leveling of the field in that regard would certainly be a refreshing change of pace don't'cha think? Hey DNC/RNC! How's'bout you spend some time with your huddled masses, eh? Get out from behind the gates of your guarded communities. Come live amongst us common folk. Let's see you put some action to the lip-service of your words.
Juuuust sayin' is all...
John~
American Net'Zen
2
The timing is too obvious. The Putin connection is truly juicy. Yes, our system bends towards donors and lobbyists, no news. Do the GOP do this too, most certainly. It doesn't change my vote. He is not suited for this job. It is too much power for megalomaniac who has not read a book in his adult life, and who is in bed with a megalomaniac who, is probably more informed, but dangerous no less.
17
Here's the real deal. I pay my taxes and I obey the law. And, the best that the United States government can offer up as prime Presidential
Candidates are two people that the
Majority of American voters do not like and do not trust.
How did we get here?
Candidates are two people that the
Majority of American voters do not like and do not trust.
How did we get here?
3
Picking up on your comment that DT "Never read a book in his adult life..." I wonder whether he actually read his endless speech last Thursday from the Teleprompter? Or did it begin in line with the Teleprompter (a memorized portion) and then drone on in some combination of ad-lib and auto-pilot?
2
would you run for public office? most people would find it overwhelmingly unpleasant to be in the spotlight. the trouble is, those who crave it arent always true public servants.
Maybe they should worry more about the common people who have been hurt the last 8 years. Maybe Hillary should have thought how it looks when she took so much money for speeches. Now we see that donors are often rewarded. How will she reward the banks, corporate elite who have payed thousands to hear her give a short speech?
16
Since political donations come from all directions, their net effect on politicians tends only to be Brownian motion.
1
Well Steve, if you look at some speeches Bill gave while Hillary was at the state department you can see a pattern. For example, he gives a speech to TD bank who was involved in the keystone pipeline and all of a sudden Hillary says many positive things about it.
7
As Bernie said last night this election is NOT about political gossip, fundraising, polling, and campaign strategy as the media would have you believe. The once venerable NYTimes remains tone deaf to this message locally and nationally.
I am stunned by their coverage of last night's convention. There was more energy on the convention floor last night than all 4 nights of the GOP put together. By the time the last speaker spoke the GOP convention hall was virtually empty and they were cleaning up. And the pundits were left with an hour to fill. Uninspired, utterly negative, and divisive fear mongering was all the GOP had to offer. Trump personifies their platform.
If the NYTimes wants to step up to the plate then how about a story on the amount of Russian money the Trumps have solicited from Putin's cronies as investors. It is not enough that we have to contend with the Koch Bothers now we have the likes of the sociopathic Putin and his loathesome oligarchs buying our elections.
And Julian Assuange lost his footing and drank the Kool-Aid.
The Revolution has taken a different path. No sore losers, No More Boos. Listen again to all the brilliant speeches. Surely we have more resilience and intention. We just have to keep fighting and never retreat. In the meantime GO LOCAL with the revolution. If you are serious about transformation then GET TO WORK and stop whining, time is a wasting. If your in.....must be for the long haul.
IT'S OUR DEMOCRACY AT STAKE.
I am stunned by their coverage of last night's convention. There was more energy on the convention floor last night than all 4 nights of the GOP put together. By the time the last speaker spoke the GOP convention hall was virtually empty and they were cleaning up. And the pundits were left with an hour to fill. Uninspired, utterly negative, and divisive fear mongering was all the GOP had to offer. Trump personifies their platform.
If the NYTimes wants to step up to the plate then how about a story on the amount of Russian money the Trumps have solicited from Putin's cronies as investors. It is not enough that we have to contend with the Koch Bothers now we have the likes of the sociopathic Putin and his loathesome oligarchs buying our elections.
And Julian Assuange lost his footing and drank the Kool-Aid.
The Revolution has taken a different path. No sore losers, No More Boos. Listen again to all the brilliant speeches. Surely we have more resilience and intention. We just have to keep fighting and never retreat. In the meantime GO LOCAL with the revolution. If you are serious about transformation then GET TO WORK and stop whining, time is a wasting. If your in.....must be for the long haul.
IT'S OUR DEMOCRACY AT STAKE.
18
The media should just cut off covering anything Trump until he matches Hillary's 30+ years of disclosed tax returns.
4
I have been disgusted at the media's pandering to Trump. All in the name of ratings and profit. Don't you guys realize that it is you that are electing Trump? It is easy to figure out why white uneducated males are supporting Trump or have you forgotten that half the population has an IQ below normal! You, the media, have been telling them who to support in not unsubtle ways. The end result may well sit in rest in your hands.
4
As usual it goes back to a saying I once heard "The answer is money, what's the question?.
Now that money is speech and corporations are people the only hope is legislation or Constitutional change. That could only happen if one party were in control for a long time. Otherwise campaign finance reform is like nuclear dis-armament, no side wants to concede first or lose a perceived advantage.
Hillary Clinton has a family business based on access so reform is unlikely to come anytime soon.
Now that money is speech and corporations are people the only hope is legislation or Constitutional change. That could only happen if one party were in control for a long time. Otherwise campaign finance reform is like nuclear dis-armament, no side wants to concede first or lose a perceived advantage.
Hillary Clinton has a family business based on access so reform is unlikely to come anytime soon.
5
I smell smoke, and the only thing you have to douse the flames with is petrol. The U.S. is going down in flames. Watching from outside the country, the divisive nature which has settle over seemingly everything is mind boggling.
4
As Leonard Cohen sang, "Everybody knows ... everybody knows the game is rigged ... everybody know the race is fixed ..." The DNC was a pawn for Hillary. Bernie has been so gracious considering the circumstance, I can never vote for her.
15
This country has been an oligarchy and plutocracy from the beginning. As are most republics that have elections today. The word "democracy" appears nowhere in the Declaration or the Constitution.
4
So DNC officials blame Putin, Republicans, The Mafia, ISIS, Bugs Bunny - whoever for leaking the mass of very ethically questionable emails. The concerning point is not who leaked the emails; not even that who emails were leaked; but the fact that such biased emails even existed.
19
And just think that Bernie regularly out raised Hillary by inspiring millions to send him at least $27. Yes, I regularly gave $27 as I often as I could, a sacrifice for me as a retired person. I gave because I support the democratic process and the issues Bernie articulated so well. Little did I know that he was being sabotaged from the start and probably spending money needlessly. I guess we were just suckers to trust Debbie & the DNC when they swore they were impartial in this contest.
So I guess my $27 won't get me invited to the White House or any other special DNC event. I'm steerage and won't even get a seat in the lifeboat when the ship goes down. But Mr Coney from the financial services industry will get a seat in the lifeboat along with Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo.
This story is about oligarchy and the people who really matter to our govt.
So I guess my $27 won't get me invited to the White House or any other special DNC event. I'm steerage and won't even get a seat in the lifeboat when the ship goes down. But Mr Coney from the financial services industry will get a seat in the lifeboat along with Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo.
This story is about oligarchy and the people who really matter to our govt.
67
Wouldn't it be great if we could also get the emails (and insight) of the Republican National Committee?
11
Is there anyone who ever seriously believed that either party worked otherwise?
6
Some people, upon reading this article, think the situation isn't that bad because the article did not discuss e mails of patent bribery.
Don't be so naive:
The deals in which politico A says to donor B, "Give me 200K and I will give you a plumb of a federal contract, aren't in e mails. They aren't written down.
Don't be so naive:
The deals in which politico A says to donor B, "Give me 200K and I will give you a plumb of a federal contract, aren't in e mails. They aren't written down.
5
This can't be news to anyone - this is how it works
e.g. Elon Musk announcing a bid for Solar City after million of losses in Tesla and the government announcing billions to build an array of charging stations fueled by nat gas.
e.g. Elon Musk announcing a bid for Solar City after million of losses in Tesla and the government announcing billions to build an array of charging stations fueled by nat gas.
4
My sister, who sadly passed away, organised a high-profile art auction to support Ms. Clinoton's first NY Senate campaign. She cajoled and leaned on artist friends in a beautiful way to donate work to be auctioned. I know that each artist who did, did so not to gain status or advantage. Neither did my sister. She worked hard, got serious money in the room and raised a gobsmacking amount of money. She also introduced Hilary to EB White's book Here is New York which she subsequently quoted in her successive speeches. The one thing my sister did care about was hoping that a Senator elect Clinton would consider the crucial need for affordable housing for artists who help bring that zing to a great city. During the election, my sister was hounded by Hillary's minions to raise more, get more, do more money events. They burned her. She subsequently supported Obama in the presidentials. The tone is set from the top. If the top is money-grubbing then she infects the whole body (DNC) corporate. The people she is burning most now are the people who disagree with her tactics and her values. By the way, Ms. Clinton never initiated any legislation or even study into the need for the affordable housing to support the next generation of brilliant artists who would contribute to the cultural and yes, even the economic prosperity of the State of New York.
41
Affordable housing for zing. Yay. Hope that isn't in the platform now.
So much for Clintonian loyalty.
We're stuck with the wrong candidate.
We're stuck with the wrong candidate.
1
As truly moving as your story is perhaps your sister's advocacy of affordable housing on behalf of artists should have been directed towards the Mayor of NYC...Guliani or was it Bloomberg. Her heart would have been truly broken as it would be now with De Blasio.
Under Cuomo and DeBlasio and our AG NY has distinguished itself as the most corrupt government in the Union due to their disregard for the law and their craven grasping for the I'll gotten gains of the real estate developers and Wall Street.
I wish your sister was here and could devote her noble energies to unseating DeBlasio, Cuomo, and the Schneiderman., because her spirit is solely needed.
Under Cuomo and DeBlasio and our AG NY has distinguished itself as the most corrupt government in the Union due to their disregard for the law and their craven grasping for the I'll gotten gains of the real estate developers and Wall Street.
I wish your sister was here and could devote her noble energies to unseating DeBlasio, Cuomo, and the Schneiderman., because her spirit is solely needed.
These people have too much money, and they spend it foolishly. We should raise the marginal tax rates at the top and put the money to good use for things like infrastructure and debt reduction and education and the environment.
36
So you believe that people who work hard & earn more should be punished by paying higher taxes for their efforts? Since you think they spend their money "foolishly" let's take an example. A big party thrown for no apparent reason (or a reason you feel is "foolish"). This party will employ cooks, servers, dishwashers, florists, caterers, dry cleaners, food suppliers, warehouse workers, truckers, uber & limo drivers, baby-sitters, et.al. Are you telling all these "foolishly" employed workers that your idea of big government that pays for what it deems important by punishing those who break their arses working 100 hour weeks us better than their being employed? Absurd!
1
Are you suggesting the " Let them eat cake" principle is at work here and that is okay ?
Don't believe for a minute that it is only the DNC that does this. As a professional fundraiser for worthy charities in the nonprofit sector, I have always disliked political fundraising with its insinuations of access to power. Think of the good that the $1 billion donated in presidential campaign contributions could do. Make a donation to a favorite charity instead and make it a tribute gift in honor of your candidate. Money better spent.
16
Has anyone on this thread watched Veep? So much of this is coddling the vanities of rich donors, who would like their shot at the red carpet. If we have a complaint, it should be that so much of our elected officials' and party committees' time goes toward flattering donors rather than working on legislation and policy. I am sure the RNC emails would read much the same.
25
People with money pay to get what they want from government. They are generally making investments that they expect will offer returns such as favorable business deals or regulations that allow them to make more money. There are great controls in most cases to to see that govt. spending doesn't move in corrupt directions, but one undeniable aspect of contracting is that those with money have the best chance of making more.
The other thing that rich people want is to just be able to say, "Well, when I was meeting with the President the other day..." This currency, however, does not go very far because you really can't be throwing it into a conversation two or three months later. During the Clinton administration, I produced a couple of television segments with the president and, as few days later, it came up in conversation. Beyond that and a photo on the wall, it passes, like everything else, unless one can influence something of great importance to the self or nation (very rare, the staff holds the power around the president and they guard their power very carefully).
If we want govt. to work for all of the people, we have to pay. We have to organize small donations into large funds so that we can compete better with the wealthy. If 1.5 million people would give $20. per month, there would be a fund of about 1 1/2 billion every four years. Would people rather just complain or take action? The people have the power but choose not to use it.
The other thing that rich people want is to just be able to say, "Well, when I was meeting with the President the other day..." This currency, however, does not go very far because you really can't be throwing it into a conversation two or three months later. During the Clinton administration, I produced a couple of television segments with the president and, as few days later, it came up in conversation. Beyond that and a photo on the wall, it passes, like everything else, unless one can influence something of great importance to the self or nation (very rare, the staff holds the power around the president and they guard their power very carefully).
If we want govt. to work for all of the people, we have to pay. We have to organize small donations into large funds so that we can compete better with the wealthy. If 1.5 million people would give $20. per month, there would be a fund of about 1 1/2 billion every four years. Would people rather just complain or take action? The people have the power but choose not to use it.
11
Some people collect photos of themselves with politicians to hang on their office walls just to look well connected.
2
The US would do well to adopt the political system it created for Germany after WW II, with political parties supported by dues paid by their memberships.
Mr. Bolger, I don't know what the practice is these days, but when you met with the president in earlier times, you could get an official White House photo by calling the White House and requesting it. The photo was marked on the back "do not duplicate" for photo processors and, true, they would not make a copy for you. My main photo with President Clinton, which I went to the trouble to obtain through a number of phone calls, was borrowed by my video photographer of the day and never returned. I still want it back, please.
Wait....According to Bernie's speech it is just the republicans who have rich donors....and this article came out before his speech.
8
I was wondering what was so shocking in these emails - nothing! Just a bunch of workers trying to raise money and keep donors happy. The Sanders stuff was wrong but just idle chatter. I hear lots of whining about all this money , but for Pete's sake! The regular people outnumber the wealthy so why the devil do we keep electing the people we complain about?
15
What you are missing is that because of our two party system, by the time the people get a say it is between corporate stooge number one and number two. The real decisions are made before that behind the scenes, under the influence of wealthy donors.
6
This kind of money privileged access was just one of the reasons Bernie was so set against the way Hillary (and everyone else) especially sells her candidacy. And he does not. Imagine what the transactions are when these folks get to the White House. Campaign donation money corrupts the democratic process - no matter who the receiving politician is.
23
Surely Democrats aren't the only people in politics who send emails. Why is it we never see any Republican ones?? Wikileaks, are you listening? How about some equal time?
11
Apparently Republicans use passwords.
10
So this is what we should teach...two wrongs do make a right? Pathetic that it's gotten to this.
5
Republicans use dog whistles and code words, they don't speak English, their candidate is famous for his under 5th grade level vocabulary.
1
Hillary and the DNC just told the left to eat cake. Yeah, we'll see how that works for her in November.
19
I'm already voting for Trump now. The DNC needs to learn a lesson as does Bernie: I. DO. NOT. VOTE. FOR. CHEATERS.
Why is it that in a supposedly free and open society we need Russian hackers and wikileaks to reveal to the 99% how the political system really works (and for whom it works) in the U.S.?
20
You really think the "Russians" acted alone ?
Who benefits from this ? Who just promised to hand over Europe to Russia by abandoning NATO ? Think !
Who benefits from this ? Who just promised to hand over Europe to Russia by abandoning NATO ? Think !
2
You really think the Russians did it?
1
Fran: I am thinking, who backed the coup in the Ukraine, Clinton allies Nuland and Fluornoy. Who benefits, oligarchs Kolomoisky, Pinchuk and a half dozen others who control eighty five percent of Ukraines G.D.P. and are strongly entwined with Avigdor Lieberman, Netanyahus right hand man. You can read about this in the excellent progressive Israeli paper Harretz. Perhaps we should all think!
8
Corrupt politics as usual.
The system is rigged.
Sorry Bernie, you lose!
The system is rigged.
Sorry Bernie, you lose!
14
That's nonsense. Bernie didn't get the votes. The DNC didn't do that.
3
@Avocats - Because millions of Bernie voters were handed throwaway provisional ballots, told their names don't appear in the system, had their polling stations closed or told the machine is broken. Election fraud smooths the way for victory as does collusion. I'm voting for Trump. The DNC needs to learn a lesson it'll never forget.
If voters don't want to pay for elections then we can't complain when others agree to pay for them, on a quid pro quo basis.
6
Money makes the world go around -I see that Democracy in practice is not perfect - so should one go back to the Monarchy?
2
Bernie proved that ordinary citizens not big money can help elect honest politicians, for the people of the people by the people. Solid proof.
5
It's hard to express the churning I feel inside when I imagine wealthy donors, smug in their sense of entitlement, jostling to get a seat beside the president, fawning as if he were a celebrity, eager in their egoism to get his ear so that they can opine upon their policy ideas, which of course they deserve to be allowed to do because they paid for it, and all of this being coiffed and cuddled by the DNC with nary a qualm about the hypocrisy, and I'm sure plenty of rationalizations about this just being "the way things are," while we working stiffs, who make in 3-5 years of daily grind what a donor plops down in a second, and could never imagine buying influence, and probably wouldn't want to anyway if we had the money, are fed a specious slop of platitudes about campaign finance and the central place of the little people in the Democratic party. DNC, you guys are pretty gross. I fart in your general direction.
35
When you have paid and do meet the politician, it is usually a social occasion where the discussion of political issues is gauche.
3
How do you know, Steve? How much have you paid to meet the politician of your choice?
8
At the presidential level, $1000 might get a handshake opportunity. At the Congressional level, Gerald Nadler is exceptionally accessible at certain events held by local Democratic clubs, but again, social mores discourage controversy.
These are emails by political worker bees. It's their job. More interesting would be the emails and fund raising phone calls of our elected officials.
10
Let me preface by saying I've been reading NYT for years but wow such bias...NYTimes is leading the way in aiding one party to victory. Ugh
16
Which party?
3
Independent.
2
Unfortunately, it often seems our money is all that matters to politicians.
6
You might do well to take an equally close look at fundraising practices in higher education, the arts, social services and other nonprofits whose existence depends on the largesse of the wealthy. As a fundraiser (not in politics), much of this sounds strikingly familiar, right down to the seating charts. Something to consider whenever you take your kids to the zoo, visit a museum, send your children to college or give thanks for disaster relief: Someone made a gift to make it possible.
16
A zoo and running the country are not in any way related.
6
Unfortunately, they are when the public increasingly doesn't want to be taxed to pay for either a zoo or running a country. Granted I hate Citizens United and the influx of dark money, but good governance is as much a public good as proper community policing, also sadly suffering from neglect.
8
It was obvious to many people that the DNC was biased in favor of Hillary for over a year. The first female president will be Trump's daughter Ivanka.
14
Perhaps that's the main purpose of Trump's campaign: to promote his children. After all, didn't each of them (except the youngest) get to make a speech in prime time?
Shades of Joe Kennedy. Worked for him.
1
Yes, I was thinking of that.
Is anyone really surprised in the least by this? What did they think? That the Democrats and Republicans get their money from millions of sweet little old ladies mailing in a couple dollars?
24
In my life its been Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush, Obama, Obama, and now Clinton again. Our country is an oligarchy and you have to be a millionaire to have your voice heard. Millionaires don't want wealth redistribution or real healthcare reform...they are just Republicans that aren't social conservatives.
I think these emails will push a lot of voters over to my favorite woman candidate: Jill Stein!
I think these emails will push a lot of voters over to my favorite woman candidate: Jill Stein!
26
Tell me about Jill Stein, Jacqueline. I'm looking for someone to vote for in November!
5
The care and feeding of large egos depicted here is much the same as what I saw over a 37 year career in the federal government. Trump's fortune similarly rests on his ability to make fat cats feel special. It's a disgusting but unfortunately omnipresent fact of life.
11
Apparently the U.S. is a new entity, a Wealth Republic. It is unfortunate that we need Putin to shine a light on it. And it is telling that we read journalists who can detail these emails without a tinge of anger or disgust.
19
We needed Putin to tell us that presidential campaigns are obscenely expensive? Maybe you did. As long as Citizens United is the law, you either raise the dough or you lose. Bernie's small donors will get swamped, in short order. Meanwhile, ask yourself which candidate, and party, is more likely to nominate a Supreme Court justice who would vote to repeal it? To paraphrase, it's the Senate, stupid!
10
Dems play pay to party with me as much as, if not more than, Republicans do. So, stop being hypocritical and pretend that money is evil and Citizens United is the next worst thing after Trump University.
9
But Trump University doesn't exactly have the same impact on our nation as Citizens United, does it. Money isn't evil but buying influence is unfair, to put it mildly.
21
But it is! It really IS!!
3
Now let's see how the Republicans operate? @Anonymous
7
This is about what needs to be fixed.begging for money should not be a lawmaker's primary occupation.
9
Why such commotion about hacked DNC emails, while undoubtedly there is an evidentiary treasure trove of intrigue and corruption galore to be found in RNC emails. After all 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. It is one of the most ugly persistent prolonged smear campaigns in US political history.
17
Could be because we actually have the emails to read.
1
State of the art in pay to play. When Hillary said that GS gave her hundreds of thousands with no expectation of quid pro quo, she was selling a bridge to gullible Democrats willing to buy it on Ebay.
Not Straight.
Not Straight.
9
It's curious that the DNC emails are being revealed just as the DNC convention is starting. It's also curious that Trump comes out publicly expressing anti NATO sentiments, music to Putin's ears, at the same time. There's just too much coincidence here to be ignored.
18
Just remember those emails were written & who wrote them, The unintended consequence was to help their political rivals. Learn this: Don't put something in writing unless you intend the whole world to read it!
2
Actually, Trump is only saying what Obama has long said....the way NATO is structured and funded is unfair to the US.
1
What? Political operatives coax and flatter wealthy donors? And they rub elbows? Who knew?
All that leaking and not even any serious mud to throw around.
All that leaking and not even any serious mud to throw around.
8
Agreed. Nonprofits do the same thing. And these are really boring e-mails.
2
Except the Nixonian sabotage of a political rivals campaign.
Trump campaign manager Manafort has close links to Putin through his work with Viktor Yanukovych, ousted Ukrainian leader who fled to Russia. Trump decides to spout anti NATO rhetoric which is music to Putin's ears. We get DNC emails exposed through Russian hackers and released just as the Dem convention is starting to deliberately stoke the fires of internal Dem squabbles. Connect the dots people. This is treacherous stuff.
20
But the emails were written & by the DNC. Not the other bad actors you mention.
2
Will Wikileaks be able to get transcripts of Hillary's speeches to Goldman Sachs? Before or after Trump's tax returns?
21
I've long been a reader of the Times, though I must say, the comments take this newspaper into a new dimension. So much excellent writing, snarky wit and things that won't ever get onto the op ed page.
15
If Democrats want to win this election, they'd better nominate Bernie Sanders in this Independent's view. Don't blame Bernie when Hillary loses in November.
6
A woman wants an invitation to a party and this is front page news?
5
Loved watching Al Franken shill for money for Hillary at 9:15 pm from the Convention podium. Is that really all Hillary is about, trying to raise money 24/7.
13
This is news? We all know the Democrats do it, the Republicans do it, and other countries put their two cents in. Is there anybody left who think its angels who inhabit this planet?
24
How can anyone call themselves an American and vote for someone who only knows how to lie and deceive people? Everything Hillary has ever done has proven that she is not fit to even be running for the highest position in the country. If she is elected the decline of America will be so fast we wont know what hit us.
26
Bill Clinton's administration was the last period the US was optimistic.
4
we are a "give me access" culture, just in case you hadn't noticed.
"Let me speak to your boss," you and I say often enough.
"I will be talking to the principal about you," says the disgruntled student.
"How much does a seat cost at Hillary's Medina fundraiser? Oh, only $2700?" chimes the wife of a friend who then got all Bernie-been-burned.
Let's not all get to self righteous about a lack of even-access. None of this is anyone's fault because it is our culture of influence at every level.
"Let me speak to your boss," you and I say often enough.
"I will be talking to the principal about you," says the disgruntled student.
"How much does a seat cost at Hillary's Medina fundraiser? Oh, only $2700?" chimes the wife of a friend who then got all Bernie-been-burned.
Let's not all get to self righteous about a lack of even-access. None of this is anyone's fault because it is our culture of influence at every level.
11
True. Everybody wants "status" at hotels, on airlines, at concerts and sporting events, etc. I like the privilege as much as the next guy but it's getting out of hand. We've lost too much of the egalitarianism that made America a unique place.
The seething hatred for Clinton is unfounded but palpable. Whether it's about a so-called "rigged" primary system, or the Foundation, or anything, ask for evidence of any accusation shrieked her way and you'll be met with some smug jab about the Lincoln bedroom or complete silence.
She really is pushing that glass ceiling, and hard.
You go, girl.
She really is pushing that glass ceiling, and hard.
You go, girl.
16
She's just not very good. Working hard and getting results are two different things entirely.
10
yea, no one is criticizing or hating Trump.
5
Money talks as democracy walks.
8
So Sanders's supporters want to de-legitimize millions of votes for Clinton and then pat themselves on the back as champions of democracy.
Hysterical.
Hysterical.
17
Is it any mystery that a lot of schmoozing has to go on to raise the type of money raised in our elections? The only people who would be surprised would be members of the Supreme Court.
15
Love this- a modern take on Muffy and Buffy go to Washington!
1
Say what you will about the rise of Trump, but he was democratically chosen as the Republican candidate despite the RNC and most of the Republican Party and the media. The DNC interfered with democracy in favor of Clinton and against Sanders and his supporters. This is only the tip of the scandal ridden presidency I expect we will have if Clinton wins in November.
25
Nope they really didn't - the emails didn't say that at all.
7
House of Cards
16
Well done, House of Cards is so right on!
How much does it cost to stay in the Lincoln Bedroom? Do we need to wait for Hillary to be elected to rent the Lincoln Bedroom?
13
I know wikileaks has already invaded the privacy of the donors involved, but does NYT have to amplify this invasion? Change the system, don't target individuals, many of whom are very idealistic but know that money talks and want to support the candidates who support their vision.
11
How the political class sells itself to the wealthy class is the real story that is revealed by the DNC email release. It should become one more reason to seek to overturn, by ruling or amendment, Citizens United.
Not long ago our political parties' role was expected to be the guidance of the selection of a nominee. That the DNC leadership had a point of view on who the nominee should be and sought ways to act on this desire should be no surprise. More recently, many in the media, including the NYT, frequently questioned how and why the Republican leadership did not somehow bring order to their own nominating process; i.e. stop Trump before it was too late.
Not long ago our political parties' role was expected to be the guidance of the selection of a nominee. That the DNC leadership had a point of view on who the nominee should be and sought ways to act on this desire should be no surprise. More recently, many in the media, including the NYT, frequently questioned how and why the Republican leadership did not somehow bring order to their own nominating process; i.e. stop Trump before it was too late.
6
What these emails provide are graphic narratives of what is already assumed. A story provides a lot more "rich" ness as to how politicians market their access (and wealthy consumers seek to purchase) than bland statistics would.
Why can't people donate without expectation of reward or favor as Bernie's supporters had? Why can't politicians set a standard as Bernie did and not let themselves be put in a position in which they could compromise themselves? What happened to integrity for all involved?
Why can't people donate without expectation of reward or favor as Bernie's supporters had? Why can't politicians set a standard as Bernie did and not let themselves be put in a position in which they could compromise themselves? What happened to integrity for all involved?
4
I have made several donations to the Clinton campaign totaling around $250. I expect nothing in return beyond good governance. I'm sure there are literally millions of people (including Sanders supporters) who have done the same.
As crazy as it sounds, overturning Citizens United
Is the only thing that can save this "democracy" we purport to have.
As crazy as it sounds, overturning Citizens United
Is the only thing that can save this "democracy" we purport to have.
1
america is doomed to fail
no democracy can survive that allows private money to influence elections
once you do, you are ASSURED that only th rich will decide what happens
what is taking place in america now is proof enough of that
10
Democracy is also doomed to fail when voters figure out that by electing people who give them free stuff they won't have to work for their stuff.
1
Pretty much common knowledge. The only question is what kind of horrors are in Trump's Unreleased Tax Returns
12
Do they say anything about how fundraisers and delegates are awarded positions on top secret security and intelligence committees? http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/clinton-donor-sensitive-intelligence-boar...
2
Are people ready now to support campaign finance reform? To end the corrupting influence of big money on politics? We'll know if there's a movement beyond November 8th to establish a constitutional amendment reversing Citizen's United, to end gerrymandering, strengthen voting rights, have elections that are completely taxpayer funded and pay attention some of the other important issues that Lawrence Lessig raised during his short-lived run for the presidency as a Democratic candidate. He raised issues that neither Bernie nor Hillary did about political corruption and was shut out of the process. Many people like to cry out about how corrupt politicians are but do absolutely nothing concrete to change things (hint: voting for Jill Stein will not change how Democrats and Republicans raise funds and sell access to offices, voting for Donald Trump will ensure an ethical mess where business interests sometimes trump national ones).
I hope we are up to instituting reform, but my more cynical side tells me that in a few weeks, people will be completely absorbed in the next political scandal or mass shooting and there will be no grassroots movement to change things.
I hope we are up to instituting reform, but my more cynical side tells me that in a few weeks, people will be completely absorbed in the next political scandal or mass shooting and there will be no grassroots movement to change things.
9
These emails show what we suspect. Just how much money getting elected takes. It's embarrassing we spend money this way. Think what these sums would do for roads or medical research. The candidates don't like this system but many think money is speech unfortunately.
8
Kabuki dance. We're being manipulated. Keep your hands where I can see them and enjoy the show.
4
Money from Pink Floyd should be the theme song of the campaign.
th vegas odds on th election keep narrowing slowly
hc is at 4/9 today
dt is 17/10
hc is at 4/9 today
dt is 17/10
2
The vast right wing conspiracy meets the vast Russian conspiracy, I guess because they're such natural allies. It seems Hillary is more of a unifying force than we ever gave her credit for being.
13
“Laugh as you may at this because I did — but if you had to pick people from your regions to play golf with POTUS, who would they be?” Mr. Kaplan wrote.
I always thought the jokes about President Obama loving golf above all else was Republican propaganda.
I always thought the jokes about President Obama loving golf above all else was Republican propaganda.
4
That was my favorite reveal from this article - apparently it's true!!
My response to your headline? Duh. Both parties give favors to the highest paying donors. Double duh.
8
You are right! And that is what is wrong with this corrupt system. The will of the people is never taken into account. The opinions of the people are shaped and manipulated by our corrupt media. I do not want to go on because it's pointless. We really need to start anew. This is beyond reform or repair. That is my opinion, of course.
3
a day in the life of a fundraiser. Why is this news? The release of these emails by wikileaks, now that's interesting. But really, is anyone surprised by this. What do they think is going on in the Trump campaign. Free golf anyone?
13
If the movie about Lincoln was factually correct, nothing much has changed.
2
The New York Times is a liberal newspaper? How come the coverage of the Republican convention with Trump had huge headlines and photos? Instead, the coverage of the Democratic convention is more demure. It is disgusting how Bernie was cheated on by a party that is supposed to uphold trust in democracy by its very name and ignored by the New York Times with misleading headlines influenced no doubt by its shareholders.
9
This is the real story. The thing that the powers that be do not want you to look at, the man behind the curtain, pulling the levers of power. As an average American the only thing that the politicians want from you is your vote. After that, you don't matter. What matters is all that money just sitting there waiting to get plucked up by the machine.
6
Another reason we need to see a little more humility from Hillary supporters right now. This is not okay.
5
What a surprise, I just assumed they donated because they thought it was the right thing to do. Clinton is tainted, Obama is soiled. The Supreme Court is looking up at the bottoms of the clams.
I gave Bernie a few hundred $20 at a time. As did millions, he is owned by no one. Never Clinton. Never.
I gave Bernie a few hundred $20 at a time. As did millions, he is owned by no one. Never Clinton. Never.
11
Then we will see Trump appoint to the Supreme Court someone with the politics of That bloated arrogant Scalia but not as smart. The appointee will be a Trump toady.
3
This tells me that the monthly contribution numbers are merely P.R. and the none of the candidates, except maybe Sanders, needed or needs my $27.00.
2
Not much of a story here. This is how fundraising works; you've got to make the big donors feel special. It doesn't mean they're affecting policy.
7
I would suggest you avail yourself of and read the Princeton/Northwestern universities detailed 30 yr. analysis on this very subject.
You are in for an extremely rude awakening.
You are in for an extremely rude awakening.
3
Crooked Shrillary Rotten Clinton fits right into this picture event though she thought this secret would never reveal itself. Whether you like Trump or not he is anti-establishment and plays fair and tells it like it is. He is not intimidated nor can he be controlled. And that is what the democrats and the media hates. Too bad; isn't it?
9
There are countries in our world where behaviour described in these emails would be characterized as corrupt. It concerns both parties, I don’t think Democrats are the only ones.
What is also striking is how petty, vain and conceited these people are.
They are citizens of the defender of the free world…
What is also striking is how petty, vain and conceited these people are.
They are citizens of the defender of the free world…
10
Other media outlets are already discussing offers of plum positions in the Clinton administration in return for campaign contributions. This is, of course, grossly improper and possibly illegal. It is certainly a lot more serious than a chance to sit at the President's table at an event.
So where are the NY Tomes reporters on this?
So where are the NY Tomes reporters on this?
13
What the e-mails reveal is exactly what Trump is pitching and what Bernie said. The political system is corrupt. Special interests "own" the candidates because of the campaign contributions they have paid. Note one e-mail relates to a defense contractor. How many useless defense war mechanisms or engines for the F35 do we have or need? This is our tax dollars folks. We are the ones paying for war items with our tax dollars.
6
Earlier this year, I likened Hillary and her cabal, to Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall, the entirely corrupt Democratic Political machine that ran NY,in the 1850's.
I now realize I was in denial; Hillary and her cabal are exponentially worse, they have used that template, turned it into a national disgrace, and have even drawn foreign powers into the cabal, selling them access to everything our government has access to, or can make occur.
If the people allow her to become President, it will be an historic error.
My hope is that somehow or other, Bernie can still be selected in her place.
If she had any decency, she would go to the podium this week, announce she is withdrawing for the good of our nation, and she should ask all of her supporters to rally with Bernie.
I now realize I was in denial; Hillary and her cabal are exponentially worse, they have used that template, turned it into a national disgrace, and have even drawn foreign powers into the cabal, selling them access to everything our government has access to, or can make occur.
If the people allow her to become President, it will be an historic error.
My hope is that somehow or other, Bernie can still be selected in her place.
If she had any decency, she would go to the podium this week, announce she is withdrawing for the good of our nation, and she should ask all of her supporters to rally with Bernie.
5
So, the reaction of Sandes' supporters to the news that a bunch of Dnc officials wrote stupid emails is that they would much rather vote for a known and proven racist and sexist bigot.
So much for their so called progressive values. I am sure they would be shouting slogans along with trump against the American judge who he called Mexican.
So much for their so called progressive values. I am sure they would be shouting slogans along with trump against the American judge who he called Mexican.
6
Anybody who has worked for a non-profit and in any capacity of soliciting donations has probably seen everything revealed in these e-mails. But if not, they can learn some tactics, too. Every college, every disaster relief agency, every animal shelter, every Little League, every high school band, every school that has ever had a fundraiser does the schmoozing. And the people donating have great practice with their half of the process, too.
And that goes for the Republican National Committee, too. Reince Priebus is probably hiring Hillary Clinton's e-mail manager to help him clean-up the RNC's e-mail.
And that goes for the Republican National Committee, too. Reince Priebus is probably hiring Hillary Clinton's e-mail manager to help him clean-up the RNC's e-mail.
7
Nothing especially new but what a sad commentary about our political system. Thank you, Supreme court, for ruling that the McCain/Feingold campaign finance bill was unconstitutional. The worse ruling by the Court in many years. Our Founders must be turning over in their graves.
5
Have your pick, the comfort of lies with Clinton, or the incited call to action of Trump.
1
You mean bigoted hateful action.
1
Having worked on the inside for some very respectable and worthy small to moderate sized local non profit agencies, there is nothing shocking in reading about the the targeting of big individual and corporate donors or their expected A-List treatment in return. This practice is hardly unique to the DNC. That being said, the scale of the donations continues to grow obscenely large in this country, with no cap in sight, at the same time the transparency of the donor list grows increasingly foggier, as long as Citizens United is the law of the land.
As quaint and personal the individual small donations collected by Mr. Sander's primary campaign were, they would be woefully insufficient in the aggregate for a national political race between the chosen Republican and Democratic candidates, as long as their are no campaign spending caps imposed upon every candidate.
What continues to amaze whenever emails are routinely hacked and leaked, whether within privately held corporations, non profits and government entities, is the continued faith highly educated and savvy people place in the belief their private emails will NEVER be read by those for which they were not intended. How many major hacks and leaks will it take in this world to convince everyone that no email is ever 100% secure and, of course, to be mindful when composing any email how it would be interpreted by anyone other than its intended recipient?
As quaint and personal the individual small donations collected by Mr. Sander's primary campaign were, they would be woefully insufficient in the aggregate for a national political race between the chosen Republican and Democratic candidates, as long as their are no campaign spending caps imposed upon every candidate.
What continues to amaze whenever emails are routinely hacked and leaked, whether within privately held corporations, non profits and government entities, is the continued faith highly educated and savvy people place in the belief their private emails will NEVER be read by those for which they were not intended. How many major hacks and leaks will it take in this world to convince everyone that no email is ever 100% secure and, of course, to be mindful when composing any email how it would be interpreted by anyone other than its intended recipient?
11
The best argument for raising taxes on the 1%. Call it The Proximity Tax.
4
Bernie supporters who want to support trump using this pretext - you know they were always trump,supporters secretly, and just coming out now. They pretend not to know trump is a racist. Just like Trump pretended not to knowDuke is a racist.
The true colors of Trump supporters is coming out finally.
The true colors of Trump supporters is coming out finally.
1
This will only strengthen additional parties in future elections. The Sanders campaign will be remembered for making great strides, despite DWS' bias and incompetence.
3
Where is the cultivation of the small $ donor (this can work, as Senator Sanders demonstrated)?
And where are representatives (in good number) of the small donors at these gatherings with donors. Strive in every venue to reflet government of, by and for the people.
The Sanders and Trump campaigns have send a bld-faced message that shouldn't be ignored: Attend to the interests of the 99% -- the struggling middle class and the economically sinking working class and those with needs .
And where are representatives (in good number) of the small donors at these gatherings with donors. Strive in every venue to reflet government of, by and for the people.
The Sanders and Trump campaigns have send a bld-faced message that shouldn't be ignored: Attend to the interests of the 99% -- the struggling middle class and the economically sinking working class and those with needs .
2
Good heavens. Hand-wringing over the delicate dance of fundraising. Meanwhile everyone who works in non-profit is going, "Ho hum. Welcome to my world." It's all about wooing the money, whether you like it or not. Nobody likes doing it, but if you want to fund your endeavor -- whatever it is -- you have no choice.
And to imagine that this kind of subtle favoritism, Hillary over Bernie, has never happened before smacks of intentional naivety. It has happened in every campaign since the founding fathers, and in every business in this country. It happens in any human organization. It happens in your church. I find it irritating that people pretend they didn't just diss their competition at the water cooler this morning to keep someone else from getting ahead. This is human nature. Grow up.
What I find alarming is the intentional interference of the Russians. What is their stake in this? This is the real question, and all the rest of it is background noise.
And to imagine that this kind of subtle favoritism, Hillary over Bernie, has never happened before smacks of intentional naivety. It has happened in every campaign since the founding fathers, and in every business in this country. It happens in any human organization. It happens in your church. I find it irritating that people pretend they didn't just diss their competition at the water cooler this morning to keep someone else from getting ahead. This is human nature. Grow up.
What I find alarming is the intentional interference of the Russians. What is their stake in this? This is the real question, and all the rest of it is background noise.
7
The Russian did us a favor by exposing the corruption our political parties and politicians endeavor to hide. Russia should establish a radio station, "Radio Free United States". Reciprocity.
9
Everything can be had for a price. i guess the Democrats can be bought whether it is President Obama or Hillary Clinton. Politics is really crooked especially the Democratic Party.
19
The article describes normal fundraising for any significant non-commercial endeavor - or "development" as it is called in the non-profit world. Ask any medium to large museum director or development officer. Unless we move to government-funded cultural institutions and elections, it is here to stay.
15
Yes, this. I'm not sure what the revelation is here. I work at a major university, and this is exactly how it's done.
5
And they say the REPUBLICANS are the party of the "1%"
35
The truth about the DNC is out. Tonight you will see a rainbow of colors and ethnicities as the party displays it carefully curated subgroups. Unfortunately, this is subterfuge. We now know the DNC exists only to further the interests of the Clinton machine and its monied interests.
39
Yes, yes, the DEMOCRATIC National Committee preferring the - gasp! - DEMOCRAT!
Not the INDEPENDENT Sanders who came looking for and got free money. No, no. The DEMOCRAT.
The nerve!
Not the INDEPENDENT Sanders who came looking for and got free money. No, no. The DEMOCRAT.
The nerve!
5
Money buys you love. When are voters going to wake up and realize that power is for sale, that elections are bought, that corruption is legal and that the Supreme Court ended democracy with "Citizens United". Anybody ever noticed the irony?
29
They basically said you can cut out the pretense, any regulation that has lobbying is subject to corruption. The rational choice would be less regulation unless there is an overwhelming reason for it. This isn't super pac related funding anyway.
I am so happy that Vladimir Putin has finally been identified (by name) as a member of the "vast right wing conspiracy".
We have been waiting decades for this and now we are finally getting some where.
We have been waiting decades for this and now we are finally getting some where.
25
I do so love reading the Hillary acolyte comments, the "big deal, so what, everybody does it" comments, still intent on salvaging their own exalted perception of themselves, still living in an alternate universe, a universe where if they believe it, if they say it, and if they do it, then there is no doubt, no doubt at all, it is good and proper, and be dammed to those ridiculous know-nothings, the proletariat, the dreamers of equality, why does our God punish us so, etc., etc.
It's better to laugh at them, than to cry.
Can't wait for that great big boot, the one she imagines on her foot, firmly planted on the neck of the people, currently chasing Hillary, in her nightmares, to thunder into the news.
It's better to laugh at them, than to cry.
Can't wait for that great big boot, the one she imagines on her foot, firmly planted on the neck of the people, currently chasing Hillary, in her nightmares, to thunder into the news.
11
Well, better that than a birther with support from white supremacists, who wants to punish all girls and women for seeking to rid themselves of pregnancies violently forced upon them, and who would sell state secrets to Putin if it meant another kitsch casino.
So cheer up, GOP. Maybe next time, Cruz will go a little lighter.
So cheer up, GOP. Maybe next time, Cruz will go a little lighter.
2
"The emails capture a world where seating charts are arranged with dollar totals in mind, where a White House celebration of gay pride is a thinly disguised occasion for rewarding wealthy donors and where physical proximity to the president is the most precious of currencies."
This isn't just presidential political fundraising, this is typical for all fundraising. No surprise at all. Don't be naive folks.
This isn't just presidential political fundraising, this is typical for all fundraising. No surprise at all. Don't be naive folks.
16
That big donors get more access should not be a surprise - works the same way in the nonprofit sector. Donate $XYZ million and you get way more influence than someone who donates $1,000 or even $10,000.
12
Love the oligarchy. Especially the Democratic Party oligarchy. No wonder the people lose.
2
Politics as usual, only the amount of information is new, thanks to hacking etc.
Get over it.
Get over it.
8
Lol I'm shocked I tell you. Shocked. Didn't that even happen in Washington's time? You know George Washington?
11
What, no stay in the Lincoln Bedroom included? Ask Bill Clinton to help you with that.
20
Last week, Donald Trump painted a picture of conspiracy theories and Darkness.This week, the DNC is now creating its own conspiracies and darkness. It seems that the hack of DNC e-mails is being blamed on the Russians, and that Putin prefers Trump.
How nice.
Now only did the DNC rig the primaries, attack Bernie Sanders, created lies about Bernie Sanders, and wrote 20,000 e-mails about how to get Clinton nominated at all costs; they are blaming the e-mail hack on Trump and the Russians.
The 1% oligarchs want Clinton to keep the status quo, keep their consolidation of wealth going and use her as their puppet. Trump won't do this. Sanders won't do this. But, Clinton will do this. Who knows how much money is flowing in her slush fund; the Clinton Foundation.
The DNC will crown Queen Hillary and King Bill this week. Their minders will do anything to get her elected. Then, when that is done; do their bidding.
Sanders, Trump and Johnson are right about Clinton. And they are right about the Democratic Party. Corrupt, and cooked, as the GOP
The DNC circus has begun. Speaker after speaker will claim how great Hillary Clinton is; while biting their collective tongues. They will say how great the Democratic Party is; also doing so by holding their nose. And finally, they will say how people, will unite behind them in great glory to defeat Trump; because they think people will vote like mindless drones fro Clinton. And, they will make the case she is the better of two evils.
How nice.
Now only did the DNC rig the primaries, attack Bernie Sanders, created lies about Bernie Sanders, and wrote 20,000 e-mails about how to get Clinton nominated at all costs; they are blaming the e-mail hack on Trump and the Russians.
The 1% oligarchs want Clinton to keep the status quo, keep their consolidation of wealth going and use her as their puppet. Trump won't do this. Sanders won't do this. But, Clinton will do this. Who knows how much money is flowing in her slush fund; the Clinton Foundation.
The DNC will crown Queen Hillary and King Bill this week. Their minders will do anything to get her elected. Then, when that is done; do their bidding.
Sanders, Trump and Johnson are right about Clinton. And they are right about the Democratic Party. Corrupt, and cooked, as the GOP
The DNC circus has begun. Speaker after speaker will claim how great Hillary Clinton is; while biting their collective tongues. They will say how great the Democratic Party is; also doing so by holding their nose. And finally, they will say how people, will unite behind them in great glory to defeat Trump; because they think people will vote like mindless drones fro Clinton. And, they will make the case she is the better of two evils.
76
The "conspiracy theory" on these Emails is a clumsy attempt to side-step the main question - the dirt's THERE. No one high in the Democratic Party called the leaking of the Pentagon Papers a "conspiracy," even though it actually broke Federal laws governing secrecy of some of the documents.
Hillary Clinton either (a) thinks her supporters are dumb enough to buy into her narrative that Wikileaks somehow is a Republican puppet organization, or (b) is dumb enough to honestly believe it herself. We're not seeing Presidential material in ether case.
The big money that matters is the millions from Russia through Uranium One and other intermediaries paid into the Clinton family foundation, during which Hillary Clinton embarrassed the nation with her "reset button" skit, appeased a revanchist murderer named Vladimir Putin and lent him the goodwill of her office as Secretary of State, and took millions more from other nations until the New York Times discovered this disgraceful pattern of behavior.
That it "went to charity" was Imelda Marcos's excuse for selling influence, too.
Hillary Clinton either (a) thinks her supporters are dumb enough to buy into her narrative that Wikileaks somehow is a Republican puppet organization, or (b) is dumb enough to honestly believe it herself. We're not seeing Presidential material in ether case.
The big money that matters is the millions from Russia through Uranium One and other intermediaries paid into the Clinton family foundation, during which Hillary Clinton embarrassed the nation with her "reset button" skit, appeased a revanchist murderer named Vladimir Putin and lent him the goodwill of her office as Secretary of State, and took millions more from other nations until the New York Times discovered this disgraceful pattern of behavior.
That it "went to charity" was Imelda Marcos's excuse for selling influence, too.
4
They threw the Soviets out of the Olympics for cheating! The Presidency and parties have no rules, only empty, impossible, promises of fairness". Only Bernie and Trump ran on their own!
1
If this does not change the view of Americans that support her I'm afraid for this country. She has lied to the American people more times than I can count. Enough is enough! The American people have paid the Clinton's and their foundation far too much already. It's about time that the truth about all this corruption is surfacing.
53
The suppression of the Sanders campaign is despicable and generally typical of the Democratic Party.
54
Here's a thought. A person decides on her or his vote based on whether the candidate talks about policy/ideas/plans that she or he thinks makes sense. And about how hard or easy those policies and ideas and plans can become law. The idea that Bernie's message was hurt by anyone is goofy. The Bern people need to grow up. His message is akin to Make American Great Again, but the Berns know that Trump is a hater and scary. Bernie can't "Make America Great" unless we have a Democratic party. That's the only party that will fight for the poor and also fight for the middle class.
2
No, the electorate has had enough. A third or even fourh party is in the offing. Until that happens, kindly refrain from trying to use America and the word "democracy" in the same paragraph.
1
Keep on dreaming.....
Everything is for sale in America. Trump may be nuts but at least he honest about our government being for sale.
44
Yes especially if you favor Russians, which he seems to do.
2
Trump is not nutters, he is a racist.
Sure, pretend that you don't know that about trump.
Why not, trump pretended he did not know duke was a racist.
Par for the course for Bernie supporters.
Sure, pretend that you don't know that about trump.
Why not, trump pretended he did not know duke was a racist.
Par for the course for Bernie supporters.
"Wondering if there's a good Bernie narrative for a story which is that Bernie never ever had his act together, that his campaign was a mess," DNC National Secretary Mark Paustenbach wrote..
"True," Miranda acknowledged in his response. "But the chair has been advised not to engage. So we'll have to leave it alone."
The chair was advised not to engage.
The chair is supposed to be in charge and neutral.
She was advised by who??
"True," Miranda acknowledged in his response. "But the chair has been advised not to engage. So we'll have to leave it alone."
The chair was advised not to engage.
The chair is supposed to be in charge and neutral.
She was advised by who??
25
Either Hillary or Schumer, possibly Reid. In that order.
In baseball one is 'out' after three strikes.
There seems to be a different rule in American politics.
There seems to be a different rule in American politics.
17
"Well it depends on what the definition of 'strike' is."
1
Well, I am sure the supremes who voted for Citizens United won't consider this to be access or a contamination of the democratic process. After all, we could all do the same. I am sure both the GOP and the DNC will be happy to assist in any way for the right amount of money. What's a few hundred thousand dollars, really? Just gets you a chance to rub shoulders with the big boys. What could possibly be wrong with that?
17
If you want to remove even the suspicion of bribery and corruption, have public funding for all candidates and shorten the campaign. This is done in many countries and works pretty well. Whether this can pass the House is a different matter. But it seems that much of the outrage is directed not at the appearance of impropriety but at the very idea that some people, by virtue of money or celebrity, have more power and influence than others. Sorry but this is not only how it is, but how it should be. A society of perfect equality is a dystopian nightmare. I have better use for my money than paying for a party with the President, but if I were invited, I wouldn't say no. On the other hand, if I were invited to a party by Mr. Honest Taxpayer whose only qualification in life is being an honest taxpayer, Id probably skip. Please explain why this is wrong.
24
It may not be immoral but it sure is disgusting. Wrong? Try entitled, arrogant, and privileged for starters. In fact, John Q. Public may be more interesting than the self-involved candidate, but one would have to be not self-involved to appreciate it.
2
"Entitled, arrogant and privileged" can be translated as "successful, educated, and justly proud of one's accomplishments". I do not measure people's quality by their back account but I have no patience with the mindless populism that claims that a high-school dropout is as interesting, important or worthy of being listened to as a Nobel Prize winner.
1
This is such a non story. The financial details are as old as politics. The DNC favoring someone they think can get elected is no different from the Republicans running from Trump. I have a hard time understanding how anyone could support a Sanders presidency - though I certainly understand support for the ideals behind his horrible ideas. All the negative stories involved in this and every other campaign, however, make it clear why our best and brightest do not run for office and why we can not do any better than Hilary or Trump as our next President. It's the saddest election since Jimmy Carter.
24
Bernie supporters are disgraceful. Demanding that Hillary should go to prison is as disgusting as it gets. These people were never true progressives but we're always racist Trumpistas disguised as Sanders supporters. And sanders deserves a huge portion of blame for creating this Frankenstein. I hope Trump wins and cuts the tax to 10% for the rich, removes any minimum wage altotger and rolls back obamacare altogether. Suits the sanders supporters well.
12
Feeling frustrated, are you ??
8
Selling influence to foreign governments while Secretary of State is as low as it gets. That the money "went to charity" was Imelda Marcos's excuse, too.
13
Well, your warm, embracing comment just won over this Bernie supporter. I love being reviled. It's so welcoming. Just what I've come to expect from team Hillary.
9
The DNC is just as bad as the RNC on campaign financing. That's why we must overturn the Citizens United ruling. Only Bernie Sanders is a truly independent candidate by not taking money from the rich. We should redo the DNC primary and get our right to vote back.
25
Know what? Clinton would STILL WIN. But maybe you missed her margin of victory.
1
Please! He took money from the DNC's cache of corporate funds because Independents can't bother themselves with creating their own committees.
Are Sanders's supporters really so naive that they don't make that connection?
Good grief.
Are Sanders's supporters really so naive that they don't make that connection?
Good grief.
3
Bernie should really run as an Independent in November.
1
The FBI should investigate the DNC on their primary operations as some Democrats have violated the federal election law. Debbie WS may have to be jailed at the end. We have plenty of time to redo the DNC primaries. No more debates are necessary. We just need a date to reopen the voting booths across the country all on the same day. This is not a drastic measure as we do have to respect and defend our democracy.
17
You are definitely an Optimist.
3
Thanks to you and the NYTimes for posting my comment!
We really need campaign finance reform, six month campaigns and get rid of Citizens United and all special interest money in politics.
21
It's one way to achieve transparency. A plus in 'by the people for the people'.
2
Welcome to the politics of the "third world"!
26
Why not? We already have the economy of the third world for most of us.
2
Everyone knows this goes on, but to see it described here in black and white is truly disheartening. Talk about a rigged system! Imagine how much good these campaign contributors could do if their millions were used to alleviate poverty and homeless, upgrade inner-city schools, increase teachers' salaries, make college affordable and debt-free for poor and middle-class students, and repair our country's crumbling roads, bridges and airports, among other vital necessities. To see so much money changing hands in order to buy influence and social status is sickening. The U.S. badly needs publicly funded elections.
53
The United States needs what Bernie was trying to do, which is turn the applecart upside down, throw all the rotten apples out, brink in new uncontaminated blood, and start over, but it seems he has now capitulated and joined the corrupt one, and her corporate masters.
Such a pity; for a moment I almost believed real honest to goodness change, had a chance; silly me.
Such a pity; for a moment I almost believed real honest to goodness change, had a chance; silly me.
11
Your comment is by far the best here. Forget trying to side based on one's politics. What is most disheartening is the underlying element to these emails and am sure same for RNC is that self centered and likely narcissistic people (and their heirs) are given access directly related to how much they pay. So they pay a lot when even a fraction of what they pay for personal prestige could change the life of those in poverty. And since this is the DNC that rails against the 1% is is truly hypocritical.
2
And if Bernie became President, what would happen. Every legislative thing he put to congress that would change the status quo would just be left lying on the floor. This is the problem I see with all the rabid Bernie supporters. Their support in the political process stops at Bernie. It is like they don't even know that there is a legislative branch to our government and that they also need to vote in senators and congressmen that support the progressive agenda.
1
Holy cow! You mean big donors get access to hotel rooms and galas that small folks don't?
And yet, even I know people who've ended up at the White House--the rabbi of our teeny rural congregation went to last year's Seder and our local organizer goes every year to the Christmas party, even though we are from middle-class, small-town, rural Pennsylvania.
And yet, even I know people who've ended up at the White House--the rabbi of our teeny rural congregation went to last year's Seder and our local organizer goes every year to the Christmas party, even though we are from middle-class, small-town, rural Pennsylvania.
17
What is truly sad is that in our supposed land of the free press, we have to rely upon Russian hackers and Wikileaks to get real news and information.
The intimations of Bernie Sanders's supporters that the DNC process has been rigged against Sanders, have now been substantiated. How long before we also learn that those ardent supporters are also correct that the major press outlets' including the NYT had an agenda of sinking the Sander's campaign in favor of a corruption-as-usual candidate?
If there is anyone of journalistic integrity at NYT in a position to do so, I would encourage you to provide to Wikileaks the emails establishing NYT's coordination with the DNC and Clinton campaign, that is so evident in NYT's reporting, but of which we presumably will only ever hear from Russian hackers or Julian Assange.
The intimations of Bernie Sanders's supporters that the DNC process has been rigged against Sanders, have now been substantiated. How long before we also learn that those ardent supporters are also correct that the major press outlets' including the NYT had an agenda of sinking the Sander's campaign in favor of a corruption-as-usual candidate?
If there is anyone of journalistic integrity at NYT in a position to do so, I would encourage you to provide to Wikileaks the emails establishing NYT's coordination with the DNC and Clinton campaign, that is so evident in NYT's reporting, but of which we presumably will only ever hear from Russian hackers or Julian Assange.
81
Truth
6
It's truly hilarious that you believe a Socialist could have or would have won any Democratic election. Truly. Whine all you want. It WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
3
In America, somebody has to believe in true democracy no matter how few there are out there. Hillary stole the primary from Bernie by violating the federal election law conducted at the DNC. Taxpayers' money was spent by the DNC and RNC to run primaries. We have every right to hold violators responsible not just for the lost money but also for manipulating a presidential election illegally. I am very glad NYTimes seems to know its seriousness and try to steer clean this time as I almost discontinued my subscription last month.
1
I am shocked, SHOCKED, that money buys influence with politicians.
33
When did the DNC & the RNC become these bastions of propriety in the eyes of the public?
10
Whether progressive or conservative, the clearest picture that emerges from these emails, as well as the continuing Republican parade of Citizens United PAC's and anonymous donors is that rather than a democracy deciding governance on the interplay of ideas, we have a governance determined through who can pay the most. All these high-wealth people, willing to pay thousands, tens, or even hundreds of thousands for access to our government, are clearly familiar with the concept of 'return on investment'.The real reason these people will donate hundreds of thousands must be that they are confident they will get a ROI greater than the donated 'investment'. These donors, on both political sides, did not get rich by giving money away without any returns. We must get all the money out of our political activities, through a constitutional amendment detailing that 'money is not speech', that unlimited spending and unlimited campaigning have sold out our government to the highest spenders and must end, and that public financing of all campaigns is mandatory at all levels. Or we might just offer up our government in online auctions, with House and Senate seats, Governors and state legislatures, and once every four years a presidency, at auction. Bid up the candidates, with the highest bid-attracting candidates taking the government positions, and the money paid to the Treasury in lieu of taxes on the wealthy. We are nearly there now.
10
Better, simpler idea - enforce the law against peddling influence. Send Hillary to jail for taking money from the Russians.
Yes, but with your plan we the people would get something in return.
Pretty appalling how much of the domestic news agenda -- include the esteemed NY Times -- is being determined by a bunch of anarchists overseas.
11
"Pretty appalling how much of the domestic news agenda -- include the esteemed NY Times -- is being determined by a bunch of anarchists overseas"?
Far better that our government's agenda be determined in secret, by the rich -- and that the rest of the populace, which has no business meddling, be kept where it belongs, in the dark!
Far better that our government's agenda be determined in secret, by the rich -- and that the rest of the populace, which has no business meddling, be kept where it belongs, in the dark!
Presumably the Republican party doesn't receive such requests or cater to them...in an alternate universe.
14
Maybe all this email hacking will force people to actually TALK to each other again!
13
It's not working now. Hillary supporters are sublimely oblivious that while claiming moral superiority to everyone, their goddess tilted the party primary process, and the holier-than-thou DNC sells access to power routinely.
1
All this holier-than-thou hand wringing! If Bernie Sanders had been nominated, he'd have given all that money back to those no-good one-percenters? Utter nonsense! But that's the beauty of never being in a position to be tested. Never compromise, never bargain, never accomplish anything; purity is its own reward.
17
Never sell influence while you're in office? If Bernie Sanders had done as Hillary Clinton did as Secretary of State, the FBI would have - with justification - taken him down. But Hillary Clinton's so slimy that not even legitimate criminal charges stick to her.
The Clintons are very good business people, leveraging political influence to make tens of millions of dollars. Private jets, trips, houses . . . True 1%ers.
The Clintons are a great American success story.
Success that all Democrat politicians should aspire to . . .
The Clintons are a great American success story.
Success that all Democrat politicians should aspire to . . .
14
The Clinton's are very good con artists that take advantage of disastrous situations. If they were forced to return money made illegally from everything they have done they would be broke.
6
"True 1%ers." Actually more like .1%ers.
2
we have become a nation built on a foundation of facebook, twitter, video games, reality tv shows and news broadcasts given by barbie dolls. our culture is a sewer. we have two presidential candidates who have forgotten, if they ever knew, that lying, cheating, slander, abuse of power are not the values that good people live by. reading a biography of gandhi keeps hope alive - an example of love and compassion and belief that we are all connected in our humanity and therefore each individual has an obligation to not cause harm.
8
Do the games described in this column which political parties commonly play still surprise anyone? Haven't they been around since the beginning of our republic; played in one way or another by all Parties. And although equality is one of our founding principles, in reality equality regarding many different realms (except for political pandering) hasn't yet happened and can't until humankind is perfected regarding higher order values. And while that's an ideal goal, reaching it is highly unlikely. As a result, money speaks, it buys privileges most of will never have access to (and many aren't even interested in). Yet, despite our country's many weaknesses and imperfections and huge number of lessons yet to learn we have so very much for which to be grateful.
8
This whole story is a big "so what?" There is no evidence of any illegal or unethical political favors being exchanged for donations. Figuring out how to lure donors and their dollars is the raison d'etre of fund raisers for every organization reliant on public contributions, from places of worship to symphony orchestras. I see nothing more here than evidence of a well run fund raising organization.
42
AirBnB is a fine, legal business model, too. I just didn't like it when President Bill implemented it in the Lincoln Bedroom.
It would appear that unless you raise tens of millions of dollars for a presidential candidate, you are more likely to grow wings and fly to the moon than be invited to the Oval Office. It is any wonder that today's politicians are held in contempt by the general public?
10
Where is some explanation of the victory fund and what where the money really went? Maybe there's a review of "Clinton Cash" elsewhere in the paper? The documentary is free on You Tube--good to watch instead of the speeches tonight.
7
Yeah, a random YouTube video. That's reliable.
Is it the corn syrup? Has Michigan water flowed throughout the land? Is that what's causing all the sanctimonious outrage?
Is it the corn syrup? Has Michigan water flowed throughout the land? Is that what's causing all the sanctimonious outrage?
2
Wring your hands as much as you want, all of humanity operates thus way. Business, politics, personal relationships. There is absolutely nothing reflected in these emails that indicates the slightest bit of abnormal behavior. None of it is illegal or immoral either. There is no politician or political party in all of history that could stand up to this kind of illegal scrutiny. If the founding fathers had email and it was stolen, we'd still be celebrating the King and Queen's birthday.
26
Shocked. Gee whiz, you mean that staffers actually talk about how much people are donating? And that they want some major ego stroking, if not more, in exchange? The discussions revealed here were only truly interesting to the the donors who were mentioned,
We NEED campaign finance reform. Or a large number of the already alienated electorate will find a way to end the two party system, which requires both compromise and a belief that your interests will be represented even if your pockets aren't deep.
In the meantime, I am frustrated with the Bernie supporters who are fixated on him as some sort of savior, and not on fighting for reforms. Hillary isn't responsible for the way things are run - she had to learn to play with the big boys a long time ago in order to nail a place at the table.
We NEED campaign finance reform. Or a large number of the already alienated electorate will find a way to end the two party system, which requires both compromise and a belief that your interests will be represented even if your pockets aren't deep.
In the meantime, I am frustrated with the Bernie supporters who are fixated on him as some sort of savior, and not on fighting for reforms. Hillary isn't responsible for the way things are run - she had to learn to play with the big boys a long time ago in order to nail a place at the table.
27
Finally, the NYT is reporting the truth about the Democrats, I love it when Hillary says see wants to change the first amendment to prevent corporations from contributing to the political process, hypocrite. Beyond that, the NYT readers seem to think she is brilliant and has accomplished so much as Senator and Secretary of State, explain to me one accomplishment, besides consistently lying to gain power.
18
Do you think the Republicans are any different?
And isn't it interesting that these emails link just for the Democrats, just as their convention gets started, and fingers are pointing to the Russian intelligency agencies having a role in the leaks?
No wonder Donald Trump likes Putin so much. And you think The Donald doesn't lie?
And isn't it interesting that these emails link just for the Democrats, just as their convention gets started, and fingers are pointing to the Russian intelligency agencies having a role in the leaks?
No wonder Donald Trump likes Putin so much. And you think The Donald doesn't lie?
11
She led President Bill Clinton's task force on health care reform and was the public face of universal health care. Although rejected by Republicans (note Kristol's memo: "Reject it sight unseen"), arguably Obamacare's passage rested on the foundation step of public awareness that she helped create.
7
But if he lies, then he doesn't like Putin.
Those who did not know that these actions were taking place within politics must live on an island somewhere in the middle of the ocean with no form of communication other than knocking coconuts together. The reason it is allowed to exist...the people of this country aren't involved in the politics that governs...no, controls their life. Our country in many ways is already like Russia's politics. Trump just wants to take this country the rest of the way to being like Russia. US-SR. Trump and Putin.
10
I've worked in politics at the local and national level, and everything I've read in the leaked emails is standard operating procedure, and has been for generations. The only new aspect is the amounts of money contributed.
In a perfect world, none of this would exist. As it is, paying for access is the name of the game in Washington, with both parties engaged in an endless and escalating round robin of seeking donations and nursing contributors. Believe me when I tell you that this activity goes on no matter who is in the White House. It also extends to Members of Congress. I worked for Jimmy Carter, who was almost crippingly obtuse about this aspect of politics. It went on nonstop throughout his Administration.
It will go on well into the future, absent a revolution in which a dictator takes over the country and bans political parties, murders opponents, and enriches him or herself while winning future elections with 99 percent of the vote.
In a perfect world, none of this would exist. As it is, paying for access is the name of the game in Washington, with both parties engaged in an endless and escalating round robin of seeking donations and nursing contributors. Believe me when I tell you that this activity goes on no matter who is in the White House. It also extends to Members of Congress. I worked for Jimmy Carter, who was almost crippingly obtuse about this aspect of politics. It went on nonstop throughout his Administration.
It will go on well into the future, absent a revolution in which a dictator takes over the country and bans political parties, murders opponents, and enriches him or herself while winning future elections with 99 percent of the vote.
22
People are fooling themselves to think that Citizens United will ever be defeated by the two entrenched Parties. If I had to make an educated guess, campaign finance reform was/is the single biggest reason the DNC turned against Sanders.
6
I didn't realize it was up to the political parties to overturn a court decision. Thanks for explaining the rule of stare decisis.
4
EinT,
It's a constitutional amendment. You're naive to think there is any other way of nullifying the decision short of the issue being revisited by the Supreme Court. Guess what you need to do those things? The massive organization provided by the parties or a leader willing to nominate Justices to the Supreme Court. So, yeah, the Parties have a big role to play in reversing the awful effects of Citizens United.
It's a constitutional amendment. You're naive to think there is any other way of nullifying the decision short of the issue being revisited by the Supreme Court. Guess what you need to do those things? The massive organization provided by the parties or a leader willing to nominate Justices to the Supreme Court. So, yeah, the Parties have a big role to play in reversing the awful effects of Citizens United.
1
The Democratic Party leadership has defied its own voters, its own base.
It has chosen instead to serve its big donors, of war hawks, bankers, Wall Street, globalization, all the forces that voters are rebelling against.
The other problems flow from this choice. Emails only display it. Lies only hide it. Fearmongering about "Hitler" and other wacky talk only changes the subject.
It is not about Bernie the person. It is about the voters, vast numbers of them, who are fed up with this stuff that comes from sucking up to donors.
It is more than just donor greed. It is more than "just politics."
It is real wars we are in, and we are promised will get bigger, and we are promised more will be started. It is real job loss we are told won't come back, nothing can be done. It is real health care we are told just can't be afforded, as it is everywhere else in the modern world. It is our own kids, students, saddled with huge debt we are told is unavoidable, even though it was not unavoidable for us and isn't unavoidable in any other modern country.
This is the stuff that matters.
It has chosen instead to serve its big donors, of war hawks, bankers, Wall Street, globalization, all the forces that voters are rebelling against.
The other problems flow from this choice. Emails only display it. Lies only hide it. Fearmongering about "Hitler" and other wacky talk only changes the subject.
It is not about Bernie the person. It is about the voters, vast numbers of them, who are fed up with this stuff that comes from sucking up to donors.
It is more than just donor greed. It is more than "just politics."
It is real wars we are in, and we are promised will get bigger, and we are promised more will be started. It is real job loss we are told won't come back, nothing can be done. It is real health care we are told just can't be afforded, as it is everywhere else in the modern world. It is our own kids, students, saddled with huge debt we are told is unavoidable, even though it was not unavoidable for us and isn't unavoidable in any other modern country.
This is the stuff that matters.
37
@Mark Thomason: Thank you Mark for pointing out the obvious, why can't we understand the realities of the real threats to our future that neocons of both parties are moving us toward? The wars in the Middle East have gone on for decades as a result of our oil dependence, and no matter your opinion on the matter, Israels occupation of former Palestinian lands. Voodoo economics and globalization have created a permanent underclassbeginning with Milton Friedman and his Chicago boys ushering in a consumer driven economy based on financial engineering and cheap labor abroad, replacing thirty years of a real economy in post war America when we created and manufactured products for the rest of the world and great companies such as Ford shared the profits with labor resulting in a vibrant middle class. Today we are mired in yet another debt fueled bubble as people have been forced to seek yield in any form to escape the negative effects of a fed policy intent on benefiting Wall Street no matter how destructive on the middle class of America and Europe.
As Mark has eloquently reminded us this election has not been about Bernie the man, this has been about Bernie the spokesman for a generation of people disenfranchised by the manipulation of both our major parties, by the crying out for punishment of the perpetrators of the biggest financial fraud in our history. This election temporarily offered hope to the other ninety percent. These emails reveal how futile that hope is.
As Mark has eloquently reminded us this election has not been about Bernie the man, this has been about Bernie the spokesman for a generation of people disenfranchised by the manipulation of both our major parties, by the crying out for punishment of the perpetrators of the biggest financial fraud in our history. This election temporarily offered hope to the other ninety percent. These emails reveal how futile that hope is.
2
Bernie wanted a revolution. The only problem is that he was attempting to do it with a "counter revolutionary" party. Their corporate donors have spoken, they can control Hillary, they can't control Bernie.
2
Ted -- Thanks. You expand on it well. Exactly right.
1
Every election year, I make around $500 in political contributions. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I donated, total, around $500 to the Sanders campaign spread over a dozen or so contributions. And, in addition, around $300 more to my State and local candidates who are worth supporting.
But not one cent will go to anyone with a PAC, or to national parties. They don't need me, or care about me.
The Wikileaks may create short run damage. Let us hope they usher in long term reforms. But I doubt they will. Those in power are likely incapable of reform.
But not one cent will go to anyone with a PAC, or to national parties. They don't need me, or care about me.
The Wikileaks may create short run damage. Let us hope they usher in long term reforms. But I doubt they will. Those in power are likely incapable of reform.
27
The NYT is systematically disallowing comments on the negative stories they run about the Sanders campaign as front-page headlines. Why is the front page running a story about how Sanders was booed at the convention when so too was DWS AND Clinton/Kaine? Why is this actually news story buried so deep? Because NYT IS RIGGED.
46
initially saturday, wiki leaks page A10....low level inference
That's funny.
1
The lead sentence on the upper right hand corner of the front page (the spot assigned to the most important story of the day) reads "Democratic Party leaders scrambled on Monday night to rescue their convention from political bedlam as SUPPORTERS OF SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS ERUPTED IN BOOS, JEERS AND PROTESTS (my caps, obviously) against Hillary Clinton after an email leak showed that party officials had sought to undermine Mr. Sanders ...
What's surprising about this? After all, the Clintons rented out the Lincoln bedroom to big donors, when Bill was in office. It's always been pay-to-play with them.
22
No one needed to hack the DNC servers to learn the methods they use to coax donors. They could have merely looked at the multiple emails I get every day from Hillary, Bill, Obama, Biden, Kaine and others asking for money. I'm sure the Republicans do exactly the same thing.
15
This is how the game of the duopoly of incumbent political parties is played.
Bernie Sanders showed that this sort of crass fundraising of the neoliberals is unnecessary.
So I will not boo Bernie Sanders when he tells us to support Hilary Clinton.
But I also will ignore him and vote for Jill Stein. Jill is now getting the contributions and support I previously gave to Bernie earlier in the year and will continue to receive them from me and most of other Bernie or Bust Voters.
Our goal is to elect Dr. Jill Stein President of the United States and if that fails to put the election in the House of Representatives.
Don't hand me the line that I am somehow voting for Trump by voting for Stein because I'm not buying it. I'm damned near as old as Bernie and I have been voting for fifty years or so and I know better.
Bernie Sanders showed that this sort of crass fundraising of the neoliberals is unnecessary.
So I will not boo Bernie Sanders when he tells us to support Hilary Clinton.
But I also will ignore him and vote for Jill Stein. Jill is now getting the contributions and support I previously gave to Bernie earlier in the year and will continue to receive them from me and most of other Bernie or Bust Voters.
Our goal is to elect Dr. Jill Stein President of the United States and if that fails to put the election in the House of Representatives.
Don't hand me the line that I am somehow voting for Trump by voting for Stein because I'm not buying it. I'm damned near as old as Bernie and I have been voting for fifty years or so and I know better.
5
This is utterly comprehensible. I work at a financial firm. Any such behavior would land us in jail. And stop the silly sausage making analogy. This isn't sausage making, it's the destruction of democracy.
14
Haven't you heard?
It's not a crime if a liberal does it.
It's not a crime if a liberal does it.
12
Oh, nonsense, DC, and you know it. Campaign finance reform has been touted by the Ds for a long time now.
Stop the silliness already.
Stop the silliness already.
3
not to kick the bern when he's down, but really, what did he expect? if you're campaigning against the monied status quo of american politics, don't be surprised that minions of same are conspiring against you.
2
A new poll that is good news for Hillary. She is running neck and neck with El Chapo Guzman for honesty and trustworthyness.
20
'Tis true. El Chapo also puts on quite a show of supporting the little man. He is beloved in his own state of Sinaloa. But he might resent the comparison. He has standards, you see.
I am glad these emails are out so Americans can see firsthand how money has bought our government but yet the average American is stuck with the bills for wars and recessions to the tune now of $20 Trillion.
Americans should be outraged that we have been and are being used and abused. It's time for massive change. At least start a new party. Anyone voting for these party tools are incredible fools that don't know when they are being used. When will people wake up?
Americans should be outraged that we have been and are being used and abused. It's time for massive change. At least start a new party. Anyone voting for these party tools are incredible fools that don't know when they are being used. When will people wake up?
24
"At least start a new party."
Why? There are plenty of "third parties" already. Green, Libertarian, etc. That's not the problem. The problem is that the way our electoral system works favors two large parties. Smaller parties will naturally converge to carry more clout in elections.
Why? There are plenty of "third parties" already. Green, Libertarian, etc. That's not the problem. The problem is that the way our electoral system works favors two large parties. Smaller parties will naturally converge to carry more clout in elections.
1
Proves once again that both parties are in fact both sides of the same corrupt coin. I will never vote for the Witch of Wall Street, while at the same time I hope Trump does not win. Hillary was obvious all along. Why would somebody from Arkansas scurry to New York to ingratiate herself with all the banks and investment houses if not for the money and power. I knew she would never represent me or give two wits about doing anything that would benefit me unlike her banker backers.
13
I keep being told by Clinton supporters that my reservations about her campaign and the fundraising methods from which it benefits are unfounded and naïve. There's no point in pointing out that the GOP probably does the same if not worse since Trump is dead to me as a candidate anyway. So can we PLEASE just discuss all this stuff for what it is? Am I honestly to believe that Clinton (or anyone, really) is immune to the influences of big money donors, Super PACs, speaking fees from banks, etc.?
I am willing to concede every positive point about Hilary Clinton you care to name. Command of policy? Sure. Historical significance of the first Madam President? Absolutely. Mental fortitude? Sure. That said, none of those answer the basic questions about her ethical judgment. HOWEVER facts come to light, they remain facts. I am sorry the DNC got hacked or that Clinton has been subjected to scrutiny, but her choices are her choices. I am not going to heap praise on her for all her achievements and turn a blind eye to all her shortcomings.
It is not asking for "perfection" to ask that a candidate avoid obvious appearances of impropriety. It is NOT too much to ask that a candidate who does find themselves in a bad situation speak openly and honestly to her would-be supporters. It is not a "distraction" to insist that a candidate's past words be reconciled with present facts. Being smart just gets you in the door, it's not a blank check.
I am willing to concede every positive point about Hilary Clinton you care to name. Command of policy? Sure. Historical significance of the first Madam President? Absolutely. Mental fortitude? Sure. That said, none of those answer the basic questions about her ethical judgment. HOWEVER facts come to light, they remain facts. I am sorry the DNC got hacked or that Clinton has been subjected to scrutiny, but her choices are her choices. I am not going to heap praise on her for all her achievements and turn a blind eye to all her shortcomings.
It is not asking for "perfection" to ask that a candidate avoid obvious appearances of impropriety. It is NOT too much to ask that a candidate who does find themselves in a bad situation speak openly and honestly to her would-be supporters. It is not a "distraction" to insist that a candidate's past words be reconciled with present facts. Being smart just gets you in the door, it's not a blank check.
13
So when are the similar email send to and received by the RNC going to be released for public review? Or are Putin and his friends keeping those to themselves?
17
Thanks be to Putin for exposing the rot and corruption in the Democrat party. Otherwise it would have remained an open secret. And thanks for shielding Snowden, a true American hero.
11
Why didn't the Russians release these emails to help Senator Sanders?
They don't care about Senator Sanders or America.
Putin wants Trump in the White House to destabilize Europe and destroy NATO.
Only fools would let themselves be manipulated by Putin to put a dictator Trump in office.
They don't care about Senator Sanders or America.
Putin wants Trump in the White House to destabilize Europe and destroy NATO.
Only fools would let themselves be manipulated by Putin to put a dictator Trump in office.
49
I am so frustrated that this is being published as though it is news. Just observing photographs or news footage shows you who gets to "sit near" people of influence. Had no one really ever paid attention?
Politicians need money. It is unfortunate that our system is designed that way, but it is, and we reward it every day, by caring more about and allowing ourselves to be influenced by what we see in the media than actually participating in conventions and becoming more neutrally informed. How many of us have actually read both party platforms? They are evidently a pretty good guide to how the party will ultimately govern. Speeches and commercials and tweets, etc. are just designed to influence us with meaningless sound bites, because we don't bother.
Fundraising 101 for any organization, non-profit or political: To get money, you must make the donors feel important, i.e., you want the donors to feel as though what matters to them is being heard. Time with the donor is how you do that.
As has been noted elsewhere here, this article is also frustrating because it creates an impression that this is only going on with Democrats, simply because it is only the Democrats' e-mail that was published. Because this is just Fundraising 101, i.e., everyone does this, what is the point of creating a negative story about one party which also says nothing new? So it confirms what we all knew? Who cares? That is worth this misleading extravaganza?
Politicians need money. It is unfortunate that our system is designed that way, but it is, and we reward it every day, by caring more about and allowing ourselves to be influenced by what we see in the media than actually participating in conventions and becoming more neutrally informed. How many of us have actually read both party platforms? They are evidently a pretty good guide to how the party will ultimately govern. Speeches and commercials and tweets, etc. are just designed to influence us with meaningless sound bites, because we don't bother.
Fundraising 101 for any organization, non-profit or political: To get money, you must make the donors feel important, i.e., you want the donors to feel as though what matters to them is being heard. Time with the donor is how you do that.
As has been noted elsewhere here, this article is also frustrating because it creates an impression that this is only going on with Democrats, simply because it is only the Democrats' e-mail that was published. Because this is just Fundraising 101, i.e., everyone does this, what is the point of creating a negative story about one party which also says nothing new? So it confirms what we all knew? Who cares? That is worth this misleading extravaganza?
16
The Democratic Party is little more than a country club for the 1% who have the money to buy favors for or access from it.
It looks like the revelations of the DNC emails are going to tear this Democratic convention apart. Those who hate Bernie will blame him, instead of placing the blame where it belongs - on the sleazy DNC for gaming this nomination for the one the highest bidders (Wall Street and other wealth insiders) wanted.
This whole mess is shameful.
Trump is ahead in the polls and has a good chance of being the next president.
The DNC will have to own that one for making sure an unpopular candidate became the nominee of our party.
It looks like the revelations of the DNC emails are going to tear this Democratic convention apart. Those who hate Bernie will blame him, instead of placing the blame where it belongs - on the sleazy DNC for gaming this nomination for the one the highest bidders (Wall Street and other wealth insiders) wanted.
This whole mess is shameful.
Trump is ahead in the polls and has a good chance of being the next president.
The DNC will have to own that one for making sure an unpopular candidate became the nominee of our party.
33
There is no evidence anything was gamed.
Get a grip.
Get a grip.
11
This is our campaign system played by both parties for as long as I can remember. I'm sure you were not born yesterday either. This is reality folks, things will only change if we demand it. I don't see campaign finance reform on the Republican platform, do you? Let's have a look at their RNC emails too. Will you surprised?
Here is my form to vote in this new town, me an ancient Democrat. "No. I do not wish to enroll in a party at this time."
That's the box I checked. The DNC was run by Christie's bridge staff. They are all the same, there is one party: self preservation. But I will pay 20 bucks for White House tickets. "Tickets, White House tickets, Tickets here." I can sell them for 30 bucks.
That's the box I checked. The DNC was run by Christie's bridge staff. They are all the same, there is one party: self preservation. But I will pay 20 bucks for White House tickets. "Tickets, White House tickets, Tickets here." I can sell them for 30 bucks.
2
So go start your own party - as Independents should have done in the first place, rather than relying on others to hand them campaign money and then crying when they don't happen to like the hand that feeds them.
5
I hope to God that the publishing of reports like this and the near catastrophe the Democrats face will be chastening. I don't for one minute think that the country deserves Donald Trump because of the sins of the Democrats, but I hope the lesson that nothing can stay a secret anymore will matter, and that Americans will keep up the pressure to get money out of politics.
Spare us the "Trump is Pure" sloganneering. How long until he accepts Adelson's and Koch's dollars?
Spare us the "Trump is Pure" sloganneering. How long until he accepts Adelson's and Koch's dollars?
11
When Biden was running for President, he said something during one of the debates that impressed me then, and still does.
The topic was money in politics. And Biden said, essentially. let's be frank, we're not going to get money out of politics until we have publicly funded elections, with no outside money.
The other source of hope is the millions Sanders got from regular voters, contributing an average of $27 a piece.
We don't have to do things the way we're doing them. We choose to. And it is disgusting.
The topic was money in politics. And Biden said, essentially. let's be frank, we're not going to get money out of politics until we have publicly funded elections, with no outside money.
The other source of hope is the millions Sanders got from regular voters, contributing an average of $27 a piece.
We don't have to do things the way we're doing them. We choose to. And it is disgusting.
56
The DNC & Hillary worship special interest money. That is why they hate Bernie.
The fools are those who try and argue with a straight face candidates taking millions from special interests will not do them political favors.
Bribery American style.
The fools are those who try and argue with a straight face candidates taking millions from special interests will not do them political favors.
Bribery American style.
14
Money talks. Hard work, integrity, honesty, paying one's taxes, taking care of oneself and one's family don't. The average American is excluded from most of the political process. If the choices we faced weren't so extreme at this point it might not be as annoying. Our political system has been hijacked by a braggart named Trump and big money from donors who expect something in return for their monetary support whether or not that helps the public.
Yes, money makes the world go around and lubricates plenty of transactions. But money corrupts and it's this that we've seen more of since the 1980s. The average American's access to elected officials has diminished as has our influence. It costs too much to run for almost any office unless one is backed by big money or has a small fortune to blow. It's been shown that small presents from companies can influence physicians to prescribe that companies drugs. The same must be true for politicians otherwise we wouldn't have seen the financial industry get off so lightly for its misdeeds in the aftermath of 2008. It must also hold for other industries that are less regulated than they should be, that succeed in lobbying to defeat measures that would help Americans.
It's not the emails that are so upsetting as it is the expectations in at least a few of them that the money they gave will guarantee them more than a canned response. We're lucky if we get that.
Yes, money makes the world go around and lubricates plenty of transactions. But money corrupts and it's this that we've seen more of since the 1980s. The average American's access to elected officials has diminished as has our influence. It costs too much to run for almost any office unless one is backed by big money or has a small fortune to blow. It's been shown that small presents from companies can influence physicians to prescribe that companies drugs. The same must be true for politicians otherwise we wouldn't have seen the financial industry get off so lightly for its misdeeds in the aftermath of 2008. It must also hold for other industries that are less regulated than they should be, that succeed in lobbying to defeat measures that would help Americans.
It's not the emails that are so upsetting as it is the expectations in at least a few of them that the money they gave will guarantee them more than a canned response. We're lucky if we get that.
8
The average American is a sucker.
5
So all these Candides are just now waking up to the fact that politics isn't life in the best of all possible worlds? How naïve!! And gee, what a coincidence that the email hacking is being traced to Russia! C'mon people - politics is a dirty game of mud-wrestling at best, a deadly dictatorial putsch at worst ... but "punishing" Clinton by voting Trump?
8
As a supporter and contributor to the Sanders campaign, it occurred to me that that the DNC should reimburse each and every Sanders donor for money they contributed to his campaign.
We made an investment in Sanders, but had no knowledge that the DNC had the fix in for Bernie.
In retrospect, we might as well have invested with Bernie Madoff.
We made an investment in Sanders, but had no knowledge that the DNC had the fix in for Bernie.
In retrospect, we might as well have invested with Bernie Madoff.
17
Since ALL of the taxpayers of every state funded the primairies, I would also suggest that since there was really no point in having them, that money be refunded as well.
Why shouldn't the DNC support Secretary Clinton. She is and has been a member of the DNC. Supports the democratic agenda and raised $$$ for it. Bernie Sanders is an independent and conveniently ran as a democratic to give him credibility. He goes back to the senate as an independent not a democrat.
17
Democrat represents corruption. Hopefully he will keep his distance.
2
Stop acting as though Republicans don't take the money and then pass legislation and tax cuts for their donors. The whole system has been corrupt for a long time, so long without pushback that they don't even try to hide it, it's blatantly right in out faces. People are mobilizing and forming coalitions one, thank you Bernie, please continue to shine the spotlight and lead the people to demand changes.
Hillary is once again showing horrific judgment allowing DW Schultz to remain working on her campaign. Every appearance will remind Americans of the unjust way the DNC did a turn around on acceptin lobbyist and super PAC money, prevented any other people from even running.
5
I agree. Even though HRC should not be blamed for DNC sins she should disavow the conduct and the blatant favoritism they used to sway voters. She should cut off DWS and totally distance herself. To do otherwise appears like gratitude. Where is her moral compass? Big mistake.
4
This was the main point separating Sanders from Clinton, as he financed his campaign with small donations from ordinary people while she raked in millions from moneyed interests.
Before we can make progress on a large number of issues, we have to get the big money out of the electoral process.
Watch Hillary embrace the TPP as soon as shes in the White House, along with a host of other subjects not in the interests of the middle- and working-classes.
And, yes, I realize we have to keep Trump out of the White House for now. It will take some time to straighten out the money in politics issue.
Before we can make progress on a large number of issues, we have to get the big money out of the electoral process.
Watch Hillary embrace the TPP as soon as shes in the White House, along with a host of other subjects not in the interests of the middle- and working-classes.
And, yes, I realize we have to keep Trump out of the White House for now. It will take some time to straighten out the money in politics issue.
3
With Watergate, at least the Republicans did it to Democrats. But DWS and the DNC did it to someone they were given the power to protect. Do you think Hillary knew that she was doing this?
2
So we're going with the whole plausible deniability angle? "Mistakes were made" but never by Clinton? She lives, breathes and bleeds DNC, she has all the networks/relationships and she's smart as a whip, but she has no idea what they're doing in her name?
That does not bode well for the infinitely more complex system of government she will need to control as President. The NSA is barely on a leash in its activities. The CIA is itching to get information by any means necessary (up to and including torture). And we can only speculate what kind of deals are being struck with regards to weapons contracts. Is there any negative circumstance for which Clinton is ever considered (without hedging) RESPONSIBLE?
That does not bode well for the infinitely more complex system of government she will need to control as President. The NSA is barely on a leash in its activities. The CIA is itching to get information by any means necessary (up to and including torture). And we can only speculate what kind of deals are being struck with regards to weapons contracts. Is there any negative circumstance for which Clinton is ever considered (without hedging) RESPONSIBLE?
3
Check out "Clinton Cash", an hour-long documentary that just came out on You Tube.
Crooked Hillary and the DNC are puppets of corporate Wall. St. donors. These emails just prove it.
I guarantee you there are no emails from Trump begging donors for money. He barely has a fund-raising operation.
Trump doesn't need ads. He's going to win it the old-fashion way: big rallies and word-of-mouth.
I guarantee you there are no emails from Trump begging donors for money. He barely has a fund-raising operation.
Trump doesn't need ads. He's going to win it the old-fashion way: big rallies and word-of-mouth.
9
LOL, keep telling yourself that:
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/trump-campaign-donors-new/2016/06/21/id/...
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/trump-campaign-donors-new/2016/06/21/id/...
3
Abby, keep believing, you are the one being played.
2
"I'm shocked, SHOCKED, to find that gambling is going on in here."
Seemed appropriate for the angst ridden responses to the idea that money in politics buys access.
I mean come on people....
Seemed appropriate for the angst ridden responses to the idea that money in politics buys access.
I mean come on people....
7
Wow......
Putin is so ready to get back the Baltic States.
The only way that happens: a Trump presidency.
It appears that the two have gotten beyond air kisses.
Putin is now working to strategically harm Clinton in an effort to assist Psycho Don.
Please note the date of the "damning" emails were sent.....
Putin is so ready to get back the Baltic States.
The only way that happens: a Trump presidency.
It appears that the two have gotten beyond air kisses.
Putin is now working to strategically harm Clinton in an effort to assist Psycho Don.
Please note the date of the "damning" emails were sent.....
7
I hope these emails are made public. Some of us also need to raise money and I would love to meet Ms. Duggan' s children, however many there are.
I would settle for $100,000 for each of my grandchildren.
I would settle for $100,000 for each of my grandchildren.
6
Duh! I thought my puny donation was going to get me on the Presidential Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History. You mean I was outbid? I am crushed!
5
How naive are people? All these emails provide is a sniff of the sausage making process at its earliest and most bloody. Just consider these emails a PG-13 civics class with a bad smell.
6
Go on, Sanders's supporters. Convince the rest of us that Bernie would turn down the $20,000 donor over your twenty bucks. Please.
One silver lining for Bernie's loss - which occurred because Clinton won more votes - is that he won't be raked over the coals like the other two candidates, and thus remains as spot-free as his supporters need him to be. They can go on their smug, merry way believing he is above any criticism.
Once more, mob rules. Sanders supporters are in very serious danger of throwing us all to the Trump wolf because the party they crashed for funding didn't welcome them with open arms.
They're hostage-takers. It really is just that straightforward
One silver lining for Bernie's loss - which occurred because Clinton won more votes - is that he won't be raked over the coals like the other two candidates, and thus remains as spot-free as his supporters need him to be. They can go on their smug, merry way believing he is above any criticism.
Once more, mob rules. Sanders supporters are in very serious danger of throwing us all to the Trump wolf because the party they crashed for funding didn't welcome them with open arms.
They're hostage-takers. It really is just that straightforward
15
Easy and clearly you miss the point here. It is the corporate donors that control the agenda, NOT Sanders supporters.
12
Sure, Deus, and Bernie helped himself to that very same cash.
Keep whistling.
Keep whistling.
5
I don't understand the logic that if Trump wins it's the fault of Sanders's supporters. How about if Hillary actually meant what she said about disavowing "big money in politics" then so many people wouldn't have reservations about her word.
From a speech she made back in March: “Big surprise, a flood of money from rich people, corporations, special interests has poured into our politics. Citizens United opened the door to the creation of Super PACs and between the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, spending by outside groups tripled."
So, Chantel, I'll just be going on my "merry way," but HRC is still complicit in the overt hypocrisy on this matter of exorbitance.
From a speech she made back in March: “Big surprise, a flood of money from rich people, corporations, special interests has poured into our politics. Citizens United opened the door to the creation of Super PACs and between the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, spending by outside groups tripled."
So, Chantel, I'll just be going on my "merry way," but HRC is still complicit in the overt hypocrisy on this matter of exorbitance.
1
How big money manipulates politics and basically runs things?
After sending money to Sanders, seeing him finally bite the dust thanks, in part, to the now revealed machinations of Hillary and her minions, and finally watching him tell all of us that we must support Hillary, I have realized that this is not a two horse race.
Hillary, who has over 70% unfavorability ratings, tells us that we have no choice. If we don't want Trump then we must vote for her even though we loathe her.
Sorry.
We have a real choice.
Gary Johnson, Libertarian, former Gov of New Mexico, a true human being who tells it like it is and knows politics ( he used to be a Republican), is very liberal on social issues and conservative fiscally, is now polling at least 13% in national polls....without much publicity or funds.
He will be in the national debates with Trump and Hillary.
Finally, people will see that we can have a choice. His numbers will rocket higher and higher and more and more people jump ship, if they ever were on board, and support him with votes, money and passion.
Yesterday I joined up with the local Libertarian Party to start a group in Montgomery County, Maryland.
He will be on the ballot in all 50 states.
And he will win.
This is a very strange and wonderful year for American politics.
After sending money to Sanders, seeing him finally bite the dust thanks, in part, to the now revealed machinations of Hillary and her minions, and finally watching him tell all of us that we must support Hillary, I have realized that this is not a two horse race.
Hillary, who has over 70% unfavorability ratings, tells us that we have no choice. If we don't want Trump then we must vote for her even though we loathe her.
Sorry.
We have a real choice.
Gary Johnson, Libertarian, former Gov of New Mexico, a true human being who tells it like it is and knows politics ( he used to be a Republican), is very liberal on social issues and conservative fiscally, is now polling at least 13% in national polls....without much publicity or funds.
He will be in the national debates with Trump and Hillary.
Finally, people will see that we can have a choice. His numbers will rocket higher and higher and more and more people jump ship, if they ever were on board, and support him with votes, money and passion.
Yesterday I joined up with the local Libertarian Party to start a group in Montgomery County, Maryland.
He will be on the ballot in all 50 states.
And he will win.
This is a very strange and wonderful year for American politics.
11
Hi Simon, I agree with your comment. DNC and RNC have lost touch with everyday Americans. Right now Johnson is polling at 10% and Jill Stein at 5%. They both must be included in CBS, CNN, Fox News debates. Let there be some discussion of real problems. Not just questions on "you said this and you said that". In the November elections for the first time Libertarian and Green Party will get substantial numbers and people will get real choices 2020 onwards.
4
No - in the current process, a Libertarian candidate has NO chance of actually winning. Not that the system should stay that way ... but four months from a presidential election is not the time to buck that system; realistically it is at least a four-year process between elections. Right now the priority is preventing a madman from entering the White House, so that we have a hope of getting as far as another election four years from now.
5
Good for you. Am with you all the way. Johnson- Weld caring, competent, likable and trustworthy.
3
It is past time to toss both parties and start over... Both are thoroughly corrupt and have no interest in serving the people... Only garnering their votes through deception, hate, fear, and division, so they can implement policies that benefit their masters, the mega-donor class... Biggest donor first, second biggest donor second, and so on...
A choice between Trump (or any Republican) and Clinton is no choice at all... I'm voting for Jill Stein. And I won't be alone.
A choice between Trump (or any Republican) and Clinton is no choice at all... I'm voting for Jill Stein. And I won't be alone.
11
Nice comment. I am with you Tom. We need a reset button.
2
And what's her plan for handling Putin? Kim Jong Un? A recalcitrant GOP Congress?
4
hey Abby, what was the brilliant one, Obama's plan, Putin makes him look the way he really is, weak and ineffectual, if he is so smart, why has he be out maneuvered by the dunce, Putin.
1
Where is the Times article setting forth a statement of principles as to what the ethics of fundraising ought to be? Like making sausage and a lot of other stuff, fund raising can have an unpleasant sight, sound and smell. Even in religious and charitable fundraising, those who give the most, are often honored with events, speeches and memorials.
Let's have a clear standard of ethics and enforce it. Without that, this is all sound and fury, signifying nothing.
Let's have a clear standard of ethics and enforce it. Without that, this is all sound and fury, signifying nothing.
2
Who originated this sausage explanation? It's getting old really quickly...
1
This is a VERY old adage about politics.
The saying goes something like, "You don't want to see how your sausage or your laws are made" The implication being that there is alot of disgusting crap in both you wouldn't swallow on its own.
The saying goes something like, "You don't want to see how your sausage or your laws are made" The implication being that there is alot of disgusting crap in both you wouldn't swallow on its own.
1
Pretty sure it goes all the way back to Bismarck.
2
Someone, Anyone, please tell me why these emails should be treated as "State Secrets" & the resources of the FBI are yo be wasted on tracking down whoever made this all public. If the Democrats are shamed by this revelation, then they should not have done it. It is just that simple
Obama promised us transparency & now we got it. Maybe it was not the Russians but Obama who decided to show the People how politics is conducted, one last parting gift. That Debbie Wasserman Schultz is really focused upon getting tickets to Hamilton & Hillary could continue to make speeches to the Wall Street firms for big fees because the DNC was going to make sure HIllary got the nomination in any event
So James Webb, Lincoln Chaffee, Martin O'Malley & Bernard Sanders never stood a chance of winning the nomination because the DNC always intended to coronate HIllary on her merits as the most qualified with good, no scratch that, great judgment. The same DNC which is supposed to be neutral.
The end result, which is already being shown, is that Donald J Trump leads in the polls over HIllary in a head to head match. Oh but it is more important that Hillary as a Clinton gets her shot at glory than keeping Trump out of the Whitehouse. The problems do not come from the Republicans or the vast Right Wing Conspiracy Hillary likes to yap about but the Clintons control over the Party & the DNC. Hillary should withdraw as a candidate for the Good of the Country; Save us from Trump. Sadly it won't happen
Obama promised us transparency & now we got it. Maybe it was not the Russians but Obama who decided to show the People how politics is conducted, one last parting gift. That Debbie Wasserman Schultz is really focused upon getting tickets to Hamilton & Hillary could continue to make speeches to the Wall Street firms for big fees because the DNC was going to make sure HIllary got the nomination in any event
So James Webb, Lincoln Chaffee, Martin O'Malley & Bernard Sanders never stood a chance of winning the nomination because the DNC always intended to coronate HIllary on her merits as the most qualified with good, no scratch that, great judgment. The same DNC which is supposed to be neutral.
The end result, which is already being shown, is that Donald J Trump leads in the polls over HIllary in a head to head match. Oh but it is more important that Hillary as a Clinton gets her shot at glory than keeping Trump out of the Whitehouse. The problems do not come from the Republicans or the vast Right Wing Conspiracy Hillary likes to yap about but the Clintons control over the Party & the DNC. Hillary should withdraw as a candidate for the Good of the Country; Save us from Trump. Sadly it won't happen
32
Let me also point out the hypocrisy in some of these so-called investigations. When the guys doing the "favor for fivers" happen to be White boys or White gals there were not many articles on the "Diners for Dimes" or "Dingers for Dough"...but as soon as the name of the person asking "Services for Stacks" is "Razaan, Rahmaan, etc." there is a lot of concern. This is racist hypocrisy. In the US the middle class for a long time neither had big connections, nor relied on one, to get ahead. That is why we called ourselves a country rooted in meritocracy, hard work, talent and ethics. This is what many immigrants and minorities relied on to live and make it in the US. But the guys at the top were always relying on their crony connections, nepotism, corruption and subtle "favors for fivers" and "Big Influence for Large Lettuce" to remain rich and make more wealth. But this did not hurt the large middle class for a long time. Today even middle class has to rely on this nonsense of connections and nepotism to just float or stay in the working or middle class without sinking. This is why we have overqualified legal immigrants doing jobs for low pay wasting their talent and allowing idiots, mostly in the white male race, to get ahead. What qualification does Donald's children have to even discuss important social policy issues? I have a PhD in the social sciences and I am struggling to make it in this country while third rates are getting ahead and becoming the ruling class.
5
If you have a phD in Social Sciences, you probably are not qualified. Policies put in place that follow your beliefs fail on all except existential measures.
Take your worthless degree and burn it.
You also may bern it out if you want.
Take your worthless degree and burn it.
You also may bern it out if you want.
1
Now that Putin has released the DNC's emails for their own purposes, hopefully another group like Anonymous will do the same to the RNC to level the playing field.
13
This piece covers the boring quid pro quo of individual donors.
More interesting is the churn of bundles of donations between DNC victory funds and state party coffers. That is still under reported and questionable in practice.
More interesting is the churn of bundles of donations between DNC victory funds and state party coffers. That is still under reported and questionable in practice.
2
This is politics. If we wanted it otherwise, we would elect different people.
Anyone feigning shock is a hypocrite.
Anyone feigning shock is a hypocrite.
11
The enormous amount of money required to run for office negates the chances of many quality candidates to even try, otherwise, why do many of the same rehashed politcians keep showing up election after election? On the bright side, if Sanders showed anything in the primaries is that given the numbers, if enough of the electorate becomes involved with ongoing individual donations, then much of the corporate doner influence can be muted.
The problem still exists, however, is dealing with an establishment corporate media and their agenda. All in all, Sanders proved in an attemp to operate outside of the mainstream political process is a very daunting task.
The problem still exists, however, is dealing with an establishment corporate media and their agenda. All in all, Sanders proved in an attemp to operate outside of the mainstream political process is a very daunting task.
So we nominate people each with a 60-70 per cent disapproval rating and elect a Congress that is even more unpopular and you are OK with that?
2
None of this is exactly news if you know anything about fundraising. Its the same with the Republicans.
Cash buys access. Always has always will.
Do people really think that money is given because of altruism?
Please. Get real.
If Trump has given everyone a wake up call to the realities of power and money, nothing will.
Cash buys access. Always has always will.
Do people really think that money is given because of altruism?
Please. Get real.
If Trump has given everyone a wake up call to the realities of power and money, nothing will.
6
The Princeton/Northwestern Universities 25 year study of the process essentially confirmed it. The average voter has had liitle if any affect on the government agenda.
We have one candidate for president whose very essence is Establishment, in Her case, the Democratic Establishment, under which cover She has courted interests and money from those who share Her Globalist motivations.
You will find she is often not quoted in emails, rather, as a clever political maneuverer, who has learned from her husband- she has others do her dirty work for her. It's kinda the Clinton signature, be honest.
Be fair, the DNC and Hillary Clinton are in sync. Let's call it no more than this (for now). She has had the 'complete' backing of her party to become candidate. On the other hand, nobody would argue that Trump has NOT had the same advantage.
Trump has had to fight his party every step of the way, why? Because the party was too heavily invested in the same Establishment as Hillary Clinton. His party has changed, people are thinking in the right direction, people that never would before, are starting to listen *actually listen* to what he says, eh... most of the time :-)
Here is an interesting snippet... whilst both these candidates have met with historic low approval and trust ratings, Trump's numbers are improving, Clintons are getting worse. Me don't think it's a blip!
You will find she is often not quoted in emails, rather, as a clever political maneuverer, who has learned from her husband- she has others do her dirty work for her. It's kinda the Clinton signature, be honest.
Be fair, the DNC and Hillary Clinton are in sync. Let's call it no more than this (for now). She has had the 'complete' backing of her party to become candidate. On the other hand, nobody would argue that Trump has NOT had the same advantage.
Trump has had to fight his party every step of the way, why? Because the party was too heavily invested in the same Establishment as Hillary Clinton. His party has changed, people are thinking in the right direction, people that never would before, are starting to listen *actually listen* to what he says, eh... most of the time :-)
Here is an interesting snippet... whilst both these candidates have met with historic low approval and trust ratings, Trump's numbers are improving, Clintons are getting worse. Me don't think it's a blip!
11
I work for a very large public university and this article sounds a lot like what goes on in our "Development Office" as they solicit funds from alumni. The amounts are usually not quite the same, but the tactics are quite similar. At the end, we have bronze plaques pasted over drinking fountains or next to a faculty office, informing the world which donor has contributed to its construction. I've also seen correspondence where our fundraisers lure alumni with other perks, such as tickets to sports events or meetings with people who could further their business in some way.
In short: the tactics described here are hardly unique to political parties. They have become a reality in a system that requires private individuals to "donate" capital in order to allow the system to maintain its perceived competitive edge.
In short: the tactics described here are hardly unique to political parties. They have become a reality in a system that requires private individuals to "donate" capital in order to allow the system to maintain its perceived competitive edge.
53
Some wise person once said, "There is a price to pay for everything".
Public funding seems on its way out! Good bye bronze plaques good bye alumni, good bye "Coor light classes". Every one free college tuition sure will hit state budgets hard.
Wait, preferential treatment to those with the $$$$? Sounds like the real world to me.
7
The emperor has no clothes. We have two candidates, each driven by, and serving the interests of big money. One candidate, through luck of inheritance and decades of borrowing and stiffing his creditors, serves mostly his own money. The other candidate didn't have that choice, and so has to serve other people's money. Here's the main difference though: one candidate is either sane, or at least knows how to act sane. The other is clearly unstable and possibly A D D or worse. But thanks to the leaks, we're getting an insider's look at how rotten the system really is. Maybe, just maybe, we can invent and implement something that serves the interests of ordinary people. Maybe we'll end up with more of the same thing we've been getting all along. Or maybe we'll end up with an unstable demagogue who will drive the ship of state onto a reef. Hang on to your hat; it's gonna be a wild ride.
3
Clinton was broke when she left the White House, now she is worth 221 million, why doesn't she use her own money? How much does she give to charity?
These revelations aren’t surprising but we should be appalled nevertheless. The role of money in politics is absolutely corrosive. We must find a way to institute public financing for political campaigns/elections.
I just watched the 2015 documentary of various Chomsky interviews aptly titled “Requiem for the American Dream.” As always, it was a brilliant analysis of how the triad of corporations–media–politicians in the US determine everything. Sanders was a chance to move beyond that and put some power back in the hands of the people. I hope he was not our last chance.
I just watched the 2015 documentary of various Chomsky interviews aptly titled “Requiem for the American Dream.” As always, it was a brilliant analysis of how the triad of corporations–media–politicians in the US determine everything. Sanders was a chance to move beyond that and put some power back in the hands of the people. I hope he was not our last chance.
10
Excellent documentary!
1
Money equals access, wow huge surprise! The Times would do more service to democracy by focusing on the suppression of democracy by the DNC.
6
Unfortunately, they are part of the problem.
I was starting to miss the Gilded Age. No more. It's here.
Wouldn't it be hunky dory if these leaks turned out to have some concrete benefits? Like the wholesale reform of campaign finance? Instead of just giving us political gossip? Instead of just turning the convention into The Hunger Games so David Brooks could have a movie metaphor?
The sad part, for me anyway, is the apparent guiding philosophy among Democrats that the ends justify the means when it comes to getting their favorite elected. Undoubtedly these mails were selectively leaked, but so far I haven't encountered even a whiff of protest in the mails about the favoritism that was the coin of their realm.
A very famous fellow once said, Ye shall know them by their fruits. How could a corrupt nominating system produce anything but a corrupt candidate?
About the only way Hillary can save herself now is to tear up her speech and say she is running to clean out the system's corruption--and mean it. But she won't. And no one would believe her. But it's her only chance. And I'd support her if she did. These leaks are an atom bomb. I doubt they even know it.
Wouldn't it be hunky dory if these leaks turned out to have some concrete benefits? Like the wholesale reform of campaign finance? Instead of just giving us political gossip? Instead of just turning the convention into The Hunger Games so David Brooks could have a movie metaphor?
The sad part, for me anyway, is the apparent guiding philosophy among Democrats that the ends justify the means when it comes to getting their favorite elected. Undoubtedly these mails were selectively leaked, but so far I haven't encountered even a whiff of protest in the mails about the favoritism that was the coin of their realm.
A very famous fellow once said, Ye shall know them by their fruits. How could a corrupt nominating system produce anything but a corrupt candidate?
About the only way Hillary can save herself now is to tear up her speech and say she is running to clean out the system's corruption--and mean it. But she won't. And no one would believe her. But it's her only chance. And I'd support her if she did. These leaks are an atom bomb. I doubt they even know it.
4
Why attending political National Conventions just are not that appealing anymore. Just not the same.
2
The die has already been cast. Conventions are just a four day exercise in marketing the party and its nominee to the voter.
So, even in giving this secondary story (and the Russian element) more attention than the Anti-Bernie Collusion aspect of the leak, the Times doesn't even mention how this is Exactly the type of corruption Bernie has been talking about.
Lead headline right now: "Sanders Booed by Supporters as he Makes Case for Clinton" lol so even when it's Clinton getting booed, Sanders takes the hit. Do they think we won't notice, or do they just have no self-awareness whatsoever? Maybe they just know they'll get away with it. Until December, when everyone like me, tired of the bias, pop-up ads, and broken comment system, will be canceling their subscription.
Lead headline right now: "Sanders Booed by Supporters as he Makes Case for Clinton" lol so even when it's Clinton getting booed, Sanders takes the hit. Do they think we won't notice, or do they just have no self-awareness whatsoever? Maybe they just know they'll get away with it. Until December, when everyone like me, tired of the bias, pop-up ads, and broken comment system, will be canceling their subscription.
44
You mean after November you don't care what happens in the world anymore? Since there's so much unbearable bias, why not cancel right now?
Ellen, it's like binge-watching a TV show - I know I shouldn't keep watching, but its infuriatingly addictive. I have to wait until the end of the season to make a clean break, since I know next season the main actors aren't returning, and without them, the lazy writing just isn't worth it.
I won't deny that horse-race journalism works to keep us hooked, but the Times should be ready for the impending hangover that will hit them after the election, which will be all their own fault for compromising their integrity.
I won't deny that horse-race journalism works to keep us hooked, but the Times should be ready for the impending hangover that will hit them after the election, which will be all their own fault for compromising their integrity.
I usually don't get to the end of these type of articles, but this time I did and the payoff was worth it
“Laugh as you may at this because I did — but if you had to pick people from your regions to play golf with POTUS, who would they be?”
These guys are laughing while Rome is burning
“Laugh as you may at this because I did — but if you had to pick people from your regions to play golf with POTUS, who would they be?”
These guys are laughing while Rome is burning
7
Let me guess, the RNC is pristine.
7
This isn't about the RNC. Get serious and accept the fact that Shultz and Clinton were good buddies and Shultz did everything in her power to stack the deck against Bernie with Clintons subtle approval
7
No the RNC is not pristine. But it does not pretend to care about the little guy, like the DNC.
6
I'm not naive enough to think politics in any age isn't Machiavellian. if they wanted citizen's united overturned, bernie supporters should have showed up for the mid term elections (read 538's analysis of bernie voters).
I'm not happy things work this way but the electorate played a role in how we got here.
I'm not happy things work this way but the electorate played a role in how we got here.
2
This is fund raising - no surprises that money is the focus. What on earth would we expect as fund raising is the only way to run or be in office?
4
The stuff sounds fairly innocuous: You give a lot of money and you get to sit two tables away from the President. That does not sound like corruption; it sounds like ordinary campaign fundraising. The people who are offended by that are likely to be offended by most things in life. If people thought things like that were not happening, then they were naive. Where is the evidence of corruption or illegal activities? It is curiously missing from the leak documents.
11
These seem pretty innocuous to me as well. Given that no one thought they would be public fodder, they are pretty tame. This is what happens in private. Given Trump rhetoric, one can only imagine what is behind the scenes there. And, oh by the way, why oh why is he being left off the hook on his tax returns?
1
Wow, maybe you just don't get the whole idea, who has the power, the people or the rich
Oh, come on, this isn't news or even newsworthy. Anyone with a brain knows that money talks and gets favors, the best seats, the name on the building, the favors, etc. etc. Anyone who is surprised by this "news" lives in a cave wearing blinders and earplugs.
22
Even though we may have guessed this sort of thing was going on, it is still shocking to see such a massive ugly hypocrisy dragged out into the light of day. Where do middle and lower income Americans come in? Nowhere. (Not hard to guess where the funding came from to build the 8 foot, 4-mile fence around the Philadelphia convention to keep Bernie's supporters away.)
A candidate who can't be bought is considered the enemy by both parties. The DNC conspired to push Bernie into the ditch; meanwhile, the GOP insiders are still at it. Bernie and Donald both identified the biggest problem in politics -- money.
A candidate who can't be bought is considered the enemy by both parties. The DNC conspired to push Bernie into the ditch; meanwhile, the GOP insiders are still at it. Bernie and Donald both identified the biggest problem in politics -- money.
16
This is just fundraising pure and simple, and the same exact things go on at every nonprofit in the country (at least the ones that know what they're doing).
2
I'm going to vote for Hillary in November. And I'm sure that the RNC is even worse on matters like this.
And yet . . . suddenly I'm reminded of everything that angered me during Bill Clinton's presidency. The careful cultivation of assets, the strategic triangulating of positions rather than ever just doing the right thing, the way privileged insiders like Marc Rich could literally buy their freedom while the proles got nothing and liked it.
This is Hillary Clinton's achilles heel and she needs to deal with it. When so many Americans are angry at the system, Clinton somehow manages to not only embrace it, but depend on it. "I'm not Trump," while a genuinely good thing, is not going to cut it.
And yet . . . suddenly I'm reminded of everything that angered me during Bill Clinton's presidency. The careful cultivation of assets, the strategic triangulating of positions rather than ever just doing the right thing, the way privileged insiders like Marc Rich could literally buy their freedom while the proles got nothing and liked it.
This is Hillary Clinton's achilles heel and she needs to deal with it. When so many Americans are angry at the system, Clinton somehow manages to not only embrace it, but depend on it. "I'm not Trump," while a genuinely good thing, is not going to cut it.
26
A local well to do eye doctor or retired couple who've done well for themselves and can pay for bragging rights to meet high level people doesn't disturb me. It's the organized, high net worth individuals that are trying to buy legislation and influence. Are they on both sides? of course. But - let's not trade in false equivalencies. There is nobody nearly as nefarious as the Koch Brothers, Rupert Murdoch and an assortment of Bush cronies on the democratic side. The amount of policy influence, lucrative government contracts and tax breaks GOP donors have gained since Reagan is the biggest outrage of them all. The celebrities and prosperous doctors, lawyers, etc - are just seeking relatively harmless bragging rights by comparison.
12
Really Dana. Try George Soros for starters and then head to the Clnton Foundation donor list. Oops I forgot the donor list is not available as foundation was set up in Canada where donor ID is not required. The libs lead the league in hypocrisy
5
Ever hear of George Soros?
4
The Democrats are as corrupt as the Republicans. Even more so.
29
This is just fundraising pure and simple, and the same exact things go on at every nonprofit in the country (at least the ones that know what they're doing). Sherr29 put it well "Anyone who is surprised by this 'news' lives in a cave wearing blinders and earplugs."
2
Sorry, but beneficiaries of Social Security and Medicare would disagree. Read some history.
4
Really? You mean that Nixon was a Democrat in disguise when he was busy with Watergate? And Reagan wasn't a Republican when the arms for whatever was going on? And W was what, another Democrat when he declared mission accomplished, decided that we had to go to war against Iraq, etc. Gee, I think it's the other way round: the Repellicans are much more corrupt and sleazy than the Democrats. At least the Democrats don't tell me that cutting taxes will improve my life. They don't tell me that I'm slime or a moocher, or that I can't control my own body. But, I'm sure that as an Activist Bill you must know best. (I hope that's not Activist Bill Klinton.)
1
The nearly quarter of a BILLION that Bernie's campaign raised from small contributions makes this oligarchical farce somewhat easier to stomach. Somewhat.
4
Finally the evidence surfaces that both parties are essentially the same. Both are run by the wealthiest individuals in the country, and their goal is to keep their precious money in the top 0.1% by simply not changing anything. Republicans move backwards on social issues to attract their constituency, and Dems move forward on social issues to attract theirs.
Where is the economic vision in the Democratic party? Wake up. You could've run the table this election with liberal ideas against easily the worst candidate in the history of our country. But of course you won't find out about the overwhelming liberal support exploding in the country while you're on the golf course or in the Waldorf Astoria
Where is the economic vision in the Democratic party? Wake up. You could've run the table this election with liberal ideas against easily the worst candidate in the history of our country. But of course you won't find out about the overwhelming liberal support exploding in the country while you're on the golf course or in the Waldorf Astoria
41
One doesn't need to do more than to look at the policies put forth by both parties to determine that they are not essentially the same. Get real.
3
More than anything else, this exposes big-time political donors as petulant egotistical fools with more money than they know what to do with. In the words of Dennis Green, "They are what we thought they were."
21
Big donors are the same everywhere--museum donors, research donors, etc.
1
Here's a free donor tip. Get some suckers I mean supporters to pay lots of money to shoot hoops with the POTUS. They would do it. Remember my idea.
5
If you get enough supporters, do you suppose they'd let you bodysurf with him at Makapuu?
For folks who weren't born yesterday, we know that money has always been involved in politics. Companies spend hundreds of millions on lobbyists. Congressional races require tens of millions to hundreds of millions. Senator Feinstein once complained she had to raise $10,000 a week even when she wasn't running for office.
For you Sanders supporters, did you see any adds against him? The Clinton ads focused on Trump.
Finally, Sanders only became a Democrat in 2015. He was never a loyal Democrat and was loyal only to himself. Why should the Democratic regulars trust him? Sure they criticized him private but not in public.
For you Sanders supporters, did you see any adds against him? The Clinton ads focused on Trump.
Finally, Sanders only became a Democrat in 2015. He was never a loyal Democrat and was loyal only to himself. Why should the Democratic regulars trust him? Sure they criticized him private but not in public.
21
He is what close to half of their constituents wanted. That would be reason enough to deal him in.
3
Wait. You mean politicians raise money and the bigger donors get to sit up front? It's shocking!
Seriously, is there anybody with two brain cells that doesn't know about how these things work?
Seriously, is there anybody with two brain cells that doesn't know about how these things work?
42
I've heard politicians from both parties openly admit this for a long time: If you give a lot of money, then you definitely get access to a candidate. It doesn't mean that your request will be granted, but the fact that the candidate gets to personally hear from you can't hurt your chances. If you have a problem with things working like that, then support public financing of elections. I'm also worried about the corrupting influence of money in politics, it's just getting to sit closer to the President if you give more money is not the type of thing I worry about money buying. I worry about money buying votes.
2
the corruption in the DNC is exposed for all to see. Racism, anti-Semtic, homophobic emails are all on display from the party that is supposed to be for all. There is no chance that HIllary was not in on it. She lied agains today about her involvement and culpability. It is time to rid Washington of these people and put in a non-politician who will clean house. Enough is enough!!!
37
Ross Perot! He was sane and even-tempered. Trump is a nutcase who would probably be living in the mountains with some militant fringe group if he weren't born ultra wealthy.
2
We need Citizens United overturned. I don't hear Trump saying that he wants that to happen.
Hillary should get out in front of this and mea culpa.
Trump will try and use this against her, so she might as well use it to turn a new leaf, if that's possible. If we have to wait for Wikileaks for transparency, that's a shame.
Hillary should get out in front of this and mea culpa.
Trump will try and use this against her, so she might as well use it to turn a new leaf, if that's possible. If we have to wait for Wikileaks for transparency, that's a shame.
20
Stay calm - the Wikileaks bombing of the RNC can't be far around the corner
3
There's nothing new or surprising regarding a "just follow the money" strategy. Hope the Democrats use some of its funds on email encryption.
5
Really this is no different from what happens on the RNC side. If the RNC emails were released, I would suspect we would find that the party had their thumb on the scale against Trump and had the same bartering for access amongst donors.
19
The Reublicans' don't exhibit the same nauseating aura of moral superiority that the Rodham-Clinton and her courtiers do.
11
Exactly. They admit that they're for the .001%. The Democrats at least have to put a fig leaf over their loyalties.
Hillary talked of pulling back the curtain on Trumpism. We all know Citizen's United, etc has created this problem for both parties. Let's face it and clean up our own mess.
Let's also talk action items for this issue. I voted for Hillary. No political campaign will pass a purity test but I want campaign fairness by the DNC.
Perhaps Donna 's intern will read this as representative of the will of the people and send it up the chain.
Make the DNC impartial.
1. Fire whoever is in charge of this: THIS IS WHAT WE HATE ABOUT POLITICS. - "Another email thread showed DNC officials rounding up a list of Democratic donors to recommend for appointment to boards and commissions. It's hardly unusual for presidents to appoint big donors to government positions, but ordinarily they maintain a shred of deniability about the nature of the transaction."
2. Fire this guy: Probably the most significant scoop is news that the DNC’s chief financial officer, Brad Marshall, sent an email asking "for KY and WVA can we get someone to ask his belief. Does he believe in a God. He had skated on saying he has a Jewish heritage."
One thing voters hate is when public figures do wrong and yet do not get fired.
3. Get the Bernie complaints about the system FIXED. Everyone wants them fixed.
The DNC has fed Trump's twitter feed with this mess. AS a HIllary voter, I agree with Bernie's crew, SHAME!
FIX IT. I will not send another email donation until it is done.
Let's also talk action items for this issue. I voted for Hillary. No political campaign will pass a purity test but I want campaign fairness by the DNC.
Perhaps Donna 's intern will read this as representative of the will of the people and send it up the chain.
Make the DNC impartial.
1. Fire whoever is in charge of this: THIS IS WHAT WE HATE ABOUT POLITICS. - "Another email thread showed DNC officials rounding up a list of Democratic donors to recommend for appointment to boards and commissions. It's hardly unusual for presidents to appoint big donors to government positions, but ordinarily they maintain a shred of deniability about the nature of the transaction."
2. Fire this guy: Probably the most significant scoop is news that the DNC’s chief financial officer, Brad Marshall, sent an email asking "for KY and WVA can we get someone to ask his belief. Does he believe in a God. He had skated on saying he has a Jewish heritage."
One thing voters hate is when public figures do wrong and yet do not get fired.
3. Get the Bernie complaints about the system FIXED. Everyone wants them fixed.
The DNC has fed Trump's twitter feed with this mess. AS a HIllary voter, I agree with Bernie's crew, SHAME!
FIX IT. I will not send another email donation until it is done.
13
Why should the DNC "fix" itself to suit Bernie? If he doesn't like the way the DNC does things, he can start his own damn committee. Maybe you can donate to him to help him do that.
2
Wow and Wow. The DNC should fix itself to be fair for everyone. I suggest dropping the hyper partisanship.
I'm sorry, but is this so shocking? To anyone?
5
Many people are commenting that the Republican party emails would not be much better. However, during the Republican campaign, the struggle between the Republican party establishment and the candidates was in the wide open. Trump complained about it regularly in the primaries. The Republican voters under no illusions -- they saw front and center that the leaders of the Republican party and others in the Republican establishment (Never Trumpers) were trying to control the party's destiny. If the emails of the Republic party leaders had been disclosed, it would not have likely said anything different than what we already knew. At the same time, the Democratic party and the media was portraying the Democratic party as ... democratic (except for press about the undemocratic super delegates) and pristine as pure white snow. Bernie supporters and true democrats should be extremely angry at the way he was treated. Hope this leads to changes in Democratic campaign, superdelegates and transparency. The voters on both sides of the aisle want transparency during the campaign process.
25
It was obvious for a long time that the Democratic Party was trying to aid Hillary. The debate schedule was crafted with that specific purpose. The emails reveal nothing that wasn't already obvious. Did Hillary know about trying to attack Sanders for reportedly being an atheist? Unlikely. Did she know that the Democratic Party was trying to help her. Undoubtedly, since it was obvious.
What does this mean? The Democratic Party being biased is not the worst thing in the world. The voters chose Hillary. They could have bucked the party and chosen Bernie. Bernie has endorsed Hillary. She would have done the same for him if won the nomination. She's the candidate.
What does this mean? The Democratic Party being biased is not the worst thing in the world. The voters chose Hillary. They could have bucked the party and chosen Bernie. Bernie has endorsed Hillary. She would have done the same for him if won the nomination. She's the candidate.
2
I seem to recall something about the Clintons using the White House as a hotel and auctioning off the various bedrooms for a night. How much does it cost to rent the Lincoln bedroom these days?
53
Depends who the highest bidder is.
4
I would pay to stay in the Lincoln Bedroom. Who do I make the check payable to?
The DNC? The Clinton Foundation?
It would be more transparent if they just listed the prices on a web site.
The DNC? The Clinton Foundation?
It would be more transparent if they just listed the prices on a web site.
14
I know, right? Hard to get free tickets for a White House tour these days; a night in the Lincoln bedroom would be pretty pricey, I would think.
4
And if/when the Republicans' email is hacked, we will see similar things. This is how politics works in the world of donors.
3
Aside from the fact that a hack of GOP emails would elicit far more grotesque exchanges - does any of this back and forth surprise anyone? Living out here in Hollywood you would see the same exchanges about a movie premiere or celebrity fundraiser vying for best seats by order of importance, wealth and prominence. It's gross - but it's reality. This is hardly an issue exclusive to the DNC - and much more relevant to the GOP (i.e. the Koch brothers and all the fancy GOP fundraising "retreats")
5
And what about the quoted sentence below?
"Some messages suggest efforts by donors to gain access to prominent Democratic officials on behalf of clients."
Is this bordering or suggesting the term "influence peddling"?
"Some messages suggest efforts by donors to gain access to prominent Democratic officials on behalf of clients."
Is this bordering or suggesting the term "influence peddling"?
11
And you know this how? You might even want to wait for evidence, instead of indulging your fantasies.
3
Wikileaks justifies its leaks as having something to do with war, spying, and corruption and we would assume exposure of such would save us from truly dangerous stuff. The original point of revealing these emails was to establish some unfairness within the dnc. But now it has become a voyeuristic peek into how fundraisers do their jobs. I looked at some emails out of curiosity and found people's email addresses, donations, and other irrelevant but personal information. I saw notifications of confidentiality on the emails. I saw NYTimes listed as a partner of Wikileaks. The supposed Russian involvement and timing point to the real corruption here..an attempt to interfere with our political process. I deplore this being used as an occasion for "peeking" and my real worry is how our major organizations keep getting hacked. I think NYTimes has no business in passing along the moral equivalent of gossiping and snitching.
4
Why don't we call hacking what it really is: STEALING people's private information and communications. "Wikileaks" sounds so innocuous, but it facilitates illegal actions and should be held accountable, not lauded.
1
Welcome to your oligarchy!
98
Oh wait but I thought that money didn't influence politicians because that was what Hillary and the media told me. I guess Bernie was right all along and the sheep in this country decided to vote for the corrupt candidate that represents the wealthy over the candidate that got his contributions from the average american ($27). Very sad and shameful that the democrats were so oblivious and blind to this and just followed what the establishment and media told them. Respect to the Bernie supporters who stood up against the establishment despite being called crazy conspiracy theorist because they had the audacity to say that DNC was helping Hillary. I would not blame his supporters if they decide to vote third party.
288
I am. It looks like a Republican primary to me. The Chamber of Commerce is endorsing the "Democrat".
It's like buying corn without removing the outer greens. Then when you get home and remove the husks, you find the kernels are all rotten and were eaten by bugs.
Money buys "privileges".
Money buys "privileges".
5
I'm sure a lot of Republicans are kicking themselves right now that they didn't try harder to prevent a Trump nomination. If they had managed to nominate Kasich or even Jeb Bush, the election of either men would have been a cake walk.
74
Jeb could be writing his inauguration address right now.
If the RNC had done the same sorts of things as the DNC, thatmight have happened. But they are not as ruthless or unethical, apparently.
1
Jeb spent $140 million, won nothing, not even his home state while Cruz hit a wall in the NE. Bernie would have won too if the deck wasn't stacked. It's enough to make him an Independent all over again!
Is this any different than the cultivation of donors of anything, whether for a new college building, a concert hall, or art museum? Personally, I don't care how DNC raises money. Just get it. I don't expect or want them to be any cleaner than the RNC. I'd much rather have dirty money elect MY candidate then THEIR candidate.
6
That's hardcore realism!
2
We have to realistic, don't we? I realize that Sanders' fans were disgusted and disappointed. But why did the DNC support Hillary? Simple: it seemed highly unlikely that Sanders could not win. He's just too far to the left. The chance of a Congress that would pass things things like free college or universal health care are nil. The country is far too conservative for his ideas. Is the system rigged? Of course. Can a president de-rig it without the support of Congress and all of the special interests involved? Not a chance.
The choice is very clear: either the Sanders supporters rally for Hillary, or they spitefully throw out the baby with the bathwater and let tRump win. It's too bad the world is like this. But it is.
The choice is very clear: either the Sanders supporters rally for Hillary, or they spitefully throw out the baby with the bathwater and let tRump win. It's too bad the world is like this. But it is.
1
I am grateful to wikileaks for publishing all the DNC emails. I hope we get more details. The DNC tried a nice evasion by fabricating story that Putin is involved to divert attention of their corrupt process.
The conclusion of these emails is simple: DNC is a party of rich, only the rich donors can get access in the convention and privileged access. Everyday American has no place in the convention.
Being a reliable Democratic voter in past several elections, I am aghast to see all this. Unlike the DNC, The Republicans had a much open and transparent process, they allowed the voters to decide the nominee.
Its time to move on for me by supporting Jill Stein of Green Party. She will repeal job killing TPP, expand Medicare and put end to this privileged access of elite rich donors in conventions.
The conclusion of these emails is simple: DNC is a party of rich, only the rich donors can get access in the convention and privileged access. Everyday American has no place in the convention.
Being a reliable Democratic voter in past several elections, I am aghast to see all this. Unlike the DNC, The Republicans had a much open and transparent process, they allowed the voters to decide the nominee.
Its time to move on for me by supporting Jill Stein of Green Party. She will repeal job killing TPP, expand Medicare and put end to this privileged access of elite rich donors in conventions.
138
Rot! The voters did decide the nominee. Nobody forced the millions of people on both sides to go out and vote. They did it on their own. One got more votes period.
4
Thanks for your comment Elizabeth, I agree one party got more votes than others
However,
1) The DNC Chairperson is not supposed to interfere in the primary. Any interference causes discontent and disillusionment from Voters.
2) The Mass Media, Elite opinion writers and Superdelegates also preemptively declared HRC as winner even though primaries were yet to be completed
3) Sanders supporters were shamed as being Bernie Bros (Evidence in the DNC email wikileaks)
4) In some places like Arizona, the winner was declared in the primary even though the people were waiting in line to vote in the primary
Yes lots of improvements are needed. But if the party keeps giving 100% attention to the elite donors via premium package of hotel rooms (as mentioned in the NYTimes article) I don't see any change in the primary process in the future. That's why I moved to third party Greens so that future is bright for next generation Americans.
However,
1) The DNC Chairperson is not supposed to interfere in the primary. Any interference causes discontent and disillusionment from Voters.
2) The Mass Media, Elite opinion writers and Superdelegates also preemptively declared HRC as winner even though primaries were yet to be completed
3) Sanders supporters were shamed as being Bernie Bros (Evidence in the DNC email wikileaks)
4) In some places like Arizona, the winner was declared in the primary even though the people were waiting in line to vote in the primary
Yes lots of improvements are needed. But if the party keeps giving 100% attention to the elite donors via premium package of hotel rooms (as mentioned in the NYTimes article) I don't see any change in the primary process in the future. That's why I moved to third party Greens so that future is bright for next generation Americans.
1
You write very well for someone who is under 16 years old - either that, or you have dementia. Because obviously you don't remember Ralph Nader. The one who gave Bush the presidency. The one who is responsible for Iraq and the whole mess in the middle east including ISIS. Yeah - go ahead and vote green. You and all the other idiotic IDEALISTS are flirting with turning America into Turkey. YOU are the people who deserve Trump. And BTW, I supported Sanders.
The Russians really want their man in the White House.
Taking down NATO is much easier when the US President calls for it.
This really necessitates the release of Donald Trump's tax returns.
The American voters, and the nation's security apparatus, needs to analyze the source of Trump's income - particularly during his desperate times of financial distress.
Trump selected as his campaign manager someone who has supported dictators around the globe, often Russian-backed.
Trump is proposing policies no party supports.
He plans to install a police state to deal with crime despite statistics showing crime per capita declining, and muzzle the media while bringing back torture.
Trump is Russia's Manchurian Candidate.
Taking down NATO is much easier when the US President calls for it.
This really necessitates the release of Donald Trump's tax returns.
The American voters, and the nation's security apparatus, needs to analyze the source of Trump's income - particularly during his desperate times of financial distress.
Trump selected as his campaign manager someone who has supported dictators around the globe, often Russian-backed.
Trump is proposing policies no party supports.
He plans to install a police state to deal with crime despite statistics showing crime per capita declining, and muzzle the media while bringing back torture.
Trump is Russia's Manchurian Candidate.
32
In 2012 Benjamin Netanyahu wanted his buddy Mitt Romney in the White House. Netanyahu would love a Trump in the White House.
Donald Trump clearly emulates and admires Israeli Zionist kingpin Benjamin Netanyahu as much as he does Vladimir Putin. Trump maligns Arabs and Muslims with the same bigoted vehemence of Netanyahu.
Trump is Israeli Zionist Benjamin Netanyahu's Manchurian Candidate. And so is Hillary Clinton.
Donald Trump clearly emulates and admires Israeli Zionist kingpin Benjamin Netanyahu as much as he does Vladimir Putin. Trump maligns Arabs and Muslims with the same bigoted vehemence of Netanyahu.
Trump is Israeli Zionist Benjamin Netanyahu's Manchurian Candidate. And so is Hillary Clinton.
3
"Give me your entitled, your millionaired,
Your huddled uber-rich yearning to corrupt the President,
The wretched refuse of your billionaire shores.
Send these dollared souls, desperate for attention to me,
I lift my lamp beside the Citizens Corrupted door!"
Your huddled uber-rich yearning to corrupt the President,
The wretched refuse of your billionaire shores.
Send these dollared souls, desperate for attention to me,
I lift my lamp beside the Citizens Corrupted door!"
273
Who's the Party of 1% now?
This election comes down to one that is mean to your face, or one that stabs you in the back.
This election comes down to one that is mean to your face, or one that stabs you in the back.
248
It comes down to policies versus "trust me" to a constitutional rule of law versus authoritarian oppression and illegal torture, bankruptcy, tax breaks for the 1% etc.. There is no room for a false equivalency. Stop Trump is a bipartisan movement.
3
Thank you Debbie. I didn't expect you to be in New Jersey today. But didn't they tell you you got laid off?
2
Oh please Max, the .0001% (the 1% have zero power compared to this group) own both parties lock, stock and barrel, the entire political system is completely and totally corrupt.
1
When will people learn to strongly encrypt their email? Either that, or start employing courier delivered messages. Maybe ravens, like on Game Of Thrones?
3
Lord, spare me. As if any widely available encryption tool could withstand knowledgeable, determined hackers. Pro tip: next time hide the server in the basement bathroom. They'll never look there.
2
Seriously folks..? We pay more for orchestra, ringside and seats with legroom...this is a surprise?
47
Yes, because it was not known that access to the President (elected by the people, and supposedly representing all of them) was sold based on how much money was put on the table for the DNC.
8
And what about the sentence below?
"Some messages suggest efforts by donors to gain access to prominent Democratic officials on behalf of clients."
Public events such as you suggest are overt and the buyer knows what he's getting. In the case of a political party, using donations to get to see high-profile politicians is a whole other can of worms!
"Some messages suggest efforts by donors to gain access to prominent Democratic officials on behalf of clients."
Public events such as you suggest are overt and the buyer knows what he's getting. In the case of a political party, using donations to get to see high-profile politicians is a whole other can of worms!
1
Good for them. I gave all my money to Bernie.
11
And if you gave Bernie $30 and I gave him $30,000 which one of us do you think he's going to have lunch with?
They all do it. Even Bernie.
They all do it. Even Bernie.
7
As bad as this sounds, I can't overlook that a similar hack of gop emails would hit paydirt that would make this look like a little dust. For that matter, why was the dnc hacked and not the gop? Or at least, only the dnc email dirt released to wickileaks?
This all makes Watergate look like a school yard prank in comparison. There are more smoking guns in plain sight than that fated botched break-in and better data technology to track than tampered cassette tapes.
Has the gop learned nothing since the Checkers speech? As if Trump being their standard bearer isn't bad enough, this cuts deeper. We fully expect the silly, petty behavior like this of donors and the schmoozers who woo them. No surprise there even if it nice to see them outed. But that's small fry to the orchestration with international implications that cannot be denied are connected to the gop. Even Wasserman's thumb on the scale pales compared to this.
My hopwa, dreams and prayers is that it will break the gop strong hold over congress, much of the judiciary and state legislatures.
This all makes Watergate look like a school yard prank in comparison. There are more smoking guns in plain sight than that fated botched break-in and better data technology to track than tampered cassette tapes.
Has the gop learned nothing since the Checkers speech? As if Trump being their standard bearer isn't bad enough, this cuts deeper. We fully expect the silly, petty behavior like this of donors and the schmoozers who woo them. No surprise there even if it nice to see them outed. But that's small fry to the orchestration with international implications that cannot be denied are connected to the gop. Even Wasserman's thumb on the scale pales compared to this.
My hopwa, dreams and prayers is that it will break the gop strong hold over congress, much of the judiciary and state legislatures.
26
"Money corrupts. Absolute money corrupts absolutely".
Pardons to Lord Acton.
Pardons to Lord Acton.
4
This lays to rest the fantasy that politicians are working for the American people. At least as far as the DNC is concerned.
I have always argued that once elected for office you should get only public funds. No speaking fees, nothing. At least, they would be entirely on our payroll. People get upset because members of Congress make $174,000. That is a drop in the bucket.
It's odd that many Americans have to sign a non-compete clause as a condition of employment, but not our politicians.
Hillary's first term in office will make her $1.6 million. The Clinton foundation alone pulled in $2 billion.
If we implemented my rule, no outside income for life. That would immediately eliminate the two biggest problems in American politics today: Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
I have always argued that once elected for office you should get only public funds. No speaking fees, nothing. At least, they would be entirely on our payroll. People get upset because members of Congress make $174,000. That is a drop in the bucket.
It's odd that many Americans have to sign a non-compete clause as a condition of employment, but not our politicians.
Hillary's first term in office will make her $1.6 million. The Clinton foundation alone pulled in $2 billion.
If we implemented my rule, no outside income for life. That would immediately eliminate the two biggest problems in American politics today: Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
92
No surprise, U.S. elections are all about $$. If the Republicans had been the ones who gotten hacked, it would be even more stomach turning.
In Canada corporations are not even allowed to donate, the campaigns are very short and it is a lot harder to buy elections - the Liberal party spent the least and there are the ones who won - and promised to overturn the Conservatives Orwellian named "Fair Election Act" designed to make Canadian elections like the U.S. so that an elite minority could hold onto power.
The U.S. needs election reform if they want to hold on to any semblance of a democracy.
In Canada corporations are not even allowed to donate, the campaigns are very short and it is a lot harder to buy elections - the Liberal party spent the least and there are the ones who won - and promised to overturn the Conservatives Orwellian named "Fair Election Act" designed to make Canadian elections like the U.S. so that an elite minority could hold onto power.
The U.S. needs election reform if they want to hold on to any semblance of a democracy.
74
In the USA corporations are people who can band together to try and buy elections with unlimited money and all the secrecy they desire. What a blatantly crooked system.
I just crawled out from under a nearby rock, and I am very surprised to read that access to politicians is available for the right price.
161
The alternative would have been to write about how the party colludes with the media. Can't have that one!
Welcome to campaign finance (yes yes, I know you didn't create it; you're just playing the game).
Money talks, rabble walks. And with the talks the needs of the moneyed class are heard - like growing their wealth through tax cuts.
If you're not on the DNC or RNC donor lists, you don't exist.
Money talks, rabble walks. And with the talks the needs of the moneyed class are heard - like growing their wealth through tax cuts.
If you're not on the DNC or RNC donor lists, you don't exist.
10
If you are not way toward the top of the donor lists, you don't exist.
4
Times is so clearly biased towards their client, Hilary. Huge fan of the gray lady, clearly biased. The story regarding the DNC leaks is not who plays golf with POTUS.... it is the clear favoritism within the DNC towards HRC. Nicholas and Steve did well to find the second story, where is the lead?
Why not reprint the mission statement of the DNC?
Chris Benzak
Newport, RI
Why not reprint the mission statement of the DNC?
Chris Benzak
Newport, RI
78
I'm shocked.
5
You suspected this, here is the evidence...but there is no quid quo pro, would say DNC.
6
"Money talks and ..." - well you know the rest.
6
If these leaks make us believe that the DNC has a Masters in Corruption then wait until a similar expose happens on the RNC. It will be obvious that the RNC has a PhD in Corruption! While the wheeling-dealings are nothing new, it is still cringeworthy to see the raw exchanges between party officials. This is a reason why we need strong campaign finance reform but also a reason why such a reform will never pass! A very sad state of affairs for our democracy.
24
What evidence do you have that the RNC is better or worse than the DNC?
7
"The Republicans started it!"
But I thought the Republicans were wrong. Or at least this paper harps on that continually.
But I thought the Republicans were wrong. Or at least this paper harps on that continually.
10
Just look at the power of the the fossil fuel industry. Can't get any climate legislation passed or support for renewable from the repubs. Why is that I wonder?
“In this country, you gotta make the money first. Then when you get the money, you get the power. Then when you get the power, then you get the women.” - Tony Montana in Scarface
Today it is more true than ever. Either your are in or you are out. Is there a middle?
On the bright side, I got the woman without the money or the power.
Today it is more true than ever. Either your are in or you are out. Is there a middle?
On the bright side, I got the woman without the money or the power.
19
Those are the best women.
2
We're all about to get THE WOMAN who first made the money and got the power
2
"I'm shocked!" -- Said no one.
157
So is this to suggest that top donors should not get any special perks? I think we are all eluding ourselves, it is the mainstay of all politics both for Democrats and Republicans. Neither party is above special favors.
11
Surprise, surprise. Our political process is thoroughly corrupt....But not because a bunch of rich donors get better hotel rooms in Philly or a visit to the White House. It's corrupt because the systemic dependence on contributions from rich individuals and corporations puts strict limits on all manner of policy issues: aggressive action against climate change; raising taxes to reduce inequality through redistribution and funding healthcare, housing, and education; reforming labor law so workers have genuine freedom to organize in unions, rather than remaining disorganized and easy pickings for Trumpish demagogues; breaking up big banks and subsidizing community banks and public banks; etc. etc.
Hillary's knee dip in this swamp. Trump is too. The difference? Trump might blow up the world, stoke even more racist violence, and leave day-to-day governing to his regent Mike Pence, who makes George W. Bush look like a liberal and Hillary like a Socialist.
Hillary's knee dip in this swamp. Trump is too. The difference? Trump might blow up the world, stoke even more racist violence, and leave day-to-day governing to his regent Mike Pence, who makes George W. Bush look like a liberal and Hillary like a Socialist.
214
Come on. This "news report" is almost as irresponsible as Sanger's article diverting focus from the DNC-Hillary scandal to the alleged role of Russia.
The big relevant story is the DNC-Hillary corruption of American democracy.
The Times should be screaming to the fake-democrat lemmings to not take our country over Clinton Cliff.
Queen Hillary has unique ability to lose to Trump.
And if she wins, she will oppress us under rule of her money-insider establishment royalty. And lead us into more wars to boot.
The only reason for super-delegates is to foresee the horrors a nomination like that of Hillary portends. Turn back from Clinton Cliff. Nominate Bernie. Or Senator Warren. Or Biden/Warren. Anyone other than Queen Hillary.
The big relevant story is the DNC-Hillary corruption of American democracy.
The Times should be screaming to the fake-democrat lemmings to not take our country over Clinton Cliff.
Queen Hillary has unique ability to lose to Trump.
And if she wins, she will oppress us under rule of her money-insider establishment royalty. And lead us into more wars to boot.
The only reason for super-delegates is to foresee the horrors a nomination like that of Hillary portends. Turn back from Clinton Cliff. Nominate Bernie. Or Senator Warren. Or Biden/Warren. Anyone other than Queen Hillary.
142
Here is exactly the "quid pro quo" that the Citizens United decision doesn't exist...
14
So where are the RNC emails? This media melodrama is always so one-sided. Do you honestly believe the RNC emails have been as clean as Bible verses with that bunch of crazies going at each other? This is such a hatchet job.
117
The Republicans did not cheat their voters the way the DNC cheated Bernie supporters and voters. Get a grip of the current issue, which is, DNC's rigging of the primaries in favor of Clinton.
103
Why don't you just request them, nicely, from Reince Priebus?
6
Of course the RNC emails are probably evil as well. But we are talking about the DNC emails now. It's time to 'fess up to the DNC's bias and stop deflecting the issues.
8
Since the DNC clearly rigged the primaries, Clinton should be disqualified as a candidate and nominee. The buck stops at the top of the party. There would be a not so surprising aha moment after November 8, when their candidate will lose to a bigot and so shallow minded Trump.
95
"Clearly rigged"? No evidence, but plenty of sour grapes.
The DNC is for Democrats. Your hero Bernie is an Independent who crashed the DNC looking for funds he knew he couldn't raise on his own because - drumroll - Independents are too lazy to build their own committee.
You're owed absolutely zero. What Schultz did wrong was to allow Bernie and his supporters to crash the gate in the first place.
The DNC is for Democrats. Your hero Bernie is an Independent who crashed the DNC looking for funds he knew he couldn't raise on his own because - drumroll - Independents are too lazy to build their own committee.
You're owed absolutely zero. What Schultz did wrong was to allow Bernie and his supporters to crash the gate in the first place.
5
Why do you think "Super-Delegates" exist? In the "real World" it's called "bundling"!!
Basically how any major fundraising works. Not sure there is anything that was not obvious before here in these emails.
172
How about the sentence: "Some messages suggest efforts by donors to gain access to prominent Democratic officials on behalf of clients." I think it's called influence peddling, and because the DNC server wasn't secure (Has Hillary Clinton learned her lesson from her own server investigation), all the inner secretive workings of the DNC are showing, warts and all!
12
It would be naive to think that in the GOP environment it's anyhow better. The opposite: it's even worse.
Needless to say that the leak is somehow "orchestrated" by Trump allies
Needless to say that the leak is somehow "orchestrated" by Trump allies
22
Not true. I am glad Wikileaks exists otherwise the Bernie supporters will continue to get the bad rap orchestrated by the Hillary super pac henchmen.
14
At least the Republicans allowed their constituents to have the candidate they wanted, stupid though that choice may be.
1
The Republicans continue to successfully promote “voter fraud” as reason to limit votes. The Democrats from their high horse condemn this ploy as being undemocratic and suppressing the will of the people. Both parties are just trying to maintain their individual establishment centrist status quo in power. DNC Chair Wasserman Schultz’ actions, and those of the Democratic National Committee as a whole, should be a criminal violation of some law or statute. If it is not, then this is truly a sad state of affairs. No wonder I refuse to vote. See my comments “To Vote or Not To Vote, that is the Question” at
http://deyanbrashich.com/home/2016/4/20/to-vote-of-not-to-vote-that-is-t...
http://deyanbrashich.com/home/2016/4/20/to-vote-of-not-to-vote-that-is-t...
4
Imagine the field day the NYT would be having if Trump's emails were hacked. The bias in this newspaper is a sad state of affairs. No fair and balanced journalism here, ever. Very very sad.
70
You realize NYTimes is liberal and pro-democrat party, right?
6
There is lots of time left before the election. The RNC and tRump had better hope and pray (or do the fake praying thing they're so good ad) that
someone out there will post their emails.
someone out there will post their emails.
1
DinoD--Wrong. I used to think that, though.
2
The most hilarious aspect of this denouement of the Democratic Party's reputation playing out on liberal media outlets may be the hints that these emails just dropped out of the sky from a Klingon Bird of Prey or the imaginations of wascally wepublicans or Russians.
Sorry, clown, but the readers here can tell how organization emails look, even if the ingenue' mouthing the cover story is a certified dependency class party member of The First Order.
Hillary is cooked because these are straight off of HER servers, and the flow has just started. But for now, enjoy the swells talking to each other and what this sounds like to the bataillons de Bernie.
Sorry, clown, but the readers here can tell how organization emails look, even if the ingenue' mouthing the cover story is a certified dependency class party member of The First Order.
Hillary is cooked because these are straight off of HER servers, and the flow has just started. But for now, enjoy the swells talking to each other and what this sounds like to the bataillons de Bernie.
18
Um, I think these were from the DNC, which was hacked. Nothing to do with Clinton's servers.
10
This is how the Clintons accumulated a net worth of $150M+ ... and how Obama may do even better.
Love for sale.
Love for sale.
259
For all his faults as a President, Jimmy Carter is looking awfully good as an ex-President.
112
Is Obama not entitled to make money after he leaves? If yes, how much? Please give us a ceiling up to which the Obama's are allowed to make money.
4
But no Republicans. This is just a D problem.
Your comment is too partisan to be useful.
Your comment is too partisan to be useful.
3
The Councils of Government and the Military Industrial Complex...
When the party invited John A. Braun, a Virginia-based defense contractor, to what was billed as a discussion with Mr. Obama on economic issues in May, Mr. Braun informed the D.N.C. that he had already written a large check to the party through a fund-raiser held jointly with Mrs. Clinton.
When the party invited John A. Braun, a Virginia-based defense contractor, to what was billed as a discussion with Mr. Obama on economic issues in May, Mr. Braun informed the D.N.C. that he had already written a large check to the party through a fund-raiser held jointly with Mrs. Clinton.
48
So basically these are Republicans that don't hate gay people or care much about abortion.
247
Sam--Let's see the evidence. I don't believe it.
3
Yep. But it's deliberate. Both parties use these dog whistle issues that have nothing to do with money to keep their supporters voting and the money flowing. It's just that Rs are against abortion and gay people and Dems are for choice and gay marriage. Both parties sure do love money, though.
4
You win the internet for today -
Please re-post that comment often in other articles over the next few days - it bears repeating...
Bravo --
Please re-post that comment often in other articles over the next few days - it bears repeating...
Bravo --
1
So I guess the political parties will need to invite just random disinterested individuals to their gatherings?
14
No, just bring some democracy to the process.
4
They do, and some of them get flattered enough and are rich enough to become donors without any quid pro quo strings attached. I get Dem emails constantly promising me a lunch with Obama or tix to the convention, or whatever, most likely because of my zip code.
2
The sad thing is it wasn't just the DNC that used their bias to affect public opinion, it was (and is) many major media outlets as well. Fox, MSNBC, the NY Times, and others all use their own bias to selectively report on and present facts in a way to support their bias (in this case with respect to the NYTimes, MSNBC, and others, to support Clinton over Sanders). Its sad to think that maybe if the entire process had been as fair as it should've been maybe the 55%/45% result in favor of Clinton over Sanders might've been reversed. Who knows.
What is certain though is that when the DNC, the NY Times, and others use their bias to put their thumb on the scales of these elections, they are doing a DISSERVICE to the American people and our democratic process as a whole.
What is certain though is that when the DNC, the NY Times, and others use their bias to put their thumb on the scales of these elections, they are doing a DISSERVICE to the American people and our democratic process as a whole.
407
I'm unaware of any objective media that you seem to idealize. There are good newspapers and bad newspapers. However, there are no newspapers without bias. This is not that different from academia. Two professor may be experts on a specific subjects but have completely different views about the correct answer to a question or even what facts give rise to the answer. What should a viewer do? Listen to as much media as possible, preferably from many sides.
Is the bias in the media, or in the people complaining about bias in the media? When people complain about bias in the media, I usually find the complaint basically boils down to "your presentation of information does not conform to MY world view, you are therefore biased."
3
The Republicans just nominated the most dangerous, uninformed candidate in history on a platform of racist, sexist, xenophobic hatred, and we're still talking about this nonsense? Wake up people!
1
This just in: money means access in America! I'm shocked! Not..
Obviously the pressure behind money out of politics is for specifically these reasons. Humans by nature are influenced by their surroundings. If you only surround yourself with rich people, your perception of the world might be a little bit skewed.
Obviously the pressure behind money out of politics is for specifically these reasons. Humans by nature are influenced by their surroundings. If you only surround yourself with rich people, your perception of the world might be a little bit skewed.
78
This exactly why finance reform is so crucial, donors have politicians over a barrel.
20
Ho hum Party politics. This shouldn't surprise anyone.
16
Well, it should provide backers of the Democrats--you know, the party of the little man and justice for all--with a big surprise. Assuming they're not blinded by obedience to the eternal Rodham-Clinton, Giver of Life to the American People.
8
Anyone who looks closely at how people run for and get elected to office understands that money and a lot of it greases the electoral process. More now since the Citizens United decision. Again, nothing new under the sun.
5
Time to start something new, like demanding an end to CU and special interest money buying elections. Ask your representatives to support campaign finance reform.
3
The real problem on display here is income inequality. We have heard some potential solutions from the Democrats, but none from the Republicans.
The Democrats did raise taxes on the wealthy, but a better answer may be some restrictions on executive pay, perhaps at some multiple of their employees.
I don't think voting for someone who refuses to pay his contractors will solve the problem ....?